Fresh Air

The Hustle & Flow director is known for films about dreamers and misfits. His latest is based on the true story a Milwaukee couple who became local legends performing as a Neil Diamond tribute band.

Liu talks about Rosemead and being name-checked by OutKast. Justin Chang recommends the 10 best films of 2025. In Dead and Alive, Smith reflects on middle age, climate change and generational gaps.

Nick Harkaway grew up hearing his dad read drafts of his George Smiley novels. He picked up le Carré's beloved spymaster character in the novel Karla's Choice. Originally broadcast Oct. 23, 2024.

The child of Chinese immigrants, Liu didn't learn English until she was 5. She plays a terminally ill woman grappling with her teenage son's mental health crisis in Rosemead.

Writer Chris Whipple interviewed Trump's chief of staff 11 times, getting her view on cabinet members, Trump's revenge tour, Venezuela policy, and why she says Trump has an "alcoholic's personality."

Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their home on Sunday, and their son was arrested on suspicion of murder. Critic David Bianculli remembers Reiner's contributions to TV and film.

In 2015, Reiner collaborated with his son, Nick Reiner, on Being Charlie, a story about addiction, loosely based on Nick's experiences. Rob Reiner talked about the film with Fresh Air in September.

Critic Martin Johnson says DeJohnette, who died Oct. 26, was one of the greatest jazz drummers of the past 60 years. He played with a range of musicians, including Miles Davis and Bill Evans.

Smith was 25 in 2000 when she published her critically acclaimed first novel. Now 50, her latest collection of essays, Dead and Alive, reflects on middle age, climate change and generational gaps.

A firebrand fundamentalist is stabbed to death at church in Rian Johnson's new film, Wake Up Dead Man. This over-the-top whodunit uses mystery conventions to open up a spiritual inquiry.