Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
NBC's "Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist" provides sharp, conversational coverage of the day's news, along with in-depth profiles of the people and ideas shaping our culture. In his “Sunday Sitdowns,” Geist chats with some of the biggest names in news and pop culture, from actors and musicians to presidents and CEOs, about the stories behind their success. This podcast features the full, unedited versions of those conversations for an even deeper look at the names in the headlines.
Episodes
Sylvester Stallone on "Tulsa King," "Rocky" and a Lifetime of Fighting Back (September 2025)
From Rocky to Rambo to his latest hit Tulsa King, Sylvester Stallone has spent decades defying the odds. Long before Hollywood stardom, he was a struggling actor in a New York apartment, writing the script for Rocky that would change his life. In this Sitdown, Stallone reflects on the hardships that fueled his drive, why he refused to let anyone else play Rocky, and how receiving the Kennedy Cente
Introducing: Before & After with Lester Holt
Hey Sunday Sitdown fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for Before & After with Lester Holt, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline. Before & After with Lester Holt is a deeply personal interview series about moments that divide a life into before and after. In each conversation, Lester sits down with someone whose life was transformed in an instant by an une
Benny Blanco on Making Music, Marriage to Selena Gomez and his New Book on Embracing Failure
Benny Blanco is an 11-time Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and recording artist who has quietly shaped some of pop music's biggest moments over the past two decades. He sat down with Willie Geist at Electric Lady Studios in New York to talk about his new book, F*ck Failure, and what he believes is the secret to writing a great song. Benny also opens up about his path from aspiring rapper to
Megan Moroney on Her Rise to Country Music Stardom
Megan Moroney has quickly become one of country music’s biggest rising stars, breaking through with her viral hit “Tennessee Orange” and earning the CMA New Artist of the Year award in 2024. Megan got together with Willie Geist at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where she was headlining a sold-out show, and discussed her journey from learning guitar and performing at sorority philanthropy events to e
Remembering Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton's legacy as the queen of country music will always live on. In this week’s “Sunday Sitdown,” Willie Geist revisits his 2020 conversation with Dolly to talk about some of the stories behind her greatest hits, her philanthropy and her impact on American culture over the course of an iconic career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about
Luke Combs on Growing Fast While Staying Grounded (February 2026)
Luke Combs has had one of the fastest rises in modern music, landing more than a dozen No. 1 country hits and going from bar gigs to sold-out stadiums in just a few years. Combs sits down live with Willie Geist at City Winery Nashville to talk about songwriting, becoming a father, and how he has handled sudden fame without losing himself. Plus, he reflects on covering “Fast Car,” choosing instinct
Tracee Ellis Ross on Broadway Debut and Solo Traveling
Tracee Ellis Ross had her breakout television role in Girlfriends 25 years ago. Since then, she has starred in Black-ish and created a haircare brand called Pattern Beauty. The Golden Globe winner got together with Willie Geist in the New York City apartment building she grew up in to discuss her Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated show Every Brilliant Thing and the new season of the Roku show So
Jason Sudeikis on Season 4 of Ted Lasso
Emmy-winning actor Jason Sudeikis got together with Willie Geist to reflect on a career that has taken him from a decade at Saturday Night Live to creating and starring in the title role of Ted Lasso. Sudeikis details the inspiration that brought him back to the show and create a fourth season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and u
Charlie Puth on Taylor Swift’s Influence and New Album ‘Whatever’s Clever’ (March 2026)
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Charlie Puth has spent the last decade topping charts with hits like “See You Again,” “Attention” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore”. He also shares about performing the national anthem at the 2026 Super Bowl, drawing inspiration from Whitney Houston's iconic rendition. Puth sits down with Willie Geist at a New York City jazz club to discuss his fourth studio album, “Wh
Ken Jeong on Reinventing Himself and Trusting His Instincts (January 2026)
