Fresh Air

Host Tanya Mosley interviews Lee Sung Jin about the second season of his Netflix series, Beef. The conversation explores how Jin draws from personal experiences—such as generational divides, class dynamics in country clubs, and hospital visits—to inform his storytelling. Jin also discusses how his immigrant parents' focus on achievement shaped his inner monologue and reflects on his early struggles in the entertainment industry, including periods of poverty and facing racism in writers' rooms. The episode concludes with a review of the Apple TV crime drama 'Lucky' by David Bianculli.

In this episode of Fresh Air, host Tanya Mosley interviews writer Gia Tolentino about the evolution of cosmetic surgery and the rise of 'Instagram Face.' They explore how algorithmic beauty standards and AI are converging toward a singular, optimized aesthetic that threatens to erase racial diversity and strip the human face of its ability to communicate life history. The conversation further delves into the rise of 'looksmaxing' and the commodification of beauty, tracing its roots from body positivity movements to reactionary, anti-feminist internet subcultures. Tolentino discusses the personal struggle of navigating these anti-human incentives and her desire to model a life for her daughter where self-improvement is not driven by the pressure to remain perpetually young or beautiful.

Broadway legend Andre DeShields discusses his illustrious career, reflecting on the significance of 'The Wiz' in opening Broadway to Black audiences and the influence of the Harlem Renaissance on his artistry. He shares personal stories regarding his journey from a college student to a professional performer, including how playing Walter Lee Younger helped him overcome personal struggles. DeShields also provides a poignant look at his resilience living with HIV since 1991 and his experiences navigating the HIV/AIDS epidemic as an advocate. The interview touches upon his theatrical training, memories of meeting Katharine Hepburn, and his enduring connection to Black excellence in American history.

Terry Gross interviews author Harriet Clark about her debut novel, The Hill, which explores the impact of her mother Judith Clark's long-term imprisonment following the 1981 Brinks robbery. Clark discusses the complexities of being raised by grandparents, the emotional weight of prison visits, and how her mother's eventual release shifted her perspective on possibility. The episode also features music reviews by Ken Tucker regarding new albums from The Dirty Knobs and Low Cut Connie, as well as an announcement for an upcoming interview with Broadway legend Andre DeShields.

This episode of Fresh Air Weekend features an interview with writers Rashida Jones and Will McCormack about their new film, The Invite, which explores the complexities of marriage and middle age through a single dinner party. The conversation delves into their creative partnership and the themes of unvarnished honesty and private grief. The program also features Lenny Kaye, who discusses his new solo album, his musical history, and the emotional significance of music and loss. He recounts his early influences, from the Beatles to his professional connection with Patti Smith, and reflects on the importance of continuous evolution in art.

TV critic David Bianculli provides an appreciation of the FX series The Bear, followed by an interview with actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach. The discussion covers Moss-Bachrach's character evolution in The Bear, his experiences working with directors like Wes Anderson, and his upcoming roles in 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' and 'Dog Day Afternoon'. Additionally, film critic Justin Chang reviews Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's 'The Odyssey', analyzing its visual scale and thematic connections to the director's previous work. The episode concludes with an introduction to Harriet Clark's new novel and standard program credits.

Terry Gross interviews chef Nephi Craig about his journey from substance abuse and incarceration to becoming a leader in Native American cuisine. The conversation explores the cultural significance of indigenous ingredients, the historical impact of colonialism on Native food traditions, and how Craig's experiences cooking in a jail facility taught him humility. Craig also discusses his memoir, addressing the connection between colonial violence and addiction in Indigenous communities. The episode also features a book review of 'Cloud Thief' by Nathaniel Rich and a tribute to retiring WHYY engineers Joyce and Thad Kirk.

Host Dave Davies interviews journalist Jonathan Swan about his new book, 'Regime Change Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump.' The discussion explores how major policy decisions are made through unvetted personal instincts rather than traditional bureaucratic processes, highlighting a shift toward loyalists who prioritize personal allegiance over institutional checks. Swan also examines themes of hubris and power projection in the administration, describing the chaotic nature of White House operations and the use of executive power to target political enemies. The interview concludes with a look at Trump's enduring influence over the Republican Party.

Journalist Jonathan Blitzer discusses the alarming rise in ICE detention numbers and the inhumane conditions within facilities like Camp East Montana. He details how poor living conditions, medical neglect, and unsanitary environments are used as a strategic tool to pressure detainees into accepting deportation. The episode also explores the Trump administration's mass detention campaign, focusing on the use of racial profiling and the weaponization of personal data. Blitzer highlights the vital work of non-profit organizations like Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center in providing legal aid and human dignity amidst significant financial challenges.

Host Tanya Mosley interviews writers and performers Rashida Jones and Will McCormick about their new screenplay, The Invite, exploring themes of relationship tension, private grief, and the inevitability of loss. The discussion delves into their long-standing creative partnership, their shared history as actors, and how they use performance to discover stories. The conversation also touches upon personal journeys regarding sobriety, family legacy, and the influence of pivotal cultural moments like the O.J. Simpson trial. Jones and McCormick reflect on how their collaboration provides a space where pain and humor intersect, shaped by their shared experiences with heartbreak and loss.

