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
30 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 45min
How Does Pain Work? Dr. Sanjay Gupta Explains
Dr. Sanjay Gupta is CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a renowned neurosurgeon, recently authoring 'It Doesn't Have to Hurt.' He discusses how our brains can misinterpret pain signals and the surprising role of emotional factors in chronic pain. Gupta also highlights alternatives to painkillers, including distraction and meditation. Intriguingly, he shares how a family of circus performers inspired a groundbreaking non-opioid drug. Plus, TV critic David Bianculli offers insights on the new HBO series 'Task' starring Mark Ruffalo.
44 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 46min
RFK Jr.'s Impact On Americans' Health
Cheryl Gay Stolberg, a health policy reporter for The New York Times and a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, dives into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s tumultuous role as Health and Human Services Secretary. She discusses alarming staff cuts and vaccine research cancellations that could affect public health. The conversation also touches on his controversial pivot to anti-vaccine activism during the pandemic and the political ramifications on COVID vaccine guidelines and public trust. In a lighter moment, Stolberg briefly reviews the series 'Butterfly' and its intricate family dynamics.
15 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 45min
Jane Fonda Is Not Backing Down
Jane Fonda, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor and activist, makes a powerful statement about her journey in activism and film. She reflects on her fiery critique of the Trump administration and emphasizes the importance of empathy across political divides. Fonda also delves into personal challenges, from familial complexities to confronting fears of aging. Her commitment to social change shines through as she navigates her career and personal growth, showing that it's never too late to embrace change and stand up for what you believe in.
Sep 1, 2025 • 47min
Roots of Rock and R&B: Dion and Allen Toussaint
All week we're revisiting
archival interviews with key figures in early rock and roll, rockabilly and
R&B. We listen back to a 2000
interview with former teen idol Dion. Plus we’ll hear an interview Terry Gross
recorded in 1988 with New Orleans songwriter and producer Allen Toussaint. And
jazz critic Kevin Whitehead profiles
jazz saxophonist Art Pepper, who was born 100 years ago today. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Aug 30, 2025 • 49min
Roots of R&B: Charles Brown & Ray Charles
In this captivating conversation, Ray Charles, the genre-defining soul singer known as 'The Genius', and Charles Brown, the iconic singer and pianist who fused Texas blues with Hollywood flair, share their musical journeys. They reflect on the profound influence of early R&B, personal struggles with loneliness, and the vibrant connections within the music scene. The duo also discusses the legacy of classic songs like 'Merry Christmas Baby' and Ray's groundbreaking contributions to integrating country music into R&B, highlighting the emotional depth of their art.
6 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 47min
Roots of R&B: 'Stand By Me'
Ben E. King, the soulful legend behind "Stand by Me," reflects on his transformative career, sharing insights from his early days with The Drifters to the song's enduring legacy. Jerry Wexler, the man who coined 'rhythm and blues,' discusses his influential role at Atlantic Records and collaborations with icons like Aretha Franklin. They delve into the songwriting secrets behind classics and the emotional depth of R&B, highlighting how these legendary artists shaped American music history.
17 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 46min
Roots of R&B: Johnny Otis & Etta James
Johnny Otis, a legendary figure in R&B, reflects on his career as a singer, songwriter, and talent scout known for discovering icons like Etta James. Etta shares her journey from overcoming personal struggles to becoming a celebrated singer with hits like 'At Last.' The duo discusses the vibrant yet challenging atmosphere of the 1940s music scene, the impact of gospel on Etta's style, and how they navigated censorship in their artistry. Their shared insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the roots and evolution of rhythm and blues.
Aug 26, 2025 • 47min
Roots of Rock: Sun Records & Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash, the legendary figure in country music, discusses his transformative journey, particularly after his collaboration with Rick Rubin that introduced him to a younger audience. Sam Phillips, founder of Sun Records, reflects on his role in launching stars like Elvis Presley and the complex racial dynamics during the dawn of rock and roll. They delve into Cash's enduring legacy, his iconic Folsom Prison performance, and share insights on authenticity and the emotional weight of their music.
12 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 45min
Roots Of Rock: "Blue Suede Shoes"
Scotty Moore, legendary guitarist for Elvis Presley, shares his experiences from the 1950s to the 1968 comeback special, revealing what it was like to play with the King and record the iconic 'Blue Suede Shoes.' Carl Perkins, the original songwriter, reflects on his artistic journey and the challenges he faced in the rockabilly scene. They discuss the innovative techniques used in Elvis's music and the emotional weight behind their collaborations. The conversation captures the essence of early rock and roll and its lasting impact on music.
10 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 46min
Remembering Actor Terence Stamp
In a heartfelt tribute, Terence Stamp, the iconic British actor known for roles in The Limey and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, reflects on his remarkable career. He discusses his journey from a working-class background to stardom, emphasizing the struggles of pursuing his passion against societal expectations. Stamp shares insights into the transformative experiences in his roles, including the challenges of vocal authenticity. The conversation captures his unique blend of humor and vulnerability, while celebrating his lasting cultural impact.
