At last, Clark Kent and Lex Luthor are reunited. Tom and I spent ten years working together on Smallville - he’s like family. We reminisce about old days on the set together...how we got him a driver so he didn’t kill himself driving to set at 4:30am for an 18-hour day, the time I yelled at him when I was directing an episode, and how much we both enjoyed making out with Kristin Kreuk.
Eli Roth (Hostel, Cabin Fever, Inglourious Basterds) opens up about his career as a cybersex sex operator, what it was like to work alongside Quentin Tarantino, and growing up with a Freudian-trained psychoanalyst as a father. Listen as Eli and I talk about his career - from making over 100 short films before finishing high school to his Student Academy Award-winning film featuring Ronald McDonald on a killing spree. Oh, and we talk about how we both masturbated to the same scene in Cannibal Holocaust.
Walking Dead star Emily Kinney is our guest on the podcast this week. You know Emily from her role as Beth Greene on the biggest show in the world, The Walking Dead, and for her beautiful music. We start off by discussing what it was like growing up in Nebraska, her big break, how Steven Yeun invited her to brunch the first weekend to help her feel like a part of the family, plus stories from Masters of Sex and The Knick.
The Flash’s Danielle Panabaker joins me this week on the podcast. Danielle tells me her amazing story...growing up without a lot of friends and how important schooling was to her even when her acting career was taking off. Then we get into her career - auditioning for Mean Girls and being crushed when she didn’t get it, working with the legendary Kevin Costner in Mr. Brooks, and how much fun she has working with everyone on The Flash.
Bobby Lee (MadTV Alumni, TigerBelly, Splitting Up Together) joins me on the podcast...most people know Bobby from his wildly inappropriate sense of humor, but on this week’s episode, Bobby opens up about his childhood - from drug use to inappropriate masturbation and everything else he’s overcome. He gets into the time he s**t in his executive producer’s office, 69’ing while standing up in some girl’s closet, and how his penis looks like the finger of the alien from ET.
Olympic figure skating gold medalist Tara Lipinski joins me on the podcast this week. We get inside what it was like to grow up in the spotlight as a young superstar, how she actually got into the sport, and when she realized the Olympics were actually a possibility for her. Then hear the story about her infamous 1998 Olympic run...going head-to-head against Michelle Kwan, the mind games she’d play with her competitors, and what her career has been like after she stopped competing.
Kristen Bell (The Good Place, Veronica Mars, Frozen, Bad Moms) is one half of Hollywood’s most powerful couple. Kristen talks to me about her relationship with Dax, and the time he drop kicked a guy after he threw a big gulp at their car. Then she opens up about her depression and anxiety - how she recommends trying to change your physical regimen before going right to medicine. She also explains to me that Rob is actually my boss and how lost I’d be without him.
Justin Hartley (This Is Us, Smallville, The Young and The Restless) and I discuss growing up in a small midwest town, the effect his parents’ divorce had on him as a kid, and moving to LA with nothing to his name. Justin talks about the panic attack he had underwater filming Aquaman, going through a devastating divorce of his own, and what it’s like being a part of one of the biggest shows in the world.
Chris Hardwick (Nerdist, ID10T, Talking Dead, @midnight) opens up about his alcoholism, his anxiety attacks and how he copes with them, and how he got his start in the 90s with MTV. Chris tells the story of meeting his wife, and how he thought she was blowing him off when they first started dating...about doing Talking Dead episode after episode and how he really feels about the show, and how he really, really wants to direct a horror movie.
Colin Hanks (Dexter, Fargo, Life in Pieces) discusses what it was like growing up as Tom Hanks son, his mom finding Jesus after her divorce, and the time Madonna sat on his lap when he was 13 years old. Colin talks to me about leaving Roswell to do the Orange County movie, the emotions he dealt with while making the Eagles of Death Metal documentary about the Bataclan shooting, and how he was able to learn to handle his depression.
Controlling Owner and President of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jeanie Buss sits down and talks about her childhood - how she dealt with her parents’ divorce, how she used to sneak away by the horses at the racetrack, and what living at the Pickfair Mansion was like. Jeanie gets into her life with the Lakers...what it was like when her dad bought the team in ‘72, her dad bringing Magic Johnson to the team and they became great friends, and the tough decision she had to make in firing her brother as the executive vice president of basketball operations.
Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn joins me to talk me about the filthy commercials he used to make with his friends when he was a kid, how he used to think sex was just putting a penis in the vagina to help the baby come out at birth, and the start of his miraculous and inspiring career. James opens up about his insecurities in relationships and how hard it is for him to be vulnerable, his marriage with Jenna Fischer, and how he’s finally found a way to juggle his career and personal life.
Jennifer Love Hewitt (Heartbreakers, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Ghost Whisperer) discusses her descent into show business at an early age and living in the Oakwood Apartments around the likes of Elijah Wood, Neil Patrick Harris, and Johnny Galecki. Jennifer opens up for the first time publicly about the passing of her mother...how catastrophic and devastating it was to lose the most important person in her life and what she’s done to deal with the pain since.
Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Fargo, Lost) sits down and talks to me about his childhood, growing up in a broken family, how he adjusted as a kid to his mom coming out of the closet, and how he lost his virginity at sixteen. Then, we get into It’s Always Sunny - the first night Kaitlin made a pass at him and the biggest fight he’s had on set with Charlie and Glenn.
Karen Gillan (Jumanji, Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Who) discusses growing up in Scotland next to Loch Ness, writing a play called Scream: the Musical at ten years old, and where her self-confidence stemmed from. Then we bond over scary movies - she tells me about how everything she creates ends up being really dark and scary, the horror movie she just directed, and she sings me a traditional Scottish Gaelic song.
Katherine McNamara (Shadowhunters, Maze Runner, Monsterville) discusses graduating high school at fourteen years old, the moment she knew she wanted to do with her life (hint: it’s acting), and how she likes to make up curse words. Katherine talks about what it was like to work alongside Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones, how scotch makes her feisty and Irish, and we bond over her love of horror films.
Seth Green (Can’t Buy Me Love, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Austin Powers, Family Guy, The Italian Job) started acting at 7 years old and he’s the genius behind Robot Chicken. Seth tells me the best things he learned growing up in show business around all levels of celebrity, how he met his wife at the grand reopening of Golden Apple Comics, and why he chooses acting over everything else he does.
Topher Grace (That ‘70s Show, Spider-Man 3, BlacKkKlansman) joins me to talk about landing the role as Eric Forman on his first ever audition, the events that led up to him signing his contract without an agent, and how there was no sweeter first than that whole first year of the show. Topher discusses hanging out with Tom Welling before his wedding, gives me an amazing Michael J. Fox impersonation, and discusses auditioning for one of the most hated characters in US history in BlacKkKlansman.
Dax Shepard (CHiPs, Parenthood, Hit and Run, Idiocracy, Armchair Expert) opens up about his rough past - the domestic violence he had to deal with as a kid, his run-in with gang members in his neighborhood, and how he used to try and fill a void in his life by sleeping with lots and lots of really attractive women. Dax talks me through his journey to getting clean...quitting drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and meeting a special lady, getting married, and having kids. He tells me the secrets of maintaining his relationship with Kristen and how he’s learned patience with his family over the years.
Michael Gervais (Sports Psychologist, Seattle Seahawks, Finding Mastery) enlightens me on his philosophies, how he’s learned to condition people’s mind so they can be more present, and his studies of how the most exceptional people in the world work. Michael discusses working with Felix Baumgartner for the Red Bull space jump, walking into the locker room after the Seahawks lost the Super Bowl, and how he’s impacted 1 in 5 people at Microsoft to be more present.
Stephen Amell (Arrow, The Flash, Hung) discusses the beginning of his career, the surreal experience of getting cast on Arrow, and his experience with crossover episodes. Stephen opens up about his first marriage, what went wrong, and dealing with depression towards the end of their relationship. We end the episode on a high note, Stephen tells the fairy tale story of meeting his now wife and becoming a father.
Known for his roles in Chuck, Tangled, Thor, and upcoming DC Comics Shazam...Zachary Levi joins me on the podcast this week. Zachary opens up about his tragic relationship with his mother (which I relate to very much), how getting cast in Shazam is started to reshape his life, and how he tested for Lex Luthor on Smallville - find out who got the role. Oh, and while I’m inside him, he sings a very beautiful song
Erika Christensen (Traffic, Parenthood, Swimfan) discusses getting into showbiz at an early age, how she was able to book commercials are twelve years old, and the different ways she’s learned to deal with her nerves. Erika opens up about the role religion and Scientology plays in her life, her long run on the hit show Parenthood, and the time she tried to kiss me at a Foreigner concert and I apparently turned her down.
Michael Rooker (Walking Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy, Cliffhanger) discusses his childhood - how he got paddled in 1st grade and refused to speak the rest of the year, how he’d get run over by his cousins on their bikes, and how he realized acting was the creative outlet his artistry needed. Rooker tells me about blacking out all his mirrors as he went method for a role, how he almost didn’t get the role on the Walking Dead over a dispute with a producer, and how his cousins used to hit each other with rattlesnake whips.
Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy, WWE, Final Score) discusses his tough childhood - being raised by a single lesbian, what it was like to not have a father in his life, and seeing a dead body in his front yard. Dave opens up about the day that he made a conscious decision to change his life, his career in the WWE, and landing the role as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Jana Kramer (Country music star, One Tree Hill, Dancing with the Stars) discusses growing up in Detroit, catching her dad cheating when she was a teenager, and the daddy issues she deals with. Jana opens up about her ex-husband that tried to kill her and the PTSD she suffers from it, the drama on the set of One Tree Hill, and how her country music career started on a CMT reality show.
Henry Winkler (Happy Days, Barry, Arrested Development) tells me about his parents escaping Nazi Germany during WWII with jewelry smuggled in chocolate, how uncool and nervous he was as a kid, and getting his big break in a repertory group at Yale. Henry discusses his amazing career - how he got cast at the Fonz, dating Shirley from Laverne & Shirley, and his new show with Bill Hader.
Andrew McMahon (AMITW, Jack's Mannequin, Something Corporate) discusses his writing philosophies, how influential Billy Joel’s music has been to him, and the profound impact his uncle’s passing had on his life. Andrew opens up about getting diagnosed with Leukemia, the moment his doctor called him and gave him the news, and how reckless he became with his body once he got better.
Stephen Merchant (The Office, Extras, An Idiot Abroad), tv royalty joins us and discusses how dumb the bullies were at his school growing up, the lessons he learned shooting a film with Ralph Fiennes, and how uncomfortable small things make him. Stephen complains about Ricky’s impatience but also explains how it contributes to how well they work together. Stephen explains how he’s been able to find fulfillment in show business and how much Hello Ladies was like his real dating life.
James Roday (A Million Little Things, Psych, The Dukes of Hazzard) and Dulé Hill (The West Wing, Psych, Suits) are reunited again and discuss falling in love with one another on Psych, James secretly dating their co-star on the show, and the moments they realized the show was going to be a hit. James discusses being a New York theatre kid with a chip on his shoulder and how much Dulé helped him with his social anxiety. Dulé talks about his success on The West Wing, inheriting a 13-year-old daughter, and understudying Savion Glover.
Jamie Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos, Entourage, Dark Ride) discusses landing a role at such a young age, what it was like working alongside the late James Gandolfini, marrying and divorcing her manager when she was in her 20’s, and how being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis has affected her career. Jamie discusses the juicy details of the long lost love (spoiler: it’s me) that got away because she was running around with Mark Sanchez in New York.
Bert Kreischer (Stand-Up Comedian) tells an incredible story about accidentally smoking PCP with Tracy Morgan and how to skip out on a bill, how Rolling Stones named him the biggest partier in the country, and his introduction to alcohol. Bert discusses running for president of the PTA at his daughter’s school just to f**k with another student’s mom, his hardcore codependency with his wife and why he thought Will Smith wanted to have sex with him the first time they met.
Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley, The Big Sick, Portlandia) discusses getting bullied in high school and the toll it took on him, the way movies and video games became an escape for him, and how different America was from his expectations. Kumail discusses his comedy career in New York and Chicago, meeting and falling in love with his wife Emily, and how shockingly close the Big Sick was to what happened between him and his wife.
King Bach (The Mindy Project, The Babysitter, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) - internet sensation, actor, and comedian discusses his parents dream for him to take over their accounting firm, what he saw Vine was missing that helped make him a star and his Guinness Book of World Record for the most followers. He blows me away as he explains to me how much money he makes for social posts, he tells me his goal to be the biggest movie star in the world, and divulges how many times he cried during a Star is Born.
Jennifer Morrison (Once Upon a Time, House, Star Trek) discusses starting her modeling and acting career at a young age, how good she was at the clarinet, and how badly she was bullied after peeing her pants in front of the entire school. Jennifer discusses doing a cover shoot with Michael Jordan for Sports Illustrated, her upcoming directorial projects, and her involvement in the creation of Glee.
Theo Von (Stand Up Comedian, This Past Weekend Podcast) discusses having a father that’s 70 years older than him, growing up in Louisiana in the stray animal belt, and having an adult penis by the time he was 5 years old. Theo opens up about wetting the bed until he was far too old, how love ruins sex for him, and the time he gave an escort a gift card to a dermatologist.
Matt Bellassai (Unhappy Hour, Whine About It) discuss how he was loved too much as a child, getting high and going to The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, and how depression affects his life. Matt discusses his first stand up gig, bombing at Toronto Just for Laughs, and he tells us which guys he’s masturbated to.
Felicia Day (The Guild, Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) discusses getting into Juilliard and not going, her love for World of Warcraft, and going to Hollywood at 20 years old just to be famous. Felicia discusses starting her company with YouTube, her four seasons on Supernatural, and how she wished her poop would smell like Juicy Fruit.
Macaulay Culkin (Home Alone, My Girl, Richie Rich) discusses getting in fights when he was a kid at Catholic School, his relationship with his father growing up, and the seven of them living in a one bedroom apartment. Macaulay opens up about getting Uncle Buck and how that led to the Home Alone franchise, getting drunk on set in Thailand on Seth Green’s movie, and his relationship with Michael Jackson.
Dominic Monaghan (Lord of the Rings, Lost) discusses growing up in the tough city of Manchester, getting slapped across by a stranger in Thailand, and how to correctly pronounce the word “herb.” Dominic opens up about his views on climate change, listening to the Lord of the Rings storybooks with his dad as a kid, and landing the job that changed his life.
Jim Jefferies (The Jim Jefferies Show, Legit) discusses being physically abused by his mother growing up and how he’s been able to forgive her, his relationship with ecstasy and cocaine in his 20s, and how everyone dies alone. Jim opens up about how hard it was when Legit got canceled, the time Paul McCartney saw him do stand up at the Comedy Store, and having his butthole shaved for hemorrhoid surgery.
Aimee Garcia (Dexter, Lucifer, George Lopez) discusses how she almost died when she was four years old, going to school with mostly boys, and her work on Impastor, Rush Hour, and Lucifer. Aimee opens up about her think, laugh, cum philosophy, the horror movie she’s writing, and how she likes to wake up and run around her house naked listening to Sam Cooke.
It’s been 17 years in the making, finally, the Sorority Boys are back together!! Barry Watson, Harland Williams and I discuss Roger Ebert's raving review of the movie, how we were all single during the movie and partied nonstop, and the Playboy model Harland brought on set. Barry opens up about getting Hodgkin's lymphoma, how we bonded over getting our privates waxed together, and just how much making this movie meant to us.
