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
Jul 9, 2025 • 45min
Doula & Novelist Leila Mottley On The Nuance Of Young Parenthood
Leila Mottley, a celebrated author and poet known for her debut novel Nightcrawling, discusses her second novel, The Girls Who Grew Big, which highlights the struggles of teenage mothers. She explores the complexities of young parenthood, community support, and societal perceptions while addressing current reproductive rights issues. Mottley reflects on the resilience of young Black women amid vulnerability and shares her journey as a novelist, balancing personal storytelling with audience expectations, all against a backdrop of urban change in Oakland.
10 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 46min
Raphael Saadiq's Secret To Creative Success: 'Dare To Suck'
Raphael Saadiq, an award-winning singer and multi-talented musician, shares insights from his storied career and new one-man show. He discusses the emotional connections forged through music and the creative process behind hit songs like 'It Never Rains in Southern California.' Saadiq reflects on collaborations with icons like Beyoncé and Mick Jagger, emphasizing the importance of taking risks in creativity. He also dives into the personal significance of his instruments and pays tribute to legends like Sly Stone, revealing the deep roots of his artistic journey.
49 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 45min
Can't Sleep? You're Not Alone
Jennifer Senior, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer at The Atlantic, shares her 25-year battle with insomnia and the insights from her latest article on the topic. She discusses the psychological challenges of sleeplessness and dismantles myths around sleep medications. The conversation also highlights the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Senior links her experience to broader health issues like long COVID, offering coping strategies to improve sleep. Additionally, David Bianculli reviews a new documentary on Ms. magazine's impact on feminism.
13 snips
Jul 5, 2025 • 47min
Best Of: 'Hamilton' Producer Jeffrey Seller / Ebon Moss-Bachrach On 'The Bear'
Jeffrey Seller, a renowned Broadway producer behind hits like Hamilton and Rent, shares insights from his memoir, Theater Kid, discussing his journey from a humble beginning to the pinnacle of musical theater. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Emmy-winning actor known for his role in The Bear, delves into the complex dynamics of his character Richie, shaped by grief and family challenges. Their conversation beautifully intertwines personal stories with the transformative power of theater and the emotional depth of storytelling.
16 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 45min
How Louis Armstrong Became The First Black Pop Star
Join Ricky Riccardi, author and director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, as he unpacks the remarkable life of Louis Armstrong. Discover how Armstrong's innovative trumpet playing and vocal techniques set the stage for 20th-century music and made him the first black pop star. Riccardi shares insights into Armstrong's challenging New Orleans upbringing, iconic recordings like 'West End Blues,' and his groundbreaking scat singing. Delve into the legacy that continues to influence generations of musicians.
35 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 45min
How Communities, Families & The Economy Are Impacted By ICE
Jacob Soboroff, NBC's political correspondent, discusses the stark reality of ICE's policies during the Trump administration. He reveals the troubling shift from targeting serious offenders to detaining harmless undocumented workers. Soboroff shares harrowing stories from detention centers and highlights the emotional toll on families affected by raids, including the traumatic arrest of landscaper Narciso Barranco. The conversation also explores the economic devastation ICE has wrought on communities, emphasizing the resilience of undocumented workers in the face of adversity.
8 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 47min
A Theater Kid's Path To Broadway Producer
Jeffrey Seller, acclaimed Broadway producer known for iconic shows like Hamilton and Rent, reflects on his journey from a modest upbringing in Michigan to Broadway stardom. He shares insights into the emotional landscape of productions, particularly the legacy of Jonathan Larson after his untimely death. The conversation touches on the creative process behind hits like 'In the Heights' and their influence on Hamilton, while emphasizing the importance of storytelling in theater as a vehicle for personal and cultural narratives.
Jun 28, 2025 • 48min
Best Of: 'Hysterical' Podcaster / 'Seinfeld' Writer
Dan Taberski, an award-winning writer and creator of 'Hysterical,' explores the psychological phenomenon of mass panic in high school girls, unraveling the impacts of societal pressures and gender dynamics. Larry Charles, known for his work on 'Seinfeld' and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' shares insights from his memoir 'Comedy Samurai,' reflecting on humor's role in society. Meanwhile, book critic Maureen Corrigan recommends gripping mystery novels for summer reading, blending literature with compelling storytelling.
20 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 46min
Remembering War Correspondent Rod Nordland
Rod Nordland, a courageous war correspondent for major outlets, shares poignant reflections on facing mortality after a brain tumor diagnosis, blending his harrowing experiences in conflict zones with personal battles. He discusses the emotional complexity of living with death as a constant companion, while iconic blues guitarist Buddy Guy reminisces about his storied career and the early days of his music in Chicago. Their rich narratives intertwine, showcasing the profound connections between life, death, and artistry.
20 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 46min
Virgil Abloh's Unconventional Path To Luxury Fashion
In a captivating conversation, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Robin Givhan reflects on the groundbreaking legacy of designer Virgil Abloh, the first Black American artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton. She shares insights from her book, exploring how Abloh blended streetwear with luxury fashion, redefining cultural norms in the industry. Givhan discusses his unique upbringing, collaborations, and the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs, while also touching on fashion's role in contemporary political discourse. A fascinating dive into creativity and accessibility in fashion!
