'Widow's Bay' creator Katie Dippold

Remembering Barney Frank

Jul 7, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, the host remembers the late Barney Frank, the legendary Massachusetts congressman who passed away at the age of eighty-six. Reflecting on his thirty-two-year tenure in the House of Representatives, the conversation highlights Frank’s legacy as a brilliant policy wonk, a sharp-witted orator, and a groundbreaking political figure. As the first member of Congress to voluntarily come out as gay, Frank offers a candid look at the personal and professional challenges of serving in public office while living in the closet. Recorded during a live show in Boston in 2015, the discussion moves beyond typical policy talk to explore the emotional realities of a political life. Frank shares his journey toward self-acceptance, his contempt for political hypocrisy regarding LGBTQ+ rights, and his belief that his eventual openness made him a more effective representative. The episode provides a fascinating look at the intersection of private struggle and public service, featuring Frank’s characteristic bluntness, humor, and unwavering pragmatism regarding the legislative process and the ongoing fight for civil equality.

"The Death of Robin Hood" director Michael Sarnoski

Jul 3, 202634 minSummary

In this episode, director Michael Sarnoski joins host Jesse Thorn to discuss his latest film, The Death of Robin Hood. Departing from traditional, whimsical portrayals of the legendary outlaw, Sarnoski’s film reimagines Robin Hood as an aging, weary man grappling with the brutal legacy of his past. The director explains that he wanted to explore the consequences of a life defined by violence, moving away from stylized action to capture a more grounded, visceral, and contemplative perspective on the character. Sarnoski shares personal anecdotes about his own upbringing and his connection to the Robin Hood myth, noting how his childhood fascination evolved into a mature examination of grief, generational cycles of violence, and the burden of regret. The conversation also touches on his filmmaking process, including the transition to shooting on 35mm film to achieve a more tactile, authentic aesthetic. Sarnoski reflects on his experiences working with legendary actors like Nicolas Cage and Hugh Jackman, highlighting how their professionalism and kindness on set helped shape his own growth as a director who prefers a calm, thoughtful approach to leading a production.

Craig Ferguson

Jun 30, 202647 minSummary

In this episode of Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, host Jesse Thorn interviews comedian, actor, and former talk show host Craig Ferguson. The conversation spans Ferguson’s storied career, his deep-seated affection for the United States, and his evolving relationship with the entertainment industry. Ferguson discusses his formative experiences as an immigrant and his genuine enthusiasm for American culture, which serves as the foundation for his series, Craig Ferguson: American on Purpose. He reflects on his early years in Scotland, his migration to the U.S., and how his initial wonder at the vibrancy of New York City shaped his perspective on his adopted home. The discussion also touches on his journey through sobriety, which he identifies as the catalyst for his professional stability, and his transition from an aspiring punk rocker and drummer to an unexpected late-night host. Ferguson shares insights into his unorthodox approach to hosting the Late Late Show, explaining his decision to eschew traditional political monologue structures in favor of improvisation and personal storytelling. Throughout the conversation, Ferguson offers a reflective look at his past, his influences, and the creative spirit that continues to drive his work.

Andrew Rannells

Jun 26, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Bullseye, Jesse Thorn sits down with actor Andrew Rannells to discuss his career, which spans from iconic Broadway performances to prominent television roles. Rannells reflects on his breakout success as Elder Price in The Book of Mormon, noting how his intuition for the role allowed him to avoid overthinking the performance. He shares his journey from growing up in Nebraska with a passion for musical theater to achieving his goal of performing on Broadway. The conversation covers Rannells’ unconventional early experiences as a voice actor for animated series and his transition into television, including his work on the hit show Girls. Rannells talks about the vulnerability required to film intimate scenes and the artistic challenge of portraying complex, sometimes unlikable, characters. Additionally, he discusses his role on The New Normal, exploring the balance between playing a character with specific archetypal traits and maintaining authenticity. Throughout the interview, Rannells offers insights into his acting process, his views on representation in media, and the personal values he hopes to carry into his own life.

Allison Janney

Jun 23, 202623 minSummary

In this episode of Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, host Jesse Thorn sits down with acclaimed actor Allison Janney for a thoughtful and engaging retrospective on her storied career. The conversation traces Janney’s professional journey, beginning with her college years at Kenyon College, where she famously caught the attention of Paul Newman. Janney reflects on her early struggle to be cast in roles that matched her age, noting that her elegant stature often led to her playing older characters before her breakout success as C.J. Cregg on The West Wing. The discussion also delves into Janney’s approach to complex roles, including her work on Masters of Sex and the sitcom Mom. She offers insight into how she balances intense, often heavy subject matter—such as addiction and recovery—with the sharp, comedic timing required for television. Janney shares personal reflections on how her own experiences with loss and recovery informed her performance as Bonnie on Mom, emphasizing her desire to help destigmatize these topics. Throughout the interview, Janney proves herself to be an insightful and candid guest, providing a glimpse into the craft and dedication behind her celebrated performances.