Chris Sullivan (This Is Us, Camping, Guardians of the Galaxy) discusses growing up in Sacramento and going to a progressive Catholic Church, how he stopped drinking 2 and a half years ago, and how big The Knick was for his career. Chris opens up about living in conscious gratitude, how anxiety affects him and how he overcomes it, and the new album he’s recording with Taylor Goldsmith from Dawes.
Matthew Lewis (Harry Potter, Me Before You, Happy Valley) joins me on the podcast this week...you might know him as Neville Longbottom from the Harry Potter movies. You know, one of the biggest movie franchises in cinematic history. Matthew, with his sexy accent, talks to me about his love of rugby, his crush on Emma Watson, and his biggest regret from the Harry Potter set...not giving Gary Oldman his shoes.
Bobby Lee (Splitting Up Together, Mad TV, Harold & Kumar) returns to the podcast to discuss the time he farted in a costar’s mouth at Mad TV, what Jews and Koreans have in common, and how devastated he’d be if I died. Bobby opens up about his dad’s stroke, Khalyla’s heart attack in the Philippines, and his mom’s reaction to Hodor’s penis.
Maria Menounos (E! News, Access Hollywood, Kick’ It Old Skool) discusses going from size 3 to 14 when she started working at Dunkin' Donuts, how she almost got married on the Howard Stern Show, and helping her mom through her battle with brain cancer. Maria opens up about her own brain tumor, how she reacted when she found out, and how she managed to stay so strong during it all.
Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men, Supergirl, Pretty in Pink) discusses the impact his parents' divorce had on him as a four-year-old, how his father being out of the house stunted his masculinity and coming into his own as a feminine intellectual dork. Jon gets brutally honest about his experience with Charlie Sheen and where their relationship is at now, how much he loved Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor as a kid, and the inside scoop on playing the new Lex Luthor on Supergirl.
Jo Koy (Stand-Up Comedian, Chelsea Lately) discusses how Eddie Murphy Raw inspired him to be a comedian, getting rejected by Netflix and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to produce his own special, and how hes finally started to feel like he belongs. Jo opens up about his brother’s schizophrenia and how heartbreaking their relationship is, how leaving the Philippines impacted his teenage years, and how his mom cried when he told her he was going to pursue comedy.
Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones, Ripper Street, Robin Hood) opens up about being bullied in school for his size, how close he has always been with his mother, and how much anxiety he gets over the thought of losing her. Kristian discusses his back problems from carrying Bran all the time, taking two weeks to shoot the infamous Hodor scene, and what he has planned next for his career.
Brent Burns (San Jose Sharks, 6x All-Star) discusses growing up in a hockey family just north of Toronto, how he always wanted to be in either the military or the NHL, and how he got his two front teeth knocked out as soon as he got his braces off. Burns discusses how lucky he was to be drafted by Minnesota and how mentally and physically strong players coming into the league are now. He opens up about losing to the Penguins in game 6 of the Stanley Cup, how fat he used to get in the offseason, and the time he got attacked by a cheetah.
Bruce Campbell (Army of Darkness, The Evil Dead, Ash vs Evil Dead) talks about getting to a spiritual level and transcending self while acting, how with age he’s chosen pot over boner pills, and embracing the paranoia when he’s high. Bruce opens up about working with Sam Raimi and how much of a pioneer he was, how the rating system screwed him over, and why he won’t use live firearms on set.
Zachary Levi (Shazam, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Chuck) returns to the podcast to talk about preparing himself both physically and mentally to embody a superhero on screen, the audition process to get the role, and what it's like to make a movie that's pure joy. Michael and Zach get inside of each other this week when they discuss moving past trauma, spirituality, parents, and what Zach wants out of a romantic relationship. Also, Michael talks about his audition for Shazam!
David Nutter (Game of Thrones, Smallville, Supernatural) aka the pilot whisperer discusses selling sixteen pilots in a row that went to series, the secret behind directing Brad Pitt, George Clooney & James Gandolfini, and how he still treats every job like its his first. David opens up about shooting the Red Wedding, directing three of the final six Game of Thrones episodes, and the time Barack Obama told him he kills all his favorite characters.
Jimmy Connors (2x Wimbledon Winner, 5x US Open Champ, Former #1 Tennis Player) discusses the start of his career...being trained by his mom and grandma, moving to Los Angeles at 15 to train with Ecuadorian tennis pro Pancho Segura, and the first moment he felt a rush of adrenaline from the crowd. Jimmy opens up about his competitive rage and how it impacted his game, his rivalry with John McEnroe, his infamous 1991 US Open run, and finally reuniting with Aaron Krickstein after all these years.
Anthony Jeselnik (Fire in the Maternity Ward, Thoughts and Prayers) discusses getting fired from every job hes ever had, how he doesn’t date but he takes lovers, and why his perfect relationship would be married with separate houses. Anthony opens up about his a*****e on-stage persona, how much he hates actors that become comedians, and how most of his success comes out of revenge.
Elvira (The Mistress of Darkness, Casandra Peterson) discusses her relationship with her abusive mother, how she moved out at fourteen and became a showgirl in Las Vegas when she was seventeen. Elvira opens up about the time she almost slept with Elvis, how Tom Jones took her virginity and all of the cocaine and LSD she took in the 60’s and 70’s.
Kevin Nealon (SNL, Weeds, Man with a Plan) discusses growing up in Connecticut on a lake playing hockey, how little he got laid in high school, the ways Albert Brooks, Andy Kaufman and Steve Martin have influenced his comedy. Kevin opens up about his dad’s passing last year, the years he spent on Saturday Night Live, and how much he cries when he hikes by himself.
Anson Mount (Hell on Wheels, Star Trek: Discovery, Poolhall Junkies) opens up about how his father’s death impacted him at thirteen years old, how horribly picked on he was in school, and losing his virginity at fourteen. Anson discusses his role as Captain Pike on Star Trek, the time his ringtone went off during a scene with Christopher Walken, and his trip to Mexico with Gary Busey.
Smallville creators Al Gough and Miles Millar kick off two weeks of Smallville interviews. Al & Miles discuss growing up with families on different ends of the world who both supported their passion for film, meeting in a class of future Hollywood giants while at USC, and the struggle to continue creating despite the loss of a loved one. They reveal early stories in their careers of selling their first script for $400,000 while still in film school and the unique opportunity they had to create the iconic Smallville!
Smallville week continues with a bonus episode! Kristin Kreuk discusses her upbringing with practical, goofy and supportive parents, the extra efforts she made to be unattractive from a young age, and the way a woman’s age is perceived today. Kristin divulges her first impression of me on the set of Smallville, the dynamic between Lex and Lana on the show, and the moment she realized the show was changing her life.
Smallville week 2 kicks off with my Dad, John Glover (Smallville, Batman & Robin, Annie Hall). John discusses when he came out of the closet at 21 years old, his iconic career working alongside legends like Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Bill Murray, George Clooney, and Charlton Heston. John reminisces about his days on the set of Smallville, how miserable he is when he doesn’t have a job ahead of him, and the time he had sex with Freddy Mercury in London.
In the final installment of Smallville week, Tom Welling returns to the podcast to get inside of me. Tom discusses his thoughts on why I’m still single, my Smallville audition where Kristin mouthed the lines I forgot, and how shocked we both were to hear about Allison Mack. Tom asks me why I’m such a control freak, we discuss getting naked together in the sauna at the tennis club, and then we call my mother to talk about how handsome Tom looks on Lucifer.
Fortune Feimster (The Mindy Project, The Standups, Office Christmas Party) discusses her relationship with her parents, how little they had in common, and how much their divorce impacted her life. Fortune opens up about her intense relationship with female friends when she was growing up, the year of reflection she spent in Spain, and her moving story about coming out of the closet to her parents.
Bobcat Goldthwait (World’s Greatest Dad, God Bless America, Call Me Lucky) discusses his friendship with Kurt Cobain and opening up for Nirvana, smashing up the set at Arsenio Hall Show, and the time he made a nun cry. Bobcat opens up about his own depression, being friends with Robin Williams for 30 years and how hard his death hit him.
Rainn WIlson (The Office, Super, Hesher) discusses his troubles with career obsession while playing Dwight in The Office and how it ultimately made Rainn the person an a-hole. Rainn opens up about his experiences with loss of life, his belief of purpose through the Baha'i Faith, and growing up a child of divorce who had to navigate his father’s apprehensions with acting.
Beverly D'Angelo (National Lampoon, Hair, American History X) opens up about the departure from her structured midwest upbringing in pursuit of fame and romance, her counterculture lifestyle during the 60’s and 70’s, and her evolution as a creative throughout her decades in the industry. Beverly also discusses the highs and lows during her career surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones like Al Pacino, Carrie Fisher, Don Henley, and Ronnie Walker.
Steve Lukather (Toto, 5x Grammy Winner, The Gospel According to Luke) shares some legendary behind the scenes stories during his time playing with Toto and many other icons in the music industry like Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Van Halen, Quincy Jones, and more! Steve opens up about his childhood growing up with a young mother who exposed him to rock music early on, how he overcame an absolute tornado of life events to find sobriety , and just how much the industry has changed both technologically and critically.
Dolph Lundgren (Rocky IV, The Expendables, Creed II) opens up about the adversity he faced growing up in a physically abusive household, plus how he’s been able to overcome it all with disciplined psychotherapy, meditation, and physical fitness. Dolph also discusses the ascension of his career in Hollywood coming up around the likes of Grace Jones, Michael Jackson, Andy Warhol, and his longtime friend (Rocky himself) Sylvester Stallone.
Sean Astin (Stranger Things, Goonies, Lord of the Rings) talks both about growing up “normal” in a household of Hollywood Royalty with parents John Astin and Patty Duke and also the abusive effect his mother’s personality disorder had on his development as a child. Sean also discusses his split decision on taking the role in the Goonies during the 80’s, his awkward auditions as a teenager, and exactly what working with the “quiet giant” Steven Spielberg was like.
Richard Marx (Grammy Award Winner) shares some incredible industry stories from the birth of his career after being taken under the wing of Lionel Richie at 18 years old to his current close friendship with the great Barbara Streisand. Richard opens up about the fearless mindset he’s adopted in his career and how he’s been able to develop a sense of gratitude for the situations in his life that many would dwell and stress over.
Matthew Lillard (Scooby-Doo, Scream, The Descendants) discusses the fulfillment and purpose he’s come to discover reflecting on his acting career, notably after coming off his busiest year with the The Descendants. Matt covers everything from stories about Scream and Scooby Doo to even opening up on various different social struggles he dealt with growing up.
Special New Release of IN LOVE... w/ Michael Rosenbaum & Chris Sullivan! Now available on all podcast streaming platforms. . . In a world full of cynicism, sarcasm and irony; Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville) and Chris Sullivan (This is Us) discuss the things in their lives that bring them joy, fulfillment and gratitude. They invite their audience and their guests to do the same. In Love… with Michael Rosenbaum and Chris Sullivan is the upbeat antidote to everything that’s bringing you down and hopefully through the process, we will all become better people, friends and lovers. What are you in love with?
Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai, The Deuce) discusses the resurgence of The Karate Kid universe with the hit Cobra Kai series and how he was cautious to do another project in that franchise with the chance of it tainting its iconic legacy. Ralph also opens up on his ups and downs throughout his career from stories on not chasing fame in favor of building memories with his family to frequent bouts with anxiety in different facets of his work.
Andie MacDowell (Groundhog Day, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Ready or Not) talks about the harsh reality for the careers of actresses in Hollywood, being tired of the negativity on social media, and some untold stories with former co-stars Gerard Depardieu and Bill Murray. Andie also opens up on the trauma she endured growing up with her mother’s mental and substance abuse issues plus her father’s absence, and how everything helped mold her into the “survivor” that she is today.
This episode is a special dedication to my dear friends Sean, James and the entire Gunn family’s late father Big Jimmy Gunn. Sean Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, Gilmore Girls) talks about the ups and downs of his career in Hollywood from his seven season tenure on the Gilmore Girls to his blockbuster appearances in the Marvel cinematic universe alongside directorial brother James Gunn. Sean also opens up about growing up in-and-out of doctors offices in his youth, understanding the differences between true and perceived intelligence, and the impact his loving and supportive family had on the development of his career and overall life.
Chrissy Metz (This Is Us) and Donnie Berry (This Is Us) stop by to share their experiences and insights from a successful 17+ year friendship and newly founded working relationship. The two breakdown times where they’ve overcome petty disputes, also sharing their individual perspectives on navigating the line between close friend and employee/employer... all coming from a place of love and wanting to help each other grow and succeed.
Amanda Crew (Silicon Valley, Tone Deaf, Haunting in Connecticut) opens up about her “dark night of the soul” experience plus distinct moments from her childhood that, coupled with her environment growing up, could have led to adverse traits developing as an adult. Amanda also chats about her early acting career growing up Canada, appearing in Smallville, her newfound passion for directing, and her love for her fiance... but disdain for the term. Amazing convo on this one folks!
Jaime King (Black Summer, Sin City) talks about the out-of-body experience she gets from acting by devoting herself to each role she takes, but also the anxiety and overwhelming feeling that arises due to her perfectionist nature that never lets her half-ass anything. She also opens up on her compassion and innate serving nature, while expressing the lonely and neglectful feelings that can come out of relationships when not reciprocated. Jamie shares stories from her past as a teenage supermodel, experiences helping friends in need like Selma Blair, and the thrill she has working on products like her smash Black Summer.
We kick off Supernatural Week today with the one and only Mark Sheppard. Mark stops by and shares on and off-set memories he’s made with the cast of Supernatural, how he reluctantly got roped into a recurring role as Crowley, and what it was like for his character’s departure from the series after eight seasons. Mark gets deep this week and opens up about his experiences throughout his previous three marriages, his former struggles with substances to cope with ongoing anxiety, and some special memories made in the industry with his late father, the voice actor legend William Morgan Sheppard.
Misha Collins joins us as the second guest during Supernatural Week to talk about the hilarious memories from his 10+ years working on the show. He predicts how emotional the last few days with this ‘family’ on set will be and shares his take on how unique the show is for keeping plot and concepts fresh even after 15 seasons. Misha gets deep and opens up about the adversity he faced growing up poor and homeless, his experiences as a child adapting around his mother’s agendas put onto him, and how his desire for philanthropy has led him deeper into politics.
Jared Padalecki… One half of the Supernatural duo joins us today to talk about the hit series and how much it has meant to his life, finding his wife of nine years and best friends Jensen and MIsha on-set, while sharing how the show coming to and end was a mutual group agreement between the show’s notables. Jared opens up about growing up in Texas where aspirations for acting were looked down upon, having a love of unpacking things through debate and taking the role of devil’s advocate, and his take on realizing self worth detached from the opinions of others.
Last, but certainly not least, Jensen Ackles joins the show to round out our Supernatural Week! Jensen talks about Supernatural coming to an end after fifteen seasons and how he’s glad for the show’s sake that they’re going out strong on their own terms. He also talks about what it was like for everyone to come to an agreement that it was the right time to end things for the integrity of the show, it’s cast, and crew. Jensen opens up about what it was like to pursue acting growing up as an athlete in a sports dominated area like Texas, stories from his time on-set with Rosey appearing in Smallville, and his directorial experience so far in comparison to his career acting.
