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
4 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 44min
Andrew Scott Doesn't See Ripley As A Monster
Andrew Scott, an acclaimed actor nominated for a SAG Award for his role in Netflix's 'Ripley,' dives deep into the psyche of his character, a morally ambiguous con artist. He stresses the importance of humanizing Tom Ripley, noting the need to advocate for flawed characters. The discussion also touches on the power of silence in storytelling, reflecting on how non-verbal cues can reveal profound emotions. Scott further explores themes of identity, faith, and the complex relationships that bind us, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
Feb 20, 2025 • 44min
A Family Forged By Haiti's Coup
Rich Benjamin, author of the memoir "Talk to Me," reflects on his family's deep-rooted history in Haiti, revealing how his grandfather's brief presidency ended in a military coup that changed their lives forever. He discusses the traumatic experiences his mother faced and the family's resilience as they navigated life as Haitian refugees in America. Benjamin also explores themes of identity, colorism, and the impact of societal perceptions on being Haitian. Through anecdotes from his youth during the AIDS epidemic and a transformative experience with incarceration, he shares a powerful narrative of adversity and growth.
154 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 45min
How Regime Change Happens In America
In this engaging discussion, guest Anne Applebaum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and acclaimed author on authoritarianism, sheds light on the nuances of regime change in America. She argues that modern democracies crumble from internal attacks on institutions rather than dramatic coups. Highlighting the Trump administration's distancing from NATO and its embrace of authoritarian figures like Putin, Applebaum critiques the ongoing dismantling of the civil service and warns against the dangers of political loyalty over merit.
12 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 45min
What Measles Outbreaks Tell Us About Public Health In America
Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatrics and microbiology professor at NYU and author of "Booster Shots," discusses the alarming resurgence of measles and its ties to vaccine skepticism and diminished public trust in health systems. He highlights the critical need to restore faith in vaccinations, especially in light of budget cuts and misinformation. Meanwhile, book critic Maureen Corrigan reflects on Geraldine Brooks' memoir, "Memorial Days," sharing insights on grief and the personal struggle against misinformation, demonstrating how public health issues resonate on an individual level.
74 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 44min
Are Trump's Executive Orders Legal?
Charlie Savage, a renowned constitutional scholar and New York Times writer, breaks down the complexities of executive power and its legal challenges. He discusses the tug-of-war between presidential authority and congressional oversight, especially in immigration policy and recent legal battles. TV critic David Bianculli dives into the cultural impact of 'Star Trek: Section 31' and 'Planet Earth: Asia,' connecting their narratives to modern storytelling and nature documentaries. Together, they explore how these themes resonate in today’s political landscape.
Feb 15, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Sebastian Stan / Questlove On The Genius Of Sly Stone
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, musician, filmmaker, and co-founder of The Roots, discusses his new Hulu documentary about Sly Stone, exploring themes of Black genius and artistic challenges. He dives into Sly's musical legacy, iconic hits, and the impact of his work during the civil rights movement. Actor Sebastian Stan shares his experience portraying Donald Trump, reflecting on identity, social perceptions, and the pressure of embodying controversial figures. Both guests offer profound insights into creativity, authenticity, and personal journeys.
26 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 47min
'SNL' Turns 50: Aykroyd, Franken, Zweibel & Lovitz
In this lively discussion, Dan Aykroyd shares the origins of the Blues Brothers with John Belushi. Al Franken dives into Stuart Smalley's creation, reflecting on the therapeutic power of humor in self-help culture. Alan Zweibel reminisces about working with Gilda Radner and her iconic characters. Jon Lovitz reveals the story behind his character Master Thespian, celebrating SNL's enduring legacy. The show highlights its cultural impact over 50 years, filled with personal anecdotes and a review of the romantic comedy 'The Annihilation of Fish'.
Feb 13, 2025 • 45min
'Nickel Boys' Director RaMell Ross Makes The Camera 'An Organ'
RaMell Ross, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker known for his unique visual style, discusses his impactful film Nickel Boys, which portrays the struggles of Black youth in a turbulent 1960s reformatory. He shares insights on innovative filmmaking techniques that transform the camera into a powerful storytelling tool, highlighting themes of identity and place. Ross also reflects on the significance of personal narratives in art and the emotional connections tied to Southern landscapes, revealing how his experiences shape his creative vision.
158 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 46min
How Did Elon Musk Become So Powerful In The Trump Administration?
Eric Lipton, an investigative reporter for the New York Times, and Theodore Schleifer, a journalist covering tech and politics, discuss Elon Musk's powerful influence during the Trump administration. They highlight how Musk's companies thrive amidst federal cuts and detail his shift towards conservative views. The duo explores the complex relationship between Musk and government dynamics, revealing concerns over conflicts of interest, accountability, and the growing trend of tech billionaires aligning with right-leaning ideologies.
17 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 44min
For Sebastian Stan, 'The Apprentice' Playing In Theaters Was The Win
Sebastian Stan, an Oscar-nominated actor for his role as Donald Trump, reflects on his journey from Romania to Hollywood. He shares vivid memories of growing up during the fall of communism and his father's influence on his pursuit of the American Dream. Stan discusses the emotional highs and lows of awards season, emphasizing personal growth over accolades. He also reflects on the challenges and triumphs of adapting to new cultures and the sacrifices made by his family, all while navigating the complexities of his acting career.
