Skip Intro with Krista Smith

Charlie Hunnam (Monster: The Ed Gein Story) Mar 23, 2026

Charlie Hunnam talks Monster: The Ed Gein Story.

Watch the video interview exclusively on Netflix.

Find more podcasts at https://www.netflix.com/tudum/podcasts.

Elizabeth Smart (Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart) Jan 23, 2026

Elizabeth Smart joins Skip Intro to talk about the new documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart — reflecting on the harrowing experience of being abducted from her bedroom at just 14 years old.

In this intimate conversation, the author, speaker, and advocate opens up about why she wanted to retell her story in more explicit detail, and help other survivors not feel alone.

Now a mother of three, Smart also shares how she’s parenting her own children to not have shame around their bodies, her love for marathon training, and what her relationship with faith is like today.

Video episodes are available on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

Matt Damon (The Rip) Jan 19, 2026

Matt Damon produces and stars alongside Ben Affleck in the thrilling heist drama The Rip.

The duo teamed up with writer-director Joe Carnahan to bring the script to life — inspired by true events from Miami Police Department’s Tactical Narcotics Team.

Damon shares how his public friendship with Affleck was good “baggage” to bring to their onscreen friendship, and his shock after hearing how much Affleck’s Spanish had improved.

The Oscar-winning actor also reflects on the trajectory of his early career, the highs and lows of being a Boston sports fan, and the profound gratitude he experienced while working with Christopher Nolan on the upcoming film The Odyssey.

Skip Intro with Krista Smith is available on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Kate Winslet (Goodbye June) Dec 26, 2025

Kate Winslet takes on the triple threat of directing, producing, and acting in her latest film, Goodbye June.

She discusses her deeply personal connection to the script, written by son Joe Anders, and what convinced Helen Mirren to play June despite an aversion to the role of a dying character.Winslet also shares her tips for working with young children on set, reflects back on an iconic Vanity Fair cover shoot, and describes an unforgettable experience at sea with loved ones.

Video episodes are available on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Josh O’Connor (Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery) Dec 15, 2025

Josh O’Connor has four films out this year. In Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Rian Johnson’s latest whodunnit, he shape-shifts into a boxer turned priest.

O’Connor talks about how working with a stacked ensemble cast didn’t take away from the community and collaboration he craves, calling it “a beautiful thing.” He also reveals the moments on set with Daniel Craig and Glenn Close that left him in awe.

Plus, The Crown actor dishes on what preparation was like ahead of hosting SNL, how his very late introduction to TikTok came about, and the current state of his beloved frog pond.

Video episodes are available on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Billy Crudup (Jay Kelly) Dec 07, 2025

Billy Crudup delivers an unforgettable performance in the new film Jay Kelly.

The Emmy-winning actor, who stars alongside George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Laura Dern, opens up about working with the film’s powerhouse ensemble and collaborating with director Noah Baumbach.

Crudup shares what it was like seeing Louis Partridge play a younger version of himself — and reflects on his early career, from the New York theater scene to his breakout roles in Almost Famous and Without Limits. He also dishes on why he avoided the press and ’90s magazine covers for years.

Video episodes are available on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Laura Dern (Jay Kelly) Dec 06, 2025

Laura Dern returns to Skip Intro with Krista Smith to discuss her new film, Jay Kelly, and reuniting with director Noah Baumbach after her Oscar-winning performance in Marriage Story.

Calling it “the time of my life,” Dern shares what it was like working with George Clooney and Adam Sandler, walking in Paris Fashion Week, and having irrational fears that she playfully blames on Steven Spielberg.

She also pays heartfelt tribute to the ’70s cinema legends who shaped her, including her parents, Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern, and her godmother, Shelley Winters.

Video episodes are available on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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George Clooney (Jay Kelly) Dec 05, 2025

George Clooney delivers a soulful performance in his latest film, Jay Kelly.

The Oscar-winning actor discusses what it was like working with his longtime friends Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, and Billy Crudup in the Noah Baumbach–directed film.

Clooney also shares the clever tactics he used to land early-career auditions, reflects on the importance of living without regret, and reveals his onscreen trick for running faster.

Video episodes are available on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams) Dec 01, 2025

Joel Edgerton stars in the new Netflix film Train Dreams, delivering a moving and memorable performance.

In this conversation, Edgerton explores his personal connection to the film’s story and character, discussing how director Clint Bentley’s adaptation was able to “crack the safe” and bring the project to life.

The actor also reflects on the meaningful advice his father gave about chasing his dreams, what he hopes to see flourish in the Australian film industry, and the unexpected delight of hearing which of his films resonate most with fans — from Kinky Boots to Star Wars.

Video episodes are available on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Mia Goth (Frankenstein) Nov 28, 2025

Mia Goth mesmerizes on screen in Guillermo del Toro’s latest work, Frankenstein.

On Skip Intro, Goth talks about what it was like to receive a phone call from the Oscar-winning writer/director, and the unscripted, magical moments that took place onscreen with the Creature — played by her co-star Jacob Elordi.

The X actor also shares how she overcame her fear of insects to play Elizabeth Frankenstein, what it’s like filming Star Wars while taking care of her 3-year-old, and the fork-in-the-road decision that led her to where she is now.

Video episodes are available on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Claire Danes (The Beast in Me) Nov 21, 2025

Claire Danes delivers an emotionally gripping performance in her latest limited series, The Beast in Me.

Starring alongside an unflinching Matthew Rhys, the Emmy–winning actor reveals why she had Rhys change his character’s name from the original script.

Danes also shares what it was like to reunite with executive producer Howard Gordon after their hit series Homeland, her early obsession with Madonna and John Hughes movies, and how her role in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines helped Danes “click back” into acting after spending two years at Yale.

Video episodes are available on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Zoey Deutch (Nouvelle Vague) Nov 14, 2025

Zoey Deutch returns to Skip Intro to talk about her latest transformation in Nouvelle Vagueas American actress Jean Seberg.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Richard Linklater — and a love letter to the French New Wave classic Breathless — Nouvelle Vague wasn’t the first time that Linklater and Deutch shared a film set.

Deutch shares how Linklater compares rehearsals to athletics, starting exciting new chapters in her personal life, hilarious irrational fears, and the deep love she has for her sister, Maddie.

Video episodes are also available on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Rebecca Ferguson (A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE) Oct 27, 2025

For the first time, Skip Intro goes to The Paris Theater in Manhattan to sit down with Rebecca Ferguson who stars as Captain Olivia Walker in A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE.

Directed by Oscar-winning Kathryn Bigelow, the film was screened this month at the historic 535-seat theater — NYC’s longest-running arthouse cinema.

Ferguson shares what it was like to read the powerful script written by Noah Oppenheim and how working with Bigelow was unlike any other experience on set.

The Mission Impossible actor also talks about jumping off the roof of the Vienna State Opera with Tom Cruise, Denis Villeneuve’s love of veils and jingle jangles in Dune, and teases Netflix’s upcoming Peaky Blinders movie with Cillian Murphy.

Video episodes available on Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Victoria Beckham (Documentary) Oct 24, 2025

Skip Intro returns to New York to talk all things Victoria Beckham.

From making a name for herself in a brutal fashion industry, to looking back on her time as Posh Spice, Victoria shares how the journey of making her documentary helped her to accept the realization — “that finally I am enough.”

The tenacious designer also dishes on her 26-year marriage with David, developing a bat phobia in France, and finding the perfect, simple t-shirt.

Video episodes available on Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Louis Partridge (House of Guinness) Oct 03, 2025

Skip Intro comes to New York this week to talk to Louis Partridge of Enola Holmes fame.

Partridge takes on the role of Edward Guinness in the new series House of Guinness. He also stars as Wickham in Netflix’s upcoming Pride & Prejudice adaptation, as well as the younger Billy Crudup character in Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly.

The 22-year-old actor shares what it was like to meet his first casting director, playing rugby and being mischievous in school, and his girlfriend’s funny American accent.

Video episodes available on Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Jason Bateman (Black Rabbit) Sep 26, 2025

Jason Bateman stars alongside Jude Law in the high-octane limited series, Black Rabbit. The two take on brother duo, Jake & Vince, running a restaurant bar in the chaos of New York nightlife.

Bateman reveals his trick for pivoting between his character Vince and simultaneously directing and executive producing the series.

The Emmy-winning director also shares what it was like to reunite with the Ozarkcrew, sending a daughter off to college for the first time, and his unending love for the Dodgers.

Video episodes available on Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Meghann Fahy (Sirens) Sep 19, 2025

A new season of Skip Intro returns — with a fresh new look!

This week:

Meghann Fahy’s outstanding performance in Sirens earned her a second Emmy-nomination — this time for Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.

She plays the sharp, dark, and funny Devon DeWitt, a role that Fahy says she hadn’t had the opportunity to step into before, and the first pilot that she really chased after loving the script.

Fahy shares what it was like to pursue acting in NY as opposed to LA, her love of singing, and the best things about working with Julianne Moore on set.

Video episodes available on Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Arden Cho Aug 15, 2025

KPop Demon Hunters has officially gone golden — and Arden Cho voices HUNTR/X front woman, Rumi.

Born and raised in Texas, moving to Minnesota for high school, then college in Illinois, Cho often grappled with her Asian American identity while also facing an exhausting pressure to be “perfect” as a way to honor her immigrant parents.

Cho shares what it was like to grow thicker skin in LA, her experience on Teen Wolf and Partner Track, and her love for playing poker as a woman underestimated in the game.

Video episodes available on Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Monica Barbaro Jun 13, 2025

Monica Barbaro joins Arnold Schwarzenegger for the return of action-comedy series, Fubar (Season 2).

While reprising her role as CIA agent Emma Brunner, Barbaro simultaneously filmed the character Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown alongside Timothée Chalamet — for which she earned her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Barbaro shares the struggles of breaking into the industry without having connections, her earlier years as a ballet dancer, and what it was like learning to fly fighter jets with Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick.

Video episodes available on Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Ted Danson May 16, 2025

Ted Danson has appeared as a regular in more television shows than any other actor to date — from classics like Cheers and Becker, to more recent hits like The Good Place and A Man on the Inside.

Danson shares what drew him most to A Man on the Inside, his deep appreciation for writer-director Michael Schur, and what continues to inspire him to work at age 77.

The actor also reveals how he's dealt with his relationship to fame over the years and his long commitment to ocean conservation work.

Video episodes available on Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Rashida Jones Apr 25, 2025

Rashida Jones is no stranger to the Black Mirror universe. From co-writing the hit episode "Nosedive," to being a megafan of the series — she now takes a lead role in the new Season 7 opener, "Common People."

Jones reveals why her character felt like "the most acting" of any performance and how creating a relatable, natural dynamic was essential for both thematic storytelling and viewer experience.

This month, the actor-writer-filmmaker was honored in TIME 100: The Most Influential People of 2025. Jones also shares her unabashed rejection of society's anti-aging pressures and reflects on the recent passing of her father, Quincy Jones.

Video episodes available on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel.

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Michelle Buteau Apr 04, 2025

Michelle Buteau chats with Krista Smith in New York for the return of Survival of the Thickest (Season 2). Buteau stars as the vibrant and charming Mavis Beaumont — a resilient stylist determined to pioneer a space for the women often ignored in a world of high-fashion.

Buteau shares on Skip Intro what it took to overcome rejection in her own life, how to stand in your power, and her commitment to "make it fun!"

We also catch up on Buteau's last five years as a mom of twins and what it was like to make history as the first woman to film a stand-up special at Radio City Music Hall.

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Kaitlyn Dever Mar 07, 2025

Kaitlyn Dever returns to Skip Intro after six years of continuing to build her craft as a dynamic actor and talented musician.

Dever talks about how her latest role in Apple Cider Vinegar came to her at a poignant time in her life, the recent passing of her mother from breast cancer, and what still brings her the most joy on set after being in the business for nearly two decades.

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Jane Fonda & Troy Garity Feb 28, 2025

Jane Fonda and her son Troy Garity join our show the week of the 2025 SAG Awards, where Fonda was honored with SAG-AFTRA's highest tribute — the Life Achievement Award.

She talks about the origin of her iconic Klute shag haircut, how she once fought off a bear in New Mexico, and what she looks forward to doing next in her best decade yet.

Garity shares the helpful advice his mother gave him for his first film, Bandits, and how remaining empathetic, creative, and hopeful as an actor creates a path for finding solutions in a chaotic world.

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From The Archive: Kate Hudson Feb 21, 2025

Kate Hudson stars in the new comedy series, Running Point, out February 27.

Back in 2022, Hudson caught up with Krista Smith on life outside of Hollywood — being a mom of three, her business ventures, a deep love for music, and so much more. Since that interview, Hudson released her first debut album, Glorious. We're excited to bring back that conversation, including some never-before-heard moments.

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From The Archive: Renée Zellweger Feb 14, 2025

This week, Krista Smith brings back a very special interview — the first guest of 254 episodes was none other than Renée Zellweger.

Zellweger's timeless talent has won her numerous awards across dynamic roles, and you can still see her performances in WHAT / IF, Judy, and Cinderella Man on Netflix.

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From The Archive: Kaitlyn Dever Feb 07, 2025

Kaitlyn Dever stars in the new limited series, Apple Cider Vinegar.

Inspired by true events, Dever takes on the role of Belle Gibson, a young woman who was at the center of a massive pseudoscience scam in Australia.

This week, Krista Smith brings back her 2019 interview with Dever. At the time, Dever received critical praise for her roles in Booksmart and Unbelievable. She also went on to release original music with her sister Mady in the duo band, Beulahbell.

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From The Archive: Betty Gilpin Jan 31, 2025

Betty Gilpin stars in the gripping limited series, American Primeval.

Gilpin plays a mother fleeing from her past, with her young son, in the unforgiving and brutal wild west. But American Primeval is no traditional Western.

This week, Krista Smith brings back her 2019 interview with Gilpin. At the time, Gilpin starred in the Netflix comedy series, GLOW. Gilpin also went on to publish her first book, a collection of essays called, All the Women in My Brain: And Other Concerns.

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BONUS | Now On Netflix: American Primeval & Back in Action Jan 24, 2025

In a difficult start to 2025, Krista Smith addresses the devastating fires that have spread throughout Los Angeles. We hope this bonus episode of Now On Netflix can provide a little bit of respite.

Jessica Shaw is joined by Keely Flaherty from Tudum for a deeper dive into the gripping limited series, American Primeval, starring Betty Gilpin and Taylor Kitsch. Then also talk about the delightful return of Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx in the new action comedy, Back in Action, directed by Seth Gordon.

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Cameron Diaz Jan 17, 2025

Cameron Diaz joins the show to talk about her new movie, Back in Action. Diaz and Jamie Foxx co-star as Emily and Matt — two secret agents who give up their careers to start a family. But when their cover is blown, the couple is dragged back into the world of espionage that they thought they left behind.

Diaz explains what made her say yes to Back in Action after a 10-year hiatus from acting, shares why the prospect of re-teaming with Foxx (who she previously co-starred with in Any Given Sunday and Annie) played a big role in her decision, and describes why she was excited for the physical challenge of playing Emily.

She also discusses her long-time interest in health and wellness (which led to two New York Times Bestsellers and her organic, transparency-focused wine brand Avaline), reflects on a few key moments in her career, and talks about how the industry has changed since her last on-screen appearance.

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Karla Sofía Gascón Jan 10, 2025

Karla Sofía Gascón joins the show to talk about her experience starring in Jacques Audiard’s bold, genre-defying film, Emilia Pérez. Gascón plays the title character – a menacing cartel leader who fakes her own death to live authentically as her true self.

Gascón shares her initial reaction to the script and the intense preparation that followed, describes the lengthy process that she and Audiard went through to find the right version of each character, and explains why playing Emilia was more challenging than playing Manitas.

She also talks about working with her co-stars (Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz), discusses the power of women on screen, and ruminates on what has been an incredible breakthrough moment in her career.

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Best of 2024 Jan 03, 2025

Krista rings in the new year by revisiting her favorite moments from 2024.

The Piano Lesson Ep 1 - The Director: Malcolm Washington Dec 27, 2024

Enjoy this bonus episode from The Piano Lesson: The Official Podcast. When director and co-writer Malcolm Washington decided to adapt August Wilson's The Piano Lesson for film, he knew he couldn’t just drop a camera in the play. It needed to stand on its own. In this episode, we dive deep into Malcolm's creative process, along with the rest of the cast, to find out how they approached the making of this film. You can find all three episodes of The Piano Lesson: The Official Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.

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Kerry Washington Dec 20, 2024

Kerry Washington joins the show to talk about her role in Tyler Perry's new film, The Six Triple Eight, which tells the inspiring true story of the incredible women of the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to be stationed overseas during World War II. Washington portrays the unit's captain, Charity Adams.

Washington talks about her first collaboration with Perry (on his 2010 film, For Colored Girls) and explains why The Six Triple Eight was the perfect opportunity to reunite, digs into the history behind the film, and explains how she was able to connect with Adam's character through the unexpected discovery of a collection of her personal belongings.

She also discusses producing the documentary, Daughters, shares how she and her Scandal co-stars cultivated their gigantic fan base through live-tweeting, and speaks candidly about how growing up as an only child (and discovering that she was a donor conceived child later in life) contributed to who she is today.

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Lisa Kudrow Dec 16, 2024

Lisa Kudrow joins the show to talk about her new series No Good Deed. Kudrow stars as Lydia, a retired pianist who is reluctantly selling her highly coveted Los Feliz home in the hopes of creating a fresh start alongside her husband Paul (Ray Romano). But as multiple families race to buy what they believe is their dream home, Lydia and Paul struggle to hide the dark and dangerous secrets that linger inside.

Kudrow explains why coming onboard the series was an easy yes, talks about finally getting working with Romano after years of wanting to collaborate, and digs into her experience finding Lydia's character amidst the story's many moving pieces.

She also reflects on the enduring popularity of Friends, muses about what her character Phoebe would be up to these days, and shares what she misses most about the pre-social media world.

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Angelina Jolie Dec 13, 2024

Angelina Jolie joins the show to talk about playing the title role in Pablo Larraín's latest film, Maria. The film tells the tumultuous and beautiful story of the world’s greatest female opera singer, Maria Callas, re-lived and reimagined during her final days in 1970s Paris.

Jolie explains how she got involved with the film, dives into the intense preparation process (which required her to learn how to sing opera so her voice could be properly blended with Callas), and walks us through how the costume design process helped her find the private version of Maria that existed behind closed doors.

She also shares her unique connection with the extras who played the audience during her La Scala opera scene, describes her relationship with co-stars Pierfrancesco Favino and Alba Rohrwacher (who play Maria's butler, Ferruccio and her housemaid, Bruna), and breaks down a few of the film's most challenging scenes.

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Justine Lupe Dec 06, 2024

Justine Lupe joins the show to talk about Nobody Wants This. The series centers on an unlikely relationship between an outspoken, agnostic woman, Joanne (Kristen Bell), and an unconventional rabbi, Noah (Adam Brody). Their relationship comes under the scrutiny of their loved ones, including Morgan (Lupe) – Joanne’s charming, quick-witted sister.

Lupe describes her audition process, explains how her first interaction with Bell set the tone for the entire filming experience, and breaks down one of the show's funniest scenes.

She also reflects on her decision to audition for Juilliard and the epic journey that led to her acceptance, shares what she learned from Sarah Snook and her other Succession co-stars, and explains how she has learned to handle the inevitable ups and downs of being an actor.

