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
7 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 45min
The True Story Of Abuse And Injustice Behind 'Nickel Boys'
Colson Whitehead, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist known for tackling themes of race and injustice, discusses the painful history behind his novel, 'The Nickel Boys,' which dives into the horrific realities of the Dozier reform school in Florida. He highlights the haunting legacy of abuse and the discovery of unmarked graves. Jazz critic Martin Johnson celebrates the artistry of McCoy Tyner and Joe Henderson, while film critic Justin Chang reviews Mike Leigh's 'Hard Truths,' exploring complex family dynamics and themes of loneliness.
11 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 45min
The Secret History Of The Rape Kit
Pagan Kennedy, an investigative reporter and author, discusses the groundbreaking contributions of community activist Marty Goddard in the fight for sexual assault survivors' rights. The conversation sheds light on the evolution of rape kits and the systemic failures surrounding sexual assault cases. Additionally, David Bianculli reviews the Netflix miniseries American Primeval, highlighting its portrayal of survival and conflict in the 19th-century American West. Together, they explore the intersection of historical narratives and modern advocacy in justice.
20 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 44min
How Losing Everything In A Wildfire Led Pico Iyer To Seek Silence
Pico Iyer, an acclaimed author known for his profound travel writing and insights into global cultures, shares his transformative experience after losing his mother's home to a wildfire. He recounts finding peace in a Benedictine monastery and how silence became a sanctuary amid tragedy. Iyer explores the intersection of personal loss, resilience, and the spiritual depth discovered through solitude. He emphasizes the importance of quiet companionship and the emotional richness that silence can bring to relationships, highlighting nature's role in this journey.
47 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 45min
Can The U.S. Aquire Greenland? & Other Q's About Trump Foreign Policy
David Sanger, a Pulitzer Prize-winning national security correspondent for the New York Times, dives into the complexities of Trump's foreign policy. He discusses Trump's contentious aspirations to acquire Greenland and influence territories like the Panama Canal. The conversation also highlights the looming nuclear threats from Iran and the implications of U.S. withdrawal from key agreements, alongside the challenge of navigating geopolitical tensions with Russia and China. Sanger provides keen insights into the evolving landscape of international relations.
15 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 45min
Roy Wood Jr. Thinks Of Comedy As Journalism
Roy Wood Jr., a comedian known for his work on The Daily Show, dives into the power of comedy as a form of journalism. He highlights his new special, Lonely Flowers, which addresses societal isolation. Wood shares how an arrest led him to comedy and reflects on the delicate balance of humor and controversy. The discussion touches on personal struggles with childhood trauma, the legacy of his father in the civil rights movement, and how understanding everyday experiences shapes his comedic voice.
8 snips
Jan 11, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Tilda Swinton / Adrien Brody
Tilda Swinton, acclaimed for her diverse roles, discusses her poignant portrayal of a terminally ill woman in Almodóvar's latest film. She reflects on personal experiences with loss and the complexities of navigating grief. Adrien Brody, known for his Oscar-winning role, shares insights from his character, a Holocaust survivor starting anew in post-WWII America, drawing from his family's immigrant background. Together, they explore themes of mortality, emotional connections, and the resilience found in life's challenges.
9 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 47min
Joan Baez / Suze Rotolo / Al Kooper On Dylan
Join Suze Rotolo, Bob Dylan's early muse and author, folk singer Joan Baez, and session musician Al Kooper as they share captivating stories from the heart of the 1960s music scene. Suze reflects on her iconic relationship with Dylan and their time in Greenwich Village, while Joan recounts taking Dylan on tour before he was famous. Al discusses his pivotal role in crafting 'Like a Rolling Stone,' revealing the exciting spontaneity behind its creation. Each guest brings unique insights into the music and memories that shaped a legendary era.
Jan 9, 2025 • 45min
Remembering Jimmy Carter (Part II)
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, is renowned for his dedication to human rights and peace. In this engaging conversation, he shares his journey into poetry, offering a glimpse into the emotional depths of love and loss. Reflecting on family life in the White House, Carter reveals the unique dynamics with his daughter, Amy. He also discusses the troubling intertwining of religion and politics in America, advocating for the coexistence of faith and science. Carter’s passion for storytelling shines through, emphasizing the importance of community and family.
25 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 44min
Tilda Swinton Thinks About Her Death
Tilda Swinton, an iconic actress known for her versatility, discusses her poignant role in Pedro Almodóvar's film, The Room Next Door, where she portrays a terminally ill woman. She reflects on the significance of contemplating mortality, suggesting that embracing death enriches our lives. Swinton shares personal stories from her military upbringing and explores the connection between fashion and identity, emphasizing her unique 'queer fish' perspective. The conversation dives into the beauty of care during final days and the deep bonds forged through love and loss.
26 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 44min
Adrien Brody Was Made For 'The Brutalist'
Adrien Brody, the Oscar-winning actor famous for his roles in The Pianist and The Grand Budapest Hotel, shares insights into his award-winning performance in The Brutalist. He reveals how his family's history shaped his portrayal of a Holocaust survivor transitioning to post-WWII America. Brody discusses his collaborative experience with Wes Anderson and reflects on the significance of silence and pacing in storytelling. The conversation also touches on personal roots in acting, romantic themes in cinema, and the delicate balance of filmmaking.
