PRI: The Sound of Young America

We're taking a moment to remember singer and R&B legend, Angie Stone, who died on March 1, 2025. She was 63 years old. When Stone spoke with Bullseye in 2023, she had just released her newest album: Love Language . She talked about having her heart set on performing from a very young age, the influence of her family on her career, and auditioning for Sugarhill Records with The Sequence.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

The MaxFunDrive is a great time to look back at the past year here at Bullseye. In this excerpted segment we listen to a bit of our conversation with Barry Sonnenfeld. He showed up early so he could work on his lighting and camera. He also dropped the most unbelievably bonkers Werner Herzog story. Do these kind of moments and conversations mean something to you? They are only possible with support from members of Maximum Fun. Join us at maximumfun.org/join .

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

The Tom Green Sho w was ahead of its time. Its surreal stunts and pranks influenced a number of TV shows over the past twenty five years in that genre. In recent years, Tom Green kind of took a break. But Tom Green fans can rejoice – he's the star of three new projects. The projects come at a reflective time of his life and he gets real about starting a new chapter in his life. Plus, he brought his dog into the studio. You're going to want to hear about this dog.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

This week on Bullseye, it's Vincent D'Onofrio. He talks about his many memorable roles in Full Metal Jacket , Law & Order: Criminal Intent , Men in Black , and Daredevil . He also talks about how an actor accesses these grand characters through physical and emotional inspirations, as well as the Kingpin costume made of material developed by NASA.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

In this excerpted segment we listen to a bit of our conversation with Tyrese Gibson. Perhaps one of the most memorable moments in recent memory. Mid-interview Tyrese stopped us to take an important call from a Bay Area rap legend. Who was it? Only one way to find out! Surprising moments like these are what gets us excited about putting out a show – and conversations like these are made possible with support from members of Maximum Fun. Join us at maximumfun.org/join .

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

This week we're talking with the one and only George Lopez. He joins us to talk about how he and his daughter Mayan approached creating their sitcom Lopez vs Lopez . He also opens up about his upbringing and the relationship he had with his grandparents who raised him. He also gets into how his comedy style has changed over the years since he first performed on The Tonight Show in the nineties.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Charlotte Nicdao stars as Poppy on the Apple TV+ comedy Mythic Quest . She joins Bullseye to talk about that very funny show. We talk about her upbringing in Australia, and the first time she visited the United States when she was a teenager for music camp. She also takes us back to the time she auditioned for the part of a mob boss in her school's production of Guys and Dolls .

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

George Wallace has been doing stand-up for fifty years. Known for his evergreen humor, he's practically royalty in Las Vegas, where he's done so many residencies he's lost count. Wallace talks to Bullseye about his love of the 70s, welcoming everyone in the room as a performer, and the influence of preaching on his comedy style.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Linda Holmes knows what goes into a good romantic comedy. Linda has written about pop culture for more than 20 years and is a huge fan of the genre. She's also written romantic comedy novels herself. Linda joins us on Bullseye to discuss her latest novel Back After This . She breaks down the clichés that make rom-coms great and the tropes that make them stink.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

You may know him as Zorro , or as a very Zorro-like cat from the Shrek universe: Puss in Boots. It's Antonio Banderas! He talks with us about reconnecting with, and then portraying his friend and collaborator Pedro Almodóvar. Plus, he talks about how his acting experience in Hollywood did not, for the lack of a better term, translate to acting in Spanish films.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Pedro Almodóvar is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of all time. He's the director of the movies Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down , Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakdown and, most recently, The Room Next Door . He chats with us about his dramatic endeavor Julieta , his new wave band, and his unseen ailment.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Dr. Frasier Crane! Beast from X-Men ! Sideshow Bob from The Simpsons ! Our guest needs no introduction: it's Kelsey Grammer. He's an incredibly talented actor and a fascinating, complicated person. He gets into his time working on Cheers while struggling with substance abuse – and how he learned to forgive himself. Don't worry there's plenty of time for some laughs, too. He talks about the inspiration for the voice of Sideshow Bob and embraces the viral clip of him falling from a few years back.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Tramell Tillman plays Mr. Milchick on Severance , the bizarre, fascinating sci-fi workplace show on Apple TV +. Tramell Tillman is great as Mr Milchick. He shares how he collaborated with Ben Stiller to create the character. He also talks with us about his upbringing in Baltimore, his experience being raised in the Baptist church, and his early appearance on The Wire .

