After starring in Felicity from 1998 until 2002, Russell took a break from acting. "That step back is the only way I'm still in this business," She says. She went on to star (with her real-life partner Matthew Rhys) in The Americans. Now, in the new Netflix political drama, The Diplomat, Russell plays a career foreign service officer who's forced out of her comfort zone when she becomes the U.S. ambassador in London. 

Also, Maureen Corrigan reviews There Will Be Fire, by Rory Carroll.

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Keri Russell embraces her new role as 'The Diplomat'

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, the show features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.

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Green's YA novel, Turtles All the Way Down, has been recently adapted to film (on MAX May 2). Green described living with OCD, and how "one little thought" could take over his mind, in this 2017 interview with Terry Gross. 

Also, Justin Chang reviews Challengers, starring Zendaya and directed by Luca Guadagnino.

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Novelist John Green On The 'Invasive Weed' Of OCD

Nearly a year after the Hollywood writers' strike started, the entertainment industry remains in flux. Harpers journalist Daniel Bessner says TV and film writers are feeling the brunt of the changes.

Maureen Corrigan reviews a collection of Emily Dickinson letters. 

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Why Writers Are Losing Out In Hollywood

Journalist Susan Page talks about Barbara Walters's groundbreaking career as a newswoman and her signature interview specials, which blended news and entertainment. Page was interested in understanding Walters' inner life – the source of her drive, how she navigated hostile work environments, and being teased for her speech impediment. Page's book is The Rulebreaker.

Also, rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Taylor Swift's 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department.

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The Life & Legacy Of 'Rulebreaker' Barbara Walters

The songwriter, guitarist and singer known as St. Vincent took her stage name from St. Vincent's Hospital in New York, where the poet Dylan Thomas died. Her seventh album, All Born Screaming, is out April 26. She spoke with Terry Gross about visiting her dad in prison, touring with her aunt and uncle as a teen, and the inspiration for her hit song "New York." 

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St. Vincent

Journalist Ari Berman says the founding fathers created a system that concentrated power in the hands of an elite minority — and that their decisions continue to impact American democracy today. Berman's book is Minority Rule.

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Keri Russell embraces her new role as 'The Diplomat'

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