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Adam Brody Dec 02, 2024

Adam Brody joins the show to talk about Nobody Wants This, the wildly popular series which centers on the unlikely relationship between an outspoken, agnostic woman, Joanne (Kristen Bell), and an unconventional rabbi, Noah (Brody).

Brody shares what it's been like to watch the series take off over the past few months, considers the role nostalgia played in fans' reaction to seeing him and Bell together on screen, and weighs in on the internet's "Hot Rabbi" versus "Hot Priest" conversation.

He also explains how he went from being a San Diego surfer kid to a breakout heartthrob on the teen soap The O.C., describes how practicality has guided his path through the industry, and shares what songs are on the top of his yacht rock playlist.

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Danielle Deadwyler Nov 29, 2024

Danielle Deadwyler joins the show to talk about playing Berniece in Malcolm Washington's directorial debut, The Piano Lesson. Based on August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, the film follows a sibling clash over a prized heirloom piano – the sole vestige of their family’s heritage.

Deadwyler shares her long-standing connection to Wilson's work, discusses how Berniece's character relates directly to her independent work as a performance artist (which explores the blurred lines of Black female labor in America), and describes the family-dynamic that Washington created for the cast and crew over the course of filming.

She also considers how being a middle child impacted the deep sense of familial responsibility she felt growing up, ruminates on how her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia shaped her as an artist, and reflects on the trajectory of her acting career -- which took off in 2020 and has shown no signs of slowing.

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Selena Gomez Nov 22, 2024

Selena Gomez joins the show to talk about her role in Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez– a bold, genre-defying film that follows the journey of four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing their own happiness.

Gomez recalls the emotional moment that she found out she’d gotten the role of Jessi (the wife of a fearsome cartel leader), describes the joyful experience of working with Audiard on Emilia Pérez’s multi-lingual set, and discussed why even as a seasoned singer and performer the film’s unique choreography presented a new set of challenges.

Gomez also shares her desire to continue exploring the depths of her capabilities as an actor, talks about her continued work in the youth mental health space, and reflects on how being an only-child for the first twenty-one years of her life helped set her on a path towards acting.

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Zoe Saldaña Nov 15, 2024

Zoe Saldaña joins the show to talk about her role in Jacques Audiard’s new film, Emilia Pérez. Saldaña plays Rita – a Mexican lawyer who is offered an unusual job to help a notorious cartel boss retire and transition into living as a woman, fulfilling a life-long desire.

Saldaña recalls being inspired by Audiard’s work as a teenager, explains that playing Rita allowed her to combine her favorite artistic mediums and fully immerse herself within an acting experience, and reacts to the overwhelming public reception that the film has received so far.

She also reflects on her childhood, describes how ballet provided her with a much-needed escape from every-day life, discusses how her early acting experiences in films like Center Stage, Crossroads, and Drumline shaped the kinds of roles she wanted to pursue, and speaks candidly about handling roadblocks throughout her career.

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Keri Russell Nov 08, 2024

Keri Russell joins the show to talk about the second season of The Diplomat. Russell reprises her role as Ambassador Kate Wyler, who must piece together the truth after her world is shattered by a deadly explosion in the heart of London.

Russell digs into the dynamic between Kate and her husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) by explaining why their relationship is the glue of the show, shares why she was nervous to meet Allison Janney (who joins the cast as Vice President Grace Penn), and recounts the cast's reaction to learning about the season's bombshell ending during a table read.

She also reflects on how being a middle child affected her temperament, jokes about her daughter's reaction to watching Felicity for the first time, and explains why there is nothing better than riding her bike home from set during the early hours of the morning.

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Martha Stewart Nov 01, 2024

Martha Stewart joins the show to talk about R.J. Cutler's new documentary, Martha. Told in her own words through intimate interviews, never-before-seen photos, letters, and diary entries, the documentary charts the unstoppable rise, sudden fall, and hard-won comeback of the self-made icon.

Stewart provides additional insight on key career moments that are covered in the documentary, breaks down a few of her favorite mottos, and explains the importance of personal evolution.

She also reflects on the essential role her parents played in shaping the person she is today, discusses her friendship with Snoop Dogg, and offers advice to anyone who is starting out on their entrepreneurial journey.

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From The Archive: Adam Driver Oct 25, 2024

This week, Krista brings back her 2020 conversation with Adam Driver. The pair discuss the benefit of working with friends, why problem-solving is the best part of the filmmaking process, and Driver's foundation, Arts in the Armed Forces, which brings the theater to a military audience.

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Anna Kendrick Oct 18, 2024

Anna Kendrick joins the show to talk about her directorial debut, Woman of the Hour. The film is a tense thriller based on the true story of a woman (Anna Kendrick) who reluctantly makes an appearance on the popular 1970s show The Dating Game, and chooses a bachelor (Daniel Zovatto) who turns out to be a prolific serial killer.

Kendrick explains how she ended up pitching herself as the film's director, speaks candidly about what it was like to be on the other side of the casting process, and describes how she found her voice on set.

She also reflects on her days traveling from Portland, Maine to New York City with her brother to attend auditions as a kid, discusses how her early experiences working on a wide range of sets informed her perception of fame, and contemplates taking on more musical roles in the future.

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From The Archive: Laura Dern Oct 11, 2024

This week, Krista brings back her 2019 interview with Laura Dern. Dern talks about growing up on film sets in 70s Los Angeles, reflects on the arc of her career, and discusses how she's seen the experience of women in the industry evolve.

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Erin & Sara Foster Oct 04, 2024

Creator and Writer Erin Foster and Executive Producer Sara Foster join the show to talk about Nobody Wants This, a comedy centered on the unlikely relationship between an outspoken, agnostic woman, Joanne (Kristen Bell), and an unconventional rabbi, Noah (Adam Brody).

The sisters share how Erin's experience dating her now-husband Simon, who is Jewish, inspired the series, pinpoint where things turn from fact to fiction, and discuss the advantages and challenges of shooting on location in Los Angeles.

The pair also reflect on their childhood, break down how their personal and professional relationship has evolved over the years, and talk about carving their path through Hollywood.

Plus, they dig into their unexpected decision to become creative directors of Bumble in 2017, discuss creating their fashion brand, Favorite Daughter, during the pandemic, and share a few lessons on trusting your instincts and avoiding the pitfalls of "hustle culture."

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Will Ferrell & Harper Steele Sep 27, 2024

Will Ferrell and Harper Steele join the show to talk about their new documentary, Will & Harper, which chronicles a 17-day cross-country road trip the pair decided to take after Steele came out to her friends and family as a trans woman.

The pair discuss how the idea behind the documentary took form, reflect on one of the most emotionally intense moments they experienced on the road (which takes place in a Texas steakhouse), and break down their road trip music choices.

Ferrell and Steele also recount how they became friends after joining Saturday Night Live during the same week in 1995, share how growing up in quiet hometowns influenced their interest in comedy, and dig into family dynamics.

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Welcome to Season 9! Sep 20, 2024

Krista ushers in a new chapter by sharing a few highlights from her summer and revealing the question she'll be asking all of her guests in season 9.

Farewell to Season 8 Jun 28, 2024

Krista bids farewell to season 8 with a few of her favorite quotes.

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Overheard at FYSEE: Ripley with Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning & Johnny Flynn Jun 21, 2024

A few months ago, Krista sat down separately with Andrew Scott and Dakota Fanning to talk about their roles as Tom Ripley and Marge Sherwood in Steven Zaillian’s Ripley. Based on Patricia Highsmith’s bestselling “Tom Ripley” novels, the limited series follows Tom – a grifter scraping by in early 1960s New York – who is hired by a wealthy man to travel to Italy in order to convince his vagabond son to return home. His acceptance of the job is the first step into a complex life of deceit, fraud and murder.

Pulled from a recent panel, this episode dives deeper into the series by exploring the experiences of Scott, Fanning, and Johnny Flynn (who plays Dickie Greenleaf). To check out a full version of this conversation, visit Netflix’s official FYSEE TV website.

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Overheard at FYSEE: Griselda with Sofia Vergara Jun 14, 2024

A few weeks ago, Sofía Vergara sat down at the Netflix FYSEE space to reflect on her journey bringing Griselda to the screen. The limited series is a fictionalized dramatization inspired by the life of the savvy and ambitious Griselda Blanco (Vergara), who created one of the most powerful cartels in history. Set in 1970s-80s Miami, Blanco’s lethal blend of unsuspected savagery and charm helps her expertly navigate between business and family, leading her to become widely known as “the Godmother."

Vergara (who also executive produced the series) gives a performance that is dark and powerful, yet still vulnerable – resulting in a captivating viewing experience. To check out a full version of this conversation, visit Netflix’s official FYSEE TV website.

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Glen Powell Jun 07, 2024

Glen Powell joins the show to talk about Hit Man, which he co-wrote and co-produced alongside the film's director, Richard Linklater. Powell stars as Gary -- a straight-laced professor who discovers his hidden talent as a fake hit man. But when one of his clients steals his heart, it ignites a powder keg of deception, delight, and mixed-up identities.

Powell digs into his long-running creative relationship with Linklater, describes what it was like to develop Hit Man's colorful cast of characters, and reflects on meeting and working with his co-star Adria Arjona.

He also explains how he fell in love with movies and musical theatre while growing up in Austin, Texas, breaks down his biggest career milestones, and gives a play-by-play of his Longhorns game day routine.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

From The Archive: Dakota Johnson May 31, 2024

This week, Krista brings back her 2021 interview with Dakota Johnson. In this conversation, Johnson shares her perspective on the industry, describes how she navigates her own fears (which threaten to overwhelm her at times), and talks about her future ambitions.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

From The Archive: Michelle Buteau May 24, 2024

This week, Krista brings back her 2020 interview with comedian, actress, writer, and producer Michelle Buteau. At the time of this conversation, Buteau had just released her comedy special, Welcome to Buteaupia, and was on a non-stop run of projects -- hosting The Circle, appearing in films like Always Be My Maybe, and in TV shows like First Wives Club and Tales of the City. She was also just a few months away from publishing her autobiographical book of essays, Survival of the Thickest.

Cut to 2024, and Buteau has turned that book into a hit Netflix series by the same name. She's also expanded her hosting resume, adding two seasons of Barbecue Showdown to her list.

In this interview, Buteau takes us back to the very beginning of her comedy career and talks about the challenges she faced along the way. She reveals when she feels most vulnerable on stage, how her parents felt about her pursuing her passion, and some of the unsolicited advice she’s received from her audiences. She also shares her advice for young comedians starting out, and what she’s learned by observing the extraordinary group of women she’s worked with in her career to date.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Theo James May 17, 2024

Theo James joins the show to discuss his role in Guy Ritchie's series, The Gentlemen. James plays Eddie Horniman, an aristocrat who inherits his family estate only to discover that it's home to an enormous weed empire run by a dangerous group of proprietors.

James reflects on being inspired by Ritchie's films as a teenager, describes the aspects of The Gentlemen that drew him to the series, explains how he adapted to the fast-paced environment that Ritchie creates on set, and shares what it was like to work alongside his co-stars Kaya Scodelario and Daniel Ings.

James also talks about his early interests in music and comedy, describes how he tried not to fanboy over Michael Imperioli on the set of The White Lotus, and shares a few of his biggest artistic inspirations.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Richard Gadd May 10, 2024

Richard Gadd joins the show to talk about his new limited series, Baby Reindeer. Based on his award-winning autobiographical one-man play by the same name, the series follows a struggling comedian named Donny (Gadd), whose warped relationship with his female stalker ultimately forces him to face a deeply buried trauma.

Gadd describes throwing himself wholeheartedly into creating the series – from writing its seven episodes to preparing mentally and physically to play Donny. He also digs into the process of casting Jessica Gunning as Martha, unpacks the show's final scene, and shares a few of the surprising reactions he's received from viewers so far.

Gadd also explains how being cast as Macbeth in his school play inspired him to pursue performing, recounts the intense moments leading up to his one-man show Monkey See Monkey Do at the 2016 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and describes how the music of The Pogues has served as the soundtrack to his life.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

David Beckham May 03, 2024

David Beckham joins the show to talk about BECKHAM, Fisher Stevens' four-part docuseries that traces his rise from humble beginnings to international soccer superstar. Through interviews with those closest to him, BECKHAM offers a personal and definitive story of one of the most recognizable and scrutinized athletes of all time.

In this conversation, Beckham reflects on the world's reaction to the docuseries, walks us through a few of his favorite moments from filming, and speaks candidly about the difficulties of opening up on camera.

He also digs the joys and challenges of parenthood, discusses his favorite ways to spend time in Miami (he co-owns Inter Miami CF) versus in the English countryside, and shares his aspirations for the future.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

From The Archive: Keri Russell Apr 26, 2024

This week, Krista takes a look back at her conversation with Keri Russell. A the time, Russell had wrapped up work on season 1 of The Diplomat. Russell's performance as the career diplomat Kate Wyler would go on to earn her numerous accolades, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe nomination.

In this episode, Russell explains why she immediately said yes to the part despite the logistical challenges it would require, digs into what she loves about Kate's incredibly nuanced character, and describes what it was like simultaneously working as an executive producer on the series.

She also shares her 11-year-old daughter's hot take on her beloved series Felicity, discusses her long-standing creative relationship with J.J. Abrams, and recounts a few memorable times when fans recognized her on the street.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Zack Snyder Apr 19, 2024

Krista takes a deep dive into the career of filmmaker Zack Snyder and shares how that journey led to his latest undertaking, Rebel Moon - Part 2: The Scargiver. This second film in the Rebel Moon franchise continues to expand the sci-fi universe that was introduced to audiences with Rebel Moon - Part 1: A Child of Fire.

The pair talk about Snyder's life-long love of photography, examine the films that inspired him growing up, and discuss his experience attending ArtCenter College of Design, in Pasadena, California (where the idea behind Rebel Moon first started to form).

Snyder also digs into the unique logistical challenges that Rebel Moon - Part 1 and Rebel Moon - Part 2 presented, explains what it was like to direct Sofia Boutella through the films' epic action sequences, and shares what he loves about collaborating with his wife (and Rebel Moon's producer) Deborah Snyder.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Gillian Anderson Apr 12, 2024

Gillian Anderson returns to Skip Intro to talk about her new film, Scoop. Inspired by real events, Scoop is the inside account of the tenacious journalism that landed an earth shattering interview - Prince Andrew's BBC Newsnight appearance. Anderson portrays Emily Maitlis, the journalist who conducted that infamous interview.

Anderson speaks candidly about why she was hesitant to play Maitlis at first, shares what finally made her say yes to the challenge, explains what that transformation ultimately entailed, and breaks down what it was like to shoot the showdown between her character and Prince Andrew (Rufus Sewell).

She also reflects on the conclusion of Sex Education, talks about finding fearlessness through creativity, and shares how her female fans inspire her to speak up for what she believes in.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Dakota Fanning Apr 06, 2024

Dakota Fanning joins the show to talk about her role in the limited series, Ripley. Based on Patricia Highsmith’s bestselling novels, the series follows Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott), a grifter scraping by in early 1960s New York, who is hired by a wealthy man to travel to Italy to try to convince his vagabond son to return home. Tom's acceptance of the job is the first step into a complex life of deceit, fraud, and murder.

Fanning recounts the exciting moment when she was offered the role of Marge Sherwood, shares what she loved most about working with her co-stars Andrew Scott and Johnny Flynn, and explains how writer-director Steven Zaillian elevated the series through his scrupulous attention to detail.

She also describes how she navigated the trappings of fame while growing up in Hollywood, expresses what it has meant to have her younger sister Elle by her side throughout their individual acting journeys, and shares details on her Italian themed "La Dakota Vita" 30th birthday party.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Andrew Scott Apr 05, 2024

Andrew Scott joins the show to talk about his role in the limited series, Ripley. Based on Patricia Highsmith’s bestselling novels, the series follows Tom Ripley (Scott), a grifter scraping by in early 1960s New York, who is hired by a wealthy man to travel to Italy to try to convince his vagabond son to return home. Tom's acceptance of the job is the first step into a complex life of deceit, fraud and murder.

Scott looks back on his initial reaction to the scripts, speaks openly about the challenges of playing such a deeply isolated character, digs into a few of the series' most captivating visual details, and shares what it was like to collaborate with his co-stars Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn.

He also reflects on his early journey as an actor, explains how an experience on his first film taught him about leading with kindness while on set, and shares that he's keen to take on a rom-com or musical next.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Regina & Reina King Mar 29, 2024

Regina and Reina King join the show to talk about their film Shirley, which follows the first Black congresswoman and political icon Shirley Chisholm, and her trailblazing run in 1972 for president of the United States. Regina and Reina produced the film for their company Royal Ties, and acted opposite each other (Regina as Chisholm and Reina as her sister, Muriel St. Hill).

Regina and Reina reflect on the film's 15 year journey, talk about the process of bringing Oscar-winner John Ridley onboard as director, writer, and co-producer, and explain what inspired Reina to get back in front of the camera after a two decade hiatus from acting.

The sisters also dig into what their dynamic was like growing up, share a few favorite pieces of advice that they've gotten from their mom over the years, and discuss what makes their creative partnership so strong.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Bonus: 3 Body Podcast Mar 23, 2024

Over the last five years, Game of Thrones creators David Benioff & D.B. Weiss and True Blood writer and producer Alexander Woo have been hard at work developing 3 Body Problem -- an epic sci-fi series based on the books by Liu Cixin. In celebration of the seriesrelease, we’re hosting the first episode of the 3 Body Podcast, the official companion podcast for the series. To follow along with the rest of the 3 Body Podcast, search it on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen.

In episode one, hosts Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Jason Concepcion dive headfirst into Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, as they share their reactions to the opening episodes and welcome their first guests.

Jason sits down with 3 Body Problem’s award-winning showrunners Alexander Woo (True Blood), David Benioff, and Dan Weiss (Game of Thrones) to talk about what it was like to adapt the wonderfully complex, hard-sci book “The Three-Body Problem” by Cixin Liu, and what we can expect from the series.Also in this episode, Maggie and Jason are joined by best-selling author and historian, Jung Chang CBE (Wild Swans, Mao: The Unknown Story), as she offers first-hand insights into life during China’s Cultural Revolution, and explains just how close to reality the opening scenes are.SPOILER ALERT: We will be covering the first 2 episodes of 3 Body Problem, so if you haven’t watched that far yet, be sure to catch up on Netflix now.The 3 Body Podcast is produced by Netflix and Sony Music Entertainment.

Eiza González Mar 22, 2024

Eiza González joins the show to talk about 3 Body Problem, the latest series from Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss and True Blood writer and producer, Alexander Woo. Based on the books by science fiction author Liu Cixin, the series follows a group of scientists as they confront the greatest threat in humanity's history.

González shares her initial reaction to the scripts, digs into her experience playing Auggie Salazar (a visionary nanotech trailblazer), and describes what she took away from working with the series' creators.

She also discusses her journey through the entertainment industry and the challenges she faced along the way, reflects on her biggest career moments in the last 5 years, and names a few of the people and films that deeply influenced her as an actress.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

From The Archive: Tyler Perry Mar 15, 2024

This week, Krista takes a look back at her 2022 conversation with Tyler Perry. Perry currently sits atop an empire built on 26 feature films, 20 stage plays, 18 television shows, and his 330-acre studio located in the heart of Atlanta. However, once upon a time, Perry was a struggling playwright. He initially began writing after watching an Oprah segment on its therapeutic benefits, which then led to his first play, "I Know I've Been Changed."

