Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

Michelle Zauner, musician and author of 'Crying in H Mart,' shares her journey of grief and identity through her latest album, 'For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women).' She discusses her transformative year in South Korea, the emotional complexity of language learning, and how writing helped her navigate loss. Zauner reflects on her breakout SXSW performance and her evolving relationship with her father after her mother's passing. She also teases her plans for a second book and celebrates her growth during her world tour.

Ocean Vuong, acclaimed writer and professor, dives deep into his personal history and the themes explored in his latest novel, 'The Emperor of Gladness'. He shares poignant stories of growing up in East Hartford, the surrogate family he found at Boston Market, and his transformative college years. Vuong reflects on honoring his late mother, the struggles related to the opioid crisis, and his journey towards sobriety. He also emphasizes the importance of teaching creative writing and how his experiences fuel his passion for storytelling every day.

Jelani Cobb, Dean of the Columbia Journalism School and a seasoned staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the tumultuous climate of academia today. He examines the urgent issues of free speech and activism amid graduation celebrations, the Trump administration's impact on higher ed, and the detention of student activist Mahmoud Khalil. Cobb also reflects on the evolving challenges in journalism, the fleeting nature of corporate activism post-2020, and the enduring legacy of George Floyd, emphasizing the need for truthful storytelling in these complex times.

Sarah Silverman, a groundbreaking comedian known for her daring humor and thought-provoking insights, discusses her deeply personal Netflix special ‘PostMortem.’ She reflects on loss and life experiences from the '80s, sharing the impact of her late father's legacy. Silverman also explores her comedic journey, from SNL to her own shows, and the mentorship of Garry Shandling. The conversation touches on the evolution of her comedy amidst changing societal norms, revealing how personal challenges have become valuable material for her work.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Percival Everett discusses his acclaimed novel, 'James,' a fresh take on 'Huckleberry Finn.' He reveals the philosophical dilemmas that inspired the story and reflects on his father’s humor shaping his writing. The conversation dives into the complexities of identity and representation, especially in literature and comedy. Percival also shares insights on teaching in today's digital age, tackling the shifting reading habits post-pandemic, and how he navigates his own creative process, emphasizing authenticity and personal expression.

Ira Glass, co-founder and host of the iconic This American Life, shares insights from his illustrious career in narrative journalism. He discusses the rigorous selection process for stories and the impact of political threats to public media. Reflecting on his early days at NPR, he reveals how mentorship shaped his storytelling approach. Ira dives into what makes a compelling interview and shares pride in particular episodes, all while pondering his legacy and the future of public radio.

Penn Badgley, famed for his roles in Gossip Girl and You, dives deep into the finale of You and its cultural implications. He reflects on his childhood as a child actor and the solitude of his West Coast upbringing. Badgley shares transformative experiences from his 2012 trip to South America and how it shaped his spiritual journey with the Baha'i Faith, ultimately leading to his partner, Domino. The conversation touches on masculinity through the lens of his character, Joe Goldberg, revealing thought-provoking insights about identity and the modern male experience.

Viola Davis, an EGOT-winning actor and producer, shares her journey from a challenging childhood in Rhode Island to her groundbreaking work in film and theater. She discusses her transformative roles in projects like The Woman King and the impact of her memoir, Finding Me. Viola reveals insights from her Juilliard experience and the struggles of being a Black actress in Hollywood. With reflections on legacy and authenticity, she emphasizes the importance of representation in storytelling and connects deeply with the audience through her artistic process.

An outspoken advocate for working families, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) has made a career out of taking on Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and the Beltway. And while she may be tired of Washington, she’s not too tired to make it better. At the top, we discuss the constitutional crisis (5:00) surrounding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia (9:00), this administration’s attack on public education (12:00), and the GOP’s fealty to Donald Trump (13:25). Then, we dive into Senator Warren’s proposed bill to limit the power of special government employees like Elon Musk (25:48), her fight for campaign finance reform (28:05), and the values her Oklahoma upbringing instilled in her (35:43). On the back-half, Senator Warren reflects on her early work in bankruptcy law (39:47), why she’s devoted her career to fighting for the middle class (45:45), the challenges she’s faced in the past decade in office (1:00:19), and what she sees for the future of the Democratic party (1:05:30). Feedback, guests ideas, or a power-ranking of your favorite Warren takedowns? Email us at mail@talkeasypod.com. This episode was recorded at Spotify Studios.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an award-winning Nigerian author and feminist icon, discusses her latest novel, Dream Count. She opens up about overcoming a decade-long writer's block, the impact of profound loss on her creativity, and her awakening to feminism following childhood experiences during the Biafran War. Adichie emphasizes the importance of representation in literature, the erosion of free speech, and the necessity of intellectual curiosity in a polarized society, all while reflecting on her personal evolution and aspirations.