Life is Short with Justin Long
Wondery
Is it just me or is time flying by? How do we make the most out of our short time here on Earth? That’s what we’re here to find out. I’m Justin Long and I’ve been an actor for most of my life, so I’m used to getting inside the heads of the characters I play. But now that I’m getting older (I’m in my forties, yikes), I want to peek inside the heads of real people to learn how they find meaning in life. I’m also very curious what their favorite snack food is, and what emoji they use most often — ya know, the REALLY important stuff. Every episode I’ll get personal with all kinds of people, from actors to musicians to deep thinkers who fascinate me. My brother Christian is on hand each episode to keep me honest, and occasionally remind me about some of the embarrassing things I’ve done over the years. Join us, or if you have more important things to do, that’s okay too — life is short!Listen to Life is Short on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to all episodes ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ on the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/justin-long now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 8, 2019 • 1h 23min
Emmanuelle Chriqui 😘🤦🏽♀️
Emmanuelle Chriqui, known for her iconic role as Sloan in Entourage, joins the conversation to share her journey from Canada to Hollywood. She reminisces about filming in New Orleans and the comedy-filled memories from past projects. The discussion also touches on her chill vibe and the emotional complexities of growing up in a modern Orthodox Jewish household. With a balance of humor and introspection, Emmanuelle reveals how fame has impacted her life, all while maintaining a warm and engaging demeanor.
Oct 1, 2019 • 1h 28min
Donald Faison 🍆
Donald Faison, known for his memorable roles in Scrubs and Clueless, shares hilarious insights about his journey through Hollywood. He reminisces about the joys and challenges of performing with legends like Steve Martin. Faison candidly discusses growing up in a bohemian household and transitioning to regular school life, touching on issues of identity in the spotlight. He also reflects on the complexities of fame, friendship, and parenting, all while delivering his signature humor about smoking weed with his mom.
Sep 24, 2019 • 1h 25min
Amy Sedaris 🌱🍄
Amy Sedaris, an actress and comedian known for her whimsical work in Strangers with Candy and At Home with Amy Sedaris, shares quirky tales from her childhood and her experiences growing up in a Greek Orthodox family. She discusses her bond with her godsons, pet ownership anecdotes, and the importance of embracing one's weirdness. The conversation weaves in creative reflections, nostalgic memories, and humorous stories from her past projects, highlighting the joy found in both collaboration and life's peculiarities.
Sep 17, 2019 • 1h 28min
Tony Hale 😬
Tony Hale, celebrated for his roles in *Arrested Development* and *Veep*, shares his insights on living fully. He emphasizes the power of contentment and being present, particularly in a fast-paced world. With humorous anecdotes about Halloween and personal stories from his career, Tony discusses navigating anxiety in the entertainment industry and the importance of authentic connections over fame. He also explores the themes of legacy and personal growth while reflecting on his new animated role, Archibald, promoting positivity and kindness.
Sep 10, 2019 • 1h 20min
Anna Faris
Anna Faris, known for her roles in the Scary Movie franchise and her podcast Unqualified, joins Justin Long for a lively conversation. They dive into unconventional topics like the complexities of love and intimacy, sharing quirky anecdotes that are both humorous and eye-opening. Anna recounts a controversial filming experience in New Zealand, blending laughter with cultural insights. Together, they explore the balance between personal fulfillment and fleeting moments, all while engaging in playful improv and discussions about nostalgic snacks.
Sep 3, 2019 • 1h 26min
Jim Gaffigan 🙏
Jim Gaffigan, a stand-up comedian, actor, and author known for his clean humor, shares his thoughts on the importance of being seen as genuinely funny. He and Justin discuss contentment in life and the value of grounding friendships. They dive into the evolution of comedy, reflecting on profanity's role and the balance between comedy and family life. Jim also candidly explores the complexities of navigating faith in modern times and the impact of fame on authenticity, all while keeping the conversation light-hearted and engaging.
Aug 27, 2019 • 1h 27min
Max Greenfield 🙌🙏
Max Greenfield, best known as Schmidt from New Girl, shares hilarious parenting tales and reflects on his SNL-themed Bar Mitzvah. The conversation dives into memorable behind-the-scenes moments from New Girl, playful anecdotes about family life, and the challenges of juggling parenting with a career in comedy. Greenfield discusses the importance of camaraderie on set and the creative improvisation behind acting. They also touch on nostalgic childhood memories that brought joy and laughter, showcasing the lighter side of life.
Aug 20, 2019 • 1h 25min
Lea Thompson 😢
Lea Thompson, renowned for her role as Lorraine Baines McFly in Back to the Future, shares her thoughts on motherhood and its impact on a film career. She and Justin reminisce about childhood crushes influenced by her films, blending personal anecdotes with humor. The two delve into her transition from ballet dreams to acting, discussing the challenges of navigating Hollywood. Thompson offers insights into balancing family life with her career while reflecting on the evolving roles of women in the industry.
Aug 13, 2019 • 1h 27min
Chris Jericho 😉👍
Chris Jericho, a professional wrestler and lead singer of Fozzy, shares his fascinating journey from wrestling promotions to international fame. He discusses the evolution of wrestling characters and the importance of audience connection, offering humorous anecdotes along the way. The conversation also touches on his dual career in music, reflecting on fitness changes and legacy, while he and Justin bond over their shared love for Shirley Temples. They even dive into John Cena's film roles and the behind-the-scenes quirks of dating reality shows!
Aug 6, 2019 • 1h 12min
Cobie Smulders 😬
Cobie Smulders, known for her roles in How I Met Your Mother and The Avengers, shares her journey from battling cancer to running faster than Tom Cruise. She reflects on her experience in the entertainment industry, including the challenges of fame and financial struggles. Cobie opens up about the blessings she found amidst her health battles, especially the support from her sitcom family. Their conversation ranges from heartfelt moments to light-hearted discussions about life's absurdities, showcasing resilience and humor.
