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
46 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 44min
The 'Jailhouse Lawyer' Who Freed Innocent People — Including Himself
Calvin Duncan, a former inmate and jailhouse lawyer, shares his incredible journey from wrongful conviction to freedom. He reveals how he fought to exonerate himself and countless others while navigating a flawed legal system. Duncan highlights the systemic barriers faced by poor and Black individuals in the justice system, and discusses how his experiences shaped his passion for legal advocacy. His memoir, The Jailhouse Lawyer, chronicles these challenges and his relentless pursuit of justice.
Jul 12, 2025 • 49min
Best Of: A 'Failed' Child Star / A Novel About Pregnancy Post-Roe
Tamara Yajia, an author and former child star from Argentina, shares her emotional journey from childhood fame to navigating immigration struggles in the U.S. She details the challenges of early fame and the complex relationship with her family. Leila Motley, celebrated for her debut novel, discusses her latest work, which highlights the lives of young mothers in a post-Roe world, emphasizing the importance of community and storytelling in reshaping perceptions of teen motherhood. Both guests offer powerful insights into resilience and identity.
23 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 44min
Danzy Senna Writes Herself (& Other Mixed-Race People) Into Existence
Danzy Senna, a novelist renowned for her insights into mixed-race identity, shares her unique upbringing as the child of a Black father and a white mother. She discusses how being mixed-race shaped her experience and influenced her latest book, Colored Television. Senna reflects on the familial and societal complexities of her identity, the hurdles she faced in publishing, and the evolving understanding of race. Her journey highlights the importance of authentic representation in literature and the challenges of creating media that truly reflects diverse experiences.
103 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 45min
SCOTUS & The Reconception Of American Constitutional Order
In a compelling discussion, Adam Liptak, a seasoned New York Times reporter focusing on law, dives into the Supreme Court's recent transformations. He highlights the controversial expansion of presidential power and the limitations placed on lower courts, emphasizing the impact of decisions made via the shadow docket. Liptak raises concerns about democracy's future, reflects on the evolving relationship between executive and judicial powers, and addresses pivotal rulings affecting LGBTQ rights, all while navigating the strong dissent from Justices like Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Jul 9, 2025 • 45min
Doula & Novelist Leila Mottley On The Nuance Of Young Parenthood
Leila Mottley, a celebrated author and poet known for her debut novel Nightcrawling, discusses her second novel, The Girls Who Grew Big, which highlights the struggles of teenage mothers. She explores the complexities of young parenthood, community support, and societal perceptions while addressing current reproductive rights issues. Mottley reflects on the resilience of young Black women amid vulnerability and shares her journey as a novelist, balancing personal storytelling with audience expectations, all against a backdrop of urban change in Oakland.
10 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 46min
Raphael Saadiq's Secret To Creative Success: 'Dare To Suck'
Raphael Saadiq, an award-winning singer and multi-talented musician, shares insights from his storied career and new one-man show. He discusses the emotional connections forged through music and the creative process behind hit songs like 'It Never Rains in Southern California.' Saadiq reflects on collaborations with icons like Beyoncé and Mick Jagger, emphasizing the importance of taking risks in creativity. He also dives into the personal significance of his instruments and pays tribute to legends like Sly Stone, revealing the deep roots of his artistic journey.
49 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 45min
Can't Sleep? You're Not Alone
Jennifer Senior, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer at The Atlantic, shares her 25-year battle with insomnia and the insights from her latest article on the topic. She discusses the psychological challenges of sleeplessness and dismantles myths around sleep medications. The conversation also highlights the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Senior links her experience to broader health issues like long COVID, offering coping strategies to improve sleep. Additionally, David Bianculli reviews a new documentary on Ms. magazine's impact on feminism.
13 snips
Jul 5, 2025 • 47min
Best Of: 'Hamilton' Producer Jeffrey Seller / Ebon Moss-Bachrach On 'The Bear'
Jeffrey Seller, a renowned Broadway producer behind hits like Hamilton and Rent, shares insights from his memoir, Theater Kid, discussing his journey from a humble beginning to the pinnacle of musical theater. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Emmy-winning actor known for his role in The Bear, delves into the complex dynamics of his character Richie, shaped by grief and family challenges. Their conversation beautifully intertwines personal stories with the transformative power of theater and the emotional depth of storytelling.
16 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 45min
How Louis Armstrong Became The First Black Pop Star
Join Ricky Riccardi, author and director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, as he unpacks the remarkable life of Louis Armstrong. Discover how Armstrong's innovative trumpet playing and vocal techniques set the stage for 20th-century music and made him the first black pop star. Riccardi shares insights into Armstrong's challenging New Orleans upbringing, iconic recordings like 'West End Blues,' and his groundbreaking scat singing. Delve into the legacy that continues to influence generations of musicians.
30 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 44min
A 'Failed Child Star' Looks Back On Her Unconventional Childhood
Tamara Yajia, author of "Cry for Me, Argentina," shares her poignant journey from aspiring child star in Argentina to life in California. She candidly reflects on the challenges of early sexualization and the complexities of her immigrant experience. With humor, she discusses memorable anecdotes, including her family's struggles with legal issues and her evolution from music to writing. Through introspection and therapy, she uncovers profound truths about identity, parenthood, and healing, making for an inspiring and relatable narrative.
