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
67 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 45min
Are Kids With ADHD Being Treated Effectively?
Paul Tough, a journalist and contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine, dives deep into the complexities of ADHD treatment. He challenges the traditional view of ADHD as merely a medical disorder, highlighting studies that question the long-term efficacy of medications like Ritalin. Tough discusses the spectrum of ADHD experiences, emphasizing personalized treatment approaches that consider both genetic and environmental factors. This conversation also touches on the intricate relationship between ADHD and emotional dysregulation, calling for a more nuanced understanding of the disorder.
14 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 44min
Ryan Coogler Paid A Steep Price For The Films He Made
Ryan Coogler, the visionary director behind 'Black Panther' and 'Creed,' shares insights into his new film 'Sinners,' a genre-bending thriller set in 1930s Mississippi. He discusses the deep connections between blues music and personal storytelling, drawing from the influence of his late uncle. Coogler also reflects on the philosophical struggle of owning his work, balancing commercial success with artistic integrity, and the artistic choices behind using vampires as metaphors for identity and societal struggles.
143 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 46min
America's Path To 'Competitive Authoritarianism'
Stephen Levitsky, a Harvard professor of government, dives into the alarming decline of democracy in the U.S., highlighting how the Trump administration has facilitated this shift towards 'competitive authoritarianism.' He discusses how elected leaders can maintain a facade of democracy while eroding its core principles. Levitsky also critiques the politicization of government agencies and the implications for institutions like Harvard. He raises concerns about the chilling effects on dissent and the future trajectory of American democracy.
20 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 45min
Noah Wyle Is At Home In 'The Pitt'
Noah Wyle, known for his iconic role as Dr. John Carter on ER, now serves as the executive producer, writer, and star of The Pit, a new series exploring the intensity of emergency medicine. In conversation with Dave Davies, he reveals his initial reluctance to return to medical dramas, catalyzed by the pandemic's impact. Wyle discusses the authentic portrayal of healthcare's emotional struggles, deeply rooted family dynamics, and how personal traumas resonate in the narrative. He even shares insights from his mother's experiences as a nurse.
6 snips
Apr 19, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Richard Kind / Melinda French Gates
Richard Kind, an accomplished actor known for his roles in 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and 'Spin City', shares witty insights about his career, the joys of lesser fame, and the thrill of live performance. Melinda French Gates, co-founder of the Gates Foundation, discusses her new book 'The Next Day', touching on motherhood, grief, and her transformative journey after divorce. They navigate the impact of funding cuts on women's health, underlining the critical need for social progress amidst personal and philanthropic challenges.
28 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 45min
A Love Story At The Center Of The Civil Rights Movement
Joy-Ann Reid, MSNBC host and author of "Medgar and Murley," shares the poignant love story of civil rights leader Medgar Evers and his wife Myrlie. She highlights the intense challenges they faced, from the risks of activism in a violent Mississippi to Myrlie’s transformation into an activist after Medgar's assassination. The discussion also touches on the complexity of their relationship during societal upheaval and the importance of grassroots leadership in the civil rights movement.
44 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 44min
Starvation In American Jail Cells
Sarah Stillman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning staff writer for The New Yorker and journalism instructor at Yale, uncovers the grim reality of starvation and dehydration in U.S. county jails. She shares haunting stories of mentally ill inmates who suffer neglect and unbearable conditions while facing minor charges. Stillman highlights systemic failures in mental health care and critiques the privatized healthcare system in incarceration. Additionally, the discussion touches on the urgent need for reform to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further tragedies.
25 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 45min
The Real-Life Russian Spies Who Inspired 'The Americans'
Shaun Walker, an international correspondent for The Guardian and author of 'The Illegals', shares gripping tales from his decade in Moscow. He delves into the fascinating world of Russian spies like Andrei Bezrukov and Elena Vavilova, who lived undercover in the U.S. with their children unaware of their true identities. Walker discusses the rigorous training these operatives endure, the emotional toll of living a double life, and the complexity of loyalty after the fall of the Soviet Union. Plus, a tribute to jazz saxophonist Gene Ammons adds a cultural twist.
65 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 46min
Melinda French Gates On Giving Away Her 'Absurd' Wealth
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.
18 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 46min
Richard Kind Is Glad He's Not That Famous
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.
