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
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.
8 snips
Jan 11, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Tilda Swinton / Adrien Brody
Tilda Swinton, acclaimed for her diverse roles, discusses her poignant portrayal of a terminally ill woman in Almodóvar's latest film. She reflects on personal experiences with loss and the complexities of navigating grief. Adrien Brody, known for his Oscar-winning role, shares insights from his character, a Holocaust survivor starting anew in post-WWII America, drawing from his family's immigrant background. Together, they explore themes of mortality, emotional connections, and the resilience found in life's challenges.
9 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 47min
Joan Baez / Suze Rotolo / Al Kooper On Dylan
Join Suze Rotolo, Bob Dylan's early muse and author, folk singer Joan Baez, and session musician Al Kooper as they share captivating stories from the heart of the 1960s music scene. Suze reflects on her iconic relationship with Dylan and their time in Greenwich Village, while Joan recounts taking Dylan on tour before he was famous. Al discusses his pivotal role in crafting 'Like a Rolling Stone,' revealing the exciting spontaneity behind its creation. Each guest brings unique insights into the music and memories that shaped a legendary era.
Jan 9, 2025 • 45min
Remembering Jimmy Carter (Part II)
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, is renowned for his dedication to human rights and peace. In this engaging conversation, he shares his journey into poetry, offering a glimpse into the emotional depths of love and loss. Reflecting on family life in the White House, Carter reveals the unique dynamics with his daughter, Amy. He also discusses the troubling intertwining of religion and politics in America, advocating for the coexistence of faith and science. Carter’s passion for storytelling shines through, emphasizing the importance of community and family.
25 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 44min
Tilda Swinton Thinks About Her Death
Tilda Swinton, an iconic actress known for her versatility, discusses her poignant role in Pedro Almodóvar's film, The Room Next Door, where she portrays a terminally ill woman. She reflects on the significance of contemplating mortality, suggesting that embracing death enriches our lives. Swinton shares personal stories from her military upbringing and explores the connection between fashion and identity, emphasizing her unique 'queer fish' perspective. The conversation dives into the beauty of care during final days and the deep bonds forged through love and loss.
26 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 44min
Adrien Brody Was Made For 'The Brutalist'
Adrien Brody, the Oscar-winning actor famous for his roles in The Pianist and The Grand Budapest Hotel, shares insights into his award-winning performance in The Brutalist. He reveals how his family's history shaped his portrayal of a Holocaust survivor transitioning to post-WWII America. Brody discusses his collaborative experience with Wes Anderson and reflects on the significance of silence and pacing in storytelling. The conversation also touches on personal roots in acting, romantic themes in cinema, and the delicate balance of filmmaking.
63 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 45min
Getting In Sync With Your Inner Clock
Lynne Peeples, a science journalist and biostatistician known for her work in major publications, shares insights from her intriguing 10-day experiment in a lightless bunker. She discusses how a lack of natural light impacts circadian rhythms and overall health. David Bianculli, a TV critic and professor, reviews the new series 'Laid' and 'Going Dutch,' comparing storytelling techniques and character dynamics. Together, they highlight the importance of aligning our lives with natural rhythms both in biology and entertainment.
15 snips
Jan 4, 2025 • 49min
Best Of: Comic Ronny Chieng / Writer Miranda July
Ronny Chieng, a comedian and political satirist known for his work on The Daily Show, shares his journey from Malaysia to the comedy scene, touching on cultural expectations and the impact of political satire. Meanwhile, filmmaker Miranda July discusses her novel 'All Fours,' which delves into themes of midlife, sexuality, and the complexities of aging. Their conversation weaves humor with poignant insights on identity, relationships, and the evolving landscape of personal connections.
23 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 46min
Comic Nikki Glaser On Roasts & Hurt Feelings
Nikki Glaser, a prominent comedian and Golden Globes host, dives into the fine line between comedy and hurt feelings. She candidly discusses the emotional intricacies of roasting, including her experience roasting Tom Brady. The conversation explores her choices to remain childfree and the societal pressures surrounding beauty standards. Nikki reflects on using humor to tackle sensitive topics like mental health, revealing how vulnerability plays into her comedic storytelling. It’s an insightful look at laughter as both a coping mechanism and a connection tool.
Jan 2, 2025 • 49min
Alex Van Halen / Selena Gomez
Alex Van Halen, the legendary drummer from Van Halen, shares stories of his journey from an immigrant childhood in California to rock star antics, including fiery drum stunts with his late brother Eddie. Selena Gomez reflects on her evolution from Disney star to leading roles, including her gripping performance in the film Emilia Pérez. They also discuss the balancing act of fame, the challenges of collaboration in music, and the transformative power of personal experiences in both music and film.
