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.
'Unheard Bird' Gives Fresh Insight Into Charlie Parker's Musical Genius
by Kevin Whitehead
Decades after Parker's death, a new album compiles previously unknown performances by the alto sax legend. Critic Kevin Whitehead says the record will please both jazz experts and casual listeners.
'War Dogs' Puts A Satirical Spin On The Business Of War
by John Powers
Todd Phillips' new comedy, which is loosely based on a true story, follows two 20-somethings from Miami who become international arms dealers. Critic John Powers calls War Dogs "jauntily enjoyable."
Novelist's 'Disgruntled' Heroine Is Drawn From Her Own Childhood
Asali Solomon's novel is about a girl growing up in West Philadelphia whose parents were black nationalists. "My parents taught us to revere Africa," she says. Originally broadcast Feb. 5, 2015.
Eating Yogurt Is Not Enough: Rebalancing The Ecosystem Of 'The Microbes Within Us'
Ed Yong, author of I Contain Multitudes, says someday we might be able to improve our health by taking probiotics, but "we are still in the very early stages of working out how to do this."
Bossacucanova's 'Best Of' Album Pulses With Lovely, Lively Music
by Milo Miles
The Brazilian trio, which won a Grammy in 2002, is known for mixing new and classic bossa nova tunes with electronica. Critic Milo Miles says The Best of Bossacucanova has a "captivating flow."
'Hillbilly Elegy' Recalls A Childhood Where Poverty Was 'The Family Tradition'
J.D. Vance grew up in a Rust Belt town in Ohio, in a family from the hills of eastern Kentucky. His new memoir details the social isolation, poverty and addiction that afflict poor white communities.
Earls Of Leicester Mix Bluegrass With Gospel And Honky-Tonk On 'Rattle & Roar'
by Ken Tucker
The band, which began as a tribute to the The Foggy Mountain Boys, won a Grammy for their debut album in 2015. Critic Ken Tucker says the Earls' new record, Rattle & Roar, lives up to its title.
'Roaring Wind' Examines Extreme Weather, And The Power Of Air
Biologist Bill Streever sailed from Texas to Guatemala while doing research for his new book, And Soon I Heard a Roaring Wind. He says the wind was working against him "most of the time."