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Latest Episodes:

Kieran Culkin Feb 15, 2022

Show notes

Kieran Culkin, who plays Roman Roy on "Succession," helps us dissect the moments from the Season 3 finale that we still can't stop thinking about: the Roy sibling alliance, Gerri's betrayal, and the surprising ending. Plus, we discuss his upbringing as a child actor, why conjuring up his family's past doesn't actually help him in scenes and THAT Jeremy Strong New Yorker article. Fair warning: This conversation contains profanity. To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson on how sifting through 40 hours of archival footage of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival — where legends like Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder performed in the same summer as Woodstock — led to his debut documentary, ‘"Summer of Soul.” Plus, how the parallel protests of 2020 and 1969, as well as a focus on Black joy, helped to shape the film, and why he still considers "The Tonight Show" with Jimmy Fallon his creative epicenter.

To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com

Pablo Larraín Feb 01, 2022

Show notes

"Spencer" director Pablo Larraín details the historical truths in his Princess Diana fable, explains the film’s handling of sensitive elements — such as Diana’s eating disorder and relationship with her sons — and shares the moment on set when Kristen Stewart “lost it” in a good way. To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

Beanie Feldstein Jan 25, 2022

Show notes

Beanie Feldstein takes us behind the scenes of her performance on “Impeachment: American Crime Story” and shares why playing Monica Lewinsky forced her to 'disassociate' from herself. Plus, she opens up about the sudden death of her brother Jordan and gushes over the Jewish women (Bette and Barbra) who paved the way for her role as Fanny Brice in the upcoming Broadway revival of “Funny Girl.”

To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com

Maggie Gyllenhaal Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

Maggie Gyllenhaal discusses the “electrifying” experience that led to her adaptation of “The Lost Daughter.” Plus, she details her correspondence with anonymous author Elena Ferrante, her attempts to truthfully portray motherhood on screen and her hopes for future collaborations with her brother, Jake Gyllenhaal.

To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com

Daniel Dae Kim Jan 11, 2022

Show notes

Daniel Dae Kim recounts how an attack on his sister catalyzed his fight against AAPI hate crimes, his greatest fear when it came to “Lost,” and why having a seat at the table as a producer is both “liberating” and “soul-destroying.” Plus, he discusses his first lead role: an FBI agent on National Geographic’s “The Hot Zone: Anthrax.”

To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

Bonus: Mahershala Ali and Benjamin Cleary (Live from AFI Fest) Jan 04, 2022

Show notes

Live from AFI Fest, "Swan Song" director Benjamin Cleary and actor Mahershala Ali discuss the heartbreaking inspiration for the film, the challenges of shooting during a pandemic, and improvising scenes with Naomie Harris. Plus, Ali shares why every role — from a commercial to "Blade" — is equally important to him.

To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

Issa Rae Dec 27, 2021

Show notes

Issa Rae breaks down the "Insecure" finale, including Molly and Issa’s heart to heart and why — after considering alternate endings — she decided to let her character choose happiness. Plus, Rae details her regrets about turning South L.A. into a Hollywood landmark, when she learned what not to share publicly, and how the success of "Insecure" has changed her meetings with studio execs.

To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

Halle Berry Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

Halle Berry details how she channeled her childhood trauma in her directorial debut, “Bruised”; why she has “great compassion” for people struggling to get it right; and how she had to fight for roles even after becoming the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for best actress nearly 20 years ago.

To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

Adam McKay Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

Director Adam McKay takes us behind the scenes of “Don’t Look Up” to reveal the real-life events that inspired his new film. Plus, why his collaboration with Will Ferrell had to end and the rule he enforces about discussing potential awards on set.

To read a full transcript of this interview, please visit the episode page at latimes.com.

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