Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
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 Vietnam War Correspondent Joe Galloway
by Terry Gross
Galloway, who died Aug. 18, was the only civilian to be awarded the medal of valor in the Vietnam War. He later co-authored We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young. Originally broadcast in 1992 and 2003.
Remembering Acclaimed American Painter Chuck Close
by Terry Gross
Known for his giant hyper-realist paintings of faces, Close kept painting even after a stroke left him partially paralyzed. Close died Aug. 19. Originally broadcast in 1998.
Remembering Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts
by Terry Gross
During his 58 years with the Stones, Watts, who died Aug. 24, often let the other members of the band take the spotlight on stage and in the press. Originally broadcast in 1991.
Think You Know Where The Stories In 'Skinship' Are Going? Think Again
by Maureen Corrigan
Journalist: Eddie Gallagher Case Reveals A 'War For The Soul Of The Navy SEALs'
by Dave Davies
Gallagher was court martialed for shooting at civilians from a sniper's post and murdering a defenseless captive in Iraq. New York Times correspondent David Philipps chronicles the case in Alpha.
'CODA' Is An Unabashedly Formulaic And Lovely Coming-Of-Age Story
by Justin Chang
The hit of the 2021 virtual Sundance Film Festival centers on a teenager who's the only hearing member of her close-knit family. CODA strikes some false notes, but it also delivers heartfelt emotion.
'Schmigadoon!' Co-Creator Says Series Was Inspired By A 'Love Affair' With Musicals
by Terry Gross
Cinco Paul loves musicals — unlike his long-time writing partner, with whom he created the new Apple TV+ satire. Their series centers on a couple who become trapped in a musical town.
Tony Bennett Retires From Performing: Listen Back To His 'Fresh Air' Interviews
by Terry Gross
Bennett continued performing even after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. Now, at 95, he will retire, following doctor's orders. Bennett spoke with Terry Gross in 1982, 1991 and 1998.
Journalist Says Americans Are 'All Complicit' In The Situation In Afghanistan
by Dave Davies
Afghanistan deserved better, says New Yorker staff writer Steve Coll. "We're a democracy," he says. "We decided to go over there and do this — and look what we've got."