Although the play failed to attract an audience, Perry refused to give up, working tirelessly to raise money and support. At one point, he resorted to living in his car, not far from where Tyler Perry Studios now exists. Success found him after the run of his second play, "I Can Do Bad All By Myself," which introduced the world to his character, Madea, who Perry played himself. As his influence on the entertainment industry grew, Perry uplifted those around him, jump-starting the acting careers of people like Tessa Thompson, Lance Gross, Jill Scott, and Mary J. Blige, and also reinvigorating the career of the late, great Cicely Tyson.

In this interview, Perry discusses his journey through the industry, digs into style as a director and producer, and shares his favorite hobby.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Millie Bobby Brown Mar 08, 2024

Millie Bobby Brown returns to Skip Intro to talk about her new film, Damsel, which she stars in and executive produced. Brown describes what drew her to the role of Elodie, digs into the physical and emotional challenges that the film presented, and reflects on her growth as a producer over the past few years.

She also explains why it is essential that young actors feel encouraged to grow and evolve, gives an update on her beloved pets, and shares what it has been like to reunite with the cast and crew of Stranger Things for the fifth and final season.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Welcome to Season 8! Mar 01, 2024

Krista kicks off the 8th season of Skip Intro! Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Farewell to Season 7 Feb 02, 2024

Krista bids farewell to season 7 with a few of her favorite quotes. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Annette Bening Jan 26, 2024

Annette Bening joins the show to talk about her performance in Nyad. Based on real events, the film follows the story of sixty-four-year-old marathon swimmer Diana Nyad (Bening) as she attempts to become the first person ever to swim from Cuba to Florida.

Bening recounts her initial reaction to the script, describes her experience meeting and working with Jodie Foster (who plays Diana's best friend and coach Bonnie Stoll), shares what it was like to be directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, and digs into the intense physical challenge that the film presented.

She also breaks down a few of the roles that had a major impact on her, reflects on the current state of the industry, and shares her favorite ways to spend her free time.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

From The Archive: Jennifer Garner Jan 19, 2024

Today, Krista brings back her 2021 conversation with Jennifer Garner. Over the years, Garner has traversed nearly every genre – from Alias, to Dallas Buyers Club, to 13 Going on 30 (which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in April).

In this interview, she reflects on her career arc, discusses the genius that is her instagram, shares how she’s stayed grounded amid paparazzi madness, and digs into her passion for causes and projects far beyond Hollywood (including Save the Children and her organic food company Once Upon a Farm).

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Natalie Portman Jan 12, 2024

Natalie Portman joins the show to talk about her role as a producer and actor on Todd Haynes' latest film, May December. The film follows Gracie (Julianne Moore) and her husband Joe (Charles Melton), whose notorious romance gripped the nation when it made tabloid news twenty years ago. When a Hollywood actress (Natalie Portman) meets them to do research for a film about their past, the couple buckles under the pressure.

Portman explains her initial reaction to the script, why she thought Haynes would be the perfect fit to direct, how she and Moore worked in sync to create their complicated on screen character dynamic, and why Melton's performance made such a deep impression on her.

She also shares her entrepreneurial journey into the world of professional soccer (she is the co-founder of Angel City FC), gives insight into what her days off look like, and chats about her instagram-based book club.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Charles Melton Jan 05, 2024

Charles Melton joins the show to talk about his role in Todd Haynes' May December. The film follows Gracie (Julianne Moore) and her husband Joe (Melton), whose notorious romance gripped the nation when it made tabloid news twenty years ago. When a Hollywood actress (Natalie Portman) meets them to do research for a film about their past, the couple buckles under the pressure.

Melton recounts the chemistry read with Moore that led to his casting, explains how he and Haynes developed Joe's character leading up to the shoot, and details what it was like to film his first scene with Portman.

He also explains how playing football in high school and college has informed his team-mentality as an actor, expresses gratitude for the unwavering support his parents have shown throughout his acting journey, and describes a few of his favorite pastimes -- which include camping with his Siberian Husky, Neya.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Carey Mulligan Dec 29, 2023

Carey Mulligan joins the show to talk about her role in Maestro, Bradley Cooper’s chronicling of the lifelong relationship between composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein (Cooper) and his wife Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein (Mulligan).

Mulligan takes us back six years to when Cooper first approached her to play Felicia, describes how she pushed through her fear of failure and fully immersed herself in the role, and breaks down what it was like to shoot the Thanksgiving Day "argument" scene.

She also details the experience of watching Cooper fully transform into Leonard for the duration of filming, describes the challenge of embodying Felicia through four decades of her life, and shares the line from Maestro which has become her new mantra.

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Maestro: Behind the Craft Dec 23, 2023

Today, we're going behind the scenes of Brady Cooper's film, Maestro, to hear from a few of the incredible people who helped bring his vision to life – prosthetic makeup designer Kazu Hiro, production designer Kevin Thompson, costume designer Mark Bridges, and editor Michelle Tesoro.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Bradley Cooper Dec 22, 2023

Bradley Cooper joins the show to talk about Maestro, which he directed, co-wrote, co-produced, and stars in as conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein. The film is a towering love story -- tracing the lifelong relationship between Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein (Carey Mulligan).

Cooper describes the film's genesis and why he and co-writer Josh Singer decided to focus the story around both Leonard and Felicia, digs into the extensive research process he went through to accurately capture their lives on film, and shares the process of transforming both physically and emotionally into the conductor.

He also breaks down a few of the film's key scenes, explains what he's learned from the many incredible directors he's worked with, and shares a favorite pastime.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

May December Dec 15, 2023

Over the past few months, Krista has sat down with many of the incredible creatives behind Todd Hanes' May December.

The film follows Gracie and her husband Joe whose relationship began as a shocking underage affair. 20 years later, they lead a seemingly picturesque suburban life. But that’s disrupted when Elizabeth, a famous actress, arrives in their tight-knit community to research her upcoming role as Gracie.

In this episode, we’ll dig into the making of the film by hearing from writer Samy Burch, director Todd Haynes, producer Christine Vachon, producer and actor Natalie Portman, and actors Julianne Moore and Charles Melton.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

The Official Rustin Podcast: Bringing Bayard to Life Dec 09, 2023

This week, Skip Intro takes you behind the scenes of the original Netflix film, Rustin, by hosting the fourth episode of The Official Rustin Podcast!

On this companion podcast, journalist and author Tre’vell Anderson builds a world of context by bringing you insights, anecdotes and behind-the-scenes perspectives through conversation with the artists who made the film. You'll also hear from scholars, journalists and activists as they wrestle with the legacy of Bayard Rustin, one of the civil rights movement's most complicated and compelling figures.

In episode four, we'll first hear from director George C. Wolfe (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks) about his process of taking a life and turning it into film. And then Colman Domingo, about what it took to portray Rustin and the significance of a gay Black man playing a gay Black man on screen.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Julianne Moore Dec 01, 2023

Julianne Moore joins the show to talk about her role in Todd Haynes' May December. The film follows Gracie (Moore) and her husband Joe (Charles Melton), whose notorious romance gripped the nation when it made tabloid news twenty years ago. When a Hollywood actress (Natalie Portman) meets them to do research for a film about their past, the couple buckles under the pressure.

Moore reflects on meeting Haynes while auditioning for his 1995 film Safe and explains how it led to their long-running creative relationship, details how she developed the nuances of Gracie's character, and shares what it was like to work with Portman and Melton for the first time.

She also reflects on making the unexpected jump from theatre and TV to film as a young actor, shares the moment her first Academy Award nomination truly sank in, and talks about getting recognized on the 6 train in New York City.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

200th Episode Celebration Nov 24, 2023

Krista commemorates Skip Intro's 200th episode by sharing a few special moments from over the years.

Todd Haynes Nov 17, 2023

Todd Haynes joins the show to talk about his latest film, May December. In addition to continuing Todd’s long-running creative relationships with Julianne Moore and independent film producer Christine Vachon, "May December"marks his first collaboration with Natalie Portman, who produced and stars in the film. "May December" follows Gracie (Julianne Moore) and her husband Joe (Charles Melton), whose notorious romance gripped the nation when it made tabloid news twenty years ago. When a Hollywood actress (Natalie Portman) meets them to do research for a film about their past, the couple buckles under the pressure.

Haynes explains what struck him about the script after receiving it from Portman, digs into his rich history working with Moore, talks about the process of casting Melton, and breaks down one of the film's most intense scenes.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

The Crown Finale (Pt. 1) Nov 16, 2023

Since its initial release in November of 2016, Peter Morgan’s The Crown has captivated audiences worldwide with its meticulously-crafted telling of the public and private lives of The Royal Family, and their impact on the 2nd half of the 20th century.

Today, season 6 part 1, was released on Netflix. These first four episodes continue Princess Diana’s story, by exploring the events surrounding her tragic death in 1997. In honor of her character’s final chapter, and the beginning of The Crown’s conclusion, we’re taking a look at the two actors (Emma Corrin and Elizabeth Debicki) who brought Diana to life on screen.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

From The Archive: Dwayne Johnson Nov 10, 2023

This week, Krista brings back her 2021 interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. In this conversation, Johnson shares the story behind the name of his company, Seven Bucks Productions, describes how he finds peace in his daily routine, and explains how he and his family navigate the demands of his job as a unit.

He also speaks candidly about the fear and vulnerability he faced when transitioning from the world of WWE to Hollywood, shares the evolution of his journey through fatherhood, and offers advice on how to cut through the chaos and focus on your goals.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Shawn Levy Nov 03, 2023

Shawn Levy joins the show to talk about his new limited series, All The Light We Cannot See. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, it follows Marie-Laure (Aria Mia Loberti), a blind French girl who has fled German-occupied Paris and taken refuge in St. Malo, where she transmits clandestine radio broadcasts as part of the Resistance. Marie-Laure's path collides with Werner (Louis Hofmann), a brilliant teenager enlisted by Hitler’s regime to track down illegal broadcasts. However, Werner shares a secret connection to Marie-Laure as well as her faith in humanity and the possibility of hope.

Levy talks about the extensive casting process he went through to find his lead actors, digs into how he and Loberti (who is legally blind) worked together to navigated her first time on a set, and explains why he felt now was the right time to take on his first period piece.

He also shares the joys of being a girl-dad, explains how he came to direct episodes three and four of every "Stranger Things" season, and announces that he's in the market for a new hobby.

Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

From The Archive: Naomi Watts Oct 27, 2023

This week, Krista brings back her conversation with Naomi Watts. Watts got her big break when David Lynch cast her in his 2001 tour de force, Mulholland Drive. Her performance earned the world’s attention, and she became one of the most prominent actresses in Hollywood, often taking on roles that lean into dark themes.

In this conversation, she shares her experience working on Ryan Murphy’s eerie drama, The Watcher. Inspired by the true story of the now infamous “Watcher” house in New Jersey, the series follows a family as they move into what is supposed to be their suburban dream home. However, things take a dark turn when ominous letters begin showing up in their mailbox. If you didn’t watch the series last year, it's the perfect thing to add to your "Spooky Season" queue!

Nicole Avant Oct 18, 2023

Nicole Avant joins the show to talk about her book, "Think You'll Be Happy: Moving Through Grief with Grit, Grace, and Gratitude." The memoir grapples with the tragic murder of her mother, the civil activist and philanthropist Jacqueline Avant, who was fatally shot during an attempted robbery at her home in 2021. Rather than becoming lost in the darkness, Nicole writes candidly about how she turned her pain into purpose, and moved forward through love and incredible resilience.

In this conversation, Avant explains how the initial idea behind the book transformed after the unimaginable loss of her mother, shares how she allowed faith to guide her during even the most trying times, and describes the healing power of saying, "I love you."

Avant also explains how she supported her 91-year-old father (the late Hollywood dealmaker and music mogul Clarence Avant) through the tragedy, shares some of the countless life-lessons her parents bestowed on her throughout the years, and reflects on what it means to live a significant life.

From The Archive: Gabrielle Union Oct 13, 2023

This week, Krista brings back her interview with Gabrielle Union. In this conversation, Union talks about breaking ancestral trauma bonds and leaning into self-love, reflects on the evolution of her parenting strategy, discusses how she and her husband Dwyane Wade have navigated his retirement, and gives an update on the latest iteration of "Bring It On".

BECKHAM Oct 06, 2023

Beckham is a new docu-series that traces David Beckham’s rise from his humble beginnings in east London to international sports superstar. By examining the highs and lows of his life through conversations with those closest to him, it offers a personal and definitive story of one of the most recognizable and scrutinized athletes of all time.

Today, Krista brings together interviews with David Beckham and director Fisher Stevens (Palmer, And We Go Green, The Cove) to find out what went into the making of this exceptional docu-series.

BONUS | Kate Hudson Sep 30, 2023

This week, Krista brings back her 2022 interview with Kate Hudson. In this conversation, Hudson talks about what it was like being raised by her mom Goldie Hawn and stepdad Kurt Russell, takes a look back at the beginning of her acting career, and explains what she loves about the business world. She also discusses the joys of parenthood, digs into her life-long passion for singing and songwriting, and shares what she's learned from navigating love over the years.

From The Archive: Gillian Anderson Sep 22, 2023

In celebration of the conclusion of "Sex Education," Krista brings back her 2020 interview with Gillian Anderson, who stars as Jean Milburn -- a sex therapist and mom to the show’s young lead Otis. At the time of recording, Anderson had just wrapped up the series' second season. Since then, she has won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the fourth season of “The Crown,” starred in "The Pale Blue Eye" alongside Christian Bale, and announced an upcoming book – which will chronicle the intimate lives of women from around the world. She also launched her own beverage – G Spot.

In this conversation, Gillian gives listeners an inside look at "Sex Education." Plus, she talks about challenging gender disparity, how motherhood helped keep the uber-success of the “X-Files” in perspective, and her thoughts on the impact of social media.

Welcome to Season 7! Sep 15, 2023

Krista welcomes listeners back to Skip Intro, celebrates a major milestone, and introduces the question she'll be asking all of her guests this season.

From The Archive: Jennifer Lawrence Sep 07, 2023

This week, Krista bringing back her 2022 conversation with Jennifer Lawrence, who at the time, had recently starred in Adam McKay's disaster comedy, "Don't Look Up."

Lawrence shares why she was so quick to jump on board the film, how Adam McKay tricked her into improving on set, and what it was like to work with Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. She also describes how preparing to bring her first child into the world has shaped her relationship with fear, discusses her hiatus from Hollywood, and gives a shout-out to her favorite TikTok account.

From The Archive: George Clooney Aug 31, 2023

This week, Krista brings back her 2020 interview with George Clooney. The Academy Award winner reflects on the arc of his career, including the moment that ER made him a household name, the films that made him want to direct, and how becoming a family man has impacted his choices. He also shares his advice for young creatives who are trying to forge their own path through the entertainment industry.

Uzo Aduba Aug 17, 2023

This episode was recorded prior to July 14th.

Uzo Aduba joins the show to talk about her role in Painkiller – a fictionalized re-telling of the origins and aftermath of the opioid crisis in America. The limited series highlights the stories of the perpetrators, victims, and truth-seekers whose lives were forever altered by the invention of OxyContin.

Aduba shares how her work on Painkiller helped her fully understand the detrimental impact OxyContin has had on countless lives across America, discusses working with Matthew Broderick (who takes on the role of Purdue Pharma head Richard Sackler), and breaks down a pivotal scene from the series.

She also explains how she made the transition from jock to theater kid while growing up in small-town Massachusetts, reflects on the moment she almost gave up on her acting career, gives the inside scoop on her favorite reality TV shows, and discusses the life-long friendships she formed with her Orange Is The New Black co-stars.

Gal Gadot Aug 11, 2023

This episode was recorded prior to July 14.

Gal Gadot joins the show to discuss her latest film, Heart of Stone, which she stars in and produced with her husband Jaron Varsano through their company Pilot Wave. The film follows Rachel Stone (Gal Gadot) — an intelligence operative who stands between her powerful, global, peacekeeping organization and the loss of its most valuable (and dangerous) asset.

Gadot talks about the process of building Stone's character and universe from the ground up, shares what it was like to work alongside her husband on such a large-scale creative endeavour, and explains why training for hand to hand combat scenes is her favorite aspect working on an action film.

She also shares the special place that Wonder Woman holds for herself and her daughters, recounts the Fast & Furious audition that changed her life, and explains how her lifelong love of mac & cheese led to the creation of her company, Goodles.

From The Archive: Greta Gerwig Aug 03, 2023

This week, Krista takes a look back at her 2022 conversation with Greta Gerwig, whose film “Barbie” has taken the internet and the box office by storm. It’s yet another massive achievement for Greta, who made waves in 2017 with her solo directorial debut Ladybird – a heart wrenching coming of age dramedy that earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. She followed that massive success with her star-studded adaptation of Little Women, which resulted in another Oscar nomination, this time for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Krista sat down with Greta this past December to talk about her role as Babette in Noah Baumbach’s film "White Noise" – which at the time, marked the couple’s 4th collaboration. That number now stands at 5 after the recent release of "Barbie," which Noah and Greta co-wrote. In this conversation, Greta reflects on her days as a college student in New York City, digs into her creative partnership with Noah, and explains the role that vulnerability plays in both directing and acting.

From The Archive: Brené Brown Jul 27, 2023

This week, Krista takes a look back at her 2019 conversation with Brené Brown. It’s incredible to think that it’s been 13 years since Brené delivered her life changing TED talk “The Power of Vulnerability” on the TEDxHouston stage. The year after this episode was recorded, Brené launched two podcasts of her own which recently wrapped up – "Unlocking Us" and "Dare to Lead." In 2021, she published another best selling book, "Atlas of the Heart," which inspired a five-part docuseries.

In this interview, Brené takes us back to the very beginning of her story from her early dreams of moving to New York, to her close call hitchhiking in Spain, to her struggle to get into the University of Texas.

Peyton Manning Jul 12, 2023

Peyton Manning joins the show to talk about Quarterback, an 8 episode docuseries series that follows the reigning Chiefs NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes, Minnesota Vikings star Kirk Cousins and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota both on and off the field throughout the 2022 season. Manning is an executive producer on the series for his company Omaha Productions.

Manning describes the process of getting Mahomes, Cousins, and Mariota onboard, gives his take on the unique challenges that being a quarterback requires, and shares a few of his favorite moments from the series.

He also stresses the importance of a healthy work-life balance, reflects on the passion and dedication that drove his own 18-season career, and shares why the ability to ask questions is an essential skill for any quarterback.

Farewell to Season 6 Jun 23, 2023

Krista bids farewell to the 6th season of Skip Intro and shares her guests' responses to the question: what do people say when they recognize you (or think they recognize you) on the street?

Gabrielle Union Jun 22, 2023

Gabrielle Union joins the show to talk about her romantic comedy, The Perfect Find. Adapted from Tia Williams' book by the same name, The Perfect Find follows Jenna (Gabrielle Union) — a former fashion editor who is trying to make a career comeback after enduring a very public breakup and career implosion. However, her plan hits a snag when she falls for a charming, much younger coworker (Keith Powers) — who happens to be her boss’s son. As sparks fly, Jenna must decide if she'll risk it all on a secret romance.

