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
4 snips
Dec 27, 2025 • 48min
Bluegrass Star Billy Strings / Laufey
Billy Strings, a Grammy-winning bluegrass artist, shares how songwriting has been his therapy after personal loss and reflects on his musical journey influenced by Doc Watson. He performs Browns Ferry Blues, revealing the emotional depth behind his music. Meanwhile, Laufey, an Icelandic singer and cellist, discusses her classical roots and rise to fame during the pandemic. She explores her bicultural experiences and the poignant themes in her album A Matter of Time, including songs about friendship and breakups, while performing live.
29 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 46min
Jane Fonda
In this enlightening conversation, Jane Fonda, a two-time Academy Award winner and renowned activist, shares her fiery critiques of the political landscape, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against fascism. At 87, she reflects on her transformative journey into activism, her experiences in North Vietnam, and the impact of her family's history on her life. Fonda discusses the interconnectedness of democracy and climate action, her struggles with body image, and how acting deepens empathy. She also reveals insights from her personal therapy work, offering a profound perspective on aging and resilience.
12 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 47min
The Making Of ‘Born To Run’
Peter Ames Carlin, a seasoned biographer and author of ‘Tonight in Jungleland,’ delves into the transformative journey of Bruce Springsteen's iconic album, ‘Born to Run.’ Carlin reveals that Columbia Records nearly dropped Springsteen, highlighting the existential pressure before the album's success. He discusses the evolution of tracks like 'Thunder Road' and the cinematic flair added through layered production. With insights on Springsteen's perfectionism and evolving themes of youth and self-awareness, this conversation captures the heart of rock history.
30 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 44min
‘Morrie’ Writer Mitch Albom On Second Chances
Mitch Albom, a bestselling author and journalist known for his profound reflections on life and death, delves into the themes of his new novel, 'Twice.' He explores the complexities of second chances through the lens of a man who can relive moments in life, but with significant costs. Albom shares insights from his past, including his transformative connections with his mentor, Morrie Schwartz. He argues that while second chances can teach, they can also hinder growth. His work in Haiti and the emotional stories behind it reflect his commitment to making a lasting impact.
20 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 47min
Will Arnett
Will Arnett, the talented actor and comedian known for his roles in 'Arrested Development' and 'BoJack Horseman,' discusses his new film 'Is This Thing On?' and the challenges faced in middle-aged relationships. He shares stories from his undercover stand-up gigs and how he confronted Bradley Cooper about humor. With insights on voice acting and how his father's values shaped him, Arnett's candid reflections on honesty in relationships and his comedic journey make for an engaging conversation. TV critic David Bianculli also shares his top TV picks for 2025.
Dec 22, 2025 • 48min
Dir. Craig Brewer Is Chasing ‘Purple Rain’ Magic
Craig Brewer, a filmmaker known for his character-driven narratives, discusses his latest project, Song Sung Blue, a heartfelt tale about a Milwaukee couple who found fame as a Neil Diamond tribute act. He shares insights on how he discovered their story and relates it to his own creative journey. Brewer highlights the emotional tone of the film and the positive portrayal of masculinity, reflecting on his upbringing and influences, while revealing unforgettable moments, like the significance of the song 'Sweet Caroline' in the film's climax.
Dec 21, 2025 • 44min
The Stories Behind Your Favorite Christmas Songs
Jazz legend Mel Torme shares the whimsical tale of co-writing 'The Christmas Song' on a sweltering summer day, crediting Nat King Cole for its iconic rendition. Hugh Martin reveals the evolution of 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,' including its original melancholic lyrics and Frank Sinatra's influence on its hopeful twist. Finally, Jon Batiste captivates with live performances, reflecting on Vince Guaraldi's impact and the timeless beauty of carols, blending improvisation with heartfelt storytelling.
Dec 20, 2025 • 49min
Best Of: Lucy Liu / Zadie Smith
Lucy Liu, renowned for her roles in 'Ally McBeal' and 'Kill Bill', discusses her poignant new film 'Rosemead', which tackles immigrant family struggles and mental illness. She emphasizes the importance of authentic representation in portraying a mother's love amidst adversity. Zadie Smith, celebrated for 'White Teeth', reflects on her essay collection 'Dead and Alive', exploring themes of aging and generational tension. Film critic Justin Chang highlights the best films of 2025, showcasing emerging talents and noteworthy international cinema.
14 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 46min
John Le Carré’s Son Revives His Late Dad's Spy
Nick Harkaway, son of the legendary John le Carré, explores the art of espionage in his new novel, 'Karla's Choice.' Growing up with drafts of Smiley stories, he shares the joy and challenge of channeling his father's style. Nick discusses the ordinary genius of George Smiley, humanizing characters like Anne, and the secrets of spy tradecraft. He also reveals his unique journey into writing, choices behind his pen name, and the emotional nuances of storytelling, all while recalling the impact of his family's legacy on his work.
42 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 45min
Lucy Liu
In this engaging discussion, Lucy Liu, renowned actor and director, shares insights from her new film, Rosemead, which touches on the struggles of immigrant families. She reveals her journey of relearning Mandarin to authentically portray a mother facing her son's mental health challenges. Liu reflects on cultural stigma surrounding mental health and the complex choices parents must navigate. Additionally, she opens up about her own childhood experiences, early audition adventures, and the thrill of hearing her name in pop culture, highlighting the importance of representation.
