This edition of Fresh Air Weekend features two segments: an interview with poet and novelist Ocean Vuong about his new novel, *The Emperor of Gladness*, which explores themes of individualism, community, and the American dream through the story of a suicidal man and his relationship with an elderly woman, along with a review of the novel by Maureen Corrigan; and a conversation with comedian Atsuko Okatsuka, who discusses her new Hulu stand-up special, *Father*, which delves into her unconventional upbringing, her mother's mental illness, reconnecting with her father, and her decision not to have children, while also reflecting on the influence of Margaret Cho on her career.
