John Oliver, host of HBO’s ‘Last Week Tonight,’ spoke with Terry Gross in in March about covering the news “no one in their right mind wants to hear about,” like the Italian parliamentary elections, NRATV, and tax-exempt religious organizations. ‘Last Week Tonight’ is nominated for four Emmys, including Outstanding Variety Talk Series.

Allison Janney is nominated for an Emmy for her role on CBS’ ‘Mom.’ She told Terry Gross in 2014 that her relationship with her brother, who was an addict, helped inform her character. She also talks about playing C.J. Cregg on ‘The West Wing.’

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews a tribute album to Roger Miller, and we listen back to a 1996 interview with playwright and screenwriter Neil Simon, who died Aug. 26.