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Isabella Rossellini is probably best known as an actor, having acclaimed parts in movies like Blue Velvet , Death Becomes Her , and Big Night . She's also a model, a performance artist, an accomplished singer and even an academic. When Isabella Rossellini joined Bullseye in 2022 she spoke with correspondent Louis Virtel about her role in Marcel the Shell with Shoes On , collaborating with David Lynch and why she is attracted to working in experimental film.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

We're taking a moment to remember the life of soul singer Brenton Wood. He died earlier this month. He was 83. Brenton was also responsible for the hit songs Oogum Boogum Song, Gimme Little Sign and Baby You Got It . When Brenton joined us in 2023 he was still going on tour well into his 80s. He talked with Bullseye about that decision and his secret to sounding so great well into that age. He also got into his time growing up in San Pedro and the South Bay area of Los Angeles.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Adam Scott is best known for his iconic roles in comedy: Parks And Recreation . Party Down . Step Brothers . His latest is a departure from the roles traditionally associated with the actor. On Severance , he portrays the show's protagonist Mark. While the show has some comedic elements, it's very dark and mysterious. The second season of the show just started airing on Apple TV+. We get into Adam's role as Mark, his first job as a taffy maker, and so much more.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Rapper Denzel Curry was born and raised in Miami, but his music doesn't really sound like he's from Miami. With his reputation as a Soundcloud rapper – his home isn't so much the neighborhood he grew up in as the website where he posts his music. He joins us to talk about his latest record King of the Mischievous South and his time growing up in Miami. We also get into some of his hobbies – he's a big fan of the card game Magic The Gathering.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Nick Park is the creator of the beloved stop motion series Wallace & Gromit , as well as the movies Shaun the Sheep and Chicken Run . His latest project is the movie Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl . He joins us to talk about the film and answers our most pressing question: Has he met any real life dogs named Gromit, and how many of those dogs were good boys?

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Jeff Hiller is an actor and comedian. Alongside Bridget Everett he stars in the HBO comedy Somebody Somewhere . The series just wrapped its third and final season. Hiller joins us on Bullseye to talk about the show. We also get into Hiller's time as a teacher and performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade theater in New York. He talks about what he learned there, what he loved about it and what frustrated him most about the experience.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Marianne Jean-Baptiste is a classically trained actor who has over 50 credits to her name, including Secrets & Lies and the FBI show Without a Trace . She currently stars in the film Hard Truths , directed by Mike Leigh, and has received critical acclaim for her performance. When we talked in 2020, she'd just starred in the new thriller In Fabric . We're revisiting our conversation with the actor, talking about the film and the time she read a newspaper for 45-minutes as part of an audition.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

John Larroquette is an actor with almost 50 years of experience. His big break was on the NBC sitcom Night Court . The show aired its last episode in 1992. But after nearly 30 years, it's made its way back on air. When John joined us he talked about the experience returning to set after so many of his former co-stars had passed. He also spoke candidly about his struggles with substance abuse. This interview also dives into less serious topics ... including The Texas Chain Saw Massacre .

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Nikki Giovanni died earlier this month at the age 81. We were fortunate enough to get to talk with her in 2021 and wanted to revisit our conversation with the late poet. She spoke with us about the first poem she remembered writing, overcoming teenage angst and why she was not afraid—excited even—to find life on Mars.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

With a little help from the smash hit Cannonball , The Breeders became one of the biggest names in early '90s alternative rock. In 2018, we chatted with the band's lead guitarist and singer Kim Deal. The band just released their first new record in 10 years. Just this past month, Deal recorded her first ever solo album: Nobody Loves You More. She talked about the music scene in her hometown of Dayton, Ohio, how unintended her success was, and transitioning from the Pixies to The Breeders.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

In this bonus episode, we're taking a moment to remember the life of Rickey Henderson. The legendary baseball player died on December 20. He was 65. First, we'll revisit an essay written by Jesse Thorn in 2017 about what made Rickey one of the best to ever play the game. Then, an interview from 2022 with writer Howard Bryant, author of Rickey: The Life and Legend of an American Original .

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Each year, Bullseye looks back on the year in stand-up comedy by presenting listeners with an annual end of year stand-up comedy showcase! The Bullseye team combed through dozens and dozens of albums to bring you some of the best comedy of 2024. That includes stand-up from: Kyle Kinane, Kimberly Clark, Rory Scovel, Tig Notaro and more!

