Bullseye with Jesse Thorn

Rachel Bloom is a comedian and songwriter. She created and starred in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. The spring of 2020 was a tough time for a lot of us. It took Bloom a few years to process all that, and now we have the result: Death, Let Me Do My Special on Netflix. Bloom joins us to talk about her special. We get into what it was like to see the world grieve the loss of his writing partner, Adam Schlesingler, so publicly. Plus, we talk about Bobi, a dog who lived to be over thirty years old!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ken Burns is one of the greatest documentary filmmakers of all time. He's dedicated much of his life to covering the story of America through his works: The Civil War, Country Music, Jackie Robinson, just to name a few. His recent work ventures outside of The United States to record one of the greatest minds in history: Leonardo da Vinci. Ken Burns comes to Bullseye to discuss the renaissance man, quilts, and so much more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Join Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks as he dives into the charming chaos of driving etiquette and modern technology’s quirks. He reflects on his transition from comedy to drama, sharing insights on authenticity in performance. Hanks also discusses the evolving mindset from cynicism to gratitude, revealing personal anecdotes that shaped his career. Plus, he addresses the complexities of family life and creative independence, all delivered with his signature warmth and humor.

Canonball is a segment that takes a closer look at albums that should be considered classics. This time, MC Skiz Fernando joins Bullseye to discuss the game changing album Operation: Doomsday by MF DOOM. Skiz just released a book that records the life and death of the hip-hop legend. It's called The Chronicles of DOOM: Unraveling Rap's Masked Iconoclast. Skiz stops by to key us into the classic album, including songs like: "Tick Tick" and "Rhymes Like Dimes."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Paul Williams has lived an extraordinary life. He's a songwriter who's written songs performed by Three Dog Night, Tiny Tim, The Carpenters, and David Bowie. On the latest episode of Bullseye we get into it all: Falling out of airplanes. Dressing as an Orangutan from Planet of the Apes on Carson. The simple genius of Kermit the Frog's Rainbow Connection, which was surprisingly complicated to write.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this engaging conversation, Tavi Gevinson, a talented actor and writer, shares insights from her journey as the teenage founder of Rookie magazine. She reflects on the impact of social media on her career and the challenges of growing up in the spotlight. Tavi discusses the evolution of online creativity, her transition from fashion blogging to acting, and the intricacies of self-representation in the digital age. Her candid exploration of identity and the pressures of being labeled a 'wunderkind' provides an inspiring look at creative growth.

Connie Chung, an Emmy-winning newscaster and the first Asian American to host a major network news show, shares insights from her memoir, *Connie.* She reflects on her shift from journalism to motherhood, sharing nostalgic feelings and the joy of adoption. Connie humorously discusses growing up as a Chinese immigrant in D.C. and the cultural biases that shaped her identity. She also delves into the challenges of transitioning from news reporting to writing, balancing factual integrity with emotional truth.

J. Kenji López-Alt, acclaimed food writer and chef, shares his culinary wisdom and unique cooking philosophies. He reveals the secrets behind his treasured recipes, including roasted potatoes and chocolate chip cookies. Kenji discusses the art of wok cooking, reflecting on his family's diverse culinary heritage. He also dives into the recipe development process, highlighting techniques like sous vide and reverse sear. Lastly, he explores the complexities of cultural identity in cooking and the balance between authenticity and modern adaptation.

Weird Al Yankovic, a legendary parody musician with a career spanning four decades, shares insights into his journey from a bullied youth to musical icon. He discusses his early influences and the challenges of breaking into the industry. Al reflects on the evolution of comedy music and the art of crafting parodies, revealing his creative process for songwriting. He also touches on the making of his biopic and how it captures his unique blend of humor and musical talent. Laughter and nostalgia abound in this entertaining conversation.

James Adomian is a comedian with a foot in two worlds. He's a stand-up comedian and impressionist who's performed on the Late Late Show, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live and many more. He's got a brand new stand-up special out now called James Adomian: Path of Most Resistance. He joins us to talk about the new special and even does a few impressions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy