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
50 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!
57 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.
27 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!
14 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.
58 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.'
4 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 44min
"RE-RELEASE: Jenny Slate"
Joining from a supply closet, comedian and actor Jenny Slate shares her unique insights on family life and her love for voice acting. She recounts the hilarious mishap of misreading THC dropper instructions that led to a wild experience. Jenny also talks about the creative journey behind Marcel the Shell, revealing how the character originated in a cramped hotel room. Her passion for voice work shines as she discusses balancing gigs with family life in Massachusetts. Tune in for laughter and unexpected stories!
15 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 4min
"Tom Freston"
Tom Freston, a veteran media executive known for co-founding MTV and leading Viacom, shares wild stories from his eclectic career. He recounts how he left advertising for adventurous travels, including life in Afghanistan and a clothing business. Tom reveals the origins of MTV and its cultural impact, along with insights about founding Comedy Central. He also discusses the rise and fall of new media brands, his philanthropic work with the ONE Campaign, and the challenges of today’s AI landscape. Buckle up for a journey filled with curiosity and risk!
8 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 35min
INTRODUCING: I Need You Guys with Gabe Liedman, Jenny Slate and Max Silvestri (w/ Sean Hayes)
In this lively conversation, Sean Hayes, beloved actor from Will & Grace, shares hilarious anecdotes and insights. The hosts dive into a meme controversy featuring Jenny and seek Sean's advice on how to respond. They also engage in funny discussions about quirky childhood phone experiences and even attempt various accents. Sean emphasizes the importance of honesty for long-lasting friendships in the industry. Listeners are treated to a playful exploration of etiquette and nostalgia, making for an entertaining and heartwarming discussion.
61 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 8min
"David Duchovny"
Join David Duchovny, the versatile actor, writer, and musician known for The X-Files and Californication, as he shares insights into his creative journey. He reflects on his academic path and passion for writing, revealing how he turned a year of travel into inspiration. David talks about his music career, the balancing act of multiple artistic pursuits, and his rollercoaster ride through Hollywood. He humorously discusses the legacy of his iconic roles and even touches on his beliefs about extraterrestrial life. A delightful mix of stories awaits!
