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
40 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 45min
The High Pressure Experiments That Made D-Day
In a riveting discussion, Rachel Lance, a biomedical engineer and author of 'Chamber Divers,' dives into the high-stakes research that helped shape D-Day strategies, revealing the perils of underwater pressure and the extreme experiments undertaken by WWII scientists. She shares gripping tales of decompression sickness and the intoxicating dangers of oxygen toxicity. Film critic Justin Chang also weighs in with a passionate review of 'Sirat,' describing it as one of the year's standout films, adding cinematic flair to the conversation.
41 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 44min
Ethan Hawke On The Role That Pushed Him To His Limit
Ethan Hawke, an award-nominated actor, director, and writer, explores the emotional depth of his role as lyricist Lorenz Hart in 'Blue Moon.' He discusses the challenges of portraying Hart's complexities and insecurities, including how it impacted his perception of identity. Reflecting on aging, Hawke connects personal experiences with artistic sensitivity and addiction. He also shares insights on his collaborations with Richard Linklater, the profound influence of the Seymour Bernstein documentary, and how acting fulfills his spiritual calling.
49 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 46min
Who Is Laura Loomer, Trump's 'Loyalty Enforcer'?
Antonia Hitchens, a staff writer at The New Yorker, shares insights about Laura Loomer, who transformed from a conspiracy theorist to a key Trump ally. Hitchens reveals Loomer's extreme protests, including chaining herself to Twitter's door, and her self-proclaimed role as a modern-day prophet. They discuss her controversial congressional runs, the potential influence she wielded within the White House, and the ambiguity of her lobbying efforts. Hitchens also reflects on Loomer's upbringing and how it shaped her unique activism style.
37 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 46min
Nutrition, SNAP & Why We Need A Food Revolution
Marion Nestle, a prominent food policy expert and nutritionist, discusses the pressing need for a food revolution. She highlights the inadequacies of SNAP benefits, influenced by political decisions during government shutdowns. Nestle delves into the challenges of ultra-processed foods, their environmental impact, and how supermarket practices disadvantage small producers. She advocates for triple-duty diets that benefit health, food security, and climate. Film critic Justin Chang reviews Joachim Trier’s film, Sentimental Value, adding a cinematic touch to the conversation.
26 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 46min
Tim Robbins Believes In The Power Of Theater
Tim Robbins, an Academy Award-winning actor and founder of The Actors Gang, discusses his new play, Topsy-Turvy, which explores the impact of COVID isolation on a chorus. He reflects on how the pandemic challenged his core beliefs and shaped his artistic approach. Robbins also shares his journey from street theater to intimate productions, emphasizing the transformative power of live theater. Meanwhile, David Bianculli reviews the Netflix miniseries Death by Lightning, highlighting its compelling performances and relevance to current themes.
Nov 8, 2025 • 47min
Best Of: Judd Apatow / Misty Copeland
Judd Apatow, a legendary filmmaker and comedy writer, shares insights from his visual memoir, discussing his early obsession with collecting autographs, including a humorous story about Steve Martin. Misty Copeland, the trailblazing principal dancer at ABT, reflects on her challenging journey in ballet, overcoming injuries, and her transformative collaboration with Prince, who inspired her to embrace her uniqueness. Their candid stories highlight resilience and the power of creative expression.
Nov 7, 2025 • 47min
Patti Smith’s ‘Horses’ Turns 50
Patti Smith, the iconic poet and singer-songwriter, reflects on her groundbreaking debut album, 'Horses,' which turns 50 this year. She shares tales from her early days in New York City, revealing how the album diverted her path from art to music. Ken Tucker provides critical insights into the album's unique sound and its impact on rock history. They also discuss the unreleased track 'Snowball,' the profound influence of Robert Mapplethorpe, and the album's mission to connect with marginalized audiences through a blend of poetry and rock.
87 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 45min
Trump's Options To Subvert The 2026 Midterms
David Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic specializing in election threats, delves into alarming potential strategies for how Trump might disrupt the 2026 midterms, including military presence at polling places and pressure tactics on election workers. He discusses the significance of misinformation, recent legislative maneuvers, and a hypothetical worst-case scenario in Maricopa County. Meanwhile, Maureen Corrigan, a book critic and literature professor, shares her insights on Patti Smith’s memoir, 'Bread of Angels,' exploring its connection to her earlier work.
15 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 46min
Misty Copeland Begins A New Chapter
Misty Copeland, a trailblazing ballerina and the first Black principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, reflects on her farewell performance as a heartfelt thank you to her supportive communities. She delves into her relationship with pain and the challenges of returning to the stage after injury. Misty passionately discusses the significance of representation in ballet, her personal journey of motherhood affecting her art, and her mission to document Black ballet history. Looking ahead, she shares her desire to produce purposeful stories in her future projects.
61 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 44min
The Undoing Of The Department Of Justice
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Carol Leonnig and Aaron Davis as they dissect the complexities of the U.S. Justice Department's handling of cases against Donald Trump. They reveal why key investigations faltered, link FBI hesitancy to political fears, and delve into the impact of the January 6 Committee's revelations on DOJ actions. Their insights from the book ‘Injustice’ expose the struggles of maintaining fairness in a politically charged environment, raising questions about accountability and transparency in American justice.
