Wild Card with Rachel Martin

John Leguizamo Aug 20, 2026 2886 “Being so vulnerable was really difficult,” John Leguizamo says of his role as Eumaeus in The Odyssey. It’s an opportunity he relishes, though, having come up in a Hollywood that wasn’t interested in casting Latin actors in any roles besides drug dealers. John talks to Rachel about finding his way as a troubled kid and finding the freedom to tell the stories he wants to in the theater.Watch this i

Suleika Jaouad (Encore) Aug 13, 2026 2947 Suleika Jaouad has written extensively about what it means to live in the in-between — the space between sick and healthy. She’s dealt on and off with cancer since her early 20s. Her latest book, "The Book of Alchemy," provides a guide on sustaining a creative practice through journaling. Suleika tells Rachel about eavesdropping on laughter and what she's learned from the people she's lost.To list

Brett Goldstein (Encore) Aug 6, 2026 2236 Don't be fooled by Brett Goldstein's grumpy exterior – he can't resist a big, open-hearted story. You see it in the TV shows he's acted in and helped create, "Ted Lasso" and "Shrinking." He's about to release a new HBO standup special called "The Second Best Night of Your Life." He spoke with Rachel about what Pixar knows about the afterlife and about finding ways to love annoying people. Support

Shania Twain Jul 30, 2026 2985 “You cannot rely on somebody else to push you out of the plane — you have to jump,” Shania Twain tells Rachel. For someone who has lived a life marked by so much loss and profound success, she has a lot to reflect on and is doing so the best way she knows how: through music. Her new album is called “Little Miss Twain.” She talks to Rachel about her difficult childhood and rediscovering her voice.T

Hrishikesh Hirway Jul 23, 2026 2655 “I still feel like I'm wondering what I'm gonna be when I grow up,” Hrishikesh Hirway tells Rachel. That might be because he’s drawn to so many things: he’s an accomplished musician, host of several successful podcasts and just an all-around thoughtful guy. He talks to Rachel about the support and skepticism of his parents while he was growing up and his anxiety over losing precious memories.Buy t

Tracee Ellis Ross (Live) Jul 16, 2026 3343 "Are you willing to be responsible for your own happiness?" Tracee Ellis Ross asks in this episode, recorded with a live audience at LAist. Tracee is all about actively choosing the life you want to lead. She talks to Rachel about those pivotal choices in her own life, growing up with Diana Ross as her mom, and the power of a good dog. Tracee’s show “Solo Traveling” is back with a second season.To

Terry Tempest Williams Jul 9, 2026 2654 Terry Tempest Williams often writes about what is easy to overlook – the “holy ordinary” as she calls it. Whether it's the beauty and plight of the natural world, or the silence and struggle of a loved one. She talks to Rachel about why women with big ideas get labeled “crazy” and how she tries to emulate her late mother. To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.

Danny McBride Jul 2, 2026 2679 For Danny McBride, success in Hollywood has taken patience, hard work, and a little bit of delusion. That sense of delusion is also present in the characters he writes, who embody the hilarious extremes of masculinity. He continues to explore these themes in his new book, "Thrilling Tales of Modern Men." Danny also discusses writing unlikely protagonists and why he loves working in South Carolina.

John Cena Jun 25, 2026 2948 John Cena didn’t become a WWE megastar and Hollywood leading man by accident, he worked at it, and he takes none of his big breaks for granted. He tells Rachel that a secret to his success is jumping into a challenge before he feels ready, or as he calls it, “courageous ignorance.” John’s new Netflix comedy, “Little Brother,” is out Jun 26.To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for W

David Sedaris Jun 18, 2026 3221 Writer David Sedaris tells Rachel he doesn’t mind being humiliated, because he knows it will wind up as great material. David’s new book, “The Land and Its People,” is full of such material. In their conversation, David talks about his latest humiliations as well as the benefits of cleaning while angry and how a British radio soap opera reminds him of how lucky he is.To listen sponsor-free and sup

