Bullseye with Jesse Thorn
Episodes
Sarah Jessica Parker & Chris Gethard
08 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Two favorites from the Bullseye archives this week. First up: Sarah Jessica Parker, from 2016. A fascinating, probing interview that covers her time o...
Tenacious D & José James
01 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
So, y'all: Tenacious D. Tenacious D! We spend 40 minutes with Tenacious D this week. We talk with Jack Black and Kyle Glass about the band's early day...
Swamp Dogg & Joel Kim Booster
24 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
It's a rare honor for a guest to be on Bullseye three times, but Swamp Dogg deserves it. He's a psychedelic soul singer with a career that's now spann...
Nicole Holofcener & Lodge 49
18 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're thrilled to welcome Nicole Holofcener back on the show - probably one of the most underrated filmmakers around. Her movies are quiet,...
Amy Sedaris & Paul Reiser
10 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We're replaying two recent favorites this week: first up, Amy Sedaris! Amy's made a career playing characters - and we say this with absolutely *zero*...
Boz Scaggs and Maeve Higgins
04 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week: Boz Scaggs. The one and only! The hitmaker behind "Lido Shuffle" and "Lowdown" and so much more talks with Jesse about his more than five d...
Guy Branum & Emily Lordi
27 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A favorite from the Bullseye archives this week. First up: Comedian, writer, and podcast host Guy Branum recently wrote a book called "My Life as a G...
W Kamau Bell & Mike Pesca
20 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we've got another Emmy-nominated guest - W.Kamau Bell! He's known for his stand-up comedy. But he might be even more beloved for the telev...
Megan Mullally & Tracee Ellis Ross
13 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
It's Emmy season! Bullseye brings you two talented, fascinating Emmy nominees this week. First up: Megan Mullally! One of the best in the game. Like, ...
Jonathan Gold & Beth Ditto
06 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we'll remember Jonathan Gold by revisiting our conversation with him. Jonathan's work in food criticism was legendary. In 2007, his work ea...
Randy Newman
30 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
"Who is your dream interview?" you might ask Jesse Thorn, or another public radio host. And for Bullseye, here is your answer: Randy Newman! Randy's...
Debra Granik & Johan Miranda
23 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we want to introduce you to a new comic: Johan Miranda. He lives in Los Angeles, was raised in San Francisco. When he was three years old,...
Bo Burnham and Won't You Be My Neighbor's Morgan Neville
16 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we've got April Wolfe holding things down in the host chair. April is a film critic and panelist on the Maximum Fun podcast Who Shot Ya. Sh...
Heat Rocks Special! Jay Smooth, Meshell Ndegeocello, & Vernon Reid
09 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We're doing something a little different this week: you're about to hear three of our favorite interviews from Heat Rocks, one of our sister shows her...
Bonus! Bubble's Jordan Morris & Nick Adams
05 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Hey all! Just popping in to give you a special treat this Thursday. You've probably heard about it already, but Maximum Fun - the company that makes B...
George Clinton & Cristela Alonzo
02 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
We're listening to some of our favorite interviews from Bullseyes past this week, and we've got a couple doozies. First up: the living legend, the mas...
Boots Riley
25 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
So much of Bullseye is about what we think is great in culture today. And, for our money, one of the most compelling creative forces around is a guy n...
Alia Shawkat & Mackenzie Crook
18 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Alia Shawkat came by the Bullseye studios and holy moly, what a brilliant, funny human being! You know her as Maeby Fünke from TV's Arrested Developm...
Pamela Adlon & James Acaster
12 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The talents of Pamela Adlon are many. First, she's an incredible voice actress who's worked on literally dozens of shows. You probably know her best a...
Metta World Peace & Cut Chemist
04 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we've got a real treat for you: Metta World Peace! Even for a former NBA All Star and Champion, Metta has a big personality. When he played...
