Obsessed: The Podcast

What makes Larry David one of the most fascinating—and famously difficult—figures in comedy? On this episode of Obsessed, host Matt Wilstein sits down with Blake J. Harris, author of the new authorized biography Emperor of Nothing: The Making of Larry David, to uncover the stories behind the mind that created Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Harris reveals how Larry David’s real-life experiences inspired some of television’s most iconic moments, why his disastrous stint at Saturday Night Live nearly derailed his career, and how the pressure of making Seinfeld pushed him to the brink. Plus, they get into...

Comedian and Emmy-nominated writer Nimesh Patel joins Matt Wilstein on Obsessed: The Podcast for a sharp, hilarious conversation about political comedy, free speech, and the line between provocative humor and controversy. Patel discusses his new Netflix stand-up special, By the Dip, including his jokes about FBI Director Kash Patel, the Trump administration, and why he chose to take on some political targets while leaving others alone. He also reflects on his time writing for Saturday Night Live alongside Colin Jost and Michael Che, the evolution of comedy in a polarized political climate, the backlash surrounding Shane Gillis, and his...

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Judd Apatow chats with Matt Wilstein about his new documentary, Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald, and the complicated, singular comedian at its center. Apatow explains why he chose to let Norm tell his own story through archival footage, stand-up, interviews, and the strange truths hidden inside his fake memoir, before revisiting Norm’s infamous firing from Saturday Night Live and the decision to keep going after O.J. Simpson jokes angered NBC executives. They also get in...

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Kathy Griffin joins Kevin Fallon on Obsessed to explain why her New Face, New Tour shows can swing from facelift stories and celebrity gossip to a call for political action. She recalls the years she says she was shut out of Hollywood after her infamous Trump photo, the advice Jim Carrey gave her w...

Final Destination star Devon Sawa joins Kevin Fallon on Obsessed for a Halloween-season trip through the roles that made him a ’90s crush and a horror icon. He reveals the audience reaction that told him Final Destination was something special, how the movie led Dr. Dre to cast him in Eminem’s Stan video and why Casper still holds a special place in his heart. Sawa also talks about joining fellow ’90s favorite Tiffani Thiessen on the new Freeform series Coven Academy, the nerves he felt before filming a love scene with Jean Smart on Hacks and his pitch for a...

NSYNC’s Lance Bass gets candid about his decades-long friendship with Joey Fatone, sharing how the two became inseparable and revealing hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from their time in the boy band, including a tour tradition involving Jack and Coke in water bottles. Plus, Lance spills stories from Cocktail Wars, discusses reconnecting with his former girlfriend Danielle Fishel, weighs in on the latest Dancing With the Stars cast, revisits his canceled space mission, and gives an update on an NSYNC reunion. From boy-band nostalgia to Hollywood secrets, Lance has plenty to dish about!

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Mean Girls star Jonathan Bennett joins Kevin Fallon on Obsessed to spill behind-the-scenes stories about playing Aaron Samuels, his reign as the Gay King of Christmas, and why he’ll never stop embracing his most iconic role. Bennett reveals how coming out transformed his Hollywood career, why he’s doubling down on LGBTQ+ love stories amid today’s political climate, and what it’s like to make history with Hallmark’s groundbreaking gay Christmas movies. Plus, he dishes on joining General Hospital, hosting Halloween Wars, and bringing more queer representation to mainstream TV. And, of course, we get to the questi...

Anna Camp is still living in the Pitch Perfect world—and she reveals why the franchise remains such a powerful part of her life, from fans playing the movies’ songs when she walks into restaurants to Steph Curry nervously singing Bruno Mars for her. On Obsessed, Camp joins Kevin Fallon to talk about hosting HGTV’s spooky new series A Very Haunted Renovation, the genuinely eerie experiences she had inside its haunted mansion, her roles in True Blood, You, Scream 7, Good Girls Revolt and The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, and her unforgettable reunion with Daniel Radcliffe. She also o...

