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
56 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 42min
How Did DEI Become Part Of A Political Agenda — And A Slur?
Join Harvard's Frank Dobbin and Georgetown's Ella Washington as they tackle the polarizing landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). They explore the historical context of DEI initiatives and the consequences of backlash in corporate and political arenas. The conversation reveals the impact of dismantling DEI efforts on various communities and discusses the importance of accessibility for all. They also share strategies for effective workplace inclusion and how Gen Z's expectations are reshaping these initiatives. Tune in for a critical look at DEI's future!
Mar 4, 2025 • 45min
Mardi Gras With New Orleans Jazz Clarinetist Doreen Ketchens
Doreen Ketchens, affectionately dubbed "Lady Louie," is a celebrated New Orleans jazz clarinetist and vocalist known for her captivating street performances. In this conversation, she shares her emotional journey through music, from her classical roots to jazz, influenced by her late husband. Doreen recounts her experiences performing for U.S. presidents and reflects on growing up in the vibrant Treme neighborhood. With heartfelt stories and the spirit of Mardi Gras, she emphasizes music's transformative power and her deep connections with the art form.
15 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 44min
How A Writer's Life Changed In A Second
In this engaging discussion, Hanif Kureishi, an acclaimed screenwriter, novelist, and playwright, opens up about his life-changing fall that left him paralyzed. He shares how this traumatic experience inspired his memoir, 'Shattered,' and reshaped his purpose as a writer. Kureishi reflects on the emotional complexities of dependency and the powerful role of writing in recovery. He also highlights the invaluable contributions of immigrant healthcare workers and explores the nuances of fatherhood amidst adversity, all infused with humor and introspection.
Mar 1, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Growing Up Murdoch / DOGE's Cuts To The Federal Workforce
McKay Coppins, staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the tumultuous rivalry among Rupert Murdoch's children as they vie for control of the media empire, echoing a real-life version of 'Succession'. Elizabeth Linos, a Harvard public policy expert, discusses Elon Musk's bold strategies for downsizing the federal government and the significant implications for civil servants and essential services. Their conversation weaves through family dynamics and political maneuvering, showcasing the intersection of personal and corporate legacies.
8 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 47min
Jeremy Strong / Sebastian Stan / Adrien Brody
This episode features Jeremy Strong, an Oscar-nominated actor known for his impactful role as Roy Cohn in Succession; Sebastian Stan, who received acclaim for his portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice; and Adrien Brody, an Oscar winner preparing for his role in The Brutalist. They discuss the complexities of portraying controversial figures, the moral implications of their characters, and the artistic challenges that accompany such roles. The intense negotiation scenes between Cohn and Trump offer profound insight into their troubled legacies.
12 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 44min
Natasha Rothwell Checks Back Into 'The White Lotus'
Natasha Rothwell, an award-winning actor and writer known for her roles in HBO’s Insecure and The White Lotus, shares insights into her character Belinda's evolution in the latest season set in Thailand. She delves into themes of ambition, identity, and representation, while reflecting on her journey with body image and the reclamation of the term 'fat.' Natasha also discusses her transition from writer to performer and the complexities of navigating the acting world, blending personal struggles with the seductive qualities of her craft.
252 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 45min
The Ripple Effect Of Musk's Government Purge
Elizabeth Linos, a Harvard public policy expert, discusses the significant job cuts and contract cancellations in the federal government, warning of lasting harms. Maureen Corrigan, a literature professor, reviews Judith Giesberg's 'Last Seen', which reflects on the emotional toll of family separations experienced by formerly enslaved individuals. They dive into the historical context of government reforms and the vital need for public trust, illuminating how past injustices resonate today.
15 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 44min
The Murdoch Family's Real-Life 'Succession' Rivalry
McKay Coppins, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author known for his insights on political and media dynamics, dives into the fierce power struggle within the Murdoch family. He reveals how Rupert Murdoch's aging influence complicates sibling rivalries, particularly between Lachlan and James. The discussion uncovers James's growing discontent with Fox News's pro-Trump stance and the emotional turmoil stemming from familial distrust. With real-life echoes of 'Succession,' Coppins sheds light on the future implications for media control and ethics.
53 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 46min
The Battle For The Soul Of The Catholic Church
Philip Shenon, a veteran investigative journalist and author of "Jesus Wept," dives into the tumultuous history of the last seven popes and the Catholic Church's internal battles. He discusses the controversial legacy of Pope Pius XII during WWII and the fallout from his silence amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. Shenon highlights the challenges of Vatican reforms, particularly around issues like birth control and sexual morality. He also explores Pope Francis's efforts to navigate the sexual abuse crisis, underscoring the complexities of church leadership and inclusivity.
7 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 49min
Best Of: Louis Armstrong's Early Years / Our Anti-Social Century
Ricky Riccardi, Director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, shares insights on how Louis Armstrong became the first Black pop star, revolutionizing music with improvisation and scat singing. He discusses Armstrong's challenging early life and breakout success. Meanwhile, Derek Thompson from The Atlantic dives into the loneliness epidemic, revealing how technology fosters isolation. He emphasizes the decline of social interaction and offers ideas for revitalizing community connections in today’s anti-social environment.
