Terry Gross

Journalist Philip Langdon joins Fresh Air guest host Sedge Thomson to discuss the changing nature of home design throughout the United States -- which have reflects new ideas about work, family and community,

Bill Harley writes music for children. His songs are inspired both by different folk traditions and his experiences as a father. He performs some of his music for Fresh Air guest host Liane Hansen.

Comedy legend and Monty Python co-founder John Cleese wrote and stars in the new movie A Fish Called Wanda. He talks about the development of the film with co-stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline and director Charles Chrichton.

Temple spent more time making his first feature -- The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle, featuring the Sex Pistols -- than he did in film school. He's since made his name making music videos for rock bands. He joins Fresh Air guest host about the controversy surrounding Neil Young's video for "This Note's for You," which MTV has decided not to air.

Bobbie Ann Mason's new, Spence and Lila, is about a couple who copes with the wife's breast cancer. Her previous novel, In Country, is being made into a film. She joins Fresh Air to talk about her approach to writing and the clowder of farm cats she raised.

Dennis Smith says that his own history as a firefighter helped him earn the trust of the people he interviewed for his new book. He talks about firefighter training and culture, and shares some of the personal anecdotes he learned during his research. Smith's first book was called Report from Engine Co. 82

Lou Diamond Philips had his breakout role in the film La Bamba. Now he gets to stretch his acting chops as a knife-wielding, peyote-eating cowboy in Young Guns. He says he chooses his roles carefully to avoid being typecast as an "ethnic" actor.

Journalist Timothy Ferris spent twelve years writing his new history of the galaxy. He explores ancient and contemporary theories of the universe, and how philosophy and theology have influenced scientific advancements.

Sci-fi writer and editor Bruce Sterling says that the cyberpunk movement doesn't anticipate the future--it describes the how technological innovation affects culture today.

Music critic Nelson George considers the changing nature of black music. In the past, Nelson says, African American artists, record store owners, and concert promoters were more community oriented. He thinks the focus now is on corporate-backed, commercial success.