Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

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.

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.