Wild Card with Rachel Martin
NPR
NAMED A TOP 10 PODCAST OF 2024 BY THE NEW YORK TIMES <br><br>There are interview podcasts and then there's Wild Card. Rachel Martin rips up the typical interview script and invites guests to answer questions they've never been asked before about life's biggest questions. Actors, writers and musicians open up about their fears, their joys and how they've built meaning from experience – all with the help of a very special deck of cards.<br><br><em> Want more Wild Card? Support NPR by subscribing to Wild Card+. You'll get access to bonus episodes and you'll get to listen sponsor-free. Learn more at </em><em>plus.npr.org/wildcard</em><em>.</em>
- 50 minutes 12 secondsLena DunhamGet your tickets for Wild Card live in Los Angeles with special guest Tracee Ellis Ross on May 7!
Lena Dunham tells Rachel that for much of her 20s and 30s, she took a vacation from who she was as a child. These days, though, she says she’s much more in touch with that part of her life. Her new book, “Famesick,” chronicles those tumultuous years during the rise of her hit show, “Girls.” In this episode, Dunham shares what she learned from struggling with stardom and chronic illness.
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NPR Privacy Policy23 April 2026, 11:00 am - 36 minutes 41 secondsBob OdenkirkBob Odenkirk says he was never supposed to be an action hero, but he’s grateful for the way his career has turned out. Starting out as a sketch comedian, he never could have foreseen roles like Saul Goodman in “Better Call Saul” or Sheriff Ulysses in his newest film, “Normal.” He tells Rachel he takes none of it for granted, as he retraces his path from his humble Illinois roots.
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NPR Privacy Policy16 April 2026, 11:00 am - 44 minutes 20 secondsTim Blake NelsonFrom "O Brother, Where Art Thou" to "Watchmen" to "Poker Face,” Tim Blake Nelson is the actor you call when you want a character’s face to tell a lifetime of stories. But Nelson’s storytelling isn't limited to acting; lately, he's turned to writing novels, including his latest book, “Superhero: A Novel.” He talks to Rachel about his delinquent childhood in Tulsa and the dangers of prioritizing the present.
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NPR Privacy Policy9 April 2026, 11:00 am - 56 minutes 30 secondsGeorge SaundersGeorge Saunders isn’t sure what he believes about the afterlife, but he knows it’s fertile soil for a good story. In his latest novel “Vigil,” he explores questions of judgement, redemption and our ability to change. And at this stage of his career, Saunders is reflective about his own path, what he’s built through hard work and what he still longs for.
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NPR Privacy Policy2 April 2026, 11:00 am - 38 minutes 4 secondsJulio TorresIn his stand-up, films and TV shows, Julio Torres considers the beauty and absurdity of the structures that make up the world around him, and tries to make sense of them. In his latest HBO special, "Color Theories," he explores the interior lives of colors. He spoke with Rachel about how his existential dread has changed over time and his excitement for the outfits he’ll wear in his old age.
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NPR Privacy Policy26 March 2026, 11:00 am - 40 minutes 53 secondsChristina ApplegateChristina Applegate doesn't need anyone's pity or approval. That’s the takeaway from her new memoir, "You With the Sad Eyes." She looks back at some of the toughest moments in her life, from abusive relationships to her recent multiple sclerosis diagnosis. But she also shares with Rachel the joys in her life, like raising her 15 year old daughter and watching Bravo reality television.
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NPR Privacy Policy19 March 2026, 11:00 am - 52 minutes 11 secondsChris FlemingChris Fleming takes his unique observations about the weirdness of everyday life and runs (and catapults and crawls and prances) with them. In his latest HBO special, "Live at the Palace," his manic physicality and singularly rich descriptions are the perfect recipe for comedy magic. He spoke with Rachel about overcoming skeptical industry gatekeepers, his love of dance, and his muse, Terry Gross.
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NPR Privacy Policy12 March 2026, 11:00 am - 28 minutes 33 secondsLena Waithe (Encore)At 41, Lena Waithe already has an impressive legacy, with dozens of writing, acting and production credits. She was the first Black woman to win an Emmy for comedy writing (for "Master of None"). And she’s also the creator of "The Chi," which recently wrapped its seventh season. She tells Rachel one of her core beliefs is a lesson from "The Wizard of Oz." They also discuss being bad at being wrong.
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NPR Privacy Policy5 March 2026, 12:00 pm - 34 minutes 54 seconds'Weird Al' Yankovic (Encore)When Weird Al’s debut single, “My Bologna,” came out, there wasn’t really a model for how a parody artist could have any longevity in their career. Yet Al's figured out how to stay popular for over four decades. Ahead of his “Bigger and Weirder” tour, he talked with Rachel about staying weird as he ages, parenthood, and his devoted (some might say obsessive) fans.
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NPR Privacy Policy26 February 2026, 12:00 pm - 50 minutes 47 secondsDan Harris
In an ever-growing world of mindfulness teachers and wellness influencers, Dan Harris has remained grounded with modest goals. One of those goals is baked into the name of his best-selling book and podcast, “10% Happier.” Dan talks to Rachel about his unconventional path from “self-centered journalist” to “alleged happiness expert,” and whether being a “good-ish” person is good enough.To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard
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NPR Privacy Policy19 February 2026, 10:00 am - 43 minutes 45 secondsWagner MouraWagner Moura doesn’t compromise when it comes to doing work that feels meaningful and aligned with his values. That much is clear in the politically-charged Brazilian film, "The Secret Agent," for which he's earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. He spoke with Rachel about getting better with age, the sacredness of performing onstage and why he's made seeking joy a priority.
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