Dane Cook opens up to Matt Wilstein about the shocking story behind his new documentary Funny Money: The Dane Cook Story, which explores how his own half-brother, Darryl, stole millions of dollars from him and disappeared. Cook reveals what it was like to discover the betrayal, the bizarre places the stolen cash was hidden—including $60,000 in empty Bagel Bites boxes—and why he waited more than a decade to tell the full story. He also gets candid about the impact the scandal had on his comedy career, the SNL opportunity he walked away from, watching Jimmy Fallon take the role...

On this episode of Obsessed, Kevin Fallon sits down with The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Angie Katsanevas for a candid conversation about the emotional new season, Mary Cosby’s tragic loss, her marriage to Sean, and how her life has changed since joining RHOSLC. Angie reveals what it was really like filming after the death of Mary’s son Robert Jr., opens up about the personal issues playing out in her marriage, and reflects on going from being an outsider on the cast to becoming one of RHOSLC’s central Housewives. Plus, Angie explains the story behind...

Jeff Garlin gets candid about his life, career, and the people who shaped him in this revealing conversation with Matt Wilstein. The Curb Your Enthusiasm star opens up about his new photography book, Best Seat in the House, which includes unforgettable shots of Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Bruce Springsteen, and many others. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories about Larry David, Stephen Colbert, Richard Lewis, Bob Einstein, Diane Keaton, and Wendi McLendon-Covey, and reflects on his controversial exit from The Goldbergs. Garlin also discusses his bipolar diagnosis, sobriety, personal growth, the end of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and why he considers...

Emmy and Tony Award-winning comedian, writer, and actor Alex Edelman joins Kevin Fallon to talk about his role in The Paper, the new comedy set in the world of The Office, and the surprising secret behind the original show’s enduring success. Edelman also reveals the unforgettable moment Barack Obama recognized his comedy special Just for Us—and what the former president said to him about it. Plus, Edelman opens up about creating his hilariously clueless character, the state of local journalism, his new comedy show, and why even an Emmy and Tony haven’t made him feel like he’s “...

Leslie Jones joins Matt Wilstein for a hilarious and candid conversation about her time on Saturday Night Live, her new HGTV series Roast My Rental, and her “I’m Hot” comedy tour. The Emmy-winning comedian opens up about why she left SNL, returning for SNL50, and whether she could ever host the show. Jones also reflects on the intense backlash around the all-female Ghostbusters reboot, her experience being targeted by online trolls (including the recently deported Milo Yiannopoulos), and how Donald Trump’s rise from The Apprentice to the presidency changed the way she sees him—including a wild story abou...

Emmy-winning actor Kristen Johnston joins Kevin Fallon on Obsessed to look back on her iconic career, from Third Rock from the Sun and Austin Powers to Mom and her unforgettable role as Lexi Featherston on Sex and the City. Johnston opens up about becoming a viral meme thanks to the legendary “New York City is over” scene, the wild reality of ’90s fame, her friendship with stars including Sarah Jessica Parker and Andy Cohen, and the unaired Absolutely Fabulous pilot she made with Kathryn Hahn. She also gets candid about addiction, sobriety, her memoir Guts, how recovery changed her comedy...

In this episode of Obsessed, Matt Wilstein sits down with actor Cory Michael Smith to talk about his new film The Sun Never Sets, working with Dakota Fanning, Jake Johnson, and Joe Swanberg, and the terrifying freedom of improvising an entire movie. Smith also opens up about acclaimed performance as Chevy Chase in Saturday Night, the career-ending fear that came with taking on such an iconic comedian, and the two months he spent studying Chase’s every move. Plus, he reveals what it was like playing a chaotic, Elon Musk-inspired tech billionaire in Mountainhead, working alongside Steve Carell, Jason Sc...

What possessed O.J. Simpson to star in Juiced, a hidden-camera prank show that turned his infamous past into entertainment? Kevin Fallon sits down with Rebecca Halpern, executive producer of O.J. Unseen: Exploitation of Evil,  to unpack the bizarre and disturbing story behind the 2006 series, its shocking pranks, the people caught in them, and the crew members who have spent years grappling with their involvement. They also explore O.J. Simpson’s enduring celebrity power, America’s obsession with true crime, and why the O.J. Simpson case remains one of pop culture’s most unforgettable—and unsettling—stories.

