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
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.
226 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 45min
The Ripple Effect Of Musk's Government Purge
Elizabeth Linos, a Harvard public policy expert, discusses the significant job cuts and contract cancellations in the federal government, warning of lasting harms. Maureen Corrigan, a literature professor, reviews Judith Giesberg's 'Last Seen', which reflects on the emotional toll of family separations experienced by formerly enslaved individuals. They dive into the historical context of government reforms and the vital need for public trust, illuminating how past injustices resonate today.
15 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 44min
The Murdoch Family's Real-Life 'Succession' Rivalry
McKay Coppins, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author known for his insights on political and media dynamics, dives into the fierce power struggle within the Murdoch family. He reveals how Rupert Murdoch's aging influence complicates sibling rivalries, particularly between Lachlan and James. The discussion uncovers James's growing discontent with Fox News's pro-Trump stance and the emotional turmoil stemming from familial distrust. With real-life echoes of 'Succession,' Coppins sheds light on the future implications for media control and ethics.
53 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 46min
The Battle For The Soul Of The Catholic Church
Philip Shenon, a veteran investigative journalist and author of "Jesus Wept," dives into the tumultuous history of the last seven popes and the Catholic Church's internal battles. He discusses the controversial legacy of Pope Pius XII during WWII and the fallout from his silence amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. Shenon highlights the challenges of Vatican reforms, particularly around issues like birth control and sexual morality. He also explores Pope Francis's efforts to navigate the sexual abuse crisis, underscoring the complexities of church leadership and inclusivity.
7 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 49min
Best Of: Louis Armstrong's Early Years / Our Anti-Social Century
Ricky Riccardi, Director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, shares insights on how Louis Armstrong became the first Black pop star, revolutionizing music with improvisation and scat singing. He discusses Armstrong's challenging early life and breakout success. Meanwhile, Derek Thompson from The Atlantic dives into the loneliness epidemic, revealing how technology fosters isolation. He emphasizes the decline of social interaction and offers ideas for revitalizing community connections in today’s anti-social environment.
4 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 44min
Andrew Scott Doesn't See Ripley As A Monster
Andrew Scott, an acclaimed actor nominated for a SAG Award for his role in Netflix's 'Ripley,' dives deep into the psyche of his character, a morally ambiguous con artist. He stresses the importance of humanizing Tom Ripley, noting the need to advocate for flawed characters. The discussion also touches on the power of silence in storytelling, reflecting on how non-verbal cues can reveal profound emotions. Scott further explores themes of identity, faith, and the complex relationships that bind us, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
Feb 20, 2025 • 44min
A Family Forged By Haiti's Coup
Rich Benjamin, author of the memoir "Talk to Me," reflects on his family's deep-rooted history in Haiti, revealing how his grandfather's brief presidency ended in a military coup that changed their lives forever. He discusses the traumatic experiences his mother faced and the family's resilience as they navigated life as Haitian refugees in America. Benjamin also explores themes of identity, colorism, and the impact of societal perceptions on being Haitian. Through anecdotes from his youth during the AIDS epidemic and a transformative experience with incarceration, he shares a powerful narrative of adversity and growth.
141 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 45min
How Regime Change Happens In America
In this engaging discussion, guest Anne Applebaum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and acclaimed author on authoritarianism, sheds light on the nuances of regime change in America. She argues that modern democracies crumble from internal attacks on institutions rather than dramatic coups. Highlighting the Trump administration's distancing from NATO and its embrace of authoritarian figures like Putin, Applebaum critiques the ongoing dismantling of the civil service and warns against the dangers of political loyalty over merit.
12 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 45min
What Measles Outbreaks Tell Us About Public Health In America
Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatrics and microbiology professor at NYU and author of "Booster Shots," discusses the alarming resurgence of measles and its ties to vaccine skepticism and diminished public trust in health systems. He highlights the critical need to restore faith in vaccinations, especially in light of budget cuts and misinformation. Meanwhile, book critic Maureen Corrigan reflects on Geraldine Brooks' memoir, "Memorial Days," sharing insights on grief and the personal struggle against misinformation, demonstrating how public health issues resonate on an individual level.
74 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 44min
Are Trump's Executive Orders Legal?
Charlie Savage, a renowned constitutional scholar and New York Times writer, breaks down the complexities of executive power and its legal challenges. He discusses the tug-of-war between presidential authority and congressional oversight, especially in immigration policy and recent legal battles. TV critic David Bianculli dives into the cultural impact of 'Star Trek: Section 31' and 'Planet Earth: Asia,' connecting their narratives to modern storytelling and nature documentaries. Together, they explore how these themes resonate in today’s political landscape.
