Terry Gross

Writer and director Garson Kanin's new book explores the success of certain actor pairings in Hollywood history, arguing that the team members brought out the best in one another.

Humorist Fran Lebowitz talks about her career as a writer and how her choice of profession has affected her personal life. The interview is briefly interrupted by a press conference by President Reagan about the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.

The Houston-based musician started on acoustic guitar before making the jump to electric. He talks about his career and his approach to songwriting.

Fresh Air film critic Bill Van Wert speaks with Terry Gross about the new movie, Take This Job and Shove It!

The accomplished musician shares his approach to improvisation and teaching. He considers the changing approach and education of younger musicians is affecting the future of jazz.

In light of the current PATCO strike, labor historian Philip Foner discusses recent controversies surrounding strikes by public employees, as well as the history of organized labor in the United States. Fresh Air host Terry Gross invites listeners to call in with their questions.

Two experts on drug trafficking tell Fresh Air's Terry Gross about the difficulties of curtailing the production and sale of illicit drugs that originate outside the U.S. They debate whether or not American support of Burma's ethnic minorities could help reduce opium production.

Gus Hall considers the history of the Communist Party in the U.S. as well as the fraught deployment of communism in the Soviet Union.

The historian and prolific writer talks about the influence of communist organizations and movements in the United States and abroad. He is careful to point out the positive influence of communists in American labor movements, and cautions against viewing communism in different countries as a monolithic force.