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Fresh Air summaries
Every long episode from Fresh Air, read in minutes: the key takeaways, the chapters, and a digest of the whole conversation. 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 features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries. Support public media …
Best Of: Kyle MacLachlan / Inside the ‘romance scam’
Kyle MacLachlan reflects on his career shaped by David Lynch, while Wired's Andy Greenberg exposes a human trafficking romance scam fueled by AI.
Kyle MacLachlan was David Lynch’s ‘submersible’ into dark places
Kyle MacLachlan reflects on his transformative collaboration with David Lynch, his journey through iconic roles, and the personal challenges behind the scenes.
Best Of: Rhiannon Giddens / Investigating Diddy’s Rise & Fall
Rhiannon Giddens explores Black string band traditions and her role in Beyoncé's country album; Cheyenne Roundtree investigates Sean Combs' complex legacy in music and scandal.
Rhiannon Giddens traces the banjo from her ancestors to Beyoncé
Rhiannon Giddens, the Grammy-winning musician and co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, discusses her new album "Hope is the Thing with Feathers," her role on Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter," and the deep historical roots of the banjo, tracing its origins from African traditions to its presence in various American musical forms.
Best Of: Colin Kaepernick / Danielle Brooks
Colin Kaepernick discusses his memoir, "The Perilous Fight," and the reasons behind his kneeling protest. Danielle Brooks shares her experiences playing complex Black female characters and her journey through musical theater.
Looney Tunes animator Chuck Jones / Remembering singer Cassandra Wilson
Film critic Justin Chang reviews "Hope," a South Korean monster movie, and jazz critic Kevin Whitehead remembers singer Cassandra Wilson.
The Roy Cohn Playbook, from McCarthyism to Trump
Kai Bird, author of "American Scoundrel," discusses the life and legacy of Roy Cohn, exploring his influence on Donald Trump and the enduring impact of his unethical tactics on American politics and democracy.
Is Jared Kushner a 'walking conflict of interest'?
Dexter Filkins discusses his article "Jared Kushner's Dollar Diplomacy," exploring Kushner's dual role as a presidential advisor and private equity fund manager, and the potential conflicts of interest arising from his business dealings with foreign governments.
Actor Danielle Brooks has blessings to count
Actor Danielle Brooks discusses her journey from church girl to Broadway star, her roles in 'Orange Is the New Black' and 'The Color Purple,' and her personal experiences with body image and faith.
Colin Kaepernick is still fighting – for justice and for his football career
Colin Kaepernick discusses his new memoir, "The Perilous Fight," detailing his journey from childhood to his activism and continued pursuit of an NFL career.
Best Of: Life in the Mojave Desert / Director of ‘The Uprising’
Author Claire Vaye Watkins discusses her new novel, "Yellow Pine," set in the Mojave Desert, and director Paul Greengrass talks about his film, "The Uprising," which revisits the Peasants' Revolt of 1381.
Stories of survival & loss at Ground Zero
David Bianculli hosts a special episode of Fresh Air, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks with stories of survival and loss from Ground Zero.
How the WNBA became a political prop in the culture wars
Sabrina Merchant, who covers the WNBA for The Athletic, discusses how the league has become a political prop in the culture wars, especially with the arrival of Caitlin Clark.
How Sept. 11 changed American life
Richard Beck, author of "Homeland: The War on Terror and American Life," discusses how the September 11th attacks reshaped American society, politics, and the rise of Islamophobia.
Casey Gerald says ruining his reputation saved his life
Writer Casey Gerald discusses his new book, "The Great Refusal," and the choices he made to walk away from success and redefine his life.
Rosanne Cash on the gift her father, Johnny Cash, gave her
Rosanne Cash discusses her album "The List," a collection of 100 essential country songs given to her by her father, Johnny Cash, and how this gift shaped her musical journey and personal growth.
Best Of: ‘Wonder Man’ actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II / John Coltrane centennial
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II discusses his journey from city planner to Emmy-winning actor, including the cancellation of his Marvel series 'Wonder Man'. Ravi Coltrane, son of jazz legend John Coltrane, reflects on his father's legacy and the challenges of carrying a famous name.
A centennial celebration of John Coltrane
Ravi Coltrane discusses the legacy of his father, jazz legend John Coltrane, and the centennial celebration of his birth.
How the government wastes our time
Journalist Annie Lowrey discusses her new book, "The Time Tax," which examines how bureaucratic hurdles and inefficient government systems disproportionately burden the poor, the sick, and the disabled.
Best Of: Jason Segel / Lisa Kudrow
Jason Segel discusses his Emmy-nominated role in "Shrinking" and the therapeutic approach that inspired the show. Lisa Kudrow reflects on her career, from early improv to "Friends" and "The Comeback."
Remembering Tim Curry
Tim Curry, the iconic actor known for his roles in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Monty Python's Spamalot," is remembered in this episode, which features an interview with Terry Gross from 2005.
Riz Ahmed takes on his inner critic
Actor, writer, producer, and rapper Riz Ahmed discusses his new satirical drama series "The Long Goodbye" and his modern adaptation of Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton discusses her musical roots, songwriting process, and the evolution of her iconic image, offering insights into her career and personal philosophy.
The story of the world's first super-terrorist
Journalist Joby Warrick discusses his new book, "The Jackal," which chronicles the life of Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, also known as Carlos the Jackal, the world's first super-terrorist.