

Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso
Lemonada Media
Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso is a weekly series of intimate conversations with artists, activists, and politicians. Where people sound like people. Hosted by Sam Fragoso. New episodes every Sunday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

14 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 60min
Does Fashion Have a Future? Designer Gabriela Hearst is Threading the Needle.
Gabriela Hearst, an acclaimed designer and founder of her namesake fashion house, is passionate about sustainability in fashion. She shares insights from her rich upbringing on a Uruguayan ranch, detailing how gaucho traditions inspire her artistic philosophy. Hearst candidly discusses her journey from acting to fashion, overcoming personal challenges through creativity. She emphasizes the importance of high-quality materials over fast fashion, advocating for ‘honest luxury’ as a way to protect the planet while crafting garments that empower women.

11 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 51min
Actor Rose Byrne: A Woman on the Verge
Rose Byrne, acclaimed actor known for her versatile roles, discusses her gripping performance in the film If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You, where she portrays a mother unraveling under stress. She shares insights on her early career, including her role in the cult classic Two Hands with Heath Ledger, and the challenges of navigating Hollywood's sexism. Byrne reflects on her comedic breakthrough in Bridesmaids and explores her artistic influences, including David Lynch and Arthur Miller. Her journey from Australia to Hollywood showcases determination and growth.

12 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 42min
A Cup of Coffee with Director Benny Safdie (‘The Smashing Machine’)
Benny Safdie, acclaimed director and writer known for 'Good Time' and 'Uncut Gems,' shares insights about his new film 'The Smashing Machine,' portraying MMA icon Mark Kerr. He delves into the film's themes of vulnerability and empathy, reflecting on personal parallels with addiction and recovery. Benny discusses his creative process, the impact of collaborators like Nathan Fielder, and the importance of street casting. He also shares memorable experiences working with Dwayne Johnson and his evolution from directing to acting in major films like 'Oppenheimer.'

11 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 1h 2min
Ta-Nehisi Coates Has a Message to Deliver. Can We Hear It?
Ta-Nehisi Coates, an award-winning writer and a prominent voice on race, history, and reparations, shares insights from his latest book, The Message. He reflects on how his seminal piece, The Case for Reparations, shaped his recent essays. Coates discusses the challenges of reporting abroad, particularly in Palestine, and advocates for greater representation of Palestinian voices in media. He also explores his formative experiences in West Baltimore and critiques the mainstream media's focus on complexity over morality while emphasizing the power of literature in shaping societal understanding.

52 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 1h 5min
And In Our Hour of Darkness, Writer Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy, an acclaimed novelist and political essayist, candidly discusses her new memoir, Mother Mary Comes to Me, exploring the complex legacy of her mother, a feminist trailblazer. She reflects on the crucial lessons learned from her tumultuous childhood, including the burdens of expectation and the power of silence. Roy connects her personal narrative to her political activism, addressing the cultural fabric that informs her writing and the urgent need to listen to the powerless in today's world. Her insights are both poignant and galvanizing.

Sep 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
Director Francis Ford Coppola Keeps His Dream Alive
Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary director behind classics like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, shares insights into his passion for filmmaking and the ambitions of his latest project, Megalopolis. He reflects on the creative struggles faced during production, including industry resistance and artistic conflicts. Coppola delves into his childhood dreams, the importance of persistence, and how he views American cinema's future. With a nod to his late wife Eleanor, he emphasizes the necessity of risk in art and keeps dreaming despite challenges.

20 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 9min
Seth Rogen’s ‘The Studio’ Takes the Emmys
Seth Rogen, actor and creator of 'The Studio,' shares his journey from comedic films like Superbad to winning multiple Emmys. He reflects on key influences such as Robert Altman and Judd Apatow, and discusses the evolving nature of Hollywood in a streaming age. Rogen reveals humorous stories from his childhood writing jokes and the challenges of balancing artistic ambition with commercial success. He also explores the transition in masculinity themes in early 2000s comedies and the innovative shifts in filmmaking alongside long-time collaborator Evan Goldberg.

34 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 40min
The Terry Gross Interview
Terry Gross, the iconic host of Fresh Air, joins for an engaging discussion marking the show's 50th anniversary. She shares her early experiences in radio and reflections on memorable interviews with luminaries like Kurt Vonnegut and Joan Didion. Gross opens up about navigating personal loss and her deep love for long-form interviewing. The conversation also dives into the future of public media amid funding challenges, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in connecting communities. It's a rare glimpse into the heart of a broadcasting legend!

50 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 1h 13min
Cook Samin Nosrat (‘Salt Fat Acid Heat’) Returns with ‘Good Things’
Samin Nosrat, a celebrated cook and writer, known for her bestselling book and Netflix series, dives into her latest work, 'Good Things.' She candidly shares the influences behind her recipes and reflects on the joys and challenges of her upbringing as the daughter of Iranian immigrants. From her formative experiences at Chez Panisse to the complexities of cultural identity, Samin discusses the importance of personal fulfillment in the culinary world. She also touches on the significance of community, seasonal produce, and the joy of cooking for others.

6 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 1h
The Homecoming of Dev Hynes (Blood Orange)
Dev Hynes, the visionary musician behind Blood Orange, dives into his latest album, Essex Honey, and reflects on his journey from Essex, England, to the stage of Madison Square Garden with Harry Styles. He shares the profound influence of childhood piano lessons, the vibrant New York punk scene, and his inspiration drawn from the iconic Octavia Saint Laurent. Dev discusses the emotional power of music, a transformative night at the Apollo Theater, and his collaborative spirit that shapes his artistic evolution.