Ken Jeong is an actor and comedian who has built an illustrious career spanning film, television, and stand-up, from The Hangover and Community to 14 seasons on The Masked Singer. Jeong sits down with Willie Geist to discuss his evolution from practicing physician to comedian, how finding success later in life has shaped his perspective, and why ensemble work has played such a central role in his
Matt Damon on The Odyssey and Working with Christopher Nolan
Matt Damon says playing Odysseus in the new movie The Odyssey was like nothing he has ever done before. Damon is working again with famed Director Christopher Nolan after the Oscar-winning blockbusters Interstellar and Oppenheimer. Damon got together with Willie Geist to discuss the challenges of shooting this movie fully in IMAX, traveling to several remote locations and enduring the elements to
Leslie Odom, Jr. on ‘Hamilton’ Broadway Comeback, Fatherhood and Finding Joy (September 2025)
Leslie Odom, Jr., who was Willie Geist’s very first Sunday Sitdown guest nearly a decade ago, is returning to Broadway to reprise his Tony and Grammy Award-winning role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton. In this conversation, Odom reflects on why stepping back into the role ten years later feels like a homecoming and how the standing ovations take him back to his 17-year-old self who dreamt of being part
Riley Green on New Music, Acting and Coaching The Voice
Riley Green has been on the country music scene for more than a decade. The singer-songwriter has hit his stride selling out his North American tour, guest starring on the Yellowstone spinoff show Marshalls and now landing a coveted seat as a coach on The Voice. Green got together with Willie Geist in New York to discuss this moment in country music, his new album “That’s Just Me” and more. Hosted
Making Space with Hoda Kotb! New Season, New Guests & Life-Changing Conversations
Ready to take a deep breath and find some inspiration? A brand-new season of Making Space with Hoda Kotb is officially here. Every Wednesday, Hoda sits down for open, soul stirring conversations with people who have walked through fire and come out stronger. This season, she’s diving into what it really means to pivot, heal, and find your purpose. Expect raw, real-life wisdom on navigating big tra
The Rolling Stones on Lasting Legacy
The Rolling Stones have been making music for more than six decades and are out with a new album, Foreign Tongues, to the band's prolific catalog. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood sat down with Willie Geist to talk about their most iconic songs, their old rivalry with The Beatles and the prospects of touring again. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for inform
Keith Richards on The Rolling Stones Roots and Evolving Sound
Keith Richards is an iconic rock and roll musician. He and Mick Jagger joined forces after reconnecting on a train platform in Dartford, England, and the Rolling Stones was born a short time later. Willie Geist sat down with Richards to discuss The Rolling Stones latest album Foreign Tongues, the possibility of going back out on tour and more than six decades of making legendary music. Hosted b
Mick Jagger on New Music from The Rolling Stones
Mick Jagger is a rock and roll legend unlike any other. The four-time Grammy winner has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. Now, Jagger and The Rolling Stones are out with a new album called Foreign Tongues. Jagger got together with Willie Geist to talk about his favorite of the band's iconic records, The Stones' old rivalry with The Beatles, the anxious excite
Open Book with Jenna Returns! New Season, New Authors & Must-Read Summer Books
A brand-new season of Open Book with Jenna is here!
Join Jenna Bush Hager every Thursday as she sits down with some of today's most beloved authors and storytellers for conversations about the books everyone is talking about. This season, we'll explore the hottest reads of the summer, the creative process behind unforgettable stories, the genres readers can't get enough of, and the movie and TV
Mindy Kaling on the Inspiration Behind Not Suitable for Work, Running Point and her New Book Imprint
Mindy Kaling launched her television career as an actor and writer for The Office. She also had a starring role in The Mindy Project and is the brains behind several shows including Never Have I Ever, Sex Lives of College Girls and her latest show Not Suitable for Work, which follows a group of 20-somethings starting their careers in New York. She is also behind Running Point, which was born out o
Paul McCartney on Making New Music, The Beatles and His Lasting Legacy
Paul McCartney’s incredible career began more than 60 years ago when he formed The Beatles with John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Now, he’s out with his latest solo album "The Boys of Dungeon Lane". In this week's Sitdown, Willie Geist gets together with McCartney to talk about his new music, that includes a song with The Beatles members. And McCartney talks about performing in Steph
