大象传媒

Terry Gross鈥檚 remarkable conversations have become a daily fixture for millions of Americans.

Since 1975, the presenter of Fresh Air, one of National Public Radio鈥檚 most popular shows, has interviewed thousands of public figures - including musicians, Hollywood actors, Nobel Prize-winning authors and US Presidents.

Writer Dolly Alderton turns the tables on Terry to find out how this unlikely host, who describes herself as shy, insecure and self-conscious, mastered the art of the radio interview.

These interviews rarely happen face-to-face. Instead, they are conducted remotely, with Terry in Philadelphia and her guests in recording studios all over the world. Like a priest in a confession box, she is entrusted with their innermost thoughts and feelings.

Dolly picks out some of the most funny, poignant and revealing radio interviews of all time from the Fresh Air archive, including Terry鈥檚 unforgettable conversations with Maurice Sendak, Elton John, Lizzo and James Baldwin. Terry also reflects on some of her prickliest on-air encounters, with stars like Gene Simmons and Hillary Clinton.

With thanks to Danny Miller and the Fresh Air archive.

Producer: Paul Smith

A Somethin' Else production for 大象传媒 Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2021.