Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

Will Arnett, actor and podcaster known for Arrested Development and SmartLess, chats about turning John Bishop’s real story into his new film. He revisits early NYC hustle, voiceover roots, a pivotal Amsterdam meeting, working with Mitch Hurwitz, handling criticism and failure, and the joys of podcasting and family reactions.

Patti Smith, the Godmother of Punk and celebrated poet, shares her journey from South Jersey to New York's artistic scene. She reflects on discovering Bob Dylan and how her factory job inspired the poem 'Piss Factory.' Patti discusses her life with Robert Mapplethorpe and the whirlwind of making her debut album, 'Horses.' She also delves into her recent memoir, 'Bread of Angels,' emphasizing voice for the silenced, and shares her thoughts on political outrage and the lessons of aging. Her candid stories weave a rich tapestry of creativity and resilience.

Gwyneth Paltrow, celebrated actor and Goop founder, opens up about her return to acting in 'Marty Supreme' and the personal parallels to her character, Kay Stone. She reflects on her early theater days, the dizzying rise of her 90s career, and the sexism she faced in Hollywood. Paltrow discusses stepping back from acting to build Goop and her journey towards wellness, emphasizing the importance of radical self-declaration. She shares her vow to perform on Broadway and expresses renewed love for acting on set, while defending her company's controversial products.

Viola Davis, an EGOT-winning actor and producer, shares her journey from a challenging childhood to Hollywood success. She highlights how 'The Woman King' reshaped her creative identity and stressed the importance of meaningful entertainment. Davis reflects on her impactful roles, including her experiences with Meryl Streep and navigating the complexities of being a Black actor in a predominantly white industry. She emphasizes legacy, self-love, and her mission to make the invisible visible, showing how she constantly seeks purpose beyond her profession.

Comedian Robby Hoffman, known for her Netflix special 'Wake Up' and roles in 'Hacks,' shares her vibrant journey from a chaotic Orthodox upbringing in Crown Heights to comedic acclaim. She reflects on the pressures of masculinity in society and her escape to Canada with her family from an abusive home. Robby also discusses balancing her early career in accounting with stand-up, her experience in the WGA strike, and her love for comedy as a calling. The conversation brims with insight and humor, highlighting her path to success.

In a captivating discussion, Academy Award-winning actor and director Kate Winslet shares insights from her three-decade career. She reveals the emotional journey behind her directorial debut, Goodbye June, inspired by personal loss. Winslet reflects on her upbringing in Reading and the challenges of navigating Hollywood as a woman, including gendered scrutiny and ambition. She recounts her breakthrough role in Heavenly Creatures and the pressures of Titanic fame, ultimately emphasizing her choice of transformative roles that protect her creative spirit.

David Remnick, the long-serving editor of The New Yorker, discusses the magazine's centennial, sharing insights from his tenure since 1998. He analyzes Zohran Mamdani's significant mayoral win and reflects on the documentary capturing the magazine's evolution. Remnick touches on the challenges facing journalism today, the importance of deep reporting, and the necessity of maintaining public trust in media. He also shares personal stories about his early life, musical influences, and the enduring creativity of artists like Joni Mitchell.

Renate Reinsve, the talented Norwegian actress known for her roles in 'The Worst Person in the World' and 'Sentimental Value,' dives deep into her creative process. She shares how she approaches character building like a 'puzzle' and reflects on her life in Norway, revealing insights from her childhood and the influence of directors like Joachim Trier. Renate discusses her emotional experiences on set, the impact of films like 'Mulholland Drive,' and the heartfelt moment of bringing her family to the Cannes premiere, showcasing the personal connections behind her performances.

Joachim Trier, a Norwegian filmmaker known for critically acclaimed works like The Worst Person in the World, dives into his latest project, Sentimental Value. He discusses the emotional dynamics of family in his creative process and the lessons learned from skateboarding. Trier reflects on collaborating with Eskil Vogt, balancing on-set discoveries with prewritten themes, and how being present with actors enriches performances. His exploration of trauma and vulnerability remains a poignant theme, drawing on personal experiences to create authentic narratives.

Filmmaker Noah Baumbach discusses his new film, Jay Kelly, drawing on three decades of personal experience in cinema. He shares how a 'quiet crisis' after White Noise reignited his passion for filmmaking. Baumbach reflects on his childhood surrounded by film, including the emotional connection movies provided. He delves into his writing process, revealing how therapy influenced The Squid and the Whale, and his collaboration with Greta Gerwig. Finally, he pays tribute to his mentor, Peter Bogdanovich, and explores themes of legacy and identity in his work.