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Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.) Former speech writer and joke writer for President Obama, DAVID LITT. He went on to become Senior Presidential Speechwriter and lead writer of four standup appearances at the White House Correspondents Dinner. His new memoir is Thanks, Obama: My Hopey, Changey White House Years. LITT now is head writer/producer at Funny or Die's Washington DC office. (2.) Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the two new albums by the band DEER TICK.

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.) Actor, director, and writer STANLEY TUCCI (TWO-chee). He can be seen in the two recent films, The Lovely Bones as the child molester and murder, and as Julia Child's husband in the film Julie and Julia. His other films include A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Imposters, The Road to Perdition, Deconstructing Harry, Kiss of Death, and Billy Bathgate. And he's appeared on numerous TV series including ER, Monk, and Frasier. TUCCI made his co-directing and co-screenwriting debut with the film Big Night which was a critical and commercial success. (INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY DAVE DAVIES). (2.) British comic JOHN OLIVER is a writer/correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart which he has been since 2006. He also appears on the NBC comedy Community as psychology professor Dr. Ian Duncan. He has starred in a number of British TV shows. This month his John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show premieres on Comedy Central. (Jan 8th @ 11 PM) (TERRY GROSS INTERVIEW) (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES THRU THE END OF THE SHOW).

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.) Actor/comedian/screenwriter/playwright and novelist STEVE MARTIN. His memoir about his years as a standup comic is 'Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life' (Scribner) is now in paperback. He is also the author of the novella, 'Shopgirl,' and a collection of short stories, "Cruel Shoes." MARTIN's screenwriting credits include "L.A. Story," and "Roxanne." And he starred in the films "The Jerk," "Planes, Trains and Automobiles," "The Lonely Guy," "Parenthood," "Father of the Bride," "Housesitter," "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid," "All of Me," "The Man with Two Brains," "Sgt Bilko," "Leap of Faith," "Little Shop of Horrors." He also won a Grammy Award for his album "Let's Get Small." (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW). (2.) Rock critic KEN TUCKER reviews 'Dear Science' the new album by the quintet TV on The Radio.

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.) Actor and comedian DAN AYKROYD. As one of the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players on Saturday Night Live, he brought to life several classic sketches: the Coneheads, the Wild and Crazy Guys, and the Blues Brothers. He and John Belushi were Jake and Elwood Blues and they went to star in the now classic film 'The Blues Brothers.' The film is now out in a special 25th Anniversary Edition. AYKROYD co-founded the 'House of Blues' restaurant and concert venue franchise, and he serves on their board. Last year he published a book in which his Blues Brothers alter-ego, Elwood, interviews blues greats. It's called 'Elwood's Blues: interviews with the Blues Legends and Stars' (Backbeat, 2004). (REBROADCAST from 11/22/04) (2.) Film critic DAVID EDELSTEIN reviews the new film Junebug.

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.) Comedian JERRY SEINFELD. This interview was recorded before his "Seinfeld" fame. 'Comedian,' a new documentary following Seinfeld on a recent stand up tour, is showing in theaters now. The hit TV show, 'Seinfeld' which catapulted the comedian to fame, won 6 Emmy Awards before ending its run in 1999. Seinfeld is also author of the bestselling book "SeinLanguage" and a new children book, 'Halloween.' (REBROADCAST FROM 9/2/87)(2.) Comedian and actor GARRY SHANDLING. He starred in HBO's parody of talk-shows, "The Larry Sanders Show." It featured SHANDLING as a veteran talk-show host. His guests included Robin Williams, Howard Stern, and, actual talk show host, David Letterman playing themselves. The show went off the air in 1998, but reruns of the show are currently airing on the network Bravo. Shandling also starred in "It's Garry Shandling's Show.' SHANDLING also appears in the new Seinfeld documentary, 'Comedian,' which shows in theaters now. (REBROADCAST FROM 10/1/93)(3.) Comedian and late night talk show host JAY LENO. Now the host of 'The Tonight Show,' LENO talks about his struggling years as a stand-up comic (with other comics like Robin Williams, Andy Kaufman, and Steve Martin). He also talks about taking over The Tonight Show. He is author of the book "Leading with my Chin.' LENO appears in 'Comedian,' the Jerry Seinfeld documentary in theaters now. (REBROADCAST from 10/21/96)

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.) Stand up comics Ahmed Ahmed (AH-med AH-med) and Maz Jobrani (mazh joe-BRA-nee). Ahmed is Egyptian-American, and Jobrani is Iranian-American. They've changed their routines since September 11th, cracking jokes about attending flight school and the like. Both have had small parts as terrorists in action films. Jobrani was in a Chuck Norris film and Ahmed was Terrorist #4 in Executive Decision. They live in Los Angeles.(2.) Pakistani dancer Sheema Kermani (SHEE-muh Kuhr-MAH-nee). Her performances are rare in Pakistan, and tightly controlled by the government. She practices Indian classical dance, a sensual form of movement that goes against Islamic fundamentalist attitudes toward women and their bodies. Kermani graduated from Croydon College of Art in London and started dancing in Karachi with the Ghanshyan's Dance Troupe. She then went to India to train under several masters of Indian classical dance. She has performed all over the world. She's choreographed two major works. She appears on television and works with the politically oriented Mobile Theater group in Karachi.(3.) Rock critic KEN TUCKER reviews Cornershop's new 'Handcream for a Generation.' Cornershop is a British group led by Indian singer-songwriter-producer Tjinder Singh.