Jaleel White is having a major ’90s moment! The beloved Family Matters star joins Kevin Fallon on Obsessed to talk about hosting HGTV’s Totally 90s House, reuniting with fellow ’90s icons including Melissa Joan Hart and the Lawrence brothers, and why nostalgia for the decade is stronger than ever. Jaleel also opens up about the lasting legacy of Steve Urkel and “Did I Do That?,” playing Stefon Urquelle, voicing Sonic the Hedgehog, attending public school while starring on television, life after Family Matters, and the surprising role his parents played in helping him navigate childhood fame. Plus: the story behi...

Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker Rory Kennedy joins Matt Wilstein on Obsessed to discuss her explosive new Netflix documentary, Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing. Kennedy reveals what she learned from Boeing whistleblowers, the devastating 737 MAX crashes, the Alaska Airlines door-plug blowout, and the tragic death of whistleblower John Barnett—while explaining why she now avoids flying on certain Boeing planes. She also opens up about growing up in the Kennedy family, her late mother Ethel Kennedy, speaking out against her brother Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump and the Kennedy Center, and the lessons she’s learned from a care...

Comedian and TV presenter Mo Gilligan joins Obsessed The Podcast to talk about his wild new Netflix documentary Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy, in which he eats fried chicken three times a day for 28 days—and the surprising physical and emotional toll that follows. Mo opens up about the inspiration behind the experiment, the influence of Morgan Spurlock’s Super Size Me, his changing relationship with fast food, and how he overcame major concerns about the experiment’s racial implications. He also discusses his rapid rise from working retail to becoming one of the U.K.’s biggest comedian...

Joanna Coles joins Kevin Fallon for a summer pop culture catch-up, sharing her unfiltered takes on Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Matt Damon and the future of Hollywood movie stars. They also debate Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s celebrity wedding, whether Hollywood glamour is dead, why One Night Only removed its sex scenes, and the best TV shows to binge this summer, including Furious, The Five Star Weekend and Netflix’s The Bombing of Pan Am 103.

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Josh Johnson, the Emmy-nominated comedian and rotating host of The Daily Show, joins Matt Wilstein on Obsessed to talk about his meteoric rise in comedy, his HBO stand-up special Josh Johnson: Symphony, and why he releases new hour-long comedy sets on YouTube every week. Johnson opens up about balancing The Daily Show with stand-up, reacts to breaking news like Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell, and Lindsey Graham, discusses the pressure of being a political comedian, and reveals how he approaches controversial topics with intention. He also shares advice for aspiring comedians, the surprising celebrities who are fans of his work—in...

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor joins Kevin Fallon on The Obsessed Podcast to talk about her new series Lucky, becoming an action star, working alongside Anya Taylor-Joy and Annette Bening, and the intense reality of filming car chases, shootouts, and stunts. The Oscar-nominated actress also opens up about her experience during the King Richard awards campaign, what it was really like to be nominated for an Academy Award, the night of the Will Smith and Chris Rock Oscars slap, her work with Ava DuVernay on Origin, Hollywood’s lack of diverse stories, and why she believes the entertainment industry needs to do mo...

New Girl creator Liz Meriwether joins Kevin Fallon to discuss the surprising story behind the hit sitcom, why she hated its "adorkable" marketing, and the original title that almost made it to television. She also opens up about creating The Dropout, writing Hulu's new thriller Furious, working with Emmy Rossum, bringing Prince and Taylor Swift to New Girl, and what it's like to write the highly anticipated Britney Spears biopic. From behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories to Elizabeth Holmes, comedy, drama, and the future of one of pop culture's biggest icons, this candid conversation is packed with exclusive insights for TV...

Emmy-winning actor Shawn Hatosy joins Matt Wilstein to discuss the massive success of The Pitt, the show's 25 Emmy nominations, and why Dr. Jack Abbott has become one of television's most beloved characters. Hatosy opens up about directing episodes of the hit HBO Max medical drama, working with John Wells and Noah Wyle, the possibility of a The Pitt night shift spinoff, and the emotional impact the series has had on viewers considering careers in medicine. He also reflects on the highs and lows of his 30-year acting career, the iconic roles he almost landed—including Breaking Bad, Star Wars, an...

