The baseball radio broadcaster began his career in the 1940s. He was informed in advance of Jackie Robinson's recruitment by the Brooklyn Dodgers. Initially against baseball's desegregation, Barber grew to admire and support Robinson.
By focusing on one legendary band, Dave Marsh's new book explores how the public personas of rock bands are cultivated, and how these affect the personal lives of working musicians.
As an assistant principal, Joe Nathan has identified several ways to improve public schools by reducing teacher workloads, establishing consistent policies, and praising the accomplishments of faculty and students alike.
The third installment of On This Side of Paradise focuses on how the Nation of Islam led to a growth of more conventional practices of Islam, particularly in African American communities.
Philadelphia-based Shamsud-din Ali is a local leader of the Muslim community. He speaks with Fresh Air callers about his faith, the relationship between Islam and other religions, and attitudes toward Muslims around the world.
New York-based artist and musician Laurie Audience's work initially catered mostly to her fellow artists. Now signed to the Warner record label, she is beginning to develop a broader fan base.
George Nelson conceived of a new exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art that features furniture, appliances, and other functional objects. Nelson is best known for his work with the Herman Miller firm and his innovation of the pedestrian mall.
The second installment of WHYY's miniseries on religion, On This Side of Paradise, looks at Jewish culture, Jewish identity and antisemitism in the United States.
Jeffrey Dekro and Phyllis Taylor both draw inspiration from their Jewish faith to fight for civil rights and other social justice movements. They answer questions from Fresh Air listeners about the contrasting trends of Jewish assimilation into mainstream American culture and a growing number of devout and practicing Jews.
Gregg is one of the first and few African American in MLB's National League. He's also famous for his dramatic weight loss and appearance in television commercials.
David Ogilvy is one of the founders of Ogilvy & Mathers, one of the top 4 advertising agencies in the world. He joins Fresh Air's Terry Gross to discuss what he believes is and is not an effective way to sell a product.
Scott B and his wife Beth B started a low-budget film company called B Movies. Their latest film -- their first shot on 16mm -- is New Wave detective movie starring punk icon Lydia Lunch.
As a member of the Public Citizen Health Research Group, Dr. Sidney Wolfe cowrote a book which looks at the safety and efficacy of brand-name and generic over-the-counter drugs. He answers questions from Fresh Air listeners.
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.