Mel Robbins on Letting Go and Changing Your Life (January 2026)
Mel Robbins is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and Golden Globe nominated podcast host behind The Let Them Theory and The Five Second Rule, two frameworks that have empowered people around the world. Robbins sits down with Willie Geist to break down why other people are the biggest source of stress, how letting go of control creates freedom, and why real change starts with your
Michael Bublé on His Rise from Fishing Boats to Fame and a Lifetime of Joy (October 2025)
Two decades after his breakout album It’s Time, five-time Grammy Award winner Michael Bublé sits down with Willie Geist at New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club to reflect on his journey from Canadian fishing boats to global fame. Bublé opens up about the grandfather who introduced him to Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, the early gigs that shaped his craft, and the moment that changed
Sally Field on Finding New Roles and her Legacy
Two-time Oscar winner Sally Field joins Willie Geist to discuss a career that kicked off when she was a teenager, starring in Gidget and then quickly moved on to The Flying Nun. From there her career shifted to more serious roles where she won an Emmy for Sybil and Oscars for Norma Rae and Place in the Heart. In her latest project, Remarkably Bright Creatures, which is based on a best-selling bo
Nikki Glaser on New Standup Special, Roasting Tom Brady and How Comedy Helped her Survive
Nikki Glaser had long been refining her comedy chops before turning heads with The Roast of Tom Brady and as two-time host of the Golden Globes. On this week's episode, she sits down with Willie Geist to discuss the long grind to arriving at this moment in her career, her latest standup special “Nikki Glaser: Good Girl” on Hulu, and doing her raunchy standup in front of her parents who have suppor
Mumford & Sons on New Album “Prizefighter”
In this week's Sunday Sitdown, Grammy-winning band Mumford & Sons got together with Willie Geist in Brookyln to talk about their newest album “Prizefighter” which comes 11 months after they released “Rushmere.” Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane talk about why they made an album so soon after their last one and that foot-stomping sound that has grown and evolved over the years. Hosted by Si
Ryan Reynolds on Balancing Success and Fatherhood
Actor, producer and businessman Ryan Reynolds joins Willie Geist for a special Sunday Sitdown Live conversation at City Winery New York. They discussed Reynolds’s wide-ranging career in front of the camera including the future of the billion-dollar “Deadpool” Franchise, the incredible success of Wrexham AFC, since he and fellow actor Rob McElheney bought it in 2020, his many other business venture
Nate Bargatze on Success in Comedy and Nateland’s Expansion
Nate Bargatze has become one of the most successful stand up comedians of his generation, going from performing for a single audience member to selling out arenas nationwide. In this conversation from January 2025, Nate Bargatze sits down with Willie Geist during the first ever Sunday Sitdown Live to discuss his rise in comedy, the expansion of the Nateland brand, and what has fueled his steady cl
Matthew McConaughey on Acting With His Family and Lessons That Last
Over the past three decades, Matthew McConaughey has starred in more than 50 films, won an Academy Award for Dallas Buyers Club, delivered an Emmy-nominated performance in True Detective and topped bestseller lists with his memoir, Greenlights, but he’s still chasing something more meaningful. In his latest project, The Lost Bus, he tells the gripping true story of a school bus driver who risked e
Lea Michele on ‘Chess,’ Motherhood and a Broadway Homecoming
Emmy-nominated actress and singer Lea Michele has spent more than 30 years performing, from her Broadway debut in Les Misérables at the Imperial Theatre when she was just 8-years-old to starring in hits like Spring Awakening, Glee, Funny Girl and Scream Queens. Michele sits down with Willie Geist backstage at the Imperial Theatre to discuss her full-circle return to the theater where it all began,
Leanne Morgan on Stand-Up, Stardom and Second Acts
Comedian Leanne Morgan spent more than 25 years building a loyal stand-up audience before breaking through with viral clips, Netflix comedy specials I’m Every Woman and Unspeakable Things, and her hit sitcom Leanne. In this conversation from November 2025, Morgan sits down with Willie Geist to discuss her long road in stand-up, the family stories and Southern humor that shape her comedy, and the w
OSCAR NOMINEES: Kate Hudson on ‘Glass Onion,’ ‘Music’ and Finding Her Voice (December 2022)
