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
Sep 27, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Samin Nosrat / Elizabeth Gilbert
Samin Nosrat, a renowned chef and author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, shares her journey of personal recalibration after fame left her feeling empty. She discusses her new book, Good Things, emphasizing the joy of sharing food and her evolving relationship with recipes. Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love, delves into her memoir All the Way to the River, reflecting on her intense and tumultuous relationship with her late partner Rayya, touching on themes of love, addiction, and grief.
9 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 45min
Jimmy Kimmel's Path To Late Night
Jimmy Kimmel, the famed late-night host and comedian, shares his journey from teenage David Letterman superfan to the creator of Jimmy Kimmel Live! He discusses the pressures of late-night television and how he incorporates family members, like Uncle Frank, into his show. Kimmel explains his motivations for mocking figures like Donald Trump and reflects on the importance of originality in comedy. He also touches on his early broadcasting days in public radio and how his love for storytelling shaped his career.
11 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 44min
Scarlett Johansson & June Squibb On 'Eleanor The Great'
Scarlett Johansson, acclaimed actor and first-time director, shares her passion for her film 'Eleanor the Great,' which explores grief and identity through a unique lens. June Squibb, a veteran actor known for her Broadway roots, discusses her preparation for the title role and her long career in the arts. They dive into the emotional power of the story, casting real Holocaust survivors, and the balance of humor with serious themes. Johansson reflects on the influence of Robert Redford, while Squibb recounts her transition from musicals to drama.
9 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 46min
Samin Nosrat Is Embracing 'Good Things'
Samin Nosrat, chef and bestselling author known for her work on Salt Fat Acid Heat, shares her journey following the overwhelming success of her previous book. She discusses her new release, Good Things, which focuses on the joy of sharing food and reconnecting with loved ones. Samin delves into her ambivalence towards recipes, the meditative nature of cooking, and her experience of personal loss, which has led her to embrace family stories and traditions. Discover her thoughts on prioritizing meaning over achievement and the transformative power of chosen family.
Sep 22, 2025 • 45min
Elizabeth Gilbert On Love, Loss, And Liberation
Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of 'Eat, Pray, Love,' shares insights from her new memoir, 'All the Way to the River.' She opens up about her relationship with Rayya Elias, exploring themes of love, addiction, and caregiving. Gilbert discusses her own struggles with love addiction and the chaos that ensued while caring for Rayya. John Powers reviews the FX series 'The Lowdown,' providing a fresh perspective on television. Together, they delve deep into the complexities of love and healing.
7 snips
Sep 20, 2025 • 47min
Best Of: Jude Law / Pedro Pascal
Jude Law, an award-nominated actor and executive producer of the Netflix series Black Rabbit, reveals his intriguing character preparation techniques, including working with a dialect coach and a perfumer to embody Henry VIII. Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, shares how his dance training enhances his performances and informs his physicality in action roles. Both celebrities offer unique insights into their craft and the pressures of their thriving careers.
Sep 19, 2025 • 45min
Robert Redford, Over The Years
Robert Redford, the legendary actor and director, reflects on his illustrious career and the creation of the Sundance Film Festival. He shares insights into his early influences like West Coast jazz and Beat poetry, which fueled his artistic journey. Redford discusses the challenges of school and how his life experiences shaped his passion for nature and film. His humorous takes on naming Sundance and behind-the-scenes stories from iconic films like Butch Cassidy add a delightful touch, showcasing his charismatic storytelling.
23 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 44min
Jude Law
Jude Law, award-winning actor and executive producer of the new Netflix series Black Rabbit, shares insights into his multifaceted career. He discusses portraying Jake, the complexities of brotherhood in the series, and his unique method for character immersion, including using a perfumer for Henry VIII. Law reflects on nearly passing on The Talented Mr. Ripley and the importance of his early theater training. Balancing fatherhood with a busy career, he reveals how his family influences his choices and keeps him grounded.
40 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 44min
How Charlie Kirk Became A Voice Of Conservative Youth
Robert Draper, a New York Times reporter known for his insights into right-wing politics, discusses the life and impact of Charlie Kirk. Draper reveals how Kirk aimed to energize conservative youth and build alliances within GOP circles. He delves into Kirk's complex views on immigration and identity, touching on his rivalry with Nick Fuentes, who represents a drastic counterpoint to Kirk’s approach. Draper provides a candid look at the fractures within the MAGA movement and how extremism has shifted the landscape of conservatism.
21 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 46min
Mary Roach On Our Remarkable, Replaceable Bodies
Mary Roach, a witty science writer and author of Replaceable You, dives into the fascinating world of body part replacement. She discusses the history of prosthetics, sharing stories from ancient to modern practices. Roach explores the ethical dilemmas of using pig organs for transplants and the revolutionary potential of stem cells and 3D printing in regenerative medicine. With humor, she unveils the complex anatomy behind surgical anesthesia and reflects on the wonder of our bodies through her experiences and insights.