Union explains how the idea behind the film arose, talks about the process of casting Powers, and discusses why as a producer she prioritizes listening to, learning from, and advocating for her cast and crew.

Union also talks about breaking ancestral trauma bonds and leaning into self-love, reflects on the evolution of her parenting strategy, and gives an update on the latest iteration of Bring It On.

What & Why (Junior Bake Off) Jun 16, 2023

Krista and Isabel share this week's What & Why, Junior Bake Off. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

Sr. Jun 15, 2023

In this episode, we're bringing you a conversation with the creatives behind "Sr." – a documentary that pays tribute to the life and career of the pioneering filmmaker Robert Downey Sr.

Krista is joined by producers Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey, director, cinematographer, and editor Chris Smith, and producer, editor, and cinematographer Kevin Ford. Together, they discuss how the idea behind the documentary was formed, the creative dynamics between the group, and what it was like to work with Sr. throughout the course of production.

What & Why (Emily in Paris) Jun 09, 2023

Krista and Maddie share this week's What & Why, Emily in Paris. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

Niecy Nash-Betts Jun 08, 2023

Niecy Nash-Betts joins the show to talk about her portrayal of Glenda Cleveland in Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Nash-Betts discusses her long running creative relationship with the series' creator Ryan Murphy, explains how she navigated such an emotionally taxing role (one which Murphy wrote specifically for her), and breaks down one of her most challenging scenes.

Nash-Betts also reflects on her decision to go all in on her acting career after the birth of her third child, shares a major confidence-building moment that she had at an early audition, and digs into what it means to truly believe in your gift.

What & Why (The Law According to Lidia Poët) Jun 02, 2023

Krista shares this week's What & Why, The Law According to Lidia Poët. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

From The Archive: Eddie Murphy Jun 01, 2023

This week, Krista takes a look back at her 2019 conversation with Eddie Murphy. At this year's Golden Globes, Murphy received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for "outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.” During his acceptance speech, Murphy mentioned that he’s been in show business for 46 years, and in the movie business for 41. It’s incredible to reckon with the legacy Murphy has created, and in this conversation, he reflects on his career path – from being inspired as a kid by Muhammad Ali, to starting stand up at 15, eventually getting cast on SNL, and beyond.

What & Why (Smiley) May 26, 2023

Krista and Chris share this week's What & Why, Smiley. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

From The Archive: Amanda Seyfried May 25, 2023

This week, Krista takes a look back at her 2020 conversation with Amanda Seyfried. At the time, Seyfried had recently starred as Marion Davies in Mank, David Fincher’s film about the screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz. Just a few months after this conversation was recorded, that performance earned Seyfried her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

In the years since, Seyfried has hit a new stride in her career – earning wide-spread critical acclaim for her portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout including an Emmy win last year and a Golden Globe win this past January.

In this interview, Seyfried discusses her experience preparing for Mank, shares why working with Fincher is such a singular experience, and explains how it made her think differently about her own approach to the work.

What & Why (John Mulaney: Baby J) May 19, 2023

Krista and Jenny share this week's What & Why, John Mulaney: Baby J. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

From The Archive: David Letterman May 18, 2023

This week, Krista takes a look back at her 2020 interview with David Letterman. This conversation was recorded at Canter's (a famous 24-hour Deli in Los Angeles) right before the world shut down. It’s a spot which is particularly sentimental to Letterman, and you’ll soon hear why.

In this interview, Letterman reflects back on his early career, discusses family and fatherhood, the cost of success, and how he dealt with his depression. He also shares a surprising obsession, who he’d love to do a Freaky Friday life swap with, and his thoughts on whether comedians can ever really be friends.

What & Why (Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé) May 12, 2023

Krista and Deidre share this week's What & Why, Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

From The Archive: Viola Davis May 11, 2023

This week, Krista takes a look back at her 2021 interview with Viola Davis. In this conversation, Davis discusses her acclaimed performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” based on the play by August Wilson and directed by George C. Wolfe. She talks about the fears she faced in embracing the role, how she prepared to play Ma, and her experience working with Chadwick Boseman. She also reflects on the arc of her career, the significance of playing Annalise Keating in “How to Get Away with Murder,” how her definition of success has evolved over time, and she shares her advice for the next generation pursuing a life in the arts.

What & Why (High Flying Bird) May 05, 2023

Krista and Jenny share this week's What & Why, High Flying Bird. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

Dania Ramirez May 04, 2023

Dania Ramirez joins the show to talk about the recent release of the second season of Sweet Tooth – a post-apocalyptic series in which Ramirez stars as Aimee Eden, a former therapist who is fiercely dedicated to protecting her daughter and other “hybrid” children who are highly vulnerable to the outside world.

Ramirez reflects on the unique experience of shooting the show's first season in New Zealand during the beginning of the pandemic, gets candid about the challenges of being away from her family for work, and talks about bringing her kids and husband along for the shooting of Sweet Tooth's second season.

Dania also digs into her experience immigrating from the Dominican Republic to New York City at 10 years old, explains how her sister helped her land the role of Callisto in X-Men: The Last Stand, reflects on her experience working on The Sopranos, and shares how she carved her own path through Hollywood.

What & Why (Pamela: A Love Story) Apr 28, 2023

Krista and Chris share this week's What & Why, Pamela, A Love Story. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

Elizabeth Debicki Apr 26, 2023

Elizabeth Debicki joins the show to talk about playing the final iteration of Princess Diana in the last two seasons of The Crown.

Debicki explains the lengthy process she went through to fully embody Diana's physicality and spirit, breaks down the key role that fashion played in bringing her character to life, and discusses how playing Diana has affected her own perspective on celebrity and fame.

Debicki also shares how drinking champagne in the sunshine may have landed her the role of Jordan Baker in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby and shares her favorite thing to do near her hometown of Melbourne, Australia.

What & Why (Alfred Hitchcock) Apr 21, 2023

Krista shares three of Alfred Hitchcock's films for this week's What & Why. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

Keri Russell Apr 20, 2023

Keri Russell joins the show to talk about her latest role in a new political drama series, The Diplomat. Created by Debora Cahn (The West Wing, Homeland), The series follows Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), a career diplomat who is unexpectedly enlisted to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom in the midst of an international crisis.

Russell explains why she immediately said yes to the part despite the logistical challenges it would require, digs into what she loves about Kate's incredibly nuanced character, and describes what it was like simultaneously working as an executive producer on the series.

She also shares her 11-year-old daughter's hot take on her beloved series Felicity, discusses her long-standing creative relationship with J.J. Abrams, and recounts a few memorable times when fans recognized her on the street.

What & Why (Full Swing) Apr 14, 2023

Krista and Maddie share this week's What & Why, Full Swing. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

Madelyn Cline Apr 13, 2023

Madelyn Cline joins the show to catch up with Krista on the release of Outer Banks season 3 and her experience working on Rian Johnson's whodunit, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

Cline describes the incredible feeling of getting to see Glass Onion for the first time alongside a live audience at the Toronto International Film Festival, shares what she soaked up from her co-stars while shooting in Greece and Serbia, and explains how she kept her cool while preparing for her scenes.

Cline also breaks down how she fell in love with performing as a kid, reflects on the moment Outer Banks propelled her into the spotlight, and speaks candidly about the anxiety and stress that goes along with choosing a career in the entertainment industry.

What & Why (Never Have I Ever) Apr 07, 2023

Krista and Brookie share this week's What & Why, Never Have I Ever. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

Steven Yeun Apr 06, 2023

Steven Yeun joins the show to talk about his role in BEEF, which positions him opposite Ali Wong in a face-off of epic proportions.

Yeun explains how the show's creator Lee Sung Jin brought him onboard to play Danny Cho, breaks down one of Danny's most vulnerable and emotionally intense scenes, and describes what it was like going head to head with Ali Wong's character Amy over the course of the series.

Yeun also shares how his desire to feel visible growing up evolved into an interest in performing, reflects on Minari's 2021 Oscar night, and shares a few life philosophies that he has picked up along his journey through the entertainment industry.

Behind The Wheel: A Drive to Survive Mini-series (Part 3) Apr 02, 2023

Welcome to the final episode of our special mini-series dedicated to going behind the scenes of Formula 1: Drive to Survive. Here in episode three, we'll explore the impact Drive to Survive has had on the sport with our trusted authority Will Buxton. Plus, we'll hear from the hosts of the Two Girls 1 Formula podcast, Kate Lizotte and Nicole Sievers, who have created a community of F1 fans who love the fashion and gossip as much as the regulations and race pace.

Behind The Wheel: A Drive to Survive Mini-series (Part 2) Apr 01, 2023

Welcome back to episode two of our special mini-series dedicated to going behind the scenes of Formula 1: Drive to Survive. In this episode, we'll learn how executive producers James Gay-Rees and Paul Martin assembled the incredible team behind the series. Plus, we'll hear from some of the trusted crew members who were invited into the homes, cars, and minds of the drivers and team principals of Formula 1.

Behind The Wheel: A Drive to Survive Mini-Series (Part 1) Mar 31, 2023

Over the next three days, we’ll be bringing you three special episodes of Skip Intro dedicated to going behind the scenes of Formula 1: Drive to Survive. In episode one, we'll learn how the series came to be from those who were there from the start – executive producers James Gay-Rees and Paul Martin, as well as Formula 1 journalist and Drive to Survive expert Will Buxton.

Rob Lowe Mar 30, 2023

Rob Lowe joins the show to talk about his role in the new comedy series, Unstable.

Lowe and his son John Owen co-created, executive produced, and star in Unstable together as the eccentric biotech entrepreneur Ellis Dragon (Rob Lowe) and his introverted son Jackson (John Owen Lowe). When Ellis finds himself in hot water, Jackson reluctantly returns home to save his father, and his company, from disaster.

Lowe describes how the concept for the show grew out of his son ribbing him on social media, gets to the root of their creative synergy, and describes the process of putting together the show's hilarious cast.

He also shares what it was like growing up in the now unrecognizable world of 70's Malibu, ponders the keys to a successful marriage, and reflects on the twists and turns of his four-decades-long career.

What & Why (Faraway) Mar 24, 2023

Krista and Maddie share this week's What & Why, Faraway. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

What & Why (The Crown) Mar 17, 2023

Krista and Maddie share this week's What & Why, The Crown. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

What & Why (Heartbreak High) Mar 10, 2023

Krista and Alyssa share this week's What & Why, Heartbreak High. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

What & Why (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) Mar 03, 2023

Krista and Chris share this week's What & Why, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

What & Why (My Unorthodox Life) Feb 24, 2023

Krista and Ryan share this week's What & Why, My Unorthodox Life. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

What & Why (How to Change Your Mind) Feb 17, 2023

Krista and Deidre share this week's What & Why, How to Change Your Mind. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

What & Why (Call My Agent) Feb 10, 2023

Krista and Blaine share this week's What & Why, Call My Agent. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search "Queue’s Queue" for more recommendations!

What & Why (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) Feb 03, 2023

Krista shares this week's What & Why, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search "Queue’s Queue" for more recommendations!

What & Why (Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio) Jan 27, 2023

Krista and Ryan share this week's What & Why, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search "Queue’s Queue" for more recommendations!

Farewell to Season 5 Jan 25, 2023

Krista wraps up season 5 of the show and shares a few of her favorite quotes.

What & Why (The Good Nurse) Jan 20, 2023

Krista and Jenny share this week's What & Why, The Good Nurse. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search "Queue’s Queue" for more recommendations!

Edward Norton Jan 18, 2023

Edward Norton joins the show to talk about his role as the tech billionaire Miles Bron in Rian Johnson's thrilling whodunit, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

As a longtime admirer of Johnson's work, Norton traces the many times their paths crossed over the years, finally leading to their first collaboration on Glass Onion. He also explains how they developed Bron's character together, and recounts a hilarious moment improvising on set with Daniel Craig.

Norton also reflects on his early career, shares how he began working with the playwright and director Edward Albee, and recounts a recent experience seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers in concert with his kids.

What & Why (All Quiet on the Western Front) Jan 13, 2023

Krista and Maddie share this week's What & Why, All Quiet on the Western Front. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search "Queue’s Queue" for more recommendations!

Christian Bale & Scott Cooper Jan 11, 2023

Christian Bale and Scott Cooper join the show to talk about their latest collaboration, The Pale Blue Eye. Set at West Point in 1830, the film follows world-weary detective Augustus Landor (played by Christian Bale) who is hired to discreetly investigate the gruesome murder of a cadet. Impeded by the cadets’ code of silence, Landor enlists one of their own to help unravel the case — a young man the world would later come to know as Edgar Allan Poe.

Bale and Cooper give their unique perspectives on what drew them to the original source material, describe the process of casting Harry Melling (who plays Edward Allen Poe), and provide perspective on the essential role that music plays in the film.

They also give insight into what makes their creative dynamic click, explain the shorthand they've developed over the years, and share a few small wins that have brightened their lives recently.

What & Why (The Empress) Jan 06, 2023

Krista and Blaine share this week's What & Why, The Empress. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search "Queue’s Queue" for more recommendations!

Janelle Monáe Jan 04, 2023

Janelle Monáe joins the show to talk about her role in Rian Johnson's whodunit, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

Monáe explains why Rian Johnson's work in the Sci-Fi space piqued her interest long before she took the role of Cassandra Brand, shares her experience acting opposite Daniel Craig (who returns as the master sleuth Benoit Blanc), and details how the cast bonded during shooting.

Monáe also reflects on a few of the incredible fashion moments she had while promoting Glass Onion, describes how her parents supported her dreams to perform growing up, and shares why being well rested is an underrated win.

What & Why (Single All The Way) Dec 23, 2022

Krista and Chris share this week's What & Why, Single All The Way. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search "Queue’s Queue" for more recommendations!

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Dec 23, 2022

In 2019, writer, director, and producer Rian Johnson captured the world’s attention with his witty, star studded whodunit, Knives Out. Now, after months of anticipation, his follow up, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, is streaming on Netflix. Over the past few months, Krista sat down with Johnson and cast members Daniel Craig, Janelle Monáe, Edward Norton, and Kate Hudson to hear about their experiences working on Glass Onion. Today, we’re bringing together those conversations to get a behind the scenes look at its production.

What & Why (Enola Holmes) Dec 16, 2022

Krista and Alyssa share this week's What & Why, Enola Holmes 1 &2. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search "Queue’s Queue" for more recommendations!

Greta Gerwig Dec 14, 2022

Greta Gerwig joins the show to talk about her role in Noah Baumbach's latest film, White Noise. Based on Don DeLillo’s 1985 novel, the film dramatizes an American family's attempts to deal with the mundane conflicts of everyday life while grappling with the universal mysteries of love, death, and the possibility of happiness in an uncertain world.

Gerwig shares her first encounter with the novel, describes how she unexpectedly volunteered herself to play Babette while Baumbach was working on the script, and provides a glimpse inside the film's choreography heavy rehearsals.

Gerwig also reflects on meeting co-star Adam Driver back when she was a college student in New York City, reveals her goal of continuing to attend dance classes at 80 years old, and explains why getting to take her dog Wizard on a good, long walk is a major win.

Guillermo del Toro Dec 09, 2022

Guillermo del Toro joins the show to talk about his latest film, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. Brought to life using classic stop-motion techniques, it's a bold reimagining of Carlo Collodi’s classic fairytale.

Del Toro shares why he was deeply impacted by the story of Pinocchio as a child, describes the incredible artistry and scope of work that went into bringing the film to life, and digs into the fascinating role that Catholicism plays throughout the story.

He also explains how loving monsters as a child taught him to embrace his imperfections, reflects on his relationship with Alejandro González Iñárritu and Alfonso Cuarón, and opens up about the healing experience of his 2018 Oscar night.

What & Why (The Wonder) Dec 02, 2022

Krista and Jenny share this week's What & Why, The Wonder. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search "Queue’s Queue" for more recommendations!

Rian Johnson Nov 30, 2022

Rian Johnson joins the show to chat with Krista about his Knives Out follow up, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, which he wrote, produced, and directed. This fresh adventure findsBenoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) at a lavish private estate on a Greek island, but how and why he comes to be there is only the first of many puzzles.

Johnson explains how his childhood fascination with Agatha Christie novels and film adaptations inspired his desire to transpose the whodunit genre into a modern context, details his Glass Onion writing process, and shares how Craig helped him bring Blanc to life during the creation of Knives Out.

Johnson also reflects on his journey into the industry, shares some words of wisdom for aspiring filmmakers, and plans out his perfect dinner party.

What & Why (Point Break) Nov 25, 2022

Krista and Isabel share this week's What & Why, Point Break. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search "Queue’s Queue" for more recommendations!

Kate Hudson Nov 23, 2022

Kate Hudson joins the show to talk about her role in the wildly anticipated follow up to Rian Johnson’s Knives Out, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

Hudson breaks down her character Birdie Jay, details working with costume designer Jenny Eagan to create numerous extravagant looks, and describes her favorite part of being in a group text with Rian Johnson.

Hudson also digs into the joy of raising her three children, reflects on what she's learned from navigating love over the years, and shares how her life-long passion for singing / songwriting has led to the upcoming release of her first album.

What & Why (He's Just Not That Into You) Nov 18, 2022

Krista and Chris share this week's What & Why, He's Just Not That Into You. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search "Queue’s Queue" for more recommendations!

Florence Pugh Nov 16, 2022

Florence Pugh joins the show to talk about her latest film, The Wonder. Directed by Sebastián Lelio and based on Emma Donoghue’s book by the same name, the film transports us to 1862, where English Nightingale Nurse Lib Wright (Florence Pugh) has been called to the Irish Midlands by a devout community to conduct a 15-day examination over one of their own. Anna O’Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy) is an 11-year-old girl who claims not to have eaten for four months, surviving miraculously on “manna from heaven.” As Anna’s health rapidly deteriorates, Lib is determined to unearth the truth, challenging the faith of a community that would prefer to stay believing.

Pugh shares what fascinates her about playing women battling the societal constraints of their time period, highlights the collaborative relationship between herself and Lelio, and explains how the film's talented chefs made food which was supposed to appear unappealing on camera, surprisingly delicious.

She also reveals the inspiration behind her popular video series, "Cooking With Flo," emphasizes the importance of being in control of her own career, and details her perfect day off -- which starts with a sandwich from Marks & Spencer and ends with a martini.

What & Why (Love Is Blind) Nov 11, 2022

Krista and Alyssa share this week's What & Why, Love Is Blind. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search "Queue’s Queue" for more recommendations!

The Crown: The Official Podcast (Queen Victoria Syndrome) Nov 09, 2022

In celebration of the series' return, Skip Intro is hosting the first episode of The Crown: The Official Podcast’s 5th season!

The Crown: The Official Podcast is the exclusive companion podcast to accompany the Netflix Original Series The Crown. Hosted by Edith Bowman, the podcast follows the show episode by episode, diving deep into the stories and taking listeners behind the scenes with insights from many of the people involved in making the show. In this episode, you’ll be hearing from Show Creator Peter Morgan, Director Jessica Hobbs, Head of Research Annie Sulzberger, and the actor portraying the final iteration of Queen Elizabeth, Imelda Staunton.

To find this and all following episodes of The Crown: The Official Podcast, search the show wherever you get your podcasts!