Kate Hudson is a Golden Globe-winning actress who is nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Song Sung Blue at this year’s Oscars. In this conversation from December 2022, Hudson sits down with Willie Geist to discuss her role in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, overcoming her fear of singing in public, and balancing her creative career with running Fabletics and rais
OSCAR NOMINEES: Michael B. Jordan on Action Films, Friendship and Fame (May 2021)
Michael B. Jordan is an actor, producer, and director who is nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Sinners at this year’s Oscars. In this conversation from May 2021, Jordan sits down with Willie Geist to discuss starring in Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse, why he prefers doing his own stunts, and stepping into a major action franchise. Plus, he reflects on his friendship w
OSCAR NOMINEES: Benicio Del Toro on His First Oscar and His Hollywood Journey (June 2025)
Benicio Del Toro is an Academy Award-winning actor and current nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in One Battle After Another. In this conversation from June 2025, Del Toro joins Willie Geist to discuss leading director Wes Anderson’s film The Phoenician Scheme and how winning his first Oscar reshaped his life and career. Plus, he reflects on growing up in Puerto Rico
OSCAR NOMINEES: Paul Mescal on ‘Hamnet,’ Shakespeare and Building Complex Characters (November 2025)
Paul Mescal has quickly become one of the most compelling actors of his generation and stars in Hamnet, which is nominated for Best Picture at this year's Oscars. In this conversation from November 2025, Mescal joins Willie Geist to discuss playing young William Shakespeare in Hamnet, working alongside industry legends on Gladiator II, and how he approaches crafting complex characters. Plus, the N
Charlie Puth on His Super Bowl National Anthem, Taylor Swift’s Influence and New Album ‘Whatever’s Clever’
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Charlie Puth has spent the last decade topping charts with hits like “See You Again,” “Attention” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore” and recently performed the national anthem at the 2026 Super Bowl, drawing inspiration from Whitney Houston's iconic rendition. Puth sits down with Willie Geist at a New York City jazz club to discuss his fourth studio album, “Whatever’s C
Nick Jonas on How Faith and Fatherhood Inspired His New Album “Sunday Best”
Over the last 20 years, Nick Jonas has grown up in front of the world, selling millions of records, headlining stadium tours with the Jonas Brothers and building a career that spans music, Broadway and film. Jonas sits down with Willie Geist at New York City’s Tavern on the Green, a special place for him, his wife Priyanka Chopra Jonas and their daughter, to discuss his new solo album, “Sunday Bes
NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEES: Viola Davis on Strength, Survival and Success (May 2019)
Viola Davis is an Oscar-winning actress who is nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television Series, Special, or Movie at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. In this conversation from May 2019, Davis opens up to Willie Geist about growing up in poverty, finding her way out through acting and her work on the documentary A Touch of Sugar. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.ad
NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEES: Lena Waithe on Building Her Voice in Hollywood (December 2019)
Lena Waithe is an Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actress whose podcast Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe is nominated for Outstanding Podcast in Arts, Sports and Entertainment at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. In this conversation from December 2019, Waithe sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on her rise in the industry, the mentors who helped shape her path, and how her first Emmy Award change
NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEES: Colman Domingo on Success, Loss and Purpose (January 2024)
Colman Domingo is one of the most celebrated performers of his generation who is nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. In this conversation from January 2024, Domingo sits down with Willie Geist to discuss his acclaimed performance in Rustin, his rise to the Hollywood spotlight, and the personal losses that shaped his journey. Plus, he ref
NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEES: Angela Bassett on Power, Purpose and ‘Zero Day’ (March 2025)
Angela Bassett is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress who is nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. In this conversation from March 2025, Bassett sits down with Willie Geist to discuss playing the president of the United States opposite Robert De Niro in Netflix’s Zero Day, her decades-long career, and what it means to portray leadership on scre
