Welcome to Season 8!

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Welcome to Season 8!

FromSkip Intro

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Length:

3 minutes

Released:

Mar 1, 2024

Format:

Podcast episode

Released:

Mar 1, 2024

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Skip Intro with Krista Smith is a weekly show bringing you dynamic conversations with the exceptional people behind your favorite shows, films, specials, and documentaries on Netflix.

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Betty Gilpin: Betty Gilpin sits down to discuss her journey as an actor and her work on GLOW, the show from Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch about a crew of misfits who reinvent themselves as the Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling in 1980’s Los Angeles. Gilpin is a two-time Emmy nominee for her performance as Debbie “Liberty Belle” Eagan. Raised by actors, Gilpin is refreshingly candid about the superficial expectations women grapple with, and her own conflict with the inner “male gaze representative.” by Skip Intro
19 min listen
The Breakout: Cody Fern: With his breakout role in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” his performance in “American Horror Story,” and his turn as Duncan Shepherd in the final season of “House of Cards,” Australian actor Cody Fern has quickly established himself as a riveting new talent to watch. In this episode, Fern, 30, talks about everything from his upbringing in an Australian farming community to his daring, gender-fluid red carpet style. And he shares how he confronted the ugly side of fame when he was recently hacked. by Skip Intro
35 min listen
Jason Bateman: As an actor, director and producer, Jason Bateman’s all-or-nothing commitment has propelled him to success on both the big and small screen, in comedy and drama, and on both sides of the camera. He was awarded a Golden Globe for his performance as Michael Bluth in “Arrested Development,” and he won a Screen Actors Guild award for his work playing Marty Byrde in “Ozark.” Bateman is also a four-time Emmy nominee. In this episode, he shares what fans can expect from the third season of “Ozark,” his profound sense of responsibility, and his obsessive love of the Los Angeles Dodgers. by Skip Intro
38 min listen
Demi Moore: For this special episode, Krista traveled to San Francisco to interview Demi Moore in front of a sold-out crowd at an event hosted by City Arts & Lectures. As an actress, Demi Moore carved out one of the most extraordinary paths in modern Hollywood, shattering expectations of what a woman could earn, the kind of movie she could open, and how she could present herself in the world — her Vanity Fair cover, nude and pregnant, photographed by Annie Leibovitz, is now the stuff of legend. With films like “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “Ghost,” and “A Few Good Men,” Moore shot to superstardom, achieving a level of success and celebrity that was further fueled by her high-profile marriage to Bruce Willis, with whom she shares three daughters. Now, the actress, producer, director and activist, has written the New York Times bestselling memoir “Inside Out,” a deeply affecting and highly personal account of her life and career. In this conversation, Moore opens up about the struggles and chal by Skip Intro
59 min listen
The Breakout: Zoey Deutch: In this episode, Krista sits down with Zoey Deutch, one of Hollywood’s most sought after and poised young talents. For Deutch the reality of working life in Hollywood is far from a new concept. by Skip Intro
40 min listen
The Breakout: Kathryn Newton by Skip Intro
25 min listen
The Breakout: Jharrel Jerome: In this episode, Krista talks to 21 year-old actor Jharrel Jerome who, despite his youth, has already appeared in a Best Picture Oscar winner: “Moonlight.” Now, he stars in “When They See Us,” the limited series executive produced, directed, and co-written by Oscar nominee Ava DuVernay. It’s a devastating account of the events surrounding the the African American and Latino teenagers labeled the “Central Park Five,” who were falsely accused of raping and assaulting a woman in 1989. Jerome talks about growing up in the Bronx, how he coped while filming this traumatic true-life story, and he discusses the pressures facing young actors in the age of social media. by Skip Intro
37 min listen
Alan Alda: America fell in love with Alan Alda as Hawkeye Pierce in the legendary show M*A*S*H, for which he received a staggering 25 Emmy nominations, winning 5 times. He’s also a three-time Tony award nominee, a best supporting Oscar nominee for Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator,” and he has six Golden Globes to his name. But beyond his work in entertainment, Alda has devoted himself to innumerable avenues, including the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, writing his memoirs, and creating his own podcast “Clear + Vivid." In this episode, he talks about his new film “Marriage Story,” from Academy Award nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach; his boundless curiosity; his experience living and working with Parkinson’s disease; and the advice he has to give this generation. by Skip Intro
