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
14 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 46min
Jane Goodall
Renowned primatologist Jane Goodall discusses her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, sharing insights on their emotional complexity and social behaviors. She explains how naming chimps enhances understanding of their emotions. Goodall unveils her observations of tool use, challenging human uniqueness, and reveals the similarities in nonverbal communication between chimps and humans. Film critic John Powers reviews 'A House of Dynamite,' adding depth to the conversation about storytelling and themes in cinema.
40 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 45min
National Guard Deployment In American Cities
Nancy Youssef, a national security reporter for The Atlantic, discusses the implications of National Guard deployments in U.S. cities amid rising tensions in the Pentagon. She analyzes the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act and the mixed reactions from Guardsmen about these missions. On a lighter note, film critic Justin Chang reviews Luca Guadagnino's *After the Hunt*, praising Julia Roberts' performance while questioning the film's approach to complex themes. This conversation bridges urgent security topics with cinematic critique.
Oct 8, 2025 • 46min
Laufey Is Unapologetically Herself
Laufey, the Icelandic jazz-pop sensation and classically trained cellist, shares her journey from a multicultural upbringing to Grammy recognition. She discusses her new album, A Matter of Time, blending orchestral influences with modern sounds, and performs captivating tracks. Also featured is Ken Tucker, a veteran rock critic, who reviews Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl, offering insights into its themes and musicality. Together, they inspire listeners to appreciate the richness of diverse musical backgrounds.
22 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 45min
'Dopesick' Writer Returns To Her 'Fractured' Hometown
Beth Macy, an award-winning journalist and author of 'Dopesick', revisits her struggling Ohio hometown, revealing a landscape altered by job loss and conspiracy theories. She shares poignant memories of her mother’s resilience and reflects on how Pell Grants opened doors for her education. Macy also discusses her childhood paper route and the complexities of family dynamics, including estrangement and abuse. Additionally, television critic David Bianculli provides a nostalgic look at Rod Serling and 'The Twilight Zone,' celebrating its enduring impact.
11 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 45min
Poet Ada Limón On Writing In Uncertain Times
Ada Limón, the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate and acclaimed poet, shares her journey through the complexities of human emotion and nature. She discusses her new collection, Startlement, exploring the concept of wonder in poetry. Limón reflects on her two decades of work, the challenges of representing loss and change, and her role as a poet in addressing social and political issues. She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and connectivity in her craft, revealing how poetry can serve as a powerful response to uncertainty.
Oct 4, 2025 • 47min
Best Of: Scarlett Johansson & June Squibb / Mark Ronson
Scarlett Johansson, a two-time Academy Award nominee making her directorial debut with 'Eleanor the Great,' shares her emotional journey in directing, especially casting Holocaust survivors. She reflects on her family's history and the urgency of preserving memory. Joining her is Mark Ronson, Grammy-winning producer, who reminisces about his vibrant 1990s New York club experiences. He discusses DJ techniques, navigating identity in hip-hop, and the physical toll of his craft, while embracing the rebirth of vinyl in his performances.
Oct 3, 2025 • 47min
Al Pacino & Sidney Lumet: 'Dog Day Afternoon' At 50
In this engaging discussion, acclaimed director Sidney Lumet shares insights from his remarkable career and creative process, highlighting his collaboration with actors. Award-winning actor Al Pacino reveals behind-the-scenes stories of his iconic roles, including how he captured the emotional intensity in Dog Day Afternoon. Maureen Corrigan reviews Kiran Desai's novel The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, noting its exploration of exile and its Booker Prize shortlist status. Their perspectives on art, performance, and storytelling make for a captivating listen.
37 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 45min
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, is a celebrated actor and former professional wrestler from a legendary wrestling family. In this engaging conversation, he shares insights into his wrestling origins, including how he transitioned from aspiring MMA fighter to WWE superstar. Johnson reflects on the challenges of performing while injured and the emotional impact of his father's legacy. He discusses the complexities of living his wrestling persona, the adrenaline rush that drove him to continue despite pain, and even his musical roots that shine through in his film roles.
50 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 45min
Implications Of The DOJ Targeting The President’s Critics
Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney and current professor at the University of Michigan Law School, dives into the implications of the DOJ's actions against political figures like James Comey. She discusses how these moves threaten the integrity of the rule of law and the norms prohibiting partisan prosecutions. McQuade critiques the Comey indictment process and highlights the risks of politicizing legal actions. With insights on the fallout from Trump's tactics on DOJ operations, she underscores the importance of maintaining prosecutorial independence.
9 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 44min
Mark Ronson On DJing In The '90s
Mark Ronson, an Oscar- and Grammy-winning producer and author of the memoir Night People, shares his passion for DJing in 1990s New York. He reflects on the exhilarating power of creating moments that unite crowds and his journey into the nightlife scene. Ronson discusses the influence of legendary artists like Pete Rock and the challenges of mastering vinyl in a pre-digital era. He also reveals the joy of returning to vinyl, the significance of being part of hip-hop as a Jewish outsider, and the artistry of reading the room like a comedian.
