Good One

Eric André, comedian and creator of The Eric André Show, shares wild prank stories and the craft behind them. He talks making the film Bad Trip, near-miss dangers during stunts, and how failure shaped his comedy. He also reflects on festival culture, AI, and ambitious future projects.

John Slattery, film and TV actor/director best known as Roger Sterling on Mad Men, chats about choosing roles post-Mad Men and his turn in Vladimir. He shares theater memories, stories working with legends like Al Pacino and Clint Eastwood, thoughts on aging and on-screen intimacy, and why he loves performing eloquent, verbal characters.

Taylor Tomlinson, stand-up comedian and writer behind multiple Netflix specials, reflects on career momentum and creative drive. She discusses leaving late-night hosting due to health and burnout. Taylor talks about escaping conservative religion through comedy, shaping darker material, and her disciplined writing and touring process.

Padma Lakshmi, author, food writer, producer, and TV personality, talks about taking creative control and why she pursued stand-up comedy. She discusses shaping America's Culinary Cup, judging with cultural respect, writing her memoir, and using comedy and storytelling to reclaim her narrative.

Bob the Drag Queen, drag performer, comedian, and Broadway star, talks about life on Broadway and juggling comedy with drag. He recalls Snatch Game strategies and Season 3 behind-the-scenes mishaps. He discusses provocative sketches, writing a Harriet Tubman novel and play, working with Madonna, and the personal stories behind his Dead Moms Club special.

Alex Horne, British comedian and creator of Taskmaster who designs its clever tasks, and Greg Davies, the towering comedian who plays the show’s judge, chat about Taskmaster’s YouTube rise and international fan obsession. They recount touring the US, crafting revealing tasks, balancing objective measures with funny rulings, and why the show’s casting, editing, and format spark passionate fandom.

Allison Willmore, Vulture critic who decodes awards culture, and Griffin Newman, comedian and actor with podcasting chops, dig into why comedies are sidelined by the Oscars. They discuss classification games between comedy and dramedy. They trace historical eras, authorship and campaign tactics, and why some comedies are recast as dramas to win acclaim.

Ali Siddiq, stand-up comedian and storyteller behind Domino Effect, reflects on prison, creative independence, and long-form narrative craft. He talks about revisiting incarceration without being pigeonholed. He explains how stories are chosen, sequenced, and turned into comedy, plus why he produces his own specials and keeps creating prolifically.

Beck Bennett, a former SNL cast member and versatile comedian, shares insights into his creative journey. He discusses the transition from his group Good Neighbor to SNL, focusing on adapting his unique style. Parenthood has shifted his approach to comedy, prioritizing reliability over boundary-pushing. Beck also reflects on the emotional impact of being praised by peers and the importance of his Midwestern upbringing in shaping his kind reputation. He shares funny stories from working with Larry David and highlights the value of empathy in humor.

In this engaging conversation, comedian James Austin Johnson, known for his incredible Trump impressions on SNL, dives into his creative process. He discusses the thrill of performing live and balancing comedy with political satire. Johnson shares insights on managing fame as a parent, his experiences with legendary mentors, and the intricacies of singing impressions, including a fun tale about an Ariana Grande sketch. He also reflects on the importance of showcasing his range beyond just impressions, making for a dynamic and insightful discussion.