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
Dec 11, 2025 • 54min
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis never wanted to be an actor. She tells Rachel, despite having famous show business parents, she originally thought she’d become a police officer. Jamie talks about how she unexpectedly wound up in Hollywood, her fight against unhealthy beauty standards in the industry, and why she thinks of her children’s books as “her best thing.” Jamie Lee Curtis is currently in “Ella McCay.”Take the Wild Card survey: npr.org/wildcardsurveyTo listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8 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.
Nov 13, 2025 • 42min
Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and global education activist, shares her journey in college and beyond. She discusses how she sought a normal college experience, away from her fame and the trauma of a Taliban attack. Malala opens up about risks she took, like climbing a rooftop at Oxford, and the importance of friendships and therapy in her healing process. She reveals her passion for languages, her thoughts on love, and her guiding truths of empathy and education, all while embracing her identity amid global responsibilities.
Nov 6, 2025 • 38min
Padma Lakshmi
Padma Lakshmi, a celebrated author, producer, and longtime Top Chef judge, shares her culinary journey and reflections on life. She reveals why she’s grateful for her 50s and wouldn’t want to revisit her 20s, discussing the life lessons learned from cooking with her grandmother in Chennai. Padma explores the intersection of her Indian and American identities and how her new cookbook celebrates cultural diversity in America. She also dives into the wisdom gained from aging and the emotional experience of loss, reminding us of the power of food and memory.
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.
