Fresh Air

Judd Apatow, a legendary filmmaker and comedy writer, shares insights from his visual memoir, discussing his early obsession with collecting autographs, including a humorous story about Steve Martin. Misty Copeland, the trailblazing principal dancer at ABT, reflects on her challenging journey in ballet, overcoming injuries, and her transformative collaboration with Prince, who inspired her to embrace her uniqueness. Their candid stories highlight resilience and the power of creative expression.

Patti Smith, the iconic poet and singer-songwriter, reflects on her groundbreaking debut album, 'Horses,' which turns 50 this year. She shares tales from her early days in New York City, revealing how the album diverted her path from art to music. Ken Tucker provides critical insights into the album's unique sound and its impact on rock history. They also discuss the unreleased track 'Snowball,' the profound influence of Robert Mapplethorpe, and the album's mission to connect with marginalized audiences through a blend of poetry and rock.

David Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic specializing in election threats, delves into alarming potential strategies for how Trump might disrupt the 2026 midterms, including military presence at polling places and pressure tactics on election workers. He discusses the significance of misinformation, recent legislative maneuvers, and a hypothetical worst-case scenario in Maricopa County. Meanwhile, Maureen Corrigan, a book critic and literature professor, shares her insights on Patti Smith’s memoir, 'Bread of Angels,' exploring its connection to her earlier work.

Misty Copeland, a trailblazing ballerina and the first Black principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, reflects on her farewell performance as a heartfelt thank you to her supportive communities. She delves into her relationship with pain and the challenges of returning to the stage after injury. Misty passionately discusses the significance of representation in ballet, her personal journey of motherhood affecting her art, and her mission to document Black ballet history. Looking ahead, she shares her desire to produce purposeful stories in her future projects.

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Carol Leonnig and Aaron Davis as they dissect the complexities of the U.S. Justice Department's handling of cases against Donald Trump. They reveal why key investigations faltered, link FBI hesitancy to political fears, and delve into the impact of the January 6 Committee's revelations on DOJ actions. Their insights from the book ‘Injustice’ expose the struggles of maintaining fairness in a politically charged environment, raising questions about accountability and transparency in American justice.

Acclaimed filmmaker Richard Linklater, known for classics like Dazed and Confused and Boyhood, discusses his adventurous foray into French cinema with Nouvelle Vague, emphasizing how he tackled the language barrier. He shares insights on his new film Blue Moon, exploring the complexities of Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart's life and creativity. Literature professor Maureen Corrigan reviews Lily King's Heart the Lover, highlighting its intricate character development. The conversation weaves together themes of personal struggle, artistic expression, and the magic of filmmaking.

Guillermo del Toro, the visionary behind Pan's Labyrinth, discusses his new adaptation of Frankenstein, revealing how a childhood epiphany shaped his identity and artistic journey. He reflects on themes of misunderstood creatures, family trauma, and moral questions, intertwining religious symbolism with personal experiences. Cameron Crowe, acclaimed for Almost Famous, shares insights from his memoir, detailing his teenage years as a rock journalist, the challenges of navigating the music scene, and advice he received on staying true to his craft. Both del Toro and Crowe explore the complexities of storytelling and the human experience.

Gene Wilder, the iconic actor and co-writer of Young Frankenstein, shares insights on crafting its hilarious scenes, including convincing Mel Brooks to include the musical number, 'Puttin' on the Ritz.' Mel Brooks reflects on his love for parodying genres and the creative process behind the film. Film critic Justin Chang shifts gears to review Begonia, highlighting its gripping performances and visual style. Together, they explore the blend of humor and horror that makes Young Frankenstein a timeless Halloween classic.

Andy Kroll, an investigative reporter for ProPublica, dives into the intriguing world of Russell Vought, former Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Kroll paints Vought as a 'shadow president' seeking to undermine federal independence. They discuss Vought's strategy of using shutdowns as leverage, his radical constitutionalist views, and how he blends culture wars with budget cuts. Kroll also highlights the long-term implications for public service and predicts looming legal battles over executive power.

Nia DaCosta is a groundbreaking filmmaker known for her works like Candyman and The Marvels. In this engaging conversation, she discusses her new film, Hedda, reimagining the titular character as a queer, mixed-race woman. Nia explores the importance of embedding racial experiences in storytelling and reflects on the pressures of conformity in the 1950s setting. She shares insights on her unique visual style, the experience of being the first Black woman with a #1 opening, and how her upbringing around music shaped her creative journey.