Jason Mewes (Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, Clerks, Zack and Miri) joins us this week to talk about his upcoming release of the Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, working with Kevin Smith before he was an actor and then into his film career from Clerks on, and his stories involving Hollywood notables like Jason Lee, Ben Affleck, Stan Lee, and even Leo DiCaprio. Jason opens up on his recurring battles fighting substance abuse to stay sober and avoid relapsing, how friends like Kevin Smith have been there in his worst times to get him on the straight and narrow, and how he never thought he’d be where he is today… sober and surrounded by loving friends and a wife and daughter.
Crispin Glover (Back to the Future, Willard, Lucky Day) joins us this week to talk about his experience in the film industry throughout the many different iconic roles he’s portrayed from George McFly in Back to the Future… to Andy Warhol in The Doors… and more. Crispin shares his active passion for protecting actors and their identity from the propaganda machine running behind the big film industry; all stemmed from the prolonged legal battles he’s had to face after his likeness was taken advantage of in the sequel of Back to the Future. We also chat about the unique types of roles he’s taken over the years, his take on method acting, and his wide artistic expression through directing and now authoring books.
Dane Cook (Good Luck Chuck, Employee of the Month) joins us to talk about the major successes he’s had in his career as a comic and actor while sharing stories he’s had along the way with legends like Rodney Dangerfield, Eddie Murphy, Mitch Hedberg, and more. Dane also talks about overcoming deep issues with anxiety to make it where he has, shares arguments he’s had with other comedians like Joe Rogan over content, and opens up a little more on the darkest hour in his life.... the period of time where he lost his parents and had to simultaneously handle the imprisonment of his brother for embezzling millions of his own life savings.
Simon Rex (Scary Movie, Nervous Rex) joins this week to talk about his experience in this industry and the wide range of success he’s had from things like being an MTV VJ, a WB show actor, Vine famous, starring in the Scary Movie franchise, and even becoming the rapper Dirt Nasty. Simon opens up about the unstable household he grew up in and how the lack of a responsible father figure contributed to his “always on” and people pleasing personal development. We talk about his departure from being a hardcore stoner, his path to discovering his purpose, and the time he took LSD with his father.
Corey Feldman (Gremlins, Stand By Me) joins us this week and opens up about the trauma he endured in his past as a child actor, but more importantly, how he’s been able to take that pain and transform it into a passion for preventing others from experiencing it. Corey shares some of the intense measures his parents took to ensure he would become a successful actor, while also talking about what it was like as a kid working on set of classics like the Goonies. We discuss the stigma many child actors have to face in the media, his relationship with his late close friend Corey Haim, and his outlook reminiscing on films like Stand By Me, Gremlins, and The Goonies.
Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep, The Haunting of Hill House) joins us this week and talks about his successful tenure as a horror film director and how he’s able to still scare people despite being personally desensitized to horror. Mike talks about the inside and outside pressures working off of Kubrick’s classic ‘The Shining’ while also getting Stephen King’s blessing to continue his story the way he wanted to in ‘Doctor Sleep.’ We go deep into our opinions on the horror genre as a whole, how Mike is starting to shift the balance between career and family, and how he was able to morph into a gripping horror film director after growing up afraid of everything.
Jenna Fischer (The Office, Splitting Up Together) joins us for one of the funniest episodes we’ve had, talking about her passion for the craft as an actor plus her experience in an Emmy nominated role as Pam on The Office. Jenna talks about how her upbringing cultivated her humble personality and how she became an actor to hide behind the roles of other characters. She opens up about her relationship with ex-husband James Gunn, frequently surprising people with her humor, and being a little bit of a paranoid prepper as she’s gotten older. Amazing episode… listen, laugh, and let me know your favorite part
It is my absolute pleasure to share a bonus episode this week for something very near and dear to my heart… today we are joined by Rob from Food on Foot, Duke a volunteer, and Roy a person who has blossomed through this life-changing nonprofit organization. Food on Foot is a nonprofit dedicated to assisting our homeless and low-income neighbors in Los Angeles with nutritious meals, clothing, and a fresh start through a life-skills education, full-time employment, and permanent housing. Listen as we talk about the need for Food on Foot here in L.A. (and throughout the country) and how we need help from great people like you. Show some support for Food on Foot by checking out: foodonfoot.org
Julie Benz (Dexter, Hawaii Five-0) joins us to talk about everything from issues with panic attacks and infertility to being surprisingly killed off of her dream role on the hit show Dexter after 4 years. Julie was absolutely amazing this week and opened up about how previous experiences with being left in the shadows and dealing with rejection fueled her fire to continue pursuing a successful career in acting. We also talk about what it’s like dating as we get older, Julie’s former life as a groomed child ice skater, and realizing that our work and roles don’t define who we are as people.
Joe Lo Truglio (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Role Models, Superbad) joins us this week to talk about his experiences in the industry and the ups and downs that have come along with him finding success on hit shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Joe opens up about times of resentment seeing others around him finding success along with dealing with ones ego once that same level of success is attained. He also shares behind the scenes games played on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and earlier stories from his career coming up with comics like Michael Ian Black, Tom Lennon, and Michael Showalter.
Chris Pronger (Hockey Hall of Fame, NHL Stanley Cup Winner) joins us to talk about his iconic career as a hockey player in the NHL and the tragic ending that came early due to ongoing health scares. Even if you’re not into hockey, I guarantee you’ll enjoy this one… Chris shares some legendary stories on and off the ice involving fighting, partying, and walking the line between life and death. We talk about what it was like going from a smalltown in the middle of nowhere to stardom, how his health scares in hockey have affected his wife and children, and how Chris has an insanely strong competitive drive to win at all costs. We are in the midst of a legend this week… hope you enjoy!
Laura Vandervoort (Smallville, Bitten) joins us this week and shares what it’s like to be an introvert in this industry, surrounded by events and people that often give her social anxiety. Laura opens up on how a near-death scare in her infancy lead to her developing learning disabilities that contributed to her pursuing a career in acting. We also talk about the pressures she faced joining the cast of Smallville in Season 7, our history together outside of the show, and the idea of being content where you’re at without having everything “figured out.”
Today we go inside some of our favorite moments from 2019. It’s been amazing to see how this show has helped so many listeners over the past year deal with their anxiety, trauma, and mental health... all by hearing Hollywood’s finest relate to those same issues. To highlight some of the growth we all experienced in 2019, we wanted to pick some of our favorite moments that showcase the full range of this podcast. Enjoy some of our favorite moments and get ready for an amazing 2020.
Morena Baccarin (Deadpool, Gotham) joins us this week to talk about her rise in this industry and how she handles her delicate relationships with estranged family and ex-partners. Morena opens up on the idea of being ‘present’ and discusses her realization of not wanting to be ‘as cool of a person’ that she was portraying to other people. We talk about what it’s like having the never ending responsibility of children, her experience working on Deadpool and Gotham, and her desire to become the next James Bond.
Stephen Amell (Arrow, TMNT, Heels) joins us for one of the most powerful and jaw-dropping episodes we’ve ever done. Coming off the ending of his 8 year tenure with Arrow, Stephen opens up a lot about being at his wits’ end and being completely burnt out mentally, physically, and emotionally. This all leads to Stephen suffering a panic attack mid show… leaving in an unprecedented manner… and then returning with enough bravery to re-address his current mental health. Honestly, this episode encompasses everything this show is about. Make sure you share this episode folks.
Katherine McNamara (Arrow, Shadowhunters) joins us this week to talk about the ups and downs she’s faced shooting in the DC CW Universe. She opens up on the stresses that come with her job and how she has resigned herself to the madness in order to be an actor. Katherine talks about her deepest fears, how she’s able to remain true to herself, and her perspective on remaining optimistic.
Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd (The Lord of the Rings) join us to talk about the brotherhood they’ve built after meeting on LOTR and how their unique life experiences have helped one another grow individually. Billy opens up on how loss early on in his life made him mature quicker than expected and start taking on more accountability. Dom discusses run-ins with Orlando Bloom, random Thai women, and sharks. Dom and Billy’s friendship is contagious and I hope you enjoy it… tag a friend who loves #LOTR.
Nicky Whelan (Hallpass, Trauma Center) joins us this week to talk about her outlook on Hollywood and its relationship with social media and privacy as a whole. Nicky opens up and discusses her experiences suffering from vertigo and panic attacks, plus her methods for managing these today. We get into the idea of not dwelling on things during slumps, her mindset going through divorce, and her Plan B back home in Australia.
Taylor Dayne (3x Grammy Nominated) joins us to share some amazing stories from her successful career as a pop star who’s sold over 70 million albums worldwide. We get deep and Taylor opens up on her brutal upbringing in a mentally and physically abusive household, and how she found attention and validation through her musical talents. We talk about the origin of “Tell It To My Heart,” her previous lost loves, and her memories with both Michael Jackson and Prince.
Brian “Head” Welch (Korn) and his daughter Jennea (Loud Krazy Love) join us this week to share the brave story of their “relationsh!t” and how they’ve been able to grow out of the years and years of trauma and self inflicted harm that they both caused each other. Brian opens up on what it was like to find sobriety through religion, leave Korn at its financial height, and step-up to become the provider and responsible care taker that his daughter needed. Jennea shares some traumatic stories on what it was like growing up surrounded by abuse, neglect, and rockstars highlighted in their documentary “Loud, Kraft, Love.” An amazing brave and emotional episode this week.
Brandon Routh (Superman Returns, Scott Pilgrim vs the World) joins us to share the thoughts and feelings on his role as Superman not living up to the expectations that he had hoped for. He opens up on the idea of one’s ego clouding self judgement and how it’s important to pursue balance in life. We talk about deflecting as a defense mechanism, overcoming things not within our control, and our purpose day to day.
Martin Starr (Silicon Valley, Freaks and Geeks) joins us to talk about his family dynamics growing up as a young child of divorce and how they’ve evolved as he’s made his name in Hollywood. Martin opens up this week and shares some heartfelt memories of his father during his last days before he passed away from ALS. We also keep it light with some stories of Silicon Valley, an unforgettable forgettable night of partying, and talking Judd Apatow.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Sopranos, Pajama Pants) joins us this week to talk about what it’s like to be a successful actress in Hollywood who suffers from MS (multiple sclerosis), all while raising two small children at the same time. Jamie opens up on how she was able to rediscover her passion of acting after taking a hiatus for the birth of her second child. We also talk the Sopranos, balance in life, and handling anger. She makes me cry... I make her laugh... it’s a great episode... hope you folks enjoy.
Bobby Lee (Tigerbelly, Mad TV) joins us this week to talk about the recent trauma, loss, and different life transitions that he’s been dealing with over the last few months. Through the laughter and deflection on this week’s show, Bobby really opens up on the loss of his father and how the emotional spiral afterwards resulted in his relapse after 17 years of sobriety, a scary depression, and a bumpy period of time in his relationship with long time girlfriend Khalyla. The Slept King is one of a kind… we also get into juggling two podcasts between Tigerbelly and Bad Friends, his risque’ antics, and some crazy stories on set.
Nick Swardson (Grandma's Boy, Just Go with It) returns to the show this week to share his crazy stories of alcohol induced benders and how one of these ultimately lead to his hospitalization and near death scare. Nick opens up on how the recent loss of close friends and loved ones have contributed to a downward spiral, and how he is now living sober. We get into frustrations trying to get projects passed by networks, his experience with the likes of Adam Sandler and David Spade, and creative new shows that Nick is self funding to get out there.
Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy, Henry) joins Michael Rosenbaum this week to open up on the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences he’s had on set throughout his career working with Al Pacino, while briefly on The Walking Dead, and with James Gunn on the Suicide Squad and GOTG in the MCU. During the interview, Rooker talks about his commitment to understanding roles before investing in them and how his acting process has developed over time. We also get into talking about anxiety, exhaustion while working, and the time Michael Rooker was attacked by a vicious animal.
Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul, Mr. Show) joins us this week to talk about the ‘perfect amount of fame’ he’s been able to develop through everything from Mr. Show and SNL to Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Bob opens up on his innate cynicism he has and how it’s uncomfortable for him to interact with people not on that same wavelength. This is a great episode folks, we also get into the idea of expected attention, some frustrating experiences on the set of Better Call Saul, and the tragedy of how Chris Farley’s life played out.
Beverly D'Angelo (National Lampoon's Vacation, American History X) returns to the show this week and helps us learn how to yearn. She opens up on her passion and desire to express herself, plus how she fuels these through her experiences in relationships. We also get into an intellectual conversation about the birds and bees, how she navigated her career being of service to others, and her time in the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise.
Grant Gustin (The Flash, Arrow) joins us this week to share the mental and physical ups and downs throughout his blossoming career, notably within the CW DC Universe as Barry Allen in The Flash. Grant gets deep this week and talks about the anxiety and depressions he’s battled through his career in theater and film, after having developed these early on in his childhood. We also get into his passion for Broadway, aspirations and regrets he’s had so far, and some BTS moments while shooting crossovers. Plus… we have a very special guest that I think you all will enjoy.
Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Infinity War) returns to the show this week to open up more about the obstacles he overcame in his life and career through the WWE and now in Hollywood. Dave talks about his understanding that he should feel fortunate in his current position during unprecedented times, but still having a deep seated anxiety from all the uncertainty. We also get into the idea of working against one’s clock of opportunity, the fear of missing your shot, and Dave’s experience rescuing doggos.
Justin Long (Accepted, DodgeBall) joins us virtually this week to share stories of love lost and why he doesn’t hold onto the feeling of ‘the one that got away.’ Justin opens up on the inspiration for getting into the entertainment industry from the need for attention and validation. We also discuss his passion for acting, his experience with online trolls, and his current mindstate with everyone staying home right now.
Dane Cook (Good Luck Chuck, Employee of the Month) returns to the show virtually this week to open up on the impact of these current times on his deep seeded abandonment issues and anxieties. Dane also expands on our previous conversation by talking more about the ways he counteracts his own shyness and how he approaches interactions differently with certain types of people. We also get into the idea of not pigeonholing yourself into a character type on stage, his brick-by-brick confidence building, and the reason he hates finishing a project.
Could there be a more perfect guest for this show. Dr. Drew (Ask Dr. Drew, Loveline) joins us this week to share his experience as a medical professional who’s work has drawn cultural relevance while helping improve lives for decades. Dr. Drew shares some hot takes this week on his opinions of overreaction vs. following-the-science during the current climate. We also get into his own anxieties that he’s dealt with throughout his career and how he’s managed being a workaholic.
Jennifer Love Hewitt (9-1-1, Ghost Whisperer) returns this week to talk about her journey through self love and the importance in taking care of yourself during times like these. Jennifer opens up on recent anxiety attacks and lingering fears that have stemmed from close family loss. We also take the time to reflect on her long standing and successful career in Hollywood and how her mission in life is to strive to do things that support the things she desires.
Henry Winkler (Happy Days, Barry) checks into the show this week to talk about the idea of acknowledging and accepting one's shortcomings in order to continue pursuing your passions. Henry opens up about his self improvement through therapy and how he sees this process as strength building rather than weakness uncovering. We also talk about his experience on Barry and Happy Days, some of the peers he’s been able to build a rarely genuine friendship with, and his reaction to finally winning an Emmy.
Zach Levi, Sandy Daignault (LCSW) and Ellen Wasyl (Chief Possibilitarian®) join me tÏhis episode for our first ever Mental Health Week. With this pandy throwing off everyone’s routine and tossing expectations out of sorts, we thought an episode like this would be a helpful check-in to maintain sanity and take a pulse on our mental well being. We talk about the idea of being responsible for your health during these times regardless of your responsibility for the situation itself, the idea of being together while in isolation, and how to overcome anxieties that plague people day to day. Plus, we get a special check-in from a friend of the show that I think you’ll enjoy.
