Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist

Will Arnett, Sean Hayes and Jason Bateman are the hosts behind the hit podcast SmartLess. The trio got together with Willie Geist at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles ahead of a live taping of their podcast to discuss the origin story behind SmarLess, the notable guests who have joined them along the way and who they still want to interview.

The Rolling Stones have been making music for more than six decades and are out with a new album, Foreign Tongues, adding to the band's prolific catalog. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood sat down with Willie Geist to talk about their most iconic songs, their old rivalry with The Beatles and the prospects of touring again. (Original broadcast date June 21, 2026.)

Role Model, otherwise known as Tucker Pillsbury, taught himself to produce music in his college dorm room before going on to headline an international tour. He got together with Willie Geist to discuss the influences behind his new album Chuck Timely & the Hourglass, how his viral song “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” has brought unexpected guests onstage, and how music helped him through depression. He also opens up about branching out into acting and his love for his hometown of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

As a bonus for Sunday Sitdown fans, we’re sharing the trailer for season 5 of Morrison Mysteries. Enter the shadowy world of Edgar Allan Poe, brought to life by the unmistakable voice of Dateline’s Keith Morrison. In Season 5 of Morrison Mysteries, experience the mystery and madness of Poe's haunting classics, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat and The Murders in the Rue Morgue. Just search “Morrison Mysteries” to follow now or click here: swap.fm/l/mmdfd

Ben Affleck sat down with Willie Geist at Fouquet's in Tribeca to discuss his new Netflix thriller, "Animals," including the questions about marriage that inspired the film, and how he chose the cast. Affleck also discussed his decades-long friendship with Matt Damon, and their production company, Artists Equity. He also opens up about the recent passing of his parents, co-parenting with ex-wife Jennifer Garner and his philanthropy efforts with the Eastern Congo Initiative.

Lizzo rose to stardom in 2019 with the hit “Truth Hurts.” It became her first number one song and earned her three Grammy Awards. She got together with Willie Geist at Books of Wonder, New York City’s oldest and largest independently owned children’s bookstore, to discuss her rise to fame, the unique sound she has curated, her love of the flute and her new children’s book Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flootin'.

Ke Huy Quan and his family fled Vietnam when he was a child, eventually finding refuge in Los Angeles, where he went on to become a child movie star in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies. Quan got together with Willie Geist at Phoenix Palace in New York City’s Chinatown to discuss his journey from refugee to Hollywood star, the years he spent away from acting, what inspired him to return to the screen and his Oscar-winning role in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

From Rocky to Rambo to his latest hit Tulsa King, Sylvester Stallone has spent decades defying the odds. Long before Hollywood stardom, he was a struggling actor in a New York apartment, writing the script for Rocky that would change his life. In this Sitdown, Stallone reflects on the hardships that fueled his drive, why he refused to let anyone else play Rocky, and how receiving the Kennedy Center Honors has impacted his perspective on legacy. (Original broadcast date September 7, 2025.)

Hey Sunday Sitdown fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for Before & After with Lester Holt, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline. Before & After with Lester Holt is a deeply personal interview series about moments that divide a life into before and after. In each conversation, Lester sits down with someone whose life was transformed in an instant by an unexpected twist of fate. The episodes explore what it takes to endure the unimaginable, rebuild a life, and find meaning and purpose in the aftermath.  If you like what you hear, just search Before & After with Lester Holt to listen to the first episode now, completely free. Or subscribe to Dateline Premium on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or DatelinePremium.com. Subscribers get early access to new episodes and can listen to all Dateline podcasts ad-free. swap.fm/l/bapfd

Benny Blanco is an 11-time Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and recording artist who has quietly shaped some of pop music's biggest moments over the past two decades. He sat down with Willie Geist at Electric Lady Studios in New York to talk about his new book, F*ck Failure, and what he believes is the secret to writing a great song. Benny also opens up about his path from aspiring rapper to acclaimed producer and artist in his own right, and shares how his marriage with Selena Gomez came to be.

Megan Moroney has quickly become one of country music’s biggest rising stars, breaking through with her viral hit “Tennessee Orange” and earning the CMA New Artist of the Year award in 2024. Megan got together with Willie Geist at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where she was headlining a sold-out show, and discussed her journey from learning guitar and performing at sorority philanthropy events to eventually moving to Nashville to pursue music full time. She also tells Willie about the story behind “Tennessee Orange,” handling public scrutiny and her new album Cloud 9.

Dolly Parton's legacy as the queen of country music will always live on. In this week’s “Sunday Sitdown,” Willie Geist revisits his 2020 conversation with Dolly to talk about some of the stories behind her greatest hits, her philanthropy and her impact on American culture over the course of an iconic career.

Luke Combs has had one of the fastest rises in modern music, landing more than a dozen No. 1 country hits and going from bar gigs to sold-out stadiums in just a few years. Combs sits down live with Willie Geist at City Winery Nashville to talk about songwriting, becoming a father, and how he has handled sudden fame without losing himself. Plus, he reflects on covering “Fast Car,” choosing instinct over the chase for hits, and why enjoying the process matters at every stage of his career. (Venue Sponsored by City Winery.) (Original broadcast date February 1, 2026.)

Tracee Ellis Ross had her breakout television role in Girlfriends 25 years ago. Since then, she has starred in Black-ish and created a haircare brand called Pattern Beauty. The Golden Globe winner got together with Willie Geist in the New York City apartment building she grew up in to discuss her Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated show Every Brilliant Thing and the new season of the Roku show Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross and why she always follows the Mantra “B.I.A” or Bring It All when she packs.

