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
22 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 44min
Trump's Foray Into Cryptocurrency
Investigative reporter Zeke Fox, author of "Number Go Up," dives into the Trump family's lucrative crypto ventures that raise ethical concerns about political influence. He explores how cryptocurrencies have shifted from decentralized currencies to speculative assets, with Trump endorsing various meme coins. The discussion touches on Bitcoin's limited supply, potential regulatory changes under Trump, and the dubious practices of Tether, illuminating the murky waters of the crypto market and its far-reaching implications.
11 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 45min
Pamela Anderson Is Still Reinventing Herself
Pamela Anderson, a renowned actress and model, reflects on her transformation from '90s sex symbol to a serious performer. She discusses her role in 'The Last Showgirl' and her journey of personal reinvention, emphasizing the complexities of motherhood and fame. Pamela opens up about her decision to ditch makeup, embracing authenticity in an industry obsessed with beauty standards. She also shares touching memories of her childhood and her desire to connect with her true self, showcasing resilience and the power of storytelling.
Jan 21, 2025 • 44min
Jesse Eisenberg Hated Bar Mitzvahs As A Kid
Jesse Eisenberg, an acclaimed actor and director known for films like 'The Social Network,' opens up about his new film, 'A Real Pain,' which centers on a Jewish heritage tour in Poland. He discusses the concept of tragedy tourism, sharing his discomfort with the suburban bar mitzvah culture that once made him uneasy. Eisenberg also reflects on his childhood vulnerability and the impact of theater on his identity, revealing how his mother's career as a birthday party clown influenced his artistic journey.
46 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 45min
MLK, The Organizer & Radical Thinker
Tressie McMillan Cottom, a sociologist and New York Times columnist, teams up with Eddie Glaude Jr., a prominent scholar at Princeton, to dissect the complexities of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy against the backdrop of Trump's inauguration. They address the vital significance of remembering King as a radical thinker and organizer, while discussing how his vision for economic justice remains relevant today. Their conversation underscores the ongoing struggle for social justice and the importance of bridging moral convictions with political action.
22 snips
Jan 18, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Learning From Silence / Comic Roy Wood Jr.
Pico Iyer, an author who lost everything in a California wildfire, shares how his transformative experience in a Benedictine monastery shaped his life and writing. He reflects on the power of silence amidst chaos and modern disconnection. Meanwhile, comedian Roy Wood Jr., known for his special "Lonely Flowers," discusses the role of humor in tackling serious societal issues. He highlights the importance of authenticity and originality in comedy, drawing from personal experiences to illustrate his journey through laughter and legacy.
7 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 45min
The True Story Of Abuse And Injustice Behind 'Nickel Boys'
Colson Whitehead, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist known for tackling themes of race and injustice, discusses the painful history behind his novel, 'The Nickel Boys,' which dives into the horrific realities of the Dozier reform school in Florida. He highlights the haunting legacy of abuse and the discovery of unmarked graves. Jazz critic Martin Johnson celebrates the artistry of McCoy Tyner and Joe Henderson, while film critic Justin Chang reviews Mike Leigh's 'Hard Truths,' exploring complex family dynamics and themes of loneliness.
11 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 45min
The Secret History Of The Rape Kit
Pagan Kennedy, an investigative reporter and author, discusses the groundbreaking contributions of community activist Marty Goddard in the fight for sexual assault survivors' rights. The conversation sheds light on the evolution of rape kits and the systemic failures surrounding sexual assault cases. Additionally, David Bianculli reviews the Netflix miniseries American Primeval, highlighting its portrayal of survival and conflict in the 19th-century American West. Together, they explore the intersection of historical narratives and modern advocacy in justice.
20 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 44min
How Losing Everything In A Wildfire Led Pico Iyer To Seek Silence
Pico Iyer, an acclaimed author known for his profound travel writing and insights into global cultures, shares his transformative experience after losing his mother's home to a wildfire. He recounts finding peace in a Benedictine monastery and how silence became a sanctuary amid tragedy. Iyer explores the intersection of personal loss, resilience, and the spiritual depth discovered through solitude. He emphasizes the importance of quiet companionship and the emotional richness that silence can bring to relationships, highlighting nature's role in this journey.
47 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 45min
Can The U.S. Aquire Greenland? & Other Q's About Trump Foreign Policy
David Sanger, a Pulitzer Prize-winning national security correspondent for the New York Times, dives into the complexities of Trump's foreign policy. He discusses Trump's contentious aspirations to acquire Greenland and influence territories like the Panama Canal. The conversation also highlights the looming nuclear threats from Iran and the implications of U.S. withdrawal from key agreements, alongside the challenge of navigating geopolitical tensions with Russia and China. Sanger provides keen insights into the evolving landscape of international relations.
15 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 45min
Roy Wood Jr. Thinks Of Comedy As Journalism
Roy Wood Jr., a comedian known for his work on The Daily Show, dives into the power of comedy as a form of journalism. He highlights his new special, Lonely Flowers, which addresses societal isolation. Wood shares how an arrest led him to comedy and reflects on the delicate balance of humor and controversy. The discussion touches on personal struggles with childhood trauma, the legacy of his father in the civil rights movement, and how understanding everyday experiences shapes his comedic voice.
