Award-winning actor Alec Baldwin takes listeners into the lives of artists, policy makers and performers. Alec sidesteps the predictable by going inside the dressing rooms, apartments, and offices of people we want to understand better: Ira Glass, Lena Dunham, David Letterman, Barbara Streisand, Tom Yorke, Chris Rock and others. Hear what happens when an inveterate guest becomes a host.
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Patti LuPone was only four years old when she realized she belonged on stage, and she started by entertaining family members in her Long Island living room. LuPone won her second Tony Award for Evita, which she initially described as merely “noise from Britain.” Although she has enjoyed tremendous, long-term success, she talks candidly to Alec about blows to her career and ego. Originally aired February 18, 2013 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Andrea Barton Reeves is a former ad litem lawyer, CEO of Harc. Inc - a nonprofit organization supporting people with intellectual disabilities and their families, and the founding CEO of the Connecticut Paid Leave Program - the state’s first new agency in 12 years thanks to which over 200,000 individuals and families have received paid family leave benefits. With over twenty years of experience in advocacy, Barton Reeves has dedicated her career to ensuring accessibility to services and support ...
Lawrence Wright is an author, screenwriter, playwright, and a staff writer for The New Yorker magazine. He won the Pulitzer Prize for his 2006 book The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11. Most recently, filmmaker Alex Gibney directed an HBO documentary based on Wright's reporting in Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Unbelief. Much of Wright's work is about how religious belief animates personal action and political conflict. He has documented the Jonestown massacre...
Expert Dr. Lynn Kozlowski joins Alec Baldwin to explore why people still smoke despite overwhelming health warnings, tracing the historical evolution of tobacco products from smokeless tobacco to modern cigarettes. They delve into how social norms, advertising, and even misleading "light" cigarette claims shaped public perception, contrasting the severe risks of traditional smoking with the significantly lower risks of vaping. The discussion concludes with practical advice on quitting, highlighting the potential for life expectancy gains at any age and underscoring the ongoing battle against nicotine addiction.
Singer, songwriter, producer, and actor Steven Van Zandt aka Little Steven is perhaps best known as a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. But the talented musician also co-founded the band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, as well as his solo act, Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul. He later found success in an entirely different career, playing the inimitable role of Tony Soprano’s consigliere Silvio Dante in The Sopranos and Frank Tagliano in Lilyhammer . The Rock and Roll...
Two leading voices in the fight for environmental and human rights justice are Steven Donziger and Paul Paz y Miño. Steven Donziger is an attorney and activist known for his decades-long legal battle against Chevron on behalf of Indigenous peoples and rural communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon. His work has drawn international attention to issues of corporate accountability, climate justice, and the criminalization of human rights defenders. Paul Paz y Miño is the Associate Director of Amazon Wa...
Thom Yorke, Radiohead and Atoms for Peace frontman, admits that, even after over 25 years in the business, performing is “either wicked fun or really awful.” He talks with Alec about his pre-show ritual—"I stand on my head for a bit"—and how he and his bandmates have been able to stick together since they were teenagers. Originally aired April 1st, 2013 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Isaac Butler is an author, critic, theater director, and professor known for his books The Method: How The Twentieth Century Learned to Act and The World Only Spins Forward: The Ascent of Angels in America, co-written with Dan Kois. Butler’s writing has appeared in numerous publications such as New York magazine, The Guardian, the Los Angeles Review of Books, and Slate magazine. For Slate, he also created and hosted the podcast “Lend Me Your Ears”, about Shakespeare and politics, and currently c...
This episode revisits Alec Baldwin's interview with Moby, exploring the unforeseen global success of his 1999 album "Play" and the personal struggles that followed. Moby candidly discusses his unconventional childhood, the allure and destructive nature of fame, and his path to sobriety and a purpose-driven life. He shares insights on his creative process, the challenges of commercialism, and his commitment to philanthropy and animal rights, ultimately finding peace through spiritual autonomy and a simpler existence.
