Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
Pete Seeger's 'Fresh Air' interview
by Terry Gross
The folk singer, who died in 2014, was famous for his songs about working people, unions and social justice. In this 1984 interview, Seeger cited Woody Guthrie as one his most important influences.
A critic looks back at some of the year's most striking culture moments
by John Powers
John Powers celebrates the books, shows and performances that stayed with him, including Miranda July's novel All Fours, Interior Chinatown on Netflix and an iconic Olympic moment with Simone Biles.
Women hit-makers brought aggression and vulnerability to pop music in 2024
by Ken Tucker
The year in pop pivoted around a trio of artists — Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan — whose music hinged upon assertions of creative ambition and admissions of romantic weakness.
Why comic Ronny Chieng initially didn't tell his parents about his 'Daily Show' gig
by Terry Gross
"I didn't want to brag," the Malaysian-born comic says. "I just wanted to do the work." Chieng now costars in the series Interior Chinatown, and has a new Netflix comedy special, Love to Hate It.
'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo says she often sings 'with a bit of a smile'
The British actor and singer played abolitionist Harriet Tubman in Harriet, and Aretha Franklin in Genius: Aretha. Now she's defying gravity as Elphaba in Wicked. Originally broadcast Oct. 18, 2021.
Holiday offerings by Ben Folds and others offer devout takes on the season
by Ken Tucker
Rock critic Ken Tucker picks his favorite new Christmas songs, including "Christmas Time Rhyme," by Ben Folds; "Glow," by Little Big Town; and "Maybe this Christmas," by Jason Kelce and Stevie Nicks.
'The Sticky' is a delicious take on one of the biggest crimes in Canadian history
by David Bianculli
Inspired by the real-life theft of $18 million worth of government-stored maple syrup, Amazon Prime's six-episode series is loaded with wonderful characters, performances, music and surprises.