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
Oct 11, 2021 • 45min
"David Remnick"
David Remnick, the esteemed editor of The New Yorker and a Pulitzer Prize winner, shares his insights on a range of topics. He humorously discusses the quirks of life as a journalist, including drunk tweeting and the emotional ties to past homes. The conversation delves into the critical role of humor in media, especially in political discourse, and reflects on a memorable interview with Leonard Cohen. Remnick also offers thoughts on navigating the changing media landscape amid social pressures and the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity.
Oct 4, 2021 • 49min
"Jeff Daniels"
This week features Jeff Daniels, the acclaimed actor famous for his roles in "Dumb and Dumber" and the Emmy-winning "Newsroom." He shares insights about navigating the entertainment world, discussing the balance between directing and acting. Jeff reflects on his experiences with legends like Cagney and Forman, highlighting the influence of improvisation in his craft. He also touches on the emotional challenges of family life in Hollywood and the joy found in creative expression, ultimately reminding us to add sparkle to our mundane Mondays.
5 snips
Sep 27, 2021 • 51min
"Jon Stewart"
Jon Stewart, the celebrated comedian and former host of The Daily Show, joins the conversation. He dives into the absurdities of celebrity culture with humor while addressing serious issues like advocacy for first responders. The chat navigates the fine line between satire and real-life concerns, emphasizing the importance of accountability in media. Stewart also reflects on the vibrant comedy scene of 80s New York and shares insightful anecdotes about filmmaking and nostalgia, making for an engaging blend of laughs and thought-provoking commentary.
5 snips
Sep 20, 2021 • 56min
"Ken Burns"
Ken Burns, an award-winning filmmaker renowned for his groundbreaking historical documentaries like The Civil War and Baseball, chats about the intricacies of storytelling in American culture. He discusses the historical significance of figures like Muhammad Ali and how emotional narratives shape our understanding of crises such as COVID-19 and systemic racism. Ken also dives into the filmmaking process, stressing the artistry involved in editing and the essential role of music in documentaries, all while weaving in humor that makes history engaging.
Sep 13, 2021 • 55min
"Tiffany Haddish"
Tiffany Haddish, a talented comedian and actress known for her standout roles in 'Girls Trip' and 'Night School', shares her inspiring journey from South Central LA to stardom. She discusses the joy of establishing a grocery store in her community, the transformative magic of Roger Rabbit, and the health benefits of soursop. The conversation blends humor with profound insights about resilience, the importance of laughter, and Tiffany's commitment to uplifting others through community initiatives.
Sep 6, 2021 • 1h 4min
"Fred Armisen"
Fred Armisen, a versatile actor, comedian, and musician notable for his unforgettable roles on Saturday Night Live and Portlandia, shares a mix of nostalgia and humor. He discusses the transitional journey from music to acting and the joy of performing. The conversation flows through amusing anecdotes about past relationships and family dynamics, especially regarding a half-brother in East Germany. With light-hearted discussions on the nuances of comedy and personal wellness, Fred's charm shines throughout this lively exchange.
Aug 30, 2021 • 1h 3min
“Sean Penn”
Sean Penn, a two-time Academy Award winner and renowned humanitarian, engages in a lively discussion on his latest film, 'Flag Day,' and his journey through the film industry. He shares insights on the evolution of familial respect in creative work and the blend of art and activism. The conversation touches on the challenges of maintaining authenticity amid cancel culture and the emotional complexities of striving for societal change. Additionally, they humorously navigate personal interests like surfing, aging, and the impact of media on creativity.
Aug 23, 2021 • 47min
"Octavia Spencer"
Octavia Spencer, the Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in The Help and Hidden Figures, joins the conversation with infectious charm. She shares her unique flying hygiene practices, emphasizing cleanliness and germ prevention in travel. The discussion takes a humorous turn with audition mishaps and celebrity encounters, including a mix-up involving Michael Douglas. Octavia reflects on navigating fame while balancing career demands and personal life, all while indulging in sweet treats like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
Aug 16, 2021 • 1h 4min
"Daniel Ricciardo"
Daniel Ricciardo, the charismatic Formula One driver known for his thrilling races with Red Bull and McLaren, joins the conversation. He shares insights on the quirky rigors of water weight management for races and recounts a wild night in Monaco that landed him in jail after a chaotic escapade. The discussion touches on the physical demands of driving in F1, the logistics of team operations worldwide, and the cultural contrasts of car enthusiasm between Australia and the U.S. Expect laughter, personal anecdotes, and a peek into the glamorous yet demanding world of racing.
Aug 9, 2021 • 45min
"Tony Hawk"
Join legendary professional skateboarder Tony Hawk as he chats about everything from the importance of safety gear to humorous anecdotes of his skateboarding past. Tony shares insights on his foundation, The Skatepark Project, and the evolution of skating culture. He recalls his experiences with injuries and entrepreneurship while reflecting on the punk music scene that shaped him. Dive into the thrills of extreme sports and laugh along as Tony balances serious topics with lighthearted discussions, revealing his quirky experiences along the way.
