Off The Beat with Brian Baumgartner

Brian interviews his second Penn in today’s episode - the charming, philosophical, plays-a-murderer-on-tv Penn Badgley from the smash hit show, You. Penn digs into Joe Goldberg’s myth of love, the awkward middle school years, why amoral characters are compelling, and the importance of journaling your way through starring on Gossip Girl.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Off The Beat’s #1 fan, Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, is back for a full interview with Brian about his fascinating journey from reality TV star to WWE Superstar. He dives into his VHS tape audition for The Real World, the creation of “The Miz,” and the advice The Rock gave him for his first film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is Glee-ful to have his first threesome in this episode with Jenna Ushkowitz and Kevin McHale. They talk about Jenna’s start on Broadway and Kevin’s days in a boy band, facing Ryan Murphy for the first time, and the origins of the beloved holiday known as Snixxmas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danica McKellar is a different type of triple threat than you’ve met before - she’s a mathematician, author, and actor all in one. She sits down with Brian to explain two-dimensional magnetic models, the magic of Christmas movies, and getting a round of applause for her first kiss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian and SNL alum Taran Killam talks to Brian about his varied career, from the stage to sketch comedy to sports. They discuss Taran’s envious role in Hamilton, SNL’s infamous after-after parties, and the importance of monthly pedicures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is joined by the one and only Rob Corddry to talk about his incredible acting career. They dive into everything from Rob’s penchant for embarrassing himself in front of celebrities, the “joke machine gun” that was Childrens Hospital, and the years of media plants that led to hosting Top Gear America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penn Jillette, one of the greatest magic men in history, joins Brian for a fascinating dive into his career. They talk about the key ingredient in his 47-year partnership with Teller, the “scientist” who never deserved to have such an influence on his life, and how a career as “carny trash” would have been perfectly fine by him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Brian tells John Krasinski and Craig Robinson (Jim and Darryl from The Office) “IT IS YOUR BIRTHDAY.” To celebrate, he digs into the archives to hear all about the way John and Jenna constantly shut down production, John’s tendency to cry-laugh, and Craig’s unique method for wooing college sweethearts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian sits down with the prolific Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, Oz, The Family Business) for a hilarious chat about how he started busting ghosts, Gordon Parks stumbling upon his resume, becoming a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, and working with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian gets to catch up with the legendary Linda Purl, whose acting, music, and baking credits are vast, but you might know as Pam’s mom on The Office. She talks about growing up in Japan, her two roles on Happy Days, and starting a new business in the bread industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.