Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
'Women Behind the Wheel' explains how cars became a gendered technology
by Terry Gross
Author Nancy Nichols says that for men, cars signify adventure, power and strength. For women, they are about performing domestic duties; there was even a minivan prototype with a washer/dryer inside.
'Underground Airlines' Is An Extraordinary Work Of Alternate History
by Maureen Corrigan
In his new novel, Ben H. Winters imagines that the Civil War never happened and that slavery is still legal in some states. Critic Maureen Corrigan says Underground Airlines is "one suspenseful tale."
Tracing The 'Rise Of The Judicial Right' To Warren Burger's Supreme Court
Burger served as chief justice of the Supreme Court from 1969 until 1986. Linda Greenhouse, author of The Burger Court, says those years helped establish the court's conservative legal foundation.
'Eleanor Amplified,' An Adventure Podcast For The Whole Family
Fresh Air producer John Sheehan discusses The Radio Adventures of Eleanor Amplified, a new comic podcast for kids featuring an intrepid radio reporter who foils plots and outwits crafty villains.
A Tribute To The Late American Composer Eubie Blake
Blake's music is featured in the Broadway revival, Shuffle Along. Our tribute features live performances of his songs and interviews with pianist Dick Hyman, among others. Originally broadcast in '98.
A Personal History Of L.A. Punk: 'It Was A Free-For-All For Outcasts'
John Doe, Exene Cervenka and Dave Alvin of the band X discuss punk's early days. "Anybody could belong to punk that wanted to be there," Cervenka says. Originally broadcast May 2, 2016.
'BFG' Is A 'Delumptious' Pairing Of A Happy Child And A Radiant Old Soul
by David Edelstein
Steven Spielberg's latest movie is an adaptation of Roald Dahl's 1982 children's book about a big friendly giant. Critic David Edelstein says the BFG is "pure joy" — especially in its second half.
Maren Morris Mixes Country, Pop And Hip-Hop On 'Hero'
by Ken Tucker
The singer-songwriter brings a fluid sense of musical boundaries to her first major-label album. Critic Ken Tucker says Hero features "very good, state-of-the-art pop country" music.
Remembering Scotty Moore, Elvis Presley's First Guitarist And Manager
Moore, who died Tuesday at the age of 84, booked gigs for Presley during the early part of the musician's career. He later penned the memoir, That's Alright, Elvis. Originally broadcast in 1997.
Matt Ross Of 'Silicon Valley' Goes Off The Grid With 'Captain Fantastic'
Ross' new film, which he wrote and directed, is about a father living with his six children in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. "The movie is about choices we make, especially as parents," he says.