Dave Eggers Jun 11, 2026 2838 Dave Eggers isn’t about rushing creativity. His latest novel, "Contrapposto," has been on his mind for about two decades. And he tells Rachel he believes many artists do their best work in their 80s and 90s. Eggers also reflects on how he’s learned to slow down in middle age, what he sees as the greatest danger of AI, and shares a moment of appreciation he felt watching an apricot tree.To listen s

Maya Hawke Jun 4, 2026 3098 Maya Hawke is such a natural fit for Wild Card that she had several answers for many of the questions. The self-described “verbose” musician/actor talks to Rachel about her new album “Maitreya Corso,” and reflects on her identification with her character Anxiety in “Inside Out 2.” Hawke also tells Rachel about her “witch-adjacent” childhood with her mother, Uma Thurman. To listen sponsor-free and

John C. Reilly May 28, 2026 3034 From "Step Brothers" to “Chicago,” John C. Reilly imbues every one of his roles with humor, empathy, and heart. In his latest project, a vaudeville stage show called "Mister Romantic," he searches for connection in a disconnected time. He talked to Rachel about his independent childhood on the south side of Chicago, and being open to endless possibilities. To listen sponsor-free and support the sh

Noah Kahan May 21, 2026 3047 Noah Kahan's breakthrough album, Stick Season, made him known to millions of fans. But he tells Rachel that experience left him feeling like he knew himself even less than before. Noah talks about finding his way back to songwriting with his new album, "The Great Divide.” He also reflects on how depression comes with sneaky superpowers and shares that Oreos and "The Office" are his cures for burno

Rita Wilson May 14, 2026 2533 Rita Wilson tells Rachel that she was tired of always being cast in the same kind of “nurturing” roles. And so she decided to explore a totally different career – one in music. Her latest album is “Sound of a Woman.” They also discuss the inspiration Rita draws from her immigrant parents and from older women. To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wild

Anne Lamott May 7, 2026 2522 Anne Lamott says she felt drawn to writing almost like it was a call to become a monk. She has also felt called to teach others how to write, to help them organize their thoughts on the page and to keep their priorities in check. “You’re not going to get self-respect from being published,” she tells Rachel. Her newest book, co-written with her husband Neal Allen, is called “Good Writing.”To listen

Amy Grant Apr 30, 2026 2319 After decades of releasing new albums every few years, Amy Grant went mostly quiet for the past decade. In the time since her last album of original songs in 2013, she’s survived several harrowing medical emergencies. Now she’s back with a new album, “The Me That Remains.” She tells Rachel she felt she was doing her audience a disservice by not writing about this phase of life.To listen sponsor-fr

Lena Dunham Apr 23, 2026 3012 Get your tickets for Wild Card live in Los Angeles with special guest Tracee Ellis Ross on May 7! Lena Dunham tells Rachel that for much of her 20s and 30s, she took a vacation from who she was as a child. These days, though, she says she’s much more in touch with that part of her life. Her new book, “Famesick,” chronicles those tumultuous years during the rise of her hit show, “Girls.” In this ep

Bob Odenkirk Apr 16, 2026 2201 Bob Odenkirk says he was never supposed to be an action hero, but he’s grateful for the way his career has turned out. Starting out as a sketch comedian, he never could have foreseen roles like Saul Goodman in “Better Call Saul” or Sheriff Ulysses in his newest film, “Normal.” He tells Rachel he takes none of it for granted, as he retraces his path from his humble Illinois roots. To listen sponsor

Tim Blake Nelson Apr 9, 2026 2660 From "O Brother, Where Art Thou" to "Watchmen" to "Poker Face,” Tim Blake Nelson is the actor you call when you want a character’s face to tell a lifetime of stories. But Nelson’s storytelling isn't limited to acting; lately, he's turned to writing novels, including his latest book, “Superhero: A Novel.” He talks to Rachel about his delinquent childhood in Tulsa and the dangers of prioritizing the

