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 4, 2025 • 45min
Ariana Grande Loves Being In A 'Beautiful Coven'
Ariana Grande, an acclaimed actress and singer known for her role as Glinda in 'Wicked,' chats with Tonya Mosley about her journey through music and theater. She fondly recalls singing karaoke with her family and the influence of iconic vocalists like Whitney and Mariah. Grande discusses the joy and challenges of auditioning for 'Wicked' and the importance of mentorship. She shares insights into the emotional authenticity of live singing and highlights the empowering community found in the world of theater.
Feb 3, 2025 • 44min
Parenting A Child With Terminal Cancer
Sarah Wildman, a New York Times Opinion writer and editor, shares her heart-wrenching journey of parenting her daughter Orli, who battled terminal cancer until age 14. She discusses the emotional turmoil of navigating treatment, the impact of illness on family dynamics, and the deep conversations about life and loss with her daughter. Wildman reflects on cultural attitudes towards death and explores Jewish mourning practices, illustrating the chaos of losing a child while balancing a demanding career. Her insights on grief and resilience are both poignant and profound.
Feb 1, 2025 • 49min
Best Of: 50 Years Of SNL Musical Guests / Black History Through Blues
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, co-director of the documentary about SNL's musical legacy and The Roots co-founder, discusses the cultural impact of the show over 50 years. Imani Perry, author and Harvard professor, dives into her book "Black and Blues," revealing the significance of the color blue in Black life and its connection to blues music. David Bianculli adds insights as a TV critic, highlighting the profound emotional resonance of SNL's performances and their influence on music history, identity, and creativity.
36 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 44min
For 'Severance' Star Adam Scott, Work & Life Can't Be Separated
Adam Scott, known for his roles in Parks and Recreation and Big Little Lies, dives into the thought-provoking themes of his Apple TV+ series Severance. He discusses the emotional complexity of work-life separation and shares personal reflections on grief and creativity in a post-pandemic world. Scott highlights the joys and challenges of shifting between drama and comedy, especially through his experiences on Party Down. The conversation also touches on career-defining moments, illustrating the deep connections between personal narratives and artistic expression.
12 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 46min
How Louis Armstrong Became The First Black Pop Star
Ricky Riccardi, Director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum and author of "Stomp Off, Let's Go," dives into the transformative journey of Louis Armstrong. He shares how Armstrong's struggles and innovative spirit reshaped 20th-century music as the first Black pop star. Discussions cover pivotal recordings like 'West End Blues,' his introduction of scat singing, and the nurturing role of the Karnofsky family in his life. Riccardi emphasizes Armstrong's legacy and resilience, even in his later years, proving his lasting influence on jazz and pop.
137 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 45min
This Anti-Social American Life
Derek Thompson, a writer for The Atlantic and author of insightful books like "Hitmakers," discusses the loneliness epidemic gripping America. He explores how technology and remote work contribute to isolation, especially among young people. Thompson highlights the paradox of increased leisure time yet diminished face-to-face interactions. He emphasizes the need for genuine connections to combat loneliness and argues for community engagement to bridge political divides. The conversation provides a thought-provoking look at social dynamics in today's digital age.
10 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 45min
What The Color Blue Tells About Black History
Imani Perry, an award-winning author and scholar renowned for her insights into African American culture, dives deep into the rich symbolism of the color blue. She uncovers its historical ties to the indigo trade and the emotional weight in jazz music, particularly through Louis Armstrong's poignant song. The discussion also explores the dark legacy of labor exploitation in producing indigo and its connections to modern issues. Ultimately, Perry highlights blue as both a symbol of struggle and hope within African American history.
Jan 27, 2025 • 46min
Questlove Digs Into 50 years Of 'SNL' Musical Hits (And Misses)
Questlove, the Grammy-winning musician and co-founder of The Roots, discusses his new documentary, highlighting 50 years of iconic musical moments from 'Saturday Night Live.' David Bianculli, a TV critic and professor, joins to reflect on SNL's influence in promoting groundbreaking artists and moments like the Ashley Simpson incident. They dive into the chaos of live TV, the pressures faced by artists, and Questlove's insights on the cultural significance of these performances. Plus, a brief look at Ringo Starr's latest country album adds a musical touch!
4 snips
Jan 25, 2025 • 49min
Best Of: Jesse Eisenberg / Pamela Anderson
Jesse Eisenberg, known for roles in "The Social Network" and "Zombieland", discusses his directorial debut, "A Real Pain", exploring themes of mental health and historical trauma during a Jewish heritage tour in Poland. Pamela Anderson, famed for "Baywatch", shares her journey in "The Last Showgirl", where she portrays a veteran Vegas dancer facing career challenges. Both guests reflect on personal struggles, resilience, and the complexities of fame, intertwining their artistic pursuits with deep familial connections.
60 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 47min
Remembering David Lynch
David Lynch, the master of surrealism in cinema, and Isabella Rossellini, actress and daughter of legends, share their insights on the iconic works of Lynch. They discuss how Lynch's unique storytelling in films like Eraserhead and Blue Velvet pushes boundaries and challenges viewers' interpretations. Rossellini reflects on the fascinating dynamics of her role in Blue Velvet, while they both explore the intricate relationship between urban landscapes and narrative depth, showcasing the profound psychological layers woven into Lynch's films.
