Episodes

  • Michelle Obama doesn't regret saying 'no'

    Michelle Obama doesn't regret saying 'no'
    Jun 26 2025
    Michelle Obama says she's never truly been able to realize her own ambition. But now she's changing that. She's saying "no" to what's expected of her and "yes" to what she wants to do, including starting a podcast with her brother, "IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson." She reflects with Rachel on owning her decisions and the words her mom told her at the end of her life.

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    40 mins
  • What Kyle MacLachlan learned from his friend David Lynch

    What Kyle MacLachlan learned from his friend David Lynch
    Jun 22 2025
    Kyle MacLachlan says he wouldn't have a career without his friend and longtime collaborator David Lynch, who died earlier this year. His first gig was on Lynch's "Dune" which was followed up by "Blue Velvet" and then by their iconic run together on the series "Twin Peaks". In this bonus episode, MacLachlan shares what it was like to live in Lynch's world.

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    14 mins
  • Kyle MacLachlan daydreams about the future

    Kyle MacLachlan daydreams about the future
    Jun 19 2025
    Kyle MacLachlan is known for his iconic roles in David Lynch classics like "Blue Velvet" and "Twin Peaks," but he's reinvented himself again and again throughout the years. His recent work includes roles in the TV series "Fallout" and "Overcompensating." He's also cultivated a huge following on TikTok and Instagram where his charm is on full display for a new generation of fans.

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    29 mins
  • Jason Reynolds loves being a "crybaby"

    Jason Reynolds loves being a "crybaby"
    Jun 12 2025
    Jason Reynolds writes stories that don't talk down to kids. In young adult books like "Long Way Down," "Ghost" and two Miles Morales Spider-Man novels, there is a clear understanding: kids are complicated people, and Jason treats them that way. His newest audio-only book is called "Soundtrack." He talks with Rachel about the value of being a crier and the advice about rest he got from LeVar Burton.

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    45 mins
  • Orville Peck killed his impostor syndrome

    Orville Peck killed his impostor syndrome
    Jun 5 2025
    Orville Peck is full of apparent contradictions. As a kid in South Africa, he went from dancing ballet to playing drums in a punk band. He loves musical theater but made a name for himself as a country singer. He sings about vulnerability but covers his face with a mask. Peck talks to Rachel about embracing those contradictions and about starring in "Cabaret" on Broadway.

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    31 mins
  • Ramy Youssef wants to make it weird

    Ramy Youssef wants to make it weird
    May 29 2025
    Ramy Youssef's creative pursuits range from stand-up to his semi-biographical Hulu show, "Ramy," to his new animated series, "#1 Happy Family USA." In all of his efforts, he says he's just trying to make work that feels exciting to him. Ramy is one of the costars of the new HBO film, "Mountainhead." He talks to Rachel about his gripe with Santa Claus and reckoning with his mortality.

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    39 mins
  • Mike Birbiglia doesn't think every setup needs a punchline

    Mike Birbiglia doesn't think every setup needs a punchline
    May 22 2025
    When Mike Birbiglia tells a story, he tries to make it relatable to everyone in the audience – whether it's tapping into his childhood anxiety, relating his clumsy attempts at self improvement or sharing his earnest fears about his aging parents. Mike's new Netflix special is The Good Life. He shares with Rachel how he learns valuable lessons from writing jokes, and explains how found some peace.

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    38 mins
  • Jonathan Groff lost his faith while spelunking

    Jonathan Groff lost his faith while spelunking
    May 15 2025
    Jonathan Groff has brought his killer vocals and Disney-hero charm to Broadway hits like "Spring Awakening," "Hamilton" and "Merrily We Roll Along." He's nominated for a Tony award for his latest Broadway show, "Just in Time," a musical about singer Bobby Darin. He talks to Rachel about responding to criticism like a 7-year-old and realizing he didn't believe in God at a Youth for Christ camp.

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    41 mins