Emmy-winning actor Jason Sudeikis got together with Willie Geist to reflect on a career that has taken him from a decade at Saturday Night Live to creating and starring in the title role of Ted Lasso. Sudeikis details the inspiration that brought him back to the show and create a fourth season.

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Charlie Puth has spent the last decade topping charts with hits like “See You Again,” “Attention” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore”. He also shares about performing the national anthem at the 2026 Super Bowl, drawing inspiration from Whitney Houston's iconic rendition. Puth sits down with Willie Geist at a New York City jazz club to discuss his fourth studio album, “Whatever’s Clever,” an orchestral pop record influenced by late 1980s and early 1990s yacht rock, while reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped his rise from accidental pop star to global headliner. Plus, he opens up about a recent conversation with former President Barack Obama about the importance of music education, how Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” lyric pushed him to be more vulnerable and how marriage and fatherhood have reshaped his songwriting. (Original broadcast date March 8, 2026.)

Ken Jeong is an actor and comedian who has built an illustrious career spanning film, television, and stand-up, from The Hangover and Community to 14 seasons on The Masked Singer. Jeong sits down with Willie Geist to discuss his evolution from practicing physician to comedian, how finding success later in life has shaped his perspective, and why ensemble work has played such a central role in his career. Plus, he reflects on the support of his family, the importance of projects like KPop Demon Hunters and Crazy Rich Asians in his career and how he’s learned to take his work seriously without taking himself too seriously. (Original broadcast date January 11, 2026.)

Matt Damon says playing Odysseus in the new movie The Odyssey was like nothing he has ever done before. Damon is working again with famed Director Christopher Nolan after the Oscar-winning blockbusters Interstellar and Oppenheimer. Damon got together with Willie Geist to discuss the challenges of shooting this movie fully in IMAX, traveling to several remote locations and enduring the elements to tell Homer’s epic saga.

Leslie Odom, Jr., who was Willie Geist’s very first Sunday Sitdown guest nearly a decade ago, is returning to Broadway to reprise his Tony and Grammy Award-winning role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton. In this conversation, Odom reflects on why stepping back into the role ten years later feels like a homecoming and how the standing ovations take him back to his 17-year-old self who dreamt of being part of Broadway. He also opens up about life beyond the stage as an author, singer and father, sharing how joy, healing, and intention continue to guide his latest chapter. (Original broadcast date September 28, 2025)

Riley Green has been on the country music scene for more than a decade. The singer-songwriter has hit his stride selling out his North American tour, guest starring on the Yellowstone spinoff show Marshalls and now landing a coveted seat as a coach on The Voice. Green got together with Willie Geist in New York to discuss this moment in country music, his new album “That’s Just Me” and more.

Ready to take a deep breath and find some inspiration? A brand-new season of Making Space with Hoda Kotb is officially here. Every Wednesday, Hoda sits down for open, soul stirring conversations with people who have walked through fire and come out stronger. This season, she’s diving into what it really means to pivot, heal, and find your purpose. Expect raw, real-life wisdom on navigating big transitions and the unexpected moments of grace that connect us all. Featuring incredible guests like Mariska Hargitay, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Mark Nepo, Esther Perel, Laverne Cox, and many more. To follow now, just search ‘Making Space with Hoda Kotb’ wherever you’re listening. New episodes drop every Wednesday. swap.fm/l/mswhkfd

The Rolling Stones have been making music for more than six decades and are out with a new album, Foreign Tongues, to the band's prolific catalog. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood sat down with Willie Geist to talk about their most iconic songs, their old rivalry with The Beatles and the prospects of touring again.

Keith Richards is an iconic rock and roll musician. He and Mick Jagger joined forces after reconnecting on a train platform in Dartford, England, and the Rolling Stones was born a short time later. Willie Geist sat down with Richards to discuss The Rolling Stones latest album Foreign Tongues, the possibility of going back out on tour and more than six decades of making legendary music.

Mick Jagger is a rock and roll legend unlike any other. The four-time Grammy winner has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. Now, Jagger and The Rolling Stones are out with a new album called Foreign Tongues. Jagger got together with Willie Geist to talk about his favorite of the band's iconic records, The Stones' old rivalry with The Beatles, the anxious excitement of releasing new music and much more.

A brand-new season of Open Book with Jenna is here! Join Jenna Bush Hager every Thursday as she sits down with some of today's most beloved authors and storytellers for conversations about the books everyone is talking about. This season, we'll explore the hottest reads of the summer, the creative process behind unforgettable stories, the genres readers can't get enough of, and the movie and TV adaptations bringing favorite characters to life. Featuring guests like Emily Henry, Kennedy Ryan, Carley Fortune, Shelby Van Pelt, Virginia Evans, Hannah Berner and many more. swap.fm/l/obwjdfd

Mindy Kaling launched her television career as an actor and writer for The Office. She also had a starring role in The Mindy Project and is the brains behind several shows including Never Have I Ever, Sex Lives of College Girls and her latest show Not Suitable for Work, which follows a group of 20-somethings starting their careers in New York. She is also behind Running Point, which was born out of her love for basketball. Mindy, who is also a best-selling author, tells Willie why she wants to help rising actors and authors with her new book publishing imprint Mindy’s Book Studio.