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Rachel Bloom is a comedian and songwriter. She created and starred in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. The spring of 2020 was a tough time for a lot of us. It took Bloom a few years to process all that, and now we have the result: Death, Let Me Do My Special on Netflix. Bloom joins us to talk about her special. We get into what it was like to see the world grieve the loss of his writing partner, Adam Schlesingler, so publicly. Plus, we talk about Bobi, a dog who lived to be over thirty years old!

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Ken Burns is one of the greatest documentary filmmakers of all time. He's dedicated much of his life to covering the story of America through his works: The Civil War, Country Music, Jackie Robinson, just to name a few. His recent work ventures outside of The United States to record one of the greatest minds in history: Leonardo da Vinci. Ken Burns comes to Bullseye to discuss the renaissance man, quilts, and so much more.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Canonball is a segment that takes a closer look at albums that should be considered classics. This time, MC Skiz Fernando joins Bullseye to discuss the game changing album Operation: Doomsday by MF DOOM. Skiz just released a book that records the life and death of the hip-hop legend. It's called The Chronicles of DOOM: Unraveling Rap's Masked Iconoclast . Skiz stops by to key us into the classic album, including songs like: "Tick Tick" and "Rhymes Like Dimes."

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Paul Williams has lived an extraordinary life. He's a songwriter who's written songs performed by Three Dog Night, Tiny Tim, The Carpenters, and David Bowie. On the latest episode of Bullseye we get into it all: Falling out of airplanes. Dressing as an Orangutan from Planet of the Apes on Carson. The simple genius of Kermit the Frog's Rainbow Connection, which was surprisingly complicated to write.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Tavi Gevinson is a very talented actor and writer. She was just fifteen years old when she founded the fashion magazine Rookie , a smash success that is still beloved today. She returns to the show to talk about some of her new projects, what impacts social media has had on her career and how she dealt with the pressure of being called a wunderkind.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Connie Chung is a TV legend. She is an Emmy-winning newscaster and interviewer, and the first Asian American to host a major network news show. She chronicles her life and career in her new book Connie: A Memoir . Connie joins Bullseye to talk all about her memoir, what she misses the most about reporting the news, and the wonder of the modern standing desk.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

J. Kenji López-Alt is a food writer and chef. He wrote the books The Food Lab and The Wok: Recipes and Techniques . The holidays are coming up – if you're looking for some new recipes to try, some of our favorites at Bullseye include López-Alt's roasted potatoes , chocolate chip cookies and standing prime rib . Making your own mayonnaise the López-Alt way only takes two minutes! A version of this interview originally aired in March of 2022.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

James Adomian is a comedian with a foot in two worlds. He's a stand-up comedian and impressionist who's performed on the Late Late Show, Conan , Jimmy Kimmel Live and many more. He's got a brand new stand-up special out now called James Adomian: Path of Most Resistance . He joins us to talk about the new special and even does a few impressions.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

DeMar DeRozan is a basketball player for the Sacramento Kings. He's a six time NBA All-Star and an Olympic gold medalist. DeRozan just released a memoir: Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm . He joins us to talk about some tough subjects covered in the book like his struggle with depression. He also gets into what it was like to be named dropped in one of the hottest songs of summer – Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Good gourd! It's a very special Halloween Spooktacular edition of Bullseye, where we're revisiting some of our best Halloween interviews. First up: R.L. Stine, creator of the Goosebumps series. Then, a very special visit from comedian Andy Daly with the song that changed his life: The Monster Mash! Finally, the "damned" finale: Cassandra Peterson, the woman behind Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

MAVI is a rapper from Charlotte, North Carolina. In recent years, he's become one to watch. On his latest album Shadowbox his flow teems with self doubt and anxiety. The melodies and samples linger long after the record's finished. MAVI joins us on the latest episode of Bullseye to discuss the record. The themes in his albums are often filled with pain and loneliness, so get into how he's been doing lately to handle those feelings.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Jordan Morris is a comedy writer, podcast host, and author. His new graphic novel Youth Group follows a teen who apprehensively joins a Christian youth group and comes to find that demons are real! Fear not, as the youth group is intent on exorcising the demons from whence they came. We get into Jordan's graphic novel and so much more on Bullseye.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