Glen Powell on Hollywood Partnerships and Career Momentum (May 2024)
Glen Powell has quickly emerged as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand leading men, building momentum through roles in films like Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone but You, Hit Man and the recently released How to Make a Killing. In this conversation from May 2024, Powell sits down with Willie Geist to discuss his creative partnership with Sydney Sweeney, the advice that helped shape his career from actors
Margot Robbie on Playing a Queen and Taking Creative Risks (January 2019)
Margot Robbie is an Academy Award-nominated actress whose career has included standout performances in The Wolf of Wall Street, Suicide Squad, I, Tonya, and more recently Barbie and Wuthering Heights. In this conversation from January 2019, Robbie sits down with Willie Geist to discuss taking on the role of Queen Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots and why she initially hesitated before saying yes
ATHLETIC GREATS: Jordan Spieth on Chasing Perfection and Reaching Golf’s Highest Stages (July 2018)
Professional golfer Jordan Spieth rose from teenage prodigy to major champion at a pace rarely seen in the sport of golf. In this conversation from July 2018, Spieth sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on how competing in and winning golf’s major championships reshaped his life and career. Plus, he opens up about chasing perfection, handling comparisons to legends, and staying grounded amid ear
ATHLETIC GREATS: John Cena on Championship Mentality, Reinvention and Never Giving Up (October 2019)
John Cena is a WWE legend whose career has expanded far beyond the wrestling ring into acting, writing, and philanthropy. In this conversation from October 2019, the WWE champion joins Willie Geist to discuss his evolution from wrestling star to Hollywood actor and his children’s book Elbow Grease vs. Motozilla. Plus, he reflects on perseverance, giving back, and why his motto of never giving up s
ATHLETIC GREATS: Shaquille O’Neal on Dominance, Leadership and Life After the NBA (April 2019)
NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominant players in the history of basketball, who redefined the center position and has built an empire far beyond the basketball court. In this conversation from April 2019, O’Neal sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on his legendary NBA run, his evolution into a prolific businessman, and his role as an analyst on Inside the NBA. Hosted by
ATHLETIC GREATS: Steph Curry on Redefining Greatness, Championships and What Comes Next (July 2023)
Steph Curry is one of the greatest shooters and most influential players in the history of the NBA. In this conversation from July 2023, Curry joins Willie Geist to discuss his journey to four NBA championships, his documentary Underrated, and how he approaches aging, recovery, and life beyond basketball. Plus, he shares his love of golf, reflects on redefining greatness, and looks ahead to what’s
Luke Combs on Growing Fast While Staying Grounded
Luke Combs has had one of the fastest rises in modern music, landing more than a dozen No. 1 country hits and going from bar gigs to sold-out stadiums in just a few years. Combs sits down live with Willie Geist at City Winery Nashville to talk about songwriting, becoming a father, and how he has handled sudden fame without losing himself. Plus, he reflects on covering “Fast Car,” choosing instinct
Ina Garten on Becoming Barefoot Contessa - Part 1 (May 2025)
Ina Garten is a New York Times bestselling author and beloved Food Network star whose Barefoot Contessa brand has transformed how people cook and entertain at home. In this conversation from May 2025, Ina Garten sits down with Willie Geist at City Winery in New York City during the second Sunday Sitdown Live to discuss her memoir Be Ready When the Luck Happens, launching her business, and the endu
Jim Gaffigan on the Craft of Comedy and His Bourbon Brand (November 2025)
Jim Gaffigan is a stand-up comedian, bestselling author, and actor whose eleven comedy specials and widely shared bits have made him one of the most recognizable voices in comedy. In this conversation from November 2025, Jim Gaffigan sits down with Willie Geist at the third-ever Sunday Sitdown Live to reflect on his path from a small town in Indiana to selling out arenas and starring in film and t
Ina Garten on Hosting Traditions and Dream Dinner Guests - Part 2 (May 2025)
Ina Garten is a Food Network legend known for bringing warmth, simplicity, and confidence to home entertaining. In this conversation from May 2025, Garten and Willie Geist continue their discussion from the second Sunday Sitdown Live at City Winery, where she demonstrates how to build the perfect dessert tray and reveals her dream dinner guests. Plus, she explains why hosting has remained one of t