Our summer tradition at Here’s the Thing continues, as staff members choose their favorite conversations from the archives for our Summer Staff Pick series. This week, we revisit Alec’s conversation with David Letterman, who began his Late Night gig as a self-described “gap-toothed, unknown smart ass.” Three decades later, Letterman reflects on how his comedy evolved, why he no longer makes every decision behind the scenes, and life after “stupid pet tricks.” He shares with Alec his path from we...
Our summer tradition at Here’s the Thing continues, as staff members choose their favorite conversations from the archives for our Summer Staff Pick series. This week, we revisit Alec’s conversation with Barry Gibb, the last surviving member of the legendary Bee Gees. Barry reflects on the group’s rise from childhood dreams of stardom to becoming one of the best-selling music acts of all time. He speaks with Alec about the brothers’ signature “blood harmony,” their songwriting legacy, and naviga...
Our summer tradition at Here’s the Thing continues, as staff members choose their favorite conversations from the archives for our Summer Staff Pick series. This week, we revisit Alec’s conversation with Thelma Schoonmaker, the legendary editor behind every Martin Scorsese film since Raging Bull . Known for her warm, unassuming presence, Schoonmaker has shaped some of cinema’s most intense and iconic moments—earning three Academy Awards and seven nominations along the way. She talks to Here’s th...
Our summer tradition at Here’s the Thing continues, as staff members choose their favorite conversations from the archives for our Summer Staff Pick series.This week in our Summer Staff Pick series, we revisit Alec’s interview with Judith Vecchione, Emmy- and Peabody-winning producer of the landmark PBS series Vietnam: A Television History , which premiered 40 years ago. Vecchione discusses the immense responsibility of telling the story of the Vietnam War through a 13-part documentary, the behi...
Griffin Dunne is an actor, producer, director, and author of his recent memoir The Friday Afternoon Club. Dunne is known for his memorable roles in cult films such as An American Werewolf in London and Martin Scorsese's After Hours , which Dunne also produced. Dunne is also known for his roles in popular TV series such as This Is Us and Succession . His directing credits include films Practical Magic, Fierce People , and the documentary The Center Will Not Hold about his aunt, Joan Didion. Dunne...
Much like the staggering beauty of her voice, Audra McDonald is impossible to ignore. The only artist to sweep all four acting categories at the Tony’s, she’s the most decorated Broadway star of all time. Reviews of her award-winning performances overflow with accolades, describing her stage presence as “spellbinding,” “haunting,” and “genius.” But for the California native, things haven’t always been easy. She talks to Alec about getting into Juilliard, making it on Broadway, and the suicide at...
In this episode, CNN's Jake Tapper sits down with Alec Baldwin to explore his multifaceted career as a news anchor and bestselling author. Tapper shares insights into producing his daily show, adapting to the volatile news cycle, and his perspective on the evolving media industry. He also delves into his writing process, the stories behind his books including "Original Sin" and "The Outpost," and reflects on significant historical events like the Sinatra-Kennedy relationship and corporate accountability.
(Recorded October 4, 2021) Journalist Nicolas Niarchos may be the grandson of a famous Greek shipping magnate, but he can be found covering challenging and dangerous subjects like conflicts, minerals, and migration in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He is a reporter at large at The New Yorker and a contributor to TIME, The Guardian, The New York Times and The Nation. Niarchos speaks with Alec about his upbringing, his journalistic path and his reporting in the Democratic Republic of the Cong...
Alec Baldwin speaks with veteran actor Victor Garber about his extensive career spanning theater, film, and television. They discuss his origins in Canadian theater, his work in iconic Stephen Sondheim musicals like Assassins and Sweeney Todd, and the challenges and triumphs of Broadway.
The conversation also covers his significant roles in film (Titanic) and TV (Alias), his experiences navigating the industry, and his thoughts on the craft of acting and singing.
In this conversation, legendary musician Billy Joel recounts his path in music, starting from childhood piano lessons and garage bands on Long Island. He shares insights into his early struggles, the evolution of his songwriting, the impact of hit albums like 'The Stranger', and his experiences working with producers and touring internationally. Joel also reflects on the challenges of balancing his career with his personal life and the difference between being a musician and a "rock star."
