Fresh Air

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Typical duration
46 min
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Based on Podcast App listening data

Fresh Air episodes

September 09, 2025 Rob Reiner's 'Spinal Tap' Still Goes To 11
Reiner's 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap sparked a new genre of satire. Now, more than 40 years later, the band is back in a new sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. "They have grown neither emotionally or musically," Reiner says. The filmmaker spoke with Terry Gross about When Harry Met Sally, growing up around comedy legends, and starring in Norman Lear's seminal sitcom All in the Family.

Also, David Bianculli reviews the new comedy series The Paper.

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46 min
September 08, 2025 Bluegrass Star Billy Strings
The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and guitarist has one foot in traditional bluegrass and another in improvisational jam music. He has a new album, Live at the Legion, and he brought his guitar to our studio. He spoke with Sam Briger about healing himself through songwriting, performing the day his mom died, and how being a father has changed him as a musician. "I sing now from a place of freedom and joy in my belly," Strings says.

Also, jazz critic Martin Johnson reviews an album from harpist Brandee Younger.

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45 min
September 06, 2025 Best Of : Jane Fonda / Spike Lee
At 87, Oscar-winning actor Jane Fonda is pouring her energy into activism. She’ll reflect on her decades-long career, and how she first began her fitness empire to fund her activist work. Also, we hear from Spike Lee. His latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, reimagines Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low, but through the lens of modern-day America and hip-hop culture. Both guests spoke with Tonya Mosley.

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49 min
September 05, 2025 Noah Wyle, Star Of 'The Pitt'
After 11 seasons on ER, Noah Wyle thought he was finished with medical dramas: "I spent 15 years avoiding — actively avoiding — walking down what I thought was either hallowed ground or traveled road." But then COVID happened, and he felt compelled to tell more of these stories. He spoke with Dave Davies about the making of HBO's hit show The Pitt, the medical jargon, and his mom's feedback on the show.

Justin Chang reviews the new film Caught Stealing, from director Darren Aronofsky.

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45 min
September 04, 2025 How Does Pain Work? Dr. Sanjay Gupta Explains
CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta's new book examines the world of pain — why we feel it, and how we can treat it. He says distraction and meditation can be useful tools for managing pain. He spoke with Terry Gross about how the brain gets pain signals wrong, alternatives to painkillers, and how a family of circus performers inspired a new drug. Gupta's book is It Doesn't Have to Hurt.

Also, TV critic David Bianculli reviews the HBO series Task, by the creator of Mare of Easttown, starring Mark Ruffalo.

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46 min
September 03, 2025 RFK Jr.'s Impact On Americans' Health
We look at the stormy tenure of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. New York Times reporter Sheryl Gay Stolberg discusses how RFK Jr.'s cuts to government staff and expert groups will impact everyday Americans. A vaccine skeptic, Kennedy fired the CDC director last week.

Also, John Powers reviews the Prime Video thriller series Butterfly, starring Daniel Dae Kim.

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46 min
September 02, 2025 Jane Fonda Is Not Backing Down
Earlier this year, Fonda made headlines for delivering a fiery critique of the Trump administration during a SAG-AFTRA award acceptance speech. "This is not the time to go inward," Fonda says. She spoke with Tonya Mosley about her career onscreen and off, as an activist.

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46 min
September 01, 2025 Roots of Rock and R&B: Dion and Allen Toussaint
All week we're revisiting
archival interviews with key figures in early rock and roll, rockabilly and
R&B. We listen back to a 2000
interview with former teen idol Dion. Plus we’ll hear an interview Terry Gross
recorded in 1988 with New Orleans songwriter and producer Allen Toussaint. And
jazz critic Kevin Whitehead profiles
jazz saxophonist Art Pepper, who was born 100 years ago today.

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47 min
August 30, 2025 Roots of R&B: Charles Brown & Ray Charles
All week we're revisiting archival interviews with key
figures in early rock and roll, rockabilly and R&B. We listen back to a 1989 interview with singer and pianist
Charles Brown. Brown is
credited with creating an expressive style of music that blended rough Texas
blues with the soft glamour of Hollywood. And we revisit a 1998 interview with
soul singer Ray Charles, who helped shape American music, beginning with his
1955 hit, “I Got a Woman.”

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50 min
August 29, 2025 Roots of R&B: 'Stand By Me'
All week we're revisiting archival interviews with key figures in early rock and roll, rockabilly and R&B. Soul singer Ben E. King began his career in the ‘50s with The Drifters but it was the '61 hit "Stand by Me" that sealed his musical legacy. He spoke to Fresh Air in 1988. We also listen back to a 1991 interview with lyricist Jerry Leiber and composer Mike Stoller, who wrote and produced music for King. Plus, we'll revisit Terry Gross' 1993 interview with Jerry Wexler, the hitmaker who coined the term "rhythm and blues."

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47 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…

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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.