
Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.

'Last Breath' tells the terrifying story of a deep-sea diver trapped underwater
In 2012, three deep-sea divers were on a routine operation in the North Sea when one of them became trapped underwater. Liu had to dive in deep, dark water in order to recreate the harrowing rescue.
Colson Whitehead returns to his home turf with 'Harlem Shuffle'
by Terry Gross
Whitehead says his novel was inspired by his love of heist movies. The story centers on a furniture store owner who has a side hustle trafficking in stolen goods. Originally broadcast Sept. 15, 2021.
How the ultrawealthy devise ways to not pay their share of taxes
by Dave Davies
Journalist Jesse Eisinger says a trove of IRS data acquired by ProPublica shows that many of America's billionaires avoid paying any taxes — sometimes by claiming big deductions from posh hobbies.
This reissue proves Roger Miller was more than just a novelty act
by Ken Tucker
Best known for novelty songs like "King of the Road," Miller was also a serious songwriter who wrote ballads for artists such as Ray Price. Miller's '70 album A Trip in the Country is newly available.
'Danger Zone' author warns of growing tension between China and the U.S.
by Dave Davies
China scholar Michael Beckley says China is engaged in the largest military buildup since World War II, and is being increasingly aggressive with its Asian neighbors and with the U.S.
Comic Mo Amer draws on his Palestinian and Texan roots in a new Netflix series
by Dave Davies
Amer grew up in Kuwait, where he enjoyed a comfortable life — until he was 9, and the first Gulf War forced his family to flee to the U.S. in 1991. His new series is Mo.
New quartet album by jazz drummer Billy Drummond is a treat
by Kevin Whitehead
On Valse Sinistre, Drummond's ride-cymbal beat is lively, varied and full of passing cross-rhythms — the sound of a musician fully engaged and in the habit of attentive listening.
This former GOP hatchet man didn't support Trump — but still enabled him
by Dave Davies
As a Republican operative, Tim Miller worked with extreme right-wing media outlets and fed the populist outrage that helped radicalize much of the GOP voter base. His new book is Why We Did It.
Loudon Wainwright III goes back to the basics on 'Lifetime Achievement'
by Ken Tucker
The singer-songwriter is known for his intensely autobiographical writing. When Wainwright turned 75 recently, he decided to make an album about trying — and mostly failing — to age gracefully.
Elegant film 'Three Minutes' shows Polish town before it was erased by the Holocaust
by John Powers
Bianca Stigter's documentary, Three Minutes: A Lengthening, brings the past to life with an almost archaeological gaze.