Terry Gross

I won't get to see Danny and work with him every day, but that won't mean he's absent from my life.

I plan on scheduling many future dinners with him.

We at Fresh Air are also extraordinarily lucky that Sam Brigger is taking over as our executive producer, a role he'd already started while Danny stayed on to help with the transition.

I'm positive there is no one better in the world to take on the role.

Sam has been part of the Fresh Air team for about 21 years.

During those years, his first child was born.

That son is now in college.

Sam knows the show inside out, having worked as an associate producer, our book interview producer, and managing producer.

He's smart, funny, and a good musician.

He's wise and calm even when there's a crisis, and everyone on our show loves him.

And who else at one of our end-of-the-year holiday potlucks would have made a gift for Danny of a Lego version of a climactic moment in Taxi Driver?

So I don't want to hog the mic any further because everyone on our show wants a chance to thank Danny.

Fresh Air's new executive producer is Sam Brigger.

Fresh Air's technical director and engineer is Audrey Bentham.

Danny, we love you so much.

Don't leave us with Sam.

Our interviews and reviews are produced and edited by Phyllis Myers.

And you left us with Sam?

We'll be in really good hands.

See you around the hood.