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
Oct 18, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Julian Brave NoiseCat / Laufey
Julian Brave NoiseCat, a filmmaker and author, shares his profound journey exploring the history of Indigenous residential schools, revealing shocking truths about his father's birth. He discusses cycles of colonial trauma and cultural resilience while touching on his family's hidden history. Meanwhile, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Laufey, known for her unique blend of jazz and classical music, performs captivating songs and reflects on her biracial identity. She recounts her rise during COVID and the influences that shaped her artistry, bridging cultures through music.
Oct 17, 2025 • 45min
A Girl Grows Up In The Epicenter Of Gay Liberation
Alicia Abbott, a memoirist known for her book *Fairyland*, shares her unique childhood experiences growing up with a gay single father in 1970s San Francisco. She discusses how the gay liberation movement shaped her early life and her father's coming out after her mother's tragic death. Abbott reflects on feeling caught between two worlds and her complicated emotions regarding her father's identity. Film critic John Powers reviews *Blue Moon*, highlighting its portrayal of the legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart and discussing the film's intimate structure.
Oct 16, 2025 • 44min
A Story Of Indigenous Survival & Resurgence
Julian Brave NoiseCat, an Indigenous storyteller and filmmaker, discusses his memoir, We Survived the Night, exploring his father's origins and the impact of residential schools. He candidly shares stories about family silence, the complexities of cultural identity, and the beauty of powwow traditions. Julian highlights the significance of community bonds and the resurgence of Indigenous beliefs amid colonial trauma. Maureen Corrigan reviews Daphne du Maurier's After Midnight, offering insights into the author's narrative style.
22 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 45min
How Trump’s Transactional Nature Led To The Ceasefire
Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. State Department negotiator and expert on Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy, shares insights on the recent Gaza ceasefire. He discusses how Trump's transactional approach reshaped diplomatic norms and pressured Netanyahu into compliance. Miller evaluates the sustainability of the ceasefire and emphasizes the urgent humanitarian needs for rebuilding Gaza. He also suggests that a two-state solution is the only viable outcome while calling for effective leadership to navigate the path to lasting peace.
Oct 14, 2025 • 46min
Remembering Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning legend behind iconic roles in Annie Hall and The Godfather, shares her reflections on a five-decade career. She opens up about the craft of acting, emotional challenges in Marvin's Room, and the significance of a director. Keaton also reminisces about her early life and the unique voice of Annie Hall. TV critic David Bianculli honors her legacy while reviewing a new John Candy documentary, highlighting Candy's journey from Second City to film stardom and the documentary's heartfelt yet incomplete portrayal.
14 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 44min
Mitch Albom Is A 'Walking Example Of A Second Chance'
Mitch Albom, bestselling author and columnist, discusses his new novel *Twice*, exploring the idea of reliving moments and the costs of second chances. He reflects on the lasting influence of his late professor, Morrie Schwartz, and shares insights about love and mortality. Mitch emphasizes that second chances don't guarantee personal growth and elaborates on his own career pivots. He also highlights his humanitarian work in Haiti and the emotional depth found in sports writing, revealing how these experiences shape his storytelling.
Oct 11, 2025 • 49min
Best Of: Dwayne Johnson / Comic Cristela Alonzo
Dwayne Johnson, the charismatic actor and former WWE superstar, dives into his role in The Smashing Machine and his wrestling legacy. He shares the journey from his early persona, Rocky Maivia, to becoming The Rock and the authenticity that resonated with fans. Cristela Alonzo, a talented comedian and actress, opens up about her challenging childhood living in an abandoned diner and the impact of recent ICE raids. Her new special, Upper Classy, highlights her rise from extreme poverty to her current success, shedding light on mixed-status family struggles.
14 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 46min
Jane Goodall
Renowned primatologist Jane Goodall discusses her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, sharing insights on their emotional complexity and social behaviors. She explains how naming chimps enhances understanding of their emotions. Goodall unveils her observations of tool use, challenging human uniqueness, and reveals the similarities in nonverbal communication between chimps and humans. Film critic John Powers reviews 'A House of Dynamite,' adding depth to the conversation about storytelling and themes in cinema.
40 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 45min
National Guard Deployment In American Cities
Nancy Youssef, a national security reporter for The Atlantic, discusses the implications of National Guard deployments in U.S. cities amid rising tensions in the Pentagon. She analyzes the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act and the mixed reactions from Guardsmen about these missions. On a lighter note, film critic Justin Chang reviews Luca Guadagnino's *After the Hunt*, praising Julia Roberts' performance while questioning the film's approach to complex themes. This conversation bridges urgent security topics with cinematic critique.
Oct 8, 2025 • 46min
Laufey Is Unapologetically Herself
Laufey, the Icelandic jazz-pop sensation and classically trained cellist, shares her journey from a multicultural upbringing to Grammy recognition. She discusses her new album, A Matter of Time, blending orchestral influences with modern sounds, and performs captivating tracks. Also featured is Ken Tucker, a veteran rock critic, who reviews Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl, offering insights into its themes and musicality. Together, they inspire listeners to appreciate the richness of diverse musical backgrounds.
