Fresh Air
Weekdays at 7:00pm
Opening the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics.
Barbara Walters forged a path for women in journalism, but not without paying a price
by Tonya Mosley
Walters was the first woman to co-anchor a national news show on prime time television. "The path she cut is one that many of us have followed," says biographer Susan Page, author of The Rulebreaker.
'Better Call Saul' Breathes New Life Into 'Breaking Bad' Characters
The show's co-creator says it was a writers' room joke that if something didn't fit on Breaking Bad, it would go on the Saul Goodman show (now Better Call Saul). Originally broadcast March 9, 2015.
'Deadpool' Gleefully Lampoons The Marvel Universe
by David Edelstein
Ryan Reynolds stars as a soldier-turned-mutant-super-hero in Marvel's Deadpool. Critic David Edelstein calls the film an "unprecedented R-rated ... romp with dirty sex talk and tons of splatter."
'FiveThirtyEight' Statistician Nate Silver Reports On The 2016 Election
Silver analyzes polls and predicts election outcomes on his website, FiveThirtyEight. This year's is "maybe the most fascinating nomination race that we've ever seen," he says.
Polling Is Ubiquitous, But Is It Bad For Democracy?
New Yorker writer Jill Lepore examines the history of polling in America. She tells Fresh Air's Terry Gross that today's polls may be less reliable — and more influential — than ever before.
'Baskets' Takes Zach Galifianakis From French Clown School To The Rodeo Ring
The comic, who plays a rodeo clown in his new FX comedy series, says he is "not creeped out by clowns." Galifianakis is also the creator of the Emmy Award-winning web comedy series Between Two Ferns.
New Box Set Shows Off The Twisted Rhythms Of Jazz Pianist James P. Johnson
by Kevin Whitehead
Johnson was one of the greatest pianists of his time. Critic Kevin Whitehead says the Classic James P. Johnson Sessions (1921-1943) "paints a portrait of a working virtuoso."
At 82, Broadway 'Master Of Ceremonies' Joel Grey Says, 'Life Seems Full'
Grey explains how he brought his decadent Cabaret character to life on both the stage and screen, and reflects on coming out as gay after years of living closeted. His memoir is Master Of Ceremonies.
Remembering Folk Singer/Songwriter Dan Hicks
by Ed Ward
Hicks, who died on Saturday, began performing with his band Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks in the late '60s. Rock historian Ed Ward has an appreciation. Originally broadcast Jan 10, 2002.
Sia Reclaims Songs She Wrote For Others On 'This Is Acting'
by Ken Tucker
The Australian songwriter who has written hits for Rihanna, Beyonce and Katy Perry just released an album of her own. Critic Ken Tucker likes Sia's singing, in part, because of its imperfections.