Nicole Avant joins the show to talk about her book, "Think You'll Be Happy: Moving Through Grief with Grit, Grace, and Gratitude." The memoir grapples with the tragic murder of her mother, the civil activist and philanthropist Jacqueline Avant, who was fatally shot during an attempted robbery at her home in 2021. Rather than becoming lost in the darkness, Nicole writes candidly about how she turned her pain into purpose, and moved forward through love and incredible resilience.  

In this conversation, Avant explains how the initial idea behind the book transformed after the unimaginable loss of her mother, shares how she allowed faith to guide her during even the most trying times, and describes the healing power of saying, "I love you." 

Avant also explains how she supported her 91-year-old father (the late Hollywood dealmaker and music mogul Clarence Avant) through the tragedy, shares some of the countless life-lessons her parents bestowed on her throughout the years, and reflects on what it means to live a significant life.

Nicole Avant

Skip Intro with Krista Smith is an award-winning weekly show bringing you dynamic conversations with the exceptional people behind your favorite shows, films, specials, and documentaries on Netflix.

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Film Interviews

David Beckham joins the show to talk about BECKHAM, Fisher Stevens' four-part docuseries that traces his rise from humble beginnings to international soccer superstar. Through interviews with those closest to him, BECKHAM offers a personal and definitive story of one of the most recognizable and scrutinized athletes of all time. 
In this conversation, Beckham reflects on the world's reaction to the docuseries, walks us through a few of his favorite moments from filming, and speaks candidly about the difficulties of opening up on camera.  
He also digs the joys and challenges of parenthood, discusses his favorite ways to spend time in Miami (he co-owns Inter Miami CF) versus in the English countryside, and shares his aspirations for the future.
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David Beckham

This week, Krista takes a look back at her conversation with Keri Russell. A the time, Russell had wrapped up work on season 1 of The Diplomat. Russell's performance as the career diplomat Kate Wyler would go on to earn her numerous accolades, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe nomination.
In this episode, Russell explains why she immediately said yes to the part despite the logistical challenges it would require, digs into what she loves about Kate's incredibly nuanced character, and describes what it was like simultaneously working as an executive producer on the series.
She also shares her 11-year-old daughter's hot take on her beloved series Felicity, discusses her long-standing creative relationship with J.J. Abrams, and recounts a few memorable times when fans recognized her on the street.
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From The Archive: Keri Russell

Krista takes a deep dive into the career of filmmaker Zack Snyder and shares how that journey led to his latest undertaking, Rebel Moon - Part 2: The Scargiver. This second film in the Rebel Moon franchise continues to expand the sci-fi universe that was introduced to audiences with Rebel Moon - Part 1: A Child of Fire.
The pair talk about Snyder's life-long love of photography, examine the films that inspired him growing up, and discuss his experience attending ArtCenter College of Design, in Pasadena, California (where the idea behind Rebel Moon first started to form).
Snyder also digs into the unique logistical challenges that Rebel Moon - Part 1 and Rebel Moon - Part 2 presented, explains what it was like to direct Sofia Boutella through the films' epic action sequences, and shares what he loves about collaborating with his wife (and Rebel Moon's producer) Deborah Snyder. 
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Zack Snyder

Gillian Anderson returns to Skip Intro to talk about her new film, Scoop. Inspired by real events, Scoop is the inside account of the tenacious journalism that landed an earth shattering interview - Prince Andrew's BBC Newsnight appearance. Anderson portrays Emily Maitlis, the journalist who conducted that infamous interview.
Anderson speaks candidly about why she was hesitant to play Maitlis at first, shares what finally made her say yes to the challenge, explains what that transformation ultimately entailed, and breaks down what it was like to shoot the showdown between her character and Prince Andrew (Rufus Sewell). 
She also reflects on the conclusion of Sex Education, talks about finding fearlessness through creativity, and shares how her female fans inspire her to speak up for what she believes in. 
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Gillian Anderson

Dakota Fanning joins the show to talk about her role in the limited series, Ripley. Based on Patricia Highsmith’s bestselling novels, the series follows Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott), a grifter scraping by in early 1960s New York, who is hired by a wealthy man to travel to Italy to try to convince his vagabond son to return home. Tom's acceptance of the job is the first step into a complex life of deceit, fraud, and murder.
Fanning recounts the exciting moment when she was offered the role of Marge Sherwood, shares what she loved most about working with her co-stars Andrew Scott and Johnny Flynn, and explains how writer-director Steven Zaillian elevated the series through his scrupulous attention to detail. 
She also describes how she navigated the trappings of fame while growing up in Hollywood, expresses what it has meant to have her younger sister Elle by her side throughout their individual acting journeys, and shares details on her Italian themed "La Dakota Vita" 30th birthday party.
Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Nicole Avant

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