Bullseye with Jesse Thorn

The Song That Changed My Life is a segment that gives a chance for musicians and artists to tell us about the song that made them who they are today. This week, we talked to Joey Santiago, guitarist for the Pixies. Third Stone from the Sun by Jimi Hendrix helped him understand the guitar in a way he had never thought of before. Pixies will be heading on the road this summer. You can check out tour dates here.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Juvenile became a household name in 1998. That's when he dropped his breakthrough record, 400 Degreez, featuring Back That Thing Up, among others. Earlier this year, he released Boiling Point – his first album is over a decade. He joins Bullseye to talk about touring with a live band, choosing to make party records, and auditioning for Cash Money Records from the backseat of a car.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Poppy Liu joins us to talk about all things I Love Boosters and the message she hopes audiences take away from the film. She also chats with us about her upbringing in Minnesota, how she got into comedy acting, her role on Hacks, and much more!See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

We’re joined by LaKeith Stanfield! He’s reunited with rapper and filmmaker Boots Riley for the new film I Love Bosters. LaKeith chats with us about the movie and what it’s been like working with Boots on another project. He also talks with us about how he got cast on Donald Glover’s Atlanta, how he got into making music, and more.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis have been working together for 40 years, producing some of the biggest R&B records of all time. When they spoke to Bullseye in 2021, they had just released their first ever album as recording artists: Jam & Lewis, Volume 1. They talked about the album, the hits they contributed vocals to, and the jaw-dropping synthesizer work they do on the Janet Jackson single “Love Will Never Do.”See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

To say that Andy Serkis is good at so many different things is an understatement. He’s revolutionized the practice of motion capture, is a genius real-life actor, and does work behind the camera as a director. Serkis joined us to talk about his animated adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. He also shares his thoughts on the impact AI has had on technology in film, and much more.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Zach Galifianakis was on the road to become a huge blockbuster actor. At the height of his fame he kind of did the unexpected – he moved to a small rural town in Canada. He has kept working in showbiz, but lately has more important things to do like tend to his garden. Zach joins us to talk about his latest projects The Audacity and This is a Gardening Show. Plus, what it's like to be raising his kids in Canada and how his neighbors react to his fame. Spoiler: they could not care less and he likes it that way.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

In the mid '80s, an art collective known as the Guerilla Girls drew attention to issues of discrimination and representation in galleries and museums all over the world. They wore gorilla masks while doing it. Jesse talks to a founding member of the Guerrilla Girls, who goes by Kathe Kollwitz. She reflects on the origins of the group, anonymity in the art world, and what the group means now more than 40 years later. A version of this interview aired in 2019. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Ann-Margret is your classic triple threat: she can sing, dance, and act. And she just turned 85 years young! When she joined us on the show back in 2023, she had just released an album called Born To Be Wild. She invited us to her home to chat about the record, her iconic Hollywood career, and much more.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Tig Notaro is a standup comic, actor, podcast host. Last year, she produced a documentary called Come See Me in the Good Light. It was shot during what would be the last year of poet Andrea Gibson’s life, before they died in July of 2025 after a years-long battle with terminal ovarian cancer. Notaro talks to Bullseye about processing the death of Andrea Gibson in the middle of doing press for a film about them, and she reflects on the sheer chaos of simply living life, even though she doesn’t have to tour for work right now.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Kenan Thompson has been doing sketch comedy on TV for decades. He is the longest tenured cast member in Saturday Night Live history. Kenan recently co-wrote a book called Unfunny Bunny. He joins us to talk about why he wrote a children's book about collaboration and why after all these years he finds comfort in performing on SNL. We also get into some of his most iconic sketches including Black Jeopardy, What Up with That, and his time breaking into showbiz on All That as a teenager.  Right now is a great time to support Bullseye.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

