
Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.

'The Shrouds' introduces a new stage of grief: Watching your loved one decompose
David Cronenberg's thriller centers on an unusual technology that allows people to watch their loved ones decompose in real time. The Shrouds is both deeply morbid and disarmingly funny.
Remembering Huston Smith, Noted 'World's Religions' Scholar
Smith, who died on Friday, was a Methodist minister who traveled the world studying Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism and other religions. Originally broadcast in 1996.
Having Thick Skin Is A 'Survival Technique,' Says Comic Jeff Ross
Ross says he learned to "dish it out and take it" as a kid in Newark, NJ. He likens celebrity roasts to "a party where everybody goes and has a good time." Originally broadcast Sept. 13, 2016.
'Late Show' Host Says He Has Finally Found His Post-'Colbert Report' Voice
The comic initially avoided joking about politics on The Late Show for fear that he would fall into his Colbert Report persona. Originally broadcast Nov. 2, 2016.
'Shakespeare In Music & Words' Marks 400 Years Since The Bard's Death
by Lloyd Schwartz
A new two-CD set features music inspired by Shakespeare as well as actors reading his work. Critic Lloyd Schwartz says any excuse to honor the master playwright is a good one.
To Make 'The Godfather' His Way, Francis Ford Coppola Waged A Studio Battle
Coppola was 29 years old when he signed on to direct a film. "I was young and had no power," he says, "so [the studio] figured they could just boss me around." Originally broadcast Nov. 16, 2016.
Remembering 'Star Wars' Actress Carrie Fisher
In addition to playing Princess Leia in the original Star Wars movies, Fisher was also the author of Postcards from the Edge and The Princess Diarist. Originally broadcast in 1990, 2004 and 2016.
Looking Back At The Ramones' Debut: They Were A 'Bunch Of Weirdos From New York'
by Ed Ward
It's been 40 years since The Ramones released their self-titled first album. Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the debut as a confrontational and divisive record with a "cartoonish overlay."
Kenya Barris On 'Black-ish' And What Kids Lose When They Grow Up With More
Barris says his ABC comedy series is about "raising your kids in a different environment than you were accustomed to being raised in." Originally broadcast May 18, 2016.
'I Never Set Out To Be An Actor,' Says 'Transparent' Star Gaby Hoffmann
Hoffmann grew up in the Chelsea Hotel and appeared in Field of Dreams and other films as child. She says she initially saw acting as "a means to an end." Originally broadcast Oct. 10, 2016.
Bruce Springsteen: On Jersey, Masculinity And Wishing To Be His Stage Persona
"People see you onstage and, yeah, I'd want to be that guy," Springsteen says. "I want to be that guy myself very often." Originally broadcast Oct. 5, 2016.