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Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

Higher Ground
Hollywood
Donald Trump
Comedy
Film Industry
Family Dynamics
Mental Health
Oppenheimer
Acting
Grief
Motherhood
David Remnick
Joe Biden
Artificial Intelligence
Sentimental Value
Democratic Party
Academy Awards
Rose Byrne
Creativity
Journalism
Masculinity

Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso is a weekly series of intimate conversations with artists, authors, and politicians. Where people sound like people. Hosted by Sam Fragoso. New episodes every Sunday.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes556Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureFilm InterviewsTV & Film

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Artwork for Talk Easy

Latest Episodes

What if it’s true that good things come to those who wait?

For Greta Lee, the success of Past Lives came after twenty years of working and finding her way as an actor. Fittingly, her latest turn is in a film called Late Fame.

We discuss the new pro... more

Nine years ago, cook and writer Samin Nosrat created a kitchen staple with Salt Fat Acid Heat: a New York Times bestseller that later became a hit Netflix series. Last fall, Nosrat returned with Good Things, a collection of personal recipes straight ... more

Two years ago Mary Beth Barone considered quitting stand-up comedy. Thankfully (for us) these were always “empty threats.” The kinds you make when you’re working and waiting for your break, or, in her case, a Netflix special.

She joins us this week... more

Timothy Olyphant has made a career out of masking the effort behind his effortless performances.

He joins us on the heels of his recent turns in Lucky and The Five-Star Weekend. We talk about performing opposite Anya Taylor-Joy (3:53), his upbringin... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Mary Beth Barone
Comedian, actor and writer featured in Galaxy Brain and Ride
Netflix (Galaxy Brain) and Ride podcast
Episode: Comedian Mary Beth Barone’s Brilliant ‘Galaxy Brain’
Timothy Olyphant
Actor known for Justified, Deadwood, The Mandalorian
Actor / Entertainment
Episode: Actor Timothy Olyphant (‘Justified’) is Riding High
Maggie Haberman
White House correspondent for The New York Times, author
The New York Times
Episode: The Gilded Presidency of Donald Trump with NYT Reporter Maggie Haberman (‘Regime Change’)
Danny McBride
Actor, writer, producer, and author
Episode: Danny McBride’s Delusions of Grandeur
Nithya Raman
Los Angeles City Council member and mayoral candidate
Los Angeles City Council
Episode: A New Generation Has Arrived in LA Politics. Is Nithya Raman Ready to Lead It?
Alanis Morissette
Seven-time Grammy Award-winning artist, musician and activist
Musician and Activist
Episode: The Jagged Little Pieces of Singer-Songwriter Alanis Morissette
Nathan Lane
Tony-winning actor, performer in Death of a Salesman
Tony Award recipient
Episode: Sam Interviews Nathan Lane on ‘Fresh Air’
Christopher Abbott
Actor known for Death of a Salesman on Broadway, TV and film roles
Actor
Episode: Tony Nominee Christopher Abbott (‘Death of a Salesman’) Takes Center Stage
Josh Johnson
Comedian and correspondent/rotating host on The Daily Show
The Daily Show
Episode: Is Josh Johnson (‘The Daily Show’) the 21st Century Comedian?

Host

Sam Fragoso
Host of Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 4k ratings
  • I look forward to this podcast every Sunday

    Sam’s so talented — thoughtful, well researched, a work of love every time.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LdfMtTam
    United States7 days ago
  • Brilliant as always

    What it is about your interviews; You Sam are disarming, none threatening, and in that people trust and can open up thus giving us listeners a chance for truth.

    Another great interview

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    cloudman1
    United States14 days ago
  • Maggie Haberman

    Thank u for this awesome interview! U really managed to disarm Maggie. Enjoyed observing this vulnerable side of her. It really was illuminating. Ur guests clearly feel safe. As a result they let down their guard.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    k!k!m@su
    United States15 days ago
  • Timothy O

    Best interview!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    racingintothefuture
    United States20 days ago
  • Samwise

    Sam is an old soul & perfect in this role. The music, the easy talk, the intelligence. All wonderful.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Betsirena
    United States21 days ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The host's preparation and curiosity create meaningful conversations and learning.
Long-form format yields fresh insights even with well-known guests.
Some critics note occasional promotional sponsor reads or guest diversity concerns.
Engaging, thoughtful interviews with politicians, scientists, and entertainers.
Listeners praise the thoughtful, respectful tone and depth of questioning.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Comedian Mary Beth Barone’s Brilliant ‘Galaxy Brain’
Q: How did Galaxy Brain come to be, and what was the inspiration behind it?
Mary Beth explains that a family story about her grandmother hallucinating that she was on stage telling dirty jokes shaped her sense of purpose. This personal legend became the lens for Galaxy Brain, guiding her to frame topics with a modern, philosophical perspective while keeping humor at the core.
Danny McBride’s Delusions of Grandeur
Q: Why did you decide TV was the right path over continuing to pursue films?
Because TV offered more space to tell complex stories with depth, and it avoided being forced into a 90-minute structure; it allowed for unexpected turns and a broader audience engagement over time.
The Gilded Presidency of Donald Trump with NYT Reporter Maggie Haberman (‘Regime Change’)
Q: Why did you choose to focus on what was being said in conversations rather than why those words were chosen?
The authors aimed to ground the book in verifiable scenes and verbatim exchanges to illuminate government decision-making, avoiding speculative psychoanalysis and letting readers form interpretations from documented moments.
The Gilded Presidency of Donald Trump with NYT Reporter Maggie Haberman (‘Regime Change’)
Q: You've been described as an access journalist or a Trump whisperer. Do you think that's a fair label?
Haberman rejects the label, arguing that while access to sources is a feature of reporting, it doesn't define or constrain independent analysis; she emphasizes verification and presenting scenes rather than punditry.
Actor Timothy Olyphant (‘Justified’) is Riding High
Q: What was it like on the set of Justified, especially with creative tensions and milestones?
He discusses Milch's leadership, the fast-paced, improvisational nature of the set, and the balance between preparation and flexibility. He also notes how the dynamic with Walton Goggins and on-location challenges shaped his approach to acting and the show's energy.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Talk Easy

What is Talk Easy about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Long-form conversations with notable figures from culture, politics, technology, and media are guided by meticulous prep and empathetic questioning. Episodes center on personal journeys, craft, and worldview, often touching on creativity, leadership, social issues, and the evolving media landscape. The host encourages vulnerability and humility, creating intimate dialogues that blend career milestones with broader societal themes. Notable strengths include extensive research, thoughtful follow-up, and a calm, human tone that makes complex topics accessible. This mix makes it appealing to listeners who value depth, nuance, and learning from diverse perspectives, whether they're chasing insights from celebrities, policymakers, or industry lea... more

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How many subscribers and views does Talk Easy have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Talk Easy?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Talk Easy:

1. Fresh Air
2. The Interview
3. The New Yorker Radio Hour
4. Wild Card with Rachel Martin
5. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

How many episodes of Talk Easy are there?

Talk Easy launched 10 years ago and published 556 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Talk Easy?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Talk Easy?

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What guests have appeared on Talk Easy?

Recent guests on Talk Easy include:

1. Mary Beth Barone
2. Timothy Olyphant
3. Maggie Haberman
4. Danny McBride
5. Nithya Raman
6. Alanis Morissette
7. Nathan Lane
8. Christopher Abbott

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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