Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin

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MUSIC INTERVIEWS
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Award-winning actor Alec Baldwin takes listeners into the lives of artists, policy makers and performers. Alec sidesteps the predictable by going inside the dressing rooms, apartments, and offices of people we want to understand better: Ira Glass, Lena Dunham, David Letterman, Barbara Streisand, Tom Yorke, Chris Rock and others. Hear what happens when an inveterate guest becomes a host.

2 DAYS AGO

Comedy Legend Dan Aykroyd on the 50th Anniversary of “SNL”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live” – and while many of the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” have gone on to achieve remarkable careers, few have had as fascinating a journey as Dan Aykroyd’s. As the youngest member of the 1975 original cast, Aykroyd quickly became known for his iconic sketches, including parodies of Julia Child and Richard Nixon, the beloved “Two Wild and Crazy Guys,” and the absurd “Bass-o-Matic.” His sketch “The Blues Brothers” not only became a cultural touchstone, but evolved into successful feature films and a live musical act. Aykroyd’s talents also extend to behind the camera, as he wrote and starred in the comedy classics “Dragnet,” “Coneheads,” “Spies Like Us” and “Ghostbusters.” Aykroyd’s career has earned him numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award and Grammy and Academy Award nominations. He is also an entrepreneur and co-founder of the House of Blues music venues and Crystal Head Vodka. In this conversation, host Alec Baldwin speaks with Aykroyd about the early days of “SNL,” the evolution of his career into music and dramatic roles, and how his upbringing helped shape the creation of “Ghostbusters.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

44 min
NOV 5

Election Day with Molly Jong-Fast

After a whirlwind political season of campaign ads, fundraising texts, and seemingly-endless breaking news…Election Day has finally arrived! To mark the occasion, host Alec Baldwin speaks with Molly Jong-Fast, political analyst for MSNBC, special correspondent for “Vanity Fair,” and host of the podcast “Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast.” Daughter of celebrated writers Erica Jong and Jonathan Fast, Jong-Fast is also the author of the books “Normal Girl,” “Girl [Maladjusted]” and “The Social Climber’s Handbook.” As a member of the press – a profession often attacked by Donald Trump – Jong-Fast has been sounding the alarm about the 45th President’s escalating extremism and authoritarian bent. In this episode, Alec and Jong-Fast discuss Project 2025 and its troubling implications, the effect J.D. Vance has had on the Trump ticket, and her reasons for remaining optimistic about the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

40 min
OCT 22

Don Lemon Writes About God

One need not look very far to see that the television landscape has rapidly changed in the last few years, with an influx of new streaming platforms and shifting audience viewing patterns. Another notable upheaval: In 2023, Don Lemon, the Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Award-winning journalist and longtime host of “CNN Tonight with Don Lemon,” was let go from CNN after seventeen years with the network. Following his exit, Lemon took time for introspection, resulting in his new book, “I Once Was Lost: My Search for God in America.” The work is a deeply personal exploration of his spiritual journey and the role of religion in the country. It is Lemon’s third book, following “Transparent” and the #1 New York Times bestseller “This Is The Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism.” Earlier this year, the anchor launched his new endeavor, “The Don Lemon Show,” on YouTube and podcast platforms. Host Alec Baldwin speaks with Don Lemon about the shakeup at CNN, the role of his faith in trying times and the importance of the press and the First Amendment in a free society. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

47 min
OCT 15

We Remember Ken Page

Last month, the Great White Way lost one of its brightest stars: Ken Page. In tribute to the beloved actor, singer and Drama Desk Award Winner, “Here’s the Thing” is sharing Alec Baldwin’s 2021 conversation with the Broadway legend. Page was known for his standout roles in the 1976 all-Black revival of “Guys and Dolls” and the original casts of “The Wiz” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” However, one of Page’s most iconic performances was in the film “The Nightmare Before Christmas” as Oogie Boogie. This episode also features musical theater royalty Betty Buckley, who, like Page, grew up dreaming of performing on Broadway. Both starred in the original Broadway production of “Cats” – Page as Old Deuteronomy and Buckley in her Tony-Award winning role as Grizabella. Together, these two pioneers helped redefine and transform musical theater over the past several decades. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 hr
OCT 8

Matt Simon on the Plastics Crisis

It has been found at the top of Mount Everest, the bottom of the ocean, and even inside the human body: plastic, once revered as a modern miracle, is now a global threat. Minimally recycled, it never fully disappears; instead, it simply breaks down into tiny particles called microplastics, which contaminate the air we breathe and the water we drink. In “A Poison Like No Other: How Microplastics Corrupted Our Planet and Our Bodies,” science journalist Matt Simon exposes the far-reaching consequences of this omnipresent material on both our environment and our health. Simon, formerly a staff writer at “WIRED” and now a senior staff writer at Grist, a non-profit media organization focused on climate solutions, joins host Alec Baldwin to discuss the alarming impact of plastic pollution, ways to reduce personal exposure, and the urgent solution he believes is needed to tackle this environmental crisis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

41 min
SEP 24

Naomi Oreskes on the Truth About Climate Science

There exists a staggering amount of misinformation and disinformation surrounding climate change, clouding our understanding of its causes and potential solutions. Naomi Oreskes, renowned earth scientist, historian and public speaker, is able to shatter the misconceptions and uncover the fundamental truth of the matter. She is the Henry Charles Lea Professor of the History of Science and Affiliated Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University. She is also the co-author, with Erik M. Conway, of “Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming,” and most recently, “The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market.” Naomi Oreskes speaks with host Alec Baldwin about the fossil fuel industry’s propaganda campaign against climate action, the myths surrounding green jobs and the economy, and who bears the responsibility to fix this critical issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

