In 'A Real Pain,' Jesse Eisenberg asks: What is the purpose of 'tragedy tourism'?
Eisenberg's film follows two cousins on a Jewish heritage tour of Poland, which includes a stop at the Majdanek death camp. The story draws on his own family history — and his struggle with OCD.
Remembering The Jazz Legends Who Died In 2020
Dozens of notable jazz musicians died this year, many from COVID-19. Fresh Air critic Kevin Whitehead remembers some of the legends lost, including Bucky Pizzarelli, Ellis Marsalis and Jimmy Heath.
Patrick Stewart On His Return To 'Star Trek': 'I'm Braver Now Than I Was'
Stewart is back as Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: Picard. He says he's changed as an actor over the years: "I am not averse to risk-taking and I don't judge myself." Originally broadcast July 2, 2020.
Stephen King Is Sorry You Feel Like You're Stuck In A Stephen King Novel
The horror writer says he understands why fans have said the pandemic feels like living inside one of his novels. In April 2020, King told Fresh Air that COVID-19 filled him with a "gnawing anxiety."
'Queen's Gambit' Co-Creator Scott Frank Wanted To Explore The 'Cost Of Genius'
The Netflix limited series tells the story of an orphaned girl who becomes a chess pro in a male-dominated world. Frank talks about consulting with grand masters and maximizing the drama of the game.
A Poet Reflects On How We Reckon — Or Fail To Reckon — With The Legacy Of Slavery
Atlantic writer Clint Smith grew up surrounded by Confederate iconography, being told that the Civil War wasn't about slavery. He shares a poem from his forthcoming book, How the Word Is Passed.
'Fresh Air' Presents Swinging Christmas Music From Rebecca Kilgore And Pals
Kilgore is one of the leading interpreters of American songs. In December 2005, she and trombonist Dan Barrett and pianist Rossano Sportiello recorded at the NOLA studios in Manhattan.
'White Christmas': A Holiday Concert With Rosemary Clooney
To celebrate Christmas, Fresh Air listens back to a concert given by the late singer and actress on Feb. 11, 1997. Clooney spoke about her childhood and working with Bing Crosby and Billy Strayhorn.
'Floodlines,' The Story Of Hurricane Katrina, Tops The List Of 2020's Best Podcasts
Podcasts have been doing a great job keeping people company during the pandemic. Critic Nick Quah shares some of his favorites, including Lost Notes: 1980, Reply All, My Year in Mensa and Floodlines.