archive
Author Interviews
Paul Auster Meditates On Life, Death And Near Misses
August 23, 2012 The author's new memoir, Winter Journal, is a history of his body — scars, panic attacks and near-death experiences. He tells Fresh Air how he got a reputation as a dirty fighter, why he doesn't drive and how hard it was to see his mother's dead body.
Barack Obama
Jane Mayer: Obama In 'Impossible Bind' Over Donors
August 23, 2012 In this week's New Yorker, the journalist details how the electoral climate since the Citizens United ruling in 2010 has negatively affected the Obama campaign's appeal to Democratic donors. Mayer tells Fresh Air that Obama has to make a "terrible choice between his principles and politics."
Bill Hader On Sketch Comedy, His Love Of Old Films
August 22, 2012 Saturday Night Live's Bill Hader, nominated for an Emmy for his character Stefon, an obsessive clubgoer, says he needs a character to be funny. Hader tells Fresh Air that he doesn't know how people do standup — and that watching old films as a child sparked his interest in Hollywood.
Movie Interviews
Mike Birbiglia, 'Sleepwalk'-ing On The Big Screen
August 20, 2012 The comedian co-wrote a film with Ira Glass, of public radio's This American Life, about his life and sleepwalking disorder. But making Sleepwalk With Me, based on Birbiglia's one-man show and comedic memoir, caused Birbiglia anxiety — which exacerbated his disorder.
Fresh Air Weekend
Fresh Air Weekend: Susie Arioli, Frank Langella
August 18, 2012 Canadian singer Susie Arioli gives an in-studio concert. Frank Langella discusses the ups and downs of his long career.
Author Interviews
Donald Ray Pollock On Finding Fiction Late In Life
August 17, 2012 The author worked in a paper mill and meatpacking plant for 32 years before becoming a writer. His second book The Devil All the Time, set in his hometown of Knockemstiff, Ohio, is now out in paperback.
Movie Interviews
Sacha Baron Cohen: The Fresh Air Interview
August 17, 2012 The actor and writer is famous for taking his characters — Ali G., Borat, Bruno — into the world, interacting with people who have no idea that they're dealing with a fictional character. His movie, The Dictator, a comedy about a tyrant on the loose in New York, will soon be released on DVD.
StoryCorps
A Mother Tries To Atone For A Deadly Hate Crime
August 17, 2012 At 40, Julie Sanders is a mother of three from Portland, Ore. But when she was 16, Sanders belonged to a white supremacist group — and one night in 1988, she found herself at the scene of a murder. Since then, she's kept the event a secret from most of her friends and family.
The Torch
Michael Phelps Exits The Olympics, And Enters Retirement At 27
August 12, 2012 Michael Phelps leaves London with 18 gold medals and a record 22 total medals. He says that his plans for life after the Olympics include visiting some of the cities he's competed in — but outside the bubble of swim meets, for a change.
Fresh Air Weekend: Chris Rock, Dan Auerbach
August 11, 2012 This weekend: Chris Rock explains how doing well has affected his humor and how "the most fun thing" is being a dad. Ken Tucker says Black Keys member Dan Auerbach works wonders as a producer. And Dean Norris on playing good in Breaking Bad.
Fresh Air Weekend
Fresh Air Weekend: Feminists, Models, Roma Music
August 4, 2012 Caitlin Moran explains How to Be a Woman. Two supermodels talk about what it's like to grow old in the HBO documentary About Face. And critic Milo Miles reviews the irresistible party music of Boban i Marko Markovic.
The Picture Show
Photographing The Emotions Of Aurora
August 3, 2012 Photographer Barry Gutierrez reflects on his emotions after covering the Aurora shooting. "My heart is with them. I'm telling their stories to the world," he says.
Fresh Air Weekend
Fresh Air Weekend: Bishop Blair, Sister Farrell
July 28, 2012 Bishop Leonard Blair talks about his Vatican-ordered assessment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, an organization that represents 80 percent of Catholic sisters in America. Sister Pat Farrell, the president of LCWR, responds.
'Fresh Air' Bids Farewell To Melody Kramer
July 27, 2012 She's never been heard on the show, but producer Melody Kramer has created a singular voice for Fresh Air online and in social media. Today we send her off, affectionately, to medical school and the next phase of her career.
Author Interviews
'The Twilight War' Between The U.S. And Iran
July 24, 2012 In The Twilight War, historian David Crist outlines the secret history of America's 30-year conflict with Iran. Based on interviews with hundreds of officials as well as classified military archives, the book details how the covert war has repeatedly threatened to bring the two nations into open warfare.
