Years ago, writer Pico Iyer lost everything in a wildfire. This is what he learned
After a 1990 wildfire destroyed his home and possessions, Iyer started over. The loss led him to a Benedictine monastery, where he found comfort and compassion in solitude. His new memoir is Aflame.
Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Motown legend Smokey Robinson
In addition to writing and producing most of his own records, Robinson also wrote for other Motown acts, including the Temptations, the Marvellettes and Marvin Gaye. Originally broadcast in 2006.
Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash
Cash was 18 when her dad, Johnny Cash, gave her a list of 100 essential country songs to help her better understand the music that came before her. Originally broadcast in 2009.
Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Rap icon Jay-Z
In 2010, Jay-Z reflected on growing up in Brooklyn surrounded by drugs and violence. "One day, your best friend could be killed. The day before, you could be celebrating him getting a brand-new bike."
Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Lizzo
A self-described "showgirl at its finest," Lizzo initially thought she'd be a classical flautist. Though rap and pop won out, she still brings the flute into her music. Originally broadcast in 2019.
'In Treatment' meets 'Dexter' in Hulu's psychological thriller 'The Patient'
Steve Carell stars as a therapist who is abducted by a murderer. By the time The Patient is over, nearly everyone in this drama series reflects upon past actions and decisions — or dies trying.
Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Jazz great Charlie Haden
Haden grew up singing in his family's country music radio shows but turned to the bass when polio damaged his vocal cords. He died in 2014. Originally broadcast between 1983 and 2008.
Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Queen guitarist Brian May
Terry Gross spoke with Queen lead guitarist Brian May in 2010 about recording the many vocals in "Bohemian Rhapsody," writing the anthem "We Will Rock You" and getting a PhD in astrophysics.
Fresh Air's summer music interviews: Keith Richards
In 2010, Richards recounted how he woke up just long enough to record the famous opening riff of "Satisfaction" on a cassette player he'd placed next to his bed: "I actually dreamt the damned thing."
Colson Whitehead returns to his home turf with 'Harlem Shuffle'
Whitehead says his novel was inspired by his love of heist movies. The story centers on a furniture store owner who has a side hustle trafficking in stolen goods. Originally broadcast Sept. 15, 2021.
How the ultrawealthy devise ways to not pay their share of taxes
Journalist Jesse Eisinger says a trove of IRS data acquired by ProPublica shows that many of America's billionaires avoid paying any taxes — sometimes by claiming big deductions from posh hobbies.
