Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
How Louis Armstrong became the first Black pop star
by Terry Gross
Author Ricky Riccardi says Armstrong's innovations as a trumpeter and vocalist helped set the entire soundtrack of the 20th century. His new book about Armstrong's early life is Stomp Off, Let's Go.
Stephen Root On 'Barry,' 'Office Space' And Why 'Less Is More' In Acting
by Dave Davies
After appearing in nearly 800 TV episodes and 100 films, the noted character actor received his first Emmy nomination for his role as a handler to a hitman in the HBO series Barry.
Pianist Fred Hersch Scales Up The Intimacy On 'Begin Again'
by Kevin Whitehead
Hersch often works in small settings, either as a piano soloist, or in a duo or trio. But he amplifies his message on his latest album by teaming up with Germany's WDR Big Band.
How A Few 'Renegade' Thinkers Helped Usher In A New Era Of Anthropology
by Dave Davies
In his new book, Gods of the Upper Air, Charles King tells the story of Franz Boas, Margaret Mead and the other 20th century anthropologists who challenged outdated notions of race, class and gender.
If These 2 Titles Remind You Of Masterful Suspense Novels, They Should
by Maureen Corrigan
'Mindhunter' Actor Jonathan Groff On His Most Life-Altering Roles
by Terry Gross
Groff told Fresh Air in 2017 that his work on HBO's Looking changed his life: "It's ... the most personal thing I've worked on." He stars in the Netflix series Mindhunter, now in its second season.