Eavesdropping


Baron Vaughn Teaches us the Meaning of ‘Oi!’

Standup comic Baron Vaughn is known for his breakneck absurdity and a voice built for impressions. He's also co-hosted a movie podcast with Leonard Maltin, and he acted alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in Netflix's "Grace & Frankie." Listen to him tell a tale the mysterious human embodiment of a British phrase.


Nora McInerny Recalls Living Life in the Face of Death

In 2014, writer Nora McInerny had a year like few others: she miscarried a child, then lost her father and her husband to cancer. Those tragedies are the jumping off point for her new podcast "Terrible, Thanks for Asking," a show about talking honestly -- and with humor, too -- about the painful things in life. Nora shares a story from her recent memoir in the audio above.


Hasan Minhaj Makes a Lofty Proposal

As Senior Correspondent for "The Daily Show," Hasan Minhaj spends his days skewering the political theater. But he's also doing theater of his own. His autobiographical stage show "Homecoming King" opened off-Broadway last fall, and it's now touring the country. In the audio above, he shares a tale he didn't work into that show... about the best -- and most stressed -- day of his life.


Jade Chang Shares a Riches-to-Rags Story

L.A. author Jade Chang's novel "The Wangs Vs. the World" appears on just about every list of the fall's most anticipated books. Jade reads an excerpt, which was edited for time (and for some very salty language). Get a taste of the full (uncensored) flavor in this excerpt from a chapter of the book when you click the link above.


Mara Wilson Confronts the Hereafter

As a tiny kid with a huge smile, Mara Wilson starred in films like "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Matilda." Now 29, she's traded acting for writing in outlets like McSweeney's. And her latest work is a memoir called, "Where Am I Now." She shares an excerpt that sheds light on what it's like to grow up obsessed with death.


Nicole Byer Shares Lessons From a Relationship With a Younger Man

Nicole Byer's new scripted comedy show, "Loosely Exactly Nicole," premiered this week on MTV, but she goes off-script to tell us about her relationship with a younger man and the things they taught each other -- about racial sensitivity, personal responsibility, and potty humor. And OK, yes, that younger man was a baby, but that doesn't mean that those lessons weren't heartfelt.


Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Backside, Backstage Antics

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, writer and star of the upcoming Amazon Original Series, "Fleabag" -- based on her play of the same name -- shares a tale from her days in the theatre, when her writing and acting talents weren't the only thing on display.