News and Happenings

Long before Brian Baumgartner became known as Kevin from “The Office,” he worked in theater just trying to bring in enough for rent. But within a few months of moving to L.A., he found himself auditioning for the role that would change his life. Brian talks with me about the long audition process and how he developed a backstory for his character (Kevin can’t rotate at his hips!) Plus, we talk chili recipes.

I can’t stop thinking about how Kevin Jonas is on my podcast all because I spilled some butter on fancy pants. It’s crazy. While this situation seems straight out of a fantasy, Kevin and I have a really grounded conversation about growing up in a tight-knit family, and how he learned to break the people-pleasing habit. He also shares why he thinks the Jonas Brothers’ upcoming album will be their best one yet.

Penn Badgley is warm, kind, and incredibly thoughtful – fortunately, the exact opposite of his character in the Netflix series “You.” As someone who’s been acting since he was a child, Penn shares his views on Hollywood and what it means to be an actor. He also talks about why he initially turned down the role of Dan Humphrey in “Gossip Girl” and discusses the similarities between Dan and Joe from “You.”

Moses Storm has led a crazy life. The comedian and actor tells me about growing up in his family’s “failed” cult, living in a bus with his five siblings, and eventually meeting his hero Conan O’Brien on a rooftop that smelled like tapas. We also talk about the making of his first comedy special, “Trash White,” which has his fingerprints all over it – literally.

When I met Meghan Trainor, I found out she mixes her own songs on top of writing, performing, and generally being amazing. What you don’t see behind her greatest hits is just how hard she’s worked. Meghan talks about how she went from performing in a cover band with her family to being world famous. We also chatted about filming an acapella version of “Made You Look” together, which is out now! Watch it here.

Mike Birbiglia’s stories about his life are the epitome of “funny ‘cuz they’re true.” He joins me to talk about his new Broadway show “The Old Man and The Pool,” and how he makes a show about death and mortality funny. Mike gets into his creative process around joke writing, like how he got underneath the meaning behind a joke about his car accident and a drunk driver, and also tells me why he thinks performing comedy is like stripping.

Atsuko Okatsuka once did stand-up during an earthquake – but that’s not even the craziest thing that’s happened in her life. Atsuko talks to me about turning the things that made her feel different as a kid into superpowers. Plus, she explains why she thinks comedy is a service, getting kicked out of church choir, and her upcoming HBO special “The Intruder.”

When I think about joy, nobody embodies it better than Jonathan Van Ness. From the perfect oat milk latte to gymnastics, JVN shares what’s bringing them happiness – and how it gives them confidence. We also have a wild conversation about their very first vodka-drinking, mullet-wearing client and their fangirl moment with Simone Biles.

Kaitlyn is my good friend and appeared on the Bachelor as a contestant before starring as a Bachelorette herself. Believe it or not, she was the very first person I interviewed for this podcast, so you might be able to hear just how nervous I was. We talk about those kinds of first loves you never really forget – for good and for bad. It’s basically an unexpected therapy session. Plus, we take some wisdom from the Kardashians.

I thought I peaked when they played my song “Whispers in the Breakroom” on their podcast. But oh no. It just got better. Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer (aaaaah!!!), of Office Ladies, are my very special guests this week. They tell me about becoming friends over a partition, the hard years before their big break, and why they won’t stop talking about their time on “The Office.” Plus, Jenna shares a hot tip on how to meet celebrities at fancy events.