Fresh Air

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, the show features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.<br><br>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<br><br>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

Trump, Journalism & The Rough Road Ahead

Trump has called the press the "enemy of the people" and threatened retribution, including jailing reporters, investigating NBC for treason, and suggesting CBS's broadcast license be taken away. Terry Gross talks with David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, and Marty Baron, former executive editor of The Washington Post, about the media landscape as we head into a second Trump administration.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-20
49:45

Selena Gomez Has Found Her Balance

The actor-singer-entrepreneur stars in Emilia Pérez, the new Spanish-language musical about a cartel boss who undergoes gender-affirming surgery. Gomez talks with Tonya Mosley about re-learning Spanish, her Disney years, and working alongside comedy legends Martin Short and Steve Martin in Only Murders in the Building. Also, Ken Tucker shares three great country songs: Maren Morris' "People Still Show Up," Dwight Yoakam's "A Dream That Never Ends," and Shawna Thompson's "Lean On Neon."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-19
50:37

Actor/Comic Jimmy O. Yang Breaks Out Of The Background

In his new Hulu comedy series, Interior Chinatown, Jimmy O. Yang plays a waiter who inadvertently becomes central to a crime story. As an Asian American actor, he says he relates to the character's feeling of invisibility. Yang talks with Ann Marie Baldonado about auditioning for Silicon Valley, working alongside his dad, and feeling like an outsider among other Asians in California. Also, film critic Justin Chang reviews the Indian movie All We Can Imagine as Light.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-18
50:16

Best Of: Why Do We Itch? / Writer Richard Price

Atlantic staff writer Annie Lowery suffers from a rare liver condition that causes severe chronic itch. It led her to look into the stigma of itchiness, the itch-scratch cycle, and finding acceptance in her body. Also, we hear from screenwriter and author of one of the most anticipated novels of the season, Richard Price. His new novel, Lazarus Man, is about second chances. Price also wrote for the HBO shows The Wire, The Deuce and The Night Of. And Maureen Corrigan has two books to recommend if you're looking for inspiration, beauty, and humor.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-16
51:10

Kerri Russell On 'The Diplomat'/ Remembering Dorothy Allison

Kerri Russell stars in the Netflix political drama The Diplomat as a foreign service officer tapped to become the American ambassador to the UK. Russell also starred in the series Felicity and The Americans. She spoke with us last year about these characters and getting her start on The All New Mickey Mouse Club as a kid. Also, we remember author Dorothy Allison, who died this week at age 75. Her critically acclaimed 1992 novel Bastard out of Carolina was based on her own childhood experience of being physically and sexually abused. We listen back to Terry's interview with Allison about the book and her life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-15
51:34

How Screenwriting Saved Novelist Richard Price

In Richard Price's new novel, Lazarus Man, a five-story building collapses, upending the lives of the building's residents. It's about second chances and finding the faith to carry on. Price has written for HBO's The Wire and The Deuce, and co-created HBO's The Night Of and The Outsider. Several of his novels, including Clockers, were adapted into films. He spoke with Terry Gross. Also, Maureen Corrigan shares two books that offer humor and beauty: Billy Collins' collection of poetry Water, Water, and The Dog Who Followed The Moon by James Norbury.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-14
49:43

What Trump's Foreign Policy Could Look Like

With wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine, and with high tariffs on the horizon, The Economist Editor-In-Chief Zanny Minton Beddoes says president-elect Trump's agenda may be chaotic. But she stays resolutely optimistic about possible good elements in his foreign policy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-13
49:43

Why Do We Itch?

We've all had bug bites, or dry scalp, or a sunburn that causes itch. But what if you felt itchy all the time — and there was no relief? Atlantic journalist Annie Lowrey suffers from primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a degenerative liver disease in which the body mistakenly attacks cells lining the bile ducts, causing them to inflame. The result is a severe itch that doesn't respond to antihistamines or steroids. She talks with Terry Gross about finding a diagnosis, treatment, and what scientists know about itch.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-12
47:49

Veteran Phil Klay On A 2nd Trump Administration & The Military

Author Phil Klay says Trump has been willing to politicize the military to push his partisan agenda before, and is likely to further erode norms around the military as he looks for those willing to "go with his whims." Klay is a Marine Corps veteran and National Book Award-winning writer.Also, John Powers on the Spanish language movie musical Emilia Pérez. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-11
48:44

Best Of: Al Pacino / Saoirse Ronan

Oscar-winning actor Al Pacino talks with Terry Gross about growing up in the South Bronx with a single mother and The Godfather, and why he almost passed on Part II. His new memoir is Sonny Boy.Also, we hear from Saoirse Ronan. She stars in two new films: The Outrun, about a young woman struggling to get sober, and the World War II drama, Blitz. She spoke with contributor Ann Marie Baldonado about the roles, as well as the most intense on set experience she's ever had — birthing lambs.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-09
53:33