Andrew Santino (Dave, Whiskey Ginger) joins me this week to talk about the compromises and sacrifices that he and his loved ones have had to make in pursuit of his career in Hollywood after leaving the Midwest. Santino also opens up on the dynamic between him and his biological and step father, having to come to terms with the reality of his relationships in adulthood. We get into the anxieties of comedians, his opinion on the court of public opinion, and exactly how he handles day to day stress.
Tom Cavanagh (The Flash, Ed) joins me this week and opens up about the gratitude he’s developed throughout his career after experiences with hit shows as well as serieses that got yanked. Tom reveals a good deal of maturity by sharing his thoughts on self knowledge and understanding for who you are as a person. We also talk about the idea of breaking superhero acting stereotypes, a crazy story he had while on Conan, and running gags he has on set of The Flash.
Rebecca Mader (Once Upon a Time, Lost) joins me this week and opens up on her experiences with bullying in her life and how it has shaped who she is today and how she maneuvers in this industry. Rebecca also shares her experience with therapy and how it has impacted both her personal friendships and romantic relationships. We also talk about her experiences on Lost and Once Upon a Time, the pain of dating in Hollywood, and the gratitude she has for the roles she’s held.
James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dragonball) joins me this week to share his experiences with acting as an art on-screen and on-stage before his breakout in Buffy. James also opens up on what it was like to have to take in his five year old niece and having to raise her as his own after already being a ‘weekend dad.’ We also get into stories back in the day on the set of Smallville, the idea of competition in art, and James’ experience with some of the cast and crew on Buffy.
Ben McKenzie (Gotham, The O.C.) joins me this week to talk about how the anxieties and insecurities that you may have can sometimes contribute to your appeal as an actor. Ben also opens up about what it was like dealing with early internet hate during his time on the OC compared to how social media has evolved now. We talk about the start of his relationship with wife Morena Baccarin while on set, making sense of life without the lights on, and how to fight through nerves to deliver a confident performance on set.
Eli Roth (Hostel, Cabin Fever) comes back on this week to share the limitations in trying to get a movie shot during our current world environment. Eli also opens up on his exhaustion from always trying to satisfy others in order to reduce his self imposed guilt. We talk about how the last few months have been a summary of his film career, how social media feeds narcissism, and his experience with greats like Quentin Tarantino.
Oliver Hudson (Rules of Engagement, Splitting Up Together) joins me this week and opens up about his bouts with debilitating anxiety coming up in this industry and his experience with antidepressants along the way. Oliver talks about the pressure he faced to become a successful actor growing up around Goldie Hawn (mother), Kurt Russell (pa), and Kate Hudson (sister). We also talk about the importance of self care, some onset “blow up” moments, and Oliver’s cathartic reconnection with his estranged father.
Kevin Conroy (Batman Beyond, Justice League) joins me this week to share how he’s battled with anxiety throughout his life, stemming from a harsh upbringing in a combative household that no child should be raised in. Kevin goes on to talk about his different family dynamics and the impact that his abusive, alcoholic father had on his future. We also get into Kevin’s evolution in acting from Juilliard to Batman, his experience living with the one and only Robin Williams, and his thoughts on Batman reprisals in Crisis on Infinite Earths.
Alone winner Jordan Jonas joins me this week to talk about the positive attitude and resilience he’s been able to adopt through his passion for adventure and survival; the same attitude that allowed him to go over 70 days in the wild, alone. Jordan discusses the upbringing and support his family showed him along the way that helped him seek adventure early in his life. We also talk near-death hunting stories, the perspective that nature can give you, and how to overcome true isolation.
Jim Jefferies (Intolerant, Legit) joins me this week to talk about common misconceptions and burdens that he has to deal with based on the party animal persona he portrays on stage. Jim also talks about his experiences in this industry with the 8 specials he’s released and how he really feels about the handling of his beloved show Legit. We get into Jim’s thoughts on the quarantine and Australian management, some family drama sparked by on stage embellishment, and his thoughts on TikTok and YouTube comedians rise to fame.
ohn Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville) joins this week to open up on the success he’s had in Hollywood over the last several decades through the idea of expecting greatness in one’s self, rather than anticipating failure. John also explores the differences between one’s ego and destiny, while sharing how he has lacked nervousness through the strength of his own optimism and ignorance. We talk about his wife’s battle with cancer, John’s experience on Smallville and Dukes, and also how he was able to transform from the “fat kid” into a Hollywood success story.
Jensen Ackles (Supernatural, Smallville) returns to the show this week to give us an update on the ‘actual’ shooting of the series finale for Supernatural, while sharing his thoughts and feelings on the roller coaster ride that the last few months have been trying to wrap around the pandemic. Hear what it was like for Jensen to reflect on his 13 season experience on Supernatural during this six month hiatus… and whether or not he has another season left in him. We also talk about the new hoops everyone has to jump through in order to shoot, some on set stories from his time with Jared Padalecki, and what Jensen feels he has left to prove.
Jared Padalecki (Supernatural, Gilmore Girls) joins me this week to reflect on his SP Family and rollercoaster that these last 15 years have been. Jared shares the emotions he’s had during some of the “last” moments while shooting the final episodes and talks about not wanting the ride to end, for good. We also talk about self fulfilling prophecies with anxiety and depression, Jared’s newfound respect for his wife after fathering during quarantine, and what exactly led to his arrest a few months back. Love this dude, completely open book.
Kristin Kreuk (Smallville, Burden of Truth) joins us virtually to share what it’s been like for her in Canada during this pandy while maintaining her acting career and actively pursuing a degree in school. With so many things being juggled right now, Kristin shares how she handles stress and discusses the things she does to prevent the feeling of being overloaded. We go on to talk about her strict upbringing, her uncomfortability with fame during Smallville, and her excitement for her role in Burden of Truth.
Lance Bass (NSYNC) joins me this week and opens up on everything from the emotions and anxieties of his public coming out, to the stress and hectic lifestyle he’s become accustomed to after his tenure in NSYNC. Lance shares what’s been like to share his lifestyle in Hollywood with his traditionally set southern family. We also get into upcoming projects based on insane NSYNC groupie stories, his frustrations with the IVF process, and betrayals he’s experienced in life.
Dax Shepard (Armchair Expert, CHiPS) returns to the show this week and we unpack a lot… like a lot a lot. Amazing episode this week. We get into everything from discussions between ego and necessity, to irrational fears of financial insecurity fueling motivation, even to the idea of truly loving oneself. A very open and honest free flowing conversation with an old friend. Know you folks will dig it.
Sarah Edmondson (TheVow) joins us this week and shares her entire experience in NXIVM, a cult connected with Smallville co-star Allison Mack and known for manipulating its members emotionally, financially, and sexually. Sarah talks about how the cult’s leaders dismantled the intuition of its followers by erasing their moral compass. She also gets into her ‘waking up’ moment that triggered her departure, her experience with the group’s brainwash, and the shock of realizing some of the misconduct after the fact.
Kevin Smith joins us this week to discuss his roller coaster experience in this industry from surprised early fame with Clerks, to battling a sophomore slump with Mallrats, and eventually maturing to a level of creating without worrying about peer or critic approval. Kevin gets deep into the idea of attaining early success and the feeling of always having to produce from that point forward to prevent getting kicked out of the club. We also get into his graduation moment with Stan Lee, his thoughts on the new CW Universe, and his take on freedom in expression.
This week we receive an emergency appearance from Stephen Amell (Arrow, Heels) who drops some bombshell information about his recent experience while on set shooting his new show Heels. Hear why a surprise positive test left him questioning his future, left him experiencing severe guilt for his cast and crew, and left him feeling not as invincible as he once was. If you enjoyed listening to Stephen’s last episode on the podcast, and this one will blow you away.
What better way to rebound from Halloween than with the man himself, Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead, Ash vs. Evil Dead). Bruce joins us this week and sheds light on the idea of his “third act” in life and how much it differs from his early Hollywood pursuits. We also get into some reflections on the Evil Dead franchise, his state of burnout during Ash vs. Evil Dead, and moments of rage/ frustration while shooting on set.
The cast of Justice League reunites this week on the pod ahead of the saga’s 20 Year Reunion. Listen as George Newbern (Superman), Phil LaMarr (Green Lantern), Susan Eisenberg (Wonderwoman), Maria Canals-Barrera (Hawkgirl), Carl Lumbly (Martian Manhunter), and myself (The Flash) discuss the impact and experience this show had on us at the time and for our future careers. The cast also discusses what it’s been like for successful voice actors over the course of this lockdown, with the pros and cons that come with it. Plus, we also get deep into the idea of handling loss, we tell some stories back in the day from in the booth, and we talk about the possibility of a near future reunion #JLReunion
Chris Daughtry (Daughtry, American Idol) joins me this week to reflect on the evolution of his career from his break on American Idol, to topping Billboard after releasing the fastest selling debut rock album in history, to getting inspired by Ryan Reynolds to join the Masked Singer. Chris opens up on the attitude he had earlier in his career with a constant chip on his shoulder and demeanor like he had something to prove. We also get into the idea of cutting those off who are bringing you down, staying true to who you are despite trends, and overcoming self doubt in your passions.
The most diverse, unromantic, hetero non-power couple Dulé Hill and James Roday Rodriguez ( Psych) join me this week on the show. The guys talk about the sustained success they’ve been able to build off of Psych throughout the years on set by not taking themselves too seriously, respecting all cast and crew to a high degree, and treating everyone with the humanity they deserve. Later in the show, both guys open up on the emotionally heart breaking, yet inspiring, experience of seeing one of their brothers/ cast-mate Tim Odmundson suddenly get hit with a fight for his life after an unexpected stroke. This episode has it all, laughs, emotion, rawness… hope you folks enjoy.
Timothy Omundson (Psych) joins me this week and pours it all out about his heartbreaking experience with the freak accident stroke he suffered during the zenith of his career and the best shape of his life. Timothy opens up on making the conscious decision to stay strong and overcome this obstacle for the sake of his family and the desire to not let his wife down. We get into his positive state of mind throughout this experience, how his Psych family was there for him at his lowest, and how he’s able to stay grateful for being so awesome.
Nathan Fillion (Castle, Firefly) joins me this week for an episode largely centered around the idea of managing expectations throughout life. Nathan shares how he’s had to manage expectations of new projects after personal experience with disappointing ones that he thought would be hits and others that were surprise cult classics. He also talks about managing expectations of his relationships with his parents, helping tame the expectations of actors to get the best out of them on set, and curbing the expectations on things you cannot control versus the things that are within your power. Awesome episode folks, hope you enjoy it.
Erica Durance (Smallville, Saving Hope) joins me this week to share the anxiety and stress of going behind the scenes working in casting to in front of the camera on Smallville. Erica opens up on the different ways that she’s felt that she didn’t belong both in her personal and professional life. We also get into her thoughts and experience with postpartum, different tools to overcome anxiety, and her opinions on the Arrowverse.
Clancy Brown (Shawshank, SpongeBob) joins me this week to share his personal experience with impostor syndrome throughout his career from its inception to highlights like The Shawshank Redemption. Clancy talks about how the industry had changed over the decades and how he feels blessed to have found voice acting for the presence it allows him to keep. We also get into some good ole Lex talk, how fame can drastically change a set, and even his personal experience working with the late great Sean Connery.
WWE Legend Chris Jericho (WWE, Talk Is Jericho) joins me this week to talk about his experience throughout his life overcoming peer and public stigmas while pursuing his dreams in wrestling, music, film, and more. Chris really hammers home the idea of passion fueled perseverance in this episode, so for anyone looking for a little boost, this is a must listen. We also get into Chris’s love for horror films and rock music, the idea of ‘zero room for error’ in professional wrestling, and some pretty crazy BTS within that world.
Smallville's Clark Kent/ Superman Is Back... Tom Welling joins the show this week and opens up a ton on the idea of creativity, and the lack of that when operating out of anger and being in survival mode. Tom talks about opening up to the idea of being genuine and authentic and shedding the false idea of perfection. We also get into trickle down emotions given from our parents, how we each handle anxiety, and of course…. Some BTS from our time on Smallville.
Absolute legend on the podcast this week. Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusers) joins to share his story of overcoming adversity early in his life and chasing his passion for acting while scraping by to provide as a father and husband. Ernie opens up early in this episode on the importance for him to be a good father, because of the lack of one he had growing up. We also get into some reflections on his role in Ghostbusters, his frustrations around being typecast early in his career, and what he’s actually afraid of.
Katee Sackhoff (The Mandalorian, Longmire) joins us this week to talk in part about her role in The Mandalorian. She shares the behind the scenes grind that contributed to the ‘sudden’ overnight success that the public has seen with her big break on the show. Katee also opens up on some difficult experiences that woke her up to the idea of being more positive on set with the goal of wanting to leave a good impression on her peers. We also get into how Jon Favreau has saved Star Wars, Katee’s thoughts on prenups, and her longtime experience on shows like Battlestar Galactica and Longmire.
About time we had my old neighbor Zach Braff on the show. Zach (Scrubs, Garden State) joins us this week and opens up on some of his lifelong anxieties, crippling pet peeves, and natural neurosis he deals with. Zach talks a lot about his experience in the industry… everything from being a workaholic who doesn’t idle well to the idea of peers wanting you to do well, but not TOO well out there. We also get into some funny BTS moments on Scrubs plus Zach’s experience working with legends like Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Robert Deniro.
Listen as an old pal Bob Saget (Full House, Here For You) joins us to share laughs and jabs through serious conversations of loss and grief. Bob talks about using humor and literal onstage performance to numb the loss of loved ones throughout his career. He talks about how it’s a balancing act of grieving and ensuring ‘the show goes on.’ We had a ton of fun this week while getting into BTS stories in the comedy scene, his take on cancel culture in standup, and some honest reflections of his time as America’s dad on Full House.
Michael Cudlitz (TWD, Clarice) joins me this week to talk, in part, about his growth in this industry from set construction on 90210, to acting in major serieses like Band of Brothers and The Walking Dead, and eventually leading to directing opportunities along the way. Michael opens up on the fragility of life and the importance of setting goals you can achieve while still here. We also talk about the idea of ‘polishing a turd’ with presence and effort, our mutual love of telling stories, and some pretty epic behind the scenes memories from B.o.B. and TWD.
Katie Cassidy (Arrow, Supernatural) joins us this week and reflects on how her crazy upbringing molded her to become independent and how difficult this is when peers see it as being standoffish. Katie shares her struggle to make it on her own at a very young age, despite what some would assume she was given based on her family name. We also share stories of getting bullied in our childhood, we share reflections on loved ones lost, and Katie dishes on some BTS Arrow stories.
Zachary Levi (Shazam!, Chuck) goes deep into his mental health journey this week, opening up about his realization of just how ‘ungood’ he was despite the accomplishments and great things happening in his life. Zach goes on to share his newfound understanding for the dopamine he received by working and how during this pandy he’s had a more clear realization of just how much self worth he receives from his career. We also get into the super power of vulnerability, keeping perspective of your own mental health, and Zach’s take on his position in the DC Universe.
Steve-O (Jackass, Wild Ride!) joins me this week and shares the surprising family dynamic during his childhood and exactly how it led to him becoming the Steve-O we know and love today. Steve-O opens up on how, specifically, his father’s respect and approval provided a massive boost to his self confidence as he began his career in entertainment, which inevitably blossomed into Jackass. We also talk about some BTS stories on the origin of Jackass, his now famous dog that he rescued from the streets of Peru, and his thoughts on Buddhist philosophy.