George Saunders Apr 2, 2026 3390 George Saunders isn’t sure what he believes about the afterlife, but he knows it’s fertile soil for a good story. In his latest novel “Vigil,” he explores questions of judgement, redemption and our ability to change. And at this stage of his career, Saunders is reflective about his own path, what he’s built through hard work and what he still longs for.To listen sponsor-free and support the show,

Julio Torres Mar 26, 2026 2284 In his stand-up, films and TV shows, Julio Torres considers the beauty and absurdity of the structures that make up the world around him, and tries to make sense of them. In his latest HBO special, "Color Theories," he explores the interior lives of colors. He spoke with Rachel about how his existential dread has changed over time and his excitement for the outfits he’ll wear in his old age. To l

Christina Applegate Mar 19, 2026 2453 Christina Applegate doesn't need anyone's pity or approval. That’s the takeaway from her new memoir, "You With the Sad Eyes." She looks back at some of the toughest moments in her life, from abusive relationships to her recent multiple sclerosis diagnosis. But she also shares with Rachel the joys in her life, like raising her 15 year old daughter and watching Bravo reality television. To listen sp

Chris Fleming Mar 12, 2026 3131 Chris Fleming takes his unique observations about the weirdness of everyday life and runs (and catapults and crawls and prances) with them. In his latest HBO special, "Live at the Palace," his manic physicality and singularly rich descriptions are the perfect recipe for comedy magic. He spoke with Rachel about overcoming skeptical industry gatekeepers, his love of dance, and his muse, Terry Gross.

Lena Waithe (Encore) Mar 5, 2026 1713 At 41, Lena Waithe already has an impressive legacy, with dozens of writing, acting and production credits. She was the first Black woman to win an Emmy for comedy writing (for "Master of None"). And she’s also the creator of "The Chi," which recently wrapped its seventh season. She tells Rachel one of her core beliefs is a lesson from "The Wizard of Oz." They also discuss being bad at being wrong

'Weird Al' Yankovic (Encore) Feb 26, 2026 2094 When Weird Al’s debut single, “My Bologna,” came out, there wasn’t really a model for how a parody artist could have any longevity in their career. Yet Al's figured out how to stay popular for over four decades. Ahead of his “Bigger and Weirder” tour, he talked with Rachel about staying weird as he ages, parenthood, and his devoted (some might say obsessive) fans.To listen sponsor-free and support

Dan Harris Feb 19, 2026 3047 In an ever-growing world of mindfulness teachers and wellness influencers, Dan Harris has remained grounded with modest goals. One of those goals is baked into the name of his best-selling book and podcast, “10% Happier.” Dan talks to Rachel about his unconventional path from “self-centered journalist” to “alleged happiness expert,” and whether being a “good-ish” person is good enough.To listen sp

Wagner Moura Feb 12, 2026 2625 Wagner Moura doesn’t compromise when it comes to doing work that feels meaningful and aligned with his values. That much is clear in the politically-charged Brazilian film, "The Secret Agent," for which he's earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. He spoke with Rachel about getting better with age, the sacredness of performing onstage and why he's made seeking joy a priority.To l

Melinda French Gates Feb 5, 2026 2599 Melinda French Gates has been through some painful and public transitions — ending her marriage of 27 years, stepping away from the foundation she built with her ex-husband Bill Gates and turning her professional focus to women’s health and social progress. She talks to Rachel about forgiveness, learning to trust, and her ex-husband’s association with Jeffrey Epstein. To listen sponsor-free and s

Oprah Jan 29, 2026 3714 Oprah could never just ignore her weight. Everyone else was always talking about it – from tabloids to late-night shows. She talks to Rachel about her weight journey and her new embrace of GLP-1s, the topic of her new book, “Enough,” co-written with Dr. Ania Jastreboff. Oprah also opens up to Rachel about her childhood in Mississippi and the lessons she learned from Maya Angelou and Sidney Poitier

