Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
'After Midnight' host Taylor Tomlinson is ready to joke about her bipolar II. Mostly
Tomlinson was initially unsure about sharing her bipolar II diagnosis on stage. But, she says, "I got such amazing feedback from people who had been struggling with their mental health."
Billy Bragg On Skiffle, The Movement That Brought Guitar To British Radio
The singer describes skiffle as "a bunch of British school boys in the mid '50s playing Lead Belly's repertoire ... on acoustic guitars." Originally broadcast July 19, 2017.
Fresh Air Weekend: Director Elia Kazan; Singer Ronnie Spector; Novelist John Updike
We commemorate Fresh Air's 30th anniversary as a nationally syndicated show with interviews from our first years on air. Kazan and Spector spoke to Terry Gross in '88. Updike's interview is from '89.
After Harvey Hit, A Houston-Based Novelist Forged Floodwaters To Reach His Mother
Though Mat Johnson's home wasn't flooded in the recent hurricane, the roads around him were. He had to pass these roads to make sure his elderly mother got the care she needed.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Writer/Director John Waters
Once called the "King of Bad Taste," Waters is known for his off-beat cult films Pink Flamingos and Polyester, as well as the more mainstream Hairspray. Originally broadcast in 1988.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Rocker Joey Ramone
The Ramones helped launch the punk rock scene in the mid 1970s with songs that were short, fast and loud. In 1988, lead singer Joey Ramone spoke to Terry Gross about the band's history.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Character Actor Divine
Divine spoke to Terry Gross in 1988 about his most memorable film credits, including his role as the woman who wins the title of "Filthiest Person Alive" in the John Waters' film Pink Flamingos.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Big Band Pianist Jay McShann
A native of Oklahoma, McShann came to Kansas City, Mo., in 1937, when it was the capital for boogie-woogie, blues and swing. He spoke to Terry Gross in 1987, and also played a few songs in the studio.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Jazz Singer Anita O'Day
O'Day first became known in 1941 when she joined Gene Krupa's band. Later, she later sang with Stan Kenton, Benny Goodman and many other small groups. Originally broadcast in 1987.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Drummer And Composer Max Roach
Considered one of the inventors of modern jazz drumming, Roach helped formulate the language of bebop, along with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. Originally broadcast in 1988.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Pulitzer Prize-Winning Novelist John Updike
Over the course of his decades-long career, Updike authored more than 25 novels, including the Rabbit series. He also penned short stories, poems, essays and a memoir. Originally broadcast in 1989.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Writer/Director Paul Schrader
Schrader wrote the screenplays for Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and The Last Temptation of Christ, and wrote and directed Blue Collar. He spoke in 1988 about his religious upbringing and his work in film.
Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Remembering Horror Film Director Tobe Hooper
Hooper, who died Saturday, wrote and directed the 1974 cult classic film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, which helped inspire a wave of slasher films that followed. Originally broadcast in 1988.