Fresh Air: Best Of – Richard Kind & Melinda French Gates (April 19, 2025)

Hosts: Terry Gross and Tonya Moseley
Guests: Richard Kind and Melinda French Gates
Release Date: April 19, 2025

Interview with Richard Kind

Richard Kind, a seasoned actor with a career spanning over four decades, joins Fresh Air to discuss his extensive work in television and film, his role in the new Netflix series "Everybody's Live with John Mulaney", and his personal reflections on fame and self-perception.

"Everybody's Live with John Mulaney"

Richard Kind delves into his experience as the sidekick and announcer for John Mulaney in the Netflix series "Everybody's Live". The show, which adapts from the previous year's "Everybody's in LA", features intimate panel discussions on various societal topics, supported by celebrity guests such as Pete Davidson, Michael Keaton, and Wanda Sykes.

Key Highlights:

• Surprise Extension: Kind expresses his surprise and anxiety over the show's extension from an initial six episodes to an additional twelve. He remarks, "This is not what I was born to do. It was a lark when I did the first six, it was fun. Oh, my gosh, now it's a job." (07:14)

• Global Audience Pressure: Discussing the show's worldwide reach, Kind shares his apprehensions: "We're on live all over the world on Netflix. What if I say something that's so unfunny or God forbid, something I would regret saying, I can't take it back." (07:14)

Career Reflections and Personal Insights

Kind offers a candid look into his career trajectory, highlighting his roles in "Only Murders in the Building", "Inside Out", and the Coen Brothers' "A Serious Man". He reflects on his journey from aspiring musical theater performer to a versatile character actor.

Notable Quotes:

• On feeling like a fraud: "Every day I feel like a fraud. Every single day. I'm waiting for the world to say, I'm not that talented. I don't have that. I'm not that good." (14:18)

• On balancing ego and confidence: "My ego says, go out and do it and do it and do it louder than everybody else. It's who I am." (23:03)

On Acting and Humor

Kind emphasizes the delicate balance between self-doubt and the need for affirmation in acting. He also showcases his comedic talent by sharing one of his favorite jokes:

Favorite Joke:

A mother is making her teenage son's bed and pulls out a magazine filled with bondage gear. "Oh my God," she exclaims. The husband responds, "Well, we're certainly not gonna spank him." (25:20)

Review: "you, Friends and Neighbors" by John Powers

John Powers, Fresh Air critic, reviews the new Apple TV series "you, Friends and Neighbors", starring Jon Hamm. The show is lauded for its sharp portrayal of suburban life, blending humor with poignant social commentary.

Review Highlights:

• Suburban Dichotomy: Powers compares the series to John Cheever's literary explorations, noting its "exact blend of humor and pathos" that captures the "sunlit splendor and shadowy desolation" of suburban existence.

• Character Depth: Jon Hamm's portrayal of Andrew Cooper (Coop) is praised for its complexity, showcasing a man grappling with personal and financial turmoil after losing his hedge fund job.

• Modern Themes: The show delves into themes of materialism, entitlement, and the erosion of community values, presenting a contemporary twist on classic suburban narratives.

Notable Commentary:

"It's a perfect role for Hamm, who carries with him our memories of Don Draper's dark souled charisma, then takes this sort of character in a new direction. Funnier, sadder, and more sympathetic." (26:16)

Interview with Melinda French Gates

Melinda French Gates, co-founder of the Gates Foundation and founder of Pivotal Ventures, discusses her new book "The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward". The conversation spans her philanthropic efforts, personal transformations, and insights into motherhood and grief.

Philanthropy and Government Funding Cuts

Gates addresses the impact of the Trump administration's funding cuts on organizations like USAID, emphasizing the critical role philanthropy plays in filling these gaps.

Key Points:

• Catalytic Role of Philanthropy: "We take risks where a government can't with taxpayer money and shouldn't. But once we know something works, it's up to government to scale it up." (35:50)

• Women's Health Focus: With recent challenges, Gates has increased her focus on women's health through Pivotal Ventures, committing $250 million to advance global women's health initiatives. (37:12)

Notable Quotes:

"What is it that we value as society? Don't we value our children and our babies? If you value our children and our babies, don't their mothers need to be healthy?" (47:34)

Personal Reflections and Family Influence

Gates reflects on her upbringing in a supportive middle-class family, highlighting her father's role in fostering her and her sisters' ambitions.

Key Highlights:

• Father's Influence: Gates fondly recalls her father's efforts to integrate women into his engineering teams, providing early role models that shaped her views on gender equality. "He encouraged us to speak up even when he didn't necessarily agree with him. But he also believed in us." (41:38)

• Mother's Legacy: Despite her mother's unrealized college aspirations, Gates acknowledges the vital role her mother played in managing the family real estate business, instilling strong work ethics and resilience. (44:37)

The Giving Pledge and Wealth Redistribution

Gates discusses the inception and growth of the Giving Pledge, aiming to inspire billionaires to donate a significant portion of their wealth for societal benefit.

Key Points:

• Growth of the Pledge: "We have over 240 families now that are part of the Giving Pledge, spanning over 30 countries." (49:22)

• Ripple Effects: Beyond billionaires, the initiative encourages individuals of all financial standings to contribute time, energy, and resources to societal good. (49:22)

Notable Quotes:

"No matter who you are, we all have things to give back—our time, our energy, our intellect, and our money." (49:22)

Navigating Personal Hardships

In her book, Gates candidly shares her experiences with grief and divorce, emphasizing that wealth does not insulate one from life's emotional challenges.

Notable Quote:

"I want audiences to see that I'm a human being. I know who I am. And by being my authentic self, I hope they can see, okay, she's gone through struggles and hardship too, but come out the other side." (40:04)

Conclusion

This episode of Fresh Air presents two compelling narratives: Richard Kind's introspective journey through acting and personal insecurities, and Melinda French Gates' profound insights into philanthropy, personal growth, and societal values. Both guests illuminate the complexities of their respective fields, offering listeners a blend of humor, vulnerability, and inspiration.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Richard Kind: "Every day I feel like a fraud. Every single day." (14:18)

• Richard Kind: "Nobody tells a joke better than I do." (25:20)

• Melinda French Gates: "What is it that we value as society? Don't we value our children and our babies?" (47:34)

• Melinda French Gates: "No matter who you are, we all have things to give back." (49:22)

Fresh Air continues to offer in-depth conversations with influential figures, providing listeners with thoughtful perspectives on art, culture, and the human experience.