What do the films Men in Black , The Addams Family and Raising Arizona all have in common? They were all shot by cinematographer and director Barry Sonnenfeld. He's responsible for filming and directing some of the biggest movies from the 20th century. He joins us to talk about his new memoir and reflect on his many years in show business.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Sérgio Mendes died last month. He was 83 and had been dealing with long COVID for several months. His band Brasil '66 was at the forefront of a bossa nova explosion that introduced the genre to listeners across the world. When Mendes joined us nearly a decade ago, he talked about how his music evolved over the years and he got into the show at Carnegie Hall that changed music history forever.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Herb Alpert is most famous for the music he created with his band, Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass. His career as a musician and producer has spanned over six decades, breaking ground on artists like The Police and Janet Jackson. In the nine years since Herb was last on Bullseye, he's dropped nine more records. We revisit our conversation with the music legend in honor of the recent release of his 50th studio album, 50 .

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

André 3000 is one of the greatest rappers to ever grace a microphone. He is, of course, one half of the Grammy winning rap group Outkast. Between the years of 1995 and 2006, he and his partner Big Boi released some of the most iconic rap records of all time. Late last year André released an album called New Blue Sun . It's an ambient spiritual jazz record where André plays the flute. He just kicked off a Fall tour in support of the album. We are beyond thrilled to have André 3000 join us on the show to talk about his recent album. He also gets into where he currently stands on rapping. Plus, he shares with us what his time working in the fashion world was like.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Earlier this year, Casey Wilson and Jessica St. Clair put together an audio book called The Art of Small Talk . Think of it as a guide on navigating through brief conversations with strangers. In the audio book, they discuss why small talk is important and how it brings us as human beings, living our lives, closer together. On this episode, Jessica and Casey will get into how to perfect the art of small talk. They'll tell us what works for them and walk us through a few examples. They'll even coach Jesse on how to best engage in small talk at the dog park.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Eve is an icon in hip-hop, a west Philly rapper whose flow, style and production helped define the genre in the early 2000s. She's released three incredible albums–all of which reached either gold or platinum–and stands out as the first lady of rap collective The Ruff Ryders. Eve covers it all in her new memoir, Who's that Girl? . It's about Eve's journey in hip-hop, acting, motherhood, and mental health. We talk all about it and so much more on Bullseye.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Wendy and Lisa recorded some stone cold classics with Prince's band The Revolution: Purple Rain , Raspberry Beret , Kiss , When Doves Cry and more. These days, they're known for their work composing scores for TV and movies: Heroes , Dangerous Minds , Crossing Jordan , and Nurse Jackie . Wendy and Lisa talk with us about their 40-plus year partnership, and their Emmy award-winning work as composers. And of course, what it was like to collaborate with Prince, and work on some of his most iconic records.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Ian Frazier, is a writer who, for lack of a better term, does the thing. If there is a place that fascinates him he goes to that place, immerses himself in it, and writes about it. And that's exactly what he did for his new book about the Bronx called Paradise Bronx . He joins us to talk about the history of the New York borough and even tells us how he mapped out the radius in which residents can smell cookies from a local bakery. Plus, he shares what items he brings with him when he goes out to explore a city.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Tyrese Gibson is a renaissance man. He's a Grammy-nominated singer, blockbuster actor, an accomplished author, and model. His latest project is a crime drama–1992 . It's set in Los Angeles, the day four police officers charged with beating Rodney King were acquitted. We talk about the film and the commercial that jump started his career. Plus, Tyrese presses pause mid-interview to take an important call from a rap legend.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Lynda Barry is a legend of alternative comics. These days, she teaches at the University of Wisconsin. Her book What It Is , was recently re-issued on paperback. When we talked to Lynda in 2020, she'd just released Making Comics . It's sort of an illustrated guide on how to create comics. At the heart of the book is a belief Lynda has: Anybody can draw. Anyone can make comics. Yes, even you!

