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
98 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 46min
Comic Bill Burr On Musk, Magic Mushrooms & Healing From His Childhood
Bill Burr, a stand-up comedian and actor famed for his contrarian humor, dives deep into his tumultuous childhood, revealing how laughter became his shield. He candidly discusses a therapeutic mushroom experience that helped him process past traumas and reflects on his evolving views on marriage and fatherhood. The conversation also touches on his critiques of cancel culture and feminism, blending humor with insightful commentary. Burr's new special, "Drop Dead Years," provides a backdrop to this engaging exploration of comedy and personal growth.
Mar 8, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Jazz Clarinetist Doreen Ketchens / 'White Lotus' Actor Natasha Rothwell
Doreen Ketchens, a beloved New Orleans clarinetist known as "Lady Louie," shares her musical journey and the profound bond she had with her late husband, drawing inspiration from Louis Armstrong. Natasha Rothwell, acclaimed for her role in HBO's The White Lotus, discusses her character's evolution and the intricate dynamics between wealthy guests and hotel staff. Additionally, book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews Judith Giesberg's 'Last Seen,' highlighting the emotional stories of newly-freed Black Americans searching for lost family.
17 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 45min
Remembering New York Dolls Frontman David Johansen
David Johansen, co-founder of The New York Dolls and later known as lounge singer Buster Poindexter, reflects on the band’s flashy influence on punk rock. He shares personal anecdotes about the song 'Personality Crisis' and the complexities of artistic identity. Film critic Justin Chang reviews Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17,' discussing its existential themes and the challenges faced by its protagonist. Together, they explore how performance and gender expression shaped both music and film, highlighting Johansen's enduring legacy.
29 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 45min
Actor Simu Liu On Diving In The Dark
Simu Liu, renowned for his role as Shang-Chi, shares his journey from childhood in China to Hollywood stardom. He recounts the harrowing true story behind his new film, Last Breath, which dives deep into the world of saturation divers. Liu reveals the struggle of meeting parental expectations as an immigrant child and the pressing issues of cultural identity. He also reflects on the importance of representation in cinema and how his breakthrough role has influenced his life and career.
56 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 42min
How Did DEI Become Part Of A Political Agenda — And A Slur?
Join Harvard's Frank Dobbin and Georgetown's Ella Washington as they tackle the polarizing landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). They explore the historical context of DEI initiatives and the consequences of backlash in corporate and political arenas. The conversation reveals the impact of dismantling DEI efforts on various communities and discusses the importance of accessibility for all. They also share strategies for effective workplace inclusion and how Gen Z's expectations are reshaping these initiatives. Tune in for a critical look at DEI's future!
Mar 4, 2025 • 45min
Mardi Gras With New Orleans Jazz Clarinetist Doreen Ketchens
Doreen Ketchens, affectionately dubbed "Lady Louie," is a celebrated New Orleans jazz clarinetist and vocalist known for her captivating street performances. In this conversation, she shares her emotional journey through music, from her classical roots to jazz, influenced by her late husband. Doreen recounts her experiences performing for U.S. presidents and reflects on growing up in the vibrant Treme neighborhood. With heartfelt stories and the spirit of Mardi Gras, she emphasizes music's transformative power and her deep connections with the art form.
15 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 44min
How A Writer's Life Changed In A Second
In this engaging discussion, Hanif Kureishi, an acclaimed screenwriter, novelist, and playwright, opens up about his life-changing fall that left him paralyzed. He shares how this traumatic experience inspired his memoir, 'Shattered,' and reshaped his purpose as a writer. Kureishi reflects on the emotional complexities of dependency and the powerful role of writing in recovery. He also highlights the invaluable contributions of immigrant healthcare workers and explores the nuances of fatherhood amidst adversity, all infused with humor and introspection.
Mar 1, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Growing Up Murdoch / DOGE's Cuts To The Federal Workforce
McKay Coppins, staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the tumultuous rivalry among Rupert Murdoch's children as they vie for control of the media empire, echoing a real-life version of 'Succession'. Elizabeth Linos, a Harvard public policy expert, discusses Elon Musk's bold strategies for downsizing the federal government and the significant implications for civil servants and essential services. Their conversation weaves through family dynamics and political maneuvering, showcasing the intersection of personal and corporate legacies.
8 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 47min
Jeremy Strong / Sebastian Stan / Adrien Brody
This episode features Jeremy Strong, an Oscar-nominated actor known for his impactful role as Roy Cohn in Succession; Sebastian Stan, who received acclaim for his portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice; and Adrien Brody, an Oscar winner preparing for his role in The Brutalist. They discuss the complexities of portraying controversial figures, the moral implications of their characters, and the artistic challenges that accompany such roles. The intense negotiation scenes between Cohn and Trump offer profound insight into their troubled legacies.
12 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 44min
Natasha Rothwell Checks Back Into 'The White Lotus'
Natasha Rothwell, an award-winning actor and writer known for her roles in HBO’s Insecure and The White Lotus, shares insights into her character Belinda's evolution in the latest season set in Thailand. She delves into themes of ambition, identity, and representation, while reflecting on her journey with body image and the reclamation of the term 'fat.' Natasha also discusses her transition from writer to performer and the complexities of navigating the acting world, blending personal struggles with the seductive qualities of her craft.
