Trace Lysette, actor, rapper, and former drag performer, discusses her lead role in the film Monica, her journey to find her gender identity with the help of drag performing, and her experiences as a trans actor in indie filmmaking. They also touch on the significance of the webcam scene in the movie, navigating press opportunities and awards in Hollywood, and being a trans woman in the hip-hop industry.

Jo Firestone, comedian and star of 'Good Timing' and 'Joe Pera Talks with You', discusses teaching stand-up comedy to seniors, her role as a doomsday prepper on 'Joe Pera Talks with You', and her comedy special 'Good Timing' which showcases the work of her senior students.

Prodigy of Mobb Deep, who helped start gangster rap for the East Coast, talks about his autobiography and lifelong battle with sickle cell anemia. The podcast explores the recent FDA approval for a new therapy for sickle cell disease, which could have saved Prodigy's life. They also discuss Prodigy's early life, musical inspiration, and the impact of their music on street life. The chapter concludes with Prodigy discussing his new song 'Stronger' and the importance of overcoming obstacles.

Cory Doctorow, author of The Internet Con, talks about ens**tification, the rapid changes in social media platforms, the evolution of Facebook, its impact on users and businesses, and the future of the internet. He also discusses the need for systemic solutions to fix the problems of accumulated capital and market concentration.

Craig Robinson, known for his roles in The Office and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, talks about his show Killing It and his character's pursuit of the American Dream. He also discusses his own career and whether he feels he has made it.

Benny Safdie, known for his work in Oppenheimer and Uncut Gems, talks about his intense and unsettling show, The Curse. They discuss the challenges of acting in scenes where the characters don't know where anyone is and delve into the complexities of the character Whitney portrayed by Emma Stone. Benny Safdie also reflects on his father's unique filming style and discusses the influence, collaboration, and storytelling process in creating art that makes people uncomfortable.

Paul Dooley is a legend of showbiz. He's played some iconic dads in films like Sixteen Candles, Runaway Bride and Breaking Away. His book Movie Dad: Finding Myself and My Family, On-Screen and Off is about his seven decades in the business. Paul joins us to talk about his memoir and dives into his lengthy career including some more unusual gigs. He also gets into what it was like to portray dads on the big screen while his own family was falling apart.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Sonia Manzano is a legend of kids TV. She played Maria on Sesame Street for four decades and changed what children's media looked like. In 2021, she premiered a children's cartoon of her own called Alma's Way. On Bullseye, we're looking back at our conversation with Sonia: she talked with us about the show's first season and her childhood in the Bronx. Plus, what it's like when she meets fans in real life. Turns out: lots of tears!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Norman Lear died last month. He was 101. He was a writer and showrunner for some of the biggest, most influential sitcoms of all time. He's responsible for shows like Sanford and Son, All in the Family, The Jeffersons and many more. When Lear was on Bullseye back in 2016, he was the subject of a PBS American Masters film — Norman Lear: Another Version of You. He talked with us about his childhood, working on so many sitcoms, and writing for an all Black cast.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Each year, Bullseye looks back on the year in stand-up comedy by presenting listeners with an annual end of year stand-up comedy showcase! The Bullseye team combed through dozens and dozens of albums to bring you some of the best comedy of 2023. That includes stand-up from: Maria Bamford, Marc Maron, Hari Kondabolu, John Mulaney, Sasheer Zamata and more!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy