Fresh Air Folgen

After 11 seasons on ER, Noah Wyle thought he was finished with medical dramas: "I spent 15 years avoiding — actively avoiding — walking down what I thought was either hallowed ground or traveled road." But then COVID happened, and he felt compelled to tell more of these stories. He spoke with Dave Davies about the making of HBO's hit show The Pitt, the medical jargon, and his mom's feedback on the show.Justin Chang reviews the new film Caught Stealing, from director Darren Aronofsky.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta's new book examines the world of pain — why we feel it, and how we can treat it. He says distraction and meditation can be useful tools for managing pain. He spoke with Terry Gross about how the brain gets pain signals wrong, alternatives to painkillers, and how a family of circus performers inspired a new drug. Gupta's book is It Doesn't Have to Hurt.Also, TV critic David Bianculli reviews the HBO series Task, by the creator of Mare of Easttown, starring Mark Ruffalo.  Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We look at the stormy tenure of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. New York Times reporter Sheryl Gay Stolberg discusses how RFK Jr.'s cuts to government staff and expert groups will impact everyday Americans. A vaccine skeptic, Kennedy fired the CDC director last week. Also, John Powers reviews the Prime Video thriller series Butterfly, starring Daniel Dae Kim.  Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy