On Muhammad Ali's Complicated Contradictions, And How He Changed Boxing
"Ali was a black man who was not concerned with what white America thought of him."
Interviews
What Can Great Writers Teach Us About Growing Up and Getting Old?
We all stumble across similar ideas as we age, and some of these revelations have passed into the books we love. Journalist Joshua Prager explores the stages of life through quotes from great writers.
What Wisdom Can We Gain From Nature?
South African writer and conservationist Boyd Varty has spent his entire life among wild animals. He describes how he discovers "new old ways" by observing the natural world.
What Can One Generation Teach The Next About Manhood?
Advocate Tony Porter's wisdom focuses on masculinity and ending violence against women. He explains how he draws on his own upbringing to help the next generation of men redefine manhood.
Can A 75-Year-Old Study Deliver Wisdom For All Of Us?
Psychiatrist Robert Waldinger is the director of a 75-year-old study on happiness and satisfaction. He shares what he has learned, as well as his wisdom on how to find fulfillment.
Code Switch Podcast, Episode 2: Being 'Outdoorsy' When You're Black Or Brown
On this episode, Shereen and Adrian take a look at why being "outdoorsy" can get complicated when you're a person of color in America.
Fresh Air Weekend: The Lonely Island; Paul Simon's New Album; The Science Of Warfare
Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer talk about their film, Popstar. Ken Tucker reviews Paul Simon's Stranger to Stranger. Grunt author Mary Roach describes scientific developments of war.
A Path From 'Blackout' Drunkenness To Sobriety And Self-Acceptance
Author Sarah Hepola once got so drunk before a presentation that she didn't remember it the next day. She wrestles with her reasons for drinking in her memoir. Originally broadcast July 30, 2015.
From The 'Fresh Air' Archives: G. Gordon Liddy On Conquering His Fears
In 1973, Liddy was convicted for his role in the conspiracy to burglarize and bug the Democratic Party's headquarters at the Watergate office complex. Originally broadcast in 1980.
Fresh Air Weekend: Marc Maron; Reconsidering Millennial Speak; Susan Silverman
Marc Maron talks about sobriety and his "uncomfortable" comfort zone. Linguist Geoff Nunberg weighs in on the phrase "I feel like." Rabbi Susan Silverman discusses anxiety, faith and adoption.