Host Tanya Mosley interviews music producer Peter Asher about his life and connections to the Beatles, including his experiences living with Paul McCartney and his role as A&R for Apple Records. The conversation explores the British Invasion's musical roots and Asher's discovery of James Taylor and his collaboration with Carole King. The episode also features a review of the new Netflix adaptation of Little House on the Prairie and an interview with romance novelist Kennedy Ryan. Ryan discusses her inspirations, her focus on marginalized characters, and how navigating her son's autism diagnosis and financial hardships led to both advocacy work and the creative birth of her Rivermont series.

This episode pays tribute to musical historian Robert Kimball, exploring his discovery of lost musical treasures and his personal connections to Ira Gershwin. The conversation delves into the technical brilliance of the Gershwin brothers' songwriting, George Gershwin's prolific final months, and the historical significance of 'Shuffle Along' in launching the Harlem Renaissance. In the second half, the program shifts to television criticism. David Bianculli reviews the new Netflix adaptation of Little House on the Prairie, noting its performance strengths despite technical flaws, while John Powers examines the Apple TV series Sugar, highlighting Colin Farrell's performance in a genre-blasting science fiction noir.

Terry Gross interviews musician and author Lenny Kaye about his new solo album, 'Going Local', and his career spanning rock history, books, and record collecting. The conversation explores his musical evolution, his personal connection to his collections of books and records, and his early experiences in the music industry. Kaye also discusses his early musical experiences, including recording under a pseudonym and his first performance with Patti Smith. He reflects on the origins of 'Gloria,' his move from New York City to Pennsylvania, and his views on musical generations and contemporary music.

Journalist Ari Berman discusses how recent Supreme Court rulings have reshaped American elections by empowering wealthy individuals and weakening the Voting Rights Act. He explores how decisions regarding campaign finance and redistricting in Southern states are diluting Black political power, making racial discrimination harder to prove legally. The conversation also examines the potential impacts of the SAVE Act on voter registration and the broader threats to election administration. Berman highlights concerns regarding political interference, the possibility of challenges to midterm election results, and the risk of creating a scenario of political instability within the House of Representatives.

In this episode of Fresh Air, Terry Gross interviews producer Peter Asher about his storied career in the music industry. The conversation explores his early life as a child actor and his deep connections to the Beatles and the British Invasion. Asher details his transition from A&R at Apple Records—where he discovered James Taylor—to his move to the U.S. He discusses managing Taylor through addiction, collaborating with Carole King, and his pivotal role in shaping Linda Ronstadt's solo career.

Host Tanya Mosley interviews writer Rachel Aviv about her new book, 'You Won't Get Free of It,' which explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. The conversation covers Aviv's shift in perspective on her journalistic work after becoming a mother, as well as specific stories involving dissociative fugue states and the controversial legacy of Alice Munro. The discussion also delves into Aviv's personal history with anorexia and how it shaped her approach to writing about mental health. The episode concludes with a review by John Powers of the Hulu comedy series Alice and Steve, discussing its character dynamics and narrative structure.

Tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova discuss their enduring friendship, the physical toll of cancer treatments, and their early career experiences in America. The conversation also touches on personal challenges such as burnout and identity. The episode transitions into a review of the television series 'Alice and Steve' before exploring the history of American culture wars with author Isaac Butler. The discussion delves into the religious right's attacks on art and books, specifically examining the controversy surrounding Andres Serrano's photography.

In this interview, Steven Spielberg discusses how his childhood fears, early cinematic experiences, and the Vietnam War draft shaped his filmmaking. He reflects on using 8mm film to regain control over anxieties and explores how his commitment to historical truth in films like Saving Private Ryan was influenced by memories of Holocaust survivors and graphic documentary imagery. Spielberg also shares how personal family history, including his parents' divorce and a shared secret regarding his mother's affair, inspired his film The Fabelmans. The episode also features a book review of David S. Reynolds' 'Two Ships' and concludes with a musical tribute to Marvin Gaye.

Host Tanya Mosley interviews author Kennedy Ryan about her use of the romance genre as a 'Trojan horse' to bring social discourses—such as mental health, racial identity, and queer experiences—into the mainstream. Ryan discusses her commitment to centering marginalized narratives and using historical research, including the Harlem Renaissance, to provide guaranteed joy and hope for her readers. The episode also explores Ryan's personal journey through family roots in North Carolina and the challenges following her son's autism diagnosis. The program concludes with a review of Craig Ferguson's CNN documentary series, 'American on Purpose,' which examines American identity, the purpose of the Constitution, and the importance of freedom of speech.

Terry Gross interviews Burkhard Bilger about the spread of Lone Star ticks and the resulting alpha-gal syndrome, a severe allergy to red meat. The discussion covers the geographic expansion of these ticks across the United States, the difficulty in diagnosing the syndrome, and the pervasive presence of alpha-gal molecules in various medical treatments and consumer products. The conversation further explores the complexities of diagnosis, potential treatments like Xolair, and how climate change and land use drive tick migration. The episode also examines ecological factors contributing to infestations on Martha's Vineyard, such as deer overpopulation, and considers large-scale solutions ranging from vaccines to deer population reduction.

In this episode of Fresh Air, Terry Gross interviews author Isaac Butler about his book, 'The Perfect Moment,' which explores the history of America's culture wars. The discussion delves into the tactics used by religious activists to influence school curricula and the political use of controversy surrounding NEA-funded artists like Andres Serrano, Robert Mapplethorpe, and David Wojnarowicz. Butler examines how the 'power of the purse' was used to enforce ideological conformity and discusses the broader implications of censorship. The conversation also touches upon the impact of the AIDS epidemic on art and personal identity, as well as Butler's decision to maintain historical distance from contemporary political events in his writing.

In this episode of Fresh Air, Terry Gross interviews tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova about their lifelong friendship, intense rivalry, and shared experiences with cancer. The conversation covers the physical toll of their treatments, the discovery of genetic mutations, and reflections on their legendary matches while watching a new documentary. The legends also reflect on their early careers, discussing childhood training, the impact of fame, and Navratilova's transition to American culture. They discuss the mental toll of competition, the challenges of being outed as bisexual, and the evolution of women's tennis into a global sport with increased social consciousness.

In this episode of Fresh Air Weekend, host Tanya Mosley interviews Laverne Cox about her new memoir, Transcendent. The conversation explores Cox's childhood in Alabama, navigating trauma through music and dance, and the broader political implications of anti-trans legislation. Comedian Ali Sadiq joins the program to share stories regarding his complex relationship with his late father and his upbringing in Houston. He reflects on the consequences of his past involvement in drug dealing, the psychological scars of incarceration, and his journey into comedy as he strives to provide a stable life for his son.

This episode pays tribute to the legendary TV comedy director James Burrows, exploring his technical innovations in the multi-camera sitcom format and his transition from stage management to directing iconic shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, and Cheers. Through interviews and reflections, we delve into his creative process, the importance of live audiences, and the art of character development. The episode also features a discussion on the brilliance behind spin-offs like Frasier and the comedic dynamics of Will & Grace. We conclude with a film review of 'The Invite' by Justin Chang, followed by previews of upcoming NPR programming covering tennis legends, AI consciousness, and Hunter Biden.

In this episode of Fresh Air, Tanya Mosley interviews playwright Anna DeVere Smith about her work in verbatim theater. Smith discusses her new play, 'Basil Biggs,' which explores the life of her great-great-grandfather in Civil War-era Gettysburg, and explains how she uses linguistic rhythms and historical research to bring American stories to life. The conversation also covers Smith's origins in interviewing strangers on the streets of New York and her play 'Notes from the Field,' which examines themes of education and incarceration. The episode concludes with a review of Larry David's new HBO series, 'Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness,' and a discussion on the changing economic models of modern theater.

Terry Gross interviews journalist Helen Lewis about the rise of 'masculinism,' a political ideology within the American Right that advocates for traditional gender roles and challenges liberal individualism. The discussion explores how figures like Douglas Wilson use provocative rhetoric to promote a family-centric social structure, potentially even advocating for the repeal of the 19th Amendment. The episode further examines the deep political schisms within the MAGA movement, focusing on how leaders use rhetoric against women to maintain a cohesive identity. The conversation covers the intersection of politics and masculinity, examining how masculine identity is weaponized in campaigns and the influence of figures like Susie Wiles, Scott Yenna, and Senator Josh Hawley in promoting narratives centered on male disadvantage.

Tanya Mosley interviews actor Wendell Pierce about his approach to classical theater, including his upcoming performance as Othello and his philosophy as a 'journeyman' actor. Pierce discusses how his personal history, family legacy, and the influence of his late father shape his portrayals of complex characters. The conversation also explores Pierce's reflections on roles in 'The Wire,' addressing criticisms regarding racial stereotypes and the responsibility of storytelling. Additionally, he shares memories of his upbringing in New Orleans' Pontchartrain Park and discusses the importance of preserving African American history.

Host Tanya Mosley interviews actress Laverne Cox about her new memoir, Transcendent. Cox discusses the traumatic childhood experiences of bullying and lack of protection at home that inspired her writing, as well as the current political climate facing transgender individuals. Cox reflects on her journey of identity formation, from her upbringing in Mobile, Alabama, to her transition to New York. She shares her experiences with gender policing, the impact of internalized transphobia, and how her work in acting has allowed her to process childhood trauma.

Journalist Susan Salney discusses her investigation into a family secret involving racial identity and 'passing' in New Orleans and Chicago, exploring the psychological impact on descendants and the complex social dynamics of the Jim Crow era. The episode also features a book review roundup by Maureen Corrigan covering true crime, historical fiction, and contemporary novels. Historian Eddie Glaude Jr. joins to discuss his new book, 'America, USA,' examining how the United States uses national anniversaries to selectively remember or erase racial history. The conversation explores the tension surrounding American identity and how mediums like the blues serve as vital tools for confronting the nation's complex truths.