The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott
Audacy, Red Hour, Great Scott
Hi, we're Ben Stiller and Adam Scott. We have severed ourselves from the world for 5 years, making the workplace thriller Severance. While we have no memory of what happened during that time, we thought we should make a companion podcast for all the Innies who will have no recollection of watching, in an attempt to reintegrate them with their memory of the show. For seasons one and two, we did an episode-by-episode, behind-the-scenes breakdown with the creators, cast, crew, and fans of the Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning TV show. We shared in-depth, never-before-heard analysis, alongside guests including creator Dan Erickson, stars Britt Lower ("Helly"), Zach Cherry ("Dylan"), John Turturro ("Irving"), Christopher Walken ("Bert"), Patricia Arquette ("Cobel") and Tramell Tillman ("Milchick"), and celebrity superfans like SZA, Jon Stewart, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard. Now we're bringing on special guests to talk about the tv shows, movies and cultural touchpoints that influenced us while making Severance. Sometimes we'll talk with the people behind those inspirational works, sometimes we'll talk with fellow fans, and through it all, we'll keep answering your hotline questions. If you’ve got a question about Severance or the stuff that influenced it, call us at 212-830-3816. From Audacy Podcasts, Red Hour, and Great Scott.
Episodes
Mentioned books
49 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 52min
S2E8: Sweet Vitriol (with Patricia Arquette and Jimmy Kimmel)
Patricia Arquette, an Academy Award-winning actress known for her gripping roles, discusses her character Harmony Cobel and how her Newfoundland roots shaped Cobel’s complex persona. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel joins the conversation, answering quirky listener questions and reflecting on nostalgic anecdotes from their careers. The trio dives into the unique filming dynamics, creative choices in storytelling, and the whimsical nature of their experiences, blending humor with heartfelt connections in the entertainment world.
68 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 15min
S2E7: Chikhai Bardo (with Dichen Lachman and Jessica Lee Gagné)
Dichen Lachman, an actress renowned for her role as Gemma/Ms. Casey in Severance, shares insights on filming in new settings and her character's unique wig. Cinematographer and director Jessica Lee Gagné discusses her debut and the challenges of transforming a house into a filming location. They delve into the emotional depth of Gemma's relationship with Mark, highlighting character transformations and creative collaborations that shape the show's narrative and visuals. Expect laughs and thoughtful reflections on the filmmaking process!
76 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 10min
S2E6: Attila (with Christopher Walken and Sarah Bock)
This week, legendary actor Christopher Walken shares his insights on acting and the chemistry with co-star John Turturro, humorously declaring Bugs Bunny as the best actor ever. Sarah Bock discusses her multifaceted role as Ms. Casey, revealing the real-life challenges of balancing acting with college life. The conversation dives into the emotional complexities of character relationships within Lumon, exploring themes like identity, intimacy, and the disruptive power of past memories. Tune in for laughs and thoughtful reflections!
43 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 7min
S2E5: Trojan's Horse (with Michael Chernus)
In this engaging conversation, Michael Chernus, known for his role as Ricken Hale in Severance, shares insights into Ricken's complex character and his relationship with Devon. The trio reflects on Ricken's post-podcast life, exploring the actor's struggle for likability. They dive into character dynamics and the significance of support systems, while also touching on morality and authenticity in performance. Humorous anecdotes about character development add a light-hearted touch to their deep discussions.
85 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
S2E4: Woe's Hollow (with Theodore Shapiro)
Theodore Shapiro, an Emmy-winning composer known for his work on films like Dodgeball and Tropic Thunder, joins the conversation. He reveals the intriguing process behind creating Severance's catchy score, including the four chords that sparked its main theme. The discussion delves into his collaborative journey with Ben Stiller since 2004 and the unique Kier folk tunes he discovered while scoring. Together, they engage in a lively exchange about the challenges and triumphs of weaving music into storytelling.
60 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 60min
S2E3: Who Is Alive? (with Gwendoline Christie)
Gwendoline Christie, known for her iconic role as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones, joins to discuss her intriguing character in Severance. She shares insights into her unique acting journey and the whimsical absurdity of the show. Gwendoline recounts her surprising discoveries about goats on set, revealing their intelligence and quirky behavior. The conversation dives into themes of community, authenticity, and embracing individuality, all while keeping a light-hearted tone that invites laughter and reflection.
71 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 1h
S2E2: Goodbye Mrs. Selvig (with Dan Erickson)
Dan Erickson, the creator of the hit series Severance, joins Ben and Adam to discuss the intriguing all-Outtie episode. He shares his unique approach to character development and the challenges of split lives. The conversation touches on the dark humor of Lumen's psychological tactics and Mark's evolving awareness. Erickson humorously reveals the lunch options at Lumon and even connects the show's universe to Monsters Inc. Tune in for insights on creativity, identity, and some quirky anecdotes!
30 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 11min
S2E1: Hello, Ms. Cobel (with Tramell Tillman)
Join Tramell Tillman, the talented actor behind Mr. Milchick, as he dives into the complexities of his character and his new role as Floor Manager. Tramell argues that Milchick isn't as bad as he seems, offering intriguing insights into the moral ambiguities of corporate life. The hosts also answer fan questions and engage in playful predictions about the future of the show. Plus, hear reflections on the importance of collaboration in storytelling and the fun of dancing through life and film.
18 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 6min
S1E9: The We We Are (with Jon Stewart)
Joining Ben Stiller and Adam Scott is Jon Stewart, comedian and former host of The Daily Show, who’s a self-professed superfan of Severance. They dive into the thrilling Season 1 Finale, with Jon demanding answers and sharing insights from his set visit. He discusses the challenges of bold storytelling and offers his take on the season's creative choices, amusingly referring to it all being about 'wingspan.' Plus, there's a quirky nod to a Daily Show-style waffle party. It's a blend of humor and heartfelt reflections on storytelling.
7 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 57min
S1E8: What's for Dinner? (with John Turturro)
Join John Turturro, the Emmy-winning actor known for his iconic roles, as he chats about his dynamic working relationship with Christopher Walken and his friendship with Zach Cherry. Turturro reveals a near-miss with a legendary filmmaker, adding spice to the conversation. The trio dives into character development, exploring how Irving's identity is shaped through art and music. They also discuss the emotional struggles within the workplace and the quirky humor that brings the cast together.