Jennette McCurdy Jan 22, 2026 2881 In her early 20s, Jennette McCurdy left her childhood acting career and turned to writing. In both her memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” and her debut novel, “Half His Age,” she confronts the kinds of abuse and power dynamics she had to navigate long before she was ready. But she tells Rachel she has been able to move past it and find acceptance on the other side. To listen sponsor-free and support

Tig Notaro Jan 15, 2026 3214 Tig Notaro knows all about how humor and grief can coexist. She's explored those topics in her stand-up comedy, TV shows, and podcasts. Her latest project is "Come See Me in the Good Light," a documentary about her friend, the poet Andrea Gibson's, who died of cancer last year. She tells Rachel about growing up skiing with gators in Mississippi, and what Andrea taught her about the preciousness of

Jonathan Goldstein Jan 8, 2026 2383 When Jonathan Goldstein sets out to help a guest on his podcast “Heavyweight,” he always hopes he can help them feel unburdened by the end. But it’s often on the path to finding closure for a regret or deep-seated disappointment that the real healing happens. Jonathan shares with Rachel what making the show has taught him and why he believes anyone is capable of change. To listen sponsor-free an

John Green (Encore) Jan 1, 2026 2720 John Green keeps busy – from authoring blockbuster young adult novels like "The Fault in Our Stars," to running a YouTube empire with his brother Hank, to publishing his latest nonfiction book, "Everything Is Tuberculosis." His projects share one key goal: to make the world "suck less." John talks to Rachel about how he battles despair and why he's unconcerned with the question of God's existence.

Ann Patchett (Encore) Dec 25, 2025 1969 Ann Patchett's 2001 novel Bel Canto was a huge hit. She's continued to have success with her later work, including The Dutch House, which was a Pulitzer Prize finalist. But she recently returned to Bel Canto with a new edition annotated by Patchett herself. She and Rachel talk about why she wanted to critique her own work and they also discuss their shifting ideas of God and feeling comfortable be

Kumail Nanjiani Dec 18, 2025 3002 Kumail Nanjiani is learning to embrace big feelings, he tells Rachel. Kumail’s projects are all about how we feel our way through living, including his new Hulu stand-up special, “Night Thoughts.” Kumail talks to Rachel about learning to embrace fear and failure, his creative partnership with his wife, Emily, and why the world would improve if everyone could eat his grandmother's biryani.To listen

Jamie Lee Curtis Dec 11, 2025 3250 Jamie Lee Curtis never wanted to be an actor. She tells Rachel, despite having famous show business parents, she originally thought she’d become a police officer. Jamie talks about how she unexpectedly wound up in Hollywood, her fight against unhealthy beauty standards in the industry, and why she thinks of her children’s books as “her best thing.” Jamie Lee Curtis is currently in “Ella McCay.”Ta

Mel Robbins Dec 4, 2025 2367 Mel Robbins tells Rachel that she was plagued by anxiety, trauma and “relentless self-hatred” when she was younger. Now she has a bestselling book (“The Let Them Theory”) and a massively successful podcast (“The Mel Robbins Podcast”). Her hope is that she can share the tools that have helped her better herself so that other people can improve their lives. To listen sponsor-free and support the sho

Jason Reynolds (Update) Nov 27, 2025 3328 One of Apple’s top 10 podcast episodes of 2025. Jason Reynolds returns for another Wild Card question about the challenge of setting an example for children. He also speaks with Rachel about the value of being a crier and the advice about rest he got from LeVar Burton.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponso

Suleika Jaouad Nov 20, 2025 2976 Suleika Jaouad has written extensively about what it means to live in the in-between – the space between sick and healthy. She’s dealt on-and-off with cancer since her early 20s. Her latest book, "The Book of Alchemy," provides a guide on sustaining a creative practice through journaling. Suleika tells Rachel about eavesdropping on laughter and what she's learned from the people she's lost.To list

