SmartLess
Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett
"SmartLess" with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. A nice surprise: in each episode of SmartLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What ensues is a genuinely improvised and authentic conversation filled with laughter and newfound knowledge to feed the SmartLess mind.
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Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early.
Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Episodes
Mentioned books
39 snips
Apr 6, 2026 • 1h 5min
"Stephen Colbert"
Stephen Colbert, comedian and longtime late-night TV legend, drops by to riff on his early New York grind, writing and sketch roots, and life after The Colbert Report. He shares wild backstage stories, pitches a cheeky hotline comedy idea, and dives into film obsessions and onstage mishaps. Short, funny, and full of unexpected detours.
20 snips
Mar 30, 2026 • 1h
"Elle Fanning"
Elle Fanning, actor and producer known for roles from child stardom to acclaimed adult leads, joins for a lively conversation. She recounts her tornado-warning birth and Southern roots. They explore her start acting alongside her sister Dakota, bold choices like The Neon Demon, producing Margot's Got Money Troubles, and plans to direct one day.
18 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 1h 2min
"Maggie Gyllenhaal"
Maggie Gyllenhaal, acclaimed actor-turned-director behind The Lost Daughter and The Bride, chats about moving from acting into directing. She discusses directing at larger scale, working with actors, worldbuilding a 1936-styled film, and using VFX to serve story. Plus scenes about family life in Vermont and small pleasures like Wordle.
40 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 1h 4min
"Cillian Murphy"
Cillian Murphy, Irish actor famed for Peaky Blinders and collaborations with Nolan and Boyle, chats about theatre life and one-man shows. He recalls early musical ambitions, stage mishaps and recovery, and how instinct guides his craft. Conversation also covers long-term character growth, working with strong directors, and keeping energy and health sharp for demanding roles.
35 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 55min
"RE-RELEASE: Emma Stone"
Emma Stone, Academy Award–winning actress and producer, shares stories from her web-design beginnings to life in L.A. She talks Screen Actors Guild name changes, working with Nathan Fielder and Yorgos Lanthimos, and the physical tolls of stage work. Expect funny bits about hiccup cures, matching family tattoos, and on-set comforts.
18 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 1h 20min
"Kris Jenner"
Kris Jenner, matriarch and manager behind the Kardashian-Jenner media and consumer empire. She recalls early jobs and work ethic, meeting Robert, homeschooling choices, launching Kylie's beauty brand, and navigating social media, editing control and public scrutiny. Short, lively stories about family routines, race days, and balancing mom with manager.
35 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 1h 1min
"Brian Cox"
Brian Cox, acclaimed Scottish actor known for Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter and Logan Roy on Succession, chats about directing his debut film Glenn Rothen and casting choices. He recounts growing up in Dundee and theatre training, reflects on iconic film roles and voiceover work, and explains his collaborative directing style and respect for creative teams.
Feb 26, 2026 • 42min
STAYING ALIVE: Will Arnett, Part 1!
Will Arnett, actor and comedian known for iconic TV, film and voice roles, talks health routines and his new film Is This Thing On?. He describes cutting sugar, boxing-style cardio, sleep hacks, and struggles with alcohol and nicotine. He also recounts the seven-year process of making the movie and balancing comic instincts with serious promotion.
45 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 1h
"Chris Hemsworth"
Chris Hemsworth, Australian actor famous for Thor and a surfing, family-focused life in Byron Bay. He recalls growing up in remote Australia, nearly quitting before a breakthrough, soap-opera speed training, and wild press stunts. Conversation touches on tattoos, dialect work, kids’ reactions to his roles, and living with sharks and snakes near home.
79 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 1h 6min
"Margot Robbie"
Margot Robbie, Australian actress and producer known for Wolf of Wall Street, I, Tonya and Barbie, chats about growing up loving hockey, moving to the U.S. and leaning on fellow Australians, landing breakthrough roles and improvising the infamous slap, and shifting into producing with LuckyChap to bring projects like Barbie and Wuthering Heights to life.
