Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 9 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2025

Hey TODAY fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder an all-new original podcast series from NBC News Studios. Hosted by veteran journalist Andrew Goldman, Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder, is sure to hook listeners, in the vein of Serial and Making a Murderer. Unfolding over 12 richly told episodes, the podcast will explore, in intimate detail, the twists and turns of this fascinating and confounding case as it hits its milestone 50th anniversary.  The series is built upon a decade of original reporting, brand new investigative information, firsthand voices, and a half century of archival audio – as well as multiple interviews with Michael Skakel, who is speaking publicly for the first time ever. To start listening, search “Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder” and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, for new episodes every week.

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 2 November 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 26 October 2025

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.”

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2025

Hey Sunday Sitdown fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for The Last Appeal an all-new original podcast series from Dateline and Lester Holt. In this series, Lester Holt takes listeners inside the urgent case of Robert Roberson, a Texas father set to be executed on October 16th for the 2002 death of his 2-year-old daughter. Lester is on the ground in Texas, where he examines the evidence against Roberson and talks to the people closest to the case, including the lead detective, who now believes he helped put an innocent man behind bars. Lester’s exclusive interviews reveal critical information the jury never heard. This series will confront listeners with questions about justice and truth, and perhaps the most haunting question of all: Is an innocent man about to be put to death? To start listening, just search “The Last Appeal”. And remember to follow for new episodes releasing each day this week. For ad-free listening, subscribe to Dateline Premium on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or DatelinePremium.com.

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 5 October 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 September 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 September 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 September 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 September 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 September 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 21 September 2025

Hey TODAY fans!  As a bonus, we’re giving you a special preview of Jenna Bush Hager’s podcast, ‘Open Book with Jenna.’ In the season’s debut episode, Jenna sits down with three-time Grammy-winning artist, and lead vocalist of the Zac Brown Band, Zac Brown. From his humble beginnings playing in coffee shops at age fourteen to his upcoming residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, Zac reflects on the milestones that shaped his path. He opens up about fatherhood, founding Camp Southern Ground, and the creative process behind his upcoming album Love and Fear, which features collaborations with icons like Snoop Dogg and Dolly Parton.  To listen to the full conversation, just search ‘Open Book with Jenna’ wherever you’re listening to follow now, or click here: https://www.today.com/open-book-with-jenna

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2025

As a bonus for Sunday Sitdown fans, we’re sharing the trailer for Deadly Engagement, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline and Josh Mankiewicz. It’s the story of Denita Smith, a promising young photographer with a bright future and engagement ring from a man she loved. But her future vanished in a puff of gun smoke when a mysterious assailant shot her dead outside her home. Dateline’s Josh Mankiewicz takes us to North Carolina for a twisted story that reveals a love triangle involving sex, lies and an audio tape that had everyone guessing who really killed Denita. If you like what you hear, just search Deadly Engagement to listen to the first two episodes 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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 September 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2025

Nominated for an Emmy for his starring role in "Shrinking," Jason Segel has proven his versatility across dramas and comedies over the last 20 years. In this sitdown from October 2024, Segel opens up to Willie Geist about working alongside Harrison Ford in “Shrinking,” his long run of comedies from "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" to "How I Met Your Mother," and the life-changing advice he received from Judd Apatow.

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2025

A four-time Emmy winner for his legendary role as Walter White in "Breaking Bad," Bryan Cranston’s made a massive mark on Hollywood. In this conversation from December 2020, Cranston talks to Willie Geist about starring in Showtime’s "Your Honor" and reuniting with Aaron Paul to launch Dos Hombres Mezcal. He also reflects on the enduring legacy of "Breaking Bad" and why he’s often drawn to morally complex characters.

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2025

As the Emmy-winning host of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver has redefined political comedy with his wit and satire. In this sitdown from February 2024, Oliver joins Willie Geist at a pub to watch his beloved Liverpool football club and preview the 2024 season of "Last Week Tonight." He also reflects on his bold decision to move to America for a dream job on "The Daily Show," a leap that set the stage for his late-night success.

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 September 2025

Alicia Keys is a musical powerhouse, known for her timeless voice, soulful ballads and fearless artistry. In this conversation from April 2024, she joins Willie ahead of the Broadway debut of Hell’s Kitchen, the coming-of-age musical inspired by her life. Alicia reflects on the decade of work it took to bring the show to the stage, the personal stories behind it, and the enduring legacy of her music.

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2025

Grammy Award-winning artist Bad Bunny sat down with Willie Geist to discuss his historic concert residency in Puerto Rico and his foray into acting with his latest movie "Caught Stealing".

