The Best People with Nicolle Wallace

Jeff Daniels, acclaimed actor from "Dumb and Dumber" and "The Newsroom," shares insights into balancing family life in Michigan with a Hollywood career. He discusses the emotional journey from acting to songwriting, recounting a pivotal audition that reshaped his path. Reflecting on political issues, he critiques the current moral landscape and challenges of portraying Ronald Reagan. With a touch of music, he emphasizes the role of creativity in confronting integrity and the need for compassion in today's society.

Youman Wilder, a passionate youth baseball coach and founder of Harlem Baseball Hitting Academy, shares his shocking encounter with ICE agents during practice. He recounts his brave decision to intervene and defend his players' rights, highlighting the importance of understanding legal protections. The conversation also tackles the broader implications of immigration enforcement on community sports, the challenges facing youth baseball programs, and the need for empathy and advocacy in protecting vulnerable youth, particularly in Latino communities.

In this engaging discussion, legendary music producer Jimmy Jam reflects on his illustrious career, including collaborations with icons like Janet Jackson and Prince. He shares how music acts as a powerful bridge, fostering connections and healing during tough times. Listeners will be captivated by his insights into the collaborative processes behind hit duets and the importance of mentorship in the industry. Jam also emphasizes music's role in community empowerment and the lasting friendships formed through a shared love of art.

Sarah Jessica Parker, renowned for her role as Carrie Bradshaw on HBO's iconic series, shares insights on the importance of friendship and community, especially in today’s divisive political climate. She reflects on how the pandemic amplified social bonds and discusses the evolving landscape of news consumption. SJP also touches on the challenges female politicians face and emphasizes the need for unity and genuine dialogue. With charm and candor, she inspires listeners to foster connection and care in their lives.

Glennon Doyle, a bestselling author and activist, teams up with Abby Wambach, a World Cup champion, to discuss vital social issues. They passionately explore the connection between personal wellness and activism, urging listeners to engage rather than retreat. The couple delves into the emotional toll of deportation policies affecting children and emphasizes the need for empathy and community support. They also reflect on the challenges of parenting and the importance of resilience and connection during turbulent times.

Ben and Brett Meiselas, the dynamic duo behind MeidasTouch, join the conversation, sharing insights into their progressive digital media strategies. They highlight the need for authentic engagement in the pro-democracy movement and critique toxic masculinity's impact on society. The brothers discuss how their emphasis on community and shared values offers a counter-narrative to mainstream media. With a passion for uplifting positive role models, they stress the importance of connecting with audiences to build a robust resistance during politically charged times.

Something about Nicolle: if she wasn’t a full-time anchor and part-time podcaster, her dream job would be to work anywhere near the NBA. So as the best teams in the league are battling it out in the NBA Finals, she welcomes Doc Rivers, NBA Champion head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, to talk Trump, politics, and professional basketball. Doc does not shy away from the dynamics of why Trump won, where Democrats need to go from here and how basketball can teach us everything we need to know about surviving this moment and being human.Want to listen to this show early and without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.

Kara Swisher is a boss. As a journalist, entrepreneur, and longtime podcast host, she understands the intersection between tech and media, wealth and power like no one else. Kara joins Nicolle in this episode to talk about the art and intimacy of podcasting, the carnival barker Trump has always been and why she takes no guff from tech titans like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.  Want to listen to this show early and without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. 

On the second episode of “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” Nicolle’s “phone-a-friend" Rachel Maddow reflects on the weird reality of this moment: after tumbling over the edge of the cliff of Trumpism, how do Americans navigate the canyon below? They muse about “shirtless” Vladimir Putin’s embarrassing relationship with President Trump, why Americans aren’t buying that immigrants are the enemy, and why Rachel finds hope in good old-fashioned protest.   Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.  

Welcome to “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace.” Each week, Nicolle sits down with someone she admires for conversations that are illuminating, inspiring, and sometimes surprising. This first episode begins with Jason Bateman copping to how much he’d love to be behind the steady camon Nicolle’s “Deadline: White House” set. From there they discuss his endearingly barbed relationship with his “Smartless” co-hosts Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, reflect on how to navigate the incredible plot twists of this wild Trump era, and Jason walks Nicolle through how to capture good sound of a body splat on the pavement.Want to listen to this show without ads? Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.