SmartLess
Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett
"SmartLess" with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. A nice surprise: in each episode of SmartLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What ensues is a genuinely improvised and authentic conversation filled with laughter and newfound knowledge to feed the SmartLess mind.
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Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early.
Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Episodes
Mentioned books
17 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 48min
"RE-RELEASE: Chelsea Handler"
Join Chelsea Handler, a fearless comedian and bestselling author, as she dives into her wild career adventures. She shares hilarious tour stories and the chaos of life on the road with her quirky companions. Chelsea opens up about overcoming childhood trauma, her mixed upbringing, and how a DUI class lit her path to stand-up. With thoughts on her political awakening post-2016, a love for storytelling, and insights into her pets' antics during COVID, Chelsea leaves no stone unturned in this lively conversation.
52 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 7min
"Ricky Gervais"
Ricky Gervais, the renowned English comedian and creator of The Office, joins the hosts for a whirlwind chat. He candidly shares insights on navigating honesty in comedy and the delicate art of handling controversial topics. The conversation dives into his infamous hosting of award shows, his distinct approach to stand-up, and the quirky moments behind making iconic characters. Ricky also reveals his passion for animal advocacy, adding a personal touch to his humorous anecdotes about everyday life.
36 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
"Macaulay Culkin"
Macaulay Culkin, the iconic child star from Home Alone, shares his fascinating journey from early theater roles to navigating fame's complexities. He discusses taking a hiatus at 14 to reclaim his life and later returning to acting on his own terms. Family life takes center stage as he talks about parenting without traditional role models and cherishing active time with his partner and kids. Culkin also reveals his love for building Legos as a calming hobby and reflects on becoming a father, prioritizing pleasure in acting over necessity.
65 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 7min
"Jeremy Allen White"
Jeremy Allen White, the award-winning actor recognized for his captivating roles in FX's The Bear and Shameless, shares fascinating insights into his life and career. He discusses his humble beginnings in Brooklyn and the early friendships that formed his acting path. Jeremy opens up about the authenticity he strives for in The Bear and the challenges of adjusting to fame while managing family life. He even reveals his musical journey inspired by Springsteen. Plus, fun stories about road trips and real estate browsing add to the charm!
64 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 4min
"Walton Goggins"
Walton Goggins, acclaimed actor from hits like Justified and The Hateful Eight, shares wild tales and personal insights. He recounts an adventurous horseback trip across Mongolia with his son, complete with camels and an eagle hunter. Goggins candidly discusses his struggles with imposter syndrome and the lessons on acceptance he teaches his son. He also dives into the realities of filming, including makeup challenges and how travel fuels his curiosity and creativity. Prepare for laughter and inspiration!
71 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 52min
"RE-RELEASE: Adam Sandler"
In this lively conversation, comedic legend Adam Sandler shares insights from his illustrious career. He recounts his nerves during early stand-up gigs, how his background shaped his comedic authenticity, and the influence of mentors like Colin Quinn. Adam also reflects on finding balance between comedy and drama, revealing his experience working with directors like Paul Thomas Anderson. With humor, he discusses family life, parenting, and the joy his family brings him, all while keeping his signature playful spirit alive.
36 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h
"Laura Dern"
In this lively conversation, acclaimed actress Laura Dern shares her journey growing up on film sets, influenced by her parents' work. She chats about the unique challenges of her first lead role in Smooth Talk and the empathy she's discovered through acting. Laura humorously recalls sitting with Hitchcock and the many ice cream cones she consumed as an extra. The discussion also dives into the pressures of being part of a legacy family and her instinct-driven choices in filmmaking. Get ready for compelling anecdotes and heartfelt insights!
27 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 4min
"Noah Hawley"
Noah Hawley is a writer, producer, and director renowned for his work on Fargo and Legion. In this engaging conversation, he delves into the creative process behind his upcoming series Alien Earth, discussing how he balances horror with character depth. Noah shares anecdotes about his kids on set and reflects on his career shift from political science to storytelling. He also explores the nuances of pitching shows and the elements that capture the unique tone of the Coen brothers, all while managing multiple projects.
63 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 12min
"Benedict Cumberbatch"
Join the charismatic Benedict Cumberbatch, an award-winning British actor, as he shares personal stories and insights. He discusses the joys and challenges of parenting multiple children and reflects on his unique boarding school experience. Benedict reveals his transition from aspiring lawyer to acclaimed actor and remembers his first roles on set. He dives into his creative process while tackling complex characters, like Stephen Hawking, and talks about his recent project exploring grief through an artistic lens. A delightful blend of humor and heart!
36 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 4min
"Claire Danes"
In this delightful conversation, award-winning actress Claire Danes shares insights into her life as a mother of three, balancing family with her acting career. She recounts her spontaneous move to a new brownstone in NYC after welcoming a surprise baby. Claire discusses early fame from 'My So-Called Life,' memorable moments filming 'Romeo + Juliet,' and the lessons learned from legendary directors. She also touches on her love for comedy, her research for complex roles, and hints at her new series, 'The Beast and Me.'