Paul McCartney’s incredible career began more than 60 years ago when he formed The Beatles with John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Now, he’s out with his latest solo album "The Boys of Dungeon Lane". In this week's Sitdown, Willie Geist gets together with McCartney to talk about his new music, that includes a song with The Beatles members. And McCartney talks about performing in Stephen Colbert's final "The Late Show" which happened to be on the same stage the Beatles had their American debut in 1964.

Mel Robbins is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and Golden Globe nominated podcast host behind The Let Them Theory and The Five Second Rule, two frameworks that have empowered people around the world. Robbins sits down with Willie Geist to break down why other people are the biggest source of stress, how letting go of control creates freedom, and why real change starts with your response, not your circumstances. Plus, she reflects on nearly losing everything, the snowy morning that changed her life forever, and how a single decision set her on an entirely new path. (Original broadcast date January 4, 2026)

Two decades after his breakout album It’s Time, five-time Grammy Award winner Michael Bublé sits down with Willie Geist at New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club to reflect on his journey from Canadian fishing boats to global fame. Bublé opens up about the grandfather who introduced him to Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, the early gigs that shaped his craft, and the moment that changed everything in his career. He also talks about his love for Christmas music, the perspective he gained after his son’s illness, and his experience as a coach on NBC’s The Voice. (Original broadcast date October 26, 2025)

Two-time Oscar winner Sally Field joins Willie Geist to discuss a career that kicked off when she was a teenager, starring in Gidget and then quickly moved on to The Flying Nun. From there her career shifted to more serious roles where she won an Emmy for Sybil and Oscars for Norma Rae and Place in the Heart. In her latest project, Remarkably Bright Creatures, which is based on a best-selling book by Shelby Van Pelt, Field speaks on the creative process bringing the book to life and acting alongside her co-star Lewis Pullman.

Nikki Glaser had long been refining her comedy chops before turning heads with The Roast of Tom Brady and as two-time host of the Golden Globes. On this week's episode, she sits down with Willie Geist to discuss the long grind to arriving at this moment in her career, her latest standup special “Nikki Glaser: Good Girl” on Hulu, and doing her raunchy standup in front of her parents who have supported her every step of the way.  She also talks about breaking in to acting starring alongside Kim Kardashian in the upcoming movie ‘The Fifth Wheel. ‘

In this week's Sunday Sitdown, Grammy-winning band Mumford & Sons got together with Willie Geist in Brookyln to talk about their newest album “Prizefighter” which comes 11 months after they released “Rushmere.” Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane talk about why they made an album so soon after their last one and that foot-stomping sound that has grown and evolved over the years.

Actor, producer and businessman Ryan Reynolds joins Willie Geist for a special Sunday Sitdown Live conversation at City Winery New York. They discussed Reynolds’s wide-ranging career in front of the camera including the future of the billion-dollar “Deadpool” Franchise, the incredible success of Wrexham AFC, since he and fellow actor Rob McElheney bought it in 2020, his many other business ventures including Aviation Gin and his marketing company Maximum Effort, and how he balances family life and fatherhood through it all.

Nate Bargatze has become one of the most successful stand up comedians of his generation, going from performing for a single audience member to selling out arenas nationwide. In this conversation from January 2025, Nate Bargatze sits down with Willie Geist during the first ever Sunday Sitdown Live to discuss his rise in comedy, the expansion of the Nateland brand, and what has fueled his steady climb. Plus, he answers audience questions and reflects on how relatability has remained central to his success. (Venue sponsored by City Winery.)

Over the past three decades, Matthew McConaughey has starred in more than 50 films, won an Academy Award for Dallas Buyers Club, delivered an Emmy-nominated performance in True Detective and topped bestseller lists with his memoir, Greenlights, but he’s still chasing something more meaningful. In his latest project, The Lost Bus, he tells the gripping true story of a school bus driver who risked everything to save 23 children during the 2018 Camp Fire, California’s deadliest wildfire. McConaughey sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on acting alongside his teenage son Levi and his 93-year-old mother in the film and how the project deepened his perspective on fatherhood, legacy, and what really matters. He also discusses his new book Poems & Prayers, the power of belief in a cynical world, and why risk-taking has defined his career.

Emmy-nominated actress and singer Lea Michele has spent more than 30 years performing, from her Broadway debut in Les Misérables at the Imperial Theatre when she was just 8-years-old to starring in hits like Spring Awakening, Glee, Funny Girl and Scream Queens. Michele sits down with Willie Geist backstage at the Imperial Theatre to discuss her full-circle return to the theater where it all began, how Chess has brought joy and creative spark back to her life, and why feeling fulfilled as a mother and wife has made this chapter feel especially meaningful. Plus, she steps back into the dressing room she used during Les Misérables and reflects on the confidence that first led her from an open call in Englewood, New Jersey, to the Broadway stage.

Comedian Leanne Morgan spent more than 25 years building a loyal stand-up audience before breaking through with viral clips, Netflix comedy specials I’m Every Woman and Unspeakable Things, and her hit sitcom Leanne. In this conversation from November 2025, Morgan sits down with Willie Geist to discuss her long road in stand-up, the family stories and Southern humor that shape her comedy, and the whirlwind of starring in a Netflix sitcom after decades on the road. Plus, she reflects on the breakthrough that changed her career, balancing newfound success with motherhood and grandmotherhood, and why the timing of her rise makes it even more meaningful.

