
Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.

Conan O'Brien proves a worthy recipient of Mark Twain award in a new Netflix special
by David Bianculli
Back in March, a group of comic luminaries — from John Mulaney to Nikki Glaser — gathered at the Kennedy Center to celebrate O'Brien for receiving the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Jazz band the EarRegulars stop in for live music and conversation
by Sam Briger
Trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso and guitarist Matt Munisteri, founding members of the NYC band The EarRegulars, play tunes from their new album, Live at the Ear Inn. Originally broadcast Nov. 22, 2023.
In a tough year for podcasts, these 3 stood above the rest
by Nick Quah
The podcasting world faced layoffs, retrenchment, and cancellations in 2023, but amidst the turmoil, "If Books Could Kill," "You Didn't See Nothin" and "The Retrievals" topped the list of offerings.
'Music was there for me when I needed it,' The Roots co-founder Tariq Trotter says
by Tonya Mosley
Trotter, aka Black Thought, reflects on his childhood in Philly, his decades-long friendship with Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. Trotter's memoir is The Upcycled Self. Originally broadcast Nov. 7, 2023.
'Pretty Baby' chronicles Brooke Shields' career and the sexualization of young girls
by Tonya Mosley
Shields has worked as a model and an actor. A two-part Hulu documentary looks at her childhood roles and the toxic culture that perpetuates misogyny. Originally broadcast April 4, 2023.
A music critic revisits 2 artists he overlooked in 2023: King Tuff and Danny Brown
by Ken Tucker
Given the ceaseless torrent of music being released, it's almost inevitable that worthy artists slip through the cracks. Rocker King Tuff and hip-hop's Brown deserve a special mention.
Canadian singer-songwriter Allison Russell plays tracks from 'The Returner'
by Terry Gross
Russell talks and sings about the physical and sexual abuse she endured from her racist adoptive father — and about how she learned she was worthy of being loved. Originally broadcast Sept. 27, 2023.
A roots and rockabilly holiday concert with JD McPherson and his band
by Terry Gross
McPherson never thought he'd make a Christmas album. Then, he says, "I got a bug in my ear." He and his band perform live in studio from Socks. Originally broadcast Dec. 11, 2018.
'Fresh Air' presents: Christmas with Questlove
by Terry Gross
Roots cofounder Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson shares his Christmas playlist, which includes songs by DRAM, James Brown, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Originally broadcast Dec. 21, 2022.
Fresh Air weekend: David Byrne's Christmas playlist; Nicolas Cage
by Terry Gross
Whether you're merry or miserable, Byrne's holiday playlist will resonate. In Dream Scenario, Cage plays a college professor appears as a bystander in the dreams of both friends and strangers.
Timothy Olyphant on 'Justified,' 'Deadwood' and marshals who interpret the law
by Dave Davies
Olyphant is best known for portraying lawmen in cowboy hats. He reprises the role of deputy U.S. marshal Raylan Givens in the sequel Justified: City Primeval. Originally broadcast July 18, 2023.