Fresh Air Fresh Air

Best Of: 'Spider-Man' dir. Destin Daniel Cretton / Novelist Harriet Clark

Aug 15, 2026 · 48m

Summary

Fresh Air Weekend features Destin Daniel Cretton, who discusses directing the record-breaking Spider-Man: Brand New Day and how his past work at a group home influenced his storytelling. The episode also includes an interview with author Harriet Clark about her novel The Hill, which draws from her experience visiting her mother, a former Weather Underground member, in prison for 37 years.

Topics discussed

Intro, sponsors, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day teaser Destin Daniel Cretton's background and Marvel transition Peter Parker's loneliness and the 'Brand New Day' theme Jean Grey's role and the choice of antagonist Sponsors: GoodRx and Raymond James Cretton's early work at a group home and Short Term 12 Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson, and narrative change Childhood influences, family dynamics, and filmmaking roots Shang-Chi, cultural identity, and relationship with his father Conclusion of Cretton interview and sponsors Harriet Clark's novel and her mother's imprisonment Growing up in a political collective and prison visits The Brinks robbery details and grandmother's burden Feelings of abandonment vs. maternal love Mother's release and their current relationship Credits and final sponsor message
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