Benicio Del Toro is an Academy Award-winning actor and current nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in "One Battle After Another." In this conversation from June 2025, Del Toro joins Willie Geist to discuss leading director Wes Anderson’s film "The Phoenician Scheme" and how winning his first Oscar reshaped his life and career. Plus, he reflects on growing up in Puerto Rico and the first role that made him feel he had truly arrived in Hollywood.

Kate Hudson is a Golden Globe-winning actress who is nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in "Song Sung Blue" at this year’s Oscars. In this conversation from December 2022, Hudson sits down with Willie Geist to discuss her role in "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery," overcoming her fear of singing in public, and balancing her creative career with running Fabletics and raising a family.

Paul Mescal has quickly become one of the most compelling actors of his generation and stars in Hamnet, which is nominated for Best Picture at this year's Oscars. In this conversation from November 2025, Mescal joins Willie Geist to discuss playing young William Shakespeare in "Hamnet," working alongside industry legends on "Gladiator II," and how he approaches crafting complex characters. Plus, the "Normal People" and "Aftersun" star reflects on his journey from school musicals to Hollywood.

Michael B. Jordan is an actor, producer, and director who is nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in "Sinners" at this year’s Oscars. In this conversation from May 2021, Jordan sits down with Willie Geist to discuss starring in "Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse," why he prefers doing his own stunts, and stepping into a major action franchise. Plus, he reflects on his friendship with the late Chadwick Boseman and navigating fame.

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Charlie Puth has spent the last decade topping charts with hits like “See You Again,” “Attention” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore” and recently performed the national anthem at the 2026 Super Bowl, drawing inspiration from Whitney Houston's iconic rendition. Puth sits down with Willie Geist at a New York City jazz club to discuss his fourth studio album, “Whatever’s Clever,” an orchestral pop record influenced by late 1980s and early 1990s yacht rock, while reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped his rise from accidental pop star to global headliner. Plus, he opens up about a recent conversation with former President Barack Obama about the importance of music education, how Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” lyric pushed him to be more vulnerable and how marriage and impending fatherhood have reshaped his songwriting.

Over the last 20 years, Nick Jonas has grown up in front of the world, selling millions of records, headlining stadium tours with the Jonas Brothers and building a career that spans music, Broadway and film. Jonas sits down with Willie Geist at New York City’s Tavern on the Green, a special place for him, his wife Priyanka Chopra Jonas and their daughter, to discuss his new solo album, “Sunday Best,” including the early days in church that shaped its soulful sound and how becoming a father has changed his songwriting. Plus, he looks back on being dropped by a record label, stepping away from the Jonas Brothers to find his own identity and why coming back to the band feels different this time around.

Lena Waithe is an Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actress whose podcast "Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe" is nominated for Outstanding Podcast in Arts, Sports and Entertainment at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. In this conversation from December 2019, Waithe sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on her rise in the industry, the mentors who helped shape her path, and how her first Emmy Award changed her life.

Angela Bassett is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress who is nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. In this conversation from March 2025, Bassett sits down with Willie Geist to discuss playing the president of the United States opposite Robert De Niro in Netflix’s "Zero Day," her decades-long career, and what it means to portray leadership on screen. Plus, she reflects on honoring the legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman and her time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Colman Domingo is one of the most celebrated performers of his generation who is nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. In this conversation from January 2024, Domingo sits down with Willie Geist to discuss his acclaimed performance in "Rustin," his rise to the Hollywood spotlight, and the personal losses that shaped his journey. Plus, he reflects on gratitude, community, and why success feels especially meaningful at this stage of his career.

Viola Davis is an Oscar-winning actress who is nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television Series, Special, or Movie at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. In this conversation from May 2019, Davis opens up to Willie Geist about growing up in poverty, finding her way out through acting and her work on the documentary "A Touch of Sugar."

Glen Powell has quickly emerged as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand leading men, building momentum through roles in films like "Top Gun: Maverick," "Anyone but You," "Hit Man" and the recently released "How to Make a Killing." In this conversation from May 2024, Powell sits down with Willie Geist to discuss his creative partnership with Sydney Sweeney, the advice that helped shape his career from actors like Tom Cruise and Denzel Washington, and the moment he realized acting was his path. Plus, he reflects on collaboration, momentum, and what comes next as his career continues to accelerate.

Margot Robbie is an Academy Award-nominated actress whose career has included standout performances in "The Wolf of Wall Street," "Suicide Squad," "I, Tonya," and more recently "Barbie" and "Wuthering Heights." In this conversation from January 2019, Robbie sits down with Willie Geist to discuss taking on the role of Queen Elizabeth I in "Mary Queen of Scots" and why she initially hesitated before saying yes to the role. Plus, she reflects on producing her own work and uniting women in Hollywood.

John Cena is a WWE legend whose career has expanded far beyond the wrestling ring into acting, writing, and philanthropy. In this conversation from October 2019, the WWE champion joins Willie Geist to discuss his evolution from wrestling star to Hollywood actor and his children’s book "Elbow Grease vs. Motozilla." Plus, he reflects on perseverance, giving back, and why his motto of never giving up still defines everything he does.

NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominant players in the history of basketball, who redefined the center position and has built an empire far beyond the basketball court. In this conversation from April 2019, O’Neal sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on his legendary NBA run, his evolution into a prolific businessman, and his role as an analyst on "Inside the NBA."

