Fresh Air
Film, TV & Pop Culture
About
Terry Gross interviews artists, writers and thinkers.
Episodes
- Best Of: Novelist Douglas Stuart / ‘Half Man’ Actor Richard Gadd
Like the main character in his Booker Prize-winning novel 'Shuggie Bain,' writer Douglas Stuart grew up in Glasgow, working class, queer, and with a mother addicted to alcohol. His first career was in fashion, designing underwear for Calvi…
- Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller, from ‘RENT’ to ‘Hamilton’
Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller played a key role in the production of RENT, Hamilton, In the Heights, Avenue Q, and the revival of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd that starred Josh Groban. His memoir traced his path from ‘Theater Kid’ to produce…
- Nathan Lane is being tested (and he loves it)
Nathan Lane, who received a Tony nomination for his role as Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman," discusses the part on Fresh Air. He speaks about the audience's reaction to the play and his pride in the production. Ken Tucker also reviews…
- How Silicon Valley has profited by aligning with MAGA
Atlantic writer George Packer discusses how Silicon Valley venture capitalists aligned with Trump and influenced policies related to their investments in AI and cryptocurrency. Also, a review of the new Netflix/BBC miniseries adaptation of…
- Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw’s path from ‘Backtalker’ to legal scholar
Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, author of "Backtalker: An American Memoir," discusses her life and career. She is known for developing the concepts of intersectionality and critical race theory.
- Scottish novelist Douglas Stuart on the isolation of secret-keeping
Douglas Stuart, Booker Prize-winning novelist, discusses his working-class and queer upbringing in Glasgow and how it influenced his latest novel, 'Young Mungo.' He talks about the themes of grief, poverty, and secret-keeping explored in h…
- Best Of: Flea / Nick Offerman
Flea, co-founder of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, discusses changes in his music and life. Nick Offerman talks about his role as a former pro wrestler in the new series ‘Margo's Got Money Troubles.'
- Remembering symphony conductor Michael Tilson Thomas
This Fresh Air episode remembers Michael Tilson Thomas, former music director of the San Francisco Symphony. He was known for innovation and making classical music accessible to the general public.
- Richard Gadd is looking at the ‘dangers of repression’
Richard Gadd, creator and star of ‘Baby Reindeer,’ discusses his new HBO series ‘Half Man’ with Tonya Mosley. He talks about exploring toxic masculinity, becoming famous overnight, and bombing stand-up sets. Additionally, book critic Maure…
- How Trump's EPA head has transformed the agency — and sided with polluters
Elizabeth Kolbert, a staff writer for The New Yorker, speaks with Terry Gross about EPA chief Lee Zeldin. Kolbert notes Zeldin's actions, such as rescinding regulations, reducing departments, and terminating scientists. President Trump ref…
- Flea’s wild path from childhood to Chili Peppers
Flea, the bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, discusses his new jazz album called "Honora," his band, and his childhood. He spoke with NPR's Terry Gross.
- Nick Offerman gets an emotional arc
Nick Offerman discusses his role in "Margo's Got Money Troubles," his time on "Parks and Recreation," and advice for woodworkers. Also, a review of "Big Mistakes" starring Dan Levy.
- Best Of: Malala Yousafzai / Oscar Isaac
Malala Yousafzai discusses her work advocating for girls' education and her experiences. Oscar Isaac is interviewed about his roles. Additionally, literary critic Maureen Corrigan provides book recommendations.
- ‘Schmigadoon!’ co-creator Cinco Paul satirizes Broadway
'Schmigadoon!' co-creator Cinco Paul is featured, discussing the adaptation of the Apple TV series to a Broadway show for which he wrote the book and songs. This conversation with Terry Gross originally aired in 2021.
- The spy network that took on America's Nazi groups
Steven J. Ross discusses the spy network that countered American Nazi groups after WWII. He connects this historical context to recent legal actions involving the Southern Poverty Law Center.
- Inside Linda McMahon's effort to dismantle the Dept. of Education
Zach Helfand discusses Linda McMahon's role as Education Secretary. He explains how her past experience at WWE influenced her appointment and her task of dismantling the Department of Education.