Jenny Slate Finds Strength In Sensitivity

Comic Jenny Slate spoke with Terry Gross earlier this year about finding comedy in her feelings, motherhood, and growing up in a haunted house. Her latest stand-up special on Amazon Prime Video is Seasoned Professional and she has a new book of essays out now called Lifeform. Justin Chang reviews Clint Eastwood's new film, Juror #2.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-08
50:36

Freedman's Bank & Economic Disparities Today

In Savings and Trust, historian Justene Hill Edwards tells the story of the Freedman's Bank. Created for formerly enslaved people following the Civil War, its collapse cost depositors millions. She spoke with Tonya Molsey about how this part of history reverberates today. Also, book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews Vanishing Treasures.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-07
48:46

Saoirse Ronan Says Being A Child Actor Shaped Her — For The Better

Irish actor Saoirse Ronan returns to Fresh Air to talk with contributor Ann Marie Baldonado about her two new films (The Outrun and Blitz) as well as her experience as a child actor and her collaboration with Lady Bird and Little Women director Greta Gerwig. Also, Carolina Miranda reviews the Netflix film Pedro Páramo.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-06
48:27

Remembering Quincy Jones

We remember renowned composer, arranger and producer Quincy Jones and listen back to Terry Gross's 2001 interview with him. He died Sunday at the age of 91. He got his start playing with Ray Charles when they were both in their teens. Jones became famous as an arranger and producer for musicians including Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and Michael Jackson on his albums Bad, Off the Wall and Thriller.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-05
52:06

Al Pacino Looks Back On A Legendary Career

Oscar-winning actor Al Pacino talks with Terry Gross about growing up in the South Bronx with a single mother, getting his start in Greenwich Village performing in avant-garde theater, nearly dying of COVID, and his life today. We'll also talk about The Godfather, and why he almost passed on Part II. His new memoir is Sonny Boy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-04
51:00

Best Of: Alex Van Halen / Painter Titus Kaphar

Alex Van Halen has written a new memoir about forming the rock band Van Halen with his brother Eddie. It takes readers from their childhood to the wild ride of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Eddie Van Halen died in 2020. Alex talks with Tonya Mosley about his grief and reflects on their relationship. Also, artist Titus Kaphar talks about his new movie, Exhibiting Forgiveness, based on his life. It's about a celebrated painter whose world unravels when his estranged father suddenly resurfaces. Carolina Miranda reviews the new Netflix film Pedro Paramo Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-02
53:40

Remembering 'Tootsie' Actor Teri Garr

We remember actor Teri Garr, who died last week at age 79. She charmed audiences in her film roles and appearances on late night TV. She's best known for her role as the dim witted seductive lab assistant to Gene Wilder's mad scientist in Mel Brook's Young Frankenstein. She was later nominated for an Oscar for her performance in Tootsie. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Garr became a spokeswoman for MS research and support. She spoke with Terry Gross in 2005. Also, Justin Chang reviews the new World War II drama Blitz, directed by Steve McQueen and starring Saoirse Ronan.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

11-01
51:33

What About Foreign Interference In The 2024 Election?

New Yorker journalist David Kirkpatrick says a government command hub is tasked with tracking and protecting U.S. elections from foreign adversaries who try to disrupt them by sowing discord and foment violence.Guest jazz critic Martin Johnson remembers composer Benny Golson, who died last month at the age of 95.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

10-31
50:21

The Organization Ready To Help Trump Override The Federal Gov't

New York Times reporter Ken Bensinger says the America First Policy Institute, which has nearly 300 executive orders ready to be signed, would influence a Trump second term more than Project 2025.Also, John Powers reviews the movie A Real Pain.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

10-30
51:37

Alex Van Halen On Eddie, Fire & 'Feeling It'

Alex Van Halen has written a new memoir about forming the rock band Van Halen with his brother Eddie, who died of cancer in 2020. The book, titled Brothers, takes readers from their childhood to the wild ride of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. He spoke with Tonya Mosley about grief, lighting his drums on fire, and what he really thinks of This is Spinal Tap. Also, TV critic David Bianculli reviews the fall TV broadcast season.Subscribe to Fresh Air's weekly newsletter and get highlights from the show, gems from the archive, and staff recommendations.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

10-29
51:28

Bea Kiddo

It is so surprising that there’s so many people in America do not know what and who they voted for. If they just read the #traitortrump family history would tell anyone who he is and what he’s about. Americans who voted for him are just clueless! At the very least how can so many people vote or support a man who is so ignorant on the every day American and a man with no morals, ethics and integrity. This is not acceptable at all. Hopefully he’ll be gone before he starts.

11-12 Reply

Jonathan Bosch

fu ck Triñ

11-12 Reply

Jonathan Bosch

get you yup you yup can do

11-12 Reply

Adele Ballard

I just purchased his book, and I am looking forward to reading it as soon as possible.

11-04 Reply

Bea Kiddo

Trump is a traitor. I don’t know how or why everyone can’t see that fact. He’s not a good businessman and just an overall loser. He makes dirty deals to benefit himself and only himself. It’s all out in the open and so many people choose not to see it or they are just that stupid not to see it.

10-30 Reply

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