

Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
Willie Geist, Sunday TODAY
NBC's "Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist" provides sharp, conversational coverage of the day's news, along with in-depth profiles of the people and ideas shaping our culture. In his “Sunday Sitdowns,” Geist chats with some of the biggest names in news and pop culture, from actors and musicians to presidents and CEOs, about the stories behind their success. This podcast features the full, unedited versions of those conversations for an even deeper look at the names in the headlines. "Sunday TODAY" airs live on NBC from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. ET. Check your local listings.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 17, 2018 • 42min
Trevor Noah
When Jon Stewart announced he would give up his hosting chair on “The Daily Show” after 16 years, almost no one speculated his replacement would be Trevor Noah. In this week’s “Sunday Sitdown,” Willie Geist chats with the popular comedian about his astounding journey from apartheid South Africa where his biracial background was literally a crime to now sitting in that famous chair. Noah also discusses his unique approach to covering today’s politics and breaking through in a crowded late-night field. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 10, 2018 • 34min
Claire Danes
For the last seven years, Claire Danes has played one of the most intense and complex characters on television, CIA officer Carrie Mathieson on the hit series “Homeland.” In this week’s “Sunday Sitdown,” the Emmy and Golden Globe winning actress sits down with Willie Geist to chat about what it’s like to play that memorable role and how the show’s storylines have an uncanny way of predicting the future. She also discusses her childhood growing up in show business, including moving from New York City to Los Angeles at age 13 to audition for “My So-Called Life,” as well as her latest movie, “A Kid Like Jake.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 3, 2018 • 45min
Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield captured Hollywood’s attention in “The Social Network,” and he became a star when he was cast as a blockbuster superhero in “The Amazing Spider-Man.” In this week’s “Sunday Sitdown,” the Oscar-nominated actor chats with Willie Geist about his complicated relationship with fame and why he has always felt more comfortable on the stage than as a global movie star. He opens up about his current role in the theater, the demanding lead in the iconic play “Angels in America” on Broadway. The show is nominated for a record-breaking 11 Tony Awards, including one for Garfield, and he talks about that positive response and why he feels the play’s themes are resonating today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 27, 2018 • 29min
Jason Bateman
Jason Bateman is living a double life these days, playing the leader of the Bluth family in the comedy cult classic “Arrested Development” while also starring in the dark series “Ozark,” where he plays a family man who is in deep trouble with a drug cartel. In this week’s “Sunday Sitdown,” Willie Geist chats with the actor about his lengthy career, from growing up a child star on the sitcom “Silver Spoons,” to facing some dark times in his twenties, to landing “Arrested Development” and his recent success on Netflix. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 20, 2018 • 45min
Laura Dern
Actress Laura Dern has a long career of big-name credits, but this past year has thrust her into the spotlight. In this week’s episode of “Sunday Sitdown,” Willie Geist talks with the Emmy and Golden Globe winning actress about her big year that’s included roles in the hit HBO series “Big Little Lies,” on the big screen in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” and in the revival of the cult classic “Twin Peaks.” She opens up about growing up in Hollywood the daughter of movie stars, and what it was like to be nominated for an Oscar alongside her mother for their film “Rambling Rose.” Dern also discusses her intense new movie “The Tale” and the importance of stepping up as a leader in the era of #MeToo and Time’s Up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 13, 2018 • 42min
Melissa McCarthy
Comedian Melissa McCarthy is known for her outrageous roles in “Bridesmaids” and “The Heat,” but not everyone knows about her journey to stardom. In this week’s “Sunday Sitdown,” the actress talks to Willie Geist about her path from a soybean farm in Illinois to crashing on couches in New York City to becoming the fourth-highest paid actress in Hollywood. And in honor of Mother’s Day, McCarthy opens up about raising two young daughters and why her latest film, “Life of the Party,” is the first one she’ll let them watch. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 6, 2018 • 41min
Ron Howard
Oscar-winning director Ron Howard has been in show business almost since he was born. He appeared in his first movie at just 18 months old and by the age of 6 he was a star on “The Andy Griffith Show.” In this week’s episode of “Sunday Sitdown,” Willie Geist chats with Howard about growing up on the sets of some of the most beloved shows on television, all while dreaming of being behind the camera. Howard is now one of the most acclaimed filmmakers in Hollywood, directing hits like "Apollo 13," "A Beautiful Mind," and "Frost-Nixon." He opens up to Willie about that prolific career, including his latest adventure directing the new Star Wars movie "Solo" and all the pressure that comes along with it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 29, 2018 • 43min
Laurie Metcalf
Laurie Metcalf is on a roll. The 62-year-old actress is coming off a year that included a Tony Award for her performance in “A Doll’s House,” an Oscar nomination for her acclaimed role in “Lady Bird” and a revival of her Emmy-winning performance on the hit TV sitcom “Roseanne.” In this week’s episode of “Sunday Sitdown,” Willie Geist talks with the actress about her whirlwind of a year and how she juggles that crazy work schedule, including her latest adventure on Broadway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 22, 2018 • 1h 1min
Damian Lewis
Damian Lewis is the British actor you usually hear using an American accent on television. The star of the hit show “Billions” first made a name for himself playing an American soldier on HBO’s “Band of Brothers,” before he went on to shake up television with his Emmy and Golden Globe winning performance as Sergeant Nick Brody on “Homeland.” In this week’s “Sunday Sitdown,” the actor talks to Willie Geist about his in-depth preparation for his current role as ruthless hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod, including studying real-life Wall Street titans. It turns out Lewis has also learned a mean game of ping pong in his downtime on the set, so he challenged Willie to a friendly match. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 15, 2018 • 44min
Bill Murray
When the one and only Bill Murray comes calling for interview, you drop everything to make it happen. In the first episode of "Sunday Sitdown," Willie Geist meets up with the legendary actor on a moment’s notice to talk about his days on Saturday Night Live, his epic movie career, and everything in between, including the infamous 1-800 phone number he uses to connect with Hollywood. Even Wes Anderson, who directed Murray’s latest film “Isle of Dogs,” has to leave a message for him there, and they’ve worked on eight movies together. Murray opens up to Willie about his decision to live outside the spotlight, besides crashing a party every now and then. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.