- Actor Oscar Isaac is ‘a vulture’ of his own life
Oscar Isaac discusses his role in "Beef" season 2 and his acting process. He also shares insights into his friendship with filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.
- Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai speaks with Terry Gross about her advocacy for girls’ education, her personal experiences, and defying cultural norms. She shares insights into her bravery and the importance of education.
- Best Of: Actor Amanda Peet / Re-examining Toni Morrison
Amanda Peet discusses her breast cancer diagnosis and new film. Harvard professor Namwali Serpell re-examines Toni Morrison's work, highlighting its enduring impact and personal resonance.
- John Waters, 'Pope of Trash,' turns 80!
Fresh Air celebrates the 80th birthday of filmmaker John Waters. He is known for films such as 'Pink Flamingos' and 'Hairspray,' and for pushing boundaries in his entire career.
- Palestinian & Israeli activists share a vision of peace
Maoz Inon, an Israeli whose parents were killed by Hamas, and Palestinian Aziz Abu Sarah, whose brother died in an Israeli prison, discuss their book "The Future Is Peace." The book details their eight-day journey across Israel and Palesti…
- Amanda Peet
Amanda Peet discusses various life challenges, navigating Hollywood, and memories from a past film set.
- A veteran diplomat breaks down the Iran war
Aaron David Miller discusses the Iran war following a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He explains the implications of this development.
- Have we been reading Toni Morrison all wrong?
Harvard professor Namwali Serpell presents her new book, "On Morrison," arguing that Toni Morrison's works have been widely misinterpreted. Serpell, who has taught Morrison for nearly two decades, offers a deep dive into the Nobel Laureate…
- Best Of: Arsenio Hall / Jeff Ross
This episode of Fresh Air features interviews with Arsenio Hall and Jeff Ross. Hall discusses his talk show, while Ross talks about his Netflix comedy special.
- St. Vincent
St. Vincent discusses her music, influences, and views on gender and identity. The episode also includes reviews of Nancy Foley's novel 'I am Agatha' and the TV sitcom 'Malcolm in the Middle.'
- Inside a mobile OB/GYN clinic
Dr. Mary Fariba Afsari discusses her book "Labor," focusing on reproductive healthcare in post-Dobbs America via an RV clinic in Oregon. She also shares insights into her Iranian heritage. Ken Tucker reviews Robert Polito's book "After the…
- Humorist Annabelle Gurwitch faces stage 4 cancer, finds ‘unexpected joys’
Annabelle Gurwitch, diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2020, discusses her memoir, ‘The End of My Life is Killing Me.’ She shares her experiences with mortality, divorce, and touring with her boyfriend and a heavy metal band. John Power…
- Comic Jeff Ross on roasting, loss and his epic bar mitzvah
Jeff Ross, known for celebrity roasts, discusses his Netflix special ‘Take a Banana for the Ride,’ which details the loss of his parents and grandfather. He also talks about his career, including his breakthrough ‘Letterman’ set and living…
- Arsenio Hall
Arsenio Hall reflects on his career, including his talk show, his new memoir, and his relationships with other entertainers. He shares insights into the groundbreaking aspects of "The Arsenio Hall Show" and his reasons for stepping away fr…
- Best Of: John Lithgow / Sondheim’s tumultuous life
This episode features an interview with actor John Lithgow and a discussion about Stephen Sondheim's life and music with author Daniel Okrent.
- Julio Torres spins immigrant stress into satire
Julio Torres, known for his film ‘Problemista,’ delves into his personal journey as an immigrant, his unique comedic approach, and his affinity for challenging personalities. He also discusses his HBO comedy special, ‘Color Theories.’
- John Lithgow
John Lithgow talks about his acting career, including his roles in 'The Old Man' and 'Giant'. Additionally, the episode features a review of the book 'Stay Alive' by Ian Buruma.