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Jon Hamm is an actor with a lot of range. He can do serious, and he can definitely do funny. When he last joined us on the show, he had just starred in a comic noir called Maggie Moore(s) . A film with a perfect mix of serious and funny. He chatted with us about that film, how he landed his memorable role on Mad Men , and much more.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

ScarLip is hip-hop's next rising star with her forceful flow and energy inspired by the late rapper DMX. She's just been named to XXL's 2024 freshman class and received the stamp of approval from hip-hop giants Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg. We get into her ascent in the game, breath control while performing, and staying in school against all odds. Plus: What's a Glizzy? We answer that and so much more.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Entering the studio with Jesse Thorn on the latest episode is John Cena. The wrestler turned actor talks about his path to the ring and Hollywood. John recently announced his imminent retirement from wrestling – he talked with us about that decision. Plus, John's always wanted to learn how to play piano, and he's thought of a way to make that happen. His latest project is an action comedy called Jackpot! in which he stars alongside Awkwafina. You can stream it now on Amazon Prime.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Common and Pete Rock are two of hip-hop's greatest heroes. Now, the two icons have combined their genius to release their first collaborative work together, The Auditorium Vol. 1 . We get into the album, discuss some of the pair's most profound tracks, and spin into a conversation on breakdancing at 50.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Ghostbuster! Beldar the Conehead! Blues Brother Elwood! The one and only Dan Aykroyd joins us. In the audio documentary Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude , Aykroyd tells the story of how the band formed, how it persevered through decades of tumult, including the death of its co-founder and friend, John Belushi. Dan Aykroyd talks about the history of The Blues Brothers , the making of Ghostbusters , and so much more.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Bilal is a vocalist with a foot in two worlds. He's a rap fan's favorite jazz singer, or a jazz fan's favorite hip hop singer. He joins to talk about his new project Live at Glasshaus (Glasshaus Presents) , which came out earlier this summer. He also shares how he and his longtime collaborator and friend Robert Glasper first met. Plus, Bilal also talks about how he got together with a big band in Germany to perform a Curtis Mayfield tribute concert.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Megan Stalter is an actor and comedian. She plays Kayla Schaefer on the hit show Hacks , the wildly inappropriate, yet charming assistant to Paul W. Downs' manager character. Stalter also stars in the new film Cora Bora . She plays the title character, a singer/songwriter in a long distance relationship that she senses is in trouble. Megan Stalter joins us to talk about the film, her time on Hacks , and so much more.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Actor and comedian Paul Scheer recently joined us before a live audience at LAist – our hometown public radio station in Los Angeles – to talk about his new book Joyful Recollections of Trauma . Paul also shares a story about an intense encounter he had with actor Christopher Walken when he was younger. Plus, he tells us how he's become such a big Los Angeles Clippers fan.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Les Savy Fav recently released OUI, LSF , their first album in 14 years. On the latest episode, Jesse chats with Tim Harrington and bassist Syd Butler of Les Savy Fav. Harrington is in his 50's now and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder not too long ago. He opens up about taking better care of himself. Butler and Harrington also get into the new record, which was recorded in Harrington's attic – please don't tell his landlord.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Serj Tankian is the lead singer and co-founder of the hard rock band System of a Down. He's also a solo artist, activist, symphony composer, and an author. He just released his book Down With The System: A Memoir (Of Sorts) . Serj talks all about the book, his time as the frontman of System of a Down, and his love for Barbara Streisand.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Molly Gordon joins us to talk about starring on FX's hit series The Bear . She get into what it's been like working with the incredible cast and how it's been to play a resident ER doctor on the show. She also shares what it was like growing up with parents who worked in show business and tell us what they taught her about filmmaking.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Ms. Pat's standup comedy is direct, clever and raw. She headlines shows all over the country and she's got her own TV show - The Ms. Pat Show on BET Plus. We'll get into her Emmy nominated sitcom, her extraordinarily difficult road to success and why she decided to take a chance on standup in the first place. Plus, a bonkers story about the time she took an order from a U.S. President at a fast food restaurant.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Tanya Tucker is a country music legend! She's been singing since she was nine years old and has released about two dozen records in her time. When Tanya was last on Bullseye, she had just released her Grammy award-winning album While I'm Living. She talks about the album, turning down Elvis Presley, and so much more.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Chances are you've probably seen Kaitlin Olson on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia . The show's been on the air for almost two decades now! Olson also performs on the TV comedy Hacks . She earned an Emmy nomination for her part on the show. When Olson came on Bullseye back in 2015, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia had just wrapped its 10th season! She talked with us about morally broken comedy characters and whether it's a good idea to fall in love with the creator of your TV show.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Twyla Tharp is a legend in the world of dance. She's danced and choreographed professionally for nearly 60 years. Tharp is 82 and she's still working just as hard as ever. She has a new show that she choreographed – How Long Blues . When we spoke to Twyla she had just written a book called Keep it Moving: Lessons for the Rest of Your Life . We're thrilled to revisit this conversation. She's one of the most insightful, hilarious, and sassy guests we've ever had on the show.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Michael Stipe is forever cemented in the minds of music fans as the lead singer of R.E.M., one of the biggest rock bands in history. He's also made some fun appearances on shows like At Home with Amy Sedaris and The Adventures of Pete and Pete . R.E.M. was also recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame where they performed their classic song "Losing My Religion." When Stipe was last on Bullseye, we talked with him about discovering his voice, his passion for photography, and the new music he'd been writing.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

You may have heard Ray Suarez on Bullseye before. He was last a guest on the show in 2016 and has since interviewed all kinds of folks for us. Lately, Ray has been spending a lot of time abroad. He lectures at the New York University campus in Shanghai. During his time abroad, he's been thinking a lot about what it means to be an immigrant. He's interviewed people from all across the globe on the topic, and has compiled their stories into a new book called We Are Home: Becoming American in the 21st Century.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Walton Goggins is a master of comedy, action and drama – take his latest project Fallout – a performance that blends all of that into something really special and compelling. Walton joins us to talk about the series, and why he was so enthusiastic to take the role before he even knew much about it. Walton also gets into his love of horseback riding and growing up with a father who's larger than life. Plus, how one of the characters he portrays on Fallout became an accidental sex symbol.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Alonso Duralde is a critic, podcast host, and film writer. He just published a new book, Hollywood Pride: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance in Film . It looks at the history of film through a queer lens, showcasing the contributions of queer actors and directors in Hollywood. Alonso joins Bullseye to talk about the book, portrayals and erasures of LGBTQ+ characters, and some quintessential queer movies to watch.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Maya Erskine stars in the Amazon Prime series Mr. and Mrs. Smith . It's an action thriller in which she stars opposite Donald Glover. It's a dark, high stakes, prestige, serialized adaptation of the 2005 film of the same name. Maya joins us to talk about the series and how she prepared for the role. We also get into her time in college and how she'd make skits with her longtime friend and collaborator Anna Konkle. Plus, she shares some stories with us about her time in arts high school.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

The record producer Steve Albini was a legend. He recorded with The Stooges, Pixies, Nirvana and so many others. He passed away last month at the age of 61. Jesse Thorn spoke with him 17 years ago. The interview was recorded live at the Second City in Chicago. In the conversation they got into his creative process and why he thought the best albums were made over a weekend rather than several months. They also talked about Missoula, Montana and how that influenced his taste growing up.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Shonda Rhimes is one of the most accomplished TV writers and producers of our time. She's written shows like Scandal , How To Get Away With Murder , and Grey's Anatomy , one of the longest-running primetime TV shows ever. When Shonda was last on Bullseye, Shonda spoke with our correspondent Jarrett Hill on her newest project, Queen Charlotte – it's a spinoff of the widely popular Bridgerton series. With Bridgerton now in its third season, we revisit our conversation with Shonda Rhimes.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Richard Thompson began his music career as the guitarist for the English folk rock band Fairport Convention. Following his time with the group, he began performing as part of a duo with his then wife, Linda. Then, after the couple split, as a solo artist. Thompson has recorded over two dozen albums. His latest record is called Ship to Shore and it's out now! He talks with us about the new record, his time with Fairport Convention and even performs a few songs alongside his wife, Zara Phillips.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Billy Dee Williams might be best known as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars franchise. He's an actor with eight decades under his belt and a man of many talents. He's a painter, a singer, and author who just released his memoir, What Have We Here? Portraits of a Life . Billy Dee Williams joins Bullseye to talk about his memoir and galaxies, far, far away.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

We're presenting a preview of Maximum Fun's newest show Primer . In its debut season, music writer Yosuke Kitazawa (PBS SoCal , Light in the Attic ) joins Christian Dueñas and special guests to explore Japanese City Pop. The show celebrates the lives of its artists, explores the cultural and historical context of the songs, and they reflect on the impact that music had on listeners everywhere. Linda Marigliano joins Primer to discuss City Pop icon, Miki Matsubara and her debut record, Pocket Park .