The iconic Jason Isaacs ( #HarryPotter​, #ThePatriot​ ) joins this week and discusses his unique creative process that has contributed to his ongoing success and respect in this industry. Jason reflects in different moments on missed opportunities that he passed on while emphasizing the importance of not getting stuck in the ideology of the ‘grass always being greener’. We also talk about our legendary improv scene in Sweet November, Jason’s formula to a successful villain, and his experience on sets like Armageddon, Harry Potter, and The Patriot.
The talented and very humble Matthew Lewis (Harry Potter, Me Before You) joins us this week and discusses the challenges of playing various characters after being a part of one of the world’s largest pop culture phenomenons. Matthew delves deep into his inner defense mechanisms when viewing his own work, never letting his career define his life, and how he’s learned more from theater than films. For all you Harry Potter fans, we talk about some hilarious behind the scenes stories, memorabilia Matthew smuggled home with him, and also working with the late and brilliant Alan Rickman.
Robert Benedict and Richard Speight (Supernatural, Kings of Con) join us today to discuss the many different challenges that come with parenting and relationships, specifically during the craziness of this past year. We talk about how Richard and Robert met, the formation of their podcast The Kings of Con, and fun times at conventions. Richard and Robert also go into deep detail of Robert’s stroke and how that insane turn of events cemented their friendship forever.
The lovable Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings, Rudy) returns to the show this week and talks about being content with one’s mortality, life within the Covid-19 pandemic, and overcoming stigmas within the mental health field. Sean gives an update with the Patty Duke Mental Health Organization and how he started his own charity called Run Third. We also discuss his negative interactions with doctors in the past and the complications that can come with certain medical diagnoses.
The man who lives a self diagnosed ‘edited life’ Howie Mandel joins us this week to discuss different topics ranging from his early beginnings in stand-up comedy to his continuous battle of thriving in show biz with OCD. We discuss Howie’s marriage, the stigma surrounding mental health, and coping mechanisms that people use in times of distress. Howie also opens up about some uncomfortable interactions he encountered while being on the Howard Stern show, the fall out of interacting with Marshall Faulk on Deal or No Deal, and also the story of being banned from Johnny Carson.
John Glover (Smallville, Fear the Walking Dead) joins us this week and opens up on the idea of working as you age in this industry. We also get into some classic BTS moments from Smallville, John’s experience of working on Fear the Walking Dead during the zombie-apocalypse year we’ve just had, pandy vaccines, and his run-ins with legendary Freddie Mercury and John Oats.
Kiefer Sutherland (24, Designated Survivor) and Jason Patric (The Lost Boys) join us this week to talk about their bond built off of The Lost Boys, being intimidated by other actors, and what it was like growing up with Hollywood royalty in their families. Kiefer and Jason reminisce on how they met and how they each developed as young actors by helping certain productions of movies. The guys reveal some funny stories while on the set of Lost Boys and Kiefer’s wedding and later we discuss how social media and cinema coexist in modern day entertainment.
The legendary and iconic Robert Englund joins us this week to discuss various topics surrounding the Nightmare on Elm Street series and his early start of being an actor. Robert discusses growing up as a Valley boy and how he transitioned from wanting to be a lawyer who surfed in his free time to a world-wide phenomenon actor. We discuss an insane story about the casting of Luke Skywalker in the first Star Wars movie and Robert’s relationship with Mark Hamill.
Erika Christensen (Parenthood) joins us this week to discuss, in part, the politicization of very non-political health related issues that deal with a more natural lifestyle. We get an update on what life is like being a mother of two and a wild and beautiful story of how her second child was born. As we close, we talk about her experience with Scientology, the misconceptions of her practice, and how it has even lead to losing roles in this industry.
Charisma Carpenter (Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) joins us this week and touches on a jaw dropping story of bravery and survival in an unthinkable situation. She later opens up on her journey throughout her career, how acting wasn’t always her first choice, but how falling into it changed her life forever. Charisma discusses her anxiety surrounding auditioning for roles, her first time she was truly starstruck, and what it’s been like confronting past traumas during her time on set.
The very brave and charismatic David Harewood (Supergirl, Homeland) joins us this week and opens up about his battle with mental illness and how it shaped his life. David shares how acting and friendship both literally saved his life from his own psychosis; a big reason he’s made it a point to bring more awareness to the field of mental health. Later we get into Supergirl, his role as the Martian Manhunter, and his true feelings about the show’s finale.
From growing up on a sailboat to becoming Balthazar in Supernatural, Sebastian Roché joins the show this week to share all in his journey through mental health in this industry. Sebastian discusses his early childhood surrounding life on a boat and his tumultuous relationship with his father. We talk about prior relationships, how love and connections ultimately make you a better human being, and discovering what’s right for you as you grow older. We close as Sebastian reminisces about his time working with the legendary Al Pacino, auditioning for The Hobbit, and his favorite memory of working on Supernatural. David shares how acting and friendship both literally saved his life from his own psychosis; a big reason he’s made it a point to bring more awareness to the field of mental health. Later we get into Supergirl, his role as the Martian Manhunter, and his true feelings about the show’s finale.
Maggie Lawson (Psych, Santa Clarita Diet) stops by this week’s podcast for an in-depth and emotional discussion about relationships, divorce as a child and adult, and the anxiety that comes with starting out in Hollywood. Maggie discusses her wild journey of moving from Kentucky to Los Angeles and becoming an actress. We also discuss the difficult process of ending a marriage, how much the cast and show of Psych meant to her, and her desire to just ‘want to be a kid’ early in her career.
Keegan Allen (Pretty Little Liars, Walker) brings his cheerful and bright attitude to this week's episode and discusses his experience as a hopeless romantic, his teenage angst, and how he’s managed to stay on the ‘straight and narrow’ avoiding downward spirals in this industry. Keegan opens up on his relationship with his late father and how he’s still been able to connect with him even after his passing. We also talk about how Pretty Little Liars’ success coincided with the birth of social media, drama with other actors on set, and growing up in Hollywood.
Laura Vandervoort (Smallville, Handmaid’s Tale) returns to the show this week to explore ideas of following your gut, not comparing yourself to others, and finding happiness through passion. Later in the show we both discuss our thoughts and emotions on the Alison Mack NXIVM situation as the documentary The VOW has been released and sentencing has commenced. We also talk about her troubling situation walking off an HBO show set, the differences in experiences working on Supergirl and Smallville, and how she gets herself to a dark place to prepare for dramatic roles.
The humble and insanely talented Seth Green (Family Guy, Robot Chicken) joins this week and touches on the differences between performance and fame, his personal process in acting, and the understanding of being too critical of oneself. Seth discusses the hilarious origin of how he figured out the voice for Chris in Family Guy along with the story surrounding the Seth MacFarlane vs. Seth Green saga. Later in the show, Seth shares in deep detail his experience and personal relationship with legendary actors Tim Curry and Robin Williams, and what each has meant to his career and his life.
The iconic and always fabulous Leslie Jordan (Call Me Kat, Will and Grace) joins me this week for an incredible podcast chronicling the ups and downs of his personal life and how they translated into success in this industry. Leslie and I discuss his prior drug and alcohol addiction and how recovering from those illnesses shaped his career into what it is today. We also talk about his new album and book, working with Eddie Veder and Dolly Parton, and Leslie’s time working on American Horror Story and Will and Grace.
The humble and hilarious Joel McHale (Community, The Soup) joins me this week and talks about everything from his experience and future on Community to his Pacino-level rage he has with inanimate objects on a day to day basis. Joel talks about his time and shared experience working with the legendary Chevy Chase and his chance beginnings on the iconic ‘The Soup’. We also discuss how he manages his dyslexia when working, unnecessary criticism from movie/show critics, and his new movie called Happily.
Amazing show this week. We have an inspirational and open guest on the podcast with Ethan Suplee (My Name is Earl, The Wolf of Wall Street). Ethan and I discuss his troubled experience with how he perceived his body throughout his life and the catalyst that drove the incredible weight loss transformation that turned him into who he is today. We also get into his experience with drug addiction and rehab, his work in learning to love himself despite his habitual disgust, and his almost unbelievable start in this industry as an actor.
Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) joins this week to open up on his experience with impostor syndrome in this industry, and what sort of negative and positive impacts it has had on his career. We go on to talk about his new movie Midnight in the Switchgrass along with the various characters he’s portrayed in films, such as Chris McCandless (Into the Wild) and Jay Sebring (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). We also discuss working with legends like Quentin Tarantino and Robert De Niro ​intense training with Navy SEALs, and the dangers of pickleball.
The loveable Chris Sullivan (This Is Us) comes on the pod this week for some life updates on the joys and challenges that fatherhood has brought him; plus he gives us some career updates with his experience and mindset coming into the homestretch of This Is Us. Sully talks about his experience shooting during the craziness of this last year and what it’s been like juggling the different personalities on the show. We also have some fun talking about his band Joseph the Spouse, we discuss the process of grieving, and of course… we talk gratitude.
Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill, Incredibles 2) joins me this week for a terrific conversation concerning the systematic idea of love and relationships. Sophia comments on the controversy surrounding the creator of One Tree Hill and how it truly delayed a wonderful and healthy relationship between her and her cast mates. We also discuss how Sophia’s relationship with her parents furthered her maturity levels early on in her life, her superior dog training skills, and the idea of love before prefrontal cortex development.
Her kindness and positivity proceeds her; Amanda Kloots (The Talk, Bullets Over Broadway) comes on the podcast this week to discuss how she manages her anxiety and stays positive even after losing a loved one. Amanda talks about her early start of fame with Broadway and how her family viewed her passion for the stage. We discuss her views on relationships and her life before and after the passing of her husband Nick Cordero during the pandy.
The incredibly interesting and kind Neal McDonough (Band of Brothers, Minority Report) joins me this week for his first ever podcast to discuss being blackballed for a period of time for decisions he made for his family and his journey in becoming a Hollywood bad guy for his faith. Neal and I talk about our shared path towards villaiary in the majority of his work and the exact details behind his industry cold shoulder that sent him into a dark point in his life. We also talk about working with Steven Speilberg and Tom Hanks, Angels in the Outfield, and Neal’s exciting upcoming role as former president Dwight D. Eisenhower in the upcoming season of American Horror Story!
Good friend of the show Stephen Amell (Arrow, Heels) joins us this week to drop some bombs once again. We not only discuss his brand new show Heels and how he feels about his legacy of being the Arrow, but Stephen also takes time to set the record straight about some recent tabloid stories that have come out about him. We get into Stephen’s current experience with panic attacks and stress, how he handles nerves heading into new projects, and how different this show is with relation to Stephen’s partnership with its direction.
The wildly hilarious and humble Lamorne Morris (New Girl, Woke) joins me to discuss his early childhood growing up in the Southside of Chicago and shares what his entry to acting was like, including being cheated out of six figures by his commercial booking agency. We also talk about his chance opportunity on the hit New Girl, his deep involvement on his new show Woke, passion for improv comedy, and an age old debate of GOATs in basketball.
The original fastest man alive John Wesley Shipp (Dawson’s Creek, The Flash) graces us this week with a terrific conversation on his successes and contrary dark periods throughout his various roles from Dawson’s Creek to The Flash to daytime soaps like Guiding Light. John reflects on what could have been with his time on The Flash in 1990 and opens up on the cathartic experience acting alongside Grant Gustin on the new CW iteration. We also talk about on set Dawson's Creek drame, how John eventually received more “dad” roles and why he’s not bothered by it, and his hilarious experience with super suits.
Making a return this week, James Marsters (Buffy, Angel) joins us for a discussion on the darker side of his method acting of the fan beloved character Spike, and exactly how it affected his relationships with others on set. James opens up more this time on the hostile working conditions on the set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and what it was like to work with creator Joss Whedon. We talk about secret crushes on set, playing dark characters, and the possibility of a Buffy reunion.
The hilarious and creative Joe Lo Truglio (Brooklyn 99, Reno 911) comes back on the pod this week to talk about the incredible journey leading to Brooklyn 99’s end and the blood, sweat, and tears that went into his directorial debut with the film Outpost. Joe and I discuss working with his wife on various projects from Brooklyn 99 and Outpost and the one time Joe lost his cool on set. We go into detail about the ending of Brooklyn 99 and all of the emotions that surrounded the ending.
Ming-Na Wen (The Mandalorian, Mulan) joins us this week to discuss what it’s like for her to be a dual minority working on major franchises such as Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Street Fighter, and more! Ming-Na talks about her early childhood development and transitioning from China to New York and how that influenced her acting. We discuss working on the Mandalorian, Book of Boba Fett, and how much she nerds out on the different opportunities she’s had the pleasure of working on.
David Dastmalchian (Suicide Squad, Animals) gives us the pleasure of joining the podcast this week to bravely discuss the intensity of his previous battle with heroin addiction and how he was able to channel his experiences into doing massive roles like Polka-Dot Man in The Suicide Squad. We also talk about his new Dracula themed movie, living on a boat, and stigmas of mental illness and drug use. Learn more about your ad choices.
Ken Marino (The Other Two, Wet Hot American Summer) comes bearing gifts on this week’s podcast! Not only that, Ken opens up on his experience losing his identity while trying to find his way in this industry and the unique way he’s been able to approach this business to reduce stress and enjoy his passion. We also talk about how hard it is to not break while working alongside some heavy hitting comedic geniuses, the possible return of Party Down, and what it’s like to work alongside your partner.
He’s baaaack… Bobby Lee (Mad TV, Tiger Belly) joins us this week to discuss balancing expectations and relationships transitioning from his off the wall personality decades ago into the slightly less off the wall podcast giant he is today. Bobby Lee and I catch up on each other's lives and delve deep into how Bobby has changed as a human being in his later years. We talk about his other podcast Bad Friends, poorly-timed racy jokes, and an insane story that involves a hot tub and some Hollywood names you might just recognize.
Quite possibly the most charming ‘bad guy’ Billy Magnussen (No Time to Die, The Many Saints of Newark) joins me this week to discuss his process of overcoming fear, taking risk in a world of random chaos, and how he approaches an “eff me” attitude when it comes to the roles he plays. Billy talks about his new gig in The Sopranos universe in the HBO Max series the Many Saints of Newark and some pretty interesting challenges he’s had to face on and off set for it. We also talk about his intense fight scene with Daniel Craig in the new James Bond film No Time to Die, his hilarious encounter meeting Meryll Streep, and trying to cultivate lasting relationships in Los Angeles.
Anthony Michael Hall (Breakfast Club, Halloween Kills) joins us this week to discuss his ascension into stardom in the 80’s with Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, and Weird Science and his evolution of getting involved in new projects and different roles nowadays, such as his character in the new Halloween Kills. Anthony discusses fond moments in prior roles and with previous costars, including his relationship with the legendary director John Hughes. We also talk about experiences with Tim Burton, Stanley Kubrick, and working with Jamie Lee Curtis on the new set of Halloween Kills.
The hilarious and incredibly talented Jason Alexander (Seinfeld, Pretty Woman) joins this week to discuss his evolution going from an ambitious stage actor to pursuing a comedic career and landing the most popular sitcom of all time, Seinfeld. Jason and I discuss the stresses and anxiety of working on a Broadway production and how people in that profession have to manage an uber structured and stressful lifestyle. We also discuss his favorite moments on Seinfeld, the shock of landing Pretty Woman with Richard Greer and Julia Roberts, and what life has been like for his peers and family post-Seinfeld.