Malala Yousafzai Nov 13, 2025 2507 When Malala Yousafzai went to college, the last thing she wanted to talk about was her Nobel Prize or the Taliban attack that put her on the world stage. She just wanted to be a normal college student – taking risks, making friends and going to parties. Malala tells Rachel it’s taken a lot of work to find out who she is beyond any titles or accolades. Her new book, “Finding My Way,” is out now.To

Padma Lakshmi Nov 6, 2025 2307 Padma Lakshmi has always been deeply curious about food, and how it serves as a vehicle for celebrating the cultural diversity of America. In her new book, "Padma's All American," she shares stories and recipes from people she’s encountered all across the U.S. Padma talks to Rachel about the life lessons her grandma taught her through cooking and why life is better in her 50s. To listen sponsor-

Brandi Carlile Oct 30, 2025 3046 Brandi Carlile sought out some alone time to work on her newest album, “Returning to Myself,” but she came out of the experience realizing she needed the people around her more than ever. Brandi talks to Rachel about owning different sides of her identity even when they’re at odds with each other and shares her memory time machine trip with Joni Mitchell.To listen sponsor-free and support the show

Shonda Rhimes Oct 23, 2025 2038 Shonda Rhimes has created some of the most successful TV shows of the 21st century, but she says the secret to her success is not caring whether or not people will like her shows. The “Scandal” and “Grey’s Anatomy” creator is out with a new version of her memoir, “Year of Yes.” She talks to Rachel about the freedom she feels when she writes and the imaginative potential of a pantry.To listen spons

Nick Offerman Oct 16, 2025 2843 Nick Offerman is an Emmy-winning actor, but that’s a small part of his identity. He’s also a woodworker, an author, and a devoted acolyte of the naturalist writer Wendell Berry. He talks with Rachel about the art of being satisfied, building up the courage for a home project and what he learned from a childhood that felt like “Little House on the Prairie.”To listen sponsor-free and support the sho

Jeff Hiller Oct 9, 2025 2796 Jeff Hiller never expected to win an Emmy. He was used to side roles like “Mexican restaurant waiter” and “frazzled salesman,” and then his big break came as Joel on the HBO show “Somebody Somewhere.” He tells Rachel that not only did the role bring him critical acclaim, it also serves as an example of kindness and decency that has become a kind of moral compass for him. To listen sponsor-free an

Brené Brown Oct 2, 2025 2102 As a researcher and professor, Brené Brown has always sought to understand and navigate the emotions that make us human – vulnerability, shame, courage. In her latest book, "Strong Ground," she's exploring how to redefine leadership in a rapidly changing world. She spoke with Rachel about being stubborn about her faith, embracing mystery, and how moments of vulnerability can unite us. To listen s

Matthew McConaughey Sep 25, 2025 2413 Matthew McConaughey likes finding the rhythm in every role he takes – whether it’s delivering a monologue in “The Wolf of Wall Street” or a tearful goodbye in “Interstellar.” And now, as author of the book “Poems & Prayers,” he is finding the rhythm and prose in his own life, and sharing what he’s learned. To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

Bobbi Brown doesn’t listen to men in suits about makeup Sep 18, 2025 2163 At 68 years old, Bobby Brown still has a competitive spirit. She lives by the words “watch me,” which has led to her success as a makeup artist, business mogul and TikTok star. She's written several books on makeup and beauty, but in her upcoming book "Still Bobbi," for the first time, she's telling her own story. To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org

Raphael Bob-Waksberg doesn’t forgive, but he forgets Sep 11, 2025 2157 Raphael Bob-Waksberg says working in animation lets him get away with things. He’s able to dive into heavy topics, like grief and faith, without his stories getting too dark or saccharine. It’s a skill he honed as creator of “BoJack Horseman” and he’s putting it to use again with his new series “Long Story Short” on Netflix. To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at p

