Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

Ryan Coogler, filmmaker behind Creed and Black Panther, discusses how Sinners grew from Wakanda Forever and family memories. He talks blues music as a creative fuel. He recalls pivotal moments like seeing Boys n the Hood, shifting from football to film, leading with kindness, and the influence of Chadwick Boseman and his uncle.

Jacob Soboroff, veteran political reporter and author who has covered immigration enforcement and wildfires, speaks from the front lines. He describes ICE raids across US cities, community organizing and protests, contrasts media portrayals with on-the-ground reality, traces enforcement history, and reflects on accountability, recruitment tactics, and whether culture can push back on harsh policies.

Anderson .Paak, Grammy-winning singer, rapper, drummer, and songwriter known for Silk Sonic and collaborations with Dr. Dre, talks about directing his film K-Pops and how pandemic fatherhood sparked the idea. He revisits his Oxnard roots, discovering drums in church, breakout SoundCloud moments like “Suede,” and the whirlwind after Malibu. He also teases future projects from DJing to filmmaking.

George Saunders, acclaimed novelist and Booker Prize winner known for compassionate, inventive fiction. He discusses his new novel Vigil, its afterlife setting and climate themes. Brief stories about near-death moments and a formative Singapore experience. Conversations about crafting difficult voices, moral stakes of writing about climate denial, and literature’s role in comfort and connection.

Ramy Youssef, comedian, actor, writer and director known for creating and starring in Rami, discusses Ramadan as a grounding ritual. He talks about season three’s crisis of faith, growing up Muslim in New Jersey, a Bell’s palsy turning point, early TV struggles, and influences like Curb Your Enthusiasm. Conversations touch on identity, creative risk, and what he wants to make next.

Will Arnett, actor and podcaster known for Arrested Development and SmartLess, chats about turning John Bishop’s real story into his new film. He revisits early NYC hustle, voiceover roots, a pivotal Amsterdam meeting, working with Mitch Hurwitz, handling criticism and failure, and the joys of podcasting and family reactions.

Patti Smith, the Godmother of Punk and celebrated poet, shares her journey from South Jersey to New York's artistic scene. She reflects on discovering Bob Dylan and how her factory job inspired the poem 'Piss Factory.' Patti discusses her life with Robert Mapplethorpe and the whirlwind of making her debut album, 'Horses.' She also delves into her recent memoir, 'Bread of Angels,' emphasizing voice for the silenced, and shares her thoughts on political outrage and the lessons of aging. Her candid stories weave a rich tapestry of creativity and resilience.

Gwyneth Paltrow, celebrated actor and Goop founder, opens up about her return to acting in 'Marty Supreme' and the personal parallels to her character, Kay Stone. She reflects on her early theater days, the dizzying rise of her 90s career, and the sexism she faced in Hollywood. Paltrow discusses stepping back from acting to build Goop and her journey towards wellness, emphasizing the importance of radical self-declaration. She shares her vow to perform on Broadway and expresses renewed love for acting on set, while defending her company's controversial products.

Viola Davis, an EGOT-winning actor and producer, shares her journey from a challenging childhood to Hollywood success. She highlights how 'The Woman King' reshaped her creative identity and stressed the importance of meaningful entertainment. Davis reflects on her impactful roles, including her experiences with Meryl Streep and navigating the complexities of being a Black actor in a predominantly white industry. She emphasizes legacy, self-love, and her mission to make the invisible visible, showing how she constantly seeks purpose beyond her profession.

Comedian Robby Hoffman, known for her Netflix special 'Wake Up' and roles in 'Hacks,' shares her vibrant journey from a chaotic Orthodox upbringing in Crown Heights to comedic acclaim. She reflects on the pressures of masculinity in society and her escape to Canada with her family from an abusive home. Robby also discusses balancing her early career in accounting with stand-up, her experience in the WGA strike, and her love for comedy as a calling. The conversation brims with insight and humor, highlighting her path to success.