Episodes

  • Barry Jenkins chooses to believe in chaos

    Barry Jenkins chooses to believe in chaos
    Dec 19 2024
    Barry Jenkins is best known for indie films like "If Beale Street Could Talk" and "Moonlight." Now he's helming Disney's "Mufasa: The Lion King." He talks to Rachel about the connections he sees between his old work and the new movie, and he also tells her about the place he sought refuge as a child and why he's compelled to believe that there's no order in the universe.

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    41 mins
  • Ilana Glazer is connecting with their inner animal

    Ilana Glazer is connecting with their inner animal
    Dec 12 2024
    2024 has been a big year for Ilana Glazer. First they co-wrote and co-starred in "Babes." Now, they have a new stand-up special coming out on Hulu, called "Human Magic." The "Broad City" co-creator and star talks to Rachel about learning how to rebel at age 37, figuring out how to be alone and tapping into their inner animal.

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    32 mins
  • Ilana Glazer on responsibility and a belief John Lithgow let go of

    Ilana Glazer on responsibility and a belief John Lithgow let go of
    Dec 12 2024
    Comedian Ilana Glazer talks about being prepared at a young age for grown-up responsibilities and John Lithgow discusses a belief he had to let go of.

    This normally would be a bonus episode just for Wild Card+ listeners. With this being the season of giving, we're sharing this one with everyone! To hear more bonus content like this, regular episodes sponsor-free, and support the work of NPR, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org.

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    10 mins
  • John Lithgow just wants a good ending

    John Lithgow just wants a good ending
    Dec 5 2024
    Everyone has their own role that made them fall in love with John Lithgow. It could be "Footloose" or "Shrek" or "3rd Rock from the Sun." And as he approaches 80, Lithgow keeps giving us more memorable roles. This year alone, he was in "The Old Man," "Conclave" and "Spellbound." He tells Rachel what makes him so easy to work with and how he's become more comfortable with death.

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    33 mins
  • Ira Glass plays a nicer version of himself on the radio

    Ira Glass plays a nicer version of himself on the radio
    Nov 28 2024
    In the world of podcasts and radio, Ira Glass is a legend. But he tells Rachel that he doesn't think about his legacy. He makes his show, "This American Life," for people to enjoy now, and he doesn't care if people forget about it one day. He also tells Rachel, and those in the audience at this live taping, that he's a nicer person on air than face-to-face.

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    34 mins
  • BONUS - Sandra Cisneros is in her 'magical mystery period'

    BONUS - Sandra Cisneros is in her 'magical mystery period'
    Nov 26 2024
    Sandra Cisneros is best known for her debut novel, The House on Mango Street, which follows a year in the life of a young Chincana girl. For the 40th anniversary of that book, Sandra joined Rachel for a conversation in front of a live audience at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. Sandra shared a story about a teacher who changed her life and talked about why she's excited about death.

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    19 mins
  • Jimmy O. Yang can't take a compliment

    Jimmy O. Yang can't take a compliment
    Nov 21 2024
    Jimmy O. Yang finds his own success unlikely. He says as an Asian-American immigrant, he "snuck in" to show business. He's worked his way from bit parts to big roles in Silicon Valley and Crazy Rich Asians, and, now, the lead role in Hulu's Interior Chinatown. He talks to Rachel about learning how to take compliments, being afraid of oceans and why his fantasy football draft is sacred.

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    24 mins
  • Erykah Badu's goals are intentionally unreachable

    Erykah Badu's goals are intentionally unreachable
    Nov 14 2024
    Erykah Badu is best known for her music career, but her resume is much more diverse than that. She's an actor, who can be seen now in The Piano Lesson. She's a doula, who helps welcome new life into the world. And she also helps guide people at the end of their life. She and Rachel talk about intentionally setting unreachable goals, letting go of certain thoughts, and space shuttles.

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    29 mins