Elizabeth Gilbert no longer believes she’s a bad person Sep 4, 2025 2302 Elizabeth Gilbert's 2006 memoir “Eat, Pray, Love” was about her journey of self-discovery in the aftermath of a painful divorce. It was a massive hit, but it wasn’t nearly the whole story. In her new book “All the Way to the River,” Gilbert examines her self-destructive patterns as she contends with addiction and grief. She and Rachel talk about learning to show herself and others mercy.To listen

Ocean Vuong doesn’t erase pain from beauty Aug 28, 2025 2483 The more Ocean Vuong writes, the more he sees his craft as less of a skill and more a condition. He feels compelled to pay attention to the small details around him and turn those details into a story. But he tells Rachel that he actually hopes a day comes when he can stop writing. Vuong’s latest book is “The Emperor of Gladness.”To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+

Harrison Ford knows how weird his life is Aug 21, 2025 1991 Despite being decades into a career that can only be described as iconic, Harrison Ford is still experiencing firsts – like his first Emmy nomination for his role in Apple TV+’s "Shrinking." He spoke with Rachel about staying busy at 83, why he doesn't fear death, and why Jay Leno called him mid-interview to talk about a toilet seat.To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Car

Our favorite Memory Time Machine trips Aug 14, 2025 1633 At the end of each Wild Card episode, Rachel invites guests to take a trip in our Memory Time Machine and revisit a moment they wouldn’t like to change anything about – a moment they would like to stay in a little longer. We’re sharing some of our favorite trips in the Memory Time Machine, from David Lynch, Brett Goldstein, Jenny Slate, Barry Jenkins and more. To listen sponsor-free and support th

LeVar Burton is learning to embrace the chaos (encore) Aug 7, 2025 1547 LeVar Burton has three roles he'll forever be known for: Kunta Kinte on the TV series Roots, Geordi La Forge on Star Trek: The Next Generation and host of Reading Rainbow. Those roles have had profound impacts on people and he now understands, as he puts it, "my job is to be LeVar Burton." He talks to Rachel about the tension of that job, his changing definitions of success and learning to embrace

Father James Martin is okay with not being liked Jul 31, 2025 2404 Father James Martin has become one of the most well-known Catholic priests in the U.S, in part due to his appearances on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." He's hosting a new podcast called "The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin." He talks to Rachel about giving up his need to be liked and his rebellious adolescence. To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus

Aparna Nancherla doesn't know why she's here Jul 24, 2025 2328 Anxiety has always played a major role in Aparna Nancherla's comedy — whether she's joking about her internal preoccupations, or fighting stage fright. Her experience of living with anxiety and depression as a stand-up comedian landed her in the upcoming documentary, "Anxiety Club." She spoke with Rachel about growing into her rage and feeling godlike when she's alone. To listen sponsor-free and

Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media Jul 18, 2025 121 Act now to ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. Your donation will help this essential American service survive and thrive. Visit donate.npr.org now.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Marc Maron would still like some validation Jul 17, 2025 2403 Marc Maron can project cynical misanthrope, but those who have spent countless hours listening to him know that his secret weapon is his vulnerability. He tells Rachel why he's ending his podcast "WTF" despite its enduring popularity and why he's as committed as ever to his work as a standup. His latest special, "Panicked," is out next month. To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up fo

Celine Song is troubled by love Jul 10, 2025 2108 Celine Song's films, "Past Lives" and "Materialists," invite the viewer to just slow down. To take in the silence, a gaze, the moments in between words. In her conversation with Rachel, Celine describes how she tries to slow down in her own life, how she's making peace with laziness and how she thinks of enjoying a good meal as something close to prayer. To listen sponsor-free and support the show

Jenny Han insists on hope Jul 3, 2025 1855 Jenny Han feels like the same person as her teenage self – which might explain why her books and their adaptations connect so strongly with teen audiences. Her "To All The Boys" and "The Summer I Turned Pretty" franchises are streaming juggernauts – among teens and adults. Jenny spoke with Rachel about the importance of writing about love and why embarrassment feels so close to the surface. To lis

