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
Dec 10, 2024 • 44min
Actor Danielle Deadwyler 'Overprepared' For 'The Piano Lesson'
Danielle Deadwyler, an acclaimed actress recognized for her powerful roles in 'Till' and 'The Piano Lesson,' discusses her journey from Atlanta's vibrant theater scene to acclaimed films. She shares insights on embodying Mamie Till, reflecting on maternal guidance amidst racial tensions. Alongside her, literary critic Maureen Corrigan unveils her top picks for 2024, showcasing must-read titles. Together, they explore themes of heritage, cultural representation, and the emotional weight of storytelling, particularly concerning Black womanhood and historical narratives.
20 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 44min
Jon Batiste Almost Got Kicked Out Of Juilliard
Jon Batiste, a Grammy-winning musician and bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, shares fascinating insights about his new album, Beethoven Blues. He recounts his experience at Juilliard, almost getting kicked out for his melodica antics. The conversation dives into the healing power of music, his personal challenges, and the influence of both joy and pain in his artistry. Batiste discusses the complexities of musical interpretation and the importance of diversity in American music, showcasing a true embodiment of cultural evolution.
59 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 45min
Werner Herzog Isn't The 'Wild Guy' You Think He Is
Renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog shares insights from his memoir, 'Every Man for Himself and God Against All'. He highlights the importance of discipline over wildness in his creative process, debunking myths about his personality. Herzog reflects on personal experiences from post-World War II Germany and discusses the tension between creativity and madness while directing intense actors. With anecdotes that reveal his calm demeanor in crises, he emphasizes the role of memory and curiosity in shaping his unique storytelling approach.
Dec 6, 2024 • 49min
Best Of: Folk Musician Jerron Paxton / Lyricist Ira Gershwin's Legacy
Folk musician Jerron Paxton, known for his vibrant performances of 1920s and '30s music, discusses his new album, 'Things Done Changed,' sharing insights into his unique instruments and influences. Michael Owen, author of 'Ira Gershwin, A Life in Words,' delves into Ira Gershwin's profound legacy in American music, emphasizing his clever lyricism and collaboration with his brother George. Their conversation touches on the emotional depth of folk music, the Gershwins' impact on the Great American Songbook, and reflections on the Beatles' influence.
15 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 44min
A Cultural History Of Hypochondria
Caroline Crampton, author of "A Body Made of Glass," dives deep into illness anxiety disorder and its cultural history, discussing personal experiences with hypochondria and new therapeutic methods. She highlights the fine line between responsible health vigilance and irrational fears. Film critic John Powers reviews two new spy series, "Black Doves" and "The Agency," contrasting their narrative styles and exploring themes of identity and morality. The insights into health anxiety and storytelling make for a thought-provoking listen!
108 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 46min
Trump's 2nd Term & The Economy
David Wessel, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former Wall Street Journal journalist, dives into Donald Trump's economic plans, discussing the implications of tariffs, tax cuts, and the idea of a government efficiency overhaul led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Meanwhile, Maureen Corrigan, a literature professor and book critic, reviews Niall Williams' poignant novel 'Time of the Child', exploring themes of community and personal struggle in a rural Irish setting. The conversation weaves together economics and literature in a captivating narrative.
Dec 3, 2024 • 45min
Artist Mickalene Thomas Gives Black Women Their Flowers
Join renowned artist Mickalene Thomas, who boldly elevates Black womanhood in her vibrant work. She shares her transformative exhibition 'All About Love,' redefining beauty and representation through collages and photographs. Drawing inspiration from her mother, she speaks about merging personal narratives with art. Meanwhile, David Bianculli reviews the documentary 'Beatles ’64,' exploring the iconic band's cultural impact. Together, they weave a rich tapestry of identity, family, and the celebration of Black experiences.
14 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 46min
Folk Musician Jerron Paxton Transports Us To the '20s
Jerron Paxton, a dynamic folk musician known for blending traditional and contemporary sounds, shares his insights on music inspired by the 1920s. He discusses themes of love, gentrification, and self-discovery reflected in his new album, 'Things Done Changed.' Jerron recounts his journey learning instruments, particularly the banjo, and the importance of heritage in his work. He also opens up about navigating life with vision impairment and how music serves as a healing force, further enriching his artistic expression.
Nov 30, 2024 • 50min
Best Of: Making 'The Piano Lesson' / Selena Gomez
John David Washington and Malcolm Washington share their unique journey of adapting August Wilson's acclaimed play, The Piano Lesson, for Netflix, exploring themes of family legacy and heritage. Selena Gomez discusses her role in the Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez, showcasing her growth as an artist while navigating personal challenges. Film critic Justin Chang reviews blockbusters like Gladiator 2 and Wicked, offering insights into contemporary cinematic storytelling. The conversation weaves together personal narratives, cultural connections, and artistic resilience.
Nov 29, 2024 • 47min
Pharrell Thinks He Sounds Like Mickey Mouse
Pharrell Williams, the Grammy-winning artist behind hits with The Neptunes, discusses his animated biopic 'Piece By Piece,' which reflects on his childhood in Virginia Beach. He opens up about his unique synesthesia, revealing how sound translates to color in his creative process. Pharrell shares the story of a song rejected by Prince and delves into his struggles with self-acceptance regarding his voice. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration in music and the transformative power of understanding one's ancestral roots.
