Fresh Air

Melinda French Gates, co-founder of the Gates Foundation and passionate advocate for women's rights, shares insights from her memoir, The Next Day. She discusses her transformative journey post-divorce and emphasizes the urgency of improving women's health and reproductive rights. Melinda highlights the responsibility of the wealthy to support philanthropic initiatives and reflects on instilling benevolence in the next generation. She also touches on the complexities of family dynamics and empowerment amidst societal challenges, all while navigating her global advocacy in health.

Richard Kind, an actor and comedian known for his roles in Mad About You and Spin City, shares insights into his chaotic role on Netflix's Everybody's Live with John Mulaney. He amusingly discusses the balance between ego and confidence in acting, along with the unique pressures of live performance, especially while working with the legendary Stephen Sondheim. Kind also fondly recalls his days in his father's jewelry store, revealing the complexities of salesmanship, and reflects on the importance of patience in the acting journey.

Jason Isbell, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter renowned for his introspective lyrics, discusses his latest album, Foxes in the Snow, exploring relationships and personal changes. He shares insights into the emotional journey of songwriting, highlighting the depth of his love songs. Meanwhile, David Tennant, the beloved Scottish actor famous for his role as Doctor Who, reflects on childhood dreams and his varied career, from Shakespeare to modern villains. The conversation blends humor and heartfelt stories, revealing the complexities of art and personal struggles.

Jean Smart stars as Deborah Vance in the hit series 'Hacks', while Hannah Einbinder portrays her young comedy writer, Ava. They discuss the generational clash between old-school humor and modern sensitivities. The duo reflects on their creative journeys and the evolution of comedy, navigating themes of cancel culture and changing audience expectations. They also share insights on the show's new season and the challenges women face in comedy today, sparking laughter and poignant moments about the industry's landscape.

Gardner Harris, a freelance investigative journalist and author of 'No More Tears,' reveals alarming insights into Johnson & Johnson's baby powder saga. He discusses how the company's defense against lawsuits claiming its talc products cause cancer is faltering. Harris dives deep into the troubling history of asbestos contamination and the stark contrast between consumer trust and corporate responsibility. He highlights evolving evidence linking these products to serious health risks and the emotional impact on consumers.

Zanny Minton Beddoes, the Editor-in-chief of The Economist and former IMF economist, dives into the whirlwind of President Trump's tariff policy. She likens it to a high-stakes deal gone awry, exploring its profound effects on global economics and trade dynamics. The discussion reveals how these tariffs have reshaped U.S. relations with China and Europe, while examining the absurdities of relocating production. Beddoes advocates for innovation and collaboration over isolationism as the world grapples with unprecedented trade challenges.

Chris Whipple, author of 'Uncharted', provides insider insights into Biden's 2024 re-election campaign. He reveals the protective bubble surrounding Biden's age and capabilities, with advisors hesitant to confront reality. The dynamic between Biden and Harris also unveils the challenges they faced in distinguishing their roles. Whipple contrasts Biden's traditional campaign methods with Trump’s innovative strategies, highlighting the crucial influence of the White House chief of staff in shaping leadership. The discussion even connects to the enduring themes of 'The Great Gatsby'.

David Tennant, the Scottish actor famous for his role as Doctor Who, shares his childhood dream of becoming the iconic Time Lord. He reflects on his early fascination with the series and how it shaped his career, from playing dark characters in Jessica Jones to Shakespearean roles. Tennant humorously discusses the challenges of fame and creativity during lockdown while collaborating on Staged. He also delves into the complexities of bringing characters to life, touching on cultural identity and the emotional depth of roles he has embraced throughout his journey.

Amanda Knox, an author and advocate for criminal justice reform, recounts her harrowing wrongful conviction and the ongoing impact it has had on her life. She shares insights from her new memoir, highlighting the challenges of navigating media narratives and personal trauma. Joining her is Stephen Graham, a celebrated actor and creator of the Netflix miniseries 'Adolescence,' who discusses the emotional complexities of parenting and youth violence depicted in the show. The conversation is rich with themes of redemption, identity, and the power of storytelling.

Jenna Fischer, known for her role as Pam in The Office, shares insights alongside her co-stars John Krasinski, the charming Jim Halpert, and Rainn Wilson, the eccentric Dwight Schrute. They celebrate the show's 20th anniversary by reminiscing about unforgettable moments and character dynamics. The trio delves into humorous audition stories, explores Michael Scott's misguided attempts at diversity, and reflects on the absurdities of office life that made the show a cultural phenomenon. Their candid conversations highlight the authentic connections formed behind the scenes.