Conductor and bassoonist Anthony Parnther joins Alec Baldwin to discuss his unique path in music, starting with a childhood scheme to get into a theme park. He shares insights into leading diverse orchestras like the San Bernardino Symphony and working as a session musician and conductor on major Hollywood film scores, including Oscar-winning films like Oppenheimer and Encanto. Parnther also reflects on his favorite classical composers, the challenges of conducting, and a particularly memorable opera mishap.
Against the backdrop of soaring stock prices and multi-million dollar executive packages, the labor movement is undergoing a resurgence. A Starbucks location in Buffalo, NY became the first within the coffee chain to unionize in 2021, and since then, more than 330 stores in 39 states have followed suit – with more elections underway. All the while, the Starbucks corporation was engaging in controversial labor-busting practices: the National Labor Relations Board found that Starbucks violated fed...
Alec Baldwin speaks with Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director of The Public Theater. Eustis discusses his unique upbringing, early career in Europe and the US, and the pivotal moment he decided to focus on playwrights. He shares insights into developing landmark productions like "Angels in America" and "Hamilton," the philosophy behind The Public's non-profit model, and its commitment to diverse artists and accessible theater, including the tradition of Shakespeare in the Park.
Fleetwood Mac co-founder Mick Fleetwood reflects on the band's journey from its blues roots with Peter Green to its iconic lineup. He shares insights on the band's challenging interpersonal dynamics during the making of "Rumors," discusses his personal struggles with addiction and performance anxiety, and recounts the surprising recent resurgence of "Dreams" thanks to a viral TikTok video, emphasizing the timeless nature of their music.
Alec Baldwin talks with investigative journalist and author Patrick Radden Keefe about his career, from pitching The New Yorker for years to writing bestselling books like "Say Nothing" and "Empire of Pain." They discuss adapting his work into TV series like "Painkiller" and "Say Nothing," the challenges of creative control, his foray into podcasting with "Wind of Change," and his approach to writing about dark subjects and humanizing complex figures like El Chapo.
Alec Baldwin interviews Marilu Henner, discussing her remarkable memory (HSAM), acting career (Taxi, Evening Shade), health and wellness books, and personal life. Henner shares stories about working with Burt Reynolds, her marriages, and her approach to staying positive. She also offers advice on auditions, health, and finding happiness.
Alec Baldwin interviews Oscar and Grammy-winning songwriter Paul Williams, discussing his prolific career writing iconic songs for legendary artists, his acting roles, and his leadership role at ASCAP. Williams shares anecdotes about working with Barbra Streisand, the Muppets, and other industry giants, offering insights into his creative process and the importance of service and collaboration in the music industry. The conversation explores Williams' personal journey, including his struggles with addiction and his spiritual awakening, highlighting the themes of surrender, gratitude, and the magic of creativity.
Alec Baldwin interviews Rory Kennedy about her documentary, "Downfall: The Case Against Boeing," which investigates the tragic Boeing 737 Max crashes. Kennedy discusses her filmmaking process, influences, and the importance of corporate accountability. The conversation explores Boeing's shift towards prioritizing profit over safety and the impact on pilots and passengers.
Steve Kroft reflects on his journalism career, from his start in Vietnam with Stars and Stripes to his acclaimed work on 60 Minutes. He discusses the challenges and rewards of investigative reporting, competition among journalists, and his interviews with numerous presidents, including Barack Obama. Kroft also shares his concerns about the current state of journalism and the impact of technology on society.
Alec Baldwin interviews Vanessa Williams, discussing her upbringing, winning Miss America, and the subsequent scandal involving unauthorized photos. Williams details the racism she faced, her struggles to break into Broadway, and her eventual success in music, television, and film. She shares personal stories, including her marriages, children, and current role in 'Devil Wears Prada' on the West End, highlighting her resilience and artistic versatility.
Susan Jaffe is a former ballerina who performed for 22 years as a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theater. She is known for iconic roles such as Swan Lake’s Odette and Odile, Kitri in Don Quixote, and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. Jaffe has performed internationally and her repertoire includes the works of iconic choreographers such as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, and Merce Cunningham. After retiring from the stage, Jaffe previously served as the dean for the School of...