H. Jon Benjamin & Sara Driver
29 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Fans of Bob's Burgers, Archer, Home Movies and Dr. Katz, rejoice! Jesse's talking with the incomparable H. Jon Benjamin this week. With lead roles in ...
Geena Davis & Jack Handey
21 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
For over a decade, actress Geena Davis has been spearheading an institute that gathers the numbers on gender balance on-screen. On this week's episode...
Robert Smigel & Gillian Jacobs
15 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, writer and director Robert Smigel breaks down what really happened when he was showrunning "The Dana Carvey" show. Plus, he'll talk about s...
Neko Case & Thao Nguyen
07 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, two great musician interviews from the Bullseye archives. First up: Neko Case. It's hard to think of a singer/songwriter more beloved in th...
Roy Wood Jr. & Peter Serafinowicz
01 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're talking with two *very* funny people. First: Roy Wood Jr. Roy's a correspondent on the Daily Show these days, but the road he took to...
Special: The Wire!
24 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Don't sleep on this one. It's a celebration of one of the best shows ever: The Wire! First, you'll hear a vintage Bullseye interview (recorded live ...
Edie Falco and Hunter Pence
16 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Emmy Award winning actress Edie Falco and San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence are our guests on this week's show. Edie Falco is a brilliant, ...
Eugene Levy, Kay Cannon & Alexander Payne
09 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Comedy nerds, rejoice! This week Jesse talks with Eugene Levy - the SCTV vet, co-creator of great Christopher Guest movies and American Pie star. Levy...
Andrew W.K. & Bill Hader
02 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, two Max Fun favs. First up: Andrew W.K.! He just released a new album: You're Not Alone. It's his first in almost a decade. You're Not Alon...
Padma Lakshmi & Laurie Kilmartin
26 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Two more classics from the Bullseye archives, y'all. First: pack your knives and listen up! Padma Lakshmi, host of TV's Top Chef, stops for a chat. Sh...
Forest Whitaker & Armando Iannucci
19 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, some heavy hitters! First, Forest Whitaker. He's of course the star of *countless* great movies. He's got this knack for taking huge figure...
Rachel Bloom & One Day at a Time
12 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're bringing you two of our favorite interviews from the Bullseye vault. First, Rachel Bloom, creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, the...
David Oyelowo & Heather Graham
05 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Two great actors on this week's show! First up: David Oyelowo. He cut his teeth at the Royal Shakespeare company in London. Had smaller parts on Briti...
The Breeders' Kim Deal & Raoul Peck
27 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
First up, a Bullseye fav: Jesse chats with Kim Deal of The Breeders about their new album "All Nerve," which drops this week. Also discussed: the Pixi...
Laurie Metcalf, Kristen Anderson Lopez & Robert Lopez
20 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
It's an Academy Awards spectacular! First: Jesse talks with the amazing Laurie Metcalf. She's up for the best supporting actress Oscar for her role in...
David Wain & Belle and Sebastian
13 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
First up, a favorite here around the Bullseye office: David Wain! He's a comedy legend, an actor, too. And he just directed the new Netflix film "A Fu...
"Corporate" & Mimi Pond
05 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
First up: Matt Ingebretson and Jake Weisman. They created and star in the brand new Comedy Central show "Corporate." Look. Technically, Corporate is...
The Big Sick, Allison Janney & Michel Gondry
29 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
One Bullseye episode. *Four* Oscar nominees! First up: Emily Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani. They co-wrote "The Big Sick" and you probably heard about it ...
Another Period & The Egyptian Lover
22 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard of Another Period? It's a series on Comedy Central with a brilliant, simple premise: it's a reality show set in the gilded age - like t...
Rian Johnson & The Go! Team
16 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Buckle up, y'all, we've got a dynamite lineup! First off: Rian Johnson, writer and director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which is discussed in extens...
Errol Morris & Tune-Yards
09 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Fresh New Year, fresh new Bullseye! This week, legendary director Errol Morris. He's the kind of filmmaker that gets shown in film school all the time...
