Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

Oscar-winning actor Sam Rockwell, known for his roles in films like 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri', reflects on his eclectic career. He shares personal tales of his childhood in San Francisco and New York and reveals how classic films shaped his artistry. Rockwell reveals the cathartic beauty of performance and discusses his career-defining moments, including memorable advice from Gene Hackman. He pays tribute to icons like Christopher Walken and Philip Seymour Hoffman while delving into his transformative role in 'The White Lotus'.

Seth Meyers, a comedic powerhouse known for his work on Saturday Night Live and Late Night, shares his journey through 24 years at 30 Rock. He opens up about balancing fatherhood and comedy, reflecting on lessons from his formative years. Meyers recalls memorable SNL characters, the process of getting sketches on air, and his notorious 2004 performance with Donald Trump. He also revisits his unforgettable White House Correspondents Dinner monologue, and emphasizes the importance of family influence on his comedic voice.

Michelle Zauner, musician and author of 'Crying in H Mart,' shares her journey of grief and identity through her latest album, 'For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women).' She discusses her transformative year in South Korea, the emotional complexity of language learning, and how writing helped her navigate loss. Zauner reflects on her breakout SXSW performance and her evolving relationship with her father after her mother's passing. She also teases her plans for a second book and celebrates her growth during her world tour.

Ocean Vuong, acclaimed writer and professor, dives deep into his personal history and the themes explored in his latest novel, 'The Emperor of Gladness'. He shares poignant stories of growing up in East Hartford, the surrogate family he found at Boston Market, and his transformative college years. Vuong reflects on honoring his late mother, the struggles related to the opioid crisis, and his journey towards sobriety. He also emphasizes the importance of teaching creative writing and how his experiences fuel his passion for storytelling every day.

Jelani Cobb, Dean of the Columbia Journalism School and a seasoned staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the tumultuous climate of academia today. He examines the urgent issues of free speech and activism amid graduation celebrations, the Trump administration's impact on higher ed, and the detention of student activist Mahmoud Khalil. Cobb also reflects on the evolving challenges in journalism, the fleeting nature of corporate activism post-2020, and the enduring legacy of George Floyd, emphasizing the need for truthful storytelling in these complex times.

Sarah Silverman, a groundbreaking comedian known for her daring humor and thought-provoking insights, discusses her deeply personal Netflix special ‘PostMortem.’ She reflects on loss and life experiences from the '80s, sharing the impact of her late father's legacy. Silverman also explores her comedic journey, from SNL to her own shows, and the mentorship of Garry Shandling. The conversation touches on the evolution of her comedy amidst changing societal norms, revealing how personal challenges have become valuable material for her work.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Percival Everett discusses his acclaimed novel, 'James,' a fresh take on 'Huckleberry Finn.' He reveals the philosophical dilemmas that inspired the story and reflects on his father’s humor shaping his writing. The conversation dives into the complexities of identity and representation, especially in literature and comedy. Percival also shares insights on teaching in today's digital age, tackling the shifting reading habits post-pandemic, and how he navigates his own creative process, emphasizing authenticity and personal expression.

Ira Glass, co-founder and host of the iconic This American Life, shares insights from his illustrious career in narrative journalism. He discusses the rigorous selection process for stories and the impact of political threats to public media. Reflecting on his early days at NPR, he reveals how mentorship shaped his storytelling approach. Ira dives into what makes a compelling interview and shares pride in particular episodes, all while pondering his legacy and the future of public radio.

Penn Badgley, famed for his roles in Gossip Girl and You, dives deep into the finale of You and its cultural implications. He reflects on his childhood as a child actor and the solitude of his West Coast upbringing. Badgley shares transformative experiences from his 2012 trip to South America and how it shaped his spiritual journey with the Baha'i Faith, ultimately leading to his partner, Domino. The conversation touches on masculinity through the lens of his character, Joe Goldberg, revealing thought-provoking insights about identity and the modern male experience.

Viola Davis, an EGOT-winning actor and producer, shares her journey from a challenging childhood in Rhode Island to her groundbreaking work in film and theater. She discusses her transformative roles in projects like The Woman King and the impact of her memoir, Finding Me. Viola reveals insights from her Juilliard experience and the struggles of being a Black actress in Hollywood. With reflections on legacy and authenticity, she emphasizes the importance of representation in storytelling and connects deeply with the audience through her artistic process.