We've got a sneak peek of something really special: A brand new series where Jesse and the Bullseye team give tailor-made recommendations to you. Yes, you! For our very first episode we're joined by Pop Culture Happy Hour's Linda Holmes! See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Riz Ahmed is back on Bullseye! He chats with us about his role in the new Hamlet film and his personal relationship with Shakespeare’s work. We also get into his early days as a battle rapper, if he plans to keep rapping as he gets older, and much more!See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Kristen Schaal is the best. Her voice is unmistakable. You definitely know her as Louise Belcher from Bob's Burgers, but she's also had unforgettable parts on 30 Rock, and more. More recently she's been taking her talent to the stage. Her new show is called The Legend of Crystal Shell. Kristen joins Bullseye to talk about the new show and some of its mature themes. We also get into her voice work and her tenure at Bob's Burgers.Like what you hear? Consider supporting our show. https://maximumfun.org/joinbullseye/See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Join Jesse as he ventures out into the real world for a special bonus episode called Bullseye’s Gold! For the inaugural journey, he’s talking to people at the Paper World Stationery Expo 2026 in Anaheim, California.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Griffin McElroy is the host of the podcasts My Brother, Mr Brother and Me, Wonderful and the actual-play podcast The Adventure Zone. Now, he is also the author of a new Choose Your Own Adventure book called The Stowaway. Griffin McElroy joins Bullseye to talk about how his gaming history informed his writing process for The Stowaway, navigating the enthusiastic support he’s received for The Adventure Zone, and his family’s commitment to each other in their work.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Sunn O))) is a drone metal band comprised of two guitarists, Stephen O’Malley and Greg Anderson. They’ve been making music together for over 25 years and just released their 10th studio album. The duo joined us to talk about the self-titled record and how they started making music together. They also chatted with us about what goes into putting on a Sunn O))) show, the gear they bring on the road with them, and much more.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Agriculture pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a black metal band. Late last year, the quartet released their second album, The Spiritual Sound. It appeared on many best-of-2025 lists, and you don’t have to listen to much of it to figure out why. The band joins us to talk about the record, how they preserve their vocals after doing a lot of screaming, and much more!To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Comedian and podcaster Jimmy Pardo joins Bullseye to talk about the 20th anniversary of his show, Never Not Funny. He talks about the progression of his interactive, improvisational comedy style, how it led him to make Never Not Funny, and what he’s learned from weathering many eras of standup and podcasting.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

The Good Place! Barry! Sunny Nights! D'Arcy Carden is our guest today. When D'Arcy joined us in 2022 she was starring in A League of Their Own and talked about reuniting with her comedy partner Abbi Jacobson on that show. She also got into being a nanny for Bill Hader and the time she co-starred in an episode of Comedy Bang! Bang! with Jesse. Yes, your host Jesse Thorn. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

The latest season of Daredevil: Born Again just dropped a couple of weeks ago. Vincent D’Onofrio stars as Kingpin, the show’s main antagonist. Last year, he joined us to talk about reprising that role in the show and even shared some details about how the costume he wears for the part was made. He talked with us about some of his most memorable roles, including parts in Men in Black and Homicide: Life on the Street.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Bobby Moynihan first appeared on Saturday Night Live in 2008, and starred on the show for nearly a decade. He did a few impressions, but his strength was portraying offbeat characters. Drunk Uncle was always a fan favorite. When he joined us on Bullseye, he had just published his first children’s book, "Not All Sheep are Boring." He chatted with us about his kids book and life after SNL. A version of this interview originally aired in 2022.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

This week we're joined by two founding members of Devo: Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale! The band kicked off their farewell tour in 2023 – and it's still going strong with new tour dates added. When the band joined us they talked about how the band was founded and what it was like playing shows in their hometown of Akron, Ohio. Plus, they get into having one of their most popular songs used in a commercial for a cleaning product. A version of this interview originally aired in 2010.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Fab 5 Freddy stops by to talk with us about his new memoir: Everybody’s Fly: A Life of Art, Music, and Changing the Culture. Freddy, who was the original host of Yo! MTV Raps, takes us on a journey through hip-hop, from his early years attending DJ parties in the Bronx to tagging subway trains. He also chats with us about his friendship with Andy Warhol and much more.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Do you like football? Chuck Klosterman is a culture writer who really, really likes football. His new book is called Football. In it, he examines the cultural impact of the sport, as it relates to American life. He joins Bullseye to talk about the ups and downs of being a life-long football fan, and why the sport can matter to everyone, regardless of fan status.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

