Legndary actress Ellen Barkin tells Brian how she prepared to deal with the cruelty of show business, why she sabotaged part of her career, and what matters to her now.

Best selling journalist John Heilemann walks Brian through writing 'Game Change' and why he and his partner Mark Halperin have gone into business with Mike Bloomberg.

'Divergent' and 'Limitless' director, Neil Burger, talks about what it felt like to wait over 10 years to make his first feature film.

SiriusXM's Jenny Hutt (Brian's sister) talks about how she finally decided to live her dream of becoming a radio star after years of trying to live a quiet suburban life.

Matt Damon's character in 'Rounders' took his name from today's guest, great singer-songwriter Michael McDermott, who's had a long road back from darkness.

Allan Havey, who plays the hated Lou Avery on 'Mad Men,' on why he loves playing him, what being the hottest stand-up in NYC in the '80s felt like, and true joy.

Comedian Dan Soder tells Brian Koppelman about dinner with Amy Schumer, writing Bill Simmons a mailbag question, and how telling jokes saved him.

John Hamburg, writer/director of 'I Love You, Man,' talks about fitting in, being funny, and his rules for writing good scen

MacArthur "genius grant" recipient and award-winning author Colson Whitehead tells Brian why he put it all on the line in Las Vegas at the 2011 World Series of Poker.

Two-time NBA All-Star Baron Davis grew up in South L.A., went to school with Kate Hudson, played for Donald Sterling, and tells Brian all about it.

'Entourage' creator Doug Ellin and Brian Koppelman explore the value of lifelong friendships and why Long Island still matters to both of them.

Comedy legend David Steinberg tells Brian Koppelman about how his jokes got a network show canceled, what it's like to direct Larry David, and why comedy still matters.

Tim Herlihy - 'Billy Madison,' 'Happy Gilmore,' and 'SNL' writer - tells Brian how he went from being Adam Sandler's college roommate to his creative partner.

Former 'SNL' star Colin Quinn and Brian trade tragic Motley Crue stories, talk about the surrealism of early Adam Sandler, and why colin digs being the Yoda of comedians.

'College GameDay' host Chris Fowler joins Brian Koppelman to talk about loyalty, the awesome reality of living your dream, the value of hardwork, and the talent question.

Comedian Gary Gulman tells Brian Koppelman why obsession is the key to writing good jokes, and why being called a 'craftsman' feels like an insult.

'Law & Order' executive producer Warren Leight explains how to kick rejection in the teeth, why working fast is a gift, and how much grit it takes to get a play to Broadway.

Craig Finn and Tad Kubler of The Hold Steady talk to Brian Koppelman about the band's mission, its new album, and the long tradition of singers and guitarists feuding.

Chuck Klosterman and Brian Koppelman discuss how Chuck deals with the consequences of being 'The Ethicist', how he handles negative reaction to his work, and the nature of cool.

WTF host Marc Maron joins Brian Koppelman to talk about the joy of telling intentionally unfunny jokes, last chances, and why Marc still hasn't had coffee with Jon Stewart.

Brian Koppelman sits down with Mario Batali, who discusses his brain trauma, being brave enough to sing in front of Bono, and keeping a dinner party as tight as an NFL huddle.

Brian Koppelman and Seth Meyers discuss Seth's departure from 'SNL,' how he feels about his rep as the nicest guy in Hollywood, and the debut of 'Late Night With Seth Meyers.'