

Wild Card with Rachel Martin
NPR
Life’s too short for small talk. Rachel gets right to the questions that matter most. Once a week, famous guests pull questions from a deck of cards and open up about the kind of stuff we all think about but rarely say out loud. Actors, authors, and thinkers are prompted to talk about everything from their insecurities and dreams to grief and God. Named one of the 10 best podcasts of 2024 by The New York Times, Wild Card stands out among celebrity interview podcasts. When modern life feels chaotic or overwhelming, listen to Wild Card for a joyful, grounding reminder of our shared humanity. Want to listen to Wild Card sponsor-free? Support NPR by subscribing to Wild Card+. Learn more at plus.npr.org/wildcard.
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Aug 29, 2024 • 35min
Jeff Goldblum invites the surprise
Jeff Goldblum, known for his iconic roles in films like Jurassic Park, joins Rachel for a captivating conversation. They dive deep into the complexities of family dynamics in his new show, KAOS, while sharing light-hearted stories about kindness and compassion. The duo reflects on the transformative power of love and parenthood, revealing personal experiences that reshaped their views on life. With Goldblum's trademark charisma, they explore the dance between chaos and order, reminding listeners to embrace life's unpredictable journey.

Aug 22, 2024 • 30min
Rob Delaney loves to fail
Rob Delaney has experienced great success as a comedian and actor. He created and starred in the acclaimed TV series Catastrophe and he's been featured in blockbuster movies like this summer's Deadpool & Wolverine. But he's also experienced tragedy, including the death of his son. He talks to Rachel about loss, failure and why he kind of wants a meteor to hit his house.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

Aug 15, 2024 • 29min
Jenny Slate turns fear inside out (encore)
Jenny Slate is known for her roles in Obvious Child, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On and Parks and Recreation. Jenny opens up to Rachel about whether fate brought her to her husband, what she's sacrificed for motherhood and what's so special about margarine and white bread sandwiches.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

Aug 8, 2024 • 34min
Taffy Brodesser-Akner is finally home
Taffy Brodesser-Akner built her journalism career with her incisive celebrity profiles and then found additional success with two novels that examine wealth and class, including this year's Long Island Compromise. She and Rachel talk about what makes fame and fortune so compelling, whether some people are just innately restless, and longing for a conversation with a burning bush.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

Aug 1, 2024 • 33min
Abby Wambach wants to be forgotten
As the U.S. women's national soccer team's all time top goal scorer, Abby Wambach knows what it feels like to win. She's brought home a World Cup and multiple Olympic gold medals, but she says true success comes after the podium. She and Rachel talk about forgiving yourself, how a little narcissism isn't a bad thing, and why she wants to be forgotten.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

Jul 25, 2024 • 29min
Ani DiFranco found power in scaring people
Musician Ani DiFranco has never stopped growing as an artist. In the last year alone, she starred in the Broadway production of Hadestown, was featured in a documentary about her life and career, and released her 23rd album. She and Rachel talk about reinventing yourself in middle age, finding power in scaring people, and the magic of a late-night hamburger.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

Jul 18, 2024 • 27min
LeVar Burton is learning to embrace the chaos
LeVar Burton discusses embracing chaos in his life and career. He reflects on his iconic roles in Roots, Star Trek, and Reading Rainbow. The podcast explores his changing definitions of success, managing expectations, finding peace amid chaos, and evolving spiritual beliefs.

Jul 11, 2024 • 28min
Nikki Giovanni doesn't think about her legacy
Legendary poet Nikki Giovanni, at 81, focuses on fun over legacy. She explores family myths, Mars fascination, and the joy of cooking. Reflects on patience, mortality, and chosen family. Offers insights on pride, beliefs, and marriage humor.

Jul 4, 2024 • 34min
The light and dark of Ted Danson
Actor Ted Danson delves into the light and dark sides of aging, marriage, and 'karmic poo'. He reflects on his roles embodying complexity, shares youthful rebellion experiences, and discusses personal growth. Ted explores embracing life's regrets, evolving beliefs, and finding joy in challenges. The podcast also features insights on imperfections, transformative moments, and a conversation with poet Nikki Giovanni.

Jun 27, 2024 • 34min
Lena Waithe's religion is 'The Wizard of Oz'
Lena Waithe shares her belief inspired by 'The Wizard of Oz' and discusses the importance of embracing being wrong. They also touch on storytelling's impact on shaping perceptions and navigating complexities of love and self-awareness.


