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
Feb 15, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Sebastian Stan / Questlove On The Genius Of Sly Stone
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, musician, filmmaker, and co-founder of The Roots, discusses his new Hulu documentary about Sly Stone, exploring themes of Black genius and artistic challenges. He dives into Sly's musical legacy, iconic hits, and the impact of his work during the civil rights movement. Actor Sebastian Stan shares his experience portraying Donald Trump, reflecting on identity, social perceptions, and the pressure of embodying controversial figures. Both guests offer profound insights into creativity, authenticity, and personal journeys.
26 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 47min
'SNL' Turns 50: Aykroyd, Franken, Zweibel & Lovitz
In this lively discussion, Dan Aykroyd shares the origins of the Blues Brothers with John Belushi. Al Franken dives into Stuart Smalley's creation, reflecting on the therapeutic power of humor in self-help culture. Alan Zweibel reminisces about working with Gilda Radner and her iconic characters. Jon Lovitz reveals the story behind his character Master Thespian, celebrating SNL's enduring legacy. The show highlights its cultural impact over 50 years, filled with personal anecdotes and a review of the romantic comedy 'The Annihilation of Fish'.
Feb 13, 2025 • 45min
'Nickel Boys' Director RaMell Ross Makes The Camera 'An Organ'
RaMell Ross, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker known for his unique visual style, discusses his impactful film Nickel Boys, which portrays the struggles of Black youth in a turbulent 1960s reformatory. He shares insights on innovative filmmaking techniques that transform the camera into a powerful storytelling tool, highlighting themes of identity and place. Ross also reflects on the significance of personal narratives in art and the emotional connections tied to Southern landscapes, revealing how his experiences shape his creative vision.
158 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 46min
How Did Elon Musk Become So Powerful In The Trump Administration?
Eric Lipton, an investigative reporter for the New York Times, and Theodore Schleifer, a journalist covering tech and politics, discuss Elon Musk's powerful influence during the Trump administration. They highlight how Musk's companies thrive amidst federal cuts and detail his shift towards conservative views. The duo explores the complex relationship between Musk and government dynamics, revealing concerns over conflicts of interest, accountability, and the growing trend of tech billionaires aligning with right-leaning ideologies.
17 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 44min
For Sebastian Stan, 'The Apprentice' Playing In Theaters Was The Win
Sebastian Stan, an Oscar-nominated actor for his role as Donald Trump, reflects on his journey from Romania to Hollywood. He shares vivid memories of growing up during the fall of communism and his father's influence on his pursuit of the American Dream. Stan discusses the emotional highs and lows of awards season, emphasizing personal growth over accolades. He also reflects on the challenges and triumphs of adapting to new cultures and the sacrifices made by his family, all while navigating the complexities of his acting career.
9 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 46min
Questlove On Sly Stone & The Burden Of Black Genius
Questlove, co-founder of The Roots and acclaimed filmmaker, dives deep into the life of Sly Stone and the groundbreaking sound of Sly and the Family Stone. They discuss Sly's innovative blend of genres and the cultural significance of tracks like 'Dance to the Music.' Questlove reflects on the pressures faced by black artists, exploring themes of identity, vulnerability, and mental health in their creative expressions. He sheds light on the emotional complexities in Sly's music, as well as the ordinary life he leads today, all while promoting his new documentary, 'Sly Lives!.'
Feb 8, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Ariana Grande / Inside A Dominatrix's Dungeon
Ariana Grande, a talented singer and actress acclaimed for her Oscar-nominated role in Wicked, discusses the film's profound themes of belonging and morality. She reflects on her journey as a theater nerd, preparing to embody Galinda. Meanwhile, writer Brittany Newell, a professional dominatrix, dives into her novel 'Soft Core', revealing the hidden world of San Francisco's nightlife and BDSM culture. The conversation explores deep human connections, the struggles of identity, and the emotional intricacies in both performance and personal narratives.
28 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 46min
Remembering British Singer Marianne Faithfull
Marianne Faithfull, the iconic British singer and actress, discusses her legendary career, from her breakout hit 'As Tears Go By' to her tumultuous relationship with Mick Jagger. She opens up about her battles with addiction, the transformation of her voice over the years, and the interplay between her public image and true self. Faithfull also reflects on the nostalgia of the 1960s music scene, her family's history during wartime, and the profound impact she leaves on music and culture—all while paying tribute to her incredible legacy.
49 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 44min
A Dominatrix/Writer Takes Readers Into A Dungeon
Brittany Newell, an author and professional dominatrix, shares her journey from writing her first novel at 21 to creating the emotionally rich narrative in 'Softcore.' She discusses how empathy and curiosity shape both her writing and her work in BDSM. The conversation explores the true nature of BDSM spaces, challenging common stereotypes, and touches on the emotional intricacies between dominatrixes and clients. Also, Maureen Corrigan reviews two quintessential New York books, highlighting the city's literary landscape.
39 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 46min
Trump's Plan For Gaza / The U.S. Military's Recruiting Crisis
Dexter Filkins, a staff writer for The New Yorker and expert on Middle Eastern affairs, delves into Trump's controversial Gaza proposal that envisions displacing Palestinians and U.S. reconstruction. He discusses the geopolitical complexities of the region, analyzing the implications of ongoing violence and failed diplomacy. The conversation also highlights the alarming recruitment crisis in the U.S. military, questioning operational readiness amid changing societal values and potential barriers for new enlistees.