Viral internet star Julian Shapiro-Barnum joins Obsessed to discuss his groundbreaking YouTube late-night series Outside Tonight, why traditional late night is ready for a reinvention, and how the hit show Recess Therapy changed his life. Julian opens up about avoiding the Trump-centric late-night formula, what interviewing precocious kids has taught him, and the inspiration behind his new book, How to Grow Up Without Becoming a Grown Up. Plus, he shares behind-the-scenes stories about Celebrity Substitute, working with stars like Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff, Millie Bobby Brown, and Will Ferrell, and reveals which celebrity guests left the biggest impression.

The Daily Show’s Jordan Klepper joins Obsessed to break down the state of Trump-era politics and ridiculous culture wars after a decade confronting the MAGA faithful across America. The Emmy-winning correspondent and host discusses Donald Trump's obsession with the Nobel Peace Prize, his latest Fingers the Pulse special, and what he's learned from countless conversations with Trump supporters over the past 10 years. Klepper also shares his thoughts on Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, the future of The Daily Show, whether comedy can actually change minds, and why meeting your heroes isn't always a bad idea. It's a sharp, hilarious, an...

Dan Harmon joins Obsessed to discuss his Emmy-nominated return with Rick and Morty, the new Adult Swim spinoff President Curtis, and the long-awaited Community movie. Harmon opens up about why Chevy Chase won't return for the film, reflects on their complicated working relationship, shares how Justin Roiland's departure nearly ended Rick and Morty, and reveals how the series survived one of its biggest challenges. He also talks about writing for Hugh Jackman's Oscars, his uncredited work on Doctor Strange, the realities of Hollywood, political satire in the Trump era, and a hilarious story about the time he embarrassed himself...

June Diane Raphael joins Kevin Fallon on Obsessed to discuss starring as Eva Woods in Elle, the Legally Blonde prequel, and why she intentionally went blonde to change the trajectory of her Hollywood career. She opens up about working alongside Lexi Minetree, honoring the legacy of James Van Der Beek in his final on-screen performance, unforgettable memories with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin on Grace and Frankie, her iconic roles in Parks and Recreation and Happy Endings, and the lasting impact of Legally Blonde. If you love celebrity interviews, TV, movies, comedy, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories, this is an...

Oscar-winning actress Mary Steenburgen joins Obsessed to talk about her charming new Apple TV+ comedy The Dink, how she almost got fired for laughing too much at Will Ferrell in Elf, the improv magic behind Step Brothers and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and how Larry David caused even close friends to believe she and Ted Danson had split. Steenburgen also opens up about falling in love with Danson, working together decades later on A Man on the Inside, her thoughts on his conversation with W. Kamau Bell about the 1993 Friars Club controversy, and the career lessons she's learned from a...

Emmy-winning actor Murray Bartlett joins Kevin Fallon to talk about his thrilling new series Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, the unforgettable success of The White Lotus, and why there's still hope for a return to Mike White's hit HBO drama. He also reflects on filming one of television's most beloved love stories in The Last of Us, breaking stereotypes through LGBTQ+ representation, behind-the-scenes secrets from his most shocking scenes, and the surprising impact his work continues to have on audiences around the world.

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Jeff Schaffer, Larry David’s longtime creative partner on Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, joins Obsessed to share behind-the-scenes stories from more than 30 years working with TV’s biggest curmudgeon—including what it was really like directing Barack Obama on HBO's Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, creating the show's most talked-about political sketches, and why Larry’s TV wife, Cheryl Hines, doesn't make a cameo. Schaffer also reflects on the Seinfeld reunion, working with stars like Sacha Baron Cohen, Matt Damon, and Jim Carrey, and reveals why he believes Curb Your Enthusiasm really is over for good this tim...

Frankie Grande is telling all. The Broadway star, Big Brother fan favorite, and author of Supergay! joins Obsessed to reveal the stories he's never shared before—from growing up with Ariana Grande and battling addiction to unforgettable run-ins with Madonna, Justin Bieber, Law Roach, and other A-list celebrities. Frankie also takes us behind the scenes of Broadway's smash hit Titaníque, spills surprising Big Brother secrets, and explains why he hopes Donald Trump hates his memoir enough to ban it. Packed with celebrity gossip, Broadway stories, reality TV tea, and deeply personal revelations, this is Frankie Grande at his fun...

