Fresh Air Weekend: Best Of – Writer Ocean Vuong & Comic Atsuko Okatsuka

Release Date: June 14, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Fresh Air Weekend, hosts Tonya Moseley and Terry Gross engage in profound conversations with two remarkable guests: poet and novelist Ocean Vuong and comedian Atsuko Okatsuka. The episode delves into Vuong's acclaimed novel, The Emperor of Gladness, and explores Okatsuka's new comedy special, Father. Both conversations offer deep insights into themes of grief, identity, family, and the power of storytelling.

Writer Ocean Vuong: Exploring The Emperor of Gladness

Maureen Corrigan’s Review

Before delving into the interview, book critic Maureen Corrigan provides an insightful review of Vuong's novel. She praises The Emperor of Gladness for its expansive narrative that captures the essence of American working-class life. Corrigan highlights Vuong’s exploration of "the loneliness of class movement" and his ability to portray the nuanced relationships within a struggling community. She remarks,

"The Emperor of Gladness is a truly great novel about work, still an under acknowledged topic in American fiction."

Interview with Ocean Vuong

Writing on His Own Terms ([09:07] – [31:25])

Ocean Vuong opens up about the emotional journey of writing his second novel, particularly after the passing of his mother. He shares,

"I started writing this book January 18, 2020. And it was my way out of grief. I thought, okay, I'm fully an orphan now, you know, I said, goodbye, Mom. I'm gonna write this without you."

Vuong emphasizes the shift from writing for his family to expressing his own voice, infusing his work with humor and personal history. He reflects on the complexities of the American Dream, stating,

"Every triumph is also a moment of immense loss."

Depiction of Working-Class Communities ([12:15] – [17:24])

Vuong vividly describes the setting of The Emperor of Gladness, a fictional town resembling his hometown of Glastonbury, Connecticut. He paints a picture of mundane yet deeply human interactions within the fast-food industry, where his protagonist, Hai, grapples with suicidal thoughts. Vuong discusses the theme of found family and the generational struggles within immigrant communities. He poignantly asks,

"Can you be kind without hope?"

Navigating Elite Circles vs. Working-Class Roots ([24:23] – [31:25])

Discussing his transition into elite academic and literary circles, Vuong reflects on the disconnect between his upbringing and his current environment. He articulates a sense of isolation despite his achievements, noting,

"In these elite circles, they can read your work, but they'll never truly feel and know."

Vuong expresses pride in his family's silent support, emphasizing that their blessings empower him,

"Mentally, spiritually, I feel invincible because that's the only thing I care about, their blessing."

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka: Healing Through Humor

Introduction to Atsuko’s Story

Atsuko Okatsuka shares her compelling journey from a tumultuous childhood to becoming a celebrated comedian. Raised by her grandmother after arriving in the United States at eight, Atsuko navigates the complexities of mental illness within her family and transforms her personal trauma into sharp, relatable humor.

Interview with Atsuko Okatsuka ([33:37] – [50:44])

Early Life and Family Dynamics ([35:08] – [39:25])

Atsuko recounts her early years living in her uncle’s garage, highlighting the instability caused by her mother’s schizophrenia. She reflects on her grandmother's role and the challenges of growing up without a conventional family structure. She shares a moment of vulnerability,

"And I remember seeing the word schizophrenia... I was like, would it even help to even figure out what that is?"

Healing Through Comedy ([39:44] – [42:35])

Transitioning into her career, Atsuko explains how humor has been a vital tool for processing her past. She discusses the significance of her stand-up special, Father, where she addresses reconnecting with her father and the cultural expectations surrounding motherhood. She humorously reveals,

"I have reconnected with my dad, and we're very close, but he really wants me to have kids... Ryan has a vasectomy scheduled for the end of the year."

Influence of Margaret Cho ([48:02] – [50:44])

Atsuko honors trailblazing Asian American comedians like Margaret Cho, acknowledging their impact on her career. She shares a heartfelt moment about mentorship and representation,

"Without Margaret Cho, there's no me. There's without even Bobby Lee, who is one of the first."

She emphasizes the importance of community and breaking generational trauma through laughter and connection.

Conclusion

This episode of Fresh Air Weekend masterfully intertwines the literary and comedic worlds, offering listeners a deep dive into the lives of Ocean Vuong and Atsuko Okatsuka. Vuong's exploration of grief, community, and identity in The Emperor of Gladness complements Okatsuka's use of humor to navigate and heal from personal trauma. Together, they highlight the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of storytelling.

Notable Quotes:

• Ocean Vuong ([09:20]): "I started writing this book... without her. It's my first book from start to finish without her."

• Ocean Vuong ([23:06]): "Can you be kind without hope?"

• Atsuko Okatsuka ([35:22]): "I've never had time to feel that. I'm realizing... I've started to heal without even realizing it."

• Atsuko Okatsuka ([47:09]): "I booked it. Thank you."

About Fresh Air

Fresh Air from WHYY, the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio's most popular programs. Hosted by Terry Gross and Tonya Moseley, the show features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries. Subscribe to Fresh Air Plus for bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening, and sign up for the weekly newsletter, Fresh Air Weekly, for interview highlights and recommendations.