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
May 17, 2025 • 49min
Best Of: Ramy Youssef / Danny McBride
Ramy Youssef, an Egyptian-American actor and comedian known for his series 'Rami', discusses his new animated show, '#1 Happy Family USA', which humorously depicts an Egyptian American family's struggles post-9/11. He shares insights into navigating identity and cultural integration. Danny McBride, creator of 'The Righteous Gemstones', highlights the chaotic dynamics of a dysfunctional televangelist family, blending humor with poignant themes of power and approval. Both guests offer a fascinating look at their creative processes and personal journeys.
May 16, 2025 • 46min
Zombies Frontman Colin Blunstone
Colin Blundstone, the charismatic lead singer of The Zombies, shares fascinating insights from his band’s journey through the British Invasion. He discusses the impact of their iconic hit 'She's Not There' and reflects on the group's reputation as clean-cut musicians. Colin dives into their unique sound, shaped by innovative songwriting and harmonies. He reminisces about the band's ups and downs, including creative struggles and the bittersweet memories of their rise to fame, all intertwined with the release of their new documentary.
69 snips
May 15, 2025 • 46min
Navigating The 'Wellness' Epidemic
Amy LaRocca, an award-winning journalist and fashion director at New York Magazine, dives into our society's overwhelming obsession with wellness. She critiques the marketing strategies that exploit fear, particularly targeting women seeking self-improvement. The conversation also explores the paradox of the 'well woman' and how celebrity culture has shifted health norms. LaRocca emphasizes the importance of recognizing genuine self-worth amid societal pressures, and reflects on the extremes of wellness practices shaping our lives.
30 snips
May 14, 2025 • 46min
His Cancer Meds Were Nearly $1K A Pill. How Did That Happen?
David Armstrong, a Senior reporter for ProPublica, dives into the troubling world of the pharmaceutical industry, spotlighting the exorbitant cost of the cancer drug Revlimid. He discusses how this $1,000-a-pill treatment only costs a mere 25 cents to produce. Armstrong reveals the devious strategies companies employ to maintain high prices and fend off competitors. He also sheds light on the hurdles patients face with insurance denials for necessary treatments, exposing the systemic flaws in the healthcare system.
25 snips
May 13, 2025 • 45min
Ramy Youssef Animates A Muslim Family's Post-9/11 Life
In this engaging discussion, Ramy Youssef, an actor and comedian famous for his series Rami, shares his insights on his new animated show, #1 Happy Family USA. He reflects on his childhood experiences in New Jersey after 9/11, exploring complex themes like Islamophobia and identity. Youssef elaborates on the unique use of humor and music to tell stories of generational conflict within immigrant families. He also touches on the balance between faith and comedy, revealing the challenges of navigating societal expectations while staying true to one’s roots.
23 snips
May 12, 2025 • 45min
'Righteous Gemstones' Creator Danny McBride's Love Letter To The South
Danny McBride, creator and star of The Righteous Gemstones, shares his insights on challenging Hollywood stereotypes of the South. He reflects on his comedic roots and how the absurdity of Southern culture shapes his storytelling. The conversation dives into the depth of his characters, balancing humor with their complexities. McBride also discusses lessons from working with church pastors and the emotional journey of wrapping up his hit show, revealing the camaraderie and nostalgia felt among the cast.
May 10, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: Michelle Williams / Sarah Snook
Michelle Williams, an award-winning actor, discusses her role in 'Dying for Sex,' a darkly humorous series about seizing sexual pleasure in the face of terminal illness. Sarah Snook, celebrated for her work in HBO's 'Succession,' reveals she almost passed on the audition and shares insights into her groundbreaking one-woman show of 'Dorian Gray.' Both actresses delve into themes of female empowerment, the importance of support in the arts, and the emotional complexities of their performances, celebrating personal growth and societal change.
33 snips
May 9, 2025 • 47min
R. Crumb, King Of Underground Comics
R. Crumb, a groundbreaking cartoonist known for Zap Comix and iconic characters like Fritz the Cat, dives into the wild origin of his art shaped by nightmares and psychedelics. Aline Kominsky Crumb, his wife and fellow artist, shares insights into women's depictions in comics and their shared artistic journey. They discuss the freeing yet controversial nature of sexual themes in their work, balancing raw creativity with societal expectations while reflecting on their experiences in the underground comic scene.
38 snips
May 8, 2025 • 46min
Having A Child In The Digital Age
In this engaging conversation, journalist Amanda Hess, author of Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age, reveals the deep impact of technology on her experience of pregnancy after learning her child had an abnormality. Hess discusses the emotional rollercoaster of navigating pregnancy apps and online forums, while critiquing their unrealistic portrayals of motherhood. She also addresses the inequalities in access to reproductive technologies and the implications of surveillance in parenting, emphasizing the need for genuine human connections amidst digital chaos.
35 snips
May 7, 2025 • 46min
President Trump's Conflicts Of Interest
Eric Lipton, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, delves into the Trump family's business ventures and the conflicts of interest they create. He discusses how the Trump family's cryptocurrency investments could influence regulatory measures and government policy, including the ramifications on foreign relations. Lipton highlights specific cases, like Don Jr.'s dealings abroad and the implications of Trump’s financial ties in the crypto sector, raising ethical concerns surrounding political influence and transparency.
