Eve Lindley enjoys puzzles, so you can imagine her delight at finding out that she was recently a crossword puzzle clue. The breakout star of AMC’s “Dispatches From Elsewhere” sat down with me (outside, with physical distancing, and following strict safety protocols) to talk about why she loves auditioning, her belief that “it’s all in the text,” how picking the brain of Jason Segel (creator and star of “Dispatches”) helped her find her character, and much more! Plus we get deep about hopes and hurts as we gaze at the New York City skyline.

She’s barely in her 20’s,  yet Daisy Edgar-Jones has given us a 12-part acting technique masterclass in the form of her portrayal of Marianne in Hulu’s hit series “Normal People.”  Every state of emotion, every point of transformation is reached with striking authenticity stemming from this complex character. It’s a timeless performance for the ages. In this episode, she breaks down some of that work, talks about her love of acting with accents, the importance of creative chemistry, how she manages her acting insecurities, and much more.

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Few actors in recent memory have made a bigger impact with their very first performance in a television series. Paul Mescal’s assured and quietly masterful portrayal of Connell in “Normal People” feels like the work of a veteran. He talks extensively about the “chemistry reads” portion of his audition process, before and after connecting so brilliantly with his equally gifted co-star, Daisy Edgar-Jones. He also goes into detail about the struggle filming one of the most talked-about and emotionally affecting scenes in the series. Plus he tells us why the “light and fun side” of all the attention on his costume accessories “has definitely come and gone.” And much more!

Tom Pelphrey is getting accolades from both critics and viewers for his performance as Ben (brother of Laura Linney’s character Wendy) on the third season of Netflix’s hit series “Ozark.” In Pelphrey’s hands Ben’s vulnerability and explosiveness both seem to have deep-seated roots; there is a vast world behind his piercing eyes. On this episode he talks about how the atmosphere on the set of Ozark helped him bring that character to life, how his early success on daytime television prepped him for other aspects of the work, and why endless takes with David Fincher was heaven. Plus much more!

British actor James Norton gives an affecting and haunting performance in Agnieszka Holland’s important new film “Mr. Jones,” which opens June 19th. Last year he played James Brooke (Meg’s love interest) in Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women.” The discussion in this episode comes back often to those two directors, as Norton generously takes us on a deep dive into his stage and screen work, lets us peek under the hood of his process, and talks about why he’s not consumed by his expanding “leading man status.”

In these last 10 years, stage and screen veteran Peter Friedman has enjoyed a steady flow of work, more than the first 30 years of his career. Recently, he got raves for his Polonius in Sam Gold’s production of “Hamlet” at the Public Theater, had a recurring role on the Hulu series “The Path,” and now plays Frank Vernon on the hit HBO show “Succession.” On this episode, he talks about how being the “new kid in class” as a day-player on set makes him nervous, why it’s ok to dismiss work that doesn’t speak to you, how performing with The Muppets messed with his acting training, and much more!

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He was an acting legend before “Succession,” but Brian Cox’s brilliant portrayal of Logan Roy on the smash hit HBO series just might put him in the pantheon. He gets deep into the psychology of that iconic character on this episode, and takes us back to his early days of discovering Shakespeare, creating the role of Hannibal Lecter in “Manhunter,” learning the importance of cultivating mystery in a character, freeing himself in the work, and not taking his characters home with him. Plus much more!

You might know Hong Chau from “Watchmen,” or maybe “Downsizing,” where her astounding performance opposite Matt Damon was recognized with a Golden Globe nomination. I first took note of her in “Inherent Vice,” where she left an indelible impression as “Jade.” Now she stars in Andrew Ahn’s delicate and touching new film “Driveways,” which is currently in “virtual” theaters. I ask her about her very first play, Annie Baker’s masterpiece “John.” She gives fascinating examples of just how much her body wouldn’t let that performance go. She also talks about finding tiny clues in the minute details of a script or the director’s wardrobe selection for a character. And she leaves us with a wonderful tribute to  her “Driveways” co-star, the late Brian Dennehy, plus much more!

She had never even attempted acting before Eliza Hittman cast her in “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” but Sidney Flanigan’s quietly devastating performance feels like a revelation, something truly miraculous. On this episode she talks about bravely stepping into the role, giving herself over to instinct, and dipping into the well of her own emotional life to power Autumn’s journey. Hers is a heroic story of release and acceptance all actors can find inspiration in.

Talia Ryder gives a remarkable performance opposite Sidney Flanigan in her very first feature film, Eliza Hittman’s “Never Rarely Sometimes Always.” It’s the kind of subtle, assured, measured work you wouldn’t expect from a teenager. She talks about the benefits of getting vulnerable with Flanigan before shooting, and how being deliriously tired actually came in handy when shooting all night in Port Authority. Plus she explains what’s up with that suitcase, and much more! Later this year you can see her in Steven Spielberg’s highly anticipated remake of “West Side Story.”

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