Millie Bobby Brown Nov 04, 2022

Millie Bobby Brown joins the show to talk about her latest film, Enola Holmes 2, which she stars in and produces. Brown lays out the unique challenges that each of those roles presents, shares what it's like to get to work closely with her family on the Enola Holmes franchise, and introduces our audience to her beloved rabbit Eeyore, who became her emotional support companion on the set of Enola Holmes 2.

Brown also reflects on her 8-year Stranger Things journey, describes her perfect day off, and details how her love for animals has grown into a newfound passion for fostering cats and dogs in need.

What & Why (Risky Business) Nov 04, 2022

Krista share's this week's What & Why, Risky Business. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search "Queue’s Queue" for more recommendations!

Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Nov 02, 2022

Krista sits down with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea Clinton, who (alongside their production company HiddenLight) are executive producers on the upcoming documentary, In Her Hands. Filmed across two turbulent years, In Her Hands tells the story of Zarifa Ghafari, who at 26 became one of Afghanistan’s first female mayors and the youngest to ever hold the position. The film documents her fight for survival against the backdrop of her country’s accelerated unraveling.

The mother-daughter duo discuss the origin story and mission behind HiddenLight Productions, explain how they got involved with the documentary, and provide insight into the extraordinary access that directors Tamana Ayazi and Marcel Mettelsiefen were able to gain (including filming within the Taliban territory during production).

The pair also reflect on the films and series that impacted them early in life, dig into how they communicate and work as a team across their many projects, and share a few small wins they've been celebrating recently.

What & Why (Mindhunter) Oct 28, 2022

Krista and Jenny share this week's What & Why, Mindhunter. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

The Good Nurse Oct 26, 2022

Based on the book by Charles Graeber, The Good Nurse tells the story of Amy Loughren (Jessica Chastain), a compassionate nurse who begins to grow suspicious that her colleague Charlie Cullen (Eddie Redmayne) is responsible for a series of mysterious patient deaths.

Over the past two months, Krista sat down separately with director Tobias Lindholm, Chastain, and Redmayne to discuss their experiences making the film. Today, we’re weaving together those conversations to get a glimpse inside the incredible story and tireless work that fueled its creation.

What & Why (The Watcher) Oct 21, 2022

Krista, Brookie, & Blaine share this week's What & Why, The Watcher. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

Eddie Redmayne Oct 19, 2022

Eddie Redmayne joins the show to talk about his role as Charles Cullen in Tobias Lindholm's chilling new thriller, The Good Nurse. Based on the book by Charles Graeber, the film follows Amy Loughren (Jessica Chastain), a compassionate nurse who begins to grow suspicious that her colleague is responsible for a series of mysterious patient deaths.

Redmayne explains how he captured the physicality and essence of Cullen's character, shares what he's taking away from his experience working with Chastain, and describes witnessing Lindholm's incredible confidence and leadership on set.

He also recounts how he was terrified of being fired while working on Robert De Niro’s 2006 spy film, The Good Shepherd, reflects on his experience performing in Cabaret, and touches on his recent studies at Lecoq, a French theatre school in Paris.

What & Why (Formula 1: Drive to Survive) Oct 14, 2022

Krista and Maddie share this week's What & Why, Formula 1: Drive to Survive. Curious what else the Queue team is watching? Head over to Netflix and search Queue’s Queue for more recommendations!

Naomi Watts Oct 13, 2022

Naomi Watts joins the show to talk about her role in the eerie ensemble drama The Watcher. Inspired by the true story of the infamous “Watcher” house in New Jersey, the series follows Nora (Naomi Watts) and Dean Brannock (Bobby Cannavale) as they move their family into what was supposed to be their suburban dream home. However, things take a dark turn when ominous letters from someone calling themself “The Watcher” begin showing up in their mailbox.

Naomi explains what made her eager to join the series, describes working with the show's incredible cast, and shares a few of her favorite moments on set with co-stars Jennifer Coolidge, Mia Farrow, and Margo Martindale.

She also reflects on her breakout role in David Lynch's critically acclaimed film Mulholland Drive, reveals that she almost passed on the role of Rachel Keller in The Ring, and speaks candidly about how finding success later in her career deeply shaped the way she chose to navigate the industry.

Mila Kunis Oct 05, 2022

Mila Kunis joins the show to talk about her upcoming film, Luckiest Girl Alive. Based on the novel by Jessica Knoll, the film centers on Ani FaNelli (Mila Kunis), a sharp-tongued New Yorker who appears to have it all. But when the director of a crime documentary invites her to tell her side of the shocking incident that took place when she was a teenager at her prestigious private school, Ani is forced to confront a dark truth that threatens to unravel her meticulously crafted life.

Kunis shares background on her production company Orchard Farm, explains what motivated her to take on a producer role in Luckiest Girl Alive, and details how she balanced her acting and producing responsibilities throughout production.

She also describes her and husband Ashton Kutcher's frank approach to navigating conversations about social media with their kids, shares the catalyst behind their fundraising efforts to help Ukrainians affected by the war, and gets honest about how her parents have been handling retirement.

What & Why (The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist) Sep 30, 2022

Welcome to What & Why, a new segment on Skip Intro where we tell you what's streaming on Netflix, and why it’s worth a watch. Today's What & Why is The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist.

Tyler Perry Sep 23, 2022

Krista sits down with Tyler Perry at the Toronto International Film Festival to talk about his latest film, A Jazzman's Blues. Penned in 1995 when Perry was still struggling to break into the entertainment industry, A Jazzman's Blues is a sweeping tale of forbidden love that unspools forty years of secrets and lies soundtracked by juke joint blues in the deep South.

Perry explains why he waited for so long to share this particular story with the world, breaks down his approach to casting and directing, and describes what it was like to work with an incredible group of musicians (including Terence Blanchard and Ruth B.) to bring the soundtrack to life.

Perry also recounts how an Oprah segment he watched as a young man set him on the path to becoming a playwright, details his dream dinner party, and shares his newfound love of flying RC radio control airplanes with his son.

Welcome to Season 5! Sep 22, 2022

Krista takes a look back at her favorite responses on last season's theme: ambition. Plus, she reveals what we'll be discussing in season 5!

Fall Preview Aug 30, 2022

With so many highly anticipated titles coming to Netflix this fall, it can be hard to keep track of what should be on your watch list. But have no fear! In this special bonus episode of Skip Intro, Krista and Henry Goldblatt (Executive Editor of Tudum -- the official Netflix site to fuel your fandom for the shows and movies you love) join forces to break down their must-see top 3: the star studded "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery," Noah Baumbach's "White Noise," and the 5th season of "The Crown."

Farewell to Season 4 Jul 27, 2022

Krista reflects on her favorite moments from the past 12 episodes and prepares to hit the road for the fall film festival season.

Ryan Gosling Jul 23, 2022

Ryan Gosling joins the show to talk about his new role in the Russo brother's epic action film, The Gray Man. Gosling plays Sierra Six, a tough-as-nails CIA asset who uncovers agency secrets, triggering a global manhunt to take him down.

A long-time action fan, Gosling explains how his childhood love of the genre inspired him to take on the highly ambitious project, describes the collaborative on-set environment the Russo's created, and shares how he prepared for the role.

Gosling also details how working for his Uncle's Elvis impersonation act as a kid sparked his love of performing, reflects on his MC Hammer pants days, and contemplates his career path through independent film. He also opens up about the major influence his daughters have had on which roles he takes on and explains the importance of approaching each decision with team mentality.

And The Nominees Are... Jul 13, 2022

The 2022 Emmy nominations are finally here! In celebration of today's announcement, Krista walks us through the talent and series we've featured on Skip Intro that are now in the running.

Julia Garner Jun 22, 2022

Julia Garner joins the show to talk about the conclusion of Ozark and her work on the Shondaland series, Inventing Anna.

Garner details her visit with Anna Delvey at the Albion Correctional Facility, picks her favorite look from the series, and explains the challenges of filming Inventing Anna and the final season of Ozark simultaneously.

Later on, Garner breaks down a few key scenes from the final season of Ozark, recounts the moment she learned the fate of her character Ruth Langmore, and takes a trip down memory lane to reminisce about her all-time favorite Ruth one-liners.

Natasha Lyonne Jun 15, 2022

Four-time Emmy nominee Natasha Lyonne joins the show to talk about the past, the present, and the highly-acclaimed second season of Russian Doll.

Natasha recounts the long road that led her and Amy Poehler to create the wonderfully off-kilter world of Nadia Vulvokov, shares what made her fall in love with directing, and describes the new challenges season 2 presents its protagonists from both a writing and acting perspective.

Natasha also reveals who she would choose to go on a time-travel adventure with, gives us a peek into her past life as a gymnast, and explains how her personal journey of breaking apart and coming together allowed her to form her own perspective and ambitions.

Ozark Finale with Bill Keith Jun 08, 2022

Netflix Queue's resident Ozark expert Bill Keith joins Krista once again to discuss the series finale! The pair share their thoughts on Laura Linney's directorial debut, break down a few shocking scenes, and deliberate over what an Ozark spinoff might look like.

Margaret Qualley Jun 01, 2022

Margaret Qualley joins the show to talk about her role in Maid, the Netflix limited series inspired by Stephanie Land's New York Times best-selling memoir, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive. Margaret plays Alex, a young mother struggling to overcome poverty and homelessness after escaping from an abusive relationship.

In this interview, Qualley shares what made her the most nervous going into the series, details what it was like to act alongside her mother Andie MacDowell for the first time, and explains how she won over her 4 year-old co-star Rylea Nevaeh Whittet (who plays her daughter Maddy in the show).

Qualley also walks us through her career as a dancer, opens up about how she's dealt with the overwhelming urge to strive for perfection, and expresses her desire to be cast in a comedy.

The Duffer Brothers May 25, 2022

In anticipation of Stranger Things returning to Netflix, Matt and Ross Duffer join the show to provide insight into the series and give listeners a first look at season 4!

The duo share their unique introduction to filmmaking (a fascination that began in kindergarten after seeing Tim Burton's Batman), get to the bottom of what makes their partnership so effective, and walk us through how the Stranger Things universe has developed over the course of four seasons.

They also discuss how casting Winona Ryder transformed the initial vision for her character Joyce Byers, explain why writing Maya Hawke's character Robin is incredibly fun, and anticipate shooting the Stranger Things finale.

Michelle Dockery May 18, 2022

Michelle Dockery joins the podcast to talk about her role as Kate Woodcroft in the six-part series Anatomy of a Scandal.

Dockery explains how she prepared to play a barrister, details getting to work with co-star Sienna Miller, and breaks down a few of her favorite scenes from the series.

She also reflects on the surreal experience of gaining international fame as Downton Abbey's Lady Mary, shares details on her and Michael Fox's recently released album "The Watching Silence " and tells listeners what has been bringing her joy these days.

Grace and Frankie May 11, 2022

In celebration of the groundbreaking series Grace and Frankie coming to a close, we're bringing together two conversations with the incredible women behind its success -- stars Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin and creator Marta Kauffman. Fonda, Tomlin, and Kauffman reflect on their final day of shooting, Dolly Parton's guest appearance, what they've learned from each other over the past seven years, and the current state of the industry.

Fonda and Tomlin also discuss the longevity of their 1980's classic "9 to 5," recount Fonda's relentless pursuit of Tomlin and Parton during casting, and share details on their upcoming films: "Moving On" and "80 for Brady."

Jason Bateman & Chris Mundy May 03, 2022

Lead actor, director, and producer Jason Bateman and showrunner Chris Mundy join the podcast to discuss the grand finale of Ozark! There will be spoilers, so be sure to catch up on the final season before proceeding any further.

Bateman and Mundy detail the difficult writers' room conversations that lead to the fate of our favorite characters, provide their reasoning behind the finale's most surprising twists and turns, and break down a few standout scenes. The duo also reflects on their partnership over the years and expresses their desire to collaborate again in the future.

Inventing Anna with Derek Blasberg Apr 27, 2022

Journalist, author, and influencer's influencer Derek Blasberg joins the show to chat with Krista about life, fashion, and the Shondaland series, Inventing Anna.

Blasberg (who made his way into the NYC fashion and celebrity worlds around the time that the real-life Anna Delvey was busy conning the city’s elite), shares his close encounters with the savvy swindler, talks about the show's iconic locations, and discusses its presentation of elite culture.

Sienna Miller Apr 20, 2022

Sienna Miller joins the show to talk about her performance as Sophie Whitehouse in the six-part series, Anatomy Of A Scandal. Miller discusses why she was drawn to the project, touches on working with co-star Michelle Dockery, and describes the effects of working with a script that triggered memories from her own past experiences.

Miller also reflects on what it was like to head off to boarding school at 8 years-old, speaks candidly about being hounded by the paparazzi as a young actress, and shares her hopes and ambitions for the future.

Introducing: Skip Intro Apr 13, 2022

Krista gives some updates on the podcast and unveils the show's new title!

Welcome to Season 4 Feb 23, 2022

Krista introduces the new theme for season 4 of the show!

Season 3 in Review: Fear Feb 16, 2022

Over the course of season 3, Krista discussed the subject of fear with each of her guests. In this episode, she reflects on that theme and shares the most impactful responses it elicited.

Jennifer Lawrence Feb 09, 2022

Jennifer Lawrence joins the show to talk about her performance in Don't Look Up, Adam McKay's new disaster comedy which has picked up four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

In this interview, Lawrence shares why she was so quick to jump on board the film, how Adam McKay tricked her into improving on set, and what it was like to work with Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet.

Lawrence also describes how preparing to bring her first child into the world has shaped her relationship with fear, discusses her hiatus from Hollywood, and gives a shout-out to her favorite TikTok account.

The Last Movie Ever Made: Apocalypse Vow Feb 04, 2022

Present Company is hosting the 6th and final episode of Don't Look Up writer/director Adam McKay's podcast, The Last Movie Ever Made! The series details what happened when a cast and crew came together to make a disaster comedy, while living through a series of very uncomedic disasters.

In this episode, Jennifer Lawrence worries about how to film her mid-pandemic make out scene with Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio helps choose the soundtrack to the end of the world, and Adam McKay discusses last suppers and last-chance questions.

Jesse Plemons Jan 26, 2022

Jesse Plemons joins the show to talk about his performance as George Burbank in Jane Campion's much anticipated new film, The Power Of The Dog. Set in 1920's Montana, the film follows rancher Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his brother George. When George brings home his new wife Rose (Kirsten Dunst) and her son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), Phil responds to the pair with mocking cruelty, until the unexpected happens.

In this interview, Plemons talks about what drew him to his character George, explains how he and Cumberbatch ended up waltzing together during rehearsal, and shares what it was like to work with his partner, Kirsten Dunst, on this film.

Plemons also reflects on his childhood growing up in a small town in Texas, explains how having children has changed his relationship with fear, and emphasizes the importance of being a life-long learner.

Ozark Season 4: What You Need To Know Jan 19, 2022

In anticipation of Ozark's return to Netflix, Krista checks in with Netflix Queue's resident Ozark expert, Bill Keith, who catches us up on everything we need to know before tuning into season 4 (part 1) this Friday.

Later on, Krista takes a look back at her previous Ozark conversations with Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner, and Tom Pelphrey.

Benedict Cumberbatch Jan 12, 2022

Benedict Cumberbatch joins the show to talk about his performance as Phil Burbank in Jane Campion's much anticipated film, The Power Of The Dog. Set in 1920's Montana, the film follows rancher Phil and his brother George (Jesse Plemons). When George brings home his new wife Rose (Kirsten Dunst) and her son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), Phil responds to the pair with mocking cruelty, until the unexpected happens.

In this interview, Cumberbatch reflects on the personal significance and excitement of meeting Campion for the first time, explains his deep fascination with his character Phil, and describes the intense physical preparation he went through to bring him to life.

Cumberbatch also gives insight into Campion's directorial style, speaks frankly about the challenges of the two-month Covid lockdown that halted the film's production, and tells listeners why he's been feeling fearless lately.

More Like This: Maggie Gyllenhaal & Olivia Wilde Jan 03, 2022

Welcome to the the 3rd and final episode of the Present Company mini-series,More Like This. Today, we're at the London Hotel in Los Angeles, where we'll hear from Maggie Gyllenhaal on her feature directorial debut, The Lost Daughter. This conversation will be led by actress and filmmaker Olivia Wilde, who made her own directorial debut back in 2019 with the beloved coming-of-age comedy, Booksmart.

More Like This: Lin-Manuel Miranda & Rob Marshall Jan 03, 2022

Welcome to the 2nd episode of the Present Company mini-series, More Like This. Today, we’re at the School of Visual Arts Theater in New York City, about to hear from Lin-Manuel Miranda on his directorial debut, Tick, Tick...Boom. This conversation will be led by film and theater director, producer, and choreographer Rob Marshall, who has captured our hearts over the years with films such as Annie, Chicago, and Memories of a Geisha.

More Like This: Jane Campion & Kimberly Peirce Jan 03, 2022

Welcome to the 1st episode of the Present Company mini-series, More Like This. Today, we're at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, about to hear from writer & director Jane Campion on how her breathtaking film, The Power of The Dog, came to life. This conversation will be led by filmmaker Kimberly Peirce, who made waves in 1999 with her groundbreaking debut feature film, Boys Don't Cry.

The Lost Daughter Dec 31, 2021

Over the past few months, Krista sat down separately with Maggie Gyllenhaal and a few of the actors behind her feature directorial debut, The Lost Daughter. Today, she takes a deep dive into those conversations, to bring together the perspectives and experiences of the people who brought this film to life.

2021 Year In Review Dec 22, 2021

In this episode, Krista takes a look back at some of her favorite Present Company moments of 2021.

Maggie Gyllenhaal Dec 17, 2021

Maggie Gyllenhaal joins the show to talk about her feature directorial debut, The Lost Daughter. Adapted from pseudonymous Italian novelist Elena Ferrante's book by the same name, The Lost Daughter follows Leda (Olivia Colman), a college professor vacationing in Greece who becomes obsessed with a young mother and daughter that she encounters at the beach. Over the course of Leda's trip, her proximity to the duo prompts memories from her own early days of motherhood, forcing Leda to confront her past.

In this interview, Gyllenhaal explains why she was originally drawn to the story, what it was like to contact Ferrante, and how she brought Olivia Colman onto the project.

Gyllenhaal also shares what it was like to direct her husband Peter Sarsgaard, explains the importance of creating a loving, supportive on-set environment, and reflects on why opening herself up to the idea of directing took so many years.

Adam McKay Dec 15, 2021

Adam McKay joins the show to talk about his new disaster comedy, Don't Look Up. The film boasts a massive star-studded cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, Rob Morgan, Timothée Chalamet, Cate Blanchett, Tyler Perry, and Ariana Grande.

In this interview, McKay shares the unlikely initial source of inspiration for the project, details how he assembled his knockout cast, and discusses the essential role that improv played on set.

McKay also describes how he got his start in comedy, reflects on the current state of the world, and gives an update on his daughter Pearl, who gained international fame at 2 years old after she starred in his and Will Ferrell's classic Funny or Die sketch, "The Landlord."

The Power Of The Dog Dec 10, 2021

Over the past few months, Krista sat down separately with the cast of Jane Campion’s new film, The Power of the Dog. Today, she takes a deep dive into those conversations to bring together the perspectives and experiences of the actors behind this incredible project.

