Interviews

Computer scientist Avi Rubin speaking at TEDxMidAtlantic.

What Happens When Hackers Hijack Our Smart Devices?

9:48am January 13, 2017

by NPR/TED Staff

Computer scientist Avi Rubin says all our smart devices — cars, phones, even fitness trackers — can be hacked. He warns that our network of connected technology puts us at risk for cyberattacks.

Queue Listen Now

Are there ways to make traffic better in our cities?

Can We Improve Our Transportation Network Using...Biology?

9:29am January 13, 2017

by NPR/TED Staff

Wanis Kabbaj wants traffic to flow smoothly and efficiently, like the blood in our veins. He says driverless cars may be the solution to today's highway gridlock.

Queue Listen Now

Anthropologist Robin Dunbar says our social networks are limited to about 150 connections.

Science
Arts

Is There A Limit To How Many Friends We Can Have?

8:46am January 13, 2017

by NPR/TED Staff

Anthropologist Robin Dunbar believes the evolutionary structure of social networks limits us to 150 meaningful relationships at a time — even with the rise of social media.

Queue Listen Now

Young people have always used language in new and different ways, and it has pretty much always driven older people crazy.

Books
Arts

Why It's Literally Not Wrong To Say 'Literally'

3:14pm January 10, 2017

by NPR Staff

Young people have always used language in new ways, and it has always driven older people crazy. But the linguist John McWhorter says all the LOLs are part of an inevitable evolution of language.

Arts

How Tattoo Artist Bang Bang Is Leaving His Mark On Celebrities

3:03pm January 08, 2017

by Dustin DeSoto

High school dropout Keith McCurdy went from tattooing outside of a Delaware trailer park to inking supermodels and stars. Above all, it's his readiness that's helped him turn his passion into success.

Queue Listen Now

Lin-Manuel Miranda performs on Hamilton's opening night in August 2015. "It was an enormous challenge to do that show every night," he says.

Fresh Air Weekend: Lin-Manuel Miranda; 'La La Land' Director Damien Chazelle

12:34pm January 07, 2017

Miranda weighs in about Disney, mixtapes and why he won't try to top the success of Hamilton. Chazelle discusses the brash, defiant and "almost avant-garde" nature of musicals.

Queue Listen Now

Actor and activist Jesse Williams says he believes his efforts are making a difference but gives credit to those who inspire him, among them black women and the black LGBTQ community.

Actor And Activist Jesse Williams: 'I'm Certain I'm Making A Difference'

3:32pm January 01, 2017

by NPR Staff

The Grey's Anatomy co-star tells NPR's Michel Martin he's seen the effects of his actions in the public consciousness and discourse. He says he's inspired by black women and the black LGBTQ community.

Queue Listen Now

World News

For Turkey, 2016 Was A Bloody Year. And 2017 Has Begun The Same Way

10:21am January 01, 2017

At least 39 people were killed in a shooting in Istanbul early New Year's Day. NPR's Ailsa Chang talks to journalist Mustafa Akyol about the mood in Turkey following a year of terrorist attacks.

Queue Listen Now

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling dance in the musical, La La Land, critic David Edelstein's pick for the best film of the year.

Fresh Air Weekend: Our Critics Pick The Best Film, TV, Music And Books Of 2016

1:16pm December 31, 2016

Edelstein lists the year's best films. Bianculli picks the best TV shows. Powers offers his year-end "ghost list." Tucker assesses the best music of '15. Whitehead remembers the jazz greats who died.

Queue Listen Now

Former Ambassador Explains What's Next For U.S. And Russia After Sanctions

11:44am December 31, 2016

Forrmer U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, a professor at Stanford, joins NPR's Rachel Martin to discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin's response to the sanctions from the U.S.

Queue Listen Now