Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

In this engaging conversation, Cate Blanchett—an acclaimed performer with a rich career—reflects on her transformative roles and creative process. She discusses her femme fatale character in *Nightmare Alley* and the layers of truth within it. Cate shares insights on her early experiences as a script reader and the impact of parenthood on her art. She also explores the theme of ‘divine dissatisfaction,’ embracing the discomfort that fuels creativity while revealing personal stories about vulnerability and acceptance throughout her journey.

Dr. Seema Jilani shares her experiences offering aid in Gaza, highlighting the dire conditions and dwindling medical supplies. She discusses the ethical dilemmas faced in a war-torn hospital and emphasizes the impact of conflict on children. The conversation also touches on the importance of advocacy, communication in healthcare, and expressing gratitude for healthcare workers risking their lives.

Celebrating Dune's anniversary, Kyle MacLachlan talks about true crime podcast, his upbringing, debut role in Dune, collaboration with David Lynch in Blue Velvet. Discusses Twin Peaks, Showgirls, tapping into raw emotion as an actor, social media, and shares a poignant George Price cartoon.

Actor Lily Gladstone discusses her Best Actress nomination for 'Killers of the Flower Moon', her creative upbringing on the Blackfeet Reservation, and her hope for a paradigm shift in the entertainment industry. She reflects on her early experiences auditioning in Hollywood, the Osage legacy in the new project with Martin Scorsese, and the life-changing performance that ensued.

Quinta Brunson, creator and star of 'Abbott Elementary', discusses the guiding principles of the series, the incomparable cast, and how the show reflects her upbringing. She also talks about her comedic influences, performing in improv, and finding solace at Second City Chicago. Quinta reflects on moving to LA, feelings of alienation, and the Comedy Store performance that led her to Abbott Elementary. She shares her hopes for the future.

Filmmaker Lulu Wang discusses creating the Hong Kong-based show Expats, collaborating with Nicole Kidman, contrasting perspectives in storytelling, her personal connection to the project, her college years, the road to her debut feature film, and the importance of community.

Wesley Morris, critic at large at The New York Times, discusses this year's Academy Award nominations. Topics include the omission of Greta Gerwig from Best Director, the 'perversely effective' nature of Killers of the Flower Moon, Bradley Cooper's Maestro upending the biopic genre, the indie film boom of the late '90s, the rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Todd Haynes' new film May December, Ava DuVernay's Origin, the Academy's relationship to diversity, and the erosion of the 'middle' in film and culture.

Dan Levy, the talented actor and creator of Schitt’s Creek, joins to discuss his directorial debut, Good Grief. He shares how a snowy walk and the loss of his grandmother inspired the film's heartwarming narrative. Friendship takes center stage, particularly the depth of chosen family in our 30s. Levy reflects on his awkward early days at MTV Canada and how red carpet pressures nudged him toward his true creative path. He also reveals how audience reactions to Good Grief motivate him to continue his heartfelt storytelling.

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay discusses her creative adaptation of the book 'Caste' and the questions she hopes to pose in 2024. She reflects on her formative years as an underground emcee, the making of her first narrative feature, and the past year in Hollywood. She also shares her hopes for ARRAY and the words of Angela Davis that keep her moving forward.

Brilliant actor Michelle Williams discusses her partnership with director Kelly Reichardt, her upbringing in Montana and San Diego, and her experiences on the sets of Dawson's Creek and Brokeback Mountain. She reflects on the healing power of Rebecca Solnit's book and shares insights into her performances in Blue Valentine and My Week with Marilyn. Williams also talks about her journey as a mother and creating from a place of peace.