Michelle Obama doesn't regret saying 'no' Jun 26, 2025 2376 Michelle Obama says she's never truly been able to realize her own ambition. But now she's changing that. She's saying "no" to what's expected of her and "yes" to what she wants to do, including starting a podcast with her brother, "IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson." She reflects with Rachel on owning her decisions and the words her mom told her at the end of her life.To listen sponsor-f

What Kyle MacLachlan learned from his friend David Lynch Jun 22, 2025 859 Kyle MacLachlan says he wouldn't have a career without his friend and longtime collaborator David Lynch, who died earlier this year. His first gig was on Lynch's "Dune" which was followed up by "Blue Velvet" and then by their iconic run together on the series "Twin Peaks". In this bonus episode, MacLachlan shares what it was like to live in Lynch's world. To listen sponsor-free and support the sho

Kyle MacLachlan daydreams about the future Jun 19, 2025 1754 Kyle MacLachlan is known for his iconic roles in David Lynch classics like "Blue Velvet" and "Twin Peaks," but he's reinvented himself again and again throughout the years. His recent work includes roles in the TV series "Fallout" and "Overcompensating." He's also cultivated a huge following on TikTok and Instagram where his harm is on full display for a new generation of fans. To listen sponsor-f

Jason Reynolds Loves Being a Crybaby Jun 12, 2025 2682 Jason Reynolds writes stories that don't talk down to kids. In young adult books like "Long Way Down," "Ghost" and two Miles Morales Spider-Man novels, there is a clear understanding: kids are complicated people, and Jason treats them that way. His newest audio-only book is called "Soundtrack." He talks with Rachel about the value of being a crier and the advice about rest he got from LeVar Burto

Orville Peck killed his impostor syndrome Jun 5, 2025 1841 Orville Peck is full of apparent contradictions. As a kid in South Africa, he went from dancing ballet to playing drums in a punk band. He loves musical theater but made a name for himself as a country singer. He sings about vulnerability but covers his face with a mask. Peck talks to Rachel about embracing those contradictions and about starring in "Cabaret" on Broadway. To listen sponsor-free an

Ramy Youssef wants to make it weird May 29, 2025 2358 Ramy Youssef's creative pursuits range from stand-up to his semi-biographical Hulu show, "Ramy," to his new animated series, "#1 Happy Family USA." In all of his efforts, he says he's just trying to make work that feels exciting to him. Ramy is one of the costars of the new HBO film, "Mountainhead." He talks to Rachel about his gripe with Santa Claus and reckoning with his mortality.To listen spon

Mike Birbiglia doesn't think every setup needs a punchline May 22, 2025 2292 When Mike Birbiglia tells a story, he tries to make it relatable to everyone in the audience – whether it's tapping into his childhood anxiety, relating his clumsy attempts at self improvement or sharing his earnest fears about his aging parents. Mike's new Netflix special is The Good Life. He shares with Rachel how he learns valuable lessons from writing jokes, and explains how found some peace.T

Jonathan Groff lost his faith while spelunking May 15, 2025 2443 Jonathan Groff has brought his killer vocals and Disney-hero charm to Broadway hits like "Spring Awakening," "Hamilton" and "Merrily We Roll Along." He's nominated for a Tony award for his latest Broadway show, "Just in Time," a musical about singer Bobby Darin. He talks to Rachel about responding to criticism like a 7-year-old and realizing he didn't believe in God at a Youth for Christ camp. To

Wanda Sykes is looking for higher stakes May 8, 2025 2214 Wanda Sykes life has been defined by one act of courage after another. Leaving a safe career for comedy, getting divorced, coming out and surviving breast cancer all took a lot of guts. She shares with Rachel what she learned from each chapter of her life, and how it has made her stand-up stronger. Wanda is on the road for her new tour - it's called Please and Thank You. To listen sponsor-free and