Olivia Colman Dec 08, 2021

Olivia Colman joins the show to talk about her performance in Maggie Gyllenhaal's feature directorial debut, The Lost Daughter. Adapted from Elena Ferrante's novel by the same name,The Lost Daughter follows Leda (Olivia Colman), a college professor vacationing in Greece who becomes obsessed with a young mother and daughter who she encounters at the beach. Over the course of Leda's trip, her proximity to the duo prompts memories from her own early days of motherhood, forcing Leda to confront her past.

In this interview, Colman explains why she was immediately drawn to the script, what it was like to be directed by Gyllenhaal, and how she collaborated with co-stars Dakota Johnson, Ed Harris, and Jessie Buckley.

Colman also reflects on her humble journey from British theatre and TV comedy to international stardom, offers advice to young actors on how to stay grounded and grateful, and opens up about the anxiety caused by her dwindling anonymity.

Kodi Smit-McPhee Dec 03, 2021

Kodi Smit-McPhee joins the show to talk about his performance as Peter Gordon in Jane Campion's much anticipated film, The Power Of The Dog. Set in 1920's Montana, the film follows rancher Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his brother George (Jesse Plemons). When George brings home his new wife Rose (Kirsten Dunst) and her son Peter, Phil responds to the pair with mocking cruelty, until the unexpected happens.

In this interview, Smit-McPhee describes his journey from the Australian movie scene to Hollywood, recounts his audition forThe Power Of The Dog, and details some of the unconventional acting techniques he and Campion utilized to bring Peter to life.

Smit-McPhee also explains what it was like to work closely with his co-stars, touches on his love of philosophy, and opens up about some of the challenges he's had to navigate alongside his developing career.

Halle Berry Nov 24, 2021

Halle Berry joins the show to talk about her directorial debut, Bruised. The film follows Jackie Justice (Halle Berry), a disgraced MMA fighter who returns to the cage to seek redemption after the son she had given up as a baby suddenly re-enters her life.

In this interview, Berry describes her immediate fascination with the script, her journey to the director's chair, and how she re-worked the story (which originally followed a 20-something Irish Catholic white woman) to center on a middle-aged Black mother.

Berry also describes the intense physical training she went through to prepare for the role, touches on the challenges of straddling her many responsibilities on set, and reflects on how she has learned to manage fear in both her personal life and over the course of her career.

Dwayne Johnson Nov 11, 2021

Dwayne Johnson joins the show to talk about his new action comedy, Red Notice. The film follows John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson), an FBI agent determined to bring down the two most wanted art thieves in the world (Ryan Reynolds & Gal Gadot).

In this interview, Johnson talks about how the project got off the ground, what it was like filming with his long-time friend Ryan Reynolds, and the story behind his production company Seven Bucks Productions.

Johnson also speaks openly about the fear and vulnerability he faced when transitioning from the world of WWE to Hollywood, describes how he finds peace in his daily routine, and offers a word of advice on how to cut through the chaos and focus on your goals.

Andrew Garfield Nov 05, 2021

Andrew Garfield sits down to discuss his latest film tick, tick…BOOM!, in which he plays Jonathan Larson, the American playwright and composer who gave the world the musical phenomenon Rent. The film marks the feature directorial debut of Lin-Manuel Miranda, and it’s also the first time audiences will see Garfield singing and dancing as he steps into the world of musical theater.

The Academy Award nominee and Tony winner shares his intense preparation for the role, the urgency that lies at the heart of the story, and the importance of activist artists. He also reflects on the unique pressures faced by young actors today, the lessons he’s learned from directors like Mike Nichols and Martin Scorsese, and the gift in embracing challenges that at first feel impossible.

Rebecca Hall Oct 29, 2021

Rebecca Hall joins the show to talk about her feature directorial debut, Passing. The film follows two Black women (Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga) who can “pass” as white but have chosen to live on opposite sides of the color line in 1920's New York City. As their lives become increasingly intertwined, both must contend with new threats to their carefully constructed realities.

In this interview, Hall takes us back 13 years to when she first came across Nella Larson's 1929 novel, discusses how uncovering of her own family history forced her to grapple with the subject matter, and explains how she worked with Thompson and Negga to bring the two beautifully complex lead characters to life.

Hall also speaks candidly about the challenges of getting the film off the ground, touches on the importance of shooting the film in black and white, and shares details about her experiences as a first time filmmaker.

Regina King Oct 22, 2021

Regina King joins the show to talk about her performance as Trudy Smith in the epic Western, The Harder They Fall. The film follows Nat Love (Jonathan Majors), a young outlaw dead set on seeking revenge against his lifelong enemy Rufus Buck (Idris Elba) and his infamous companions Trudy Smith (Regina King) and Cherokee Bill (LaKeith Stanfield). When Nat discovers Rufus has been released from prison, he rounds up an unlikely team to take down Rufus and his gang once and for all.

In this interview, King shares how her initial skepticism of the project turned into intrigue, gives insight into her on-set dynamic with Elba and Stanfield, and describes the energetic environment director Jeymes Samuel was able to create on set despite the challenges of shooting mid-pandemic.

King also reflects on motherhood, how love overpowers fear in her life, and speaks to the power of patience.

Jeymes Samuel Oct 15, 2021

Jeymes Samuel joins the show to talk about his feature directorial debut, The Harder They Fall. The film follows Nat Love (Jonathan Majors), a young outlaw dead set on seeking revenge against his lifelong enemy Rufus Buck (Idris Elba). When Nat discovers Rufus has been released from prison, he rounds up an unlikely team to take down Rufus and his infamous gang once and for all.

In this interview, Samuel talks about his lifelong fascination with the Western genre, the importance of deconstructing and revitalizing it through a modern lens, and how he used his own original music to carefully shape the characters and story we see on screen.

Samuel also shares his singing talents, touches on working with producer Jay-Z, and talks candidly about his fear of the dark.

Dakota Johnson Oct 08, 2021

Welcome back to another episode of Present Company On The Road! In this interview, Krista sits down with Dakota Johnson at the Telluride Film Festival to talk about her performance in Maggie Gyllenhaal's feature directorial debut, The Lost Daughter.

Adapted from Elena Ferrante's novel by the same name, The Lost Daughter follows Leda (Olivia Colman), a college professor vacationing in Greece who becomes obsessed with a young mother named Nina (Dakota Johnson) and her daughter. Over the course of Leda's trip, her proximity to the duo prompts memories from her own early days of motherhood, forcing Leda to confront her past.

In this interview, Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey, The Peanut Butter Falcon, Our Friend) discusses why she was drawn to the role, her experience working with first-time director Maggie Gyllenhaal, and the isolating effects of shooting during COVID-19.

Johnson also shares the motivation behind her production company TeaTime Pictures and hints at her own future directorial ambitions.

Kirsten Dunst Oct 01, 2021

Welcome to the first episode of Present Company On The Road -- a brand new segment bringing you to some of the biggest film events in the country. In this episode, Krista sits down with Kirsten Dunst at the Telluride Film Festival.

It's been nearly three decades since Kirsten Dunst first made a name for herself in Hollywood. She started modeling and appearing in commercials at just three years old -- a full eight years before her breakout role alongside Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in Interview with the Vampire. Since then, she's brought us unforgettable performances in projects such as The Virgin Suicides, Melancholia, and Fargo.

Now, Dunst has delivered yet another phenomenal performance as Rose in Jane Campion's new feature adaptation, The Power of the Dog. In this interview, she discusses what it was like to once again share the screen with her partner Jesse Plemons, how she prepares for a role, and how her long history of working with female directors impacted her as an artist. Dunst also touches on the fears she grapples with as a parent and imparts some wisdom onto the next generation of actors.

Jake Gyllenhaal Sep 24, 2021

Jake Gyllenhaal joins the show to talk about his latest film, The Guilty, in which he plays Joe Baylor, a 911 operator struggling to save one of his distressed callers. Gyllenhaal, who is also a producer on the film, discusses why he wanted to transpose the original Danish film into an American context, the importance of centering the film around systemic issues, and the challenges of shooting during COVID-19.

Gyllenhaal also discusses the delicious culinary creations he's been whipping up during quarantine and touches on how he navigates his own fears in an artistic space.

Welcome to Season 3! Sep 17, 2021

In this special mini episode of Present Company, Krista reflects on her recent trip to the Telluride Film Festival and gives listeners a sneak peak into this season's fantastic guest lineup.

Omar Sy Aug 27, 2021

Omar Sy joins Present Company to discuss his hit series “Lupin.” The worldwide success of the show is the the second time in Sy’s career that he has starred in an entertainment phenomenon, the first being the French film “The Intouchables.” That film remains Frances’ biggest global hit, and Sy won the French equivalent of an Oscar, the César Award, for his performance.

In this interview, Sy discusses why Lupin is such a captivating figure for his character to emulate, how the series illuminates issues of race and class, and what it feels like to fly the French flag with the success of the series. He also discusses his childhood in France, what it was like growing up as the middle child of eight, and why he decided to move to Los Angeles. Plus, he shares the surprising role the Kardashians played in helping him learn English.

Ewan McGregor Aug 20, 2021

Ewan McGregor joins the show to discuss his tour de force performance in “Halston,” the limited series in which he plays the take-no-prisoners designer who took New York by storm. He shares what first drew him to the role, how he prepared to capture the man and his craft, why he wanted to meet Liza Minnelli before playing Halston, and the scenes he found most challenging to play.

McGregor also reflects on the arc of his career to date, the dynamic and distinct career choices he’s made along the way, and the fears he still faces when he tackles a new role.

Joey King Aug 11, 2021

Joey King joins the show to discuss the third and final instalment of her global franchise hit “The Kissing Booth.” She reflects back on how the journey began, what it was like when the first film became a phenomenon, and how the trilogy has changed her life.

King also talks about her trajectory from being a child actor to being nominated for an Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe for her extraordinary performance opposite Patricia Arquette in “The Act,” and her work as a producer. She also shares the pressures of social media, how she handles fear and self-doubt, and her advice for young creatives who might be struggling.

Michael Douglas May 28, 2021

Across the years, Michael Douglas’ films have captured the spirit of the times and audiences’ imaginations, from “Wall Street” and “Fatal Attraction,” to “Falling Down” and “The Game.” He is an Academy Award-winning actor and producer, an Emmy winner, and the recipient of multiple Golden Globes. In this episode, he discusses the third and final season of “The Kominsky Method;" his onscreen chemistry with Kathleen Turner, his co-star across the decades; and why he had no trepidation in taking on a show that has been fearless, heartfelt, and hilarious in tackling the realities of aging.

Josh O'Connor May 21, 2021

Across two seasons of “The Crown,” Josh O’Connor has delivered a critically acclaimed and award-winning performance as Prince Charles. In this interview, the young Brit discusses his nuanced and complex portrayal of the future King, and he shares his initial reservations about taking on the role. He talks about the care he took to avoid mimicry; his rapport with co-star Emma Corrin, who plays Princess Diana; and how he thought about the distinct shift in the way the audience relates to Charles between the two seasons.

O’Connor also reflects on the course of his career to date, including his drama school years, his breakout role in “God’s Own Country,” and his latest projects, which include “Romeo and Juliet.” And he shares why supporting the mental health charity Mind is so important to him.

Jessie Mei Li May 10, 2021

British breakout Jessie Mei Li joins Present Company to discuss “Shadow and Bone,” the phenomenon based on Leigh Bardugo’s best-selling fantasy series, in which the 25 year-old stars as Alina Starkov, an orphan mapmaker with an extraordinary power.

Jessie discusses how the show first came to her, how her personal experiences helped her relate to the character, and her onscreen chemistry with co-star Archie Renaux. She also talks about how her acting instincts have helped her navigate challenging moments in her life, and how her parents are handling the show’s success.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. May 07, 2021

At 26 years-old, Kelvin Harrison Jr. has already delivered a series of critically lauded, commanding performances, in films like “Luce,” for which he was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award, “Waves, and “The Trial of the Chicago Seven.”

In this episode, he discusses “Monster,” a film based on the acclaimed book by Walter Dean Myers, and directed by Anthony Mandler, the celebrated music video director who has worked with stars like Rihanna and Beyonce. Harrison Jr. plays Steve Harmon, a seventeen-year-old honor student whose world comes crashing down when he is charged with felony murder.

Harrison Jr. talks about how the film first came to him, how he connected to his character, and he shares his experiences working with the cast that includes Jeffrey Wright, Jennifer Hudson, John David Washington, A$AP Rocky, and Nas. He also shares his advice for young actors trying to make their own way.

Melissa McCarthy & Octavia Spencer Apr 09, 2021

In this episode, Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer sit down to discuss their new action comedy “Thunder Force,” in which the duo suit up as superheroes. Written and directed by Ben Falcone, who also happens to be McCarthy’s husband as well as her fellow producer on the project, the cast includes Jason Bateman, Bobby Cannavale, Pom Klementieff, and the brilliant newcomer Taylor Mosby.

At the center of the film, is a heartfelt story about two women and the kind of friendship that lasts a lifetime, a theme with special resonance for McCarthy and Spencer who have been friends for more than two decades. They talk about the history of that friendship, the joys of working together, how it felt to put on those suits for the first time, the best part of being a superhero (and the more disgusting challenges), and they share their advice for the next generation of Hollywood hopefuls.

Jennifer Garner Apr 02, 2021

Jennifer Garner joins the show to discuss “Yes Day,” the hit family comedy based on the book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, directed by Miguel Arteta, and co-starring Edgar Ramirez. Garner, who is also a producer on the movie, talks about the Yes Days she does with her own children, why she wanted to beckon loveliness into her life, and her terror at shooting the rollercoaster scene.

She also reflects on the remarkable arc of her career, which has seen her find success across almost every genre, from “Alias” and “Daredevil” to “13 Going on 30” and “Dallas Buyers Club.” And she talks about her passion for causes and projects far beyond Hollywood, including Save the Children and her organic food company Once Upon a Farm.

Eve Hewson Mar 19, 2021

Eve Hewson joins host Krista Smith to discuss “Behind Her Eyes,” the mind-bending limited series created by Steve Lightfoot and based on the novel by Sarah Pinborough, which has transfixed and shocked its legion of fans. Hewson discusses how she came to the role, what she found most challenging, and she shares her own experience with astral projection.

The actress, whose star has steadily risen thanks to performances in such shows as “The Knick” and “The Luminaries,” also discusses her career path to date, why formal acting training was so important to her, and she shares what she’s learned from working with Hollywood greats like Steven Soderbergh and Steven Spielberg.

Viola Davis Mar 04, 2021

Over the course of her 33 year career, Viola Davis’ body of work has been celebrated from stage to screen, making her an Oscar winner, a Tony winner, and an Emmy winner, to name just a few of her accolades. She also runs JuVee Productions alongside husband Julius Tennon, and she’s a philanthropist and a leader in the Hollywood community.

In this interview, Davis discusses her latest acclaimed performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” based on the play by August Wilson and directed by George C. Wolfe. She talks about the fears she faced in embracing the role, how she prepared to play Ma, and her experience working with Chadwick Boseman. She also reflects on the arc of her career, the significance of playing Annalise Keating in “How to Get Away with Murder,” how her definition of success has evolved over time, and she shares her advice for the next generation pursuing a life in the arts.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas Jan 22, 2021

Priyanka Chopra Jonas joins the show from London to discuss her latest feature film “The White Tiger," written and directed by Ramin Bahrani and based on the New York Times bestseller and 2008 Man Booker Prize-winning novel. In addition to starring in the film, Chopra Jonas serves as an Executive Producer.

Having established herself as a hugely successful and acclaimed star in the Indian film industry, Chopra Jonas turned her sights to Hollywood and became the first Indian-born actor ever to lead an American network TV series, starring in the ABC dramatic series "Quantico."

In this interview, she talks about that extraordinary career arc, and she explains why she was so passionate about being involved with “The White Tiger,” and how the film aligned with her mission as a producer. She also talks about the confidence instilled in her by her upbringing, her long-time commitment to philanthropic endeavors, and the support and partnership of husband Nick Jonas.

Emma Corrin Jan 15, 2021

Emma Corrin’s acting career had only just begun when she landed the role of Princess Diana in The Crown, and prepared to play one of the most iconic and scrutinized women of the modern age. The young British breakout more than met the challenge, capturing Diana’s innate vulnerability and quiet strength, mastering her posture and mannerisms, and even the lilt of her voice.

In this interview, Corrin discusses her nail-biting audition process, her intensive research and preparation, and her favorite and most challenging scenes. She’ll also share her advice for actors starting out, including how important it is to move beyond the fear of rejection and to keep your faith and determination.

Gary Oldman Jan 13, 2021

Academy Award winner Gary Oldman joins the show to discuss his extraordinary performance in David Fincher’s new film “Mank,” which was written by the auteur’s late father Jack Fincher. Oldman plays Herman J. Mankiewicz, otherwise known as Mank, the celebrated screenwriter who worked on everything from “The Wizard of Oz” to Marx Brothers comedies and co-wrote “Citizen Kane” with Orson Welles.

In this interview, Oldman shares his initial reaction to the project, why he was daunted by Fincher’s directive not to transform physically for the role, and how his own experience with alcoholism informed his performance. He also discusses his deep admiration for Fincher’s approach to the work. And he shares his advice for young actors coming up in the profession today.

Vanessa Kirby Jan 06, 2021

Vanessa Kirby joins the show to discuss her haunting portrayal of a young mother who experiences an unfathomable loss in “Pieces of a Woman,” directed by Kornél Mundruczó and written by Kata Wéber. The role marks Kirby’s first lead in a feature film, and her performance was awarded the Best Actress Volpi Cup at this year’s Venice Film Festival.

Kirby began her career in the theater, later made her television debut in “The Hours,” delivered scene-stealing work in the action franchises “Mission Impossible” and “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” and her critically acclaimed performance as Princess Margaret in “The Crown” made her a BAFTA winner and Emmy nominee.

In this interview, she shares the intensive research she undertook to prepare for “Pieces of a Woman,” what she was focused on getting right in her performance, and her experience shooting the film’s astonishing 23 minute opening sequence that was shot in one take. She also reflects on the beginning of her career, the kind of characters she’s been drawn to, and she shares her advice for young actors.

George Clooney Dec 22, 2020

George Clooney joins the show to discuss his latest film “The Midnight Sky,” based on the novel “Good Morning, Midnight” by Lily Brooks-Dalton, and produced by Clooney’s longtime collaborator Grant Heslov. The film tells the story of the aftermath of a global catastrophe and a lone scientist in the arctic racing to contact a crew of astronauts and warn them not to return to earth. Clooney directs and produces as well as stars alongside Felicity Jones, David Oyelowo, Tiffany Boone, Demián Bichir, Kyle Chandler, and newcomer Caoilinn Springall.

The Academy Award winner also reflects on the arc of his career, including the moment that "ER" made him a household name, the films that made him want to direct, and how becoming a family man has impacted his choices. He also shares his advice for young creatives coming

Aaron Sorkin Dec 18, 2020

Aaron Sorkin, one of Hollywood's most celebrated storytellers, and the writer and director of this year's "The Trial of the Chicago 7,” joins the show to reflect on the journey of his career. He discusses his singular talent for dialogue, what draws him to a story, his affinity for a courtroom scene, and why he still feels vulnerable despite all of his success. He also talks about the influence of legendary screenwriter William Goldman, as well as the debates around his family’s dinner table, and his passion for teaching. And he explains why he thinks of “A Few Good Men” the same way he thinks about his high school yearbook picture.

