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Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

Higher Ground
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominations
Film Industry
Oppenheimer
Barbie
Diversity In Film
Criticism
Poor Things
Cultural Representation
Killers Of the Flower Moon
Benny Safdie
Media Landscape
The Curse
Willem Dafoe
Maestro
The Wooster Group
Leonard Bernstein
Good Grief
Grief
Abbott Elementary

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes538Founded10 years ago
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Society & CultureFilm InterviewsTV & Film

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Artwork for Talk Easy

Latest Episodes

To mark the beginning of Talk Easy’s 10-year anniversary, Sam called up Terry Gross.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Then, we turn to their conversation from Philadelphia last fall. They discuss Terry’s half century hosting Fresh Air (8:00), early m... more

“I got calls from people inside of some of the AI labs,” says technology ethicist Tristan Harris. “And it felt like getting a call from Robert Oppenheimer before the atomic bomb.”

Harris (a former Google insider and AI expert) has spent more than a... more

A year after the attack on the Governor’s residence, Josh Shapiro says he and his family are “not afraid.” Their spirit, not broken but strengthened by the firebombing.

Watch this conversation on YouTube

We begin with the anniversary of the arson a... more

To celebrate Oscar Sunday, we return to our talk with writer-director Joachim Trier!

We begin with guiding words from writer Philip Roth (7:20), how Trier arrived at his intimate new film Sentimental Value (8:40), and why he was drawn to father-daug... more

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Recent Guests

Terry Gross
Host of Fresh Air, NPR/WHYY
Fresh Air, NPR, WHYY
Episode: Talk Easy Turns 10 (with Terry Gross)
Tristan Harris
Co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology
Center for Humane Technology
Episode: The AI Conversation We Need to Have (with Tristan Harris)
Josh Shapiro
Governor of Pennsylvania
Governor of Pennsylvania
Episode: Is Governor Josh Shapiro the Future of America?
Joachim Trier
Writer-Director of Sentimental Value
Episode: Oscar Sunday with Filmmaker Joachim Trier (‘Sentimental Value’)
Rose Byrne
Oscar-nominated actor discussed in depth about her career and the film If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
Actor
Episode: Play It Again: Actor Rose Byrne is a Woman on the Verge
Ryan Coogler
Oscar-nominated film director
Proximity Media
Episode: Ryan Coogler Made the Movie of the Year. Now He’s Making Oscars History.
Jacob Soboroff
Senior political and national reporter for MS Now and author of the book Firestorm
MS Now, Author
Episode: State of the Union with Journalist Jacob Soboroff
Anderson .Paak
Grammy Award-winning rapper, singer, songwriter, and director
Episode: The Makings of Musician Anderson .Paak
George Saunders
Acclaimed author and professor, known for his short stories and novels exploring human nature and societal issues.
Syracuse University
Episode: This Is America with George Saunders

Host

Sam Fragoso
Host of intimate interviews with artists, activists, and politicians.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 3.8k ratings
  • Not genuine anymore

    Every now and then an episode will remind me of when I really loved this show, but for the most part, it’s become a stop on a press tour for folks to promote something. I don’t always have an issue with that, but Sam likes to have on liberal politicians; not all of whom are created equal. The lack of acknowledgment of the genocide in Gaza from some of his guests is disappointing. This most recent episode being the best example. It feels like if you can pay enough money, you can have a nice softb... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    It5fun
    United States17 days ago
  • The best in the business of podcasting.

    From the moment you hear the first note of music to Sam’s voice you will be transported to an hour of calm & enlightenment. A great escape from the chaos that is our world & a sense that there is still goodness if we just take a moment & listen. Thank You Sam for your diligence to try to make one of the most informative podcasts out there.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sicilian ♥️
    United Statesa month ago
  • Soboroff/Immigration

    Thank u for this extraordinary interview. Ever since the tragedies in Minnesota I have had so many questions particularly about the recruitment & hiring of ICE agents. Thank u for shining a light on this & the mention of the brochures. This is the only podcast/media/news report really drilling down on the questions raised in this interview. I admire the prep Sam puts into each interview. Keep up the good work!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    k!k!m@su
    United Statesa month ago
  • Patti Smith

    Remarkable Talkstory with Patti Smith. I find peace in her voice and words. thankyou Sam and Patti for all The Work clare

    And George

    And Sam

    this discussion asks for very close attention.. thankyou.

    Your delicious friendship is the icing on so many difficult current truths.

    Let there be Light

    ClareL

    Thankyou again Sam

    and Jacob. Deep honest talk here.

    Stay safe in the field Jacob , your work must continue.

    Viva BadBunny-clare

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Clare RL
    United States2 months ago
  • George Saunders

    I don’t think I’ve ever heard an interviewer and interviewee so thoroughly enjoy a conversation together.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ConchisErin
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise the host's thorough preparation and thoughtful questioning, noting the conversations often reveal new insights about guests and their work.
Many reviews highlight the long-form, intimate feel and the depth of interviews, with guests often expressing appreciation for the respectful and curious approach.
Some listeners describe the show as deeply engaging and emotionally resonant, though a few critiques mention pacing or tonal shifts in certain episodes.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Talk Easy Turns 10 (with Terry Gross)
Q: What did you want to achieve with the format change when Fresh Air went national?
We aimed to make the show format-friendly for stations by breaking long conversations into segments so stations could cut away for IDs and weather, while preserving a variety of interviews, reviews, and pieces.
The AI Conversation We Need to Have (with Tristan Harris)
Q: What is AI in 2026 and what is AGI in 2026?
AI is about problem solving and pattern recognition, with large language models enabling a form of digital cognition, while AGI would be a general intelligence capable across domains; the distinction lies in scope and capability, with AGI representing a broader, more capable system.
Is Governor Josh Shapiro the Future of America?
Q: How did your stance on the death penalty evolve, and what influenced that change?
He explains that early in his career he supported the death penalty, but as he learned more about the justice system and heard his son question its logic, he changed his position and now supports a moratorium and policy reforms.
Oscar Sunday with Filmmaker Joachim Trier (‘Sentimental Value’)
Q: What was Renate's experience like making Sentimental Value, and how did she embody Nora?
Renate was chosen for her ability to carry Nora and convey despair and levity; she delivered a strong, nuanced performance that was deeply connected to the film's emotional core.
Oscar Sunday with Filmmaker Joachim Trier (‘Sentimental Value’)
Q: What do you think about the balance between work and life, especially as you've become a father?
He describes prioritizing life outside filmmaking, seeking moments of presence with family, and viewing work-life balance as a central, ongoing negotiation that informs his art.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Talk Easy

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

Long-form, deeply researched conversations with artists, writers, filmmakers, and thought leaders. Each episode centers on personal journeys, creative process, and the social or cultural impact of their work, often weaving in public discourse, industry dynamics, and broader societal themes. The format favors intimate, unhurried dialogue that reveals both the craft and humanity behind notable projects, from cinema and literature to journalism and music. A standout trait is the host's preparation and ability to connect diverse guests through thoughtful, respectful inquiry, yielding revelations that feel both specific to the guest and resonant for a wide audience. This makes for a compelling listen for anyone interested in creativity, culture,... more

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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 New Yorker Radio Hour
3. Critics at Large | The New Yorker
4. The Interview
5. Wild Card with Rachel Martin

How many episodes of Talk Easy are there?

Talk Easy launched 10 years ago and published 538 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. Terry Gross
2. Tristan Harris
3. Josh Shapiro
4. Joachim Trier
5. Rose Byrne
6. Ryan Coogler
7. Jacob Soboroff
8. Anderson .Paak

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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