On this week’s Keepin' It Real, Cam Marston admits that from time to time when he’s on his knees at church on Sunday, he asks himself what in the world he’s doing. Has he, maybe, lost his mind?

Imagine waking up one morning, opening that day's copy of The New York Times, and seeing yourself described as TV's “king of creepy.” My guest tonight got that distinction just last year. Two time Emmy award winning actor Michael Emerson is a University of Alabama graduate, and he once worked at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. We met his wife, Carrie Preston of the CBS TV series Elsbeth, just last month. Now, just in case you thought that creepy comment in the New York Times was a one off. the Washington Post later called Emerson “TV's most beloved creepy guy” four months later, and he seems to relish in that. Emerson starred as Ben Linus in the TV series "Lost" and the eccentric billionaire Harold Finch in Person of Interest. However, fans of the cult classic horror film "SAW" may remember him as the creepy hospital orderly Zep Hindle. Michael Emerson and I talk about his days at the University of Alabama and more. Next on APR Notebook.

"Simplified" is a new interview-style show from APR where Morning Edition host Lacey Alexander takes complex topics and breaks them down so that everyone can better understand them. Her first guest is Dr. Dena Mitchell, CPA from Troy University. She and Lacey talk all about income taxes-- the long forms, the IRS, the credits, and more.

This week on StoryCorps, Tres and Helene Taylor tell the story of their unconventional romance, and the ways in which they healed each other’s heartbreak.

This week, Don reviews James Hoban: Designer & Builder of the White House by Stewart D. McLaurin.

Frigid winter weather can put your furry friend at risk, especially if you are near water!

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam is coming to the end of a month of no alcohol. Dry January. February begins soon, though, and Cam's wondering whether he'll continue on or not.

Whether it’s a local event, a cultural tradition or a story worth listening to, Alabama has no shortage of voices that deserve the spotlight. Alabama Out Loud is a new series with host Aydan Conchin that highlights events, culture and community voices from across the state — turning up the volume on what makes Sweet Home Alabama worth listening to. This episode explores Mardi Gras in Mobile.

This week on StoryCorps, Carey Fountain and Barbara Barge discuss whether criminals are born or created and the philosophy behind their actions.

This week, Don Noble review's The Caretaker: A Novel written by Ron Rash.