Lily Collins Dec 11, 2020

Lily Collins joins the show to discuss her performance in David Fincher's new film, “Mank,” in which she plays Rita Alexander, secretary to the legendary screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz (played by Gary Oldman) as he writes the script for “Citizen Kane.” She talks about the intense audition process, her experience on set, and her love for old Hollywood movies.

Collins also talks about the phenomenon that is her new show “Emily in Paris,” and how she flew back and forth from Paris to shoot “Mank” in tandem. She reflects back on the beginnings of her career path, from being a student majoring in broadcast journalism at the University of Southern California, to being cast in “The Blind Side," to writing a bestselling book and opening up about her personal struggles. She also shares how 2020 has been a pivotal year for her (she recently got engaged), and the advice she would go back and give her young self.

Amanda Seyfried Dec 04, 2020

Throughout her career, Amanda Seyfried’s range has been center stage, from her roles in "Mean Girls” to “Lovelace” and “Les Miserables.” And in her latest film “Mank,” directed by David Fincher, she scales new heights, delivering a revelatory performance as actress Marion Davies, the long-term lover of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst.

In this interview, Seyfried discusses her research for the role, what she wanted to make sure she captured about Marion, and why she particularly relished a pivotal scene where Marion’s emotions play out entirely on her face. She also shares why working with Fincher is such a singular experience and how it’s made her think differently about her own approach to the work.

Amy Adams Nov 25, 2020

Six-time Academy Award nominee Amy Adams joins the show to discuss her latest film “Hillbilly Elegy,” based on the bestselling memoir by J.D. Vance, and directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard. It’s the story of three generations of an Appalachian family struggling with volatile relationships, poverty, and drug addiction; and Adams delivers a powerhouse performance as J.D.’s mother Beverly.

In this interview, Adams talks about why she was drawn to this story, her preparation for the role, what it was like collaborating with the cast (including Glenn Close who plays the family’s formidable matriarch), and the responsibility she felt playing a real person. She also reflects on the arc of her career, receiving her first Oscar nomination, and maintaining a private life beyond the spotlight.

Michelle Buteau (Welcome to Buteaupia) Sep 30, 2020

Actress, comedian, author, and podcaster Michelle Buteau joins the show to discuss her uproarious new Netflix special: “Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia.” The mom of twins has been on a non-stop run of projects lately, hosting and narrating the reality show phenomenon “The Circle,” appearing in films like “Always Be My Maybe” and on shows like “First Wives Club” and “Tales of the City.” "Survival of the Thickest," her debut book of essays, will be published this December.

In this interview, Buteau takes us back to the very beginning of her comedy career and talks about the headwinds she’s faced along the way. She reveals when she feels most vulnerable on stage, how her parents felt about her pursuing her passion, and some of the unsolicited advice she’s received from her audiences. Buteau also shares her advice for young comedians starting out, and what she’s learned by observing the extraordinary group of women she’s worked with in her career to date.

Millie Bobby Brown Sep 23, 2020

Millie Bobby Brown sat down with Present Company to discuss her latest Netflix project, “Enola Holmes,” in which she plays the intrepid teenage sister of Sherlock Holmes. Brown not only stars in the film but also produces, making her one of the youngest Hollywood actors to have a producing credit on a feature film.

In this interview, Brown talks about why she was so passionate about playing Enola, what she found most rewarding about producing, and why she loves working on projects that have a broader message. She also discusses her work with UNICEF and shares her advice for young people who are pursuing their own path.

Sarah Paulson Sep 18, 2020

Emmy-winning actress Sarah Paulson joins the show to discuss her riveting new drama series “Ratched,” created by Ryan Murphy, her long-time champion, and Ian Brennan. As the show’s lead, Paulson steps into the shoes of one of the most notorious female villains of the modern age: Nurse Ratched of the novel and then the film, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

In this interview, Paulson talks about the trepidation she had in taking on such an iconic role, and she discusses the evolution of her relationship with Ryan Murphy. She reflects on the journey of the career, from her early struggles when she first moved to Los Angeles, to taking on the life-changing role of Marcia Clark in “The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” and stepping up as an Executive Producer on “Ratched.” She also shares her advice for young actors, and talks about her legendary fashion game.

The Breakout: Tom Pelphrey Jul 31, 2020

Tom Pelphrey joins the show to talk about his much-discussed performance as Ben, brother to Laura Linney’s Wendy Byrde, on season three of “Ozark.” Pelphrey devoted himself to the task of playing a man living with bipolar disorder, working to ensure the condition was portrayed with both accuracy and thoughtfulness.

Born and raised in New Jersey, the Rutgers graduate got his break on the soap opera “Guiding Light,” for which he won two Daytime Emmys, and since then he has worked across film, theater and television. But 2020 is proving a remarkable year, not only on account of the acclaim he’s received for “Ozark,” but also because this fall he’ll be seen in director David Fincher’s “Mank,” which stars Gary Oldman.

In this interview, Pelphey talks about the “invisible magic” of the Ozark set and what it was like being the new kid joining the show. He also shares what he learned working in soap operas, his experience working with David Fincher, and his profound advice for young actors.

Charlize Theron Jul 10, 2020

As an Academy-Award winning actress, producer of critically acclaimed film and television, long-time activist, and single mom, Charlize Theron has helped reinvent what the model of success can look like for women in Hollywood. And with her relentless work ethic, eye for challenging material, and willingness to commit to radical physical transformations, she’s created a remarkable gallery of performances, from “Monster” to “Tully,” “Mad Max: Fury Road” to “Bombshell.”

In this interview, Theron discusses her new Netflix film “The Old Guard,” directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, and she reflects on some of the choices that have defined her career. She talks about why she relishes the work of being a producer, how fear has been a powerful driving force, why she feels an element of surprise in her films is key, and the importance of never giving up too easily.

Lenox Hill's Amanda Little-Richardson Jul 03, 2020

The documentary series “Lenox Hill,” directed by Ruthie Shatz and Adi Barash, has captivated viewers with its intimate portrait of four doctors dealing with a host of complex personal and professional issues inside a New York City hospital.

One of those doctors, Amanda Little-Richardson, a Chief Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the time of filming, joins the show to reflect on the impact the series has had on viewers. She discusses the importance of diversity in medicine, the challenges she's faced as a woman of color pursuing a medical career, and how the support of her parents and her husband Kevin has been invaluable. She also updates listeners on her new life in California and her 16 month-old daughter, Ava Rose.

Shira Haas Jun 19, 2020

Shira Haas joins the show to discuss her astonishing performance in “Unorthodox,” the Netflix original limited series about a young woman from the Hasidic community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn who breaks out of her arranged marriage and travels to Berlin to find herself. Directed by Maria Schrader, created by Anna Winger and Alexa Karolinski, and inspired by Deborah Feldman's bestseller of the same name, “Unorthodox” has captured the imagination of viewers around the world.

At 25 years old, Haas is a well-established actress back home in Israel, where she landed her first lead film role at just 16. In the course of her young career, she has already received four nominations for the Israeli Academy Awards, winning Best Supporting Actress for the film “Noble Savage.” Her work in international film began with her performance in Natalie Portman’s directorial debut “A Tale of Love and Darkness” and “The Zookeeper’s Wife,” directed by Niki Caro.

In this interview, Haas talks about how she got her start, how she approaches her work, and her preparation for “Unorthodox,” which included learning Yiddish. She also talks about how she’s navigated the ups and downs of the acting life, how she decompresses between roles, and why she particularly loves the challenge of conveying emotion in scenes with less dialogue.

Laura Linney Jun 12, 2020

Over the course of three decades, Laura Linney’s body of work has spanned the worlds of theater, film, and television, resulting in a long list of accolades, including Tony, Oscar, and Emmy nominations, as well four Emmy wins. Her vast range of choices means fans might cite any number of projects when they approach her — some are Broadway aficionados who loved her performance in “The Little Foxes” or “My Name Is Lucy Barton,” others cite “You Can Count on Me” or “The Savages,” or they might reference series like “John Adams” or “The Big C.” And then there are the legions of “Ozark” fans.

In this episode, Linney discusses the latest season of “Ozark,” and the evolution of her character Wendy from soccer mom to “Wolf Bitch.” She also reflects on the arc of her career, the choices that have served her well, and the spirit that she brings to her work. And she discusses growing up in New York, working with the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, as well as the enduring charm of “Love Actually.”

This interview was recorded on Thursday, May 7

Lisa Kudrow Jun 05, 2020

In the decade that “Friends” was on the air, from 1994-2004, Lisa Kudrow experienced the heights of fame and success that come with starring in a smash-hit show with legions of fans worldwide. But Kudrow’s boundless curiosity and creative instincts have led her far beyond the world of the show, to writing and producing, and starring in independent films. In the course of her career, she has created a gallery of complex, original, captivating women, from Phoebe Buffay in “Friends” to Valerie Cherish in “The Comeback,” Fiona Wallice in “Web Therapy,” and Lucia DeLury in “The Opposite of Sex.”

Kudrow joins the show to discuss “Space Force,” the new Netflix comedy series co-created by Steve Carell (who also stars) and Greg Daniels, about a four-star general being tapped to form a sixth branch of the US Armed Forces. Kudrow also discusses what it was like to be an actress in the nineties, why she’s never precious about her writing, handling setbacks, and her relationship to success.

Kumail Nanjiani May 29, 2020

Kumail Nanjiani joins the show fresh off the success of his new hit movie “The Lovebirds,” the romantic comedy in which he stars opposite Issa Rae.

It’s been a remarkable decade for the actor, comedian, screenwriter and podcaster. He’s appeared on some of the most beloved cult comedy shows in recent memory, from “Portlandia” to “Inside Amy Schumer,” “Community” and “Key & Peele,” and he starred in the hit show “Silicon Valley.” He became an Oscar nominee, alongside his wife Emily V. Gordon, for “The Big Sick,” the critically acclaimed film based on their personal story. And he received an Emmy nomination for his performance on Jordan Peele’s reboot of “The Twilight Zone.”

In this conversation, Nanjiani reflects on the pivotal moments in his career, what it was like starting his stand-up career right before September 11th, his advice on handling failure, and the importance of having trust with your directors. He also talks about working with Issa Rae, getting obsessive over his workout regimen, and how his relationship with social media has changed.

David Letterman May 22, 2020

David Letterman joins the show and reflects back on his early career and explains why he thinks the high time for the art of comedy is now. He discusses family and fatherhood, the cost of success, and how he dealt with his depression. He also talks about “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction,” his Netflix series for which he has interviewed everyone from Jay Z to Howard Stern. And he shares a surprising obsession, who he’d love to do a Freaky Friday life swap with, and his thoughts on whether comedians can ever really be friends.

Patton Oswalt May 15, 2020

As an actor, writer, and Emmy-winning comedian, Patton Oswalt has created a vast body of work, from his stand-up specials and best-selling books, to his work in television and film, including acclaimed performances in movies as varied as “Young Adult” and “Ratatouille.”

In this episode, Oswalt talks about his new stand-up special “Patton Oswalt: I Love Everything.” He also reflects on his childhood, the early days of his career, and the moment that first felt like success. He discusses how dealing with professional set-backs gets easier as you get older, the importance of sustaining the impulse to create new things, and why he’s drawn to producing and directing. Plus, the cinephile shares the films he’s re-watching while he’s sheltering in place.

Jon Hamm May 12, 2020

It took Jon Hamm ten years of hard work in Hollywood before he got “Mad Men” and made not only his character Don Draper but also himself a household name. Since then, he’s shifted effortlessly between drama, with films like “Beirut” and “The Report,” and comedy, guest-starring in shows like “30 Rock” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” and hosting SNL three times.
In this interview, he shares how he discovered his love of acting as a child, how he felt when he first arrived in Los Angeles, and the advice he has for others trying to make it. He talks about working with Tina Fey, how he’s always been rewarded by his enthusiasm, and he reveals the one item he kept from the “Mad Men” set.
Hamm also discusses the new interactive special, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs The Reverend,” in which he reprises his role as Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne. Plus, the life long sports fan talks about how he’s keeping himself occupied white sheltering in place at home.

Rashida Jones Apr 17, 2020

Rashida Jones joins the show to discuss her new comedy series #blackAF from Kenya Barris, the creator of "Black-ish” and "grown-ish." In this series, based upon his life, Kenya and Rashida play a husband and wife with 6 children, navigating relationships, race, and culture, as well as newfound success.

As an actress, writer, producer, and director, Jones' career has run the gamut, from roles in television smash hits like “Parks & Recreation” and “The Office,” to feature films like “Social Network," "I Love You, Man,” and "Celeste and Jesse Forever,” to the world of animation. She’s also found success in documentaries, exploring the world of pornography in “Hot Girls Wanted,” and co-writing and co-directing “Quincy,” about her father, the music legend Quincy Jones.

Nick Kroll Mar 20, 2020

From his critically acclaimed sketch series “Kroll Show” to his many roles in film and television, his Broadway show "Oh, Hello," and his stand-up, Nick Kroll has long-established himself as one of the keenest comedic observers of our times.

In this episode, the comedian, writer, actor, and producer, discusses “Big Mouth,” the Emmy-nominated hit adult-animated series which he co-created, writes and produces, in addition to performing over thirty voices. And he talks about the upcoming new spinoff series “Human Resources.”

Kroll takes us back to the early days of his career. He explains why the prospect of having regrets was always scarier than being rejected. He talks about the ways in which the comedy world has changed and how technology has democratized the playing field. He discusses how you can feel like you’re failing even amid great success, and how part of being successful is being hard on yourself. He also shares his goals for 2020, which includes embracing the wisdom of Brené Brown and striving to be more vulnerable.

"Big Mouth" and "Oh, Hello on Broadway" are streaming now on Netflix.

Rodarte Mar 06, 2020

The story of the fashion house Rodarte began with two cinephile sisters, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, living in a sleepy California suburb, waitressing and selling their record collection to finance their dream of becoming fashion designers. What followed is an extraordinary, shot-out-of-a-cannon success story. The sisters would go on to be anointed by the Editor in Chief of Vogue, win a CFDA award, see their work exhibited in museums, create costumes for the opera and for Natalie Portman for the film “Black Swan,” and develop a loyal following in Hollywood which led to stunning red carpet moments at the Oscars, Cannes, and the Met Gala.

Kate and Laura reflect back on the story of their rapid rise, the importance of independence, and the difficulties female designers contend with in a male-dominated industry. They also discuss how film has been an essential source of inspiration and why their work with actresses is so rewarding, even as they pull back the curtain on what it’s like to create an Oscar dress and the heartache that is sometimes part of the process. And they reveal how Coach Monica, of the Netflix show “Cheer,” and her problem-solving savvy inspired their own trouble-shooting when it came to their most recent show.

Cheer’s Coach Monica Feb 14, 2020

In today’s episode, Coach Monica Aldama joins the show to discuss "Cheer," the Netflix documentary series that everyone’s talking about, from Ellen Degeneres to A-listers at the Oscars and SNL. With her fierce competitive spirit, laser-like focus, and no-nonsense style, Coach Monica has captured the imagination of the show’s legions of fans who have followed along as the Navarro College cheer squad navigates the highs and lows of working to win a coveted national title.

Aldama talks about the impact of the show back home in Corsicana, Texas; why she thinks listening and empathy are the keys to effective leadership; and what her alumni most appreciate when they reflect back on the experience of the program. She also talks about her mentor, her alter-ego Annette, her guilty pleasures, and what it’s like to have fans of the show obsessing over everything from her coasters to her boots and her Apple watch.

Scarlett Johansson Feb 03, 2020

In this episode, two-time Academy Award nominee Scarlett Johansson joins the show to talk about her new film “Marriage Story,” from Academy Award nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach. It’s an incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together, in which Johansson stars opposite Adam Driver, and alongside Laura Dern, Alan Alda, and Ray Liotta.

Following breakout performances in Robert Redford’s “The Horse Whisperer” and the acclaimed independent film “Ghost World,” Johansson delivered a career-making performance in Sofia Coppola’s “Lost in Translation.” Since then, the superstar actress has achieved extraordinary success, shifting effortlessly between working with auteurs in independent film and starring in Hollywood blockbusters that amass billions in box office.

With her fearless appetite for challenging roles and seemingly inexhaustible work ethic, Johansson delivered not one but two Oscar-nominated performances in 2019 in “Jojo Rabbit” and “Marriage Story.” In this conversation, Johansson talks about acting without embarrassment, loving her work more than ever, and serving as both a producer and star of “Black Widow.”

Whitney Cummings Jan 30, 2020

By the time she was 29, Whitney Cummings had not one but two network television shows on air: “Whitney,” and “2 Broke Girls,” which she co-created with Michael Patrick King. In this episode, the writer, director, producer, actress, stand-up comedian, published author, and podcaster (check out her show “Good for You”), discusses how she handled that early success and how she dealt with the headwinds that came with it.

Cummings also talks about the evolution of her Netflix stand-up special, “Can I Touch It?,” how comedians are having to step up to make their work memorable, how Jordan Peele’s “Us” changed comedy, the impact of PC culture, and why social media is less influential than we think. She also discusses her love of animals, her need for nature, why it’s no longer possible to be an enigma, her complex relationship with money, and the changes she’s seen in post #metoo Hollywood.

Gillian Anderson Jan 17, 2020

Gillian Anderson joins the show to discuss the second season of the heartfelt and hilariously awkward “Sex Education,” in which Anderson plays Jean Milburn, sex therapist and mom to the show’s young lead Otis, played by Asa Butterfield.

Anderson of course occupies an iconic place in the pop culture galaxy, thanks to her portrayal of Agent Dana Scully in “The X-Files,” a role that would pave the way for a new kind of female character on television.

Now, Anderson is based in London, and her career choices have taken her from the stage, to film, and television.

In this episode, Anderson talks about challenging gender disparity, how motherhood helped her keep her “X-Files” success in perspective, her thoughts on the impact of social media, and how she prepared to step into the shoes of Margaret Thatcher for the fourth season of “The Crown.”

RuPaul and Michael Patrick King Jan 10, 2020

RuPaul and Michael Patrick King join the show to discuss their new show “AJ & The Queen,” a heartfelt, gritty comedy in which Ru stars as Robert Lee, better known as the drag queen Ruby Red, who — when faced with a broken heart and a stolen dream — meets a streetwise 10-year-old and assumes the role of de facto parent.

RuPaul’s career achievements are, of course, both legion and legend, and include “The RuPaul Show,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and RuPaul’s DragCon. Michael Patrick King's vast body of work includes the juggernaut that was “Sex and the City,” as well as “The Comeback,” “2 Broke Girls,” “Will & Grace,” “Cybill,” and “Murphy Brown.”

Between them, they have made an indelible mark on modern popular culture, influencing everything from how we talk to how we dress, how we think about our identities, our careers, and our relationships.

In this episode, the duo discuss the power in their creative partnership, their early struggles, their secret obsessions, and how social media has influenced how we watch and engage with shows.

Adam Driver Jan 07, 2020

Adam Driver joins the show to discuss his new film “Marriage Story,” from Academy Award nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach, in which Driver plays Charlie, a husband and father navigating his marriage breaking up while trying to keep his family together. Starring opposite Scarlett Johansson, and alongside Laura Dern, Alan Alda, and Ray Liotta, Driver delivers a stunning performance in a film that’s both incisive and compassionate.

