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
8 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 51min
Brandi Carlile
Brandi Carlile, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for her emotive folk-rock, discusses her latest album, *Returning to Myself*. She reflects on the importance of community and belonging, revealing how her large household and band relationships shape her identity. The conversation also touches on her transformative experience of finding her half-sister, balancing her performer and private selves, and her emotional tribute to Joni Mitchell. Brandi shares insights on aging, love as an action, and the joy of singing in front of an audience.
Oct 23, 2025 • 34min
Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes, the powerhouse behind iconic shows like Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, shares her journey of creativity and personal growth. She reveals how childhood memories of a pantry became her sanctuary for imagination. Rhimes discusses her Year of Yes challenge, embracing fear, and the importance of self-acceptance over societal expectations. She reflects on pivotal moments that shaped her confidence, her views on relationships, and the joy in writing. With a nod to memoirs that guided her, Shonda inspires listeners to approach life with curiosity.
18 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 47min
Nick Offerman
Nick Offerman, Emmy-winning actor and master woodworker, shares insights into his multifaceted life. He reflects on childhood memories inspired by nature, and the craftsmanship instilled by his family. Offerman talks about his book, aiming to teach families basic woodworking skills. He also discusses the joy of satisfaction from meaningful work, the courage required for personal projects, and the deeper conversations around living a fulfilling life. His connection to spirituality through art highlights the importance of community and caring for the environment.
Oct 9, 2025 • 47min
Jeff Hiller
Jeff Hiller, an Emmy-winning actor and author, shares his unexpected journey to fame from side roles to starring as Joel on HBO's Somebody Somewhere. He reflects on his parents' support and how they shaped his identity, particularly his mother's influence. The conversation touches on his belief in an afterlife, the impact of his Emmy win on his career and sense of belonging, and the importance of kindness as a moral compass. With humor, he addresses his feelings of being an outsider and his evolving relationship with faith.
18 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 35min
Brené Brown
Brené Brown, a research professor and bestselling author, dives into profound themes from her latest book, Strong Ground, focusing on vulnerability and leadership. She shares heartfelt memories from high school while exploring the transformative power of being open with strangers. Brené discusses the importance of creating space for reflection in a fast-paced world and shares her thoughts on faith, change, and prioritizing close connections over legacy. With relatable insights, she encourages embracing mystery and managing the tumultuous relationship with time.
Sep 25, 2025 • 40min
Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey, the Academy Award–winning actor and author of "Poems & Prayers," dives deep into the rhythm of performance, revealing how it shapes each character he embodies. He reflects on his childhood in Uvalde, humor's role in family dynamics, and the importance of empathy from his teen years. McConaughey discusses his long-standing poetry practice and its connection to spirituality. He also humorously laments opportunities that have slipped away and shares insights on what it means to truly be a good person.
Sep 18, 2025 • 36min
Bobbi Brown doesn’t listen to men in suits about makeup
At 68 years old, Bobby Brown still has a competitive spirit. She lives by the words “watch me,” which has led to her success as a makeup artist, business mogul and TikTok star. She's written several books on makeup and beauty, but in her upcoming book "Still Bobbi," for the first time, she's telling her own story. To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcardLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Sep 11, 2025 • 36min
Raphael Bob-Waksberg doesn’t forgive, but he forgets
Raphael Bob-Waksberg, creator of the acclaimed series BoJack Horseman, dives into the complexities of grief, faith, and identity through animation. He reflects on how his early experiences with boredom fueled his creativity and shaped his approach to storytelling. The conversation touches on the role of mentorship in parenting and the emotional layers embedded in his new show, Long Story Short. Bob-Waksberg candidly discusses evolving beliefs about religion while navigating loss, emphasizing the importance of connection and kindness in the face of sorrow.
Sep 4, 2025 • 38min
Elizabeth Gilbert no longer believes she’s a bad person
Elizabeth Gilbert, the best-selling author of "Eat, Pray, Love," dives deep into her journey of self-discovery and the challenges of addiction in her new book, "All the Way to the River." She shares her reflections on self-judgment and the importance of showing mercy to oneself. The discussion touches on love and loss, particularly the struggles of a partner facing terminal illness. Gilbert also reveals insights on forgiveness and the complex path to healing, illustrating how personal growth intertwines with spirituality and familial influences.
8 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 41min
Ocean Vuong doesn’t erase pain from beauty
Ocean Vuong, a MacArthur Genius Award-winning author and professor at NYU, shares profound insights into the intertwined relationship between beauty and pain. He reflects on his transformative journey, exploring identity, familial connections, and the impact of grief. Vuong discusses the healing power of art and the importance of community in navigating loss. He candidly expresses his hope for a day when he might stop writing, revealing the complexities of creativity as a condition rather than just a skill.