Nate Bargatze on Success in Comedy and Nateland’s Expansion (January 2025)
Nate Bargatze has become one of the most successful stand up comedians of his generation, going from performing for a single audience member to selling out arenas nationwide. In this conversation from January 2025, Nate Bargatze sits down with Willie Geist during the first ever Sunday Sitdown Live to discuss his rise in comedy, the expansion of the Nateland brand, and what has fueled his steady cl
IN MEMORIAM: Catherine O’Hara Remembered for Iconic Roles and Timeless Comedy
Catherine O’Hara was a beloved, award-winning actress whose career spanned more than five decades, with unforgettable performances in films like Best in Show, Home Alone, and Beetlejuice, along with her standout role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, which earned her Emmy recognition and a lasting place in comedy history. In this conversation from February 2024, O’Hara sat down with Willie Geist to
Jason Momoa on Building His Own Projects and Never Sitting Still
Jason Momoa is an actor, producer, and director whose career spans blockbuster franchises like Aquaman and Game of Thrones, along with writing, directing, and producing his own projects. Momoa sits down with Willie Geist to discuss embracing comedy and action in The Wrecking Crew, telling Hawaiian stories through projects like Chief of War, and how creating his own work has shaped the direction of
Bad Bunny on Fame, Acting, and His Puerto Rico Roots
Grammy Award winning global music superstar Bad Bunny has become one of the most influential artists in the world, reshaping Latin music while breaking records on stages across the globe. In this conversation from August 2025, Bad Bunny sits down with Willie Geist to discuss bringing his historic concert residency to Puerto Rico, stepping into acting with projects like Caught Stealing and Happy Gi
Ken Jeong on Reinventing Himself and Trusting His Instincts
Ken Jeong is an actor and comedian who has built an illustrious career spanning film, television, and stand-up, from The Hangover and Community to 14 seasons on The Masked Singer. Jeong sits down with Willie Geist to discuss his evolution from practicing physician to comedian, how finding success later in life has shaped his perspective, and why ensemble work has played such a central role in his
Mel Robbins on Letting Go and Changing Your Life
Mel Robbins is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and Golden Globe nominated podcast host behind The Let Them Theory and The Five Second Rule, two frameworks that have empowered people around the world. Robbins sits down with Willie Geist to break down why other people are the biggest source of stress, how letting go of control creates freedom, and why real change starts with your
Ina Garten on Her Memoir, Marriage and Becoming Barefoot Contessa - Part 1
Ina Garten is a New York Times bestselling author, beloved Food Network star, and cultural icon whose Barefoot Contessa brand has reshaped home cooking for millions. In this conversation from May 2025, Garten sits down with Willie Geist at City Winery in New York City during the second Sunday Sitdown Live to discuss her memoir Be Ready When the Luck Happens, starting her own business, and the stea
Ina Garten on Hosting, Dessert Traditions and Dream Dinner Guests - Part 2
Ina Garten is a New York Times bestselling author and Food Network legend known for elevating home entertaining with warmth and simplicity. In this conversation from May 2025, Garten and Willie Geist continue their conversation from the second Sunday Sitdown Live at City Winery, in which Garten demonstrates how to build the perfect dessert tray and reveals her dream dinner guests. (Venue sponsored
Josh Brolin on Craft Over Fame, the Cost of Honesty, and His Inner Switch
Josh Brolin is an Academy Award-nominated actor whose 40-year career spans the cult classic The Goonies, acclaimed turns in No Country for Old Men and Milk, and Marvel’s billion-dollar Avengers franchise. Brolin joins Willie Geist at Hotel Chelsea to discuss his intense work in Weapons, Running Man, and the third Knives Out film, his resistance to believing his own hype, and how decades of struggl
MARVEL STARS: Ryan Reynolds on ‘Deadpool’ Success and His Father’s Legacy
Known for his record-breaking run as Deadpool in Marvel films, Ryan Reynolds is an award-winning actor and producer whose career spans hits like Deadpool & Wolverine, Free Guy, and The Proposal. In this conversation from September 2024, Reynolds joins Willie Geist to discuss the massive global success of the Deadpool franchise, his wide-ranging career, and how he balances work with life as a fathe
MARVEL STARS: Scarlett Johansson on 'Asteroid City' and Building The Outset
