The Treatment

Olivia Wilde’s comedy 'The Invite' was one of the hits of the summer of 2026. Wilde directed and starred in the film which was an adaptation of the 2020 Spanish film 'Sentimental.' For Wilde’s treat, she pays tribute to an actress to whom the film is dedicated, whose comedic performances came from vulnerability.

Director Garth Jennings and Pulp founder and frontman Jarvis Cocker initially worked together nearly 30 years ago on a music video for the song “Help the Aged.” Since then Jennings has directed multiple films, including 'The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,' and the animated 'Sing' movies. Cocker has released solo albums, written a memoir, and even acted in a Harry Potter film. The two have joined forces once more on the new documentary 'Pulp: What Do You Do for an Encore?'   Cocker and Jennings discuss their early collaboration, why they both loved the ABBA Voyage concert, and Cocker reveals what he borrowed from Barry White.  'Pulp: What Do You Do for an Encore' is now streaming on MUBI.   

Aziz Ansari is currently wrapping up his “Hypothetical”  comedy tour with a final stop at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey on October 29. In addition to his decades as a standup, Ansari also created and starred in the Netflix dramedy 'Master of None,' for which he won two Emmys for writing. For his treat, Ansari cites a 1996 French film as an inspiration for the series.

Sacha Baron Cohen, the British comedian, actor, writer, and filmmaker behind Ali G, Borat, and Brüno, discusses the return of Ali G. He explores building characters through audience reactions, the camera’s strange power over people, and comedy’s contract with viewers. Cohen also reflects on satire, breaking the fourth wall, and Monty Python’s surreal influence.

Jarvis Cocker was at the forefront of the ‘90s British rock scene as the founder and frontman of the group Pulp. He’s now featured in a new documentary Pulp: What Do You Do for an Encore?, directed by Garth Jennings, streaming on MUBI. For Cocker’s treat, he recommends a surrealist novel that is also a meditation on creativity.  

In the past decade, comedian Aziz Ansari has proven himself to be a true multi-hyphenate. After finishing up his run as Tom Haverford on the comedy series 'Parks and Recreation,' Ansari created and starred in the Netflix series 'Master of None,' for which he won two Emmys and a Golden Globe. He directed his first feature, 2025’s 'Good Fortune,' starring Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogan. And he has continued touring, putting out comedy specials, including 'Aziz Ansari: Right Now' and 'Buried Alive.' He continues to hone his standup chops on his latest 'Hypothetical Tour,' which will be filmed for a Netflix special on October 29 in New Brunswick, New Jersey at the State Theater.  Ansari shares why he’s talking more about his aging parents in his comedy; how it felt to direct his first feature film, and how the television industry has changed since 'Master of None' premiered.

Director Destin Daniel Cretton’s summer blockbuster, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' takes on the Marvel Universe through the lens of family, lost and perhaps found. For his treat, Cretton recommends a book that connected him to a close relative just before he passed away.  

Jonathan Goldstein, the filmmaker behind Game Night and Dungeons & Dragons, and John Francis Daley, its co-director and a longtime writer-actor, discuss Mayday. They explore Cold War assumptions, politically varied readings, and villains with convincing motives. They also reveal how dramatic actors find unexpected comedy, how claustrophobic settings heighten tension, and how character goals shape their collaborative writing and action scenes.

After multiple Emmy nominations for her portrayal of attorney Kim Wexler on the drama 'Better Call Saul,' actress Rhea Seehorn finally took home the statue last month for her starring role in the Apple TV sci-fi series 'Pluribus.' For her treat, recorded in front of a live audience, Seehorn gives a shout out to something that has been a steadfast companion for decades.   

Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg are the most influential directors of their generation with iconic films including 'The Godfather,' 'Star Wars: A New Hope,' and 'Jaws.' Their catalog runs deep.   Author Paul Fischer’s book 'The Last Kings of Hollywood: Coppola, Lucas, Spielberg—and the Battle for the Soul of American Cinema' tells the story of how the directors became giants in filmmaking. In the book, Fischer describes each man’s brilliance and shortcomings, presenting a human story behind their abundant talent and prolific output. Fischer tells Elvis the story behind how 'Apocalypse Now' came to Coppola, how a nearly fatal accident set Lucas on a path toward becoming a filmmaker, and how the idea of family informed each director’s approach to filmmaking. Note: This episode originally aired on April 17, 2026