Fresh Air

In this engaging discussion, Ramy Youssef, an actor and comedian famous for his series Rami, shares his insights on his new animated show, #1 Happy Family USA. He reflects on his childhood experiences in New Jersey after 9/11, exploring complex themes like Islamophobia and identity. Youssef elaborates on the unique use of humor and music to tell stories of generational conflict within immigrant families. He also touches on the balance between faith and comedy, revealing the challenges of navigating societal expectations while staying true to one’s roots.

Danny McBride, creator and star of The Righteous Gemstones, shares his insights on challenging Hollywood stereotypes of the South. He reflects on his comedic roots and how the absurdity of Southern culture shapes his storytelling. The conversation dives into the depth of his characters, balancing humor with their complexities. McBride also discusses lessons from working with church pastors and the emotional journey of wrapping up his hit show, revealing the camaraderie and nostalgia felt among the cast.

Michelle Williams, an award-winning actor, discusses her role in 'Dying for Sex,' a darkly humorous series about seizing sexual pleasure in the face of terminal illness. Sarah Snook, celebrated for her work in HBO's 'Succession,' reveals she almost passed on the audition and shares insights into her groundbreaking one-woman show of 'Dorian Gray.' Both actresses delve into themes of female empowerment, the importance of support in the arts, and the emotional complexities of their performances, celebrating personal growth and societal change.

R. Crumb, a groundbreaking cartoonist known for Zap Comix and iconic characters like Fritz the Cat, dives into the wild origin of his art shaped by nightmares and psychedelics. Aline Kominsky Crumb, his wife and fellow artist, shares insights into women's depictions in comics and their shared artistic journey. They discuss the freeing yet controversial nature of sexual themes in their work, balancing raw creativity with societal expectations while reflecting on their experiences in the underground comic scene.

In this engaging conversation, journalist Amanda Hess, author of Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age, reveals the deep impact of technology on her experience of pregnancy after learning her child had an abnormality. Hess discusses the emotional rollercoaster of navigating pregnancy apps and online forums, while critiquing their unrealistic portrayals of motherhood. She also addresses the inequalities in access to reproductive technologies and the implications of surveillance in parenting, emphasizing the need for genuine human connections amidst digital chaos.

Eric Lipton, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, delves into the Trump family's business ventures and the conflicts of interest they create. He discusses how the Trump family's cryptocurrency investments could influence regulatory measures and government policy, including the ramifications on foreign relations. Lipton highlights specific cases, like Don Jr.'s dealings abroad and the implications of Trump’s financial ties in the crypto sector, raising ethical concerns surrounding political influence and transparency.

Michelle Williams, an award-winning actor celebrated for her roles in Dawson's Creek and The Fablemans, discusses her latest series Dying for Sex. She emphasizes the delicate balance of humor and vulnerability as characters navigate intimacy amid terminal illness. Williams shares her journey of personal growth, touching on friendship, motherhood, and the power of shared experiences. She reflects on her early career and the transformative impact of embodying iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe, advocating for empowerment in the entertainment industry.

Sarah Snook, a talented stage and screen actor best known for her role as Shiv Roy in Succession, shares her journey, including her incredible one-person show where she plays 26 characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray. She reveals her initial hesitations about auditioning for Succession and the quirky challenges she faced in mastering American accents. Snook also reflects on the complex dynamics of her character, Shiv, in a male-dominated world, and dives into the emotional depth of pivotal scenes in both her theatrical and television roles.

Lisa Hagen, an NPR reporter, delves into the pro-natalist movement, highlighting its belief that increasing birth rates can save society from decline. Sociologist Karen Guzzo discusses the complexities behind why people choose to have children and critiques current policies. Daria Burke shares insights from her memoir about overcoming childhood trauma in 1980s Detroit, revealing how early experiences shape our identities. Together, they unpack the intersections of societal pressures, personal history, and the journey towards resilience.

Best-selling author David Grann, known for his gripping non-fiction works, delves into the harrowing saga of an 18th-century British warship, The Wager. He discusses the despair faced by castaways, including starvation and mutiny, and shocking survival tactics like cannibalism. Grann shares the tumultuous journey of the surviving sailors, where only 29 out of 81 made it to Brazil, highlighting their struggle against nature and each other. He also reflects on the impacts of narratives and public perception as they returned to England.