Terry Crews, Jessica St. Clair & Lennon Parham
02 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Two Bullseye favorites from the archives this week. First: Terry Crews. A linebacker from Flint Michigan, Terry was picked by the LA Rams in the 11th ...
End of Year Comedy Special!
26 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Look, you're an NPR listener. So we probably don't need to tell you this, but it's been an intense year. 2017 was a lot of terrible and thrilling and...
The Bullseye Holiday Spectacular!
18 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Light up the menorah, trim the tree, take a walk out in the cool/cold/wet/whatever weather and take it all in: it's the Bullseye holiday spectacular! ...
Judd Apatow & Romesh Ranganathan
12 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Judd Apatow is one of the busiest and most notable behind the scenes guys alive today. Name 10 huge critically acclaimed comedy hits off the top your ...
JK Simmons & Solomon Georgio
04 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
You know JK Simmons, right? He won an Academy Award for his role in the 2015 movie Whiplash. He's that Insurance guy in those ads. He played J Jonah J...
Margaret Cho & Lisa Hanawalt
27 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We've got a couple of our favorite recent Bullseye interviews this week, first up: Margaret Cho, from last year. She's made a career of searing and re...
Greta Gerwig & Pixar's Lee Unkrich
21 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
First up this week, the one and only Greta Gerwig! You probably know her as an actor - she starred in Noah Baumbach's Frances Ha and a bunch of other ...
Bonus! Heat Rocks: Anil Dash on Prince's 1999
18 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Hey Bullseye fans! We have a special bonus treat for y'all today. We're gonna give you a look at Heat Rocks, the brand new music podcast here at Maxim...
Amy Sedaris & Paul Reiser
13 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Two legends this week: first up, Amy Sedaris. Amy's made a career playing characters - and we say this with absolutely *zero* shade intended - people ...
John Hodgman & Tig Notaro
06 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Look, you probably know who John Hodgman is already. He's been on the Daily Show, This American Life, Adventure Time, way more stuff. Here at Maximum ...
Stephanie Beatriz & Griffin Dunne
30 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
For five seasons, Stephanie Beatriz has starred on the hit fox show Brooklyn Nine Nine. She plays Detective Rosa Diaz, easily the toughest cop in the ...
Halloween Special with Elvira, Andy Daly & more!
23 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Good October to you, boys and ghouls! It's a very special Halloween Spooktacular edition of Bullseye! First we have Cassandra Peterson, the woman be...
Gilbert Gottfried and Maggie Betts
16 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
You know Gilbert Gottfried, right? That comedian with the crazy loud voice who tells gross, sometimes kind of tasteless jokes. He was the voice of the...
Amy Ryan & Shea Serrano
10 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
First up: Amy Ryan. You've seen her as Beadie Russel on The Wire, in The Office, Gone Baby Gone, a bunch more. She's starring in the new movie Abundan...
Carl Reiner & Kate and Laura Mulleavy
02 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week's Bullseye takes you inside the home of the one and only Carl Reiner. A true legend in comedy - Reiner's been in the game since World War Tw...
Open Mike Eagle & Paula Poundstone
25 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A dynamite pairing this week! First, Rapper Open Mike Eagle talks about growing up in Chicago, his slow and steady rise to success and his undying lov...
Judy Greer & Ice-T
18 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Two Bullseye classics this week. First up: Judy Greer. You've seen her as Kitty Sanchez in Arrested Development, as Cheryl Tunt on Archer, in Jurassic...
The Pointer Sisters & Bootsy Collins
11 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Two Bullseye classics this week! First up: Jesse's 2014 conversation with The Pointer Sisters, one of the biggest R&B groups ever, about their rise to...
Tim Gunn & Jonathan Coulton
05 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Tim Gunn of Project Runway and more talks fashion, surviving trauma and more. Even some hot couture takes on the American political landscape! Then, s...
Wallace Shawn, Nick Lowe & Jay Baruchel
28 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Joining us this week is actor Wallace Shawn, whose many film credits include roles in The Princess Bride, the Toy Story films, and My Dinner with Andr...
