Fresh Air

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Fresh Air episodes

July 23, 2019 Sleep Disorders & The Nocturnal Brain
Neurologist Dr. Guy Leschziner, author of 'The Nocturnal Brain,' says sleep is not a binary state, and the brain can be in multiple stages of sleep at once. That can explain why people sometimes walk, eat, and even have sex while sleeping. He talks about insomnia, medication, and some of the more unusual disorders he has treated.

Also, we remember Paul Krassner, who died July 21. He published and edited the magazine 'The Realist' from 1958 until 1974 and became known as "the father of the underground press."
49 min
July 22, 2019 Breakthroughs In Heart Health
Dr. Haider Warraich talks about advancements in treating and preventing heart failure, and explains how the understanding of healthy blood pressure and good cholesterol continues to evolve. His book is 'State of the Heart.'

Also, TV critic David Bianculli reviews the new Hulu revival of 'Veronica Mars,' starring Kristen Bell.
49 min
July 20, 2019 Best Of: TV Critic Emily Nussbaum / Satirist Randy Rainbow
Emily Nussbaum, Pulitzer Prize-winning TV critic for 'The New Yorker,' talks about the art of "terrible men" in the #MeToo era and TV's revolution (from low brow to high art). Her new book of essays and reviews is 'I Like to Watch.'

Also, Maureen Corrigan reviews the novel 'Copperhead' by Alexi Zentner.

Randy Rainbow writes and performs satirical songs about President Trump set to melodies of show tunes. "I always considered song parody kind of cheap," the Emmy-nominated performer says. "But ... I've gotten [such a] response from others ... that I'm appreciating it as an art form."
50 min
July 19, 2019 50th Anniversary Of The Moon Landing
For the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, we're listening back to archival interviews with Michael Collins, who circled the moon in the command capsule while Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong were on the moon's surface; Alan Shepard, the first American in space; Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield; and test pilot Chuck Yeager, the first to break the sound barrier.
50 min
July 18, 2019 Corruption & Dysfunction In The Border Protection Agency
When Customs and Border Protection was formed after 9/11 (as a part of the Department of Homeland Security), many agents signed up for the job thinking it would be a quasi-military position, focused on catching terrorists and stopping drug smugglers. Journalist Garrett Graff says in recent years, the border patrol agents mostly have been doing humanitarian and administrative work for asylum-seekers. "It went out and built its ranks by recruiting Rambo, when it actually turns out that what the border patrol needs is Mother Teresa," he says. Graff talks about the leadership vacuum that's plagued the agency and worsened the border crisis.

Also, film critic Justin Chang reviews the new remake of 'The Lion King.'
50 min
July 17, 2019 Satirist Randy Rainbow
Rainbow writes and performs satirical songs about President Trump set to melodies of show tunes. "I always considered song parody kind of cheap," the Emmy-nominated performer says. "But ... I've gotten [such a] response from others ... that I'm appreciating it as an art form."

Also, we remember retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, who died yesterday at 99. He spoke with Terry Gross in 2011.
49 min
July 16, 2019 Novelist Colson Whitehead On 'The Nickel Boys'
The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist's new book, 'The Nickel Boys,' is based on the true story of a notorious Florida reform school where many boys were beaten and sexually abused. Dozens of unmarked graves were discovered on the school grounds, which the state shut down in 2011. Maureen Corrigan reviews the novel, and then the author speaks with contributor Dave Davies.

Also, jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the book 'Jazz from Detroit.'
50 min
July 15, 2019 TV Critic Emily Nussbaum
The Pulitzer Prize-winning TV critic for 'The New Yorker' talks about the art of "terrible men" in the #MeToo era, TV's revolution (from low to high brow), and what she calls "the bad fan." Her new book of essays and reviews is 'I Like to Watch.'
49 min
July 13, 2019 Best Of: Yiddish 'Fiddler On The Roof' / How 'Maiden' Sailed Into History
A new Yiddish language production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' is currently running off-Broadway. Steven Skybell, who plays Tevye, and Joel Grey, who directs the show, explain why the play still resonates.

Film critic Justin Chang reviews the thriller 'Midsommar.'

In 1989, 26-year-old skipper Tracy Edwards set out on what was considered an unthinkable journey for a woman — to sail the 33,000 mile Whitbread Round The World Race. She assembled an all-female crew, restored a shabby racing yacht, and took to sea. The new documentary 'Maiden' tracks their 9-month-long race and the sexism they faced at every turn. Edwards spoke with 'Fresh Air' contributor Dave Davies.
51 min
July 12, 2019 MLB's Keith Hernandez / Remembering Pitcher Jim Bouton & Actor Rip Torn
The former first baseman played on championship teams with the Cardinals and Mets, and made a memorable appearance on 'Seinfeld.' His memoir, now out in paperback, is 'I'm Keith Hernandez.'

MLB pitcher Jim Bouton, who died Wednesday, spoke to 'Fresh Air' in 1986 about his 1970 tell-all memoir, 'Ball Four,' in which he drew on his seven years with the Yankees to offer an insider's guide to baseball.

Actor Rip Torn, who died Tuesday, won an Emmy Award for playing the gruff producer Artie on 'The Larry Sanders Show.' In 1994, he told Terry Gross that he based his character on Johnny Carson's long time producer.

Also, critic John Powers reviews 'London Kills,' about a Scotland Yard team led by a detective whose wife has gone missing.
49 min

About Fresh Air

From the publisher's feed

Fresh Air from WHYY, the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio's most popular programs. Hosted by Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley, the show…

Best of Fresh Air

Ranked by our users in the last 21 days

Number 1: The Roy Cohn Playbook, from McCarthyism to Trump
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Number 2: Investigating the system that protected Sean “Diddy” Combs
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Number 3: Inside the 'modern slavery' where cyber scammers are victims themselves
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Number 4: New drones, deadlier attacks: Dystopian reality in Ukraine
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Number 5: Is Jared Kushner a 'walking conflict of interest'?
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FAQ about Fresh Air

What's this show about?
Fresh Air, hosted by Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley, features intimate conversations with luminaries in contemporary arts and issues.
What's it like to listen to?
The show delivers in-depth interviews in a conversational format. Expect a focus on the guest's work and life, with thoughtful questions and a relaxed atmosphere.
What are recent episodes about?
Recent episodes feature Jessie Buckley discussing her role in the film *Hamnet*, Delroy Lindo reflecting on his career, and discussions about Paul McCartney's post-Beatles life and plans to restrict voting in the U.S..
Who's behind the mic?
Terry Gross has hosted Fresh Air since 1975, winning a Peabody Award and countless other honors for her insightful interviews. Tonya Mosley is a Peabody Award-winning journalist and co-host of Fresh Air.
How long is each episode?
Each episode is typically around 45 minutes to an hour.
When do new episodes drop?
The show releases new episodes regularly.
What are the main topics?
Arts, books, film, society, culture, interviews, music, politics
Who should listen to this?
Listeners interested in the arts, film, music, and society, as well as those who enjoy in-depth interviews with a wide range of notable figures.