Fresh Air: Best Of – A 'Failed' Child Star / A Novel About Pregnancy Post-Roe
Released: July 12, 2025
Hosted by Tonya Moseley and Terry Gross

Overview

In this engaging episode of Fresh Air, hosts Tonya Moseley and Terry Gross delve into two compelling narratives that explore the complexities of childhood fame and the evolving landscape of motherhood in contemporary America. The episode features an intimate interview with author Tamara Yahia about her memoir, Cry for Me Argentina: My Life as a Failed Child Star, and a conversation with Leila Motley, whose new novel, The Girls Who Grew Big, examines the challenges faced by young mothers in a post-Roe v. Wade world. Additionally, TV critic David Biancooli reviews the HBO documentary, Dear A Revolution in Print, which chronicles the history and impact of Ms. Magazine.

Interview with Tamara Yahia: Cry for Me Argentina

Tamara Yahia opens up about her turbulent childhood as a child star in Argentina and the subsequent transition to life in California. In her memoir, Yahia recounts the pressures and sexualization she faced from a young age, drawing parallels between her experiences and those of her idol, Madonna.

• Performance Revelation (06:13-07:19): Yahia describes a pivotal moment at age 11 when she emulated Madonna's Like a Prayer performance at her Hebrew school talent show. She recalls, "[...] I had no idea what any of that meant. I was just copying this amazing, confident woman that I had seen on MTV" (07:27).

• Family Dynamics and Emotional Disconnect (09:20-09:38): Discussing her parents' reaction to her provocative performance, Yahia states, "I don't think there was much emotional intelligence on their end. They just saw us as extensions of themselves" (09:22).

• Struggles with Identity and Safety (12:01-15:07): Yahia reflects on the confusion and guilt she felt grappling with her emerging sexuality. She explains, "It was a combination of having Madonna and it was her in her erotica years [...] and my family. So it was a perfect storm" (12:55). This realization only came decades later through therapy and writing her memoir.

• Impact on Motherhood (15:07-26:34): Yahia discusses how confronting her past trauma influenced her decision to become a mother. She shares, "I knew there was no way that it would repeat itself because I am an introspective person [...] and I have an amazing partner" (15:07), highlighting her commitment to providing a safe and self-aware upbringing for her child.

Review: Dear A Revolution in Print

David Biancooli, TV critic and professor of television studies at Rowan University, reviews Dear A Revolution in Print, an HBO documentary exploring the legacy of Ms. Magazine. The documentary is praised for its insightful examination of the magazine's role in the feminist movement and its enduring impact on women's rights.

• Magazine Genesis and Impact (28:49-33:13): Biancooli explains how the documentary is structured into three parts, each offering unique perspectives on Ms. Magazine's influence. He notes, "One major theme of the documentary is how important and groundbreaking it was to identify and publicize concerns that women had in common."

• Feminist Voices and Controversies (32:09-33:13): The review highlights the magazine's role in giving voice to diverse feminist perspectives, despite internal and external conflicts. Biancooli remarks, "The magazine dealt with issues in ways that were anything but consistent or unified, but the complexity makes this documentary so intriguing."

Interview with Leila Motley: The Girls Who Grew Big

Leila Motley, acclaimed author of Night Crawling, discusses her new novel, The Girls Who Grew Big. The book centers on three young women in the Florida Panhandle navigating motherhood amidst restrictive abortion laws.

• Exploring Motherhood Amidst Political Shifts (36:04-37:39): Motley articulates the tension in her novel between declining teen pregnancy rates and the rollback of abortion rights. She states, "We're taught that teen pregnancy is a moral issue, and I wanted us to question the idea that young parenthood is anything but a circumstance" (36:40).

• Character Development and Perspectives (37:39-40:11): Motley explains her approach to creating distinct voices for her protagonists, emphasizing the diversity of teenage motherhood experiences. "Each of them has a different perspective and a different foundational sense of the world," she shares (38:04).

• Creative Process and Personal Growth (40:11-51:06): Discussing her writing journey, Motley reveals, "I wrote six books and I threw them out [...] If I don't feel like it is clicking or that I'm in the right place to tell a story, I will start over" (49:30). She underscores the personal nature of her writing and its evolution from introspective practice to addressing broader societal issues.

• Intentional Motherhood (51:06-52:20): Motley speaks passionately about her aspirations for motherhood, emphasizing intentionality and accountability. "I want this child to feel safe. It is very, very simple," she affirms (26:12).

• Reading: Love Poem to Oakland (40:11-42:54): Motley shares her award-winning poem, "Love Poem to Oakland," reflecting her deep connection to her hometown and its complexities. The poem serves as a testament to her love and critique of Oakland, embodying the spirit of resistance and community.

Conclusion

This episode of Fresh Air offers a profound exploration of personal and societal challenges through the lenses of childhood fame and motherhood in a changing political climate. Tamara Yahia's memoir provides a raw account of the impacts of early sexualization and immigrant struggles, while Leila Motley’s novel and poem offer nuanced perspectives on young motherhood and the enduring fight for community and identity. David Biancooli’s review of Dear A Revolution in Print further enriches the conversation by highlighting the historical significance of feminist media. Together, these narratives present a multifaceted view of resilience, identity, and the quest for personal and collective empowerment.

Selected Quotes

• Tamara Yahia:
  "It was just too hard to put into words because I didn't understand what it meant." (12:01)

• Leila Motley:
  "I wanted us to understand that there are a lot of ways to be a good mother and that teen parenthood isn't monolithic." (38:04)

• David Biancooli:
  "The complexity is what makes this documentary so intriguing." (32:37)

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the Fresh Air episode, providing insights into the personal journeys of two authors and the critical examination of feminist media. Whether you're interested in memoirs of childhood stardom or the evolving narratives of motherhood, this episode offers valuable perspectives and thoughtful discussions.