Ellie Kemper & Flying Lotus
21 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, two of our favorite Bullseye guests. First up: Ellie Kemper, star of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. If you haven't seen it, Unbreakable Kimmy S...
Alfred Molina & Louie Anderson
14 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, two Emmy nominated heavy hitters. First up: Alfred Molina. Talk about auspicious starts: Alfred Molina's first American film role was as th...
Ani DiFranco & Game of Thrones' Aidan Gillen
08 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week Jesse talks with the great singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco about her new album Binary, and how it's changed her writing process. What you mig...
Lily Tomlin & Rick Moranis
01 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
[r] This week, two of Bullseye's greatest hits. First up: Rick Moranis. At one point, he was a movie star: Strange Brew, Ghostbusters, Spaceballs, Hon...
Dolly Parton & Steve Coogan
25 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
[r] This week, we've got two of Bullseye's greatest hits: First up, the one and only Dolly Parton! The legend of stage and song talks with Jesse about...
Kumail Nanjiani, Emily Gordon & Terrace Martin
17 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
"The Big Sick" has been out in theaters for a while, and already it's getting a lot of buzz. Critics rated it 97% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Kumail Nan...
Bonus: Tavi Gevinson
14 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We've got a special bonus Bullseye for you this week! Tavi Gevinson, editor of Rookie Magazine, actress, podcast host and much more. Jesse interview T...
Vince Staples & The Trailer Park Boys
10 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
[r] This week, we're bringing you a couple of Jesse's favorite past interviews. First up: Vince Staples! The Long Beach rapper is a legend nowadays, w...
Beth Ditto & Ernest Dickerson
03 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Hey y'all! This week, we have Beth Ditto joining us. The former lead singer with Gossip, talks about growing up gay and punk rock in Searcy, Arkansas,...
A$AP Ferg & Dr. Katz
26 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What an episode this week! We have New York's very own A$AP Ferg in the house. He and Jesse talk about his love for Madonna, how going to an arts high...
Katie Couric, Marc Maron & Audie Cornish
20 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're giving you a sneak peek into The Turnaround, Jesse's new podcast. The Turnaround brings you interviews with some of the best intervie...
Big Boi & Catherine O'Hara
12 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
[r] Big Boi's sold more than 50 millions records as a solo artist and as half of Outkast, maybe the greatest hip hop group of all time. With their 199...
Kathryn Hahn & Jason Zinoman
06 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Jesse talks with Kathryn Hahn. She's starring in the new Amazon series I Love Dick, which also features Kevin Bacon and Griffin Dunne. The ...
Carol Kane
29 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Jesse sits down with actor Carol Kane. They talk about her career that spans 45 years and her newest project - "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,"...
Terry Crews & Amber Tamblyn
22 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
As a linebacker from Flint Michigan, Terry Crews was picked by the LA Rams in the 11th round of the 1991 NFL Draft. In 1996, he played his last season...
John Waters & Andy Kindler
15 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We got John Waters in the studio (he wore a beautiful Commes de Garcon shirt, btw). John has a new book out, it's a transcript of a commencement speec...
Moshe Kasher, Felicia Day & Brother Ali
08 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Jesse talks with standup and author Moshe Kasher about his new TV show: Problematic. Like a lot of shows nowadays it's got a comedian takin...
Chris Gethard, George Saunders, & DJ Jazzy Jeff
01 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jesse talks about life and death with George Saunders, the brilliant author of the new novel Lincoln in the Bardo. But first, Chris Gethard comes by. ...
Werner Herzog & Mount Eerie's Phil Elverum
24 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week's Bullseye has a lot of heavy stuff. First up: Phil Elverum. Elverum's career dates back over 20 years, first as the Microphones and later M...
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Armando Iannucci and Billy Bragg
17 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
[r] First things first: the one, the only Julia Louis-Dreyfus! After a run of 9 years on Seinfeld, one of the greatest TV comedies of all time, she's ...
