Bullseye with Jesse Thorn

Our first guest of the year is the one and only Jude Law. He joins us to talk about his work on the new Star Wars series Skeleton Crew and his new film The Order. He also shares insight into what it takes to pull off a good accent.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Marianne Jean-Baptiste is a classically trained actor who has over 50 credits to her name, including Secrets & Lies and the FBI show Without a Trace. She currently stars in the film Hard Truths, directed by Mike Leigh, and has received critical acclaim for her performance. When we talked in 2020, she'd just starred in the new thriller In Fabric. We're revisiting our conversation with the actor, talking about the film and the time she read a newspaper for 45-minutes as part of an audition.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

John Larroquette, an Emmy and Tony award-winning actor renowned for his role in Night Court, reflects on his nearly 50-year career. He candidly discusses the emotional return to set after losing beloved co-stars and shares his journey with substance abuse. The conversation touches on the humor and heart of the new Night Court series and dives into his early work narrating The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Larroquette also sheds light on character evolution and the complexities of revisiting iconic roles with vulnerability and gratitude.

Nikki Giovanni died earlier this month at the age 81. We were fortunate enough to get to talk with her in 2021 and wanted to revisit our conversation with the late poet. She spoke with us about the first poem she remembered writing, overcoming teenage angst and why she was not afraid—excited even—to find life on Mars.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Kim Deal, the iconic lead singer and guitarist of The Breeders and The Pixies, shares her journey from the suburbs of Dayton, Ohio, to the heights of alternative rock fame. She discusses the unexpected success of The Breeders, fueled by the hit 'Cannonball,' and her recent solo album, 'Nobody Loves You More.' Deal reflects on the serendipitous moments that shaped her career, the nostalgia of transforming music formats, and the evolution of female musicians in rock. It's a delightful dive into her musical inspirations and experiences!

Howard Bryant, a legendary baseball journalist and author of 'Rickey: The Life and Legend of an American Original,' delves into the remarkable life of Rickey Henderson. He reminisces about Henderson's extraordinary career and unique playing style, revealing anecdotes that showcase his defiance against norms and exceptional base-stealing skills. The conversation highlights Henderson's deep connection with Oakland, his struggles for acceptance, and the broader impact he had on the sport and aspiring athletes. A heartfelt tribute to an unforgettable figure in baseball.

Dive into a hilarious year in stand-up with top talent like Kyle Kinane and Tig Notaro. Laugh along as parenting woes meet nostalgic wisdom and witness the quirks of suburban life. Enjoy playful stories about family dynamics and the ups and downs of dating in Los Angeles. Absurd encounters with unconventional beliefs add a twist, while reflections on tractors spark unexpected humor. This entertaining showcase is packed with wit, insightful observations, and a celebration of comedy's power to connect us all.

Join Jennifer Hudson, an acclaimed singer and actress, and Zach Cherry, known for his role in 'Severance,' as they dive into the holiday spirit. Hudson shares anecdotes about her debut holiday album, 'The Gift of Love,' while reminiscing about Christmas traditions and family gatherings. Cherry reflects on beloved holiday specials, including the humorous Monk's Christmas mystery. Together, they explore the emotional significance of music during the holidays, highlighting nostalgia, warmth, and the joy of family connections.

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