Rainn Wilson (The Office, Metaphysical Milkshake) joins us this week to discuss his tools for managing a controversial ego, the moment that changed things for him while filming The Office, and how he defines purpose and happiness in life. We discuss therapy without parents and may have just inspired a special third version of Rainn coming back next time. Also, we get into anxiety, the subtle power of gratitude, and the origin Rainn’s show Metaphysical Milkshake.
Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) joins me this week for a discussion on dealing with severe trauma and depression and how periods of loss and tribulation with his family has shaped his life. Nick opens up a ton this episode on his family hardships surrounding alcoholism and what it was like watching both parents step in to care for one another in their time of need. We talk about his journey in acting, how he met Simon Pegg, and how his career took off with hits like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.
Gregg Sulkin (Marvel’s Runaways, Wizards of Waverly Place) joins me this week to discuss the evolution of his career and how respecting professionalism and personal boundaries have helped catapult him along the way. Gregg reminisces on his early work in Wizards of Waverly Place and the chance beginning of his career at a young age. We also talk about Gregg’s time on Marvel’s Runaways, a crazy story on meeting Tim Burton, and his run-ins with Justin Bieber and Bella Thorne.
Azie Tesfai (Supergirl, Jane the Virgin) joins me this week and has a wonderful conversation on the value of self-worth and finding your voice within the “Hollywood” setting. Azie and I discuss her journey in becoming an actor after pursuing a career in law and why acting is so important to her. We also talk about Jane the Virgin, wanting to be a clown, the importance of therapy, and Azie’s time working and eventually writing for the CW’s Supergirl.
The one and only Tom Welling (Smallville, Professionals) joins us again this year as we reminisce on the recent 20th anniversary of Smallville and discuss the differences in our time shooting the show and interacting with castmates. As we return to cons, Tom talks about his experience as a father being away from his family and the surprise realization he now has away from home. We also talk about fatherhood, upcoming Smallville projects, and his experience working with Brendan Fraser.
Superman himself, Brandon Routh (Superman Returns, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow) returns to the podcast this week to expand on his last interview, dive deeper into his thoughts on playing the Man of Steel , and share his surprising experiences over the last couple years. Brandon opens up more about his return as Superman in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and what that moment of putting the suit back on meant to him. We also talk about being a parent during the pandy and the newfound challenges that can come with homeschooling.
Never disappoints! Zachary Levi (Shazam!, American Underdog) joins me this week to catch up on how he’s holding up mentally and what the process of shooting a football biopic over the last couple years was like with American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. Zach delves very deep into what it means to love oneself and how that not only affects our own lives but others as well. We discuss relationships with our mothers, the imminent return of Chuck, and the difference between love and like.
Back and better than ever! Jensen Ackles (Supernatural) joins us this week to talk about what it’s been like transitioning into the show The Boys and what the future could look like for Supernatural fans. Jensen opens up about the drama surrounding the ending of Supernatural and reminisces on things he may have done differently towards the tail end. We also discuss the strong unbreakable bond he has with Jared Padalecki, his experience with Jessica Alba, and becoming Batman?
Angie Harmon (Rizzoli & Isles, Law & Order) joins us this week to talk about everything from her obsession with the true crime genre to the difficulty in trying to raise three girls as a single mother while pursuing a career in Hollywood. Angie shares her crazy encounter with David Hasselhoff on an airplane and how it launched her career. We also discuss preparing for darker roles, encounters with creepy fans, and her mixed feelings on the modeling industry.
Chris Diamantopoulos (Silicon Valley, Red Notice) joins us this week to discuss his wild story of getting paid nothing for his dream role in The Three Stooges and portraying iconic figures like Mickey Mouse and Robin Williams. Chris and I talk about the drama surrounding The Three Stooges, changing his role in Red Notice, and the impact his insane character in Silicon Valley has had on the hustle and grind culture of millennials today.
Jack Reacher himself, Alan Ritchson (Reacher, Blue Mountain State) joins me this week to bravely discuss his battle with bipolarism and the struggle in finding his true identity in Hollywood. Alan and I talk about being a better fit for Jack Reacher compared to past actors, hitting rock-bottom mentally, and the intense filming schedule of Amazon Prime Video’s Reacher.
Kristin Kreuk blesses us again with an appearance on the podcast to talk about her feelings around the ending of Burden of Truth and her experience with shows ending as her career matured in Hollywood. Kristin expands on the idea in previous appearances of how her nervousness that she used to have on Smallville has evolved with age and experience. We also talk awkward interactions with actors at cons, letting go of our judgment of our past selves, and removing ego for the betterment of a piece of art.
Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things) joins us this week with a ton of energy and a handful of different stories of what it was like to overcome Hollywood’s opinion of him as a child actor because of his condition, cleidocranial dysplasia, and how great it felt landing the hit sensation Stranger Things on Netflix. Gaten discusses his evolution from being a nine year old theater junkie to getting his shot with shows like the Blacklist. We also talk about his preset fandom for the 80’s, his deep relationships with costars in Stranger Things, and some maybe not-so-cool pranks that happened on set.
Cedric Yarbrough joins us this week for what some are calling, “about damn time.” Tons of fun stories in this week’s show. We go back to Cedric’s childhood and talk about what it was like for him to grow up in the opposite of racial diversity within Minneapolis, plus while being raised Jehovah’s witness by his single mother. Then we get into his Curry-esque skill with “improvistating” and how he’s adapted his goals since achieving them by coming out to Los Angeles to become a working actor. We also talk about random fights he’s had, our last Christmas together, and his time working on Curb and The Goldbergs.
Alexander Ludwig (Vikings, Heels) joins us this week to share his journey in fighting his demons head on by finding sobriety, plus the experiences in this industry that have given him hope and the reassurance that kindness and gratitude win in the end. Alexander talks about his passion for adventure and activity to calm his anxiety and how difficult it is to pursue his passions given the contracts he has on certain shows. We also talk about going all out with Stephen Amell during scenes on Heels, how fitness helps center himself, and his love for and pursuit of a country music career.
Josh Peck (How I Met Your Father, Drake & Josh) joins us this week to give a glimpse into the amazing, film-worthy stories he has inside his new book “Happy People Are Annoying.” Josh shares everything from the thought of having to grieve what he never had after the loss of his father, to the truth behind the media storm fallout that came from his wedding day and those who didn’t get invited. We also talk about the idea of endless voids that we try to fill with vices, his experience as a child stand up comic, and how the difference between public opinion and what goes on behind the scenes within a cast.
Misha Collins (Supernatural, Roadfood) joins us in the studio this week to share his experience growing up with adversity and having to learn to be comfortable fitting ‘inside of you’ and not giving concern to standing out. Misha goes on to talk about his experience shooting PBS’ Roadfood and the different life wisdom he was able to draw from that time simply from slowing down, in comparison to the go-go-go schedule he had to keep up with Supernatural. We also talk about his relationship with Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki, the fake manufactured drama some fans project, and his experience with anxiety attacks on set.
Rahul Kohli (iZombie, Midnight Mass) joins us this week to tell his inspiring story of how a lucky twist of fate, while he was on the brink of quitting acting because of a horrible audition, landed him his life changing role in iZombie. Rahul explains, however. that the onset politics, stress of being on a bubble show, and shooting in Canada caused him to spiral into unhealthy abusive and unhealthy habits. We also talk about his deep relationship personally and professionally with Mike Flanagan, the typecasting of South Asian actors, and his experience being diagnosed with bipolar.
Lesley-Ann Brandt (Lucifer, Spartacus) joins us this week to share the lessons learned and different obstacles she faced pursuing a career acting in Hollywood after growing up in the completely different world of apartheid stricken South Africa. Lesley attributes her upbringing and environment in South Africa for her edge, strong attitude, and self preservation that’s helped her throughout her career on hit shows like Spartacus and Lucifer. We also talk about how actors get painted as villains for leaving a series, the importance of fitness in her life, and the self indulgence of mental wellness that some cultures aren’t afforded.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Saved by the Bell, Franklin & Bash) joins us this week to share why despite his multi decade long career in this industry he still maintains a glass half empty attitude after the countless times he’s been disappointed along the way. He expands this idea into our personal lives and the thought that nothing is forever, so don’t take anything for granted. We also talk about how Mark’s ego took a hit during the period after Save by the Bell ended, his experience as a child actor, and his surprise with projects like Pitch and Mixedish.
Mark Sheppard (Supernatural, Doom Patrol) joins us this week and opens up on his experience throughout life filling a void with things like substance abuse to professions in the spotlight like being a musician and actor. Mark gets candid about the evolution of his time on Supernatural, his fondness for the cast and crew, and the issues he had with his departure. We also talk about his experience alongside Brendan Fraser on Doom Patrol, his opinion on the “c word,” and Mark’s strengthened relationship with his father after working side by side.
Kate Siegel (Hush, Midnight Mass) joins us this week and is completely open about her lowest lows while attempting to make acting a full time job and the unrelenting ambition that lead to her break. Kate talks about the balance between her need for validation and the need to keep a set moving, all while needing to drop your ego to get out of your own way when performing a scene. We also talk about how she’s handled the trauma of her father’s passing, the surprising best thing about getting sober, and her experience working alongside her husband Mike Flanagan.
Steve Agee (Peacemaker, Sarah Silverman Program) joins us this week to talk about the ups and downs of his career in Hollywood as a character actor, and how James Gunn helped pull him from a pit during the worst year of his life with his recurring role as John Economos on Peacemaker. Steve lays out the entire origin story of his acting experience going from aspiring musician, to hopeful marine biologist, to satisfied Starbucks employee, and even to his time working the circuit of popular 2000’s reality television post production. We also talk about how Sarah Silverman saved his life in more ways than one, working with Jimmy Kimmel, and his experience with denial through the Groundlings.
Judd Apatow (Superbad, Knocked Up) joins us this week with endless stories of his experience making comedy magic from being roommates with Adam Sandler and seeing his brilliance before the rest of the world to his directorial/ production experience alongside comedic icons making films with cemented reputations in comedy. Judd talks about the reasoning for having so many projects going at once because of times in the past with some falling through, like Freak and Geeks, or even some taking years and years to get greenlit, like Superbad and Pineapple Express. This description could literally be 1,000 words with how much notable stuff Judd talks about this week… enjoy folks.
Erica Durance (Smallville, Saving Hope) returns this week to reminisce about the good and bad of her experience on Smallville while reflecting on how her upbringing of idolizing perfection led to prolonged stress and anxiety throughout her career. Erica goes on to open up about how she has a need to stay busy in order to keep calm and how she’s learning that ‘if it doesn’t get done, that’s okay.’ We also talk about our experience on set with fellow cast mates, our happy place, and the false narratives we sometimes create in our own heads.
Jared Padalecki (Walker, Supernatural) returns this week to share the challenges of transitioning into Walker and out of Supernatural all the while wanting to retire from being on screen entirely. Jared gets candid about his work ethic and attributes it to the guilt he felt after an embarrassing story during his time on the Gilmore Girls. We also talk about upcoming prequels, having Jensen Ackles direct an episode of Walker, and why he needs to pour himself into every character he portrays.
Annette O'Toole (Smallville, Virgin River) joins us this week to share iconic stories from her decades of work alongside Hollywood legends and all the while how her naivety prevented her from being taken advantage of throughout her early career. Annette goes on to tell a crazy story of her travels back and forth across the country during 9/11 and how it inevitably led to her winning an Academy Award. We also talk about her relationship with Michael McKean, enjoying acting now more than ever, and the special impact Smallville has had on people’s lives.
Caity Lotz (Legends of Tomorrow, Arrow) joins us this week and shares her evolution from working as a dancer for Avril Lavigne and Lady Gaga to gaining the respect of her cast and crew as a director on Legends. Later in the show Caity sheds light on her opinion of Legends of Tomorrow ending and how the working conditions, writing, and morale on the show improved with time. We also talk about her first gig in Mad Men, her emotional drive to continue acting, and her desire to distance herself from the Hollywood scene.
William Fichtner (Prison Break, Black Hawk Down) joins us this week to share his multi decade journey through Hollywood working alongside legends on the screen and how it all started with a random referral while in college. Ficthner gives insight into his process and how, without fail, he always puts in the work before playing any role; expanding on this with a story of his blind character in Robert Zemeckis’ Contact. We also talk about favoring performance over appearance, entering an industry as an outsider, and not chasing people’s approval.
Nathan Fillion (Castle, The Rookie) returns to the show this week to reflect back on tenured success across multiple serieses like Castle and The Rookie, along with cult adoration in Firefly and Serenity, leading us to discuss what’s next and what the escape plan is once his run in Hollywood is done. Nathan shares his secret for positivity in life and his freedom of being in a position to say no rather than taking roles out of need. We also talk about how adversity brings out one’s true colors, rumors of Firefly reboots, and his experience swimming with sharks.
Kate Flannery (The Office) joins us this week and shares her experience going from bankrupt after toxic relationships to waiting tables through the first season of The Office before it became one of the most beloved sitcoms ever. Kate opens up about using the ‘net of comedy’ to break the pace of emotional or serious performances she may give and how it clouds vulnerability. We also talk about our shared near death plane experience, curbing expectations as an actor, and coming up through Second City performing with the likes of Stephen Colbert and David Koechner.
Tommy Flanagan (Sons of Anarchy, Power Book IV) joins us this week and opens up on how his near death experience after a knife fight led to him not only changing career paths from being a DJ to acting, but also allowed him to realize that it’s okay to fear things in life. Tommy talks about drawing from experiences and interactions in his past to inspire his ‘tough guy’ bravado that he portrays with a lot of the roles he has. We also talk about his underprepared experiences on Braveheart and Gladiator, how he was able to overcome imposter syndrome in this insecure business, and his time shooting Power Book IV: Force.
Gianni Paolo (Power, Ma) joins us this week and shares his story of going from a world class hockey player with a trajectory for the NHL to leaving that all behind and pursuing his passion for acting. Gianni talks about how his improv skills gained him more time and spin-offs in the Power universe on Starz while also gaining the props of its creator 50 Cent. We also talk about growing up humble after his father lost tens of millions of dollars in the dotcom bubble, his business venture with Keenan Thompson, and the switch in his life after being caught dealing as a teenager.
Robert Patrick (Peacemaker, Terminator 2) joins us this week and shares his unique perspective in this industry with a forty year tenure, no practical training, and missed opportunities before he found sobriety. Robert opens up on how despite how iconic his character as T-1000 was in Terminator, and how he owes his career to James Cameron, he had to change his appearance to distance himself from the character. We also talk about his chemistry and bond with John Cena, how Demi Moore’s psychic helped save his life, and how Robert got Clint Eastwood to break on set uncontrollably.
Doug Jones (Star Trek Discovery, The Shape of Water) joins us this week to share his accidental introduction to the world of creature features and how he’s cemented his legacy as one of its most iconic actors with captivating performances in Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy, Hocus Pocus, and Oscar best picture winning The Shape of Water. Appearing in countless films together, Doug talks about his special relationship with mastermind Guillermo del Toro and how the two have a unique shorthand way of communicating with one another. We also talk about his early success in McDonald’s commercials, difficult lessons learned from his father’s early passing, and why his contract doesn’t allow for him to be dubbed over.
Cassidy Freeman (The Righteous Gemstones, Smallville) joins us this week and talks about the lonely and uncomfortable experience of joining Smallville in its eight season along with the bonds and connections she eventually created with castmates Tom Welling, Erica Durance, and Alison Mack. Cassidy shares her thoughts on the false idea of perfection during comparison and how she has started to let go of the idea of perfectionism. We also talk about the joy of working on the set of The Righteous Gemstones with Danny McBride and John Goodman, her love for Longmire, and leaving a legacy through journaling.
Matt Walsh (Veep, UCB) joins us this week and shares the turning points in his life that moved him from studying psychology and working in a psych ward to becoming a founding member of UCB and a household name in comedy. Matt shares praise for Julia Louis-Dreyfus and notes how important it is to have a good leader for the success of a show like Veep. We also talk about difficulty in dramatic roles, how the middle child is expendable, and how nice it is to take the role of a viewer on your own projects by doing a rewatch.
What an episode this week. Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy, Bad Blood) joins us to talk about how he’s had to learn to slow down and get back to being himself during points in his life when his career was on the rise and he was focused on pleasing others. Coatesy shares fond memories working with Bruce Willis and Kevin Costner, but also remembers other times on set where he had to stick up for people against difficult, rude talent. We also talk about his special relationship with William Fichtner, how doing a Sons of Anarchy rewatch has made him realize the impact of the show, and what it’s like to work alongside his daughter in the new Neon Lights.
Katherine McNamara (Arrow, Walker: Independence) joins us this week to talk honestly about her experience shooting the prequel to Walker, how it’s different than your typical Western, and what it’s like to be in her first lead role since filming Shadowhunters. Katie Mac goes on to share her emotions returning to the Arrowverse as Mia Smoak and her thoughts behind the spinoff (Green Arrow & The Canaries) not getting picked up. We also talk about the idea of responsibility vs. stress, why Katherine is more drawn to character roles in television rather than film, and her return to Shadowhunters.
Comedian Adam Ray (Young Rock) joins us this week for an awesome episode full of equal parts (1) vulnerability talking about his troubled past and (2) comedic relief that’ll make you laugh. Adam talks about how he got the role of Vince McMahon in Young Rock and how a bit on Instagram led to his unique friendship with The Rock. We also talk about when crowd work can go wrong, the reason Adam pursued a career in comedy, and his Gemini tendencies.
Wil Wheaton (Stand By Me, Big Bang Theory) joins us this week to share his brave story of coming to grips with the trauma of his childhood, breaking the cycle so it doesn’t carry on to future generations, and understanding that part of his healing process may lead to a lifetime split from his family. Wil is an open book as he talks about problematic introductions to the world of child acting and how his career was propped up from parental projections onto him. We also get into his annotated look back into the past with Still Just a Geek, his amazement of being in Star Trek as a trekky, and how he manages his anxiety depression and PTSD.
Brian Baumgartner (The Office, Off The Beat) joins us this week to reflect on how the celebration of the ordinary with a show like The Office has led to its resurgence as one of the most popular shows today, even years after it ended. Brian shares stories landing his role as Kevin and talks about how the show has gained a second life with podcasts, NY Times best sellers, and his very own chili cookbook. We also talk about our shared backroom run ins with Jack Nicholson, how separation from his phone by going golfing eases his anxiety, and Brian’s catalyst moment that moved him from theater to film and television.
Theo Rossi (Sons of Anarchy, Emily the Criminal) joins us this week to share his unique perspective on life and how he’s been able to let go of the nonsense and worries that plague people day to day and focus on being a good person. Theo shares the life changing moment that helped him make the decision to leave drug dealing and pursue a career in Hollywood. We also talk about protecting your time when it's finite, the weight of Sons of Anarchy, and the lovable complexity of villains.
Annie Lederman (Trash Tuesday, Don’t Bore Me) joins us this week and shares a ton! She talks about how having little-to-no boundaries in her childhood led to difficult and traumatic altercations that left her betrayed, took years to overcome, and eventually helped feed her career in comedy. Annie talks about her tendencies to be a people pleaser early in life and the different therapeutic things she’s turned to for help now. We also get into her upbringing as a Quaker, how her dreams of being an Olympic swimmer ended, and some good ole heckler stories.
Pete Holmes (Crashing, You Made It Weird) joins us this week to share his triumphant story of going from existential desperation after a canceled late night show to traveling across the country to pitch Judd Apatow on what would go on to become HBO’s Crashing. After we clear the air with fart jokes and punderful bits, Pete opens up on the idea of embracing and acknowledging feelings that many people have a negative connotation of. We also talk about Star Wars cease and desists, spiritual training, and the joy and comfort in absurdity.
Harvey Guillen (What We Do in the Shadows) joins us this week to share his journey going from growing up in poverty, collecting cans to fund his pursuit of acting, to landing a hit role in What We Do in the Shadows. Harvey talks about the love and support he received from his family during this pursuit and talks about what it was like coming out to his mother who already had her suspicions. Such a packed episode this week. We also talk about his Metro PCS ads being the pinnacle of his success to his family, what it’s like having half of the WWDITS episodes improved, and how ‘strikes’ against him early in his career are now his strengths in this industry.
Chris Sarandon (Fright Night, The Princess Bride) joins us this week for an amazing episode full of classic film nostalgia, openness on being humbled at the heights of success, and reflection on an illustrious career. Chris shares several behind the scenes stories of landing roles during auditions including how nerves helped propel his performance during his read with Al Pacino for his break in Dog Day Afternoon. We also talk about which film sent him on a mission of discovery and reflection in Africa, his favorite Andre the Giant story, and his relationship with his first wife Susan Sarandon.
Tom Holland joins us this week to share incredible story after story from his 60+ year tenure in Hollywood. From taking on the sequel that nobody dared to touch in Psycho 2, to the difficulties of making a doll that people feared in Child’s Play, to resurrecting the vampire genre with a love letter to horror fans in Fright Night… this man has stories! Tons of tales from some memorable eras of cinema. We also talk about how rare horror fans were during his youth, how he left law school to continue pursuing film, and how he found Lee Strasburg emotionally exhausting. Enjoy.
Kyle Gallner (Outsiders, Smallville) and Sosie Bacon (13 Reasons Why) join me this week to talk about the genius of their new horror film SMILE and what went into the project to get it bumped into theaters from its streaming origins. On top of talking about the twists and turns on and off the screen with Smile, Kyle and Sosie talks about what sorts of insecurities and nerves they carry with them going into every role. Sosie clears up misconceptions about her parents’ (Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick) role in her desire to become an actor and what it was like growing up with negative influences in Manhattan. Kyle shares his suburban bad boy roots and talks about how the stigma around actors performing in horror roles has been obliterated nowadays.
Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite, Blades of Glory) joins us this week and talks about the feeling of ‘constantly being an outsider’ coming to Hollywood from a humble upbringing in the PNW and then heading back to Washington after years in the film industry. Jon shares some crazy stories from his family history that helped shape him into the anxiety and stress free man that he is today. We also get into (of course) our shared bond of horror, why Napoleon Dynamite never had a sequel, and Jon’s memorable run-ins with Will Ferrell, James Cameron, and Ali G.
Deborah Ann Woll (True Blood, Daredevil) joins us this week to share her process as an actor in taking pride and enjoyment in your performance, but not lingering on it after the fact and letting the opinions of others make you defensive in your next role. This idea of other’s opinions gets expanded as Deborah shares her experience being bullied as a teenager and how the isolation and trauma still lingers with her to this day. We also talk unfinished Marvel projects with Daredevil and the Punisher, guarding your confidence, and the legacy of True Blood.
Kristin Bauer (True Blood, The Boy Behind the Door) joins us this week to share her experience going from a small town upbringing in Wisconsin, to becoming a cosmetologist, and eventually falling in love with film and landing a dream role in True Blood. Kristin tells all this week, and opens up about some unfortunate experiences in this industry, including being fired off of HBO’s Hung and an extremely uncomfortable and risque audition for Dancing at the Blue Iguana. We also talk about ageism in Hollywood, her love for the crew and writing on a set, and how she’s able to pull from her emotions so easily during a performance.
Alex Winter (Bill & Ted, Lost Boys) joins us this week to share his experience of being under the limelight since he was a child, unexpectedly hitting fame with Bill & Teds, and then leaving Hollywood for a much needed sanity break. Alex talks about his enjoyment for acting the lifelong friendships he’s been able to build with costars like Jason Patric and Keanu Reeves. We also talks about growing up with free thinking Bohemian parents, his love for creating documentaries, and burning out in Hollywood.
Sam Jaeger (Parenthood, The Handmaid's Tale) joins us this week and opens up on how the repetition of denial as an actor has him feeling like his last job will be his last, despite his success in hit shows like Devil in Ohio, Parenthood, and more. Sam talks about how he feels like he’s made it haphazardly through life with his ADD and how later in adulthood he faced anxiety and depression. We also get into what it was like directing co stars on Parenthood, his iconic Gene Hackman stories, and how he feels like sloppy seconds for Owen Wilson and Ewan McGregor.
Samm Levine (Freaks and Geeks, Minx) joins us this week and shares what it was like going from regurgitating stand up performances at bat mitzvahs to catching the eye of Judd Apatow and lucking into a role in the cult Freaks and Geeks. Samm talks about his time shooting the show and the panic that ensued as a young actor who just had his show canceled. We also talk about working alongside Quentin Tarantino in Inglourious Basterds, his entry into the industry via Lisa Kudrow, and how his impression of William Shatner landed him an iconic role.
John Oates (Hall & Oates) joins us this week to share his experience in the music industry and the ups and downs that come with being in a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted, multi million record selling duo like Hall & Oates. John opens up on how he was able to pull himself out of the spiral his life was in during the late 80’s as he wanted to change his image, was dealing with a divorce, and found out that he was being hoodwinked by Wall Street money managers. We also get into the mental health messaging that John includes in his music, who he was most excited to perform with, and some unfortunate things to happen on stage while he was performing.
Stephen Amell (Heels, Arrow) joins us this week and, as always, hits us with openness and honesty. Love the guy. He talks about the birth of his newest son, the idea of seeking external validation through fame, and how all of his previous anxieties could be tied to withdrawals. We also talk about the future of Heels with the current Starz and Lionsgate untangling, how he would feel if it ended prematurely, and what a potential return to Arrow would look like today.
Emmanuelle Chriqui (Superman & Lois, Entourage) joins us this week and opens up on the pivotal moments that changed her life while also getting emotional reconciling the losses in her family. Emmanuelle was awesome this week!! She talked about the hypocrisy of people trying to paint Entourage with a misogynistic brush, and what her real experience was like on the set with the guys. We also get into auditioning for Sandler, how she injured herself in Superman & Lois, and the methodology that transformed her life.
J. K. Simmons (Whiplash, Spiderman) joins us this week to share stories from his time in this industry going from waiting tables and scrounging for pizza - to becoming an Academy Award Winning actor and making his name in films like Whiplash, Spiderman, and Juno… J. K. talks about the love that is behind the anger of many of his iconic performances while going on to tell us what the most fulfilling moment of his career was with the great Aaron Sorkin. The real treat of this episode was when his brother, David Simmons (The UBU Project) joined us. David talks about being a suicide attempt survivor and how he’s using his experience, recovery, and musical background to save the lives of our youth. Powerful episode this week folks, hope you enjoy it. To learn more about the UBU Project visit ( https://ubuproject.org/ ) and if you want to support their mission I urge you to checkout their upcoming benefit concert on Saturday, January 28th ( https://ubuproject.org/ubu-benefit-concert )
Dan Fogler (Fantastic Beasts, The Offer) joins us this week and opens up about the little miracles that he manifested throughout his career to pull himself out of lulls and how he keeps a ‘do or die’ philosophy to drive him forward. Dan shares what it was like shooting Fantastic Beasts in the UK over the last several years and what a surreal experience it was for him playing Francis Ford Coppola in The Offer. We also get to hear a match between dueling Christopher Walkens, some on-set stories of the late great Carrie Fisher, and Dan’s uncomfortable run-in with Michael J. Fox.
Zachary Levi (Shazam!, Chuck) joins us once again to give Amell a run for his money for Inside of You appearances. Zach never disappoints with getting deep and this week he gives a healthy (much needed) dose of self love. From the power of observing generosity, to collective manifestation, to the celestial ‘chicken and egg’ - we get into a lot this week. The meat of it revolves around self love and acceptance but Zach also talks about his mental health journey through the decade after Chuck ended and what his thoughts are around the Shazam! Sequel.
Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie, Scary Movie) joins us this week and shares her experience of handling false perceptions throughout her life - from school, to modeling, to Hollywood, and more. Shannon shares the heart breaking story of what called her to action with her conservationism and her mission of saving animal lives with The Shannon Elizabeth Foundation. We also talk about her experience auditioning and negotiating throughout the American Pie films, how she was able to manifest a role in Scary Movie, and how she might be the best celebrity poker player out there.
Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Picard) joins us this week to take us where no guest has gone before… sharing his experience over three decades in the Star Trek franchise and teasing a special reunion during this new season of Picard. Jonathan talks about his experience playing Riker, working with the one and only Patrick Stewart, and the cast’s reaction to learning about Wil Wheaton’s situation off set. We also talk about handling loss, his credit with Phish, and some hilarious stories from his late great father.
Jim Gaffigan (Linoleum, I’m Too Lazy) joins us this week to share his journey as a creative - evolving from a realization that he may never be successful, to becoming a household name as a stand up comic during the Comedy Central heyday, and eventually pursuing indie roles as an actor to satisfy his need for creative fulfillment. Jim talks about his experience growing up as an outsider in middle America and how he had to battle anxiety and stage fright early on in his career doing standup. We also talk about the idea of handling rejection, how he weighs new opportunities in light of his wife’s health, and the empty success of living up to someone else’s expectations.
Rachael Leigh Cook (She’s All That, A Tourists Guide to Love) joins us this week and shares her story of quickly moving from Hollywood aspirations growing up in Minnesota to feeling like she was playing catch-up, unable to enjoy the success of the late 90’s box office smash: She’s All That. Rachael was amazing this week!! She talks about the idea of feeling haunted by potential and the weight of the expectations she placed on herself, because of the solid upbringing and support she had behind her. We also talked about how motherhood was the ultimate life changing switch, how entertainment is a game of ‘pay now’ or ‘pay later,’ and some infamously uncomfortable audition stories.
Sam Witwer (Being Human, Star Wars) joins us this week and we get deep. He opens up about reassessing his life and how people’s impression of him being a screw up molded his self image for years. Sam talks about how this industry encourages people to hide vulnerability and put up a front; and how some of the false fame that can come as a side effect of this can be harmful to your mental health. Whole lot of real life talk in this episode, but we also get into Sam’s love for (and career with) the Star Wars franchise, how some of the SiFi issues resolved on Being Human, and his experience in Season 8 of Smallville.
Michael Biehn (Terminator, Aliens, Tombstone) joins us this week and shares countless memories from his storied career. From his tenure alongside James Cameron, to his fond memories with Bill Paxton, and even revealing the truth about Michael Rooker - Biehn has a ton of fun stories this week. Not only that, but Michael opens up on his dependency on alcohol early in his career, and how hitting rock bottom was the only way to prevent more self destruction. We also get into his friendship with Doug Stanhope, the mess of working on Tombstone, and how he’s gained his confidence back after a stroke.