Guy Branum
10 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Guy Branum, comic and beloved host of MaxFun's own Pop Rocket is on TV now! He's hosting the brand new TV series Talk Show the Game Show on TruTV. Guy...
Baseball Special with Tabitha Soren & Sean Doolittle
03 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Guess what! With opening day this week, Bullseye is bringing you its first ever Baseball special! Jesse talks with Oakland A's relief pitcher Sean Doo...
My Brother, My Brother and Me & Gina Prince-Bythewood
27 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, NPR's Linda Holmes sits in for Jesse Thorn. We kick things off with Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy. The three brothers have a brand new...
Paul Shaffer, Javaka Steptoe & Louis Theroux
20 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jesse talks with Paul Shaffer, David Letterman's former bandleader and the co-writer of the disco smash "It's Raining Men." They'll talk about his wor...
Sam Richardson & Syd of The Internet
14 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, comic Wyatt Cenac sits in for Jesse Thorn, and it's a hell of a lineup: Sam Richardson of HBO's Veep stops by to talk about his new Comedy ...
Danny McBride & Miroslav Vitous
06 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
[r] Jesse sits down for an in-depth conversation with Danny McBride. McBride co-created and stars in the hit HBO series Eastbound and Down and the new...
Desus & Mero, Walter Murch
28 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Guest host Ray Suarez talks with Desus Nice and The Kid Mero - the Twitter legends and hosts of the Bodega Boys podcast have a new show on Viceland. P...
Michael K Williams & Zach Galifianakis
20 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
[r] Zach Galifianakis talks about fame, unlikable characters and his FX series, Baskets, now in its second season. Michael K. Williams reminisces on h...
Pete Holmes & Mike Mills
14 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jesse talks with with Pete Holmes - the star of the new HBO show Crashing. Then, Mike Mills, writer and director of the Oscar nominated 20th Century W...
Cristela Alonzo & Stretch Armstrong
06 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jesse talks with Cristela Alonzo. She starred in the ABC show Cristela, and now she's got a great new stand up special on Netflix called Lower Classy....
One Day at a Time & Todd Mayfield
31 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Writers Gloria Calderon Kellett and Mike Royce talk about how the two teamed up with Norman Lear to make a brand new reboot of Lear's classic sitcom O...
Laurie Kilmartin and Throwing Shade
23 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Laurie Kilmartin is a standup, she also writes for Conan O'Brien. On her new special, 45 Jokes About My Dead Dad, she talks about the loss of her fath...
Corin Tucker & Tom Arnold
17 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
[r] Jesse sits down with guitarist and singer Corin Tucker to talk about Sleater-Kinney, anxiety dreams, and having to work a second job while on tour...
Bullseye's Judge John Hodgman Special
10 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we are delighted to bring you a special presentation of The Judge John Hodgman Podcast. Today, you'll hear two Judge John Hodgman cases. O...
Bill Withers & Joe Randazzo
03 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jesse Thorn sits down with legendary musician Bill Withers to talk about growing up in West Virginia, working in the music industry and why he wouldn'...
End of year best comedy special
26 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Wrap up 2016 with a much needed laugh - it's Bullseye's proudest annual tradition - the End of Year Best Comedy Special. You'll hear some of the year'...
Holiday Special with Jane Lynch and Andy Richter
19 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
On a brand new Bullseye Holiday special, Jesse talks with Andy Richter about how to love Christmas after getting burned by it. Plus, actress Jane Lync...
Pedro Almodovar and Sleigh Bells
12 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Jesse talks to Pedro Almodóvar, the Spanish filmmaker about Julieta, his newest film. Plus, Alexis Krauss from the band Sleigh Bells on the song that...
John Cale & TJ and Dave
06 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Jesse talks with John Cale, the musician and producer, about his time in the Velvet Underground, producing artists like the Stooges and Patti Smith, a...