Bullseye with Jesse Thorn

Glynn Washington, host of Snap Judgment, captivates with tales of storytelling's impact, sharing how he escaped an apocalyptic cult through narrative. Adam Scott, actor from Parks and Recreation, fondly recalls his Santa Cruz childhood, discussing beach culture and his unique job as a taffy puller. Boots Riley gives insights into transitioning from music to film, revealing how he fabricated momentum to finance his projects. The mix of powerful stories, laughter, and local nostalgia makes for an engaging and memorable discussion.

Jordan Morris and Gene O'Neill, co-hosts with Jesse Thorn from the early days of college radio, come together to celebrate 25 years of their quirky show. They delve into hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, including how they booked surf legend Dick Dale. The trio reflects on their early sketches, cringe-worthy caller reenactments, and the awkwardness of phone interviews. They share lessons learned from their college radio journey, blending humor with heartfelt nostalgia, showcasing how those formative years shaped their comedic careers.

This whole month, we’re ringing in 25 years of Bullseye being on the airwaves. If you’ve heard our archives you might have heard Bullseye referred to as The Sound of Young America. That was the show’s original name when it started as a college radio show back at Santa Cruz’s KZSC.To kick off our 25th anniversary, we’re bringing you the first of many celebrations: a spectacular live show recorded at LAist 89.3 in Pasadena at their Crawford Family Forum.We’ll have interviews with Roy Wood Jr., Jason Mantzoukas, music from Rebecca Sugar. Plus, standup comedy from Al Madrigal.Roy Wood Jr. joined us to talk about his book – The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir. Jason Mantzoukas talked about being known as an improv guy and his time on Taskmaster. You can check out Rebecca Sugar’s latest EP Lonely Magic on Bandcamp. More info on live show dates for Al Madrigal on his website. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

WTF with Marc Maron revolutionized the medium of podcasting. Despite being one of the most popular podcasts in history, the show was run by two people: Marc Maron as the host, and Brendan McDonald as his producer. Maron and McDonald talked to Bullseye about WTF’s origins, their equal partnership in producing the show, and why it ended.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week, we’re looking back on some of our favorite Spooky season interviews from across the twenty-five years we’ve been doing Bullseye. Ana Fabrega is a comedian, actor, writer, and co-creator of the show Los Espookys. In 2022, Ana joined us to talk about the show after it had just wrapped its second and final season.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Just in time for the spooky season, we're reaching deep into the furthest, darkest reaches of the Bullseye archives for this conversation with Bruce Campbell. The cult movie actor starred in Sam Raimi's "Evil Dead" – an absolute horror classic. When we talked to Bruce in 2011 he spoke with our correspondent Jordan Morris about the DIY aesthetic of his projects, obsessive fans, and how he came to make cult horror movies.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Today on Bullseye, it’s songwriter and recording artist Yaya Bey! She just wrapped up a national tour in support of her new album, do it afraid. She talks to Bullseye about blending genres, and coming out on top after a tumultuous handful of years.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation, Fargo, The Last of Us) returns to the show to talk about his new book, Little Woodchucks, and to share why woodworking is such a big part of his life. Plus, he gives Jesse a deep tissue massage. Yep, on the radio!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Will Smith is the creator and showrunner of the hit Apple TV spy thriller Slow Horses. Smith talks with Jesse about the show's unique blend of drama, action and comedy. He also shares how he learned from Armando Iannucci, the best in the biz, while working on Veep and The Thick of It. Also discussed: farts! And how star Gary Oldman's character Jackson Lamb uses them as a plot device.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week, it’s Gwendoline Christie! She’s best known for her part as Brienne of Tarth on Game of Thrones. Game of Thrones launched Christie’s career. Before it wrapped, she was cast in two Star Wars movies. She recently earned an Emmy nomination for her part in Severance as the lady who was in charge of all the goats. She talks to Bullseye about art, resilience, and getting ready to wrangle all those goats.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy