Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
Pete Seeger's 'Fresh Air' interview
by Terry Gross
The folk singer, who died in 2014, was famous for his songs about working people, unions and social justice. In this 1984 interview, Seeger cited Woody Guthrie as one his most important influences.
Actor Danielle Deadwyler says she 'overprepared' for 'The Piano Lesson'
by Tonya Mosley
In Till, Deadwyler portrayed the mother of 14-year-old Emmett Till, whose murder became a flashpoint for the Civil Rights Movement. Now she's starring in Netflix's adaptation of August Wilson's play.
Fresh Air Weekend: Folk musician Jerron Paxton; Ira Gershwin gets his due
Paxton's known for performing music from the 1920s and '30s. David Bianculli reviews the documentary Beatles '64. Michael Owen, author of Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words, talks about the famed lyricist.
Werner Herzog says it's not good to circle 'your own navel' but wrote a memoir anyway
The German filmmaker reflects on his unusual life and the curiosity that has fueled his career in the memoir, Every Man for Himself and God Against All. Originally broadcast Oct. 25, 2023.
Two good new spy series close out the year: 'Black Doves' and 'The Agency'
by John Powers
In the Netflix series Black Doves, the wife of Britain's defense minister is secretly working for a private spy firm. Paramount+'s The Agency is a reworking of the acclaimed French series The Bureau.
What Trump's 2nd term might mean for the country's economy
by Dave Davies
Economist David Wessel talks about Trump's plans on tariffs and tax cuts, and the potential economic impact of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's Department of Government Efficiency.
'Beatles '64' revisits an intense two-week period in musical and cultural history
by David Bianculli
A new Disney+ documentary chronicles the Beatles' first trip to America. By combining footage, stories and songs, Beatles '64 makes it clear why the group, and its music, continue to be revered.
Folk musician Jerron Paxton stops by for music and conversation
by Sam Briger
Paxton plays guitar, banjo, piano and harmonica — among other instruments. He's known for performing music from the 1920s and '30s. Paxton's new album of original songs is Things Done Changed.