Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

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.

Ina Garten, bestselling cookbook author and beloved culinary figure, shares her journey from the White House to the kitchen. She discusses how aging has refined her taste while embracing simplicity in cooking. Reflecting on her 55-year marriage, Ina emphasizes the importance of supportive partnerships. She also reveals her methodical approach to recipe testing influenced by her scientific background. With warmth and wisdom, Ina talks about maintaining friendships and the joy of gardening, reminding listeners to choose happiness by excising negativity from their lives.

Alison Roman, a culinary innovator and author of the new cookbook 'Something from Nothing,' shares her journey from pastry chef at Milk Bar to a prominent food columnist. She discusses the accessible nature of her recipes and reflects on the chaotic yet enriching environment of restaurant life. Roman opens up about the 2020 controversy that challenged her public persona and led to personal growth. She emphasizes the unifying power of cooking and expresses her hopes for future projects, including family and new books.

Filmmaker Judd Apatow, known for his iconic comedies like 'Bridesmaids' and 'Superbad,' opens up about his new visual memoir, 'Comedy Nerd.' He shares his childhood obsession with collecting memorabilia and the impact of mentorship from Garry Shandling on his storytelling. Judd discusses the delicate balance of passion and anxiety in his prolific work, the sting of harsh reviews, and the evolution of comedy across generations. He reflects on how creativity often springs from personal experiences and the risk involved in pursuing new projects.

Edgar Wright, acclaimed director of films like Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver, discusses his new adaptation of Stephen King’s The Running Man. He dives into his creative influences, including the impact of Sam Raimi. Wright shares the unlikely origins of Scott Pilgrim while recalling childhood moviegoing experiences. He reflects on his collaboration with Simon Pegg and the evolution of his filmmaking style. The conversation also touches on the future of cinema and the importance of preserving the magic of the theater experience.

Salman Rushdie, acclaimed novelist known for Midnight's Children, shares insights from his new book, The Eleventh Hour, and his memoir, Knife. He reflects on his childhood in Bombay and the impact of family trauma on his writing. Rushdie discusses the toll of the 1989 fatwa and its effect on public perception, alongside the ongoing threats to free speech. Humor plays a crucial role in his recovery from the 2022 attack, and he emphasizes the lasting power of literature in the face of censorship.