Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

Jenny Slate, a talented actor and author known for her roles in Obvious Child and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, delves deep into her creative journey. She shares how her role in FX’s Dying for Sex allowed her to stretch her acting wings. Slate discusses her relationship with family, motherhood, and overcoming societal pressures. She reflects on the impacts of social media toxicity and weaves in wisdom from her poet father. With aspirations for the future, Slate merges personal growth with creative expression, leaving listeners inspired.

Seth Rogen, the versatile actor and creator behind hits like Superbad, dives deep into Hollywood's evolving landscape. He discusses the influences shaping his Apple TV+ show, drawing from classics like The Player and The Larry Sanders Show. Rogen shares a pivotal piece of advice from Judd Apatow and reminisces about his early days in comedy and work on Freaks and Geeks. The conversation reveals the constant balance between creativity and commerce, reflecting on the intricate realities of today's entertainment industry.

Ezra Klein, a journalist and author at The New York Times, discusses his vision for a hopeful future in America from his book, "Abundance." He tackles the challenges faced by the middle class and the housing market while advocating for regulatory reform to boost infrastructure projects like California's high-speed rail. The conversation also delves into the potential impact of AI on jobs and the need for meaningful policy changes that inspire hope and progress for future generations.

From Mean Girls to Mamma Mia! to First Reformed, Amanda Seyfried has repeatedly displayed her versatility as a performer. Today, we return to one of our favorite conversations with the illustrious actor. At the top, we discuss her Oscar-nominated portrayal of 1920s and '30s screen star Marion Davies in David Fincher's Mank (6:53), her early years working in the industry (13:13), and the joy of making Mean Girls (15:26). Then, she reflects on the parallels between 1930s Hollywood and today (36:08), how she found her footing (41:51), and where she'd like to go in the years ahead (45:32). Thoughts or future guest ideas? Email us at mail@talkeasypod.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does photography need to do now? Artist Tyler Mitchell has been asking (and attempting to answer) that question since making history as the first Black photographer to shoot a Vogue cover back in 2018. Since then (he was only 23-years-old at the time) his work has been celebrated in museums around the world, featured in publications like Vanity Fair and W, and, ultimately, published in his debut monograph, I Can Make You Feel Good. He joins us this week around the opening of his revelatory exhibition, Ghost Images, now available at the Gagosian Gallery in New York City. View the works discussed in our virtual gallery here or visit talkeasypod.com/tyler-mitchell-gallery/.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monica Barbaro, an Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in Top Gun: Maverick and A Complete Unknown, shares insights into portraying Joan Baez. She discusses vocal lessons that prepared her for the role and reflects on her artistic journey influenced by a California upbringing. Monica candidly addresses her struggles with perfectionism and the importance of authenticity in her work. The conversation also touches on her shift from dancing to acting and her aspirations for the future, all accompanied by her captivating music rendition of House of the Rising Sun.

Jesse Eisenberg, acclaimed actor and director known for his roles in The Social Network and A Real Pain, dives deep into his creative journey. He shares insights about crafting A Real Pain and reflects on his childhood experiences in East Brunswick. Eisenberg talks about his early love for writing humor and transformative roles that shaped his career. With humor and honesty, he explores themes of anxiety in his work, the emotional weight of storytelling, and the importance of connecting with family history.

RaMell Ross, an award-winning director known for his film ‘Nickel Boys’, shares his unique approach to storytelling shaped by his upbringing in Virginia and experiences as a Georgetown basketball player. He discusses the role of naivete in filmmaking, the complexities of race in photography, and aims to portray the American South in new and authentic ways. Ross emphasizes the need for deeper explorations of Black identity in cinema, asserting that ‘Nickel Boys’ is just the beginning of a transformative journey in Black cinematic history.

Bill Hader, known for his iconic work on SNL, reflects on the hilarious yet chaotic nature of live comedy. Julia Louis-Dreyfus shares her journey navigating ambition on the show and the joy found in collaboration. Jason Reitman discusses the pressures of comedy within a legacy, drawing on personal experiences in filmmaking. The trio dives into behind-the-scenes stories, memorable sketches, and how SNL has shaped their careers, celebrating its 50-year legacy with humor and heartfelt insights.

Chris Hayes, a prominent journalist and MSNBC host known for his keen political insights, discusses the challenges of modern media and attention. He unpacks America's constitutional crises and the commodification of attention in the digital age. Hayes shares his experiences with dwindling viewership amid cord-cutting and highlights the struggle for authenticity in a performative industry. He reflects on engaging a divided audience and draws parallels between historical labor exploitation and today's attention capitalism, urging listeners to reclaim focus in a distracted world.