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
Nov 18, 2024 • 46min
Actor/Comic Jimmy O. Yang Breaks Out Of The Background
Jimmy O. Yang, a stand-up comic and actor celebrated for his roles in 'Silicon Valley' and 'Crazy Rich Asians,' shares his journey in the entertainment industry. He discusses his new Hulu series, 'Interior Chinatown,' which highlights the invisibility faced by Asian Americans. Yang shares personal stories of navigating cultural identity and family dynamics, and how stand-up comedy became a liberating medium for self-expression. He also reflects on the importance of genuine representation in comedy and the challenges of feeling like an outsider.
Nov 16, 2024 • 48min
Best Of: Why Do We Itch? / Writer Richard Price
Annie Lowry, a Staff writer for The Atlantic, shares her harrowing experience with chronic itch due to a rare liver condition, diving into its emotional and societal implications. Screenwriter Richard Price discusses his new novel, Lazarus Man, which highlights resilience amidst community challenges in Harlem. Maureen Corrigan recommends uplifting reads, bringing a light-hearted perspective to the conversation. Together, they explore the complex intersections of personal struggle, literature, and the nuances of human connection.
10 snips
Nov 15, 2024 • 47min
Kerri Russell On 'The Diplomat'/ Remembering Dorothy Allison
Kerri Russell, known for her roles in 'Felicity' and 'The Americans', discusses her character in the Netflix political drama 'The Diplomat', highlighting the intense stakes and character dynamics. She shares insights from her early days on 'The Mickey Mouse Club', illustrating the challenges of growing up in the spotlight. The podcast also pays tribute to Dorothy Allison, whose poignant novel 'Bastard Out of Carolina' confronts childhood trauma and abuse, reflecting on her courageous journey toward healing and empowerment through literature.
16 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 45min
How Screenwriting Saved Novelist Richard Price
Richard Price, a celebrated novelist known for works like Clockers and contributions to HBO series such as The Wire, discusses his latest novel, Lazarus Man, which explores lives upended by a building collapse. He reflects on his transition from novelist to screenwriter, emphasizing how real-world struggles shaped his creativity. Maureen Corrigan shares insights on poetry, highlighting Billy Collins' exploration of aging and the touching fable, The Dog Who Followed the Moon, which delves into companionship and resilience through art.
Nov 13, 2024 • 47min
What Trump's Foreign Policy Could Look Like
Zannie Minton-Beddoes, the Editor-in-chief of The Economist and a former IMF economist, discusses the potential chaos and optimism of Trump's upcoming foreign policy. Topics include the implications of a new, isolationist team for U.S. global standing, the intricacies of the Ukraine conflict, and how Trump's policies could reshape NATO and trade dynamics. She also highlights the global rise of anti-incumbent sentiment and the effects on U.S.-China relations, reflecting on the significant geopolitical shifts that could unfold.
Nov 12, 2024 • 46min
Why Do We Itch?
Annie Lowrey, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of an article on chronic itch, shares her battle with primary biliary cholangitis, a rare liver disease causing relentless itching. She discusses the emotional toll of living with a condition often overlooked by medical research. The conversation dives into the complexity of itch, linking it to psychological factors and the frustrations of dealing with social misconceptions. Annie also reflects on the journey of acceptance while exploring potential treatments and the underappreciated struggles faced by those with chronic discomfort.
Nov 11, 2024 • 46min
Veteran Phil Klay On A 2nd Trump Administration & The Military
Phil Klay, a Marine Corps veteran and National Book Award-winning author, discusses the troubling implications of a potential second Trump administration on military ethics. He highlights how militaries have historically been politicized, potentially eroding crucial norms. The conversation dives into the personal motivations behind military service and the moral dilemmas faced by veterans. Klay also reflects on the emotional toll of modern warfare, interweaving themes of faith, loss, and broader ethical challenges in contemporary conflicts.
Nov 9, 2024 • 49min
Best Of: Al Pacino / Saoirse Ronan
Al Pacino, an Oscar-winning titan of cinema, reflects on his South Bronx upbringing and nearly passing on The Godfather Part II. He shares personal anecdotes about family and trauma, while promoting his memoir, Sonny Boy. Meanwhile, Saoirse Ronan, a four-time Oscar nominee, dives into her challenging roles in The Outrun and Blitz, including her intense experience of birthing lambs on set. Both guests provide rich insights into the emotional depths of acting and the personal struggles they portray.
Nov 8, 2024 • 46min
Jenny Slate Finds Strength In Sensitivity
In a heartfelt conversation, Jenny Slate, a comic and actor renowned for her special 'Seasoned Professional' and the beloved character Marcel the Shell, shares her journey of blending comedy with emotional authenticity. She opens up about navigating motherhood and the surreal experiences of pregnancy. Slate also reminisces about growing up in a haunted house, infusing humor into childhood fears. Her insights on sensitivity as a source of strength and her creative evolution highlight the delicate balance between personal storytelling and comedy.
Nov 7, 2024 • 46min
Freedman's Bank & Economic Disparities Today
In Savings and Trust, historian Justene Hill Edwards tells the story of the Freedman's Bank. Created for formerly enslaved people following the Civil War, its collapse cost depositors millions. She spoke with Tonya Molsey about how this part of history reverberates today. Also, book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews Vanishing Treasures.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
