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.
Class, Culture And Sexual Identity Take Center Stage In 'Girl, Woman, Other'
by Maureen Corrigan
Bernardine Evaristo's nuanced and entertaining Booker Prize-winning novel is told from the point of view of 12 British women of color — all just a few degrees of separation apart from each other.
In 'Medicare For All,' Health Care Is Seen As A 'Critical Service'
by Dave Davies
New York Times investigative reporter Sarah Kliff talks about the costs and challenges of switching to a universal healthcare system — and what it might mean to eliminate private insurance entirely.
Crooked Capitalism Runs Amok In The Wildly Entertaining 'Uncut Gems'
by Justin Chang
A tense and jittery new crime thriller features Adam Sandler as a fast-talking New York City jewelry dealer who becomes embroiled in various desperate schemes to get out of debt.
'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' Is A Joke Name For A Podcast — Sort Of
by Terry Gross
The late-night host says that hosting a podcast allows him to "mind meld" with guests in a way he can't on TV: "We can just go down a deep, deep, deep well." Originally broadcast Oct. 2, 2019.
A First-Generation Teen Tests The Bounds Of Family And Faith In 'Hala'
by Soraya Nadia McDonald
Todd Marcus Tames The Raucous Bass Clarinet On 'Trio+'
by Kevin Whitehead
Marcus gets a clean, unfettered sound from both his band and his instrument on his new album. Trio+ is crisp, tight and varied — with more good melodies than we can dip into.
'Trump And His Generals' Author: The President Is Now Surrounded By 'Yes Men'
by Terry Gross
CNN analyst Peter Bergen reflects on Trump's soured relationships with Generals Mattis, McMaster and Kelly. "He's gotten rid of the most competent people he had in his circle," Bergen says.
Alex Borstein On 'Mrs. Maisel' And Being Her Family's 'Comic Relief' As A Kid
by Dave Davies
Borstein's won back-to-back Emmys for playing a tough, street-wise talent manager on the Amazon series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She says the character reminds her of her mother and grandmother.
Michael Tilson Thomas On The Thrills And Challenges Of Conducting An Orchestra
by Terry Gross
Pianist and composer Thomas currently directs the San Francisco Symphony. He'll receive a Kennedy Center award for lifetime artistic achievement on Dec. 8. Originally broadcast in 1995 and 2012.
'We Took Terror Out Of Their Lives': Remembering Youth Advocate Mary Previte
by Terry Gross
Previte, who died Nov. 16, spent 30 years working with at-risk youth and kids in detention in Camden, N.J. The center she ran became a national model. Originally broadcast in 1993.