The great filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were killed in their home Sunday. Their son Nick has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Itâs a shocking and tragic end to a life that brought joy to so many. Reinerâs contributions to American film include canonical movies such as âThe Princess Bride,â âStand By Me,â âWhen Harry Met Sallyâ and âThis Is Spinal Tap.â He spoke with Terry Gross this past September about his reunion with the âSpinal Tapâ guys, growing up among comedy legends, and collaborating with his son Nick on a film inspired by Nickâs struggle with addiction. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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48:29
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48:29
Zadie Smith Asks, What Makes Us Feel Alive?
Zadie Smith returns to talk with Terry Gross about her new collection of essays, 'Dead and Alive.' She reflects on the "nonsense" of generational discourse, being raised by TV, and her obsession with time.Also, Martin Johnson has an appreciation of drummer and composer Jack deJohnette, who died in October. Follow Fresh Air on instagram @nprfreshair, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for gems from the Fresh Air archive, staff recommendations, and a peek behind the scenes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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47:56
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47:56
Best Of: Michael Shannon / âPluribusâ Star Rhea Seehorn
Michael Shannon understands heâs associated with some intense, menacing characters heâs played, like Agent Nelson Van Alden in âBoardwalk Empire.â âIâm a big fella, and I got this giant head, and itâs not too difficult for me to seem intimidating I suppose, but it couldnât be further from what Iâm actually like,â he tells Dave Davies. In two new projects, though, Shannon plays good guys. Heâs President James Garfield in the new series âDeath by Lightningâ and heâs a prosecutor trying Nazi leaders for war crimes in the new film âNuremberg.âAlso, we hear from Rhea Seehorn, star of Apple TVâs âPluribus.â The series has a sci-fi premise, but the themes of the show are more existential. Like, what is happiness? What is the importance of individuality? She spoke with Terry Gross. Maureen Corrigan shares her list of the best books of the year.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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47:44
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47:44
Remembering Architect Frank Gehry
Frank Gehry, whose steel and titanium curved structures seemed more like sculptures than buildings, died last week at age 96. His masterpiece was the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, Spain. He spoke with Terry Gross in 2004 about finding his design voice. Also, we remember Raul Malo, the lead singer and songwriter of The Mavericks, the country band with rock and roll roots. Justin Chang reviews âWake Up Dead Man,â the newest âKnives Outâ mystery movie starring Daniel Craig.  Follow Fresh Air on instagram @nprfreshair, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for gems from the Fresh Air archive, staff recommendations, and a peek behind the scenes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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44:27
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44:27
A Courtside Look At NBA Legends, From Jordan To Kobe
Legendary NBA head coach Phil Jackson and sports journalist Sam Smith talk about the stars who helped define the sport, including Jordan, Kobe, and Shaq. They spoke with Tonya Mosley about their new book, 'Masters of the Game.'Also, Justin Chang shares his picks for the 10 best films of 2025. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Fresh Air from WHYY, the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio's most popular programs. Hosted by Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley, the show features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries. Subscribe to Fresh Air Plus! You'll enjoy bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening - all while you support NPR's mission. Learn more at plus.npr.org/freshair And subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Fresh Air Weekly, to get interview highlights, staff recommendations, gems from the archive, and the week's interviews and reviews all in one place. Sign up at www.whyy.org/freshair