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.
Clarinetist Ben Goldberg Unites Jazz And Poetry On 'Good Day For Cloud Fishing'
by Kevin Whitehead
Goldberg's mini box set includes 24 new poems by Dean Young — as well as a dozen pieces inspired by Young's poetry. The playfulness on both sides of the equation makes this mixed-media project work.
From Mar-A-Lago To Trump Hotels, Reporter Says Trump Profits As President
by Terry Gross
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Fahrenthold says in the past, an honor system helped keep presidents from using the office to benefit themselves. Not Trump: "He exploits honor systems."
Come Along For The Ride: 'Give Me Liberty' Is A Full-Blown Farce On Wheels
by Justin Chang
A new screwball comedy by filmmaker Kirill Mikhanovsky follows the driver of a medical transport van and his passengers over the course of 24 busy hours in Milwaukee.
Elvis' Guitarist James Burton: 'I Went Professional When I Was 14'
by Terry Gross
Burton played in Ricky Nelson's band, and has been on hundreds of recordings, including those by Frank Sinatra and Johnny Cash. You can hear him on the new box set, Elvis: Live 1969.
Chuck Cleaver Gets Wonderfully Expressive On His First Solo Album
by Ken Tucker
Cleaver, one of the leaders of Wussy, sings about joy, pain, sorrow and regret on Send Aid. The resulting album stands with the best of anything Cleaver has ever done.
Don't Be Fooled By The Talking Horse — 'BoJack' Is A Sadness 'Sneak Attack'
by Terry Gross
BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg says part of the pitch for the Emmy-nominated animated show was, "What's Mister Ed like behind the scenes?" Originally broadcast Oct. 17, 2018.
Return To Middle School In 'PEN15': Creators Say 'It's All About Survival'
by Terry Gross
Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle are nominated for an Emmy for their writing on PEN15, a Hulu comedy series in which they play 13-year-old versions of themselves. Originally broadcast May 6, 2019.
Billy Eichner Makes A Career Out Of Love/Hating Celebrity Culture
by Terry Gross
In his Emmy-nominated series Billy on the Street, Eichner roams the sidewalks of Manhattan, asking strangers open-ended questions about the entertainment industry. Originally broadcast Dec. 12, 2016.
Satirist Randy Rainbow Uses Show Tunes And Pop Songs To Lampoon Trump
by Terry Gross
The Emmy-nominated lyricist/performer used to consider song parody cheap humor: "But ... I've gotten [such a] response ... that I'm appreciating it as an art form." Originally broadcast July 17, 2019.