Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
Fantasy writer Leigh Bardugo on magic, miracles and her version of hell
by Sam Briger
Bardugo is best known for her YA Shadow and Bone series. Her adult novel, The Familiar, centers on a young woman in 16th century Spain who must hide her identity as a Jew who converted to Catholicism.
'Paterson' Paints A Delicate Portrait Of A Bus Driver Who Writes Poetry
by David Edelstein
Jim Jarmusch's new film, Paterson, was loosely inspired by William Carlos Williams' epic poem of the same name. Critic David Edelstein says the film expertly evokes the inner state of an artist.
Manic And Depressed, 'I Didn't Like Who I Was,' Says Comic Chris Gethard
Gethard talks of hitting rock bottom in his off-Broadway show, billed as a comedy about "suicide, depression, alcoholism and all the other funniest parts of life." Originally broadcast Oct. 24, 2016.
A Diplomat Reflects On Moderate Islam In 'Letters To A Young Muslim'
Omar Saif Ghobash was 6 when an assassin killed his father, who was a diplomat from the United Arab Emirates. His new book is a collection of letters to his sons, urging them to reject extremism.
Remembering Huston Smith, Noted 'World's Religions' Scholar
Smith, who died on Friday, was a Methodist minister who traveled the world studying Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism and other religions. Originally broadcast in 1996.
Having Thick Skin Is A 'Survival Technique,' Says Comic Jeff Ross
Ross says he learned to "dish it out and take it" as a kid in Newark, NJ. He likens celebrity roasts to "a party where everybody goes and has a good time." Originally broadcast Sept. 13, 2016.
'Late Show' Host Says He Has Finally Found His Post-'Colbert Report' Voice
The comic initially avoided joking about politics on The Late Show for fear that he would fall into his Colbert Report persona. Originally broadcast Nov. 2, 2016.
'Shakespeare In Music & Words' Marks 400 Years Since The Bard's Death
by Lloyd Schwartz
A new two-CD set features music inspired by Shakespeare as well as actors reading his work. Critic Lloyd Schwartz says any excuse to honor the master playwright is a good one.
To Make 'The Godfather' His Way, Francis Ford Coppola Waged A Studio Battle
Coppola was 29 years old when he signed on to direct a film. "I was young and had no power," he says, "so [the studio] figured they could just boss me around." Originally broadcast Nov. 16, 2016.
Remembering 'Star Wars' Actress Carrie Fisher
In addition to playing Princess Leia in the original Star Wars movies, Fisher was also the author of Postcards from the Edge and The Princess Diarist. Originally broadcast in 1990, 2004 and 2016.