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
21 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Making 'Born To Run' / Why We Can't Sleep
Peter Ames Carlin, a celebrated author known for his works on Bruce Springsteen, dives into the behind-the-scenes magic of 'Born to Run,' exploring its creation and the personal struggles Springsteen faced. Meanwhile, Jennifer Senior, a Staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses the alarming rise of insomnia in America, sharing insights into its psychological effects and the societal implications of sleeplessness. Together, they unravel the connections between music, identity, and the urgent need for better sleep.
14 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 47min
Remembering Eddie Palmieri / Funk Innovator George Clinton
The podcast features Eddie Palmieri, a legendary pianist and composer renowned for his influence on Afro-Caribbean music, and George Clinton, the iconic leader of Parliament-Funkadelic who revolutionized funk in the 70s and 80s. They discuss Palmieri's journey from the South Bronx to salsa stardom, showcasing his cultural heritage and musical evolution. Clinton reflects on his groundbreaking use of electronics and memorable alter egos, while celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mothership Connection, highlighting its lasting impact on funk and music history.
10 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 46min
The Making Of Springsteen's 'Born To Run'
Peter Ames Carlin, a biographer known for 'Tonight in Jungleland' and 'Bruce,' dives into the transformative journey of Bruce Springsteen's 'Born to Run.' He reveals how Springsteen, on the verge of being dropped by his label, created an album that symbolized the American dream. Carlin discusses the intricate evolution of tracks like 'Thunder Road' and 'Jungle Land,' highlighting themes of despair and escape. He also explores the album's cultural impact, capturing a pivotal moment in rock history.
40 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 45min
The Nihilistic War In Sudan
Anne Applebaum, a staff writer for The Atlantic and a seasoned journalist, dives into the devastating impact of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, where 14 million have been displaced. She discusses the brutal rivalry between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, illuminating the chaos and grassroots resilience amid the humanitarian crisis. The conversation also touches on the implications for global politics, the influences of regional powers, and the stark contrast between the situations in Sudan and Ukraine, revealing the interconnectedness of modern conflicts.
17 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 45min
Sarah Silverman Gets the Last Laugh in 'PostMortem'
In this entertaining conversation, Sarah Silverman, a celebrated comic, writer, and actor known for her Emmy-nominated special 'Postmortem', dives into the humor found in grief after losing her father and stepmother. She reflects on familial trauma and how her father's rage shaped her upbringing, shedding light on personal growth and reconciliation. Silverman also shares her journey through a male-dominated comedy scene and the significance of authenticity in her performance, all while navigating the intricacies of family dynamics with wit and heart.
47 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 45min
How The 1979 Revolution Transformed Iran
Scott Anderson, a veteran war correspondent and author of 'King of Kings', dives into the transformative impact of the 1979 Iranian Revolution. He discusses how the U.S. failed to predict shifts in Iran’s political climate, highlighting critical missteps by American policymakers. The conversation reveals the tensions between the Shah and rising anti-regime sentiments, alongside the internal chaos within the Iranian military. Anderson emphasizes the lasting effects of the revolution on U.S.-Iran relations and the geopolitical landscape.
Aug 2, 2025 • 43min
Best Of: Mariska Hargitay / Marc Maron
Mariska Hargitay, Emmy-winning star of Law & Order: SVU, shares insights about her deeply personal documentary, My Mom Jayne, honoring her late mother, Jayne Mansfield. Marc Maron discusses his mixed feelings about ending his podcast, reflecting on grief and his quirky cats, while promoting his new HBO special, Panicked. Both guests connect through their creative journeys, exploring themes of loss, identity, and reinvention. Meanwhile, Ken Tucker celebrates Parliament’s iconic album, Mothership Connection, marking its 50th anniversary.
28 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 43min
Correcting The Record On Elvis's Manager
Peter Guralnick, a renowned rock historian and author of the definitive biography on Elvis Presley, dives deep into the life and legacy of Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s controversial manager. Guralnick reveals surprising insights about Parker's cunning tactics and questions long-held assumptions. He explores the complex relationship between Elvis and Parker, detailing their creative partnership during iconic hits like 'Heartbreak Hotel.' The discussion also touches on Elvis's musical evolution and the pressures he faced from the industry, painting a vivid picture of their dynamic.
52 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 45min
Has NASA Ceded Its Mission To Elon Musk?
Franklin Foer, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of 'The Last Politician,' dives into the shifting dynamics of American space exploration. He discusses how SpaceX, under Elon Musk, is reshaping NASA's mission and workforce, stirring concerns about the agency's future. Foer highlights the emotional toll of budget cuts on NASA's employees and explores Musk's pivotal role in national security through government contracts. The conversation offers a fascinating juxtaposition of Cold War-era space initiatives with today's commercial space race.
42 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 45min
Comic Marc Maron On Grief, Cats, And Being Openhearted
Marc Maron, a comic, actor, and podcast host, opens up about his emotional journey as he wraps up his long-running show. He discusses his recent projects, including the Apple TV+ series 'Stick' and the HBO special 'Panicked.' The conversation delves into themes of grief, particularly surrounding his late girlfriend Lynn Shelton, and the bittersweet nature of relationships. Maron also shares humorous tales of living with his anxious cat Charlie, reflecting on the comforting yet chaotic companionship pets provide during tough times.