In the past decade, Driver has become that rare movie star that can shift between leading man and character actor roles, as well as command a Broadway stage. He came to our attention with HBO’s “Girls,” and since then has worked in quick succession with directors including Jim Jarmusch, Spike Lee, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg, and, in the middle of all that, he stepped into the global phenomenon that is “Star Wars.”

In this conversation, Driver talks about shooting “Marriage Story,” the benefit of working with friends, how problem-solving on set is his favorite part of the filmmaking process, and why he views acting as a service industry. He also talks about Arts in the Armed Forces, his foundation which brings the theater to a military audience. And, yes, he discusses Kylo Ren and working on “Star Wars.”

Alan Alda Dec 16, 2019

America fell in love with Alan Alda as Hawkeye Pierce in the legendary show M*A*S*H, for which he received a staggering 25 Emmy nominations, winning 5 times. He’s also a three-time Tony award nominee, a best supporting Oscar nominee for Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator,” and he has six Golden Globes to his name.
But beyond his work in entertainment, Alda has devoted himself to innumerable avenues, including the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, writing his memoirs, and creating his own podcast “Clear + Vivid."
In this episode, he talks about his new film “Marriage Story,” from Academy Award nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach; his boundless curiosity; his experience living and working with Parkinson’s disease; and the advice he has to give this generation.

Jenny Slate Dec 10, 2019

Jenny Slate joins the show to discuss her Netflix special “Stage Fright” -- which combines her stand-up with personal clips of her childhood and interviews with her family in an intimate look at her life -- and her New York Times bestseller, “Little Weirds." It’s been a significant year for the writer, actress, and comedian, who recently became engaged and is now enjoying a bi-coastal existence, splitting her time between Los Angeles and her bucolic home on the South Coast of Massachusetts.

Slate first came up in the alternative comedy world, before landing on SNL, and in the decade that followed, she co-created the beloved “Marcel the Shell” series, appeared in numerous films, including “Obvious Child” and “Gifted,” as well as TV shows like “Parks and Recreation” and Nick Kroll’s “The Kroll Show.” With her frank and fearless style, instantly recognizable voice, and infectious humor, Slate has forged her own unique path in Hollywood as a true original.

In this conversation, we talk about her fiancé and family, her writing process, why she’s grateful that her time on SNL was short-lived, how her relationship to the business has evolved, as well as everything from psychics to PMS.

Noah Baumbach Dec 05, 2019

Academy Award nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach joins the show to discuss his new film, the critically acclaimed “Marriage Story.” Starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, and co-starring Laura Dern, Alan Alda, and Ray Liotta, Baumbach’s film about a marriage breaking up and a family staying together is filled with honesty, humor, and compassion.

Baumbach, now 50, began his writing and directing career in his twenties with the comedy “Kicking and Screaming,” and his films since then have included “The Squid & The Whale,” “Margot at the Wedding,” “Greenberg” and “Frances Ha.” With unflinching honesty, his films explore our best and worst instincts, our fears, flaws, and triumphs.

In this conversation, Baumbach discusses the journey of the film, how personal stories have shaped his body of work; the group of creative peers he trusts and relies upon; and the fact that he doesn’t appreciate lunch.

Paul Rudd Nov 27, 2019

With his flawless comedic timing and instinct for capturing the frustrations of the everyman, Paul Rudd has carved a singular path in Hollywood, making audiences love him, root for him, and cringe for him in hits like “Clueless,” “Anchorman,” “Knocked Up,” and “I Love You, Man.” In addition to his comedy stardom, Rudd is now a bona fide action hero, having stepped into the Marvel universe in his forties as Ant-Man.

In this episode, Rudd discusses the arc of his career, and he talks about his new show “Living with Yourself,” created by Timothy Greenberg and directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. Rudd does double-duty on the show, playing both the character of Miles, a burned-out and dejected figure, and the new and improved clone of Miles, who appears following a strange procedure at a strip mall spa.

Rudd also discusses his love of sports, his secret Irish bar, his go-to karaoke songs, and he shares how his son attempted his own “Hot Ones” challenge after Rudd’s triumphant appearance on the hit YouTube show.

Sir Anthony Hopkins Nov 21, 2019

In this special episode, Oscar-winner Sir Anthony Hopkins joins the show (he prefers to be addressed as Tony), to discuss his new film “The Two Popes,” from Academy Award-nominated director Fernando Meirelles. Inspired by true events, the film is a fascinating tale of an unprecedented transfer of power in the Catholic Church. It follows the imagined conversations between two very different men about the role of the Church in a changing world — one a traditionalist (Hopkins as Pope Benedict), and the other a progressive (Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, later Pope Francis). With unexpected humor, sweeping vision, and extraordinary performances, the film is a revealing look at two of the most well-known men in the world.

Hopkins, of course, is a legend, but at 81 years-old he wears the mantle of success lightly, eschewing the trappings of fame and retaining a great humility about all that he has achieved. In this interview, Hopkins goes back to the beginning of the story, from his life as a young man in Wales, to his work on the stage, and “The Silence of the Lambs” phenomenon. He also talks about the moment he won that Oscar, his feelings about faith, his rigorous approach to his work, and his experience with actors like Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. And he discusses his impressive Instagram game, his art, his music, and his sense that his life’s success is “all a dream.”

Laura Dern Nov 14, 2019

During the course of her career, Laura Dern, the daughter of actors Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern, has carved her own unique path, moving effortlessly between the worlds of independent film and blockbuster franchises like “Jurassic Park” and, most recently, “Star Wars.” She is a two-time Oscar nominee, a four-time Golden Globe winner, and the recipient of an Emmy award for her critically acclaimed work in “Big Little Lies.” Dern is also an activist and philanthropist, and a beacon in the Hollywood community.

In this episode, Dern talks about her new film “Marriage Story,” from Academy Award nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach. It’s an incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together, and it stars Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, as well as Alan Alda and Ray Liotta. She also talks about growing up on film sets watching the masters Alfred Hitchcock and Martin Scorsese at work, the arc of her career through the eighties and nineties, and how she’s seen the experience of women working in the industry evolve.

The Breakout: Kiernan Shipka Nov 08, 2019

“Mad Men” fans watched Kiernan Shipka grow up on the small screen in her role as Sally Draper, the daughter of Betty and Don. Her nuanced and captivating performance earned her critical acclaim and an older sophisticated fan base for such a young talent. Since then, Shipka, who was born in Chicago and raised in Los Angeles, has taken on a host of different projects, including Ryan Murphy’s “Feud” and the psychological horror film “The Blackcoat’s Daughter.” At the beginning of 2018, she stepped into the magical, mischievous world of half-human, half-witch Sabrina Spellman in Netflix’s “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” based on the Archie comic book series.

In this conversation, Shipka, who is about to turn 20, talks about her new film, “Let it Snow,” a teen drama about the friendships, love lives, and futures of a group of high school seniors, co-starring Shameik Moore and Isabel Moner. She also talks lessons learned growing up in the “Mad Men” world, what it’s like now to have a fan base closer to her own age, as well as her style philosophy, her go-to karaoke songs, and her love of a good power nap.

Demi Moore Oct 25, 2019

For this special episode, Krista traveled to San Francisco to interview Demi Moore in front of a sold-out crowd at an event hosted by City Arts & Lectures.

As an actress, Demi Moore carved out one of the most extraordinary paths in modern Hollywood, shattering expectations of what a woman could earn, the kind of movie she could open, and how she could present herself in the world — her Vanity Fair cover, nude and pregnant, photographed by Annie Leibovitz, is now the stuff of legend.

With films like “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “Ghost,” and “A Few Good Men,” Moore shot to superstardom, achieving a level of success and celebrity that was further fueled by her high-profile marriage to Bruce Willis, with whom she shares three daughters. Now, the actress, producer, director and activist, has written the New York Times bestselling memoir “Inside Out,” a deeply affecting and highly personal account of her life and career. In this conversation, Moore opens up about the struggles and challenges she’s faced, and what fueled her all-or-nothing drive to succeed at the highest levels in Hollywood.

The Breakout: Zoey Deutch Oct 18, 2019

In this episode, Krista sits down with Zoey Deutch, one of Hollywood’s most sought after and poised young talents. For Deutch the reality of working life in Hollywood is far from a new concept. The young star, who began her career on the Disney Channel as a teenager, hails from a Hollywood family and took her first steps on a movie set. Her mother, Lea Thompson, is the actress known for the “Back to the Future" trilogy and the sitcom “Caroline in the City,” and her father Howard Deutch directed such John Hughes classics as “Pretty in Pink” and “Some Kind of Wonderful.”

In this conversation, Deutch discusses her latest projects: “The Politician,” the much-discussed new Ryan Murphy show, starring Ben Platt, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange; and “Zombieland: Double Tap,” which stars Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, and Jesse Eisenberg. She also talks about the benefits of growing up in a Hollywood family, her passion for the audition process, her struggles with anxiety, and why it’s so important to cultivate a life and interests beyond Hollywood.

The Breakout: Kaitlyn Dever Sep 13, 2019

At just 22 years-old, Kaitlyn Dever has already been acting for more than a decade, amassing a long list of credits in both film and television, including acclaimed independents like “Short Term 12,” and “The Spectacular Now.” But this year is proving to be a particularly special one for the young actress. She starred in Olivia Wilde’s critical darling coming-of-age directorial debut, “Book Smart,” and now she will appear in “Unbelievable,” a limited series based on true events, in which Dever plays a young woman accused of lying about a rape. Dever describes the role as the the biggest challenge of her career to date.

Sacha Baron Cohen Sep 06, 2019

Sacha Baron Cohen has created some of the most unforgettable characters of the modern age, from Ali G to Bruno to Borat. His fearless comedic style and willingness to confront power and prejudice has transfixed audiences and resulted in accolades across the board. He’s an Oscar nominee, a Golden Globe nominee and winner, and a six-time Emmy award nominee.

With his new limited series, “The Spy,” Cohen takes on the role of a real-world character for the first time. Set in the 1960s, it’s the true story of Eli Cohen, an Israeli clerk-turned-Mossad secret agent. Although the dramatic material may seem like new terrain for the actor, his ability to disappear into new identities, and the rigor with which he has always prepared to play characters, are both in evidence in his remarkable performance in the show.

In this interview, Cohen discusses his history of dealing with the press in a non-traditional manner, the role technology played in his early success, and he talks about navigating tense real-world moments when he's in character, and the one thing he knows never to do when he finds himself in those situations. Cohen also discusses what it was like to shoot “The Spy,” and the insights he gained while living in an Arab country and working with a cast and crew that brought together people from all different political perspectives.

The Breakout: Julia Garner Aug 22, 2019

Julia Garner joins the show to discuss her Emmy-nominated performance as the tough yet vulnerable Ruth Langmore on “Ozark.” She talks about life on set, what she’s learned from working with the incredible cast, and the journey of her character.

Known for her laser-like focus on her work, 25-year-old Garner has already built an impressive body of work, both in critically acclaimed independent films, like “Martha, Marcy, May, Marlene” and “Electrick Children,” and on hit shows like “The Americans.” Raised in New York by her mother, a comedian turned therapist, and her father, a painter and art teacher, Garner reflects on an upbringing that gave her both an insight into human psychology and a love of film and art. She also talks about her appreciation for fashion and rolls out an impressive Glinda the Good Witch impression.

Eddie Murphy Aug 15, 2019

Comedy legend Eddie Murphy joins the show to reflect upon his trailblazing career and to discuss his new film “Dolemite Is My Name,” directed by Craig Brewer (“Hustle & Flow,” “Empire”), and written by Emmy and Golden Globe-winning writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (“Ed Wood,” “The People vs. O.J. Simpson”).

“Dolemite Is My Name” tells the true story of comedian Rudy Ray Moore and his tireless effort to make a film about his stage persona, “Dolemite,” a pimp with a cane and an arsenal of obscene fables. The film has a star-studded cast, including Wesley Snipes, Chris Rock, Keegan-Michael Key, Snoop Dogg, and a breakout performance from Da’Vine Joy Randolph. “Dolemite is My Name” will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival and be in theaters and on Netflix this fall.

In this interview, Murphy shares his plans to return to to host SNL for the first time in over three decades. And he discusses hitting the road again for a stand-up tour when he will also perform music that he has otherwise kept from the public. He also reveals that he would still consider hosting the Oscars and shares why he chose to dedicate “Dolemite Is My Name” to his late, beloved brother Charlie Murphy.

Brené Brown Jul 31, 2019

In 2010, a research professor by the name of Brené Brown walked onto the TEDxHouston stage and delivered her talk, “The Power of Vulnerability.” Little did she know that this would change her life forever. That TED talk has now been viewed more than 50 million times, making Brown a global phenomenon. She is the author of five bestselling books, including “Daring Greatly,” “Rising Strong,” and “Dare to Lead,” and now Brown has a Netflix special, “The Call to Courage.”
In this conversation, Brown takes us back to the very beginning of the story, from her early dreams of moving to New York, to her close call hitchhiking in Spain, to her struggle to get into the University of Texas. She also talks about faith and family, navigating success, and how she’s missing the “celebrity gene.”

Mary J. Blige Jul 26, 2019

Mary J. Blige joins the show for an in-depth discussion about her life, her career, and the faith that has sustained her throughout. As a singer, songwriter, and actress, Blige has scaled the heights of success. She’s won nine Grammy Awards and been nominated more than thirty times. She is also a three-time Golden Globe nominee, and a two-time Academy Award nominee for her work on “Mudbound.” In fact, Blige made history as the first person ever to be nominated in both an acting and music category in the same year. In this conversation, Blige shares how she learned to navigate fame and success, and she reflects on the moments in her career that she treasures the most. She also discusses her work on the dysfunctional superhero drama “The Umbrella Academy” and talks about her preparation for her current tour with Nas.

Marta Kauffman Jul 24, 2019

Emmy-winning showrunner Marta Kauffman discusses the arc of her epic career, from her early struggles in New York to the evergreen popularity of “Friends,” and now her success with “Grace and Frankie,” headed into its sixth season. Kauffman talks about what it’s like to work with the “Grace and Frankie” cast, led by Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, and she shares the moment she learned Pete Davidson would be rapping about the show on SNL. She also speaks candidly about dealing with misogyny in Hollywood, her own experience with “imposter syndrome,” and the importance of learning to say “no.”

Betty Gilpin Jul 19, 2019

Betty Gilpin sits down to discuss her journey as an actor and her work on GLOW, the show from Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch about a crew of misfits who reinvent themselves as the Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling in 1980’s Los Angeles. Gilpin is a two-time Emmy nominee for her performance as Debbie “Liberty Belle” Eagan. Raised by actors, Gilpin is refreshingly candid about the superficial expectations women grapple with, and her own conflict with the inner “male gaze representative.”

The Breakout: Cody Fern Jul 17, 2019

With his breakout role in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” his performance in “American Horror Story,” and his turn as Duncan Shepherd in the final season of “House of Cards,” Australian actor Cody Fern has quickly established himself as a riveting new talent to watch. In this episode, Fern, 30, talks about everything from his upbringing in an Australian farming community to his daring, gender-fluid red carpet style. And he shares how he confronted the ugly side of fame when he was recently hacked.

Hasan Minhaj Jul 12, 2019

Krista is joined by Hasan Minhaj who, in a few short years, has leap-frogged from being a senior correspondent on Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show” to being the featured speaker at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner to starring in his own Netflix standup special, “The Homecoming King,” and co-creating and hosting his new show “Patriot Act.” He’s a husband, a father, a die-hard Sacramento Kings fan, a two-time Peabody Award winner, and a 2019 Time 100 honoree.

Timothy Hutton Jul 11, 2019

Timothy Hutton was just 20 years-old when he won the Academy Award for his performance as the angst-ridden teenager in Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People,” making him the youngest actor ever to win a Best Supporting Actor Oscar. In this episode, Hutton discusses his work on “The Haunting of Hill House,” the show from creator Mike Flanagan, which reimagines Shirley Jackson’s terrifying gothic horror novel. Hutton plays the patriarch Hugh Crain. He also reflects on some of the pivotal moments of his career, including passing on “Risky Business.”

The Breakout: Kathryn Newton Jul 05, 2019

Krista sits down with Kathryn Newton, the 22 year-old breakout who stars in “The Society,” the Netflix show from creator Christopher Keyser about a group of teens who are mysteriously transported to a facsimile of their town without any trace of their parents. Newton is on a remarkable hot streak, appearing in a long list of star-studded, award-winning projects, including “Big Little Lies,” “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri,” “Ben is Back,” and “Lady Bird.” In this conversation, Newton shares her first impressions of the A-list actors she’s worked with, and talks about everything from her golf game to her fashion instincts and her social media savvy.

Nicole Avant Jun 28, 2019

Nicole Avant joins the show to discuss “The Black Godfather,” the documentary she produced about her father, the legendary music industry executive Clarence Avant. Avant talks about what it was like to grow up in a world where guests at her family home included Presidents of the United States and the likes of Muhammad Ali and Quincy Jones. She also reflects on her father’s words to live by, the importance of paying it forward, and she shares how her close friend Pharrell came to write an original song for the documentary. Previously, Avant held the office of United States Ambassador to The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. She was also the Vice President of Interior Music Publishing; and the California Finance Co-chair for President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign. She is married to Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix.

Linda Cardellini Jun 21, 2019

Linda Cardellini sits down to discuss “Dead to Me,” the show that’s captivated audiences and critics alike. Created by Liz Feldman and co-starring Christina Applegate, it’s an honest study of female friendship and a complex portrayal of grief. Cardellini is having a remarkable year, with back-to-back projects including the Oscar-winning “Green Book,” “Avengers: Endgame” and her hit horror film “The Curse of La Llorona.” Cardellini talks about what it means to work on female-led projects, how she’s stepped up to do things that scare her, and she reflects on the special camaraderie of working on “Freaks and Geeks.”

The Breakout: Jharrel Jerome Jun 20, 2019

In this episode, Krista talks to 21 year-old actor Jharrel Jerome who, despite his youth, has already appeared in a Best Picture Oscar winner: “Moonlight.” Now, he stars in “When They See Us,” the limited series executive produced, directed, and co-written by Oscar nominee Ava DuVernay. It’s a devastating account of the events surrounding the the African American and Latino teenagers labeled the “Central Park Five,” who were falsely accused of raping and assaulting a woman in 1989. Jerome talks about growing up in the Bronx, how he coped while filming this traumatic true-life story, and he discusses the pressures facing young actors in the age of social media.

Jason Bateman Jun 20, 2019

As an actor, director and producer, Jason Bateman’s all-or-nothing commitment has propelled him to success on both the big and small screen, in comedy and drama, and on both sides of the camera. He was awarded a Golden Globe for his performance as Michael Bluth in “Arrested Development,” and he won a Screen Actors Guild award for his work playing Marty Byrde in “Ozark.” Bateman is also a four-time Emmy nominee. In this episode, he shares what fans can expect from the third season of “Ozark,” his profound sense of responsibility, and his obsessive love of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Renée Zellweger Jun 14, 2019

Welcome to the first episode of Present Company with Krista Smith. In this episode, Krista sits down with Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger and chats about her Netflix show “What/If.” They also discuss what it was like for Zellweger to play Judy Garland for her upcoming film “Judy,” as well as the most memorable moments of her career, including working with Tom Cruise on “Jerry Maguire” and stepping into the shoes of Bridget Jones.

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