To Live & Dialogue in LA

Latest Episodes:

Trailer for The Secret World of Roald Dahl Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

Aaron pops back in to tell you about his new podcast, The Secret World of Roald Dahl, available on iHeart, Apple, Spotify, and Pandora.

Sophie Zucker — Writer/Actress (Dickinson on Apple TV) May 21, 2020

Show notes

Live from campus — pre quarantine — Sophie tells Aaron about the unique way she got her first staff job, what happens when Tim Cook walks into a table read of your script, and how she’s navigated the beginnings of an acting resume that already includes gems like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Other Two, and Dickinson.

A fascinating conversation for fans of those shows, as well as anyone interested in breaking into the TV industry.

Follow Aaron on Twitter @aarondtracy for show updates.

Ben McKenzie — Actor, Director, Producer, Writer May 07, 2020

Show notes

Live on campus!…before the quarantine…Aaron and Ben sit down in front of a packed audience to discuss Ben’s successful career as the star of three consecutive broadcast dramas. From The O.C., to Southland, to Gotham, Ben is on a remarkable run, recently adding writer/director/producer to his resume.

Ben goes deep on his early days in the industry, his most important influences, his work ethic, and a lot more.

Follow Aaron on Twitter @aarondtracy for updates.

Michael Douglas — Oscar-winning Actor, Producer Apr 30, 2020

Show notes

Hollywood legend Michael Douglas walks Aaron through highlights of his era-defining career. They pay particular attention to Michael’s working relationship with screenwriters, including those behind Wall Street, Fatal Attraction, The American President, and many others.

Follow Aaron on Twitter @aarondtracy for show updates.

Daniel Pink — Bestselling Author Oct 31, 2019

Show notes

Dan Pink’s TED Talk on the science of motivation is one of the 10 most-watched TED Talks of all time, with more than 20 million views. Dan’s research and writing has a lot to say about how to navigate the creative life, which made Aaron jump at the chance to get him on the show. Join Aaron and Dan for a fascinating conversation about Dan’s recent book, “When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing.”

Dan’s subtle but convincing message is that when we do things matters every bit as much as what we’re doing.

Follow Aaron on Twitter @aarondtracy for show updates.

Laurie Santos — Creator/Host of megahit podcast, The Happiness Lab. Yale Professor Oct 24, 2019

Show notes

Dr. Laurie Santos joins Aaron in the studio for a fascinating conversation about happiness research, and how it pertains to the creative life.

Laurie is a professor of psychology and cognitive science here at Yale. She’s also the Creator/Host of the #1 trending podcast in the nation right now, The Happiness Lab. https://www.happinesslab.fm/

Laurie’s show has its origins in a class she taught last year. A class that became, quite simply, the most popular course in Yale’s 300 year history. One out of every four students signed up for it. They had to hold it in the symphony hall.

Both Laurie’s class and her podcast focus on how science and research can help us lead healthier, happier, more satisfying lives. You won’t want to miss this.

Follow Aaron on Twitter @aarondtracy for show updates.

Richard Curtis — Screenwriter, Director (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually) Oct 17, 2019

Show notes

Aaron sits down with one of the great screenwriters of charming romantic comedies. Wait, no qualifier necessary. Aaron sits down with THE greatest screenwriter of charming romantic comedies. From Four Weddings and a Funeral…to Notting Hill…to Love Actually…to Bridget Jones’s Diary…Richard in a class by himself.

Aaron asks Richard about various pieces of writing advice he’s given over the years, and whether he continues to stand by it all. A must listen for anyone interested in the art of screenwriting. Aaron and Richard also dissect a key scene from Four Weddings to Aaron’s great delight. And much, much more.

Follow Aaron on Twitter @aarondtracy for updates.

James Patterson — The World’s Best Selling Author Oct 10, 2019

Show notes

Aaron welcomes the biggest name in books to the pod for a rare, career-spanning interview. Patterson is the best selling writer of the past several decades. He’s sold more than 300 million copies of his books, including 114 New York Times bestsellers. 67 of those have hit #1, which is a Guinness World Record for a single author.

Patterson walks Aaron through his work habits, his film and TV adaptations, and the secret to his immense output. They also discuss Patterson’s mega-fans Bill Clinton, and Serena Williams, as well as the new scripted series Aaron is writing based on one of James’ most beloved works.

Follow Aaron on Twitter @aarondtracy for updates.

Ron Howard — Director, Producer, Writer, Actor Oct 03, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to a new season of To Live & Dialogue! Aaron sits down with one of his filmmaking heroes, Ron Howard, for a wide ranging conversation about Ron’s legendary career, focusing on the extraordinary screenwriters and TV creators he’s worked with since Happy Days. Hear the origin stories of some of Ron’s most beloved films.

Films discussed include: Night Shift, Splash, The Paper, Ransom, A Beautiful Mind, Frost/Nixon, Cinderella Man, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (one of Ron’s favorites), and many more.

Follow Aaron on Twitter @aarondtracy for updates.

Stephany Folsom Redux! – Toy Story 4 Screenwriter Jun 27, 2019

Show notes

With Toy Story 4 just released, we’re reposting our great conversation with screenwriter Stephany Folsom.

Stephany explains the multi year process of screenwriting at Pixar, working with animators, what it’s like on the Pixar campus, and the responsibility she feels to the billion dollar franchise.

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