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2025

Few artists have walked a path like Jelly Roll, who grew up surrounded by struggle and addiction before choosing redemption. In this sitdown from October 2024, Jelly Roll talks with Willie about his transformation from rapper to country star, the resilience that shaped his music, and the persistence that led him to selling out arenas across the country.

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2025

Olivia Rodrigo skyrocketed to global fame with her record-breaking debut Sour, reshaping pop music with her voice, lyrics, and honesty. In this conversation from September 2023, she and Willie talk about the release of her sophomore album Guts, the way she tells stories through her music, and why she refuses to reveal the true inspiration behind her hit single “Vampire.”

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2025

Machine Gun Kelly has built a career on defying expectations, first breaking out as a Cleveland rapper, then reinventing himself as a punk rock star. In this chat from October 2021, MGK opens up to Willie about his musical evolution, his high-profile relationship with Megan Fox, and how music has carried him through fame, anxiety, substance abuse, and loss.

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2025

Known as one of the most relatable voices in stand-up, Nate Bargatze has gone from performing for a single audience member to headlining arenas across the country. In February 2025, Nate joined Willie for the first-ever Sunday Sitdown Live, where they talked about his rise in comedy, future plans for the “Nateland” brand, and took questions from the crowd. (Original broadcast date February 2, 2025)

Transcribed - Published: 24 August 2025

Beloved for decades of iconic performances, Billy Crystal has left an indelible mark on comedy and film. In this chat from December 2024, Billy sits down with Willie at NYU Tisch’s Jack Crystal Theater, named for his late father, to reflect on his time studying under Martin Scorsese, the enduring legacy of When Harry Met Sally, and his acclaimed series, Before.

Transcribed - Published: 24 August 2025

Known for his quick wit, Vince Vaughn has been a fixture of Hollywood comedies for more than two decades, starring in hits like Swingers and Wedding Crashers. In this Sunday Sitdown from May 2025, Vince joins Willie Geist at Enoteca Maria on Staten Island — the Italian restaurant that inspired his new Netflix film Nonnas. They talk about his career of iconic roles and even meet Joe Scaravella, the man behind the true story.

Transcribed - Published: 24 August 2025

Maya Rudolph knew early on she was born to make people laugh, but her run on Saturday Night Live cemented her place as a comedy powerhouse. In this chat from September 2018, Willie sits down with Maya inside SNL’s iconic Studio 8H to talk about her favorite celebrity impressions, working alongside icons like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, and how the show became her comedy boot camp, paving the way for hit roles in Bridesmaids and her Amazon series Forever with Fred Armisen.

Transcribed - Published: 24 August 2025

One of comedy’s most influential voices, Tina Fey has left her mark on entertainment in countless ways. In this sitdown from January 2024, she and Willie discuss her experience writing, producing, and starring in the Mean Girls reboot, and look back on her days writing and performing on Saturday Night Live, the launchpad that made her a household name.

Transcribed - Published: 24 August 2025

Willie Geist gets together with comedy icon Will Ferrell to talk about Ferrell’s time on SNL, the famous movie lines that are always quoted back to him and his new movie, "You're Cordially Invited" where he stars alongside Reese Witherspoon. (Original broadcast date February 2025)

Transcribed - Published: 17 August 2025

Willie Geist sits down with the host of "The Late Show", Stephen Colbert, to chat about Stephen's rise to fame and the pivotal moment he knew he would be able to make a career out of comedy. He also shares some of his favorite recipes from his cookbook, “Does This Taste Funny?” (Original broadcast date October 13, 2024)

Transcribed - Published: 10 August 2025

Willie catches up with "Captain America" himself, Anthony Mackie for a discussion about growing up as a theater kid in New Orleans and his rise from "8 Mile" through the Marvel Universe, and the latest season of "Twisted Metal".

Transcribed - Published: 3 August 2025

Willie sits down with actress and singer Nicole Scherzinger, fresh off of her Tony win for Best Leading Actress in a Musical with her Broadway debut in "Sunset Boulevard". She also looks back at her time with The Pussycat Dolls and talks about her new Netflix show "Building the Band”.

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2025

Willie sits down with Emmy and Golden Globe winning actress, Angela Bassett. They discuss her role as President of the United States in the new Netflix series, "Zero Day", starring alongside Robert Dinero. They also reflect on her decades-long career playing iconic roles such as Tina Turner in "What's Love Got to Do with It", and the Queen of Wakanda in the “Marvel” cinematic universe. (Original broadcast date March 2, 2025)

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2025