"Sting"

"Ike Barinholtz"

Jul 6, 202654 minSummary

In this episode of SmartLess, hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett welcome actor and comedian Ike Barinholtz for a lively and nostalgic conversation. The discussion kicks off with the hosts’ trademark banter, touching on their personal habits, living situations, and their shared connection to the world of Chicago improv. Barinholtz reflects on his early career, including his time at Second City and the formative influence of the 1990s improv scene. He and the hosts reminisce about the legendary Boom Chicago troupe in Amsterdam and their early days in the industry, sharing anecdotes about mutual friends and the evolution of their careers. The conversation takes a personal turn as Barinholtz opens up about his journey from a brief stint in college to pursuing comedy full-time, noting the unwavering support he received from his parents. The episode balances humor with insight, as the group explores the complexities of working in entertainment, the reality of performing on Broadway, and the shared history of a generation of comedic talent. It is a candid, engaging look at the paths that led these performers to their current successes.

"Emma Thompson"

Jun 29, 202658 minSummary

The hosts of SmartLess welcome the legendary Emma Thompson to the show for a delightful and wandering conversation. Broadcasting from her home in London during an unusual heatwave, Thompson shares her dry wit while discussing life, the nature of fame, and her illustrious career. The group moves through various topics, including their mutual annoyance with the lack of air conditioning and ice in Europe, the strange experience of being recognized in public, and the etiquette surrounding celebrity photographs. The conversation naturally shifts toward Thompson’s professional background. The hosts highlight her history in sketch comedy with Cambridge’s Footlights—which she compares to Saturday Night Live—and her deep admiration for the work of Lily Tomlin. They discuss the creative challenges of acting, specifically the "huge swings" actors must take when developing characters, such as her role as Professor Trelawney in the Harry Potter series. Thompson shares her perspective on the "mysterious" nature of film acting, emphasizing that unlike the consistent process of theater, film performance often requires jumping into a project without the benefit of extensive rehearsal, hoping that one’s instincts align with the director’s vision.

"Amy Adams"

Jun 22, 202657 minSummary

In this episode of SmartLess, the hosts welcome acclaimed actress Amy Adams for a wide-ranging and candid conversation. The discussion touches upon Adams' upbringing as the daughter of an Army father stationed in Italy and her eventual path to performing, which began through dance and musical theater. The hosts highlight Adams’ impressive and diverse career, spanning roles in films like Arrival, Enchanted, and Junebug, while exploring her transition from an aspiring performer to a highly decorated Academy Award nominee. Beyond her acting career, Adams shares a surprising and engaging side of herself: her calm and focused demeanor during emergency situations. She recounts a harrowing real-life experience where she and her father provided aid to a stabbing victim, and the group reflects on her genuine interest in medicine and emergency response. The hosts also delve into her early days in Hollywood, specifically her experience on the show Dr. Vegas, which eventually led to her breakout role in Junebug. The conversation blends humor and thoughtful reflection, offering listeners a deeper look at the person behind the iconic on-screen performances.

"Jennifer Lopez"

Jun 15, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of SmartLess, the hosts welcome multi-talented icon Jennifer Lopez for a candid and wide-ranging conversation. The discussion begins with the hosts’ lighthearted banter regarding their own habits, health, and shared history, before turning to a deeper look at Lopez’s extraordinary career. The hosts explore the roots of Lopez’s legendary work ethic and ambition, which she attributes to an athlete’s drive developed during her youth. Lopez reflects on her transition from an aspiring dancer sleeping in a Manhattan studio to becoming a global superstar. She discusses the intense pressure she felt early in her career to perform perfectly, especially as a woman representing her community, noting that the realization of her influence gave her a profound sense of responsibility. A key highlight of the episode is the frank discussion about the challenges of fame. Lopez opens up about the loss of her anonymity after her breakthrough role in Selena and the mental health struggles that followed, including a period of severe physical exhaustion that led to a health crisis on a film set. She provides fascinating insight into how she navigates her private life while maintaining such a high-profile public existence.

"RE-RELEASE: Tom Hanks"

Jun 11, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of SmartLess, the hosts welcome the legendary Tom Hanks for an engaging and wide-ranging conversation. The discussion begins with the hosts joking about recent award nominations before pivoting to Hanks’s storied career. The dialogue flows naturally from his early days in television, including his breakthrough role on the sitcom Bosom Buddies, to his transition into film and his enduring passion for historical storytelling. A significant portion of the interview centers on Hanks’s deep interest in World War II. He shares poignant reflections on the generation that lived through the conflict, noting how the war functioned as a defining dividing line in their lives. He describes the visceral, chaotic, and sometimes terrifying experience of filming Saving Private Ryan, emphasizing the production's commitment to realism and the profound sense of reverence he feels for those who served. The conversation also touches on his recent foray into literature and his continued love for live performance, specifically recounting an improvisational moment during a Shakespearean stage production. The episode offers a candid, humorous, and heartfelt look at the life and perspective of one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.

