Off The Beat with Brian Baumgartner

He directed Dinner Party, Niagara, and Office Olympics, among many others. And since then, the man, the legend, and everyone’s favorite “bundle of joy” has completely rocked the comedy genre. Director and producer Paul Feig joins Brian this week to jump head first into the big questions: why did the real documentary crew make us relate to the show? How did Paul end up directing Dinner Party? And the most important of all - was Michael *really* the bad guy? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special Thursday edition of the podcast, Brian kicks off his favorite time of the year (football season) with a new mini deep dive celebrating The Office’s Fantasy Football League, formed by the cast and crew of the show. As the league celebrates their 17th season, Brian will invite a new member each week to talk all things The Office… and maybe a little football. For this first podcast, Brian welcomes his friend and league commissioner, Stephen Saux, to discuss his role as stand-in extraordinaire and Office MVP. The duo dives into their favorite memories from set, Steve Carell’s influence on the show, the league’s formation, and - most importantly - which Office characters they would draft in fantasy football. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a surprise for the one and only Steve Carell, Brian invited pop icon and Office superfan Billie Eilish onto the podcast after her epic Grammy win in 2020 to talk about why The Office is her “strange addiction” and what she’s learned from the show. Plus, Brian opens the floor to fans in this special Mailbag episode: he answers all your questions, from comparing the cast with their characters to Brian’s favorite Kevin scenes to the iconic Stress Relief cold open. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue our dive into the writer’s room with writer, director, and producer Brent Forrester. Brent joined The Office in Season 3 and worked on highlight episodes like The Merger, but of course Brent’s #1 accolade is directing the iconic chili scene with Brian Baumgartner himself. This episode, Brent and Kevin spill (the chili) about the scene (did you know Brian actually carried the 74 pound pot?) and talk about the art of attention to detail in writing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott’s Tots, The Dinner Party - what do these episodes have in common? Besides being some of the most iconic episodes of The Office, they were both co-written by the legendary Lee Eisenberg. This episode, Brian brings Lee on the podcast to talk about the show’s on and off screen dynamics, including the Scott’s Tots cringe factor, the nostalgia of The Office, and building jokes through character relationships. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian welcomes the beating heart behind the scenes of The Office - writer, director, producer Jen Celotta. On the show, Jen took us into the brains of our favorite characters and now we get to pick hers; this episode, Jen talks about the art of character crafting, what makes people tick and - of course - the madness that is Michael Scott. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian brings back Greg Daniels - showrunner extraordinaire and the Office’s true regional manager - to kick off our mini deep dive into the writer’s room of The Office. As the showrunner, Greg knows the ins and outs of the writer’s room better than anyone; this episode, Greg shares it all - from writing on napkins to crafting the intricacies of Michael Scott to finding truth and beauty. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian welcomes Mike Schur, known for his iconic role as Mose Schrute on The Office. Oh, and also for his role as writer, director, executive producer/creator of America’s best comedies, from The Office to Parks and Recreation to The Good Place. This episode, Brian and Mike bring us into the writer’s room, discussing its “Unlikely Duo” segment, how chance contributed to the show’s writing, and - of course - Michael Scott’s idea of a good party. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Office revolutionized the “mockumentary” — and we owe it all to the people behind the camera. Director of Photography Matt Sohn joins Brian on the podcast to talk all things production — from how the show highlighted background moments so effectively to Matt’s very own Season 9 cameo. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bears, Beets, Battlestar Galactica. Though Dwight never actually said the iconic phrase, the one and only Rainn Wilson returns to the podcast to share the story behind the line, as well as his favorite parts of working on the show -- including his classic comedy duo with Steve Carell and finding a “framily” in the cast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.