Fresh Air Fresh Air

Best Of: Meshell Ndegeocello / Betty Gilpin

Oct 24, 2026 · 47m

Summary

Singer-songwriter and bassist Michelle Ndèghià Cello discusses her new album *Synonym*, which reimagines classic duets to explore themes of queerness, visibility, and liberation. Actor Betty Gilpin talks about her Emmy-winning role in the horror-comedy *Widow’s Bay* and her new season of the noir drama *The Lowdown*. The episode also features a review of Stevie Wonder’s new EP of unreleased tracks from *Songs in the Key of Life*.

Topics discussed

Sponsor: Capella University Intro: Betty Gilpin on Widow's Bay Sponsor: Whole Foods Market Sponsor: Legacy Box Music: Intro to Michelle Ingeia Cello Interview: Michelle Ingeia Cello's background Discussing 'The Sound of Colours' cover Vocal techniques and Cat Power's influence Music as a unifying force Reimagining 'I Got You Babe' Reaction to the new arrangement The importance of arrangers Collaboration with Anoni Growth and feedback in a career Voice changes with age Album 'Synonym' and storytelling Sponsor: Viking Queer liberation and gender in music Reimagining classic duets Finding comfort in music DC Go-Go music and community Call and response in performance Music and spiritual connection Childhood of chaos and jubilation Learning from her father The role of the bass player Groove and foundation in music First gig with her father Review: Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life Review: 'It's Easier' Review: 'My Life Story of Love' Review: 'My Life Story of Love' analysis Review: 'Treasures' Review: 'I'm Into Livin' Review: Stevie Wonder's legacy Sponsor: Whole Foods Market Sponsor: Google Workspace Intro: Betty Gilpin's Emmy win Gilpin's career highlights Interview: Meeting Betty Gilpin Welcome and congratulations Balancing work and family The Lowdown: Noir genre Breaking character archetypes Recognizing herself on screen Outsourcing femininity Widow's Bay success Character description: Sarah Westcott Approach to the horror-comedy tone Clip: Widow's Bay scene Clip: Widow's Bay dialogue Filming logistics and cast Anti-algorithm storytelling Faith in humanity Emmy speech poem Clip: Emmy speech excerpt Reaction to winning the award Love for acting as connection Early career beginnings First role and husband Credits and production team Sponsor: Jerry
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