'Weird Al' Yankovic is the most normal person in show business May 1, 2025 1981 When Weird Al's debut single, "My Bologna," came out, there wasn't really a model for how a parody artist could have any longevity in their career. Yet Al's figured out how to stay popular for over four decades. Ahead of his summer "Bigger and Weirder" tour, he talks with Rachel about staying weird as he ages, parenthood, and his devoted (some might say obsessive) fans. To listen sponsor-free and

Joy Harjo thinks writing can heal regret Apr 24, 2025 1997 Joy Harjo is one of the most revered poets in the United States, but she took a winding path to get there. The former U.S. poet laureate spoke with Rachel Martin about a pivotal decision in her childhood that put her on the creative path and how she views writing as a way to have second chances. This spring, Harjo is releasing a new version of her book, For A Girl Becoming. To listen sponsor-free

Brett Goldstein avoids emotions at all costs Apr 17, 2025 2199 Don't be fooled by Brett Goldstein's grumpy exterior – he can't resist a big, open-hearted story. You see it in the TV shows he's acted in and helped create, "Ted Lasso" and "Shrinking." He's about to release a new HBO standup special called "The Second Best Night of Your Life." He spoke with Rachel about what Pixar knows about the afterlife and about finding ways to love annoying people. To liste

Julianne Nicholson just wants everyone to take a beat Apr 10, 2025 1894 Anyone who has seen Julianne Nicholson in "Mare of Easttown" or "Janet Planet" knows she is really good at portraying grief. In her new show "Paradise," she plays Sinatra, a heartbroken tech billionaire trying to micromanage the end of the world. She's an evil genius who is also a little bit funny. She shares with Rachel an early memory of "outhouse beauty" and her secret to social situations.To l

Elizabeth Olsen idolizes idleness Apr 3, 2025 2180 Elizabeth Olsen is most famous for her role as Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But she says her own taste is reflected in indie films she's starred in like "His Three Daughters" and the new sci-fi thriller "The Assessment." She shares with Rachel why she's terrified of dying but is fascinated with death and the joy of idle people watching.To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episo

John Green still has hope Mar 27, 2025 2687 John Green keeps busy – from authoring blockbuster young adult novels like "The Fault in Our Stars," to running a YouTube empire with his brother Hank, to publishing his latest nonfiction book, "Everything Is Tuberculosis." His projects share one key goal: to make the world "suck less." John talks to Rachel about how he battles despair and why he's unconcerned with the question of God's existence

Uzo Aduba can do anything... except for the butterfly stroke Mar 20, 2025 2064 From a young age, Uzo Aduba's parents taught her that she could do anything. That confidence has led to some iconic performances – from Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren in "Orange Is the New Black," to Shirley Chisholm in "Mrs. America," to her lead role in the newest Shonda Rhimes production, "The Residence." Uzo talks to Rachel about how motherhood shaped her and why she's made peace with mortality.T

For Natasha Rothwell improv is like prayer Mar 13, 2025 2227 Natasha Rothwell can't help but collaborate. She honed her improv skills at the Tokyo Comedy Store which led her to roles in memorable ensemble casts on "Insecure" and "How to Die Alone." Now, her character Belinda is back in the new season of "The White Lotus." Natasha talks with Rachel about bringing her own ideas to the show, the spiritual power of improv and what she's learned about love.To li

Zadie Smith lives more in the world than on the page Mar 6, 2025 2302 London today is very different from the one Zadie Smith grew up in and the one she wrote about in her debut novel "White Teeth." That is just one of the things Smith is grappling with 25 years after her best-selling book's debut. She talks to Rachel about the difficulty of revisiting the first few pages of "White Teeth," the wisdom only teenagers possess, and fighting despair with crème brûlée.To

Bowen Yang thinks being present is overrated (encore) Feb 27, 2025 1742 This week we're revisiting our episode with comedian Bowen Yang. The "SNL" cast member and "Las Culturistas" podcast co-host had a big year between being in the film adaptation of "Wicked" and the "Saturday Night Live" 50th anniversary special. He talked with Rachel last spring about living too much in the present, the risks of being real and why the afterlife will definitely have roller coasters.

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