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
Jul 3, 2025 • 31min
Jenny Han insists on hope
Jenny Han feels like the same person as her teenage self – which might explain why her books and their adaptations connect so strongly with teen audiences. Her "To All The Boys" and "The Summer I Turned Pretty" franchises are streaming juggernauts – among teens and adults. Jenny spoke with Rachel about the importance of writing about love and why embarrassment feels so close to the surface. 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
22 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 40min
Michelle Obama doesn't regret saying 'no'
Michelle Obama, former First Lady and advocate for education and women's rights, discusses her journey of self-empowerment. She reflects on embracing personal ambition, saying 'no' to societal expectations while launching her podcast with her brother. The importance of family bonds, maintaining authenticity in public life, and the transformative power of personal choices are key topics. Obama emphasizes living meaningfully and the urgency of engaging positively within communities.
Jun 22, 2025 • 14min
What Kyle MacLachlan learned from his friend David Lynch
Kyle MacLachlan says he wouldn't have a career without his friend and longtime collaborator David Lynch, who died earlier this year. His first gig was on Lynch's "Dune" which was followed up by "Blue Velvet" and then by their iconic run together on the series "Twin Peaks". In this bonus episode, MacLachlan shares what it was like to live in Lynch's world. 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
Jun 19, 2025 • 29min
Kyle MacLachlan daydreams about the future
Kyle MacLachlan is known for his iconic roles in David Lynch classics like "Blue Velvet" and "Twin Peaks," but he's reinvented himself again and again throughout the years. His recent work includes roles in the TV series "Fallout" and "Overcompensating." He's also cultivated a huge following on TikTok and Instagram where his charm is on full display for a new generation of fans. To 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
Jun 12, 2025 • 45min
Jason Reynolds Loves Being a Crybaby
Jason Reynolds writes stories that don't talk down to kids. In young adult books like "Long Way Down," "Ghost" and two Miles Morales Spider-Man novels, there is a clear understanding: kids are complicated people, and Jason treats them that way. His newest audio-only book is called "Soundtrack." He talks with Rachel about the value of being a crier and the advice about rest he got from LeVar Burton. To 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
Jun 5, 2025 • 31min
Orville Peck killed his impostor syndrome
Orville Peck is full of apparent contradictions. As a kid in South Africa, he went from dancing ballet to playing drums in a punk band. He loves musical theater but made a name for himself as a country singer. He sings about vulnerability but covers his face with a mask. Peck talks to Rachel about embracing those contradictions and about starring in "Cabaret" on Broadway. 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
May 29, 2025 • 39min
Ramy Youssef wants to make it weird
Ramy Youssef's creative pursuits range from stand-up to his semi-biographical Hulu show, "Ramy," to his new animated series, "#1 Happy Family USA." In all of his efforts, he says he's just trying to make work that feels exciting to him. Ramy is one of the costars of the new HBO film, "Mountainhead." He talks to Rachel about his gripe with Santa Claus and reckoning with his mortality.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
May 22, 2025 • 38min
Mike Birbiglia doesn't think every setup needs a punchline
When Mike Birbiglia tells a story, he tries to make it relatable to everyone in the audience – whether it's tapping into his childhood anxiety, relating his clumsy attempts at self improvement or sharing his earnest fears about his aging parents. Mike's new Netflix special is The Good Life. He shares with Rachel how he learns valuable lessons from writing jokes, and explains how found some peace.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
May 15, 2025 • 41min
Jonathan Groff lost his faith while spelunking
Join Jonathan Groff, Broadway sensation and Tony nominee, as he shares his journey of self-discovery through music and theater. He candidly discusses losing faith at a Youth for Christ camp, where he confronted his sexuality and found refuge in performance art. Groff reflects on the importance of community support, the transforming nature of fame, and the deep connections forged through storytelling. With humor and heartfelt insights, he explores the balance between personal authenticity and professional success.
May 8, 2025 • 37min
Wanda Sykes is looking for higher stakes
In this conversation, Wanda Sykes, a trailblazing comedian and actress, shares stories of her incredible journey, from leaving a stable career to embrace comedy, to overcoming breast cancer. She reflects on the courage it took to come out and navigate life's challenges, emphasizing how these experiences have enriched her stand-up. Sykes discusses the importance of authenticity in her performances and the nostalgic lessons learned from childhood memories, all while preparing for her new tour, 'Please and Thank You.' Expect humor and insightful anecdotes!
