Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
Brittney Griner reflects on 'Coming Home' after nearly 300 days in a Russian prison
by Terry Gross
The WNBA star, who is six feet, nine inches, says she felt like a zoo animal in prison. "The guards would literally come open up the little peep hole, look in, and then I would hear them laughing."
A Tormented Veteran Rescues Kids From Abuse In 'You Were Never Really Here'
by Justin Chang
Joaquin Phoenix plays a shattered soul who makes his way as a thug-for-hire in director Lynne Ramsay's brutal and unsparing new crime film. Justin Chang calls the movie "superior art-house pulp."
Singer-Songwriter John Prine Draws On His Roots With 'Tree Of Forgiveness'
by Ken Tucker
Prine keeps his earthiness alive on his first album of new songs in 13 years. Critic Ken Tucker says The Tree of Forgiveness features simple folk arrangements and a jaunty tone.
How Globalized Capitalism Drives Worldwide Fear And Discontentment
by Terry Gross
Author Robert Kuttner says the decline of social contracts in Western democracies has led to the rise of right-wing populism. His new book is Can Democracy Survive Global Capitalism?
Recalling The Athletic Style Of Pianist And Composer Cecil Taylor
by Kevin Whitehead
Critic Kevin Whitehead remembers the late musician, who was known for his animated piano recitals and group improvisations, and who sometimes used his forearm to play dense clusters on the keys.
Meg Wolitzer Traces The Arc Of The Feminist Movement In 'The Female Persuasion'
by Maureen Corrigan
'The Rider' Offers An Aching Portrait Of Masculinity In Crisis
by Justin Chang
Writer-director Chloé Zhao's new film tells the true story of a Lakota cowboy recovering from a serious rodeo accident. Critic Justin Chang says The Rider has "a bone-deep authenticity."
How Rodgers And Hammerstein Revolutionized Broadway
by Terry Gross
Todd Purdum's new book, Something Wonderful, is about the creative partnership and strained personal relationship behind such hit shows as Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific and The Sound of Music.
Largely Forgotten Osage Murders Reveal A Conspiracy Against Wealthy Native Americans
Members of the Osage Indian Nation became very wealthy in the 1920s after oil deposits were found on their land. Then local whites began targeting the tribe. Originally broadcast April 17, 2017.