On the Media Bullseye's Jesse Thorn on Surviving in the Podcasting Industry
16 snips
Nov 26, 2025 Jesse Thorn, the founder of Bullseye and the Maximum Fun network, celebrates 25 years of creating insightful conversations with artists. He discusses the origins of his unique college radio show and recounts memorable early interviews, including a cringe-worthy experience with Dustin Diamond. Thorn emphasizes the importance of in-person interviews and reveals his mission to explore the creative processes of artists. He shares how he transitioned to a worker-owned model for Maximum Fun, prioritizing sustainability and audience connection over venture capital.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Humble Beginnings On College Radio
- Jesse Thorn started a college morning radio show with friends that mixed comedy, surreal bits, and guest interviews to fill the hour.
- Early guests included Upright Citizens Brigade members and Mike Nelson, and experiments taught them how to interview and entertain live.
The Dustin Diamond Disaster
- Jesse recalled a disastrous interview with Dustin Diamond who refused expected topics and told offensive jokes on air.
- That experience taught him to put only people he genuinely recommends on the show.
When The Script Never Arrived
- A planned bit with Mike Nelson acting along to a script failed when he never received the faxed lines, so he improvised a surreal routine about mustard.
- The mistake became a memorable, funny moment on air.