Fresh Air
NPR
Fresh Air from WHYY, the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio's most popular programs. Hosted by Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley, the show features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries. Subscribe to Fresh Air Plus! You'll enjoy bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening - all while you support NPR's mission. Learn more at plus.npr.org/freshair And subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Fresh Air Weekly, to get interview highlights, staff recommendations, gems from the archive, and the week's interviews and reviews all in one place. Sign up at www.whyy.org/freshair
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 29, 2025 • 49min
Best Of: Nutritionist Marion Nestle / Science Writer Mary Roach
Join Marion Nestle, a renowned food policy scholar, as she discusses her updated guide for savvy shoppers, revealing how supermarkets manipulate us with marketing tactics. She dives into pressing topics like ultra-processed foods and their environmental impacts. Science writer Mary Roach, known for her quirky explorations of biology, shares groundbreaking insights from her latest work on transplant science, including innovations in animal organ donation and the controversial ethics of growing human organs in pigs. A fascinating blend of food politics and medical advances!
Nov 28, 2025 • 47min
Grand Ole Opry At 100: Earl Scruggs & Loretta Lynn
Earl Scruggs, the legendary bluegrass banjo player, shares how he unexpectedly discovered his iconic three-finger picking style. He also reflects on touring with Bill Monroe and the formation of his own band, Flatt and Scruggs. Loretta Lynn, the celebrated country music star, discusses her songwriting journey, including the inspiration behind hits like 'The Pill' and her mentorship from Patsy Cline. Their heartfelt stories illuminate the rich history of the Grand Ole Opry as it celebrates its centenary.
Nov 27, 2025 • 46min
‘Merrily We Roll Along,’ From Flop To Hit
Maria Friedman, a renowned theater director and actress, and Jonathan Groff, a Tony-winning actor and singer, dive deep into the revival of Stephen Sondheim's 'Merrily We Roll Along.' They discuss the emotional highs of opening night, the significance of Sondheim's intricate rhythms, and why reviving a so-called flop is worthwhile. Groff reflects on the youthful hope in ‘Our Time’ and the challenges of conveying deep emotion onstage. Their insights reveal the heart of theater and the mentorship they received from the legendary Sondheim.
13 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 46min
Michael Shannon Gets A Turn Playing Good Guys
Michael Shannon, known for his intense roles, discusses his recent portrayals of historical figures in 'Death by Lightning' and 'Nuremberg.' He reflects on the challenge of playing good guys like President Garfield, emphasizing the relevance of his story to modern politics. Shannon details the physical transformation into Garfield and highlights his fight for civil service reform. He also shares insights on his role as Robert Jackson during the Nuremberg trials, the courtroom tension, and how music influences his acting style.
48 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 45min
A Manual For Keeping A Democracy
Joyce Vance, a former U.S. Attorney and legal analyst, discusses the challenges facing democracy today. She shares insights on recent court decisions impacting presidential power and expresses concern over threats to judges, drawing from personal experiences. Vance emphasizes the importance of engaging Gen Z in civic education, inspired by conversations with her son. She critiques the implications of presidential immunity and warns against conflicts at the DOJ while advocating for a resilient Constitution that endures through responsible voter engagement.
Nov 24, 2025 • 45min
Brendan Fraser Has Everything & Nothing To Prove
Brendan Fraser, an award-winning actor known for his roles in The Whale and Killers of the Flower Moon, shares insights on his life and career. He dives into Japan's rental family phenomenon portrayed in his new film, highlighting cultural isolation in Tokyo. Fraser recalls the challenges of filming with an all-Japanese crew and reflects on his personal journey, including struggles with confidence. He discusses the importance of collaboration with renowned directors like Scorsese and examines the impact of aging in Hollywood.
7 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Ben Stiller / Cynthia Erivo
Ben Stiller, acclaimed actor and director, shares insights about his Apple TV+ documentary on his legendary parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. He reflects on growing up in a comedic household and the blurred lines between personal and professional life, including memorable childhood moments. Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo, award-winning actress and singer, discusses her role as Elphaba in Wicked and its personal significance. She shares her audition vulnerabilities and innovative training methods, unveiling the artistic challenges and triumphs of embodying such an iconic character.
Nov 21, 2025 • 47min
A Look Back At Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’
Join award-winning actress Janet Leigh as she shares her firsthand experiences filming the iconic shower scene in Psycho, revealing Hitchcock's meticulous planning and the shocking impact of her character's death. Screenwriter Evan Hunter discusses the challenges of adapting The Birds, including Hitchcock's creative choices and the unique techniques used to create suspense without explaining the birds' motives. Film critic Justin Chang wraps up the discussion with insights on Hamnet, highlighting its emotional depth and Jesse Buckley's standout performance.
32 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 45min
A Sleep Scientist Excavates The World Of Dreams
Michelle Carr, a dream scientist at the University of Montreal and author of 'Nightmare Obscura,' delves into the fascinating realm of dreams and nightmares. She shares insights on dream engineering, revealing how sensory inputs can influence dreams. Carr discusses the connection between nightmares and heightened sensitivity, creativity, and adverse early experiences. She also provides techniques for improving dream recall and rescripting nightmares, offering hope for reducing their occurrence. Plus, she highlights the health implications of frequent nightmares.
28 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 45min
How Kash Patel Is Changing The FBI’s Mission
Mark Fisher, a journalist and New Yorker contributor, delves into Kash Patel's controversial rise as FBI director, highlighting his loyalty to Trump and departure from traditional law enforcement norms. Fisher reveals how many within the Bureau appreciate Patel's focus on crime-fighting while expressing deep concerns over his drastic changes and claims of retribution against former officials. The discussion unveils Patel's conspiratorial tendencies, shifting priorities, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding his leadership, painting a complex picture of his impact on the FBI.