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Ed Ruscha has made art for almost 65 years. His work is in collections all over the world. His medium is eclectic – he's a painter, a photographer, an installation designer, a printmaker, and one of Los Angeles' most iconic artists. LACMA, just put on a retrospective of Ruscha's work. NOW THEN covers a career that's spanned over five decades. We get into the exhibit. We also get into some of his most famous works, including Chocolate Room – which is exactly what it sounds like.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Miranda July is a multi-disciplinary artist and filmmaker. She's directed movies like Kajlillionaire and Me, You and Everyone We Know. She's designed apps and even recorded a spoken word album. She also just published her second novel, All Fours. In it, July covers marriage, middle age, and perimenopause. Miranda joins Bullseye to talk about her book, her career and the wild new soda flavor she helped make.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker – together they created some truly classic comedies: Airplane! , Top Secret , and The Naked Gun . They recently wrote a book called Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! . We've got Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker on the latest episodes to talk about the book and the rules of comedy. They also dive into why they cast Leslie Nielsen in their projects and what it was like to work with him.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Lisa Ann Walter has been in show business for a long time and has seen a lot. You may have seen her most recently as Ms. Schemmenti on the ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary . When we asked her about the craziest day of her career, she took us back to 2010, to the set of the Ashton Kutcher action/comedy film Killers .

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Actor and comedian Cole Escola has written and starred in some of the funniest TV comedies: Difficult People , Hacks , and At Home with Amy Sedaris . Cole's recently taken their writing from the small screen to the stage with Oh, Mary! , a one act play that examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mary Todd Lincoln, like you've never seen before. The play makes its Broadway debut this summer. Cole joins Bullseye to talk about Oh, Mary! , gender, and all things Mary Todd Lincoln.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Isabella Rossellini is probably best known as an actor, having acclaimed parts in movies like Blue Velvet , Death Becomes Her , and Big Night . She's also a model, a performance artist, an accomplished singer and even an academic. When Isabella Rossellini joined Bullseye in 2022, she'd just starred alongside Jenny Slate in the animated film Marcel the Shell with Shoes On . She spoke with guest host Louis Virtel about her role in Marcel the Shell with Shoes On and why she is attracted to working in experimental film.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Throughout his nearly fifty year music career, Raffi has fought for kids. He's done it with beautiful, fun, and funny music. He's also done it as an activist. Raffi is on the really short list of children's performers who connect directly with the youngest people. When we last chatted with Raffi, he had just released his 2014 album Love Bug . He talked to us about the album, his early childhood in Egypt, his social activism and why he's dedicated his life to entertaining children.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Steve Buscemi! The best ever. The actor, director and producer joins Bullseye to talk about dying on screen dozens of times, and how his father shaped his career in the civil services and encouraged him to pursue acting. We'll look back on the first ever movie he acted in – one that ended up being a pivotal moment in the history of American queer cinema. Plus, he'll talk to us about trying his hand at stand-up as an eighteen year old kid from Long Island.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

DJ Quik is one of the most prolific figures in West Coast hip-hop. He's a great rapper, but he's always considered himself a producer first, crafting some of the most inventive samples and beats of the genre. This summer, DJ Quik joins fellow legends Warren G and Snoop Dogg for a tour across that great nation to the North on the Cali to Canada Tour . When Quik joined Bullseye in 2014, he talked about the method behind his sampling and his awesome, awesome hairstyles over the years.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Keita Takahashi is a video game creator and designer. He's responsible for the classic genre defining puzzle game Katamari Damacy . Keita Takahashi has a new game coming out soon. It's called to a T and it's about a child whose arms stick straight out like a "T". We talked with Keita Takahashi about how he got into designing video games and how he pitched the idea for Katamari Damacy to the folks at Namco. He also talks with us about his new game, to a T .

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Alison Brie is the star of beloved television shows Community , Mad Men and BoJack Horseman . She joins us on the latest episode of Bullseye to talk about her latest: Apples Never Fall . We get into her time growing up in South Pasadena and what she learned about herself while working on the physically demanding wrestling tv series GLOW . Does she think the long-awaited Community movie is actually happening? Only one way to find out!

