'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.
'Prophet Song' is a beautifully-written, slow descent into fascism
Most of the characters in Paul Lynch's Booker Prize-winning novel don't want to believe that tyranny is taking shape before their eyes, even as power is cut off and democratic freedoms evaporate.
Barbra Streisand shares her secret for keeping performances honest
When she was starring in Funny Girl on Broadway, Streisand says she'd alter the music slightly each night. Her new memoir is My Name is Barbra. Originally broadcast Nov. 8, 2023.
Jazz band the EarRegulars stop in for live music and conversation
Trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso and guitarist Matt Munisteri, founding members of the NYC band The EarRegulars, play tunes from their new album, Live at the Ear Inn. Originally broadcast Nov. 22, 2023.
In a tough year for podcasts, these 3 stood above the rest
The podcasting world faced layoffs, retrenchment, and cancellations in 2023, but amidst the turmoil, "If Books Could Kill," "You Didn't See Nothin" and "The Retrievals" topped the list of offerings.
'Music was there for me when I needed it,' The Roots co-founder Tariq Trotter says
Trotter, aka Black Thought, reflects on his childhood in Philly, his decades-long friendship with Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. Trotter's memoir is The Upcycled Self. Originally broadcast Nov. 7, 2023.
'Pretty Baby' chronicles Brooke Shields' career and the sexualization of young girls
Shields has worked as a model and an actor. A two-part Hulu documentary looks at her childhood roles and the toxic culture that perpetuates misogyny. Originally broadcast April 4, 2023.
A music critic revisits 2 artists he overlooked in 2023: King Tuff and Danny Brown
Given the ceaseless torrent of music being released, it's almost inevitable that worthy artists slip through the cracks. Rocker King Tuff and hip-hop's Brown deserve a special mention.
Canadian singer-songwriter Allison Russell plays tracks from 'The Returner'
Russell talks and sings about the physical and sexual abuse she endured from her racist adoptive father — and about how she learned she was worthy of being loved. Originally broadcast Sept. 27, 2023.
'Fresh Air' presents: Christmas with Questlove
Roots cofounder Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson shares his Christmas playlist, which includes songs by DRAM, James Brown, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Originally broadcast Dec. 21, 2022.
A roots and rockabilly holiday concert with JD McPherson and his band
McPherson never thought he'd make a Christmas album. Then, he says, "I got a bug in my ear." He and his band perform live in studio from Socks. Originally broadcast Dec. 11, 2018.
Fresh Air weekend: David Byrne's Christmas playlist; Nicolas Cage
Whether you're merry or miserable, Byrne's holiday playlist will resonate. In Dream Scenario, Cage plays a college professor appears as a bystander in the dreams of both friends and strangers.