46 min listen
Linda Cardellini: Linda Cardellini sits down to discuss “Dead to Me,” the show that’s captivated audiences and critics alike. Created by Liz Feldman and co-starring Christina Applegate, it’s an honest study of female friendship and a complex portrayal of grief. Cardellini is having a remarkable year, with back-to-back projects including the Oscar-winning “Green Book,” “Avengers: Endgame” and her hit horror film “The Curse of La Llorona.” Cardellini talks about what it means to work on female-led projects, how she’s stepped up to do things that scare her, and she reflects on the special camaraderie of working on “Freaks and Geeks.” by Skip Intro
32 min listen
The Breakout: Kaitlyn Dever: At just 22 years-old, Kaitlyn Dever has already been acting for more than a decade, amassing a long list of credits in both film and television, including acclaimed independents like “Short Term 12,” and “The Spectacular Now.” But this year is proving to be a particularly special one for the young actress. She starred in Olivia Wilde’s critical darling coming-of-age directorial debut, “Book Smart,” and now she will appear in “Unbelievable,” a limited series based on true events, in which Dever plays a young woman accused of lying about a rape. Dever describes the role as the the biggest challenge of her career to date. by Skip Intro
33 min listen
Noah Baumbach: Academy Award nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach joins the show to discuss his new film, the critically acclaimed “Marriage Story.” Starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, and co-starring Laura Dern, Alan Alda, and Ray Liotta, Baumbach’s film about a marriage breaking up and a family staying together is filled with honesty, humor, and compassion. Baumbach, now 50, began his writing and directing career in his twenties with the comedy “Kicking and Screaming,” and his films since then have included “The Squid & The Whale,” “Margot at the Wedding,” “Greenberg” and “Frances Ha.” With unflinching honesty, his films explore our best and worst instincts, our fears, flaws, and triumphs. In this conversation, Baumbach discusses the journey of the film, how personal stories have shaped his body of work; the group of creative peers he trusts and relies upon; and the fact that he doesn’t appreciate lunch. by Skip Intro
39 min listen
Sacha Baron Cohen: Sacha Baron Cohen has created some of the most unforgettable characters of the modern age, from Ali G to Bruno to Borat. His fearless comedic style and willingness to confront power and prejudice has transfixed audiences and resulted in accolades across the board. He’s an Oscar nominee, a Golden Globe nominee and winner, and a six-time Emmy award nominee.With his new limited series, “The Spy,” Cohen takes on the role of a real-world character for the first time. Set in the 1960s, it’s the true story of Eli Cohen, an Israeli clerk-turned-Mossad secret agent. Although the dramatic material may seem like new terrain for the actor, his ability to disappear into new identities, and the rigor with which he has always prepared to play characters, are both in evidence in his remarkable performance in the show. In this interview, Cohen discusses his history of dealing with the press in a non-traditional manner, the role technology played in his early success, and he talks abo by Skip Intro
43 min listen
Nicole Avant: Nicole Avant joins the show to discuss “The Black Godfather,” the documentary she produced about her father, the legendary music industry executive Clarence Avant. Avant talks about what it was like to grow up in a world where guests at her family home included Presidents of the United States and the likes of Muhammad Ali and Quincy Jones. She also reflects on her father’s words to live by, the importance of paying it forward, and she shares how her close friend Pharrell came to write an original song for the documentary. Previously, Avant held the office of United States Ambassador to The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. She was also the Vice President of Interior Music Publishing; and the California Finance Co-chair for President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign. She is married to Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix. by Skip Intro
41 min listen
Renée Zellweger: Welcome to the first episode of Present Company with Krista Smith. In this episode, Krista sits down with Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger and chats about her Netflix show “What/If.” They also discuss what it was like for Zellweger to play Judy Garland for her upcoming film “Judy,” as well as the most memorable moments of her career, including working with Tom Cruise on “Jerry Maguire” and stepping into the shoes of Bridget Jones. by Skip Intro
