Terry Gross

Host, Fresh Air

Terry Gross appears in the following:

Remembering Michael Denneny, an editor who championed LGBTQ voices

Friday, April 21, 2023

One of the first openly gay editors working at a major publishing house, Denneny launched the Stonewall Inn Editions imprint. He died April 12. Originally broadcast in 1987 and 1994.

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Remembering historical crime novelist Anne Perry

Friday, April 21, 2023

For decades, Perry, who died April 10, kept secret the fact that she was one of the teenage girls involved in the murder depicted in the 1994 film Heavenly Creatures. Originally broadcast in 1994.

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How the AR-15 became the bestselling rifle in the U.S.

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Washington Post reporter Todd Frankel explains how the AR-15 was adapted from the M16 military combat automatic rifle, and how it became an icon of gun culture and a favored weapon for mass shooters.

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'Fresh Air' pays tribute to the music of John Kander and Fred Ebb

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

The new Broadway musical New York, New York includes Kander and Ebb's songs from Scorsese's 1977 film. We listen back to an '83 interview with Kander and Ebb, plus '91 and '15 interviews with Kander.

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Remembering 'Barton Fink' actor Michael Lerner

Friday, April 14, 2023

The character actor, who died April 8, guest starred on dozens of TV shows and was nominated for an Oscar for playing a Hollywood studio executive in Barton Fink. Originally broadcast in 1992.

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Remembering restaurant critic and food writer Mimi Sheraton

Friday, April 14, 2023

Sheraton, who died April 6, was the first woman to review restaurants for The New York Times. Her opinions were reputed to have the power to make or break new restaurants. Originally broadcast in '87.

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Will Fox News pay for spreading lies about voter fraud?

Thursday, April 13, 2023

New York Times journalist Jeremy Peters explains Dominion Voting Systems' $1.6 billion lawsuit against the network. "Legal experts tell me that rarely have they seen a case this strong," he says.

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A doctor reflects on the challenges of caring for a parent with Alzheimer's

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Dr. Sandeep Jauhar says caring for his dad was the hardest journey he's ever taken. His memoir, My Father's Brain, is also about the latest research into the disease, and why there's not yet a cure.

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NPR host Mary Louise Kelly reflects on juggling motherhood and chasing the news

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Kelly has reported from around the world, including from war zones. Her new memoir, It. Goes. So. Fast, chronicles her ongoing attempts to be a good mother — and be good at her job.

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Remembering legendary music executive Seymour Stein, co-founder of Sire Records

Friday, April 07, 2023

Stein, who died Sunday at 80, signed a wide range of pioneering artists: The Ramones, Madonna, Talking Heads, The Pretenders, k.d. lang and Ice-T. We'll listen back to two of his Fresh Air interviews.

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Joni Mitchell receives Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

Friday, April 07, 2023

Since the 1960s, Mitchell has been one of the most influential singer songwriters in popular music. We'll listen back to her 2004 Fresh Air interview.

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The survivor of multiple suicide attempts explains 'How Not to Kill Yourself'

Wednesday, April 05, 2023

Clancy Martin lives with two incompatible ideas in his head: "I wish I were dead – and I'm glad my suicides failed." He says he wrote his book especially for people struggling with suicidal thoughts.

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'Armageddon' shows how literal readings of the Bible's end times affect modern times

Monday, April 03, 2023

Bible scholar Bart Ehrman says interpretations of the Book of Revelation have created disastrous problems — from personal psychological damage to consequences for foreign policy and the environment.

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'Schmigadoon!' co-creator says series was onspired by a 'love affair' with musicals

Friday, March 31, 2023

Cinco Paul loves musicals — unlike his long-time writing partner. Their Apple TV+ series, now in Season 2, centers on a couple who become trapped in a musical town. Originally broadcast Aug. 23, 2021.

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Grammy-winning jazz singer Samara Joy joins for concert and conversation

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Samara Joy comes from a family of gospel singers and has been singing all her life. In February, she became the second jazz performer in Grammy history to win the award for best new artist.

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In 'Above Ground,' Clint Smith uses poetry to confront the legacy of slavery

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Smith's poems, which are addressed to his young children, describe what their ancestors endured and escaped. He also examines the joy and anxiety of parenthood, especially as a Black father.

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'Fresh Air' marks the final season of 'Succession,' with Cox, Culkin and Macfadyen

Friday, March 24, 2023

Brian Cox plays family patriarch Logan Roy on the HBO series, Kieran Culkin is his youngest, most immature son, and Matthew Macfayden is the put-upon son-in-law. Originally broadcast in 2021 and 2022.

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NYC drag queen Linda Simpson reflects on the scene that set the stage for RuPaul

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Linda Simpson performed in and chronicled the drag scene in the '80s and '90s, taking some 5,000 photos of performers. She calls Tennessee's anti-drag legislation "ridiculous."

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Remembering Frank Griswold, an Episcopal bishop who championed gay rights

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Griswold, who died March 5, presided over the ordination of the church's first openly gay bishop. That was one of the issues which nearly caused a schism in the church. Originally broadcast in 2006.

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It's impossible to fit 'All Things' Ari Shapiro does into this headline

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Shapiro co-hosts All Things Considered, co-stars in a cabaret act with Alan Cumming, and sings with the band Pink Martini. Now, he's written a book, a memoir called The Best Strangers in the World.

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