Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
Remembering Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Jules Feiffer
by Terry Gross
Feiffer, who died Jan. 17, first published his self-titled comic strip in The Village Voice in 1956. Later syndicated, Feiffer went on to run for more than four decades. Originally broadcast in 1982.
Aidy Bryant On 'Shrill,' 'SNL' Thrills, And Not Feeling Bad About Her Body
by Terry Gross
Bryant co-writes and stars in the comedy series Shrill. Now in its second season on Hulu, it's based on Lindy West's book about identifying as fat and a feminist. Originally broadcast March 14, 2019.
Rhythm Guitarist Marty Grosz: The 'Fresh Air' Interviews
by Terry Gross
Grosz fled Germany with his family in 1933. Now 90, he tells his story in the memoir, It's a Sin to Tell a Lie. Grosz visited Fresh Air in 1984 and 2004 to play music and to talk about his life.
Understanding Trump's 'Hit List': Experience Matters Far Less Than Loyalty
by Terry Gross
Axios reporter Jonathan Swan says the president has "crossed a psychological line" since impeachment, developing a list of disloyal officials to oust — and suggesting loyalists to replace them.
'Outsider' Actor Ben Mendelsohn On Australian Machismo And Mastering Accents
by Terry Gross
In the HBO series, which was adapted from Stephen King's novel, the Australian actor plays a detective trying to solve a murder — and resisting the idea that the killer may be a supernatural entity.
'Wendy' Mixes Poetry With Platitudes As It Riffs On 'Peter Pan'
by Justin Chang
Director Benh Zeitlin conjures up some practical magic in a loose retelling of J. M. Barrie's classic story. But ultimately, Wendy's clever twists aren't enough to keep your attention from wandering.
'Royal Albert Hall' Album Captures Bryan Ferry In All His Contradictory Glory
by Ken Tucker
Best known as the lead singer for Roxy Music, Ferry released two solo albums in the '70s filled with covers. A marvelous new concert album features Ferry performing many of these songs live.
'Inside Story' Sheds Light On Facebook's Effort To Connect The World
by Dave Davies
How can one company be so wildly successful — and so thoroughly distrusted? Tech writer Steven Levy reflects on Facebook's enigmatic leader and its drive for expansion in his new book.
Carla Bley's Trio Brings A Scaled-Down Dynamic To 'Life Goes On'
by Kevin Whitehead
Bley spent decades leading big bands. Now in her 80s, the jazz composer and pianist has a new album with longtime pal and partner bassist Steve Swallow and English saxophonist Andy Sheppard.
'Supreme Inequality' Argues That America's Top Court Has Become Right-Wing
by Terry Gross
In a new book, lawyer/journalist Adam Cohen makes the case that the Supreme Court has been "a right-wing court for 50 years," siding with corporations and the wealthy — and against the poor.
Daughter Of A Numbers Runner Witnessed An Underground Economy In Action
by Terry Gross
Growing up, Bridgett M. Davis' mother booked and banked bets from their home in Detroit. She writes the role of "the numbers" in the black community in her memoir. Originally broadcast Feb. 4, 2019.