38 min listen
RuPaul and Michael Patrick King: RuPaul and Michael Patrick King join the show to discuss their new show “AJ & The Queen,” a heartfelt, gritty comedy in which Ru stars as Robert Lee, better known as the drag queen Ruby Red, who — when faced with a broken heart and a stolen dream — meets a streetwise 10-year-old and assumes the role of de facto parent. RuPaul’s career achievements are, of course, both legion and legend, and include “The RuPaul Show,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and RuPaul’s DragCon. Michael Patrick King's vast body of work includes the juggernaut that was “Sex and the City,” as well as “The Comeback,” “2 Broke Girls,” “Will & Grace,” “Cybill,” and “Murphy Brown.” Between them, they have made an indelible mark on modern popular culture, influencing everything from how we talk to how we dress, how we think about our identities, our careers, and our relationships. In this episode, the duo discuss the power in their creative partnership, their early struggles, their secret ob by Skip Intro
54 min listen
Laura Dern: During the course of her career, Laura Dern, the daughter of actors Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern, has carved her own unique path, moving effortlessly between the worlds of independent film and blockbuster franchises like “Jurassic Park” and, most recently, “Star Wars.” She is a two-time Oscar nominee, a four-time Golden Globe winner, and the recipient of an Emmy award for her critically acclaimed work in “Big Little Lies.” Dern is also an activist and philanthropist, and a beacon in the Hollywood community. In this episode, Dern talks about her new film “Marriage Story,” from Academy Award nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach. It’s an incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together, and it stars Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, as well as Alan Alda and Ray Liotta. She also talks about growing up on film sets watching the masters Alfred Hitchcock and Martin Scorsese at work, the arc of her career through the eighties and nineties, and ho by Skip Intro
46 min listen
Paul Rudd: With his flawless comedic timing and instinct for capturing the frustrations of the everyman, Paul Rudd has carved a singular path in Hollywood, making audiences love him, root for him, and cringe for him in hits like “Clueless,” “Anchorman,” “Knocked Up,” and “I Love you Man.” In addition to his comedy stardom, Rudd is now a bona fide action hero, having stepped into the Marvel universe in his forties as Ant Man. In this episode, Rudd discusses the arc of his career, and he talks about his new show “Living with Yourself,” created by Timothy Greenberg and directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. Rudd does double-duty on the show, playing both the character of Miles, a burned-out and dejected figure, and the new and improved clone of Miles, who appears following a strange procedure at a strip mall spa. Rudd also discusses his love of sports, his secret Irish bar, his go-to karaoke songs, and he shares how his son attempted his own “Hot Ones” challenge after Rudd’s tr by Skip Intro
45 min listen
Timothy Hutton: Timothy Hutton was just 20 years-old when he won the Academy Award for his performance as the angst-ridden teenager in Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People,” making him the youngest actor ever to win a Best Supporting Actor Oscar. In this episode, Hutton discusses his work on “The Haunting of Hill House,” the show from creator Mike Flanagan, which reimagines Shirley Jackson’s terrifying gothic horror novel. Hutton plays the patriarch Hugh Crain. He also reflects on some of the pivotal moments of his career, including passing on “Risky Business.” by Skip Intro
32 min listen
Adam Driver: Adam Driver joins the show to discuss his new film “Marriage Story,” from Academy Award nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach, in which Driver plays Charlie, a husband and father navigating his marriage breaking up while trying to keep his family together. Starring opposite Scarlett Johansson, and alongside Laura Dern, Alan Alda, and Ray Liotta, Driver delivers a stunning performance in a film that’s both incisive and compassionate. In the past decade, Driver has become that rare movie star that can shift between leading man and character actor roles, as well as command a Broadway stage. He came to our attention with HBO’s “Girls,” and since then has worked in quick succession with directors including Jim Jarmusch, Spike Lee, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg, and, in the middle of all that, he stepped into the global phenomenon that is “Star Wars.” In this conversation, Driver talks about shooting “Marriage Story,” the benefit of working with friends, how problem-so by Skip Intro
33 min listen