...and now for something completely different! This week, we're celebrating the work of Monty Python. One of the most influential sketch groups of all time. This special episode features interviews from the founding members of Monty Python including Terry Jones, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We’re taking some time to remember salsa legend Willie Colón, who died last month at the age of 75. When Colón joined us back in 2014, he talked with us about finding success in music at a young age, what he envisioned for the future of salsa, and much more.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Joyce Manor is a three-piece punk band out of Torrance, California. They just released their 7th album, I Used To Go To This Bar. Barry Johnson, Chase Knobbe, and Matt Ebert from Joyce Manor talk with Bullseye about growing up together in the SoCal punk music scene, touring as a small act before the internet, and constantly being labeled as “all grown up,” despite being in their late 30s.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Noé Montes is a photographer based in Los Angeles. His work is currently on display at the Riverside Art Museum in a breathtaking exhibit called Noe Montes: Regional History. Montes' work often documents migrant farmworker communities like the one in which he grew up. Montes joins Bullseye to talk about the importance of telling a story through his subjects and photographs. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Raphael Saadiq returns to Bullseye to talk about writing one of the biggest movie songs of the year for Sinners. He also chats with us about playing bass guitar as a teen in church bands, the origins of Tony! Toni! Toné!, and the final tour he got to go on with his late brother D’Wayne.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We’re revisiting our 2022 interview with jazz legend Ron Carter. These days, the man is 88 and is unstoppable. He recently joined forces with gospel icon Ricky Dillard on a new record titled Sweet, Sweet Spirt. When he was last on the show, he told us about the first instrument he ever learned to play, collaborating with A Tribe Called Quest, and much more!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We’re taking a moment to remember actress and comedian, Catherine O’Hara, who died on January 30, 2026. She was 71 years old. Catherine O’Hara is a comedy legend. She helped launch SCTV. She starred in blockbuster comedies. For all of its six seasons, Catherine played Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, a comedy that follows a wealthy family who are forced to relocate to a rural town after losing their entire fortune. When Catherine joined Bullseye in 2013, she talked about the difficulties of being a woman in the SCTV writers’ room. Plus, creating memorable characters with Eugene Levy, and her own secret comedic formula.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has been acting for just under a decade now, and in that short span of time, he’s portrayed a lot of superheroes and supervillains. He’s starred in Aquaman, the Watchman series, and now, he’s starring in the new Marvel show Wonder Man. Abdul-Mateen II sat down with our friend and correspondent jarrett hill to talk about the new series, his dreams of one day owning a farm, and much more!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Joe Cappa is the creator and primary voice actor of the show Haha, You Clowns. Like many Adult Swim shows, it features a very distinct style of animation. However, underneath the somewhat disconcerting visuals is a wholesome and sweet show. Cappa joins Bullseye to talk about his fascination with comedically buff characters, learning animation while working at an ad agency in Oklahoma, and borrowing from real life to create his first show.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Shonda Rhimes is one of the most accomplished TV writers and producers of our time. She’s written shows like Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, and Grey’s Anatomy. In 2023, Shonda spoke with correspondent jarrett hill about creating shows without the restraints of network television and the insecurity that accompanies success, no matter how big you make it.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A new HBO Max documentary just dropped called Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! It’s about, well, Mel Brooks! And yes, he turned 99 this past June. We’re revisiting our 2013 conversation with the film and comedy legend, where he chatted with us about fighting in World War II, the genius of Gene Wilder, and much more!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Elliot Kalan has been the head writer on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and the Mystery Science Theater 3000 reboot. Now he’s written a book about joke writing. It’s called Joke Farming: How to Write Comedy and Other Nonsense. He talks to Bullseye about developing a process for writing jokes reliably, writing topical jokes, and writing jokes for voices other than his own.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Susan Orlean has spent a lifetime noticing the little details about others when she writes. The Orchid Thief followed an obsessive outlaw who collected rare flowers. The Library Book was a history of LA’s central library and particularly the suspicious fire that nearly burned it down. For once, she’s pointed her attention at herself in her memoir Joyride. