Bullseye with Jesse Thorn

George Takei, renowned for his role as Commander Sulu, is an actor and passionate LGBTQ+ rights advocate. In this engaging discussion, he delves into his new graphic memoir, revealing his personal journey of coming out and identity. Takei shares poignant reflections on his childhood in internment camps during WWII and the emotional complexities of being a closeted actor. He emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and draws parallels between historical injustices and today’s challenges, reinforcing the need for awareness and action.

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka, known for her engaging stand-up and viral social media presence, explores the balance of humor and serious subjects. She discusses her new special, Father, and how recording family videos has strengthened their bonds. Atsuko reflects on the challenges of growing up undocumented and shares poignant stories about her grandmother's immigration journey. The conversation delves into family dynamics, mental health, and the healing power of laughter amidst trauma, showcasing the depth of her comedic artistry.

Cole Escola, an actor, comedian, and playwright known for their roles in TV comedies like Difficult People and Hacks, dives into the comedic portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln in their play Oh, Mary!. They discuss the absurdity of blending historical figures with contemporary humor and reflect on the complexities of approaching middle age. Escola also shares insights on femininity in media and the pressures of identity, illuminating the balance between comedy and deeper storytelling in their creative journey. Prepare for humor and heartfelt revelations!

The one and only Mark Hamill joins us this week. He chats with us about his latest role in the epic, life-affirming drama The Life of Chuck. He also tells us about what inspired him to take his acting skills to Broadway after Star Wars. Plus, he shares what got him into voice acting and does his iconic voice as the Joker from the animated Batman series for us.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What was it like to work with Paul Reubens? The man behind Pee-wee Herman. Pee-wee as Himself is a beautiful, touching documentary about one of the most talented and unique voices of our time. He died in 2023. We're joined by filmmaker Matt Wolf. He talks about what made Paul Reubens a dream subject for a documentary and how he got Paul to open up about difficult topics. Plus, Jesse talks about his own experience working with Paul on the Pee-wee Herman Radio Hour for KCRW.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week on Bullseye, we talk to Ego Nwodim! She just wrapped up her seventh season as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. She talks with us about her roundabout path to comedy, including nods to her hometown in sketches, and a whole lot about her incredible SNL character: Lisa from Temecula.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mary Randolph Carter is an expert on all things junk. She's written many books on the topic including her latest called Live With the Things You Love: And You'll Live Happily Ever After. We asked Carter if there was ever one piece of junk she acquired over the years that stuck with her so much and lived inside her head rent free for so long that she wishes she made it. The object that came to mind was a very peculiar clock.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Questlove, drummer and bandleader for The Roots joins us on the latest episode. The legend. Lately, he's been working on music documentaries: Sly Lives! and Summer of Soul were both fantastic. He joins us to talk at length about Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music. Questlove gets into his early memories of Saturday Night Live as a kid and gets into how he's been involved with the show over the years. We also get into the forthcoming album from The Roots.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week on Bullseye, we talk to Carson Lund, director of the new slice-of-life baseball film, Eephus. The movie is about two rec league baseball teams meeting to play their final game on a field, which will be torn down the next day to make way for a middle school. Lund talks to Bullseye about representing downtime in baseball, and rejecting the grand finale you might expect in a movie about a sport.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Alexander Skarsgård, an Emmy-nominated actor known for his roles in Succession and Big Little Lies, dives into the world of his new Apple TV+ series Murderbot. He discusses the show's unique take on a self-aware robot's journey of self-discovery and identity. Skarsgård also reflects on his eclectic upbringing in a family of artists, sharing humorous anecdotes about fitting in and his rise to fame in Sweden. Fashion plays a role too, as he highlights his memorable red carpet moments while maintaining a playful banter about style.