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
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.
26 snips
Apr 12, 2025 • 49min
Best Of: Jason Isbell / David Tennant
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.
36 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 47min
'Hacks' Returns! With Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Paul W. Downs
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.