Known for her roles in Marvel’s The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Black Widow, Scarlett Johansson is a Tony-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress who has spent the last three years building her skincare line, The Outset. In this conversation from June 2023, Johansson joins Willie Geist at The Outset’s New York offices to discuss starring in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City,
MARVEL STARS: Anthony Mackie on Becoming Captain America and ‘Twisted Metal’
Known for his role as Sam Wilson, the latest Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Anthony Mackie is an acclaimed actor whose career spans films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Million Dollar Baby and The Hurt Locker. In this sitdown from August 2025, Mackie joins Willie Geist to discuss starring in the second season of the series Twisted Metal, his rise from theater kid to M
MARVEL STARS: Angela Bassett on ‘Zero Day’ and Honoring Chadwick Boseman
Angela Bassett is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress known for her role as Queen Ramonda in Marvel’s Black Panther films. In this conversation from March 2025, Bassett joins Willie Geist to discuss playing the president of the United States opposite Robert De Niro in Netflix’s Zero Day, her decades-long career, and the impact of portraying powerful women on screen. Plus, she reflects on her
MARVEL STARS: Chris Hemsworth on ‘Limitless’ and Life Beyond Thor
Chris Hemsworth is an acclaimed actor known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his standout performances in films like Rush and Snow White and the Huntsman. In this conversation from November 2022, Hemsworth joins Willie Geist to discuss pushing himself to extremes in his National Geographic series Limitless, his road from Australian soap operas to global stardom, and how hi
Jamie Lee Curtis on Finding Purpose and Reimagining Her Future in Hollywood
Jamie Lee Curtis is an Academy Award and Emmy winning actress, author, and producer best known for Everything Everywhere All at Once, the Halloween franchise and her acclaimed guest role in The Bear. Curtis sits down with Willie Geist to discuss her late career hot streak, embracing aging and authenticity, and her role as Aunt Helen in James L. Brooks’s new film Ella McCay. Plus, she reflects on t
Paul Mescal on Playing Shakespeare, Working with Legends and Crafting Complex Characters
Academy Award nominee Paul Mescal joins Willie Geist to discuss playing young William Shakespearein his 2025 film Hamnet as well as his role in Gladiator II alongsideDenzel Washington and director Ridley Scott. Plus, the Normal People and Aftersun star opens up about preparing to portray Paul McCartney in an upcoming Beatles biopic, how he builds complex characters, and his journey from school mus
Jim Gaffigan on the Craft of Comedy and His Bourbon Born Out of Chaos
Jim Gaffigan is a stand-up comedian, bestselling author, writer and acclaimed actor whose 11 specials and countless viral bits have made him one of the most beloved voices in comedy. Jim sits down with Willie Geist in front of a live audience to look back on his unlikely journey from a small town in Indiana to selling out arenas and starring in films and television. Plus, he opens up about the mom
STAND-UP GREATS: Nate Bargatze on His Rise, Hosting 'SNL,' and Building the Nateland Empire
Nate Bargatze is a stand-up comedian known for his clean humor and relatable storytelling, a combination that helped him grow from performing at small club sets to becoming an arena headliner. In this sitdown from February 2025, Nate joins Willie Geist to talk about his rapid career climb, hosting “Saturday Night Live” twice in one year, and what’s next for his expanding “Nateland” universe. Plus,
STAND-UP GREATS: Trevor Noah on Reinventing ‘The Daily Show’ and Finding Humor in Hard Times
Trevor Noah is a comedian and host who stepped into one of television’s most iconic seats in 2015 and quickly made The Daily Show his own. In this sitdown from June 2021, Trevor joins Willie Geist in a park across from his studio to revisit the year he spent hosting from his apartment and how he navigated a news cycle dominated by the pandemic and nationwide protests. He opens up about finding hum
STAND-UP GREATS: Tiffany Haddish on Her Rise From Homelessness to Hollywood and Making History on ‘SNL’
Tiffany Haddish is an actress, comedian and author whose breakout performance in the hit film Girls Trip launched her into Hollywood’s A-list. In this conversation from August 2019, Tiffany talks with Willie Geist about her journey from experiencing homelessness to starring in major movies like The Kitchen, landing high-profile TV roles and headlining her own stand-up specials. She also reflects o
STAND-UP GREATS: Kevin Hart on His Role in 'Fatherhood' and the Car Crash That Changed Everything
