How To Be Amazing with Michael Ian Black

One of the greatest theater directors of all time, the gregarious and razor-sharp George C. Wolfe joins Michael in an in-depth and moving conversation about how his positive approach to life informs his work. For anyone who has struggled, been daunted by circumstances, or dared to dream big, Wolfe’s direction on saying yes in his own life will inspire and motivate.

The charming and hilarious illustrator, author, and designer Maira Kalman sits down for an inspiring conversation about how she follows her curiosity to create everything from books and *New Yorker *covers to illustrated blogs, purses, and set design.  Her unique perspective on creativity, daydreaming and trusting your instincts is refreshing for passionate creators of all types.

The opera superstar, and “People’s Diva,” discusses how her constant need to learn and challenge herself has taken her from the biggest opera houses in the world, to her current role singing in Carousel on Broadway, and to working behind the scenes to share her passion for the arts with new audiences by helping to create groundbreaking and exciting new work.

One of the best Alaskan alpinists of his generation and most prolific American climbing authors with over 28 books to his name, David Roberts discusses the lure of adventure, the incredible risks that come with alpine climbing (including death), and how being grounded by stage 4 cancer has led him to new discoveries.

In this heartbreaking yet hopeful episode, the author of the stunning new memoir Educated, opens up about growing up in a family of radical Mormon survivalists whose parents were opposed to traditional medical care and formal schooling.  She broke free by teaching herself enough to pass a high school equivalency test and going to college, eventually earning a PhD from Cambridge University.

The pundit, former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, and author of several books, including the new bestseller Trumpocracy, discusses how he came to be a prominent voice for the conservative movement after growing up the son of a famous Canadian liberal. And while he is still firmly a conservative Republican, he explains why Trump is so dangerous, how his views have evolved over time and acknowledges mistakes made.

In 2012, comedian Tig Notaro’s stand-up set, in which she boldly began with the line “Hello. Good evening. I have Cancer,” catapulted her into the national spotlight and led to numerous late show appearances, book and film deals. In this hilarious and candid interview, she explains why her belief in her own voice has never wavered, her unusual family, and how she tackled tough subjects such as sexual assault, loss, and love on her semi-autobiographical television show *One Mississippi. *

Widely recognized as one of the greatest mandolinists of all-time (which he amply demonstrated when he offered to play in studio), Chris Thile joins Michael for a fascinating conversation about how he blurs musical genres to create his unique style of music. The Live From Here host also shares stories from his early days as a child prodigy, growing up in a conservative family and the challenges and controversy surrounding his takeover of the iconic radio show, A Prairie Home Companion.

Sponsored by:

www.Audible.com/MICHAELIANBLACK

What is God? What is faith? In this thought-provoking episode, Michael and one of today’s most renown religious thinkers and authors tackle some of the big questions and make us look hard at our own beliefs. Reza Aslan is the author of several best-selling books on faith and religion including his most recent, God: A Human History, and is considered to be an author in possession of that rare gift of distilling complex material into a compulsively readable narrative.

Sponsored by:

www.hellofresh.com (use code: AMAZING30)

Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, the two founding members of the band The Lumineers, talk about their years hustling to make it as a band and what happened after their song, “Ho Hey,” blew up making them international stars. They also discuss how much crafting goes into every song they write (it’s a lot) and how they deal with life on extended tour.