Comedian, filmmaker, and activist W. Kamau Bell joins Obsessed to talk about America at 250, political comedy in the Trump era, the Nate Bargatze controversy, and why he believes comedians can't stay on the sidelines. Bell also reflects on his emotional conversation with Ted Danson about blackface, the changing landscape of cable news after CNN, the future of comedy, and the career lessons he's learned—from turning down Mitch Hedberg's mentorship to winning Celebrity Jeopardy!—in a candid conversation about ambition, accountability, and what's next.

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Fashion visionary Law Roach joins Obsessed to talk about bringing his signature honesty to Project Runway, why he calls himself an "image architect," and the psychology behind creating iconic celebrity style. He reflects on his longtime collaboration with Zendaya, the evolution of method dressing, the lessons he learned from Celine Dion, and why fashion has become one of Hollywood's most powerful marketing tools. Plus, Law shares behind-the-scenes stories from his career, his approach to judging reality TV, and the style trends he'd happily leave behind.

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Five-time Emmy-winning writer, producer, and director Rob Burnett joins Obsessed to reflect on nearly three decades alongside David Letterman, the shocking end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and what he believes it means for the future of late-night television. He also discusses his acclaimed new film In Memoriam, casting Marc Maron in his first leading movie role, working with Sharon Stone and Lily Gladstone, and the deeply personal story that inspired...

Fresh off celebrating the Knicks’ long-awaited NBA Championship, Padma Lakshmi joins Kevin Fallon to discuss America’s Culinary Cup, the ambitious new competition series she hopes will become the “Olympics of food.” From being dubbed the “Beyoncé of food” to overcoming imposter syndrome during her early Top Chef years, Padma reflects on her remarkable career and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She also reveals why she wanted to strip away reality TV gimmicks, treat chefs like the superstars they are, and create a million-dollar culinary showdown that’s as glamorous as it is fiercely competitive.

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Rob Corddry joins Matt Wilstein on Obsessed to discuss his acclaimed dramatic turn in AMC’s The Audacity, why he believes drama is easier than comedy, and what it was like returning to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Corddry shares behind-the-scenes stories from Old School, Ballers, Hot Tub Time Machine, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and working alongside Dwayne Johnson, Larry David, and Stephen Colbert. He also reveals the iconic role he turned down on Modern Family, reflects on the opportunities that got away, and recounts some hilariously awkward encounters with celebrity heroes including Stephen King and George Clooney.

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In this episode of Obsessed: The Podcast, Kevin Fallon sits down with Jake Lacy to discuss his acclaimed new film Mosquito in the Ear, the emotional complexities of portraying fathers in crisis, and what it was like filming in India. Jake reflects on working alongside stars like Nicole Kidman, earning an Emmy nomination for The White Lotus, and navigating the transition from playing lovable boyfriends in Girls and High Fidelity to scene-stealing villains. He also shares stories about collaborating with Mike White and Lena Dunham, offering a candid look at the career moments that shaped one of television's most...

Matt Wilstein sits down with comedian, actor, and writer Patton Oswalt to discuss his new stand-up special Tea & Scotch, what political comedians can learn from Donald Trump’s war against Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Bill Maher, and what it’s like to raise a teenage daughter who may be funnier than he is. Oswalt also shares behind-the-scenes stories from projects like Ratatouille, Young Adult, Parks and Recreation, and A.P. Bio, while reflecting on grief, creativity, and what he's learned from working alongside legends like Charlize Theron, Toni Collette, and more.
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Director, producer, choreographer, and Hollywood hitmaker Adam Shankman joins Kevin Fallon to discuss his outrageous new comedy Stop! That! Train!, starring RuPaul as the President of the United States. Adam shares behind-the-scenes stories from Hairspray, including how Zac Efron landed his breakout role, reveals what it was like directing Tom Cruise in Rock of Ages, and reflects on working with icons from RuPaul to Sarah Michelle Gellar. Plus, he opens up about producing the Oscars and the career moments that still surprise him.
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