Awards Chatter

The singer/songwriter and actress, who shot to fame as Hannah Montana and then became a real pop star, reflects on navigating child stardom; the origins of her biggest hits, from "See You Again" to "We Can't Stop" and "Wrecking Ball" to her Grammy-winning "Flowers"; and how she wound up co-writing and perfomring "Dream As One," an original song for the third installment of James Cameron's blockbuster film series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The English singer/songwriter, who is arguably the most successful male pop star in the world and has been described by Taylor Swift as "the James Taylor to my Carole King," reflects on his path from busking on the streets of London to superstardom; the origin stories of hits like 'The A Team' 'Sing' and 'Thinking Out Loud'; and why he agreed to co-write and perform "Drive" and "Zoo," original songs for two of 2025's biggest blockbusters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In front of an audience at Chapman University, the two-time Emmy nominee reflected on her breakthrough roles on TV's 'Euphoria' and 'The White Lotus' and in the film 'Reality,' getting into producing with 'Anyone But You,' and challenging herself as never before by producing and starring in a new biopic about boxer Christy Martin, for which she is currently garnering Oscar buzz. She also teases her upcoming film 'The Housemaid,' the return of 'Euphoria,' and her Kim Novak project 'Scandalous.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In front of an audience at Chapman University, the winner of multiple Emmys, Golden Globes and SAG awards reflects on why he walked away from dancing and towards acting in his teens, what he learned from his 11-season run on 'Shameless,' how he landed his star-making role as chef Carmy Berzatto on 'The Bear' and how, subsequently, his own conflicted feelings about fame helped him to play Bruce Springsteen during the darkest period of the music legend's life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In front of an audience at the Virginia Film Festival, and a piano, one of the leading film composers of his generation reflects on how he was shaped by both classical and hip-hop music, how his best known scores for TV (the main title theme for 'Succession') and film (Barry Jenkins' 'Moonlight' and 'If Beale Street Could Talk') came to be, and how his score for Noah Baumbach's new film was composed and employed differently than any of his others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rian Johnson, the acclaimed writer-director of films like Knives Out and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, discusses his creative journey from indie filmmaker to blockbuster director. He shares insights into his passion for storytelling, the influences behind his films, and the evolution of his Benoit Blanc series. Highlights include his unique approach to time travel narratives, navigating the complexities of directing iconic actors like Mark Hamill, and the tonal diversity across his mystery trilogy. Plus, he reveals future ambitions, including a desire to tackle musicals!

Amy Madigan, a veteran character actress celebrated for her roles in classics like 'Field of Dreams' and 'Uncle Buck,' shares insights from her impressive four-decade career. She discusses her transition from music to acting and her creative partnership with husband Ed Harris. Madigan reveals the transformative experience of portraying the quirky Gladys in 'Weapons,' emphasizing the character's ambiguous backstory and her unique physical transformation. She also reflects on the industry's challenges and her recent triumphs with the film's box office success.

In front of an audience at the Newport Beach Film Festival, the Australian actor and heartthrob reflects on almost missing out on his breakout roles in 'The Kissing Booth' and 'Euphoria,' working with female auteurs on 'Saltburn' and 'Priscilla' and venturing into unfamiliar but exciting territory as The Creature in Guillermo del Toro's new adaptation of Mary Shelley's horror novel, which is now the most-watched film on Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dwayne Johnson, known as 'The Rock,' is an iconic actor and former pro wrestler. In a lively discussion, he shares lessons from his wrestling career that shaped his acting journey. Johnson reveals the challenges of transitioning to film and why he chose to play Mark Kerr in 'The Smashing Machine.' He emphasizes the emotional toll of the role and his commitment to authenticity, including real fight scenes without stunt doubles. The conversation also touches on his drive for artistic growth and the importance of vulnerability in his work.

The A-lister returns to the podcast (his last visit was for ep. 278) and reflects on his post-COVID career — highlighted by his portrayal of a movie star experiencing an existential crisis in Noah Baumbach's new Netflix dramedy — as well as stardom, Instagram ("get the fuck off of it"), A.I. and which of today’s young stars most impress him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices