About 'Fresh Air'
Fresh Air is nationally recognized as setting the standard for long-form audio interviews. "There's nothing out there quite like Fresh Air with Terry Gross," said TV host Stephen Colbert as he presented the program with its second Peabody Award.
Terry Gross has, for more than 35 years, engaged in conversations with newsmakers, writers, film directors, musicians, actors and artists to open windows into their hearts, minds and work.
When President Obama presented her with a National Humanities medal in 2015, he cited her "artful probing of the human experience." He said, "Her patient, persistent questioning in thousands of interviews over four decades has pushed public figures to reveal personal motivations behind extraordinary lives, revealing simple truths that affirm our common humanity."
Fresh Air is one of public media's most popular programs, with over 4.3 million people tuning in each week on 658 NPR stations, in addition to 4 million weekly podcast downloads.
In a media world filled with 60-second video clips and combative talking-head commentators, Fresh Air's 45-minute interview segments allow time for reflective in-depth conversations with leading writers, musicians, actors, journalists, historians and others exploring the arts, pop culture and issues of the day. Host Terry Gross is known for her detailed preparation for interviews, her genuine curiosity about the guests' work and just the right touch for adjusting her style to the needs of the conversation. Co-Host Tonya Mosely brings a wide range of knowledge and experience, her warm inviting presence and her ability to make a deep connection with guests. Fresh Air's roster of commentators adds reviews of books, music, film, TV and podcasts.
Fresh Air has received two Peabody Awards. The 1994 Peabody citation recognized the program for its "probing questions, revelatory interviews and unusual insights," and in 2022 Fresh Air won another Peabody in the Institutional category. Terry Gross received the 2007 "Literarian" Award for Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Book Association and the 2023 PEN/Faulkner "Literary Champion" award.
Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and distributed nationally by NPR.
Critics and Commentators
- Justin Chang, Film
- Maureen Corrigan, Books
- Kevin Whitehead, Jazz
- Ken Tucker, Rock Music
- David Bianculli, TV Critic and Guest Host
- Nick Quah, Podcasts
- John Powers, Popular Culture
- Lloyd Schwartz, Classical Music
Fresh Air Staff
- Terry Gross, Host and Co-Executive Producer
- Tonya Mosley, Co-Host
- Dave Davies, Interviewer and Fill-In Host
- Danny Miller, Co-Executive Producer
- Roberta Shorrock, Director
- Audrey Bentham, Technical Director
- Ann Marie Baldonado, Director of Talent Development and Contributor
- Amy Salit, Producer
- Phyllis Myers, Producer
- Sam Briger, Producer and Contributor
- Lauren Krenzel, Producer
- Heidi Saman, Producer
- Therese Madden, Producer
- Molly Seavy-Nesper, Producer of Digital Media
- Seth Kelley, Producer
- Thea Chaloner, Producer
- Susan Nyakundi, Associate Producer