Today on Boston Public Radio we’re bringing back some of our favorite conversations.

Susan Orlean previewed her latest book about animals, including the history of the movie “Free Willy,” her relationship with turkeys and her Valentine’s Day spent with a lion. Orlean is a staff writer for the New Yorker, and an author; her latest book is “On Animals.”

Joanne Chang talked about her latest book inspired by her baking journals, “Pastry Love: A Baker’s Journal of Favorite Recipes.” Chang is a James Beard Award–winning pastry chef.

Richard Blanco read fall-themed poetry, including “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost, “The Blower of Leaves” by January Gill O’Neil, “November 2: Día de los muertos” by Alberto Ríos and “Autumn Begins in Martins Ferry, Ohio” by James Wright. Blanco is the fifth inaugural poet in the United States' history. His latest book, "How To Love A Country," deals with various socio-political issues that shadow America.

Howard Mansfield previewed his latest book, "Chasing Eden: A Book of Seekers," about communities throughout American history that sought freedom, happiness and utopia. Mansfield is an author who writes about history, architecture and preservation.

Malcolm Gladwell discussed his new book, "Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know." Gladwell is a New Yorker staff writer and host of the “Revisionist History” podcast.

Sy Montgomery explained how songbirds find mates for life in other birds who literally sing their tune and discussed vampire bats who adopt vampire bat pups. Montgomery is a journalist, naturalist and BPR contributor. Her latest book is " Becoming A Good Creature ."

Arthur C. Brooks discussed the key to happiness, drawing from his social science work and latest podcast, “How to Build a Happy Life.” Brooks is the William Henry Bloomberg professor of the practice of public leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, a professor of management practice at the Harvard Business School, and the happiness correspondent at The Atlantic.

Spencer Buell and Erica Walker talked about the rise of noise complaints in Boston, as well as what — and if — residents and politicians should do about it. Buell is a staff writer for Boston Magazine. Walker is a noise researcher who founded Noise and the City , as well as an assistant professor of epidemiology at Brown.

Daniel Leader discussed his latest book, "Living Bread." Leader is a pioneer in the American baking world.