Petra Kelly's frustration in Parliament was one of several factors which inspired her to cofound the political party, which promotes non-violence, feminism, and environmentalism. She is currently advocating against NATO's installation of missiles in her country.
Before beginning production, Young spends weeks living the life of his movies' characters to more authentically capture their experiences. His films often center on the injustices committed against marginalized people.
Brad Allison is an Evangelical pastor in Philadelphia. John Gordon became a Christian in college. His scholarship led him away from religious fundamentalism. He is now the chaplain at Albright College. The two religious leaders speak with Fresh Air listeners about their faith.
In her new book, writer Barbara Ehrenreich explores marriage from the 1950s onward. She identifies different cultural forces which fueled men's resentment toward their wives, and which contributed to the pay gap of between working men and women.
Fresh Air broadcasts a special feature produce for the month of October called On This Side of Paradise. The miniseries focuses on the state of religion in America today. The first installment features stories of people who converted to Christianity during their adult lives.
After the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's recent takeover of regional commuter rail systems and a recent strike, ridership of SEPTA's rail lines declined nearly 20%. SEPTA General Manager David Gunn and consultant Vukan Vuchic consider how SEPTA can better manage fares and improve service for commuters outside Philadelphia city limits. Fresh Air callers voice their concerns.
Journalist Joe McGinniss's latest book investigates the Manson-family-style killing of Jeffrey MacDonald's daughters and pregnant wife. MacDonald was eventually convicted of the murders nine-and-a-half years later.
Michael Graves sees his design aesthetic as one that moves away from the abstraction of steel and glass, instead finding continuity in the figurative language of past architectural styles. His approach and use of color continue to polarize critics.
The singer and guitar player muses on the origins and definitions of folks music, his approach to writing children's songs, and the rigors of having been a traveling musician for over two decades.
Researcher Dian Fossey returns to Fresh Air to share more of her findings about gorillas' social and sexual behavior, and her experience confronting poachers, all of which she details in a new book.
Philadelphia restaurant critic Jim Quinn's new book advises readers how to choose the best places to eat based on atmosphere, price, service, and menu options. Fresh Air listeners call in with their questions.
Monsignor John Patrick Foley of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Temple University professor Leonard Swidler discuss their views on the popularity of the pope, his concern for social justice, and what some see as his conservative positions toward doctrine, hierarchy, and women in the church. Fresh Air listeners call in with their questions.
Comedic actress Betty White played the Sue Ann Nivens, a sex-obsessed television show host, on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Her new book about the relationship between humans and pets builds on her work for animal welfare.
Journalist Fred Kaplan's new book explores the evolution of the United States' nuclear arms policies through the lens of rivalries between the Air Force and Navy and the increasingly theoretical analyses made by political figures and think tanks.
Billy Kretchmer owned a popular Philadelphia club which was a destination for established and aspiring jazz musicians. He was also a clarinetist who led the house band. After health problems forced him to stop playing, Kretchmer closed the club in the 1960s. After several surgeries, he will perform again for the first time in 17 years.
Philadelphia Inquirer editorial cartoonist Tony Auth recently illustrated a children's book called That Game from Outer Space. He sees both media as effective ways of deploying political messages.
Psychotherapist Myron Sharaf has written a biography on the researcher Wilhelm Reich, who developed the study of orgonomy. Reich worked for greater sexual reforms in pre-World War II Berlin before continuing his research in the United States.
The band's lead singer Tracy Nelson made her mark as part of the Berkeley rock scene. She has since moved to Nashville, where she has been exploring her interest in blues, R&B and country music.
The acclaimed musician was a featured soloist in Count Basie's big band. He was awarded an achievement award from his hometown of Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He looks back on his decades-long career as a working jazz musician.