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.) Actress, writer, comediene ELLEN DEGENERES. She's soon to begin a comedy tour. Her five-year sit-com "Ellen" won an Emmy for her much anticipated coming-out episode. She and her character came out at the same time. This was followed by a very public relationship with actress Anne Heche, which eventually ended. DEGENERES talks about coming out, her relationship with Heche, and why she resists becoming a lesbian role model. DEGENERES is the author of the book, "My Point. . . And I Do Have One." (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW).(2.) Actor, writer, comedian ANDY RICHTER. For seven years he was Conan O'Brien's sidekick on 'Late Night.' Now he has his own sitcom on FOX, 'Andy Richter Controls the Universe' (Tuesdays at 8:30). RICHTER could be seen in the movies, 'Scarey Movie 2,' 'Dr. T & The Women,' and in the upcoming films 'Big Trouble,' and 'Run, Ronnie, Run.'(3.) Jazz critic KEVIN WHITEHEAD reviews 'The Element of Swing' (Stunt) featuring drummer Ed Thigpen and saxophonist Joe Lovano.

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.) Actor, comic, writer, director ALBERT BROOKS. He stars in the new movie "My First Mister". He's appeared in such films as 'The Muse,' "Taxi Driver," "Broadcast News," and "I'll Do Anything." and "Mother." and he wrote, directed and acted in are "Real Life," "Modern Romance," "Lost in America," and "Defending Your Life." (Originally aired 12/19/96).(2.) Musician AL KOOPER. He seems to have had a hand in every classic rock song ever made. He helped popularize the Hammond B3 organ as part of rock music, performing on recordings of Bob Dylan ('Like a Rolling Stone'), Lynyrd Skynyrd ('Freebird'), Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. He was a member of the legendary Blues Project, and later founded the group Blood Sweat & Tears. There's a new 2-CD retrospective of his work called 'rare and well-done: The Greatest and Most Obscure Recordings 1964-2001' (Columbia/Legacy Sony Music Entertainment). His autobiography is "Backstage Passes & Backstabbing Bastards: Memoirs of a Rock 'n Roll Survivor" (Billboard Books). (Originally aired 12/8/98)

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.) Comic BOB NEWHART. He's been a part of the American comedy landscape since 1961 when his debut comedy album "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart" became a surprise hit. Since then he's starred in three TV shows, including the Peabody award winning original "The Bob Newhart Show." And appeared in numerous films. There's a new Rhino anthology of his classic routines, "Something Like This. . .The Bob Newhart Anthology." Recently NEWHART was honored at the Aspen Comedy Festival. This Fall NEWHART is scheduled to co-star in a pilot for a new TV show. There's also a live concert performance by NEWHART on video, featuring him doing some new and classic routines, "Bob Newhart: Button Down concert: Off the Record" (Newhart Enterprises/Parvenu Productions). (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW). (REBROADCAST from 6/8/98)(2.) Film critic HENRY SHEEHAN reviews the new film 'Blow.'(3.) Rock critic KEN TUCKER reviews 2 new albums: 'Just Push Play' by Aerosmith and 'Crown Royal' by Run DMC.

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., INT.1: Writer MAY SARTON. For many readers, Sarton is a heroic figure for her decision to expose her lesbianism in the early 60s, long before it society was tolerant of the gay life, and also for her decision to lead a life of solitude. The author of over 35 novels, books of poetry and essays, Sarton is probably best known for her journals, Recovering, and At Seventy. Her most recent book of poems, The Silence Now, explores themes from the solitude of the aging, to AIDS, to world peace. REV.1: Popular music critic KEN TUCKER delves into the controversy over the rap group PUBLIC ENEMY. Public Enemy's first album sold over 800,000 copies and their new song "Fight the Power," (featured in the movie "Do the Right Thing") is climbing the charts. The band however, recently fired its so-called "minister of information," Richard Griffen, for making anti-Semitic statements. In the ensuing political storm, PUBLIC ENEMY has disbanded for an indefinite period of time. INT.2: Artist CHRIS BURDEN. He gained fame as a conceptual artist in 1971 when he had a friend shoot him in the arm as part of a performance piece at a Santa Ana gallery. Burden's concern with realism (one critic calls it his greatest strength and greatest weakness) is reflected in a touring retrospective of his works, which include sculpture, and also artifacts of his conceptual pieces. REV.2: Critic-at-Large LAURIE STONE reviews the work of four black women comics who recently shared the bill at New York City's New Professional Theater. They are: P.J. Jones, Kim Coles, Robin Montague, and Beverly Mickens.