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We’re taking a look back at the life and work of the great actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. Whitlock died in December, he was 71. Whitlock performed in hit movies and TV shows like The Wire, Da 5 Bloods and Goodfellas. We’ll revisit our conversation with the late actor from 2021.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Walton Goggins does it all. Master of comedy, action and drama – take his latest project Fallout. Goggins also gets into his love of horseback riding and growing up with a father who’s larger than life. Plus, how The Ghoul, one of the characters he portrays on Fallout became an accidental sex symbol. A version of this conversation originally ran in 2024.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Science writer Mary Roach returns to Bullseye. She joins us to talk about her latest book: Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy. It's a history and snapshot of how humankind has gotten better at recreating body parts. A heads up, we will get into medical procedures, surgeries and those which include the removing and reattaching of body parts. It's a bit grisly. But stick around, we also talk about "superclean" pigs!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Regina Hall joins us to chat about starring in one of the year's biggest movies – One Battle After Another. She also tells us about her background in journalism and when she realized that her true calling was to be an artist.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On the latest episode of Bullseye, we're joined by rapper LaRussell. The MC keeps busy. Since 2018, he's released nearly 40 studio albums! LaRussell talks about going viral on social media and throwing shows in his mom's backyard with big guests like Juvenile. Plus, he gets into his collaborative partnership and friendship with the king of crunk – Lil Jon.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Rian Johnson has dedicated the last 20 years of his career to making genre movies that transcend their genre. His latest smash hit film series, Knives Out, blends big, over-the-top whodunnit stories with humor and social satire. Johnson just wrote and directed the third movie in the series: Wake Up, Dead Man. Johnson joins Bullseye to talk about growing up as a youth-group kid in Orange County, California, why mystery is so inherent to his writing style, and the harsh realities of micro budget cinema.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Violinist and singer Sudan Archives, our guest this week, recently released her third full length album. BPM is a punchy, layered dance album filled with homages to Chicago house and Detroit Techno. We had a chance to talk with Sudan back in 2022 when she released her record Natural Brown Prom Queen. She spoke with us about the album, her concerts, and her favorite fellow fiddle players.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week, we’re joined by Johnny Knoxville. He’s been at the center of the Jackass universe for more than two decades and has performed stunts in all its iterations. Now in his 50’s, Knoxville has found ways to keep working without risking death. In the coming weeks, he'll host Fear Factor: House of Fear, a new reboot of the early 2000s reality competition show. Knoxville reflects on his time making Jackass, and what it’s been like to age into (and out of) the dangerous world of stunt performing. A version of this interview originally aired in August of 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Each year, Bullseye looks back on the year in stand-up comedy by presenting listeners with an annual end of year stand-up comedy showcase! The Bullseye team combed through dozens and dozens of albums to bring you some of the best comedy of 2025. That includes stand-up from: Gianmarco Soresi, Robby Hoffman, Fortune Feimster, Josh Gondelman and more!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A special treat for our podcast listeners! For years, Bullseye would close out each episode with an essay written by Jesse called The Outshot. It was an opportunity to show appreciation for the things he loves. For Bullseye's recent 25th anniversary tour, we thought we'd bring The Outshot back. In it, Jesse reflects on his time working in radio. This segment was recorded live at The PIT in New York City. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It’s the Bullseye Holiday Spectacular! We look back at some of our favorite holiday interviews from the past. We’ve got Lil Rel Howery, Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees, and singer/songwriter Sy Smith!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On the latest episode we're coming to you live from New York City at The PIT. We've got interviews from Tony Shalhoub, Jad Abumrad, H. Jon Benjamin and stand-up from Josh Gondelman. Plus, music from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez – the duo that wrote the music from Frozen, Coco and more. They'll perform a never-before-heard song that was written for Kermit the Frog. What a treat! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy