WWDTM: Billy Porter, Mark Ronson, Tara Dower, and more!
Feb 22, 2025
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John Leguizamo, a talented actor, writer, and comedian, shares his thoughts on the importance of Latino history and his animated career. The discussion takes a whimsical turn with a lighthearted quiz on Bob the Builder's cultural impact. Leguizamo discusses his experiences in the music industry, alongside exciting challenges in ultra-distance running. The guests also dive into quirky mythical creatures, personal style, and captivating jury shenanigans. Get ready for a mix of humor, nostalgia, and insightful reflections!
John Leguizamo emphasizes the vital contributions of Latino culture to the U.S. economy, aiming to educate on historical ignorance and resilience.
Tara Dower's record-setting completion of the Appalachian Trail showcases not only extreme physical endurance but also the mental strength required to overcome challenges.
Deep dives
Celebrating Latino Culture
John Leguizamo discusses his new PBS series, 'American Historia,' which focuses on Latino history and culture. He reveals that the series stemmed from his efforts to educate his son about their heritage, especially after experiencing bullying at school. Leguizamo emphasizes the significant contributions of Latino culture to the U.S., highlighting its $3.2 trillion annual contribution to the GDP. This series aims to combat historical ignorance and showcase the resilience and achievements of Latinos throughout history.
Voices Behind the Animation
In a conversation about his role as Sid the Sloth in the 'Ice Age' franchise, Leguizamo shares the extensive voice work he undertook for the character. Initially, he experimented with various accents to find the perfect fit, even mimicking animal behavior for authenticity. He amusingly recounts how he tested his voice by stuffing food in his cheeks to recreate the sloth's foraging habits. This dedication to character analysis illustrates the lengths he goes to bring his animated roles to life.
The Hallucinatory World of Ultra Running
Tara Dower shares her incredible experience of completing the Appalachian Trail in a record 40 days. Running an average of 35 miles daily and pushing through extreme exhaustion, she faced hallucinations and challenges that tested her limits. Despite the grueling schedule, including only five hours of sleep on average, Dower found humor in her experiences, such as mistaking hallucinations for real-life interactions. Her insights reflect the mental strength required for such extreme endurance challenges.
James Marsden's Unique Role in Jury Duty
James Marsden explains his role in 'Jury Duty,' where he played a fictionalized version of himself in a hidden-camera style show. The premise involved engaging one unwitting participant in a real jury scenario while the rest of the cast acted purely for entertainment. Marsden candidly shares his concerns about crossing ethical boundaries and the importance of maintaining a genuine relationship with the participant after the ruse was revealed. His reflections highlight the balance between humor and morality in modern entertainment.