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Paula Pell spent 18 years behind the scenes as a writer on Saturday Night Live. These days, you can see her on Girls5Eva –a sitcom about a 90s girl group that reunites today. She plays Gloria, the queer elder of the group making the most of their second wind. When she joined the show back in 2019, Pell starred in Wine Country alongside a few SNL legends. She also gave us an insider's view on some of her more controversial work on the late-night comedy staple.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Shabaka Hutchings makes brilliant, beautiful genre blending songs. His music is vivid, complex and hypnotic. He recently hung up his saxophone and is playing the flute these days. When Shabaka joined the show back in 2021, his band Sons of Kemet had just put out a record called Black to the Future . He talked with us about making the new record during quarantine. He also discussed being an only child, the first instrument he learned to play and his love of old school gangster rap.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

On the latest episode, R&B singer SiR joins us to talk about his new record Heavy , growing up in Inglewood and his musical family. Plus, he gets vulnerable and frank about his path to sobriety. Right now is the best time to support Bullseye and the MaxFun podcasts you love by starting a monthly membership or upgrading your existing one! Learn more at https://maximumfun.org/join/

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Jenny Slate has starred in films like Marcel the Shell with Shoes On , Obvious Child and Everything Everywhere All at Once . She's also a standup - she just released her second special! Jenny Slate: Seasoned Professional. Slate joins us to talk all about it. The MaxFunDrive is still going strong – right now is the best time to support Bullseye and the MaxFun podcasts you love by starting a monthly membership or upgrading your existing one! Learn more at https://maximumfun.org/join/

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

There aren't many actors who can straddle the worlds of high art and blockbusters as deftly as John Malkovich. His latest project is The New Look , a TV show on Apple TV +. The series takes place in Nazi-occupied France and tells the story of how France's fashion industry navigated a terrifying, inhuman reality. John Malkovich joins us to chat about The New Look and his love of fashion. He also talks to us about his upbringing and early years as a performer. Plus, we also get into one of our most favorite scenes of his from the film Burn After Reading .

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Movie stars, writers, artists: these are the typical fare for Bullseye interviewees. For our production company's annual MaxFunDrive, though, Jesse talks with Bullseye listeners. He asks them the same question: Hey, what's your job? We're presenting a sneak peek at one such interview with Joe - an apprentice an electrician in South Boston.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Peter Dinklage joins us on the latest episode to talk about his new film American Dreamer and working alongside Shirley MacLaine. We also get into Game of Thrones and his time breaking into the industry. Plus, he talks about his time as a singer in a pop-punk band and getting a scar at the legendary venue CBGB's! The MaxFunDrive kicks off this week. Right now is the best time to support Bullseye by starting a monthly membership or upgrading your existing membership! Learn more at https://maximumfun.org/join .

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Kali Reis is a boxer, with two championships in two weight classes. She's also an actor. She first starred in the indie film Catch the Fair One , and her latest role is in HBO's True Detective: Night Country . Kali Reis joins the show to talk about the new season of True Detective , what it's been like to break into acting and more.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Bill Bradley is a two-time NBA champion and hall of famer, Olympic gold medalist, and former U.S. Senator. He recounts all of this and more in his one-man show, Rolling Along: An American Story. Bill joins Bullseye to talk about his theatrical performance, his 2000 run for President of the United States, and so much more.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Musician Laura Jane Grace fronts the punk band Against Me. On the latest , episode Jordan Morris chats with Laura about her early days playing shows in laundromats, her love of Guns N' Roses, and what it's like to record an album while in quarantine. Laura Jane Grace's latest album Hole in my Head is out now and available on her Bandcamp . Jordan Morris co-hosts a new podcast with Emily Fleming on Maximum Fun called Free with Ads .

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Bob Edwards died last month. He was 76. Edwards was the original host of Morning Edition when the program launched in 1979 – a legend in the public radio game. To commemorate his passing, we're replaying Jesse's 2007 interview with Edwards - back when the show was broadcast out of the woods in Santa Cruz, CA.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Corb Lund is a country and western musician from Alberta, Canada. He's been recording music since the nineties and just released a new record called El Viejo . Like his earlier work, it's clever, plain spoken and beautifully produced.When Jesse first talked to Lund, back in 2010, it was at a folk festival up in Calgary – his hometown. Now, he joins us in the studio with his guitar to talk about the new album and play a few songs.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Catherine Opie's photographs have been shown in museums all over the world. Her career spans nearly four decades. Breathtaking photographs of queer and fetish communities, street photography in Los Angeles, portraits of surfers, her friends and families. She joins us to talk about her latest exhibit — a retrospective at Regen Projects. Plus, she tells us about the time she made her own dark room in her childhood bathroom, and also some of the incredible historical items she collects.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy