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
17 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 45min
Sarah Silverman Gets the Last Laugh in 'PostMortem'
In this entertaining conversation, Sarah Silverman, a celebrated comic, writer, and actor known for her Emmy-nominated special 'Postmortem', dives into the humor found in grief after losing her father and stepmother. She reflects on familial trauma and how her father's rage shaped her upbringing, shedding light on personal growth and reconciliation. Silverman also shares her journey through a male-dominated comedy scene and the significance of authenticity in her performance, all while navigating the intricacies of family dynamics with wit and heart.
47 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 45min
How The 1979 Revolution Transformed Iran
Scott Anderson, a veteran war correspondent and author of 'King of Kings', dives into the transformative impact of the 1979 Iranian Revolution. He discusses how the U.S. failed to predict shifts in Iran’s political climate, highlighting critical missteps by American policymakers. The conversation reveals the tensions between the Shah and rising anti-regime sentiments, alongside the internal chaos within the Iranian military. Anderson emphasizes the lasting effects of the revolution on U.S.-Iran relations and the geopolitical landscape.
Aug 2, 2025 • 43min
Best Of: Mariska Hargitay / Marc Maron
Mariska Hargitay, Emmy-winning star of Law & Order: SVU, shares insights about her deeply personal documentary, My Mom Jayne, honoring her late mother, Jayne Mansfield. Marc Maron discusses his mixed feelings about ending his podcast, reflecting on grief and his quirky cats, while promoting his new HBO special, Panicked. Both guests connect through their creative journeys, exploring themes of loss, identity, and reinvention. Meanwhile, Ken Tucker celebrates Parliament’s iconic album, Mothership Connection, marking its 50th anniversary.
28 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 43min
Correcting The Record On Elvis's Manager
Peter Guralnick, a renowned rock historian and author of the definitive biography on Elvis Presley, dives deep into the life and legacy of Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s controversial manager. Guralnick reveals surprising insights about Parker's cunning tactics and questions long-held assumptions. He explores the complex relationship between Elvis and Parker, detailing their creative partnership during iconic hits like 'Heartbreak Hotel.' The discussion also touches on Elvis's musical evolution and the pressures he faced from the industry, painting a vivid picture of their dynamic.
52 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 45min
Has NASA Ceded Its Mission To Elon Musk?
Franklin Foer, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of 'The Last Politician,' dives into the shifting dynamics of American space exploration. He discusses how SpaceX, under Elon Musk, is reshaping NASA's mission and workforce, stirring concerns about the agency's future. Foer highlights the emotional toll of budget cuts on NASA's employees and explores Musk's pivotal role in national security through government contracts. The conversation offers a fascinating juxtaposition of Cold War-era space initiatives with today's commercial space race.
42 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 45min
Comic Marc Maron On Grief, Cats, And Being Openhearted
Marc Maron, a comic, actor, and podcast host, opens up about his emotional journey as he wraps up his long-running show. He discusses his recent projects, including the Apple TV+ series 'Stick' and the HBO special 'Panicked.' The conversation delves into themes of grief, particularly surrounding his late girlfriend Lynn Shelton, and the bittersweet nature of relationships. Maron also shares humorous tales of living with his anxious cat Charlie, reflecting on the comforting yet chaotic companionship pets provide during tough times.
12 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 45min
Mariska Hargitay On Freeing Herself From Generational Trauma
Mariska Hargitay, an award-winning actress best known for her role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, shares her journey of healing from generational trauma. She discusses her documentary, My Mom Jayne, which unveils her mother Jayne Mansfield's legacy and her own identity struggles. Hargitay reflects on her experience learning about her biological father, the significance of reclaiming personal narratives, and her evolution from aspiring diplomat to actress. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of advocacy for sexual assault survivors through her work with the Joyful Heart Foundation.
Jul 26, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Actor Leslie Uggams / Martha's Vineyard's Indigenous Past & Present
Leslie Uggams, a multi-talented actor and singer who began her career at just 6 years old, shares insights about her groundbreaking roles, including her powerful performance in Roots and her continued success in productions like Empire and Deadpool. Joining her is Joseph Lee, a writer from the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe, who discusses his book 'Nothing More of This Land', revealing the often-overlooked Indigenous history of Martha's Vineyard and the complexities of cultural identity. Together, they explore resilience, heritage, and the stories behind their legacies.
Jul 25, 2025 • 47min
Remembering Lyricist Alan Bergman / The 'Outrageous' Jessica Mitford
Jessica Mitford, an unconventional British writer known for her explosive works like The American Way of Death, discusses her radical views and the absurdities of the funeral industry. Alan Bergman, a legendary lyricist, reminisces about his 60-year partnership with his wife, showcasing timeless songs like 'The Way We Were.' The conversation intertwines their creative processes and legacies, shedding light on Mitford's political awakening and Bergman's musical innovation, making for a captivating mix of art and activism.
26 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 45min
The Shifting Landscape Of Higher Education
Katherine Mangan, Senior Writer for The Chronicle of Higher Education, sheds light on the current tumultuous landscape of higher education. She discusses the Trump administration's pressure on elite universities and the scrutiny faced by George Mason University regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. Mangan delves into the challenges leading to university leadership resignations and the implications of funding cuts, framing a compelling narrative of how political influences are reshaping the academic environment.