"Jon Bernthal"

Jun 8, 202659 minSummary

In this episode of SmartLess, the hosts sit down with actor Jon Bernthal for a deep and candid conversation about his journey from a troubled youth to a celebrated star of stage and screen. Bernthal opens up about his formative years, explaining how a chance encounter with an acting class—and a particularly influential teacher—steered him away from a path of self-destruction. He describes how he found salvation in the arts, eventually traveling to Russia to study at the Moscow Art Theatre, an experience he credits with providing the structure and spiritual connection he desperately needed. The discussion shifts to Bernthal’s professional life, including his breakout role in The Walking Dead and his current success in Broadway theater. Bernthal reflects on the intensity required for his craft and why he believes the theater remains a vital, democratic space for audiences. Throughout the interview, the hosts and their guest share insights on balancing the demands of high-profile acting with the responsibilities of family, ultimately exploring how his early experiences with "reckless" energy evolved into a disciplined, rewarding, and deeply humanistic artistic practice.

"Bowen Yang"

Jun 1, 202657 minSummary

In this episode of SmartLess, the hosts engage in a candid and wide-ranging conversation with actor and comedian Bowen Yang. The discussion begins with the hosts’ trademark banter, touching on the complexities of moving apartments in New York City and the humorous, albeit awkward, tendency for guests and hosts to display their professional awards during video calls. The core of the episode focuses on Yang’s unique life trajectory. He recounts his upbringing across Australia, Canada, and Colorado, and discusses how his early exposure to Montreal’s vibrant comedy scene sparked his creative interests. Yang opens up about his college years at NYU, where he studied chemistry as a pre-med student—partially inspired by Sandra Oh’s character on Grey’s Anatomy—while secretly harboring ambitions for a career in comedy. He shares his perspective on the serendipitous path that eventually led him to Saturday Night Live. The conversation takes a poignant and unexpectedly humorous turn as Yang reflects on his teenage experience with conversion therapy, detailing the irony of his parents inadvertently sending him to NYU, the very place where he would eventually launch his career in comedy.

"Nick Jonas"

May 25, 20261h 2mSummary

In this episode of SmartLess, hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett welcome multi-talented performer Nick Jonas for an engaging conversation about his life and career. The episode begins with the hosts sharing their latest cultural recommendations and anecdotes, including a discussion about documentaries and a lighthearted debate over Sean’s unique S’mores-making habits. The conversation shifts to their guest, Nick Jonas, who reflects on his early start in the entertainment industry. He discusses his experience as a child actor on Broadway, performing in productions like Les Misérables, and the resilience he developed after facing early professional setbacks. Jonas talks candidly about transitioning from his beginnings as a teen idol to establishing himself as a mature musician and actor, noting that he no longer feels confined to a single lane. He explores how becoming a father has profoundly influenced his creative process and his perspective on his work. The discussion highlights his commitment to both acting and music, offering listeners a look at how he balances his development work with his passion for touring and recording, all while maintaining a grounded outlook on his decades-long career.

"RE-RELEASE: Nate Bargatze"

May 21, 202654 minSummary

In this episode of SmartLess, the hosts welcome stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze for a candid and humorous conversation about his career and his unique approach to comedy. Known for his observational style and clean, self-deprecating humor, Bargatze reflects on his journey from performing in small clubs to headlining major arenas. He shares insights into the craft of stand-up, discussing how he cultivates a specific rhythm and maintains a personal connection with his audience, even in massive venues. The discussion touches on his upbringing as the son of a magician, which influenced his comedic timing and perspective from a young age. Bargatze also opens up about his family life, his experiences touring with his relatives, and the challenges of balancing professional success with his role as a parent. The hosts engage him in a lively back-and-forth about the importance of authenticity, the art of storytelling in comedy, and why he chooses to avoid mean-spirited humor. It is an engaging, lighthearted conversation that highlights why Bargatze is widely regarded as one of the most natural and relatable voices in modern stand-up.

"Jonah Hill LIVE"

May 8, 20261h 15mSummary

This episode of SmartLess, recorded live at the Avalon in Hollywood, features hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett in a lively and unscripted environment. The hosts open the show with their trademark banter, navigating a chaotic start that includes a humorous, self-deprecating struggle with technical transitions and forgotten notes. The conversation shifts to a surprising segment where the hosts recount a recent, awe-inspiring video call with an astronaut currently stationed on the International Space Station. They discuss the physical tolls of space travel, the scientific experiments being conducted, and the surreal nature of connecting with someone orbiting the Earth at such high speeds. The main guest is acclaimed actor and filmmaker Jonah Hill. The group discusses Hill’s transition to living in a smaller town in San Diego to raise his children away from the intensity of the entertainment industry. Hill reflects on his formative years growing up in 1990s Los Angeles, highlighting his deep-rooted passion for skateboarding culture, which heavily influenced his directorial debut, Mid90s. The episode concludes with a warm discussion about mentorship, specifically Hill’s close professional and personal relationship with director Spike Jonze.