Wild Card with Rachel Martin

Ann Patchett, bestselling author of acclaimed novels like 'Bel Canto' and 'The Dutch House,' returns to discuss her latest project—annotating her own celebrated work. She shares the ups and downs of critiquing her past writings. Patchett opens up about the transformative power of solitude and her evolving views on God. With humor and vulnerability, she reflects on the interplay between self-criticism in writing and love, making for an insightful and engaging conversation.

Kathryn Hahn, renowned for her captivating roles in shows like Transparent and Marvel's Agatha: Coven of Chaos, discusses her journey in the entertainment industry. She shares nostalgic childhood memories and the bittersweet joys of parenthood. The conversation delves into the complexities of her character Agatha, representing empowerment for women over 40. Kathryn also opens up about navigating self-doubt and societal pressures in Hollywood, blending humor with heartfelt reflections on trust, connection, and the lasting impact of words.

When Seth Meyers started at Saturday Night Live, he saw pictures of famous former cast members on the wall and was convinced he had to become an actor. It took time to realize that wasn't his path. He's now celebrating 10 years as host of Late Night. His new HBO special is Dad Man Walking. He talks to Rachel about being best friends with your parents and embracing being the butt of the joke.To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard 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.NPR Privacy Policy

Mark Duplass is known for his roles in The Morning Show and The League, as well as for writing, directing and producing indie hits with his brother Jay, including The Puffy Chair and Jeff, Who Lives at Home. Lately, the brothers have taken separate creative paths, and Mark is learning how to fly solo. Mark talks to Rachel about that process and about crying to Taylor Swift.To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard 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.NPR Privacy Policy

Gael García Bernal, an acclaimed Mexican actor known for iconic films like 'Y Tu Mamá También' and 'Coco', dives into the complexities of his journey in acting. He shares his thoughts on embracing uncertainty in life, emphasizing its role in personal growth. The conversation touches on emotional dynamics in relationships, advocating for recognizing personal needs amid loyalty. García Bernal also reflects on legacy and the impact of parenthood, revealing how moments of life and death shape our experiences and creative aspirations.

Margaret Atwood knows that she scares people. She says that's been the case since the beginning of her career, long before her dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale was published. She talks to Rachel about that perception, and also reflects on the bad advice she's received in her career and how she takes vengeance. Margaret's new poetry collection is Paper Boat: New and Selected Poems: 1961-2023. To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard 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.NPR Privacy Policy

Terry Crews, an actor, athlete, and host known for his roles in "White Chicks" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," shares his remarkable journey from NFL rejection to artistic success. He explores the importance of embracing failure, likening life’s challenges to a lobster's growth process. With nostalgic anecdotes from his childhood in Flint, he reflects on creativity's role in overcoming life's hurdles and his evolving views on parenting. Terry also discusses the beauty of nature, love, and personal transformation, radiating positivity and gratitude.

When Sterlin Harjo was growing up, he didn't see many Native Americans in mainstream media. But Sterlin's TV show, Reservation Dogs, changed that, depicting the lives of four Native teenagers growing up in Oklahoma. Sterlin talks to Rachel about how he thinks fate has guided his life, why people should go to more funerals and how hunting feels like praying.To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcardTo 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.NPR Privacy Policy

Hanif Abdurraqib's writing has earned him a MacArthur "genius" grant. His most recent book, There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension, landed a spot on Barack Obama's summer reading list. But those accolades don't matter to him as much as being a good friend and neighbor. Abdurraqib talks to Rachel about a youth spent unhoused and incarcerated, and the zen of making mixtapes.To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard 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.NPR Privacy Policy

From the beginning of her career, Grammy-winning musician Kacey Musgraves has been doing what feels authentic to herself. She sings about familiar country themes like falling in love and heartbreak. But she also sings about smoking pot and queer relationships. Musgraves talks to Rachel about not being defined by anyone but herself, becoming more open-minded and living with the ghost of her grandma.To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard 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.NPR Privacy Policy