Fresh Air

Comic Kumail Nanjiani remembers the first time he thought of marrying then-girlfriend Emily V. Gordon: when he saw her in a coma. Now the couple has co-written a romantic comedy based on their story called 'The Big Sick.' Wendy Whelan, a ballerina with the New York City Ballet, feared she would never dance again after undergoing hip surgery when she was 46. But after reconstructive surgery and months of physical therapy, she briefly returned to the dance company that had been her home for 30 years. The new documentary 'Restless Creature' focuses on that period, when her identity was shattered

Klein won an Emmy for her work on 'Inside Amy Schumer.' Her book, 'You'll Grow Out of It,' a collection of humorous personal essays. [Originally broadcast July 2016.] 50 years ago, singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry released "Ode to Billie Joe," which prompted dozens of jazz versions. Kevin Whitehead shares a few. Also, film critic David Edelstein reviews 'Lady MacBeth.'

Roger Stone, one of Donald Trump's closest political advisers, is a colorful operative who has been accused of dirty tricks and disinformation for decades. Stone tried to convince Trump to run for president for close to 30 years. We talk with Morgan Pehme, co-director of the new Netflix documentary 'Get Me Roger Stone.' Also, film critic Justin Chang reviews 'War For the Planet of the Apes.'

Comic Kumail Nanjiani remembers the first time he thought of marrying then-girlfriend Emily V. Gordon: when he saw her in a coma. Now the couple has co-written a romantic comedy based on their story called 'The Big Sick.'

Only one corporate executive was convicted after the financial meltdown of 2008. Pulitzer Prize-winning 'ProPublica' reporter Jesse Eisinger's new book 'The Chickens*** Club' is about why the Department of Justice reaches settlements with banks and corporations and fails to prosecute executives. Also, commentator Mat Johnson shares a story about losing his hard drive.

Wendy Whelan retired from the New York City Ballet at the age of 47, after a hip injury. She wasn't sure she'd ever dance again, but after reconstructive surgery and months of physical therapy, she briefly returned to the dance company that had been her home for 30 years. The new documentary 'Restless Creature' focuses on that period, when her identity was shattered. Also, book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews the novel 'Golden Hill.'

"Professional Muslim" Haroon Moghul says, "Every time something bad happens you're called upon to apologize. ... Your entire identity is pegged to events in other parts of the world." His new book 'How to Be a Muslim' is about his experience as a first-generation Pakistani-American. Ken Tucker reviews an album of new material from late rock icon Chuck Berry. In protest of Saudi Arabia's de facto ban on women driving, Manal al-Sharif filmed herself driving and posted it on YouTube. She was arrested, but after expressions of outrage from around the world, she was eventually released. Her new memoir is 'Daring to Drive.'

Safran Foer's most recent novel, 'Here I Am,' is told from the points of view of different members of a Jewish family. The book is now out in paperback. Also, film critic David Edelstein reviews 'Spider-Man: Homecoming.'

"Professional Muslim" Haroon Moghul says, "Every time something bad happens you're called upon to apologize. ... Your entire identity is pegged to events in other parts of the world." His new book 'How to Be a Muslim' is about his experience as a first-generation Pakistani-American, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and building the Islamic Center at NYU. Also, Ken Tucker reviews a new album from Swedish singer-songwriter Jens Lekman.

Author Rick Wartzman says that jobs offering security, decent wages and good benefits are becoming harder to find, in part because of automation, globalization, and the weakening of unions. His book is 'The End of Loyalty.' Also, Sharon Horgan, co-creator and co-star of the Amazon comedy series 'Catastrophe' talks with 'Fresh Air' producer Ann Marie Baldonado about finding her comedy partner Rob Delaney on Twitter, her confessional approach to writing, and working with the late Carrie Fisher.