Brené Brown: In 2010, a research professor by the name of Brené Brown walked onto the TEDxHouston stage and delivered her talk, “The Power of Vulnerability.” Little did she know that this would change her life forever. That TED talk has now been viewed more than 50 million times, making Brown a global phenomenon. She is the author of five bestselling books, including “Daring Greatly,” “Rising Strong,” and “Dare to Lead,” and now Brown has a Netflix special, “The Call to Courage.” In this conversation, Brown takes us back to the very beginning of the story, from her early dreams of moving to New York, to her close call hitchhiking in Spain, to her struggle to get into the University of Texas. She also talks about faith and family, navigating success, and how she’s missing the “celebrity gene.” by Skip Intro
41 min listen
Lisa Kudrow: In the decade that “Friends” was on the air, from 1994-2004, Lisa Kudrow experienced the heights of fame and success that come with starring in a smash-hit show with legions of fans worldwide. But Kudrow’s boundless curiosity and creative instincts have led her far beyond the world of the show, to writing and producing, and starring in independent films. In the course of her career, she has created a gallery of complex, original, captivating women, from Phoebe Buffay in “Friends” to Valerie Cherish in “The Comeback,” Fiona Wallice in “Web Therapy,” and Lucia DeLury in “The Opposite of Sex.” Kudrow joins the show to discuss “Space Force,” the new Netflix comedy series co-created by Steve Carell (who also stars) and Greg Daniels, about a four-star general being tapped to form a sixth branch of the US Armed Forces. Kudrow also discusses what it was like to be an actress in the nineties, why she’s never precious about her writing, handling setbacks, and her relationship to su by Skip Intro
47 min listen
Eddie Murphy: Comedy legend Eddie Murphy joins the show to reflect upon his trailblazing career and to discuss his new film “Dolemite Is My Name,” directed by Craig Brewer (“Hustle & Flow,” “Empire”), and written by Emmy and Golden Globe-winning writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (“Ed Wood,” “The People vs. O.J. Simpson”). “Dolemite Is My Name” tells the true story of comedian Rudy Ray Moore and his tireless effort to make a film about his stage persona, “Dolemite,” a pimp with a cane and an arsenal of obscene fables. The film has a star-studded cast, including Wesley Snipes, Chris Rock, Keegan-Michael Key, Snoop Dogg, and a breakout performance from Da’Vine Joy Randolph. “Dolemite is My Name” will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival and be in theaters and on Netflix this fall.In this interview, Murphy shares his plans to return to to host SNL for the first time in over three decades. And he discusses hitting the road again for a stand-up tour when he will also perform mus by Skip Intro
43 min listen
The Breakout: Tom Pelphrey: Tom Pelphrey joins the show to talk about his much-discussed performance as Ben, brother to Laura Linney’s Wendy Byrde, on season three of “Ozark.” Pelphrey devoted himself to the task of playing a man living with bipolar disorder, working to ensure the condition was portrayed with both accuracy and thoughtfulness. Born and raised in New Jersey, the Rutgers graduate got his break on the soap opera “Guiding Light,” for which he won two Daytime Emmys, and since then he has worked across film, theater and television. But 2020 is proving a remarkable year, not only on account of the acclaim he’s received for “Ozark,” but also because this fall he’ll be seen in director David Fincher’s “Mank,” which stars Gary Oldman. In this interview, Pelphey talks about the “invisible magic” of the Ozark set and what it was like being the new kid joining the show. He also shares what he learned working in soap operas, his experience working with David Fincher, and his prof by Skip Intro
52 min listen
The Breakout: Kiernan Shipka: “Mad Men” fans watched Kiernan Shipka grow up on the small screen in her role as Sally Draper, the daughter of Betty and Don. Her nuanced and captivating performance earned her critical acclaim and an older sophisticated fan base for such a young talent. Since then, Shipka, who was born in Chicago and raised in Los Angeles, has taken on a host of different projects, including Ryan Murphy’s “Feud” and the psychological horror film “The Blackcoat’s Daughter.” At the beginning of 2018, she stepped into the magical, mischievous world of half-human, half-witch Sabrina Spellman in Netflix’s “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” based on the Archie comic book series. In this conversation, Shipka, who is about to turn 20, talks about her new film, “Let it Snow,” a teen drama about the friendships, love lives, and futures of a group of high school seniors, co-starring Shameik Moore and Isabel Moner. She also talks lessons learned growing up in the “Mad Men” world, wha by Skip Intro
36 min listen
Whitney Cummings: By the time she was 29, Whitney Cummings had not one but two network television shows on air: “Whitney,” and “2 Broke Girls,” which she co-created with Michael Patrick King. In this episode, the writer, director, producer, actress, stand-up comedian, published author, and podcaster (check out her show “Good for You”), discusses how she handled that early success and how she dealt with the headwinds that came with it. Cummings also talks about the evolution of her Netflix stand-up special, “Can I Touch It?,” how comedians are having to step up to make their work memorable, how Jordan Peele’s “Us” changed comedy, the impact of PC culture, and why social media is less influential than we think. She also discusses her love of animals, her need for nature, why it’s no longer possible to be an enigma, her complex relationship with money, and the changes she’s seen in post #metoo Hollywood. by Skip Intro
57 min listen
Laura Linney: Over the course of three decades, Laura Linney’s body of work has spanned the worlds of theater, film, and television, resulting in a long list of accolades, including Tony, Oscar, and Emmy nominations, as well four Emmy wins. Her vast range of choices means fans might cite any number of projects when they approach her — some are Broadway aficionados who loved her performance in “The Little Foxes” or “My Name Is Lucy Barton,” others cite “You Can Count on Me” or “The Savages,” or they might reference series like “John Adams” or “The Big C.” And then there are the legions of “Ozark” fans. In this episode, Linney discusses the latest season of “Ozark,” and the evolution of her character Wendy from soccer mom to “Wolf Bitch.” She also reflects on the arc of her career, the choices that have served her well, and the spirit that she brings to her work. And she discusses growing up in New York, working with the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, as well as the enduring charm of “L by Skip Intro
47 min listen
Marta Kauffman: Emmy-winning showrunner Marta Kauffman discusses the arc of her epic career, from her early struggles in New York to the evergreen popularity of “Friends,” and now her success with “Grace and Frankie,” headed into its sixth season. Kauffman talks about what it’s like to work with the “Grace and Frankie” cast, led by Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, and she shares the moment she learned Pete Davidson would be rapping about the show on SNL. She also speaks candidly about dealing with misogyny in Hollywood, her own experience with “imposter syndrome,” and the importance of learning to say “no.” by Skip Intro
30 min listen
Jenny Slate: Jenny Slate joins the show to discuss her Netflix special “Stage Fright” -- which combines her stand-up with personal clips of her childhood and interviews with her family in an intimate look at her life -- and her New York Times bestseller, “Little Weirds." It’s been a significant year for the writer, actress, and comedian, who recently became engaged and is now enjoying a bi-coastal existence, splitting her time between Los Angeles and her bucolic home on the South Coast of Massachusetts. Slate first came up in the alternative comedy world, before landing on SNL, and in the decade that followed, she co-created the beloved “Marcel the Shell” series, appeared in numerous films, including “Obvious Child” and “Gifted,” as well as TV shows like “Parks and Recreation” and Nick Kroll’s “The Kroll Show.” With her frank and fearless style, instantly recognizable voice, and infectious humor, Slate has forged her own unique path in Hollywood as a true original. In this conversat by Skip Intro
45 min listen
Hasan Minhaj: Krista is joined by Hasan Minhaj who, in a few short years, has leap-frogged from being a senior correspondent on Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show” to being the featured speaker at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner to starring in his own Netflix standup special, “The Homecoming King,” and co-creating and hosting his new show “Patriot Act.” He’s a husband, a father, a die-hard Sacramento Kings fan, a two-time Peabody Award winner, and a 2019 Time 100 honoree. by Skip Intro
49 min listen
The Breakout: Julia Garner: Julia Garner joins the show to discuss her Emmy-nominated performance as the tough yet vulnerable Ruth Langmore on “Ozark.” She talks about life on set, what she’s learned from working with the incredible cast, and the journey of her character. Known for her laser-like focus on her work, 25-year-old Garner has already built an impressive body of work, both in critically acclaimed independent films, like “Martha, Marcy, May, Marlene” and “Electrick Children,” and on hit shows like “The Americans.” Raised in New York by her mother, a comedian turned therapist, and her father, a painter and art teacher, Garner reflects on an upbringing that gave her both an insight into human psychology and a love of film and art. She also talks about her appreciation for fashion and rolls out an impressive Glinda the Good Witch impression. by Skip Intro
33 min listen

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Welcome to Season 8!

Welcome to Season 8!

Titles in the series (100)

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