Fresh Air Weekend: Actor Benicio Del Toro; Writer Molly Jong-Fast
Del Toro talks about his role in Wes Anderson's new film, The Phoenician Scheme. Justin Chang reviews Materialists. In How to Lose Your Mother, author Jong-Fast reflects on life with mom Erica Jong.
What Trump's 2nd term might mean for the country's economy
Economist David Wessel talks about Trump's plans on tariffs and tax cuts, and the potential economic impact of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's Department of Government Efficiency.
'Beatles '64' revisits an intense two-week period in musical and cultural history
A new Disney+ documentary chronicles the Beatles' first trip to America. By combining footage, stories and songs, Beatles '64 makes it clear why the group, and its music, continue to be revered.
Folk musician Jerron Paxton stops by for music and conversation
Paxton plays guitar, banjo, piano and harmonica — among other instruments. He's known for performing music from the 1920s and '30s. Paxton's new album of original songs is Things Done Changed.
Pharrell wanted to tell his story through Legos — here's why
The animated film Piece By Piece traces Pharrell's early life in Virginia Beach and follows his trajectory to a Grammy-winning songwriter, performer and producer. Originally broadcast Oct. 8, 2024.
Yo-Yo Ma on 'touching infinity' through his nearly 300-year-old cello, Petunia
Years ago, the acclaimed cellist asked a high school student to help him name his instrument. He brought his cello — aka "Petunia" — in for music and conversation during this May 2024 interview.
Remembering Roy Haynes, a jazz drummer known for his unfailing good taste
Haynes, who died Nov. 12, was a heavy hitter, whose limber beat could lift the bandstand. His 65-year recording career was studded with more classics than we have time to even hint at.
Canonical lyricist Ira Gershwin gets his due
Gershwin wrote lyrics for enduring jazz standards, including "I Got Rhythm" and "Embraceable You". We talk with Michael Owen, author of Ira Gershwin: A Life in Words, and listen to some of his hits.
'The Piano Lesson' was a family affair for John David and Malcolm Washington
Actor John David and director Malcolm talk about growing up with their famous father, Denzel Washington, and collaborating with their dad and sister on the Netflix adaptation of August Wilson's play.