Bullseye with Jesse Thorn

Director Debra Granik of "Leave No Trace" and "Winter's Bone"

19 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Tuesday! This time, we're listening back to our 2018 conversation with filmmaker Debra Granik. In 2010, she wrote and directed "Winter's Bone," ...

Artist Barbara Kruger

15 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Dream interview alert! Today: Jesse talks with Barbara Kruger. Kruger is a fascinating and profoundly influential artist. She works in big, bold text...

Composer and Producer Ludwig Göransson (Black Panther, Childish Gambino)

14 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Every now and then we like bring you a segment we call to the Song That Changed My Life. It's a chance to find out what makes some of our favorite mus...

Adam McKay on Vice, Second City and more

12 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Adam McKay has had a pretty eclectic career. He started in sketch comedy first as a founder of the Upright Citizens Brigade, then as a writer on Satur...

Killer Mike on his new show Trigger Warning, Run the Jewels and more

08 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ladies and germs... Killer Mike! It's been more than a decade since Killer Mike joined us on Bullseye. These days, he's busier than ever. Along with E...

John David Washington of "BlacKkKlansman" and "Ballers"

05 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse talks with John David Washington, star of the critically acclaimed film BlacKkKlansman, directed by Spike Lee. Before John David Washington was ...

Tituss Burgess of "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"

01 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse talks with Tituss Burgess, actor from "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," "30 Rock" and more. On UKS, Tituss plays a struggling, needy and desperate Br...

Carol Kane from "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"

29 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse talks with legendary character actress Carol Kane about the last season of "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and her 45-year career in the biz. Carol ...

Jez Butterworth

25 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jez Butterworth is a veteran of both stage and screen, he's written about a dozen films along with his seven plays. You can see the wisdom that only e...

Tony Shalhoub of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and more

22 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you're in Hollywood, the stereotype goes that you're either a character actor or a *star*. A character actor shows up in a couple scenes for about ...

Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Stephanie Beatriz

18 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A warning about this episode, which originally aired in 2017: the second half of this interview contains some honest and frank talk about sexual assau...

Elvis Costello

15 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We've got a favorite from the Bullseye archives to kick off the week: Elvis Costello. Costello grew up surrounded by music. His mother ran the record ...

Karyn Kusama, Director of "Destroyer"

11 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse talks to Karyn Kusama, one of the most unique voices in film right now. She just directed the new film "Destroyer," it's a dark crime drama, tol...

Chris and Bridey Elliott on "Clara's Ghost"

08 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Chris and Bridey Elliott are father and daughter. Chris is, of course, Chris Elliott. The guy who starred in Cabin Boy and Something About Mary. Who's...

Hasan Minhaj & Sharon Horgan

31 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Happy near year! Two favorites from the Bullseye archives this week. First up: Hasan Minhaj, from 2016. He'll talk about his work as a standup and as ...

End of year stand-up comedy special 2018!

25 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The Bullseye team has taken on the terrible task of finding the best of the best comedy albums and bringing them to you in a nice little end of year p...

Bullseye Holiday Specatcular! Monkees, McElroys and more!

17 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Get ready for a bonanza of holiday cheer from Bullseye this week! Micky Dolenz of The Monkees taking about the band's new album "Christmas Party." The...

Jason Mitchell & Karina Longworth

10 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We're kicking things off with the brilliant and lively Jason Mitchell this week! Jason's an actor - a really great one. He's been in a lot of acclaime...

Remembering Ricky Jay

04 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ricky Jay died last month. He was 72. Ricky was a writer. And an actor. And a magician. One of the greatest sleight of hand performers ever, actually....

Billy Eichner & Ali Wong

26 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're pulling two favorites out of the Bullseye archives. First on the docket: Billy Eichner! He's an actor and comic and host of the hit co...

Tim Blake Nelson & Mary Randolph Carter

19 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Tim Blake Nelson is a master of his craft: a character actor with over 80 credits to his name. Roles in films as diverse as The Incredible Hulk, Minor...

Maura Tierney & Michael Kupperman

13 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

First up this week: Maura Tierney! You know her from her time on the hit drama ER - she played Abby. She's currently on the Showtime series The Affair...

Kamasi Washington & Simon Rich

05 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're dedicating almost an entire episode to one of our favorite musicians: Kamasi Washington! Kamasi is a saxophonist and composer. In the...

Steven Yeun & Sawbones

29 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

First up this week: Steven Yeun! Fans of The Walking Dead know and love Steven for his time on the show as the beloved Glenn Rhee. Lately, though, he'...

Eric Idle & Blood Orange's Dev Hynes

23 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Two brilliant Brits on this week's Bullseye! First up this week, a conversation with comedy pioneer and Monty Python founding member Eric Idle! Eric's...

Susan Orlean & Gregory Porter

15 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

First up this week, a guest we're always thrilled to welcome: Susan Orlean! One of the greatest writers around. You might know her from Saturday Night...

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 ...