Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
Remembering filmmaker Roger Corman, king of B-movies
Corman, who died May 9, made hundreds of films, including the cult classics House of Usher and A Bucket of Blood. We listen back to a 1990 interview, plus critic John Powers offers an appreciation.
Elizabeth Banks On Success: 'You Don't Get What You Don't Ask For'
The Hunger Games actress and Pitch Perfect 2 director also runs her own production company. Her secret to success? "I raise my hand a lot," Banks tells Fresh Air's Ann Marie Baldonado.
The 'Mad Men' Ending: A 'Twisted' And 'Perfect' Conclusion
by David Bianculli
After all eight seasons of drama, the TV series about men and women in advertising ended with a full-length ad. TV critic David Bianculli says the conclusion was "so unexpected, yet so appropriate."
In 'Take Off,' Ramon Valle Makes The Piano Sing
by Kevin Whitehead
Despite its clarity and cohesion, Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the new album from Cuban pianist Ramon Valle and his trio is half knock-out, half schmaltzy.
Souped-Up Vehicles And Road Warriors Reign In 'Mad Max: Fury Road'
by David Edelstein
It has been 36 years since the first Mad Max film crash landed into theaters. David Edelsein says the forth installment of the series is "basically one long chase with ever more insane variables."
Fresh Air Weekend: Contemplating Life, Sex And Elevators In Space
Astronomer Chris Impey discusses the future of space travel, sex in space and the connection between science and Buddhism. Originally broadcast May 11, 2015.
Fresh Air Weekend: Tom Brokaw Reflects On His 'Lucky Life'
The former NBC anchorman says his multiple myeloma diagnosis two years ago made him "more conscious of the fact that the days are more numbered." Originally broadcast May 13, 2015.
'Pope And Mussolini' Tells The 'Secret History' Of Fascism And The Church
Historian David Kertzer says the Catholic Church lent strength and legitimacy to Mussolini's fascist regime. Kertzer recently won a Pulitzer Prize for his book. Originally broadcast Jan. 25, 2014.
Country Hit Writer Chris Stapleton Breaks Out On His Own In 'Traveller'
by Ken Tucker
The Nashville songwriter has written countless hits for other artists. Critic Ken Tucker says that Stapleton's debut solo album showcases a wide range of musical styles with a distinctive sound.