Bullseye with Jesse Thorn

Ian Frazier, is a writer who, for lack of a better term, does the thing. If there is a place that fascinates him he goes to that place, immerses himself in it, and writes about it. And that's exactly what he did for his new book about the Bronx called Paradise Bronx. He joins us to talk about the history of the New York borough and even tells us how he mapped out the radius in which residents can smell cookies from a local bakery. Plus, he shares what items he brings with him when he goes out to explore a city.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Tyrese Gibson is a renaissance man. He's a Grammy-nominated singer, blockbuster actor, an accomplished author, and model. His latest project is a crime drama–1992. It's set in Los Angeles, the day four police officers charged with beating Rodney King were acquitted. We talk about the film and the commercial that jump started his career. Plus, Tyrese presses pause mid-interview to take an important call from a rap legend.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Lynda Barry is a legend of alternative comics. These days, she teaches at the University of Wisconsin. Her book What It Is, was recently re-issued on paperback. When we talked to Lynda in 2020, she'd just released Making Comics. It's sort of an illustrated guide on how to create comics. At the heart of the book is a belief Lynda has: Anybody can draw. Anyone can make comics. Yes, even you!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Jon Hamm is an actor with a lot of range. He can do serious, and he can definitely do funny. When he last joined us on the show, he had just starred in a comic noir called Maggie Moore(s). A film with a perfect mix of serious and funny. He chatted with us about that film, how he landed his memorable role on Mad Men, and much more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

ScarLip is hip-hop's next rising star with her forceful flow and energy inspired by the late rapper DMX. She's just been named to XXL's 2024 freshman class and received the stamp of approval from hip-hop giants Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg. We get into her ascent in the game, breath control while performing, and staying in school against all odds. Plus: What's a Glizzy? We answer that and so much more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Entering the studio with Jesse Thorn on the latest episode is John Cena. The wrestler turned actor talks about his path to the ring and Hollywood. John recently announced his imminent retirement from wrestling – he talked with us about that decision. Plus, John's always wanted to learn how to play piano, and he's thought of a way to make that happen. His latest project is an action comedy called Jackpot! in which he stars alongside Awkwafina. You can stream it now on Amazon Prime.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Michelin-starred chef René Redzepi, host of the new show Omnivore on Apple TV+, joins us on the latest installment of I Wish I Made That to talk about a recipe he wishes he'd invented: a beautiful vegetable dish called Le Gargouillou.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Common and Pete Rock are two of hip-hop's greatest heroes. Now, the two icons have combined their genius to release their first collaborative work together, The Auditorium Vol. 1. We get into the album, discuss some of the pair's most profound tracks, and spin into a conversation on breakdancing at 50.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ghostbuster! Beldar the Conehead! Blues Brother Elwood! The one and only Dan Aykroyd joins us. In the audio documentary Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude, Aykroyd tells the story of how the band formed, how it persevered through decades of tumult, including the death of its co-founder and friend, John Belushi. Dan Aykroyd talks about the history of The Blues Brothers, the making of Ghostbusters, and so much more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Bilal is a vocalist with a foot in two worlds. He's a rap fan's favorite jazz singer, or a jazz fan's favorite hip hop singer. He joins to talk about his new project Live at Glasshaus (Glasshaus Presents), which came out earlier this summer. He also shares how he and his longtime collaborator and friend Robert Glasper first met. Plus, Bilal also talks about how he got together with a big band in Germany to perform a Curtis Mayfield tribute concert.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy