Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

In this conversation, Ta-Nehisi Coates, a celebrated author and professor at Howard University, shares insights from his latest work, 'The Message.' He reflects on his Atlantic piece about reparations and its historical implications. Coates discusses his experiences reporting from South Carolina and the Middle East, emphasizing the ethics of journalism. He critiques mainstream media's handling of complex narratives, particularly around Israel and Palestine, and highlights the importance of diverse voices in storytelling. The chat concludes with a poignant story about love and writing.

Anna Kendrick, renowned for her roles in 'Pitch Perfect' and 'Up in the Air,' discusses her directorial debut, 'Woman of the Hour.' She dives into the movie’s true crime roots and its exploration of 1970s gender politics. Kendrick shares her journey from a young Broadway star to navigating Hollywood's challenges, reflecting on her mentorship from Jake Johnson and the struggle with workaholism. With a humorous touch, she notes the emotional rollercoaster of filmmaking and hints at creative aspirations highlighted in her memoir, 'Scrappy Little Nobody.'

Jason Reynolds, a New York Times bestselling author and 2024 MacArthur Fellow, sheds light on his latest YA novel, *Twenty-Four Seconds From Now*. He discusses his motivations for exploring boyhood and masculinity, shares the rhythmic style of his writing, and reflects on the profound impact of a dedicated high school teacher. Reynolds emphasizes the importance of empowering young voices and recognizes the challenges in the education system post-pandemic, ultimately conveying hope for the next generation's narrative journeys.

Wesley Morris, a culture critic for The New York Times and host of ‘The Wonder of Stevie,’ dives deep into the legacy of Stevie Wonder. He discusses Wonder's iconic five-album run from 1972-1976 and how his music reflects societal themes. Morris shares insights on the emotional impact of Wonder's work, recounting personal connections and cultural significance. The conversation also touches on Wonder's evolution from prodigy to revolutionary artist, and the challenges that shaped his journey within Motown's complex landscape.

Jason Reitman, the acclaimed writer-director behind hits like Juno and Up in the Air, shares insights on his new film Saturday Night, inspired by the legacy of Saturday Night Live. He delves into the influence of 1970s cinema and personal anecdotes about his father, the late Ivan Reitman. The conversation covers the evolution of his filmmaking, touching on his formative years and the impact of various filmmakers on his craft. Reitman closes with reflections on fatherhood and the joy that directing brings him.

Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary filmmaker behind classics like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, shares his ambitious journey in cinema. He reminisces about the long development of his modern epic, Megalopolis, and the artistic influences of Méliès and Tati. Coppola reflects on his childhood spirit and the evolution of his identity in filmmaking. The conversation touches on the risks he’s willing to take for his art, the importance of personal loss in his creative process, and his thoughts on America's future.

Joaquin Phoenix, one of the greatest actors of his generation, discusses his transformation in 'Joker: Folie à Deux' and the collaborative magic with director Todd Phillips. He reflects on his nomadic upbringing, childhood debut on 'Hill Street Blues,' and the brilliance of Robert De Niro. Phoenix candidly shares insights on his acting process, touches on the polarizing 'I’m Still Here,' and reveals his thoughts on delivering a 'great' performance. This rare conversation dives deep into authenticity, personal growth, and the emotional complexities of artistry.

Myha’la, an up-and-coming actor known for her role as Harper Stern in HBO's 'Industry', shares her journey from college to the spotlight. She discusses how her character's evolving hairstyles symbolize growth and empowerment, and dives into the complexities of ethical investing. Myha’la reflects on her experiences at Carnegie Mellon and her early days as a Christian rock band frontwoman. With insights on ambition and representation, she paints a hopeful vision of her artistic future while navigating the unique challenges of her generation.

Ken Leung, an accomplished actor known for his roles in hit films like Rush Hour and acclaimed shows such as Lost, explores his compelling character, Eric Tao, in HBO's Industry. He shares insightful reflections on navigating his Brooklyn upbringing as a son of Chinese immigrants and finding balance in his craft after personal loss. Leung also discusses Hollywood's evolving landscape regarding representation and his collaborative work with Myha’la. With a strong sense of peace in his current trajectory, he views each project as a spiritual journey.

In this lively conversation, journalist and film critic Sam, celebrating his 30th birthday, shares captivating stories from his early days in journalism and an Almost Famous-like teenage experience as a film critic. He reveals a life-changing email from the legendary Roger Ebert and discusses the evolution of his show during the pandemic. Abbi Jacobson reflects on their shared journeys, the weight of birthdays, and how vulnerability shapes their craft, highlighting the importance of connection through art and introspective conversations.