Kevin Hart is a comedian, actor, producer and bestselling author known for his blockbuster films, sold-out stand-up tours and relentless work ethic. In this conversation from May 2021, Kevin joins Willie Geist to talk about his dramatic role in the Netflix movie Fatherhood and why presenting a positive Black father on screen mattered to him. He also reflects on performing stand-up at home during t
STAND-UP GREATS: Sebastian Maniscalco on His Slow-Burn Rise and Working With Robert De Niro
Sebastian Maniscalco is a stand-up comedian and actor whose family-driven humor and razor-sharp delivery have made him one of the most recognizable voices in comedy. In this sitdown from December 2022, Sebastian talks with Willie Geist about the real-life moments that inspire his act, his stand-up special Is It Me? and the surreal experience of watching Robert De Niro portray his father in About M
Leanne Morgan on Her Viral Rise, Netflix Sitcom, and Stand Up Success
Leanne Morgan is a comedian and actress who rose to prominence after a viral video catapulted her to fame following decades of hustling in the stand up world. Leanne sits down with Willie Geist to look back on the 25-year climb that took her from telling jokes in living rooms while selling jewelry to becoming one of the most beloved voices in comedy. Plus, she reflects on the Def Leppard and Journ
WICKED STARS: Bowen Yang on His Extraordinary Rise and the Movie Musical Magic of ‘Wicked’
Bowen Yang is a comedian, writer, and Saturday Night Live cast member who stars as Pfannee in the movie musical Wicked and its upcoming sequel Wicked: For Good. In this conversation from April 2025, Yang sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on his extraordinary rise to fame, growing up as the son of Chinese immigrants, and the experience of coming out to his parents. He also talks about how a ch
WICKED STARS: Jeff Goldblum on His Career, Creativity, and the Joy of Reunion
Jeff Goldblum is an actor and musician who stars as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the movie musical Wicked and its upcoming sequel Wicked: For Good. In this conversation from July 2022, Goldblum sits down with Willie Geist to talk about returning as Dr. Ian Malcolm in Jurassic World: Dominion, reuniting with Laura Dern and Sam Neill nearly three decades after the original Jurassic Park, and leadin
WICKED STARS: Idina Menzel on Her Journey from ‘Wicked’ to ‘Frozen’ and Beyond
Idina Menzel is a Tony Award-winning performer who originated the role of Elphaba in Broadway’s Wicked and later became a global sensation as the voice of Elsa in Disney’s Frozen. In this conversation from December 2022, Menzel sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on her journey from performing at weddings on Long Island to headlining some of the world’s biggest stages. She also opens up about h
WICKED STARS: Cynthia Erivo on Bringing Elphaba to Life and Building Her Bond with Ariana Grande
Cynthia Erivo is a Grammy, Tony, and Emmy-winning performer who stars as Elphaba in the movie musical Wicked and its upcoming sequel Wicked: For Good. In this sit-down from November 2024, Erivo talks with Willie Geist about stepping into the beloved role, the unforgettable moment of seeing her first Wicked billboards light up Times Square, and what it was like working alongside Ariana Grande as th
WICKED STARS: Michelle Yeoh on Her Oscar Moment and a Lifetime of Breaking Barriers
Michelle Yeoh is an Oscar, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award-winning actress who stars as Madame Morrible in the movie musical Wicked and its upcoming sequel Wicked: For Good. In this conversation from March 2023, Yeoh sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on her sweeping awards-season success for Everything Everywhere All At Once and what it meant to finally have her big Hollywood mome
Judd Apatow on Comedy Legends, Cult Classics, and the Secret Sauce Behind His Movies
From a Long Island teen interviewing his comedy heroes on a high school radio station to the producer, director, and writer behind The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Anchorman, Trainwreck, and more, Judd Apatow is a modern-day comedy icon. He sits down with Willie Geist at New York’s Gotham Comedy Club to trace his rise to fame, from the tough early years and the mentorship of Garry Shandling to how the canc
SUNDAY SITDOWN REWIND: Jim Gaffigan on Comedy, Family Life, and Finding Humor in the Everyday
For more than 30 years, Jim Gaffigan has been making audiences laugh with his signature blend of honesty, self-deprecation, and heart, cementing his place among the most beloved voices in comedy. In this conversation from February 2021, he joins Willie Geist to reflect on three decades in stand-up, the comedy of family life, and the unexpected quarantine hobby that kept him grounded: cross-country