Ben Vereen

Jun 16, 202641 minSummary

In this episode, host Jesse Thorn interviews legendary performer Ben Vereen, a true "triple threat" whose career spans decades of Broadway, film, and television. From his early start in church performances to winning a Tony Award for Pippin and starring in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, Vereen reflects on his evolution as an artist. The conversation delves into his approach to acting, specifically his process of seeking internal stillness and permission to inhabit characters from different historical contexts, such as his role in the Prime Video series The Grey House. Vereen shares fascinating insights into his foundational training with Bob Fosse and Tom O'Horgan, contrasting the precision and rigor of Fosse’s style with the experimental, "inside-out" freedom of Hair. He discusses the emotional intensity of his work in Fosse’s autobiographical film All That Jazz, describing it as an honor to help realize the director's final vision. Throughout the episode, Vereen remains profoundly reflective, viewing life as a continuous performance and emphasizing the importance of community, self-determination, and spreading love. The interview concludes with a lighthearted look at his personal flair, including his well-documented love for scarves.

Kneecap

Jun 12, 202636 minSummary

This episode of Bullseye with Jesse Thorn features an engaging conversation with Kneecap, the outspoken Irish hip-hop trio from Belfast. Composed of members Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, the group discusses their unique position as artists who rap primarily in the Irish language, a choice they describe as organic rather than a calculated political stance. They explore how the Irish language has shifted from a classroom-confined subject to a vibrant, visible element of modern youth culture, signaling a move away from historical colonial shame toward cultural reclamation. The conversation also touches on the band’s experiences growing up in post-Troubles Belfast. While their generation was spared the physical conflict of their parents' era, they candidly address the lingering impacts of intergenerational trauma and the mental health challenges prevalent in their community. The trio shares insights into their transition to filmmaking with their semi-autobiographical movie, discussing the risks of playing themselves on screen and the necessity of using humor and hyperbole to facilitate difficult dialogues. Ultimately, the episode provides a fascinating look at how Kneecap uses music and storytelling to bridge the gap between their heritage and contemporary life.

Ann Wilson of Heart

Jun 9, 202645 minSummary

In this episode of Bullseye, Jesse Thorn sits down with rock legend Ann Wilson, the iconic frontwoman of the band Heart. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Wilson has remained a powerful force in music, celebrated for her distinct vocal range and her resilience as a female leader in a male-dominated industry. The conversation explores Wilson’s early musical roots in acoustic folk and her eventual transition into rock, a shift sparked by a need for a vocalist capable of handling high-energy Led Zeppelin covers. Wilson provides technical insights into her singing, emphasizing the importance of vocal health and a rigorous physical warm-up routine over imitation or strain. The discussion also touches upon the realities of working with her sister, Nancy, detailing the complexities of their lifelong musical partnership, periods of personal friction, and their current focus on professional, high-level performance. Reflecting on her legacy and the industry's evolution, Wilson shares her thoughts on modern pop stars like Chappell Roan and offers an honest, grounded perspective on navigating the pressures of fame and the physical challenges of maintaining a legendary voice throughout her storied life.

Pixies' Joey Santiago on the Hendrix song that changed his life

Jun 5, 202615 minSummary

In this episode of Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, Pixies guitarist Joey Santiago joins the show to discuss the singular piece of music that fundamentally shaped his approach to the instrument. While Santiago is celebrated as a pillar of 1980s alternative rock, his creative roots trace back to his childhood discovery of Jimi Hendrix. Rather than choosing one of Hendrix's radio-friendly hits, Santiago highlights the atmospheric and experimental track Third Stone from the Sun. He explains how the song’s otherworldly textures and lack of traditional structure opened his mind to the possibilities of the electric guitar. Santiago reflects on his early fascination with feedback, explaining how he learned to master the art of coaxing unique, non-traditional sounds from his amp—a technique he famously utilizes in Pixies tracks like Vamos. Throughout the conversation, Santiago emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder and fun in music. He credits Hendrix’s boundary-pushing creativity for teaching him that a guitar could be used as an unconventional tool for sound design, helping him develop the signature, discordant style that has defined his career for four decades.

Juvenile

Jun 2, 202647 minSummary

In this episode of Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, legendary New Orleans rapper Juvenile reflects on his expansive career, spanning from his early days as a teenage bounce sensation to his status as a Cash Money Records superstar. He discusses his shift into a third chapter of his career, spurred by a viral Tiny Desk performance that reinvigorated his touring life. Now performing with a live band, Juvenile explains how this format allows for greater musical spontaneity compared to his earlier experiences performing to pre-recorded tracks. The conversation highlights his formative years working as a foreman in environmental cleanups, his accidental discovery by Cash Money Records, and his complex creative relationship with producer Mannie Fresh. Juvenile shares behind-the-scenes stories about the making of his iconic tracks, including the creative tensions during the production of Back That Thing Up. He also touches upon his role as a mentor to a young Lil Wayne, dismissing early industry perceptions of the teenage rapper. Ultimately, the episode serves as an engaging look at the evolution of Southern hip-hop and one artist's enduring connection to his New Orleans roots.