Steph Curry is one of the greatest shooters and most influential players in the history of the NBA. In this conversation from July 2023, Curry joins Willie Geist to discuss his journey to four NBA championships, his documentary "Underrated," and how he approaches aging, recovery, and life beyond basketball. Plus, he shares his love of golf, reflects on redefining greatness, and looks ahead to what’s next.

Professional golfer Jordan Spieth rose from teenage prodigy to major champion at a pace rarely seen in the sport of golf. In this conversation from July 2018, Spieth sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on how competing in and winning golf’s major championships reshaped his life and career. Plus, he opens up about chasing perfection, handling comparisons to legends, and staying grounded amid early success.

Luke Combs has had one of the fastest rises in modern music, landing more than a dozen No. 1 country hits and going from bar gigs to sold-out stadiums in just a few years. Combs sits down live with Willie Geist at City Winery Nashville to talk about songwriting, becoming a father, and how he has handled sudden fame without losing himself. Plus, he reflects on covering “Fast Car,” choosing instinct over the chase for hits, and why enjoying the process matters at every stage of his career. (Venue Sponsored by City Winery.)

Ina Garten is a Food Network legend known for bringing warmth, simplicity, and confidence to home entertaining. In this conversation from May 2025, Garten and Willie Geist continue their discussion from the second Sunday Sitdown Live at City Winery, where she demonstrates how to build the perfect dessert tray and reveals her dream dinner guests. Plus, she explains why hosting has remained one of the most meaningful parts of her life and career. (Venue sponsored by City Winery.)

Nate Bargatze has become one of the most successful stand up comedians of his generation, going from performing for a single audience member to selling out arenas nationwide. In this conversation from January 2025, Nate Bargatze sits down with Willie Geist during the first ever Sunday Sitdown Live to discuss his rise in comedy, the expansion of the Nateland brand, and what has fueled his steady climb. Plus, he answers audience questions and reflects on how relatability has remained central to his success. (Venue sponsored by City Winery.)

Jim Gaffigan is a stand-up comedian, bestselling author, and actor whose eleven comedy specials and widely shared bits have made him one of the most recognizable voices in comedy. In this conversation from November 2025, Jim Gaffigan sits down with Willie Geist at the third-ever Sunday Sitdown Live to reflect on his path from a small town in Indiana to selling out arenas and starring in film and television. Plus, he opens up about how David Letterman helped jumpstart his career, the origin of Fathertime Bourbon, and how the creative process continues to motivate him. (Venue sponsored by City Winery.)

Ina Garten is a New York Times bestselling author and beloved Food Network star whose Barefoot Contessa brand has transformed how people cook and entertain at home. In this conversation from May 2025, Ina Garten sits down with Willie Geist at City Winery in New York City during the second Sunday Sitdown Live to discuss her memoir "Be Ready When the Luck Happens," launching her business, and the enduring support of her husband Jeffrey. Plus, she shares lessons learned from taking risks and building a career on her own terms. (Venue sponsored by City Winery.)

Catherine O’Hara was a beloved, award-winning actress whose career spanned more than five decades, with unforgettable performances in films like Best in Show, Home Alone, and Beetlejuice, along with her standout role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, which earned her Emmy recognition and a lasting place in comedy history. In this conversation from February 2024, O’Hara sat down with Willie Geist to discuss her role in Argylle, reflect on the legacy of her most iconic characters, and share stories from her early days in comedy that shaped her remarkable journey.

Jason Momoa is an actor, producer, and director whose career spans blockbuster franchises like Aquaman and Game of Thrones, along with writing, directing, and producing his own projects. Momoa sits down with Willie Geist to discuss embracing comedy and action in The Wrecking Crew, telling Hawaiian stories through projects like Chief of War, and how creating his own work has shaped the direction of his career. Plus, he reflects on growing up between Hawaii and the Midwest, navigating fame, and why his efforts to reduce single-use plastic have become an important part of his life.

Grammy Award winning global music superstar Bad Bunny has become one of the most influential artists in the world, reshaping Latin music while breaking records on stages across the globe. In this conversation from August 2025, Bad Bunny sits down with Willie Geist to discuss bringing his historic concert residency to Puerto Rico, stepping into acting with projects like Caught Stealing and Happy Gilmore 2, and how his ambitions have evolved alongside his fame. Plus, he opens up about the origin of his stage name and why staying connected to home continues to ground everything he does.

Ken Jeong is an actor and comedian who has built an illustrious career spanning film, television, and stand-up, from The Hangover and Community to 14 seasons on The Masked Singer. Jeong sits down with Willie Geist to discuss his evolution from practicing physician to comedian, how finding success later in life has shaped his perspective, and why ensemble work has played such a central role in his career. Plus, he reflects on the support of his family, the importance of projects like KPop Demon Hunters and Crazy Rich Asians in his career and how he’s learned to take his work seriously without taking himself too seriously.

Mel Robbins is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and Golden Globe nominated podcast host behind The Let Them Theory and The Five Second Rule, two frameworks that have empowered people around the world. Robbins sits down with Willie Geist to break down why other people are the biggest source of stress, how letting go of control creates freedom, and why real change starts with your response, not your circumstances. Plus, she reflects on nearly losing everything, the snowy morning that changed her life forever, and how a single decision set her on an entirely new path.

Ina Garten is a New York Times bestselling author, beloved Food Network star, and cultural icon whose Barefoot Contessa brand has reshaped home cooking for millions. In this conversation from May 2025, Garten sits down with Willie Geist at City Winery in New York City during the second Sunday Sitdown Live to discuss her memoir Be Ready When the Luck Happens, starting her own business, and the steady support of her husband Jeffrey. (Venue sponsored by City Winery.)

