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
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.
14 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 46min
Sterling K. Brown Was Told By Hollywood To Lose The "Smart-Guy Thing"
Sterling K. Brown, an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor known for his roles in This Is Us and Black Panther, discusses his journey through Hollywood. He reveals the challenges of losing his father and the prejudice he faced in the industry. Brown candidly shares how stereotypes impact casting and reflects on his emotional connection to roles, including his thoughts on the O.J. Simpson trial. He also humorously recounts moments from his Emmy speeches and emphasizes the importance of representation and storytelling in film.
9 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 47min
Mark Ruffalo Hates The Hulk Suit
Mark Ruffalo, an Oscar-nominated actor famous for his roles in Spotlight and as the Incredible Hulk, discusses his diverse career and recent role in the dark comedy Poor Things. He shares insights into transitioning to comedic acting and the complexities of his character. Ruffalo opens up about his battle with a brain tumor and how it reshaped his life, reflecting on emotional vulnerability. He also delves into maintaining anonymity in bustling New York City, sharing humorous tips for blending in.
14 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 46min
Remembering President Jimmy Carter (Part I)
In an intimate reflection on his life, Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and renowned humanitarian, shares stories of his upbringing on a Georgia farm and his transition into politics. He discusses his impactful work in human rights and mediating conflicts globally. Carter also opens up about the complexities of electoral integrity and the emotional challenges he faced post-presidency, including navigating his relationship with Rosalind and reflections on mortality and legacy.
Dec 28, 2024 • 48min
Maggie Rogers / Kathleen Hanna
Maggie Rogers, a singer-songwriter known for her viral discovery by Pharrell and her spiritual exploration in music, shares her transformative journey through Harvard Divinity School. Kathleen Hanna, co-founder of the Riot Grrrl movement and author of 'Rebel Girl,' discusses the punk scene's impact on feminism. Together, they explore the therapeutic nature of songwriting, the legacy of powerful anthems, and the empowering experiences in all-female spaces. Delve into their candid conversations about authenticity, creativity, and the evolution of their powerful voices in music.
Dec 27, 2024 • 48min
Connie Chung Regrets Being A Good Girl
Connie Chung, an award-winning journalist and author of the memoir "Connie," shares her journey in breaking into the male-dominated world of television news. She discusses her significant career milestones and the challenges she faced while paving the way for future women in journalism. Connie dives into her personal experiences, including her marriage to Maury Povich and the balance of integrity versus sensationalism in reporting. Through humor and reflection, she reveals the highs and lows of her trailblazing career.
13 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 46min
Jeremy Strong Sees Acting As An Escape From Self
Jeremy Strong, an Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor known for his roles in 'Succession' and 'The Apprentice,' dives deep into the complexities of embodying morally ambiguous characters. He shares insights on portraying the controversial Roy Cohn and his powerful performance as Kendall Roy. Strong reflects on his challenging upbringing and how acting became an escape. He discusses the responsibility of representing truth while navigating personal emotional depth in his craft, illustrating the interplay between ambition, morality, and genesis of character.
35 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 47min
Pete Seeger / Bruce Springsteen
Pete Seeger, an influential folk singer and activist known for his social justice anthems, reflects on the power of music to inspire change and the challenges he faced during his career. Bruce Springsteen, a rock icon celebrated for his storytelling, shares insights from his memoir 'Born to Run,' discussing themes of escape and personal struggles. The conversation also touches on the joy of communal singing and Seeger's impact on future musicians like Dylan and Springsteen, revealing how their legacies intertwine in the fabric of American music.
13 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 49min
David Byrne's Christmas Playlist
David Byrne, the iconic frontman of Talking Heads and a Broadway sensation, shares his favorite holiday tunes. He reflects on the emotional complexity of Christmas music, touching on tracks like 'Fairytale of New York' and the melancholic realities of the season. Byrne explores how music can evoke longing and nostalgia while also celebrating joy. With anecdotes about gift-giving and festive performances, he blends personal insights with cultural commentary, making a case for the deeper meaning behind holiday melodies.
