Fresh Air

The entire ensemble is good but I get so excited when Tonya Mosley’s interviews are featured. I’m a long time listener and she keeps me on my toes. I love Terry and Dave and will listen no matter what, but lately I’ve been able to predict who they will interview because it’s the same people NYT and the tv show circuit. Tonya introduces me to new people and ideas, exactly what NPR became known for, introducing us to the world outside of our bubbles. When she interviews the big stars I look forward to her take. She puts the fresh in Fresh Air.

I was very excited to have access to Fresh Air as a podcast since I'm usually working when the show airs. The interviews are great, but the editing has been disappointing. Segment changes are choppy and episodes often end mid-sentence. The Ken Burns segment of March 15 was a particular disappointment, ending less than 10 minutes into the episode. I love the show! I just hope the editing improves.

What a fascinating interview of an actor of so much depth.

This rating is for Terry. The reality is that Fresh Air is what is because of Terry Gross. Her energy and warmth establishes comfort in her interviewees, but she doesn’t shy away from asking questions and follow ups that draw out interesting and complex answers you don’t hear in interviews with the same people. This talent distinguishes her from the endless list of other interviewers and competing culture podcasts that simply cannot do what she does. I find myself skipping this podcast more and more when I scroll through an episode and don’t hear her voice. I’m not sure what the future holds, but if you are a new listener and want to hear Fresh Air at top performance, try to find her interviews. It’s challenging because the descriptions don’t say who conducts the interview (frustrating but I get it).