Larsen Thompson (The Midnight Club, Horrorscope) was an amazing fricken guest this week. She shared her early entry into acting after having to walk away from her passion of dancing for health concerns. Larsen opens up on the idea of her perfectionism and how she’s learned to turn that off while acting, prioritizing performance over her own appearance and ego. We also talk about working with Mike Flanagan on The Midnight Club, her first role under Anthony LaPaglia, and how a retweet from Beyoncé helped catapult her career.
David Wain (Wet Hot American Summer, Role Models) joins us this week to share how he’s paved his unique path in comedy for decades without sacrificing his style for commercial recognition. David takes us back to his early days at NYU bumping shoulders with guys like Ken Marino and Joe Lo Truglio, going on to form a group full of comedic household names in The State. We also talk about finding the brilliance in Paul Rudd’s performance, issues shooting Wet Hot, and staying creative while preferring structure.
Morena Baccarin (Deadpool, Gotham) rejoins us this week to share her side of the situation with Deadpool 3 while remembering fond times on set with Ryan Reynolds and traumatic underwater stunts that got cut. Morena talks about thriving in the chaos of being a working mother of three and how her husband, Ben McKenzie, has been helping sound the horn against the current crypto bubble in his new book. We also talk about her thoughts on a return to Firefly, how she was involved in the It’s Always Sunny origins, and why she still struggles with impostor syndrome despite success throughout her career.
Brent Spiner (Star Trek, Independence Day) joins us this week to drop some bombs about a certain someone’s return from the dead in Picard Season 3. Brent shares how he feels about being recognized (mostly) for a single character as Data in Star Trek - and later gets into the weeds on what his experience with the android has been like over the last few decades. We also talk about lessons learned from Joe DiMaggio, how he beat himself out for a Saturn Award, and tons of stories from his other roles in Night Court, Master of Disguise, and more!
Scott Caan (Hawaii Five-0, Alert) joins us this week to talk about how his approach to this industry has evolved over the years and what the difficulties are of coming off of a procedural like Hawaii Five-0 after a decade. Scott opens up fondly about his relationship with his late father James Caan, why his loss was somewhat relieving, and how his childhood was both a hero’s tale and cautionary lesson. He also talks about writing and starring in his new film One Day As a Lion opposite JK Simmons, his deep friendship with the late great Paul Walker, and the discipline he’s gained through decades of jiu jitsu.
Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones, Breaking Bad) joins us this week to talk about finding the subtext in roles and how she feels the most ‘herself’ while on set - however, she opens up on how the pressure, publicity, and politics behind the scenes brings out her anxieties. Krysten talks about her enjoyment while filming Breaking Bad and what it was like to shoot one of the most gut wrenching scenes anyone has seen on TV. We also talk about how special of a show ‘Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23’ was, how she had to grow up quickly in the world of modeling, and where she thinks the future of Jessica Jones is heading.
The boys are back… Al Gough and Miles Millar (Wednesday, Smallville) join us to talk about everything that went on behind the scenes with creating Netflix’s biggest new series Wednesday! The guys talk about the nerves of getting Tim Burton involved in the project, the difficulties of filming during the pandy in Romania, and how just about every studio said ‘no’ to (what would become) the second most popular TV series of all time. We also talk about the evolution of storytelling with streaming services, how they’ve mastered the art of teenage sci-fi, and of course… our time together on Smallville.
Taran Killam (SNL, Killing Gunther) joins us this week to share his opinion on attention and rejection as an actor with a unique perspective of having been cast in two iconic sketch shows: Mad TV and SNL. Love the honesty in this episode… Taran shares some pretty uncomfortable moments with heroes like Jack Black and Dave Grohl, while also being open about how he rekindled his relationship with his now wife, Cobie Smulders. We also talk about his audition for Pete in Smallville, who made him crack the most on both Mad TV and SNL, and what it was like to work with Arnold Schwarzenegger on his self directed film.
Frank Grillo (Purge, The Grey) joins us this week to share how behind the tattoos, muscles, and grit he has transformed his life to be in service to those who are at their lowest point. Frank shares how his bond for Liam Neeson came full circle after working with him in The Grey, and also how working with Nick Nolte in Warrior changed his career. We also talk about his background as a fighter, his switch to DC from Marvel, and his experience working with friends of the show Scott Caan and JK Simmons on One Day As a Lion.
Paul Abdul (American Idol, Forever Your Girl) joins us for (quite possibly) our longest interview with story after story that will leave your jaw dropped. From changing her identity to become a Laker Girl, to being baby-sat by Michael Bolton, to choreographing the Jacksons, to surviving a plane crash, to having a psychic tell her about her future with American Idol years before it aired… Paula shares it all this week! Huge thank you for her openness, especially when it came to our shared experience with spinal injury (and surgeries) and how she never gave up after nearly 2 decades with excruciating pain. Too many good stories in this episode, hope you all enjoy.
Switching it up this week folks - we have a fun episode. Welcome in, Warren Eckstein, animal trainer to the stars, former mob-boss dog behaviorist, and… my uncle! If you’ve been listening for a while now, hearing little clips about my family, then you’re going to enjoy this episode. Warren shares classic stories training dogs for Hollywood royalty like Rodney Dangerfield, Al Pacino, Lily Tomlin, and more. We also talk about his unique friendship with David Letterman, Howard Stern’s strange question during his appearance, and the importance of loving your dog, instead of being a disciplinarian.
Gates McFadden (Star Trek, Labyrinth) joins us this week to share her decades worth of experience with Star Trek - from her true feelings about certain storylines, to her bond with the Next Generation cast, to her favorite reveals in Picard. After some ‘inside baseball’ talk about our shared passion for podcasting, Gates shares terrifying stories of coming face-to-face with her stocker multiple times… before there were safeguards or laws that protected women from predatory men. We also talk about her love for David Bowie, her forgotten kiss with Bill Murray, and her time working alongside muppet master Jim Henson.
James Gunn (Co-CEO of DC Studios) returns to the pod this week to talk about his takeover of the new DC content slate, the differences between DC and Marvel, and all the pressure that comes with creating a new Superman film. James goes back and discusses the impact that creating Guardians of the Galaxy had on his career and how ‘allowing himself to give a s***’ was a large catalyst to its success. We also talk about embarrassing Chris Pratt moments, whether or not there are too many superhero films, and the future of Superman’s bald headed villain.
Eric McCormack & Steven Weber (Will & Grace, Wings) join me this week on Inside of You to talk about their new show Eating Out… get your heads out of the gutter. We go back and forth over our journey in the industry and how - as time progresses and mortality sinks in, we begin to move past ‘the superficial’ and allow ourselves to get deeper. These two were a blast, make sure you check out their new show! We also talk about Eric‘s feelings about the reboot of Will & Grace, Steve’s stories of how the old guard of television had difficulties adapting to new TV, and some horror stories of auditioning.
Andrew McCarthy (Pretty in Pink, Weekend at Bernie’s) joins us this week to talk all about his New York Times Best Selling book “Walking with Sam” and how he’s learned from tumultuous experiences with his own family how important it is to have honest, adult relationships with his children. Andrew goes on to talk about his relationship with the Brat Pack, how the association negatively impacted his career, and what it’s been like reuniting with its members. We also talk about his opinion directing TV, being a cultural touchstone for a generation of people, and his fondness for Weekend at Bernie’s.
Dee Wallace (Cujo, E.T.) joins us this week and shares her passion for teaching life, creation, and manifestation while taking us through the heartbreaking loss that triggered transformation. Dee defends the impact that horror films can have on children while sharing awesome stories from her time filming Cujo, The Hills Have Eyes, and other classics. We also talk about her experience shooting with Steven Spielberg, the idea of controlling your own energy, and trying to keep up with Dudley Moore.
Seann William Scott (American Pie, Dude Where’s My Car?) joins us this week to share why his new film The Wrath of Becky was so fulfilling and how they were able to create a perfect blend of comedy and horror. Really appreciate Seann getting open this week… He talked about some of his lowest points in life and why he‘a always maintained a sense of gratitude throughout his career. Of course, we also talk about his opinion of Stifler in American Pie, his time on Old School with Will Ferrell, and why Christopher Walken continued to dog him on The Rundown.
Carrie-Anne Moss joins us this week to share the work she's done to be able to sustain such a career in this industry by prioritizing internal validation over external praise and not feeding into the false hype of Hollywood.
Néstor Carbonell (Bates Motel, Lost) joins us this week and shares his experience coming from a family of Cuban exiles, following expectations of going to Harvard, and then using leverage to make a name for himself on one of the biggest shows of all time... Lost. Néstor was great this week. We talked about his humble beginnings, and never 'taking for granted' his countless guest-starring roles.
Rachel Bilson (The O.C., Jumper) joins us to clarify some important questions we had, like: is farting in a relationship kosher and does coffee constitute dating - In all seriousness, she was great this week.
Helen Slater (Supergirl, The Legend of Billie Jean) joins us this week to talk about her experience being thrust into the iconic role of Supergirl at 18 years old and the many different pressures and difficulties that came along with it.
Paul Walter Hauser joins us this week to share how he mentally prepares for his transformative character roles in projects like Richard Jewell and Blackbird, while also being present, hilarious, and able to do a mean Gilbert Gottfried impression.
Paul Wesley (The Vampire Diaries, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) gets candid with his experience on Vampire Diaries from the stress filled, frantic auditions to the burn out of the CW hit show spanning nine years.
Bonnie Wright (Harry Potter) joins us this week to share what it was like growing up in the middle of one of the largest film franchises of all time in Harry Potter - going from age 9 to 19 as Ginny Weasley.
Awesome episode this week. James and Oliver Phelps (Harry Potter, Fantastic Friends) joins us to share their experience in one of the biggest film and media franchises of all time - Harry Potter.
Jamie Kennedy joins us this week to reflect on his tenured career making cult classics like Scream and Malibu's Most Wanted, while pointing out how much the industry has changed and where he sees it devolving.
Anthony LaPaglia (Empire Records, Without a Trace) joins us this week to share story after story from his incredible tenure in this industry and how he's been able to sustain such a respected career.
Ryan Kelley joins us this week and talks about his unique experience of growing up as a child actor with 14 siblings and hitting it big on one of MTV's most successful series Teen Wolf.
Vincent D'Onofrio (Law and Order, Full Metal Jacket) joins us this week and opens up on his process of letting go on set, fully embracing the idea of failure in service of a better artistic performance.
Heather Langenkamp joins us this week to share her experience as one of the most iconic scream queens as Nancy in A Nightmare on Elm Street and what her opinion of horror as a genre has turned into.
Candice King (The Vampire Diaries, After We Collided) joins us this week and is an open book - talking about her experience with the cast and crew of Vampire Diaries, how there is no 'one size fits all' approach with therapy, and the stress of shifting relationship dynamics like divorce. Candice shares stories about how the shows she's been a part of have helped people during lulls in their lives and how a series can be that safe space for people. We also talk about curating your social media for positivity, not being afraid to show your flaws, and some totally not resentful closure on past flings.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos, Not Today Pal) returns this week to share her cathartic breakdown and the work she's done over the last five years to process her journey with MS.
World famous new wave radio DJ Richard Blade joins us this week to share endless stories from his iconic career full of huge name drops.
John Glover (Smallville, Tony Award Winner) joins us in studio for an open and honest conversation about aging in this industry while wanting to stay busy amidst all the craziness that has surrounded us over the past few years.
Peter Facinelli (Twilight, Nurse Jackie) joins us this week to share the crazy experience of going from the lead actor to director in ON FIRE.
David Krumholtz joins us this week to candidly share his experience overcoming thyroid cancer, the difficulties surrounding this disease while working in Hollywood, and how it was preceded by a nine month panic attack.
Adrianne Palicki (Friday Night Lights, The Orville) joins us this week to discuss her experience in this industry - evolving from wanting to escape from Toledo to now wanting to avoid the incestuous nature of comparison within Los Angeles.
Jennifer Love Hewitt (Ghost Whisperer, 9-1-1) is back on the pod this week to share beautiful lessons from her late mother and how they've allowed her to navigate life with gratitude and a priority for passion (not obligation).
Alan Ritchson (Reacher, Blue Mountain State) joins us again this week for an open an honest conversation about his current mental health coinciding with the industry validation and massive success of Reacher.
This week we're joined by the band Dogstar with members Keanu Reeves, Robert Mailhouse and Bret Domrose. Make sure you check out their new album 'Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees' because we get into a lot of it this episode. The guys share their feelings coming back after decades of not performing together and the catalyst that brought the band back. We also get into the idea of nerves driving performance, horror-story gigs, and the therapeutic power of music.
Tom Ellis (Lucifer, Miranda) joins us this week to give his uniquely ironic experience in this industry - going from growing up in a family of baptist ministers to playing the lead in the hit series Lucifer.
Story on story on story - Michael addresses misconceptions with Tombstone, deadly experiences while filming The Abyss, alternative casting on The Terminator, and so much more that we couldn't fit in his first appearance.
Tom Welling (Smallville, Lucifer) joins us this week for our 300th episode. He was our first guest, so we couldn't think of anybody more perfect for our 300th ... We catch up on a lot with Welling - the rewards and challenges of fatherhood, his desire to be of service to others, and self reflections on his career to this point. We also get into stressful stories on set Smallville, his heart warming Keanu story, and resisting Brendan Fraser.
Katee Sackhoff (The Mandalorian, Battlestar Galactica) joins us on the pod this week for a wonderful conversation about learning to love yourself and avoiding things that validate your own insecurities.
Kumail Nanjiani joins us again on the podcast after several years to reflect on his career taking off with The Big Sick, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Welcome to Chippendales - along with the untenable anxiety that came with it.
One of the wildest stories we've ever heard on the podcast, from one of the most dear friends to the show - Mark Sheppard joins us this week to give an exclusive recounting of his recent heart attacks and relentless fights against death.
Shelley Hennig joins us this week to share her unique experience in this industry: how a distraction during a tragic family loss led to her winning Miss Teen USA, and eventually landing a recurring role on Teen Wolf.
Joel McHale (Animal Control, Community) joins us again this week to spread out on the couch, share a bunch of laughs, and admire a room full of memorabilia.
Lex Luthor meets the new Lex Luthor this week as we sit down with Nicholas Hoult (Warm Bodies, About a Boy) for a conversation about his prep for the role, super hero pressure in the age of social media, and the art of shaving your head.
Tom Payne (The Walking Dead, Prodigal Son) joins us this week to share his journey in becoming an actor along with the unique pride and sacrifices he's made to fully invest in his career coming over to America.
John Rhys-Davies (Indiana Jones, The Lord of the Rings) joins us this week for one of my favorite interviews yet. The guy is prolific. He gets into everything from his pessimism heading into Lord of the Rings, the intimidation of working alongside Sean Connery, the immense difficulty of filming Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, and so much more. John was an open book this week, going on to talk about the pain of losing a child, his outlook on life after death, and the current vacuum of creativity our industry is stuck in. Hope you enjoy.
Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars, Brian's Song) joins us this week to reflect on his incredible legacy in this industry - from the importance of his casting as Lando Calrissian in Star Wars, to his chemistry with Diana Ross, and why he's steadfast with his unique creative approach rather than playing the victim. Truly appreciate Billy Dee coming on the podcast as a self admitted 'private person,' his honestly about dark times in life and the idea of not dwelling on the negatives was refreshing. Tons of stories about the golden age of Hollywood in this episode, hope you enjoy and make sure to check out his book What Have We Here?
Edward Furlong (The Terminator, American History X) joins us this week to share his journey with addiction and the rock-bottom he hit that allowed him to get clean and re-discover the joys of a sober life.
