Bullseye with Jesse Thorn

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.

Catherine O’Hara, legendary actress and comedian known for SCTV, Christopher Guest films, Home Alone, and Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek. She recalls breaking into Second City, the male‑dominated writers’ room, and creating characters with Eugene Levy. She also reflects on film hits, improvisation in Guest’s ensembles, and balancing career choices with personal life.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, an Emmy-winning actor known for Watchmen, Aquaman, and Wonder Man, talks about staying grounded amid press runs and avoiding hype. He reflects on approaching forty and applying lessons, why he took Wonder Man, developing Simon’s loneliness and charm, and dreaming of owning a farm to unplug and reset.

Joe Cappa, creator, writer, and primary voice actor of Haha, You Clowns, learned animation via indie shorts and ad work before Adult Swim. He discusses the show’s unpolished wholesome tone, hyper-masculine cartoon characters, borrowing real-life dads and idioms, Oklahoma roots, and the path from Sundance short to TV production.

Shonda Rhimes, powerhouse TV writer and producer behind Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and Queen Charlotte, shares her creative rituals and why the Bridgerton spinoff stood apart. She contrasts Netflix freedom with network guardrails. She talks about stepping back to protect sanity, leadership on big sets, and learning to set boundaries while still following characters she loves.

Mel Brooks, film and comedy legend behind The Producers and Young Frankenstein, reflects on Brooklyn roots, WWII service, and his rise from Catskills drummer to comedy titan. He recounts writing for Sid Caesar, creating Get Smart to fund films, collaborating with Gene Wilder, and the madcap instincts behind his landmark movies. Short, lively stories and sharp humor run throughout.

Elliot Kalan, comedy writer and former head writer for The Daily Show and MST3K, and author of Joke Farming. He explains his shift from waiting for inspiration to a repeatable joke-writing process. He breaks jokes into parts like voice and structure. He talks about writing for other voices, handling tragic news sensitively, and choosing timeless over topical comedy.

Susan Orlean, award-winning nonfiction writer behind The Orchid Thief and The Library Book, discusses turning her attention inward in Joyride. She talks about reporting adventures, risky assignments, and the tiny details that make stories sing. The conversation explores immersion journalism, career-wide curiosity, and why noticing matters to narrative nonfiction.

Isiah Whitlock Jr., a veteran actor best known for his memorable role as Clay Davis on The Wire, reflects on his remarkable career. He shares how his role in The Wire reshaped his profile and his approach to playing morally complex characters. Whitlock recounts his journey from a sports-loving youth in South Bend to a successful New York actor, connecting with fellow stars like Denzel Washington. He also discusses his passion for winemaking and the legacy of his iconic catchphrase, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of his craft.