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Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
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Rachel Kushner's new espionage thriller may be her coolest book yet
In Creation Lake, a hard-drinking American spy infiltrates a radical farming collective in a remote region of France. Kushner challenges readers to keep up with her and not to flinch.
Novelist John Le Carré Reflects On His Own 'Legacy' Of Spying
The 85-year-old novelist worked for MI5 and MI6 early in his career. "I felt I had to suppress my humanity," he says of those years. Originally broadcast Sept. 5, 2017.
Marta Sánchez Creates A Truly International Sound With 'Danza Imposible'
by Kevin Whitehead
You might think that Sánchez's Spanish-French-Cuban-Canadian-Israeli quintet would go haywire with so many rhythmic accents in play, but critic Kevin Whitehead says the composer pulls it all together.
Patton Oswalt: Falling In Love Again Was Like 'Getting Hit By Lightning Twice'
After the sudden death of his first wife in April 2016, Oswalt felt his life slipping away. But over the past year, things took a turn. Originally broadcast Nov. 27, 2017.
'Florida Project' Tops David Edelstein's List Of The Year's Best Films
by David Edelstein
In a year dominated by stories of sexual harassment and abuse, Fresh Air's movie critic says his favorite films featured voices that aren't heard from enough.
Lin-Manuel Miranda On Disney, Mixtapes And Why He Won't Try To Top 'Hamilton'
Miranda says he doesn't feel the need to duplicate the success of Hamilton. "If you think in terms of topping, you're in the wrong business," he says. Originally broadcast Jan. 3, 2017.
Singer-Songwriter Curtis Harding Drops His Guard On 'Face Your Fear'
by Ken Tucker
The Atlanta-based musician blends contrasting pop genres on his second album. Rock critic Ken Tucker says Face Your Fear reveals Harding's deep knowledge of R&B.
Ranky Tanky Builds On The Music And Culture Of Slave Descendants
Three members of Ranky Tanky perform songs from their debut album. The band's name and music derive from the tradition of slave descendants known as the Gullah. Originally broadcast Dec. 12, 2017.
'Phantom Thread' Is Deeply Weird And Marvelously Entertaining
by David Edelstein
Paul Thomas Anderson's new movie stars Daniel Day-Lewis as a British women's fashion designer in the 1950s. Critic David Edelstein says the film is an amusing portrait of artistic and marital anguish.
Remembering Jazz Singer Keely Smith
Smith, who died Saturday, was discovered by bandleader Louis Prima as a teenager. She later married Prima, and the two became a popular Las Vegas lounge act. Originally broadcast in 2000.
Trombonist Roswell Rudd Packs A Lot Of Wisdom Into Every Note Of 'Embrace'
by Kevin Whitehead
Rudd started out playing dixieland before graduating to free jazz. Now he's collaborating with singer Fay Victor on his latest album. Critic Kevin Whitehead says Embrace has a "valedictory air."
'Better Call Saul' Tops Critic David Bianculli's Picks For The Best TV Of 2017
by David Bianculli
Fresh Air's TV critic spends a lot of time watching television — in part because there are so many great shows to watch. Godless, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Fargo are also among his favorites.
NPR's Robert Siegel Reflects On What It Was Like To 'Grow Up On The Air'
The longtime host of All Things Considered will retire in January. NPR had only been on the air for five years when Siegel started in 1976. "So we really could make it up as we went along," he says.