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
13 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 46min
Michael Shannon Gets A Turn Playing Good Guys
Michael Shannon, known for his intense roles, discusses his recent portrayals of historical figures in 'Death by Lightning' and 'Nuremberg.' He reflects on the challenge of playing good guys like President Garfield, emphasizing the relevance of his story to modern politics. Shannon details the physical transformation into Garfield and highlights his fight for civil service reform. He also shares insights on his role as Robert Jackson during the Nuremberg trials, the courtroom tension, and how music influences his acting style.
59 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 45min
A Manual For Keeping A Democracy
Joyce Vance, a former U.S. Attorney and legal analyst, discusses the challenges facing democracy today. She shares insights on recent court decisions impacting presidential power and expresses concern over threats to judges, drawing from personal experiences. Vance emphasizes the importance of engaging Gen Z in civic education, inspired by conversations with her son. She critiques the implications of presidential immunity and warns against conflicts at the DOJ while advocating for a resilient Constitution that endures through responsible voter engagement.
Nov 24, 2025 • 45min
Brendan Fraser Has Everything & Nothing To Prove
Brendan Fraser, an award-winning actor known for his roles in The Whale and Killers of the Flower Moon, shares insights on his life and career. He dives into Japan's rental family phenomenon portrayed in his new film, highlighting cultural isolation in Tokyo. Fraser recalls the challenges of filming with an all-Japanese crew and reflects on his personal journey, including struggles with confidence. He discusses the importance of collaboration with renowned directors like Scorsese and examines the impact of aging in Hollywood.
7 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Ben Stiller / Cynthia Erivo
Ben Stiller, acclaimed actor and director, shares insights about his Apple TV+ documentary on his legendary parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. He reflects on growing up in a comedic household and the blurred lines between personal and professional life, including memorable childhood moments. Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo, award-winning actress and singer, discusses her role as Elphaba in Wicked and its personal significance. She shares her audition vulnerabilities and innovative training methods, unveiling the artistic challenges and triumphs of embodying such an iconic character.
Nov 21, 2025 • 47min
A Look Back At Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’
Join award-winning actress Janet Leigh as she shares her firsthand experiences filming the iconic shower scene in Psycho, revealing Hitchcock's meticulous planning and the shocking impact of her character's death. Screenwriter Evan Hunter discusses the challenges of adapting The Birds, including Hitchcock's creative choices and the unique techniques used to create suspense without explaining the birds' motives. Film critic Justin Chang wraps up the discussion with insights on Hamnet, highlighting its emotional depth and Jesse Buckley's standout performance.
70 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 45min
A Sleep Scientist Excavates The World Of Dreams
Michelle Carr, a dream scientist at the University of Montreal and author of 'Nightmare Obscura,' delves into the fascinating realm of dreams and nightmares. She shares insights on dream engineering, revealing how sensory inputs can influence dreams. Carr discusses the connection between nightmares and heightened sensitivity, creativity, and adverse early experiences. She also provides techniques for improving dream recall and rescripting nightmares, offering hope for reducing their occurrence. Plus, she highlights the health implications of frequent nightmares.
29 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 45min
How Kash Patel Is Changing The FBI’s Mission
Mark Fisher, a journalist and New Yorker contributor, delves into Kash Patel's controversial rise as FBI director, highlighting his loyalty to Trump and departure from traditional law enforcement norms. Fisher reveals how many within the Bureau appreciate Patel's focus on crime-fighting while expressing deep concerns over his drastic changes and claims of retribution against former officials. The discussion unveils Patel's conspiratorial tendencies, shifting priorities, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding his leadership, painting a complex picture of his impact on the FBI.
9 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 45min
Ben Stiller On His Parents’ Showbiz Marriage
Ben Stiller, acclaimed actor and filmmaker, discusses his new documentary on his parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. He reveals heartwarming anecdotes from his childhood, including the challenges of growing up with comedian parents and the impact of their showbiz marriage. Ben connects family experiences to his creative endeavors, like his Apple TV series, 'Severance.' He shares touching moments about caring for his mother after her stroke and reflects on the transformative role of his father's late career breakthrough on 'Seinfeld.'
Nov 17, 2025 • 46min
Cynthia Erivo's Road To 'Wicked'
Cynthia Erivo, an acclaimed actress and singer known for her powerful performances, shares her journey to embodying Elphaba in Wicked. She explores emotional parallels between her life and her character, revealing how singing and using scent helped her connect deeply to the role. Erivo also opens up about her experiences at drama school, confronting challenges, and how her memoir, Simply More, reflects resilience. A standout moment includes her decision to shave her head for authenticity, showcasing her commitment to character transformation.
6 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 49min
Best Of: Ethan Hawke / Tim Robbins
Ethan Hawke, a versatile film and stage actor, discusses his challenging role as Lorenz Hart in 'Blue Moon,' delving into the emotional complexities he faced. He shares insights on working with Richard Linklater and his unique approaches to embodying characters. Tim Robbins, an Academy Award-winning actor and director, reflects on the power of live theater, his commitment to The Actors Gang, and the haunting themes of 'Shawshank Redemption.' Together, they explore the intersections of addiction, creativity, and the transformative nature of storytelling.