Ina Garten is a New York Times bestselling author and Food Network legend known for elevating home entertaining with warmth and simplicity. In this conversation from May 2025, Garten and Willie Geist continue their conversation from the second Sunday Sitdown Live at City Winery, in which Garten demonstrates how to build the perfect dessert tray and reveals her dream dinner guests. (Venue sponsored by City Winery.)

Josh Brolin is an Academy Award-nominated actor whose 40-year career spans the cult classic The Goonies, acclaimed turns in No Country for Old Men and Milk, and Marvel’s billion-dollar Avengers franchise. Brolin joins Willie Geist at Hotel Chelsea to discuss his intense work in Weapons, Running Man, and the third Knives Out film, his resistance to believing his own hype, and how decades of struggle shaped his instincts. Plus, he opens up about the uncomfortable process of writing his memoir and the drive that pushes him to take on demanding roles.

Known for her roles in Marvel’s "The Avengers," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," and "Black Widow," Scarlett Johansson is a Tony-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress who has spent the last three years building her skincare line, The Outset. In this conversation from June 2023, Johansson joins Willie Geist at The Outset’s New York offices to discuss starring in Wes Anderson’s "Asteroid City," balancing blockbuster films and family life, and her husband Colin Jost’s unlikely eye cream obsession.

Chris Hemsworth is an acclaimed actor known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his standout performances in films like "Rush" and "Snow White and the Huntsman." In this conversation from November 2022, Hemsworth joins Willie Geist to discuss pushing himself to extremes in his National Geographic series "Limitless," his road from Australian soap operas to global stardom, and how his life changed after he discovered his genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, he reflects on raising his family in Australia and finding normalcy far from Hollywood.

Known for his record-breaking run as Deadpool in Marvel films, Ryan Reynolds is an award-winning actor and producer whose career spans hits like "Deadpool & Wolverine," "Free Guy," and "The Proposal." In this conversation from September 2024, Reynolds joins Willie Geist to discuss the massive global success of the "Deadpool" franchise, his wide-ranging career, and how he balances work with life as a father of four. Plus, he opens up about his late father’s long battle with Parkinson’s disease and the impact it had on his family.

Known for his role as Sam Wilson, the latest Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Anthony Mackie is an acclaimed actor whose career spans films like "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Million Dollar Baby" and "The Hurt Locker." In this sitdown from August 2025, Mackie joins Willie Geist to discuss starring in the second season of the series "Twisted Metal," his rise from theater kid to Marvel superhero, and the moment the MCU came calling. Plus, he reflects on picking up the Captain America shield and the unexpected perks that come with playing a superhero.

Angela Bassett is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress known for her role as Queen Ramonda in Marvel’s "Black Panther" films. In this conversation from March 2025, Bassett joins Willie Geist to discuss playing the president of the United States opposite Robert De Niro in Netflix’s “Zero Day,” her decades-long career, and the impact of portraying powerful women on screen. Plus, she reflects on her time starring alongside the late Chadwick Boseman in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Jamie Lee Curtis is an Academy Award and Emmy winning actress, author, and producer best known for Everything Everywhere All at Once, the Halloween franchise and her acclaimed guest role in The Bear. Curtis sits down with Willie Geist to discuss her late career hot streak, embracing aging and authenticity, and her role as Aunt Helen in James L. Brooks’s new film Ella McCay. Plus, she reflects on the woman who first saw her potential, the hustle behind building her Comet Pictures production company, and why she believes the most important moments in life hinge on a few unexpected seconds.

Academy Award nominee Paul Mescal joins Willie Geist to discuss playing young William Shakespeare in his 2025 film Hamnet as well as his role in Gladiator II alongside Denzel Washington and director Ridley Scott. Plus, the Normal People and Aftersun star opens up about preparing to portray Paul McCartney in an upcoming Beatles biopic, how he builds complex characters, and his journey from school musicals to Hollywood.

Jim Gaffigan is a stand-up comedian, bestselling author, writer and acclaimed actor whose 11 specials and countless viral bits have made him one of the most beloved voices in comedy. Jim sits down with Willie Geist in front of a live audience to look back on his unlikely journey from a small town in Indiana to selling out arenas and starring in films and television. Plus, he opens up about the moment David Letterman helped launch his career, the inception story of his Fathertime Bourbon, and why the creative process still drives him after more than two decades on stage.

Sebastian Maniscalco is a stand-up comedian and actor whose family-driven humor and razor-sharp delivery have made him one of the most recognizable voices in comedy. In this sitdown from December 2022, Sebastian talks with Willie Geist about the real-life moments that inspire his act, his stand-up special “Is It Me?” and the surreal experience of watching Robert De Niro portray his father in “About My Father.” Plus, he reflects on his long climb from open mics to arena tours, the influences that shaped his point of view, and why family remains at the center of everything he does.

Kevin Hart is a comedian, actor, producer and bestselling author known for his blockbuster films, sold-out stand-up tours and relentless work ethic. In this conversation from May 2021, Kevin joins Willie Geist to talk about his dramatic role in the Netflix movie “Fatherhood” and why presenting a positive Black father on screen mattered to him. He also reflects on performing stand-up at home during the pandemic, his turn toward dramatic acting, and his recovery from the near-fatal car crash that almost left him paralyzed.

