Film offers 'Hard Truths' about why some people are happy — and others are miserable
Marianne Jean-Baptiste gives a phenomenal performance as a profoundly unhappy woman. There isn't a lot of plot, but director Mike Leigh builds his stories from the details and detritus of daily life.
Remembering John Shelby Spong, Episcopal bishop and LGBTQ champion
In 1977, Spong became one of the first American bishops to ordain a woman into the clergy. In 1989, he was the first to ordain an openly gay man. Spong died Sept. 12. Originally broadcast in 1996.
Remembering Melvin Van Peebles, the 'Godfather' of Black cinema
Van Peebles, who died Sept. 21, was best known for his 1971 film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. He spoke with Fresh Air in 1990. His son Mario, also an actor/director, was interviewed in 2004.
Remixed Pere Ubu Albums Bring Fresh Intimacy To The Band's Vocals
Pere Ubu leader David Thomas remixed two of his favorite Ubu albums, 1998's Pennsylvania and 2002's St. Arkansas, saying that the remixes are so substantial, they amount to being two new albums.
The Racist Legacy Of Early Immigration Law Is Still Alive Today
Atlantic writer Caitlin Dickerson talks about Haitian immigrants at the border, and explains how both Trump and Biden immigration policies are based on a racist system created by the Founding Fathers.
With 'Cloud Cuckoo Land,' Anthony Doerr Dazzles And Disturbs
Doerr's follow-up to his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel All The Light We Cannot See follows five young people, each living in dangerous times across the span of eight centuries.
'Dear Evan Hansen' Actor Ben Platt Escapes From Anxiety By Being In The Spotlight
Platt frequently worries about the past and what's to come, but there's one place where his anxiety tends to subside. "Being on stage, for me, is kind of the antidote to that," he says.
Ray Charles Reflects On His Country Music Roots
The soul and R&B legend, who died in 2004, was recently voted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In 1998, Charles came on Fresh Air to promote The Complete Country & Western Recordings: 1959-1986.
What Leaked Internal Documents Reveal About The Damage Facebook Has Caused
WSJ reporter Jeff Horwitz says Facebook executives often choose to boost engagement at the expense of tackling misinformation and mental health problems, which are rampant on their platforms.
