Wild Card with Rachel Martin
NPR
Life’s too short for small talk. Rachel gets right to the questions that matter most. Once a week, famous guests pull questions from a deck of cards and open up about the kind of stuff we all think about but rarely say out loud. Actors, authors, and thinkers are prompted to talk about everything from their insecurities and dreams to grief and God. Named one of the 10 best podcasts of 2024 by The New York Times, Wild Card stands out among celebrity interview podcasts. When modern life feels chaotic or overwhelming, listen to Wild Card for a joyful, grounding reminder of our shared humanity. Want to listen to Wild Card sponsor-free? Support NPR by subscribing to Wild Card+. Learn more at plus.npr.org/wildcard.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 22, 2026 • 48min
Jennette McCurdy
Jennette McCurdy, an actor-turned-writer known for her bestselling memoir, discusses her journey from child stardom to penning profound narratives. She explores how writing has become a refuge, helping her find safety and community. Jennette shares insights on channeling anger into her work to empower women, and the cathartic process behind her novel, 'Half His Age.' She also reflects on her evolving views on spirituality, healing from past trauma, and embracing authenticity in her creative endeavors.
8 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 54min
Tig Notaro
Tig Notaro, a stand-up comedian and documentary producer, shares her unique perspective on life and loss. She discusses her latest project, the documentary about poet Andrea Gibson, blending humor with profound emotion. Tig reminisces about her quirky upbringing in Mississippi, comedic beginnings, and the comfort she found in open mics. The conversation delves into the impact of grief on parenting, her spiritual reflections after losing Andrea, and what truly makes a life well-lived. Get ready for laughter and poignant insights!
11 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 40min
Jonathan Goldstein
Jonathan Goldstein, creator of the podcast Heavyweight, shares his insight into the quest for closure through storytelling. He highlights how the actual healing often occurs on the journey to resolving regrets. Jonathan reflects on the emotional sanctuary of a mid-century theater, his childhood dreams thwarted by rejection, and the joy found in laughter. He passionately discusses the belief in personal transformation, even later in life, and shares touching memories, including the life-changing moment of his child's birth.
10 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 45min
John Green (Encore)
John Green, bestselling author and YouTube creator, shares insights on his journey from writing impactful youth novels to exploring deeper themes in his nonfiction work, Everything Is Tuberculosis. He discusses his childhood's cosmic anxieties and how they shape his view of life. John reveals how his struggle with OCD influences his daily experience, emphasizing hope and the importance of compassion as he navigates despair. He also reflects on faith beyond belief, storytelling's magic, and the silent beauty found in life's fleeting moments.
Dec 25, 2025 • 33min
Ann Patchett (Encore)
Ann Patchett, a best-selling novelist known for her acclaimed works like Bel Canto and The Dutch House, shares her unique journey in this conversation. She discusses revisiting her hit novel Bel Canto through personal annotations, revealing insights into her craft and decision-making. Patchett reflects on her evolving thoughts about God and acceptance, influenced by life experiences, including a memorable stint in Japan. With warmth and humor, she emphasizes the importance of comfort in being wrong and letting go of legacy.
22 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 50min
Kumail Nanjiani
In this engaging discussion, Kumail Nanjiani, the talented Pakistani-American comedian and star of The Big Sick, shares his journey of embracing vulnerability and fear. He recounts his childhood struggles after moving from Karachi to Iowa and contrasts his upbringing with American individuality. Kumail dives into his creative partnership with his wife Emily and the emotional power of food, wishing everyone could experience his grandmother's biryani. Plus, he reflects on finding authenticity in his stand-up and the joy of learning from both success and failure.
Dec 11, 2025 • 54min
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis, an acclaimed actress and author, shares insights about her unexpected journey to Hollywood despite her desire to become a police officer. She discusses her fight against unhealthy beauty standards and treasures her children’s books as her greatest achievement. Jamie opens up about her latest film, Ella McKay, exploring its themes of morality and her role as Aunt Helen. She reflects on the importance of kindness in parenting and offers profound life lessons from her marriage, emphasizing love, conflict, and leaving the world better.
16 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 39min
Mel Robbins
In this engaging conversation, Mel Robbins, a bestselling author and renowned speaker, shares her journey from battling anxiety and self-hatred to finding empowerment through her work. She introduces the Let Them Theory, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries while focusing on one's own responses. Mel reflects on life lessons from her teenage years and how failure can pave the way for future success. With her practical advice, she inspires listeners to view competition as a tool for self-improvement and find joy in small acts of kindness.
Nov 27, 2025 • 55min
Jason Reynolds (Update)
One of Apple’s top 10 podcast episodes of 2025. Jason Reynolds returns for another Wild Card question about the challenge of setting an example for children. He also speaks with Rachel about the value of being a crier and the advice about rest he got from LeVar Burton.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Nov 20, 2025 • 50min
Suleika Jaouad
Suleika Jaouad, an author and writer, shares her journey navigating the liminal space between illness and health, shaped by her battle with cancer since her 20s. She discusses her latest book, The Book of Alchemy, revealing journaling as a tool for sustaining creativity. Suleika reflects on the beauty of eavesdropping on laughter, the influence of her parents on her artistic identity, and the solace she finds in daily rituals. She opens up about confronting her relapses and how grief has fostered deeper connections with those she's lost.
