Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

Well, let's give this a go. 150. Hosted by my pal, Harrison Cameron. For more info: www.talkeasypod.com.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, “Hustlers” actress Trace Lysette joins us on the show! She reflects on “giving birth to herself” in New York (8:30), developing “Tribe“ with Devere Rogers (10:30), manifesting an abundance of opportunity for transgender artists (11:40), fighting passivity in storytelling (14:00), facing the duality of success and heartbreak (17:00), navigating dating in Los Angeles (21:00), recognizing and educating against toxic masculinity (27:00), speaking out during the #MeToo movement (35:00), finding an anchor in her mother and friends (37:00), questioning her right to pay parity (39:40), and finally, embracing a prospective future of leading roles (47:00).  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're joined by podcaster/filmmaker/writer Scott Aukerman! He talks about his his first TV appearances back in high school (01:40), his affinity for David Letterman (05:20), how he used humor to dodge playground bullies (09:43), playing a certain kind of character on-mic (17:28), his early days of trying to make it in LA (21:54), a game-changing interaction with Bob Odenkirk (27:07), how his partner became his ex... and then his wife (31:01), the creative differences (and struggles) between making television versus movies (34:34), how he hit rock bottom after success (41:59), why he made a documentary about his parents (46:01), the birth of Comedy Bang! Bang! (51:00), the challenges of professionally collaborating with your friends (1:00:41), and, finally, his comedy mantra (1:06:20).  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Karley Sciortino is on this week! She reflects on her childhood, growing up Catholic in the age of Britney Spears, and sexual awakenings, her parents' steadfast relationship, her first sexual experience, journeying across the pond for college, dropping out and not coming back, living in an "egalitarian-esque" artist commune for 6 years, first reactions to her sex-heavy blog, what "slut" really means to her, how writing helped uncover her sexual identity, falling in love, hard and fast, Eyes Wide Shut-style swingers' parties, her 30th birthday foursome, talking about sex: men vs. women, thoughts and insights during a #MeToo era, pushing her boundaries, and the time she might’ve gone too far.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Sam sits down with renowned writer, director, and former film critic, Peter Bogdanovich. They discuss the fragmentation of the old Hollywood studio system (00:42), Peter’s pivot from journalism to filmmaking (4:00), his tumultuous experience making “The Last Picture Show“ (12:09), the origin of the title “Paper Moon” (20:40), navigating success and public envy (24:00), how he endured the tragedy of Dorothy Stratten (32:10), rediscovering his filmmaking roots in the '80s (38:30), his ongoing relationship with Orson Welles (43:37), becoming “Pop” to Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach (48:38), reflecting on lessons from the greats (56:00) and, finally, what he still wants to do at 80 (57:47).  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This one has been long over-due... Justin Simien, friends! The sensible mind behind Dear White People talks about his high school days, pointing out how this chapter in his life formed a deep love for the arts (07:13), then delves into theater as an entryway into the realm of storytelling (11:32), the past and putting things in perspective (14:37), an introduction to Fosse, Kubrick, and other cinematic influences (17:38), in some cases... separating the art from the artist (22:05), the evolution of who we are vs. who we present ourselves to be (28:18), working in publicity but wanting to make movies (31:44), juggling life and career in his 20's (35:02), who's who in the gay community (36:37), HBO and self-discovery (41:14), being "shady" (44:19), people's approval and the birth of Dear White People (46:26), his father's passing (53:30), references, statements and getting a call from Spike Lee (57:33), the democracy that is storytelling (1:03:12), and where he finds his peace (1:06:18).  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whitney Cummings, a renowned comedian, writer, and actor, opens up about her journey from a chaotic upbringing to becoming a stand-up sensation. She reminisces about her teenage struggles with self-image and development in an alcoholic household. Whitney shares insights on gender dynamics in comedy, the pressure to seek approval, and the backlash from a controversial New York Times interview. Amidst the challenges, she finds solace in stand-up, which she describes as therapeutic. Her reflections on love lead her to redefine healthy relationships.

To celebrate the fiftieth episode of Talk Easy we decided to do something a little different, which ended up being Sam sitting down with his mother for an interview. This episode is not only special for how far the show has come, but the glimpse it gives us into the lives of both Sam and his mother. The love and respect that Sam and his mom have for one another is blatant throughout the entirety of this episode, and we feel lucky to have caught it on tape. In this hour, we learn about her childhood (9:16), the experiences she had at the age Sam is now (17:53), meeting Sam's dad (43:06), and the joy she got from motherhood (54:05). ------------------------------------------------- Music for the show provided by @Vanilla and @jinsangbeats. Original illustrations by Krishna Shenoi: www.krishnabalashenoi.com/. Learn more about the show at www.talkeasypod.com  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alan Alda ladies and gentleman. We talk M*A*S*H, joke thievery, his childhood in Burlesque, his ongoing battle with face blindness (that's not a joke), and how a brush with death gave him a new lease on life. His latest project is a podcast of his own, Clear+Vivid, and you can find out more at www.alanalda.com. For more info about Alan visit our show notes: www.talkeasypod/alan-alda  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another classic throwback for you this week! John Cho's career has undergone several transformations in the past two decades, each of them more interesting and impressive than the last. John appeared in several roles in smaller films before breaking through in the 2004 stoner comedy Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. Since then, he's made waves in blockbuster movies like the Star Trek reboot and Harold and Kumar sequels, underrated TV shows including Selfie and The Exorcist, and buzzed-about indies like Columbus, Gemini, and the upcoming Sundance favorite Searching. In this episode, he and Sam have a wide-ranging conversation that touches on everything from the strangeness of childhood memories to John's early days when acting just seemed like "fucking around," and even the reason he won't rewatch Harold & Kumar.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.