Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
Beetlejuice is back, in a supernatural screwball sequel
Director Tim Burton seems more interested in updating than duplicating his 1988 hit. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice demonstrates affection for the characters and genuine curiosity in how they’re doing now.
'I Always, Always Fight': Octavia Spencer On Demanding More From Hollywood
by Terry Gross
Spencer is nominated for an Emmy for playing Madam C.J. Walker, an enterprising Black businesswoman, in a the Netflix series Self Made. Originally broadcast March 16, 2020.
RuPaul's Recipe For Success? Love Yourself And Stay Flexible
by Terry Gross
In a March 2020 interview, the Emmy-nominated host of RuPaul's Drag Race said his drag look was "one-part Cher, two-parts David Bowie, one-part Diana Ross and two heaping spoonfuls of Dolly Parton."
Padma Lakshmi, Model, Actor And TV Host, Says Above All, She's A Writer
by Terry Gross
The former model/actress is nominated for an Emmy Award for hosting Top Chef. Her new show, Taste the Nation, explores immigrant cooking. Originally broadcast July 6, 2020.
3 Beautiful Songs Offer Comfort In The Face Of Cruelty
by Ken Tucker
Looking for music that's soothing without being sentimental? Listen to "Guilty," by Courtney Marie Andrews; "Sleeping Without You Is a Dragg," by Swamp Dogg; and "End of My Rope," by Pokey LaFarge.
Comic Ramy Youssef On Being An 'Allah Carte' Muslim: 'You Sit In Contradictions'
by Terry Gross
Youssef is up for two Emmys for the second season of his comedy series, Ramy, about a practicing Muslim who's torn between his faith and his desire to fit in. Originally broadcast June 25, 2019.
'She Wrote Her Own Rules': Kerry Washington's 'Little Fires' Role Reminds Her Of Mom
by Terry Gross
Washington is nominated two Emmys for producing and starring in the Hulu series Little Fires Everywhere, about an enigmatic artist adjusting to life in the suburbs. Originally broadcast April 6, 2020.
'The Quiet Americans' Examines Tragic Miscalculations In The CIA's Formative Years
by Dave Davies
In a new book, author Scott Anderson chronicles the formative years of America's spy agency by focusing on four soldiers who became intelligence agents after World War II.
'Women Make Film' Shines A Long Overdue Spotlight On Female Filmmakers
by David Bianculli
TCM's ambitious 14-hour series showcases the work of female filmmakers from around the globe, and provides hundreds of examples of both artistic and technical achievement.
Actor Cherry Jones On Her Journey From Theater To 'Succession' Media Mogul
by Terry Gross
The Emmy and Tony award-winning actor talks about growing up gay in Tennessee, losing theater friends during the AIDS epidemic and playing the head of a family-owned media group on Succession.