45 min
SEP 10

Documentary Filmmaker John Scheinfeld: From John Lennon to John Coltrane

Documentary filmmaker John Scheinfeld is a writer, producer and director whose films cover everything from pop culture to politics and sports to religion. His projects dig deep on fascinating topics like Watergate and the Chicago Cubs – as well as an endless roster of talented people like Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, John Coltrane, Peter Sellers, Bette Midler and John Lennon. His most recent projects include the documentaries “What the Hell Happened to Blood, Sweat and Tears?,” about the classic rock band and their involvement with the U.S. State Department and “Reinventing Elvis: The ‘68 Comeback,” on the television special that revived the King’s career. The Emmy- and Grammy-nominee believes he is lucky enough to have the greatest job, going to “interesting places to talk to interesting people about interesting things.” Host Alec Baldwin speaks with Scheinfeld about how he chooses his projects, how he makes his subjects come alive on film and what it was like working with Yoko Ono. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

41 min
SEP 3

Elaine Stritch - Summer Staff Picks

It’s time for the final episode in our Summer Staff Picks series, highlighting our favorite conversations from the Here’s The Thing archives. This week, we revisit Alec Baldwin’s 2013 conversation with “The First Lady of Broadway,” Elaine Stritch. Alec sat down with the late stage and screen veteran who, among many famous roles, played his mother Colleen Donaghy on “30 Rock.” Stritch spoke to Alec about her transition from the Sacred Heart Convent and finishing school to finding herself in New York theater classes sitting between Walter Matthau and Marlon Brando. She performed for nearly 70 years – and of her extraordinary career, Stritch comments, "I was the funny, kind of offbeat girl. I was never the romantic lead.” This wide-ranging conversation with the witty and outspoken legend touches on everything from her time on the “30 Rock” set to Stritch’s famous cabaret act at the Carlyle Hotel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

45 min

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4.3

out of 5

7,889 Ratings

Baldwin At His Best

Nov 10

JNLCIA

A Million Man and A Million Woman and A Million Transgender and A Million Immigrants and A Million with at least two years of community college booing Trump at his “ Sworn In” and his parade. No need to hold signs or violence . Form peaceful groups and BOO him relentlessly. Pass the plan, Alex.
Great guest!

Nov 8

mayerfamily

I started listening to this podcast because I was interested in Jonathan Tetelman, and I thought the interview was unique and interesting. Alec was engaging, funny, and self-deprecating, which allowed this great opera singer to tell his story entertainingly. Since that day, I have been a fan! I wish Alec the best in his endeavours
You're saving us Alec!

Nov 7

SD2015123

You are candid, and what could be deemed as sorrowful, pre-election angst, resonated with so many people. And, of course, the unfortunate ultimately temporary disappointing outcome. But your honest worry and concern absolutely validates those of us who think the same way, so thank you.
Well, What Fresh New News is THIS?

Oct 5

Foxposte

I’ve recently and happily stumbled on this podcast! I’ve been a fan of Alex Baldwin from elsewhere, but this is yet a new facet of his talent: turns out he has a great voice, and agile mind, asking great questions, on salient issues. Thank GOD someone is focusing on critical issues other than politics. Climate change—AKA Climate CRISIS! We have SO far to go to address the problem and SO LITTLE time! For a long time, I’ve felt a bit like “chicken little” alone in my angst! I so welcome the company of Such great talent as Mr. Baldwin! THANK YOU! Trains! You mentioned trains—could we ever possibly transition more deliberately from reliance on the automobile to TRAINS? Yes, keep the cars for local use when needed, but load them onto trains, along with their passengers, to travel long distances. There’s a precedent for this: for half a century or more, wealthy New Yorkers have traveled by train to spend their winter vacations in Florida. Those who own cars have transported them by train! What a brilliant idea! Are you aware that automobile travel is extremely dangerous? Look at the statistics! The chance of dying in an automobile crash—the lifetime incidence is one in 104! Airlines have an incidence more like one in 4 million! Yet what do we fear? Flying! While it is the automobile most likely to kill us. Just goes to show, familiarity breeds complacency—as well as contempt! Don’t even get me started on the “motorcycle” which in the ER (I’m a retired doctor) we refer to as “donor-cycles.” State law should REQUIRE all motorists, whether by auto, motorcycle or bicycle, to be organ donors. (Bicycles are reasonably safe. It’s when they share space with automobiles that they become dangerous.) Did I mention I’m obsessed with safety? …Rachel Scott, septuagenarian author of “Muscle & Blood,” c 1974, Dutton, a muckraking book on the many causes of death in the workplace, fueled of course, by corporate greed.

Award-winning actor Alec Baldwin takes listeners into the lives of artists, policy makers and performers. Alec sidesteps the predictable by going inside the dressing rooms, apartments, and offices of people we want to understand better: Ira Glass, Lena Dunham, David Letterman, Barbara Streisand, Tom Yorke, Chris Rock and others. Hear what happens when an inveterate guest becomes a host.

Channel

iHeartPodcasts
Creator

iHeartPodcasts
Years Active

2011 - 2024
Episodes

506
Rating

Clean
Copyright

2024 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
Show Website

Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin
Provider

iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc