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
Jul 30, 2019 • 1h 11min
Jesse Eisenberg #️⃣
Jesse Eisenberg (The Art of Self Defense, The Social Network) talks with Justin about the antiquated notion of “winning” in professional basketball, and how he has no desire to relax.Support us by supporting our sponsors!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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 23, 2019 • 1h 6min
Kevin Bacon 🥓
Kevin Bacon, the iconic actor known for Footloose and Tremors, shares a charming revelation: he's married to his cousin! He reminisces about the intense filming of the famous 'You can't handle the truth' scene in A Few Good Men, highlighting Jack Nicholson's powerful performance. The playful discussion also dives into nostalgia for Bacon's films and the lighthearted game Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, while pondering a funny debate: would they rather give up all Bacon movies or the deliciousness of actual bacon?
Jul 16, 2019 • 1h 2min
Fran Drescher 🆗👍🙏👏😘💋❤️✈️
Fran Drescher, beloved actress and cancer awareness advocate, shares her infectious laugh and the secrets to longevity, including the magic of lemon water. She reflects on her iconic role as a nanny, the challenges of fame, and her journey in comedy. The conversation dives into deeper topics like trauma, resilience, and the importance of personal connections. With her unique insights on gender dynamics in the industry, Fran inspires listeners to embrace their narratives while fostering a community grounded in empathy.
Jul 9, 2019 • 1h 12min
Neal Brennan 😑🙅🏻♂️
In a lively chat, comedian Neal Brennan, co-creator of Chappelle’s Show and Netflix's Three Mics, shares hilarious insights from his colorful career. He humorously discusses the chaos of growing up in a large Catholic family, and the emotional landscape of comedy, revealing the vulnerability behind the laughs. Neal also dives into the contrasts of live performance versus recorded shows, peppering the conversation with anecdotes about fame and social media dynamics. Expect laughter and reflection as they prioritize fun in the face of ambition!
Jul 2, 2019 • 1h 13min
Jeremy Renner 👍🖕
Jeremy Renner, celebrated for his roles in The Hurt Locker and as Hawkeye, shares a fascinating journey from working at a mall makeup counter to Hollywood stardom. He discusses the challenges of fame and family life, humorously reflecting on his 'resting angry face' and how it shapes his outlook. Renner dives into his dual passions for music and acting, emphasizing authenticity in his roles, especially in the Marvel franchise. Their lighthearted banter touches on the quirks of fandom, public perception, and the balance of personal growth amidst a thriving career.
Jun 25, 2019 • 1h 7min
JB Smoove ❤️😘😍🔥
JB Smoove, the hilarious comedian famous for his role as Leon Black on Curb Your Enthusiasm, joins for a lively chat. He and Justin concoct an outrageous bank heist plan, discussing which president's mask JB would don. They delve into comedic spontaneity, reflecting on childhood antics in Mount Vernon and navigating the trials of growing up. Expect laughter as they share amusing school stories, weigh the impact of personal legacy, and even explore quirky connections to reality TV, all sprinkled with nostalgic humor.
Jun 18, 2019 • 1h 14min
Anna Chlumsky 😎
Anna Chlumsky, known for her iconic roles in My Girl and Veep, dishes out her nerdy side and embraces her Chicago roots with humor. She shares heartfelt memories and amusing anecdotes about her acting journey, childhood, and celebrity encounters. The conversation highlights the unique challenges of growing up in the spotlight and the importance of authentic connections in the entertainment world. Chlumsky also reflects on the transformative power of following one’s passion, using her own experiences as a guide.
Jun 11, 2019 • 1h 15min
Wolfgang Puck ❤️
Chef Wolfgang Puck shares his transformative culinary journey, detailing his experiences in prestigious French restaurants and the success of Spago. He humorously reveals his aversion to peanut butter and discusses the influence of his Austrian upbringing on his cooking style. The conversation touches on the intersection of food and celebrity, along with the importance of resilience in both life and culinary arts. Puck also reflects on his family dynamics and the impact of modern dining trends, revealing the deep connections forged through shared meals.
Jun 4, 2019 • 59min
Lena Dunham 🌫
Lena Dunham, a celebrated writer and director known for her hit series 'Girls' and her podcast 'The C Word', shares her eclectic experiences with tattoos and fame. She and Justin discuss the absurdities and meanings behind their ink, revealing humorous tales of drunken decisions and celebrity quirks. Lena dives into her new project focusing on women's stories and reflects on the complexities of authenticity and vulnerability in art and relationships. Their light-hearted banter balances insights on personal growth and societal pressures.
May 28, 2019 • 59min
Sam Rockwell 💩 🧀
Oscar-winning actor Sam Rockwell shares hilarious tales, including a chaotic theater festival prank with a farting app. He delves into his transformative career, discussing the nuances of masculinity, friendships in Hollywood, and memorable encounters with stars like Christopher Walken. The conversation touches on the challenges of authenticity in acting and the quirks of aging in the spotlight. Rockwell's charm and humor shine through as he reflects on the absurdities of life in the film industry.