- An exposé of the plastic industry
Beth Gardiner, author of 'Plastic Inc.,' discusses the plastic industry's evolution and environmental impact. The conversation covers recycling, microplastics, and the industry's connection to fossil fuels. Ken Tucker also reviews Megan Mo…
- Inside the training camps for “alpha males”
New Yorker writer Charles Bethea reports on "alpha male" training camps in the Trump era. He discusses his findings with Tonya Mosley. Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews Tana French's new novel, "The Keeper."
- Former Infowars employee on Alex Jones' conspiracy machine
Josh Owens, a former video editor and field producer for Infowars, discusses his experiences with Alex Jones’ media company. He shares insights into the company's practices, including the "nonsense" and "lies" it promoted, and explains his…
- Best Of: Jill Scott / Riz Ahmed
This episode of Fresh Air features interviews with R&B artist Jill Scott and actor Riz Ahmed. Jill Scott discusses lessons from music legends and meeting Aretha Franklin, while Riz Ahmed talks about his series ‘Bait’ and his experiences wi…
- Remembering Action Hero Chuck Norris
Fresh Air remembers Chuck Norris, known for his martial arts films and \
- America's first AI-fueled war is unfolding. How'd we get here?
Author and Bloomberg journalist Katrina Manson discusses 'Project Maven,' the U.S. AI warfare system now used in the war in Iran. She explores the people behind the mission and their belief in AI's potential to make war more precise. The s…
- Bryan Stevenson says facing our racist past is a path, not punishment
Bryan Stevenson discusses facing the United States' racist past as a path to redemption and reconciliation. He also talks about the Equal Justice Initiative's work to preserve evidence of this history, including founding the Legacy Museum.
- Will President Trump act on his threat to take Cuba?
Jon Lee Anderson of The New Yorker discusses the situation in Cuba, its current vulnerabilities, and the potential impact of a change in leadership. The conversation also covers the Castro family's deep involvement in the Cuban government.
- Riz Ahmed is chasing acceptance in 'Bait'
Riz Ahmed discusses his new Prime Video series 'Bait,' in which he portrays an actor auditioning to be James Bond. He also shares insights into his career and early experiences as an MC on-air MC.
- Best Of: Harrison Ford / Novelist Francis Spufford
This episode features Harrison Ford discussing his role in the Apple TV series ‘Shrinking’ and how he was cast as Han Solo in ‘Star Wars.’ Also featured is novelist Francis Spufford, who talks about his new book, ‘Nonesuch.’
- ‘Jury Duty’ star James Marden / Remembering Roy Book Binder
James Marsden talks about his role in 'Jury Duty.' The episode also remembers musician Roy Book Binder and includes a review of 'Project Hail Mary.'
- Jill Scott is in her ‘auntie’ era
Jill Scott, Grammy-winning R&B star, talks about her new album, "To Whom This May Concern." She also discusses finding inspiration in Nikki Giovanni's poetry and growing up in a multigenerational household.
- The Blitz, romance, and time-traveling fascists
Francis Spufford discusses his novel, "Nonesuch," which features time-traveling fascists attempting to assassinate Winston Churchill during the Blitz. The episode also includes a review of the "Peaky Blinders" movie adaptation.
- Could the Iran war lead to WWIII?
Karim Sadjadpour joins Terry Gross to discuss the escalating conflict in Iran, including its historical context and potential for global escalation. He also outlines four key priorities for the U.S. government regarding the situation.
- The tumultuous life of Stephen Sondheim
This episode of Fresh Air discusses Daniel Okrent’s biography of Stephen Sondheim, "Stephen Sondheim: Art Isn't Easy." The book examines Sondheim's relationship with his mother, his struggles with addiction, and his personal growth through…
- Best Of: Delroy Lindo / Tayari Jones on ‘Kin’
Delroy Lindo discusses his role as Delta Slim in ‘Sinners’ and his Academy Award nomination. Tayari Jones speaks about her book ‘Kin,’ which is about two motherless girls in 1950s Louisiana who become chosen family.
- Benicio del Toro
Benicio del Toro talks about his role in 'One Battle After Another' and 'The Phoenician Scheme.' The episode also includes reviews of the series 'Scarpetta' and 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.'