Nate Bargatze is a stand-up comedian known for his clean humor and relatable storytelling, a combination that helped him grow from performing at small club sets to becoming an arena headliner. In this sitdown from February 2025, Nate joins Willie Geist to talk about his rapid career climb, hosting “Saturday Night Live” twice in one year, and what’s next for his expanding “Nateland” universe. Plus, he reveals his thoughts about his high school naming their gym after him.

Tiffany Haddish is an actress, comedian and author whose breakout performance in the hit film “Girls Trip” launched her into Hollywood’s A-list. In this conversation from August 2019, Tiffany talks with Willie Geist about her journey from experiencing homelessness to starring in major movies like “The Kitchen,” landing high-profile TV roles and headlining her own stand-up specials. She also reflects on becoming the first Black female stand-up comic to host “Saturday Night Live” and how that milestone changed the course of her career.

Trevor Noah is a comedian and host who stepped into one of television’s most iconic seats in 2015 and quickly made “The Daily Show” his own. In this sitdown from June 2021, Trevor joins Willie Geist in a park across from his studio to revisit the year he spent hosting from his apartment and how he navigated a news cycle dominated by the pandemic and nationwide protests. He opens up about finding humor in the midst of trauma, the global lens he brings to American politics, and why he decided to return to the road on a stand-up tour.

Leanne Morgan is a comedian and actress who rose to prominence after a viral video catapulted her to fame following decades of hustling in the stand up world. Leanne sits down with Willie Geist to look back on the 25-year climb that took her from telling jokes in living rooms while selling jewelry to becoming one of the most beloved voices in comedy. Plus, she reflects on the Def Leppard and Journey moment that sparked her breakthrough, the excitement and nerves of filming her hit Netflix sitcom with Chuck Lorre, and the real life moments that shape her act, from motherhood to the unforgettable stories she shares about her husband Chuck Morgan.

Bowen Yang is a comedian, writer, and “Saturday Night Live” cast member who stars as Pfannee in the movie musical “Wicked” and its upcoming sequel “Wicked: For Good.” In this conversation from April 2025, Yang sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on his extraordinary rise to fame, growing up as the son of Chinese immigrants, and the experience of coming out to his parents. He also talks about how a childhood trip to New York that included visiting Broadway, taking the NBC Studio Tour, and sitting in Studio 8H felt like an early glimpse of his future.

Jeff Goldblum is an actor and musician who stars as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the movie musical “Wicked” and its upcoming sequel “Wicked: For Good.” In this conversation from July 2022, Goldblum sits down with Willie Geist to talk about returning as Dr. Ian Malcolm in “Jurassic World: Dominion,” reuniting with Laura Dern and Sam Neill nearly three decades after the original “Jurassic Park,” and leading his own jazz ensemble when he’s not on set. Looking back, he reflects on the creativity, gratitude, and spontaneity that continue to define both his work and his life.

Idina Menzel is a Tony Award-winning performer who originated the role of Elphaba in Broadway’s “Wicked” and later became a global sensation as the voice of Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen.” In this conversation from December 2022, Menzel sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on her journey from performing at weddings on Long Island to headlining some of the world’s biggest stages. She also opens up about her experience with IVF later in life, which is featured in the Disney+ documentary “Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?” and the resilience that continues to guide her through every chapter.

Michelle Yeoh is an Oscar, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award-winning actress who stars as Madame Morrible in the movie musical “Wicked” and its upcoming sequel “Wicked: For Good.” In this conversation from March 2023, Yeoh sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on her sweeping awards-season success for “Everything Everywhere All At Once” and what it meant to finally have her big Hollywood moment. She looks back on her groundbreaking career, from “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” to “Memoirs of a Geisha” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” and shares the gratitude and perspective that guide her today.

Cynthia Erivo is a Grammy, Tony, and Emmy-winning performer who stars as Elphaba in the movie musical “Wicked” and its upcoming sequel “Wicked: For Good.” In this sit-down from November 2024, Erivo talks with Willie Geist about stepping into the beloved role, the unforgettable moment of seeing her first “Wicked” billboards light up Times Square, and what it was like working alongside Ariana Grande as the pair built a meaningful friendship beyond the set.

From a Long Island teen interviewing his comedy heroes on a high school radio station to the producer, director, and writer behind The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Anchorman, Trainwreck, and more, Judd Apatow is a modern-day comedy icon. He sits down with Willie Geist at New York’s Gotham Comedy Club to trace his rise to fame, from the tough early years and the mentorship of Garry Shandling to how the cancellation of Freaks and Geeks ultimately helped launch a generation of stars. Apatow also talks about his new scrapbook-style book Comedy Nerd, his love of stand-up, and his deep dive into documentaries, including new films on Mel Brooks and Norm Macdonald. Along the way, he reflects on how setbacks shaped his success, and the persistence that’s kept him creating for more than two decades.

For more than 30 years, Jim Gaffigan has been making audiences laugh with his signature blend of honesty, self-deprecation, and heart, cementing his place among the most beloved voices in comedy. In this conversation from February 2021, he joins Willie Geist to reflect on three decades in stand-up, the comedy of family life, and the unexpected quarantine hobby that kept him grounded: cross-country skiing. Want to be in the room when Jim and Willie catch up next? Sunday Sitdown Live returns to New York’s City Winery on November 10, and you can get tickets now at TODAY.com/FanFest.

