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
10 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 44min
Molly Jong-Fast Grew Up With A Mother Addicted To Fame
Molly Jong-Fast, an MSNBC political analyst and author of 'How to Lose Your Mother,' shares insights from her life as the daughter of famed writer Erica Jong. She delves into her mother's addiction to fame and the complex dynamics of their relationship. The conversation touches on the challenges of navigating personal identity in a world overshadowed by celebrity and familial legacy. Molly also reflects on profound themes of loss, caregiving, and the lingering impact of feminism on her self-perception, all wrapped in witty anecdotes and poignant observations.
16 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 45min
Comic Atsuko Okatsuka Is Owning Her 'Freak'
Atsuko Okatsuka, a comedian celebrated for her bowl haircut and humor rooted in her immigrant family experiences, shares her unique journey. She discusses her father's reappearance in her life decades later and the emotional complexities tied to her upbringing. Okatsuka reflects on familial relationships, the influence of trailblazing Asian American comedians like Margaret Cho, and her child-free choice. She emphasizes how comedy intertwines with identity, navigating challenges of mental health within families while embracing her quirky fashion style.
Jun 7, 2025 • 49min
Best Of: The Innovation Of 'I Love Lucy' / Mark Hamill
Todd Purdum, an author and journalist, discusses Desi Arnaz's groundbreaking innovations in television production that redefined sitcoms through 'I Love Lucy.' He highlights Arnaz's cultural challenges as a Cuban American and his strategic creative decisions. Mark Hamill shares behind-the-scenes stories of auditioning for the iconic role of Luke Skywalker and the unique challenges of acting with puppets. Their conversation explores themes of self-discovery, the importance of storytelling, and the lasting impact of classic television.
16 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 47min
Why We Remember / 'Simpsons' Composer Alf Clausen
Charan Ranganath, a neurologist and director of the Dynamic Memory Lab, explores the intricacies of memory and the science behind forgetfulness. He discusses phenomena like the 'tip of the tongue' and how social media impacts our recall. Justin Chang, a film critic for The New Yorker, sheds light on 'The Life of Chuck,' connecting themes of memory and loss. The episode also pays tribute to the late Alf Clausen, highlighting his groundbreaking contributions to the music of The Simpsons and his unique approach to parody and emotional storytelling.
27 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 44min
Ocean Vuong Sees Himself More As A Teacher Than A Writer
Ocean Vuong, a celebrated poet and novelist known for his works like The Emperor of Gladness, shares profound insights on art, identity, and teaching. He discusses his new novel, focusing on a unique bond between a young man grappling with addiction and an elderly widow. The conversation delves into generational connections, the influence of ancestors in creativity, and the significance of limiting oneself to a specific number of works for authenticity. Vuong emphasizes the intersection of storytelling and teaching, revealing his personal journey and reflections on grief.
102 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 45min
The Face-Off Between Harvard & The Trump Administration
Noah Feldman, a Harvard Law professor and constitutional expert, discusses the tense clash between Harvard and the Trump administration over $3 billion in funding and foreign student enrollment. He highlights Harvard's legal battle for academic freedom amid accusations of anti-Semitism. Feldman critiques the political motives behind these accusations and addresses the implications for free speech and democratic integrity. The conversation also touches on the generational divides within the Jewish community regarding identity and activism.
14 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 46min
To Shed Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill Turned To Voiceover Work
Mark Hamill, famed for his role as Luke Skywalker, discusses his journey from the iconic character to voiceover work, notably as the Joker. He shares fascinating insights into auditioning for Star Wars, the unique challenges of typecasting, and the emotional freedom that voice acting offers. Hamill reflects on his nostalgic experiences in the sci-fi genre and explores themes from his latest film, The Life of Chuck, portraying a haunted grandfather. With humor and honesty, he discusses the evolution of storytelling and the deep connections formed in his career.
18 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 45min
With 'I Love Lucy,' Desi Arnaz Changed TV Forever
Todd Purdum, author of 'Desi Arnaz, The Man Who Invented Television,' dives into Desi Arnaz's groundbreaking role in shaping modern sitcoms through 'I Love Lucy.' He reveals how Arnaz was more than Lucille Ball's sidekick, pioneering techniques like the three-camera setup and addressing real societal issues like pregnancy on-screen. Their tumultuous relationship influenced the show, making it a cultural phenomenon. Purdum highlights Arnaz's journey from a Cuban refugee to a TV innovator, reshaping diversity in entertainment.
May 31, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Sarah Silverman / Cole Escola
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Silverman, a celebrated comic and author, opens up about her Netflix special, Postmortem, which poignantly tackles grief after losing her father and stepmother. Cole Escola, the creative force behind the Broadway comedy Oh Mary!, whimsically reimagines Mary Todd Lincoln's life, adding a humorous twist with themes of addiction and longing for cabaret. Their conversations explore the healing power of comedy, the intricacies of family dynamics, and the art of storytelling in performance, balancing laughter with heartfelt reflections.
5 snips
May 30, 2025 • 45min
A Veteran Stunt Performer Shares Tricks Of The Trade
Filmmaker and stunt coordinator David Leitch shares insights from his thrilling career, where he often prefers performing stunts himself to directing others. He describes the heart-pounding fear of ensuring his crew's safety while navigating high-risk stunts, from barrel rolling cars to being set on fire. Leitch's upcoming film, The Fall Guy, explores the unsung heroes of the stunt world, revealing the emotional and physical challenges they face. He also reflects on the evolution of stunt performance in Hollywood and the camaraderie formed within the stunt community.
