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
9 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 49min
Best Of: Jodie Foster / Tessa Thompson
Jodie Foster, an Academy Award-winning actress known for her iconic roles, shares fascinating stories from her early career, including a memorable incident involving a lion on set. She reflects on the impact of her landmark film, Taxi Driver, and the mentorship she received from Robert De Niro. Meanwhile, Tessa Thompson, acclaimed for her diverse roles, discusses her new Netflix series, His & Hers, and her journey in navigating her biracial identity. She shares insights about her creative process, the importance of music in acting, and the significance of her unique tattoos.
5 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 47min
Remembering Grateful Dead Founding Member Bob Weir
Bob Weir, the beloved rhythm guitarist and founding member of the Grateful Dead, reflects on his life after recently passing at 78. He shares rich stories from his youth, including running away to work on a ranch and the inspiration of cowboy songs. Weir dives into his songwriting approach, revealing a preference for character-driven narratives. He also discusses his connection to Jerry Garcia's music post-Garcia's passing, and a heartfelt reunion with his birth father. We also honor jazz singer Rebecca Kilgore and her legacy in the American Songbook.
22 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 44min
Novelist Julian Barnes Faces Mortality Without Fear
Julian Barnes, an acclaimed novelist and memoirist known for winning the Man Booker Prize, discusses his impactful new book, Departures. He opens up about his recent diagnosis with blood cancer, blending memoir and fiction, and the philosophy of facing mortality. Reflecting on grief after losing his wife, he shares insights on memory's malleability and how contemplating death enriches life. Meanwhile, TV critic David Bianculli reviews the new series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, highlighting its tone and characters.
30 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 45min
Marco Rubio’s Shift From Trump Critic To Champion
Dexter Filkins, a seasoned staff writer at The New Yorker and author known for his insights on war and diplomacy, dissects Marco Rubio's dramatic political turnaround from Trump critic to supporter. He explores Rubio's complex relationship with human rights, his advocacy for Ukraine, and his role in U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding Venezuela. Filkins highlights internal White House dynamics, Rubio's ambition, and the implications of recent actions on U.S. diplomacy, painting a vivid portrait of a politician at the intersection of power and principle.
20 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 44min
Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster, an Academy Award-winning actor and director known for iconic films like Taxi Driver, discusses her remarkable career and her latest French-language film, A Private Life. She shares her experience of being a child actor and the pressures that taught her resilience. Foster recalls a harrowing lion mauling incident on set and the invaluable lessons from working with Martin Scorsese. She also reflects on her decision to maintain privacy regarding her sexuality and her unique insights on hypnosis as it relates to her new film.
22 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 45min
‘The God of the Woods’ Author Liz Moore
Liz Moore, a renowned novelist and director of Temple University's MFA program, shares insights into her literary journey and latest work, 'The God of the Woods.' She discusses her unique writing process, describing how writing often feels like labor, but occasionally gives her 'flying' moments. Moore delves into the compelling themes of class and survival at summer camp, and the inspiration behind her characters. She also reflects on adapting 'Long Bright River' for television, demonstrating her creative versatility and commitment to storytelling.
13 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 49min
Best Of: Will Arnett / ‘Song Sung Blue’ Director Craig Brewer
Will Arnett, known for his roles in Arrested Development and BoJack Horseman, shares his journey of performing stand-up under an alias for his new film Is This Thing On?, exploring themes of identity and honesty in midlife. Craig Brewer, the filmmaker behind Song Sung Blue, discusses the true story of a Milwaukee couple as a Neil Diamond tribute band, revealing insights about emotional masculinity and the creative process in capturing actors' chemistry. Both guests delve into the vulnerabilities of performance art and personal growth.
38 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 46min
Neil Diamond / Noah Wyle On ‘The Pitt’
In this engaging conversation, iconic singer-songwriter Neil Diamond shares insights about his journey from writing hits for The Monkees to creating timeless classics like 'Sweet Caroline.' He reflects on the transformative impact of the Beatles and Dylan on songwriting. Meanwhile, actor and producer Noah Wyle discusses his return to medical drama with HBO Max's 'The Pit,' detailing the intense realism of his character and the inspiration drawn from COVID-19 experiences. Their stories blend musical legacy with captivating storytelling from the world of medicine.
9 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 45min
Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson, an acclaimed actor known for her powerful roles in films like Creed and Marvel's Thor, shares insights into her craft and personal journey. She discusses her latest project, the Netflix series 'His & Hers,' where she transformed her research into an immersive portrayal of a news anchor. Tessa also navigates her biracial identity, reflects on the significance of her role in 'Hedda,' and emphasizes the complex emotions of envy among women. Her experiences with family, early career challenges, and creative influences add depth to her inspiring story.
99 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 44min
The Growing Power & Influence Of White Supremacy In America
Eric Lichtblau, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, discusses his book 'American Reich,' which explores the rise of white supremacy in America. He reveals how political rhetoric has incited hate and takes us through horrifying real-life events, including a murder linked to neo-Nazis in Orange County. Lichtblau also examines extremist groups like Atomwaffen and the alarming influence of white power music. Film critic Justin Chang reviews 'Marty Supreme,' highlighting Timothée Chalamet's performance and its cultural implications.