Two decades after his breakout album It’s Time, five-time Grammy Award winner Michael Bublé sits down with Willie Geist at New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club to reflect on his journey from Canadian fishing boats to global fame. Bublé opens up about the grandfather who introduced him to Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, the early gigs that shaped his craft, and the moment that changed everything in his career. He also talks about his love for Christmas music, the perspective he gained after his son’s illness, and his return as a coach on NBC’s The Voice, where he’s chasing his third straight win.

Michael J. Fox is an award-winning actor, author, and philanthropist whose talent, humor, and heart have inspired generations. Four decades after Back to the Future made him a global star, Michael J. Fox sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on the film that defined a generation and the resilience that’s defined his life since. He opens up about the whirlwind of becoming Marty McFly at 23, the joy of rediscovering the movie as a fan, and the impact of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has raised more than $2.5 billion for Parkinson’s research. Plus, through decades of challenges and triumphs, Fox shares why he still believes “everything is possible.”

Over the past three decades, Matthew McConaughey has starred in more than 50 films, won an Academy Award for Dallas Buyers Club, delivered an Emmy-nominated performance in True Detective and topped bestseller lists with his memoir, Greenlights, but he’s still chasing something more meaningful. In his latest project, The Lost Bus, he tells the gripping true story of a school bus driver who risked everything to save 23 children during the 2018 Camp Fire, California’s deadliest wildfire. McConaughey sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on acting alongside his teenage son Levi and his 93-year-old mother in the film and how the project deepened his perspective on fatherhood, legacy, and what really matters. He also discusses his new book Poems & Prayers, the power of belief in a cynical world, and why risk-taking has defined his career.

Known for his early roles in Disco Pigs and Peaky Blinders, Cillian Murphy’s career reached new heights with his Oscar-winning performance in Oppenheimer, a script he calls one of the greatest things he’s ever read. Murphy sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on the cultural phenomenon of Oppenheimer, including his surprise that its complex structure and themes connected with such a massive audience and how Christopher Nolan’s bold decision to write the script in the first person shaped his performance. He also opens up about his latest project, Steve, a heartfelt story of a teacher fighting to hold his school together while grappling with his own struggles mirrored by the challenges of one of his students, as well as what fans can expect from the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie.

Leslie Odom, Jr., who was Willie Geist’s very first Sunday Sitdown guest nearly a decade ago, is returning to Broadway to reprise his Tony and Grammy Award-winning role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton. In this conversation, Odom reflects on why stepping back into the role ten years later feels like a homecoming and how the standing ovations take him back to his 17-year-old self who dreamt of being part of Broadway. He also opens up about life beyond the stage as an author, singer and father, sharing how joy, healing, and intention continue to guide his latest chapter.

Cynthia Erivo is a Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning powerhouse who first stunned Broadway audiences in "The Color Purple" and recently took on one of musical theater’s most iconic roles: Elphaba in "Wicked." In this chat from October 2024, Erivo joins Willie Geist to talk about stepping into the emerald spotlight opposite of her friend Ariana Grande and the thrill of seeing Wicked billboards light up Times Square ahead of the highly anticipated film adaptation.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a Tony, Emmy, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist who revolutionized Broadway with his groundbreaking musical "Hamilton." In this throwback conversation from November 2021, Miranda sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on the inception of Hamilton, the influence "Rent" had on his life, and how he paid tribute to Jonathan Larson in his directorial debut of "Tick, Tick… Boom!" starring Andrew Garfield. He also shares why he continues to push boundaries by blending theater, film, and music to create transformative stories.

Nicole Scherzinger is a Tony Award–winning actress and Grammy-nominated singer who made her Broadway debut in "Sunset Boulevard," which earned her the 2025 Tony for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. In this Sunday Sitdown from July 2025, Scherzinger joins Willie Geist over pizza to reflect on her run as Norma Desmond, her chart-topping career with The Pussycat Dolls and her new Netflix show "Building the Band." She also opens up about her friendship with Liam Payne and working with him on his last major TV appearance before his passing.

Nathan Lane is a three-time Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor beloved for his roles on stage and screen, from "The Producers" and "The Birdcage" to voicing Timon in Disney’s "The Lion King." In this conversation from March 2023, Lane opens up to Willie Geist about his return to Broadway in "Pictures from Home," his journey from theater to Hollywood, and the performances that have defined his decades-long career.

From fleeing Cuba as a young girl to becoming the Queen of Latin Pop, Gloria Estefan’s journey to prominence has been defined by resilience. In this sitdown from May 2025, Estefan reflects on her family’s story, her lifelong love with Emilio Estefan, and the global success of hits like “Conga.” She also opens up about returning to the stage after her 1990 bus accident, releasing her first Spanish-language album in 18 years, Raíces, and her new musical, Basura.

From her breakout role on Desperate Housewives to thriving today as an actor, director, producer, and entrepreneur, Eva Longoria has one of the most multifaceted careers in Hollywood. In this conversation from March 2025, Longoria opens up to Willie Geist about how her childhood in Texas shaped her journey, her perspective on fame, family, and longevity in Hollywood at 50, and her starring role in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip. She also talks about her work behind the camera and building her tequila brand, Casa Del Sol.

With her Emmy-winning role in "Abbott Elementary," Sheryl Lee Ralph has become a powerful voice for educators while cementing her place as one of Hollywood’s most enduring talents. In this conversation from February 2024, Ralph sits down with Willie Geist to celebrate her career renaissance after decades in the business and shares how Robert De Niro gave her advice that kept her moving in her career.