Bullseye with Jesse Thorn

Bobby Moynihan, actor and comedian known for a decade on SNL and voice work, talks about writing a children’s book and life after sketch comedy. He discusses improv instincts, crafting silly characters, and the live-energy of sketch work. He also reflects on parenthood, leaving SNL, and shifting into new projects like The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins.

Mark Mothersbaugh, co-founder of Devo and pioneering composer/visual artist. He recalls the band’s origin in Akron and the Kent State influence. They discuss experimental early performances, their machine-like visual style and uniforms. Conversation covers breakthrough New York shows, theatrical marketing, and surprising commercial uses of their music.

Fab Five Freddy, street and gallery artist and hip-hop pioneer who hosted Yo! MTV Raps, recounts life from tagging trains in Bed-Stuy to rubbing shoulders with Warhol and Basquiat. He talks about early graffiti culture, crossing into downtown art and music scenes, the rise of whole-car murals, and how visual art, DJs, and dance fused into a broader cultural movement.

Do you like football? Chuck Klosterman is a culture writer who really, really likes football. His new book is called Football. In it, he examines the cultural impact of the sport, as it relates to American life. He joins Bullseye to talk about the ups and downs of being a life-long football fan, and why the sport can matter to everyone, regardless of fan status.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

...and now for something completely different! This week, we're celebrating the work of Monty Python. One of the most influential sketch groups of all time. This special episode features interviews from the founding members of Monty Python including Terry Jones, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Willie Colón, legendary trombonist and bandleader who helped define salsa, reflects on Bronx jam sessions and teenage bands. He recalls early hits like El Malo, Hector Lavoe’s breakthrough, Fania’s role in popularizing salsa, musical experiments like Che Che Colé, and the joy of locked-in performances. Short, passionate stories about music, community, and the rhythms that shaped a genre.

Matt Ebert, bassist who books early shows; Chase Knobbe, guitarist and founding member from the South Bay scene; Barry Johnson, singer and songwriter rooted in Torrance. They trade stories about Torrance and SoCal punk culture. They recall DIY shows, bowling bonds, early DIY touring and tiny crowds. They discuss aging in punk and why all-ages chaos still matters.

Noé Montes, a Los Angeles photographer known for documenting migrant farmworker communities and fine-art work, discusses his journey from community college darkrooms to a museum retrospective. He talks about photographing Cuyama Valley, portraying multi-generation family stories, wrestling with police portrait commissions, and stripping away symbols to show honest, personal images.

Raphael Saadiq, singer-songwriter, bassist and producer who co-founded Tony! Toni! Toné! and produced for Solange and D’Angelo. He discusses writing the Oscar-nominated song for Sinners under a rush. He traces the song’s blues-and-church roots, recalls handing off a demo that became a cinematic sequence, and reflects on Bay Area beginnings and touring with his late brother.

Ron Carter, legendary jazz double-bassist who played with Miles Davis and has recorded for decades. He talks about his new gospel album Sweet, Sweet Spirit and its tribute to his mother. He recalls switching from cello to bass, playing with A Tribe Called Quest, and how age shaped his musical choices. Conversation touches on teaching, navigating discrimination, and serving the music.