What I've Learned

Jon Bernthal is known for playing tough guys, but some of his biggest lessons came far away from a film set. In this episode of “What I’ve Learned,” the actor sits down with Esquire Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian to discuss fatherhood, masculinity, and the moment that changed the direction of his life. From working with Christopher Nolan on “The Odyssey” and reuniting with Tom Holland to reflecting on marriage, friendship, and showing up for the people you love, Bernthal shares why empathy and vulnerability are just as important as strength.
Get tickets to “Dog Day Afternoon” on Broadway here: https://dogdayafternoon.com/
Check out Jon Bernthal’s Esquire profile here: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a71271445/jon-bernthal-the-punisher-the-bear-odyssey/
#JonBernthal #DogDayAfternoon #TheBear #TheOdyssey #SpiderManBrandNewDay #WhatIveLearned #Esquire

David Spade built a career on saying what everyone else is thinking, but some of his biggest lessons came behind the scenes. In this episode of “What I’ve Learned,” the comedian, actor, and podcaster sits down with Esquire editor-in-chief Michael Sebastian to talk about his iconic ‘SNL’ years, memories of Chris Farley, and the moments that shaped him, from “buh-bye” becoming a cultural catchphrase to navigating his feud with Eddie Murphy and almost playing Joey on ‘Full House.’ Watch as he reflects on being tattooed by Sean Penn, trading notes with comics like Nate Bargatze, processing loss over the years, sharing how he’s handled fame, failure, and why you just have to keep going.

Watch 'Outcome' on AppleTV.

#DavidSpade #Outcome #Busboys #SaturdayNightLive #WhatIveLearned #Esquire

Aryna Sabalenka is one of the top tennis players in the world, but getting there wasn’t easy. In this episode of “What I’ve Learned,” she talks with Esquire Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian about losing control of her serve, what really happened after her match against Coco Gauff, and the lessons she learned from her father. From training with men to smashing rackets and balancing two completely different personalities on and off the court, Sabalenka shares how she learned to stay in the fight.

Read Aryna Sabalenka’s full Mavericks of Sports profile here: https://www.esquire.com/sports/a70884977/aryna-sabalenka-interview-2026/

#ArynaSabalenka #MavericksOfSports #WhatIveLearned #Esquire

Arsenio Hall changed late night forever, then made the decision to walk away on his own terms. In this episode of "What I’ve Learned," the comedian, actor, and talk show host sits down with Esquire Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian to reflect on fame, fatherhood, and the lessons behind his new memoir Arsenio, including why he turned down films like "Bad Boys" and chose to be present for his son. From saving "Coming to America" to his friendship with Pamela Anderson and behind-the-scenes stories about Tupac, Eddie Murphy, and Prince, Arsenio shares why making people laugh is what matters most.

Get your copy of Arsenio’s self-titled memoir here: linktr.ee/arseniohall

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Will Reeve grew up in extraordinary circumstances. As the son of Christopher Reeve, the first Superman the world came to love, he learned resilience and purpose early on after a horse-riding accident left his father paralyzed. In this episode of "What I’ve Learned," the award-winning journalist, ABC News correspondent, and "Good Morning America" contributor sits down with Esquire Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian to discuss grief, marriage, and the lessons that continue to shape him. Reflecting on the compassion and strength modeled by his mother, Dana Reeve, as well as the overwhelming support of his father’s friends, including Robin Williams, Will explains why he wouldn’t change a thing about his life.

#WillReeve #ChristopherReeve #WhatIveLearned #Esquire

A$AP Rocky has lived many lives, from growing up in Harlem to becoming a modern Renaissance man, global artist, designer, and father. In this episode of “What I’ve Learned,” he sits down with Esquire Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian to reflect on faith, family, creativity, and the moments that shaped him, from working with Denzel Washington and Rose Byrne to collaborating with Tim Burton on his new album 'Don’t Be Dumb.' Rocky opens up about becoming a girl dad, his relationship with Rihanna, and surviving his toughest chapters.

Bowen Yang has spent the past six years becoming one of the most distinctive voices on "Saturday Night Live." In this episode of “What I’ve Learned,” the comedian, actor, and Las Culturistas co-host talks with Esquire Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian about early controversy, fame, and staying grounded across "SNL" and "Wicked." From role models like Conan O’Brien and Tina Fey, to burnout, identity, and the art of unlearning, Esquire’s cover star reflects on the work and perspective that got him here.

Watch ‘SNL’ on NBC or stream on Peacock.

#BowenYang #SNL #SaturdayNightLive #Wicked #WickedForGood #WhatIveLearned #Esquire

Jason Bateman has been working in Hollywood since he was ten years old, and he’s learned a lot along the way. In this episode of “What I’ve Learned,” the star sits down with Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian to reflect on child stardom, getting sober in his thirties, and building the lasting marriage and career that followed. Watch as the actor, director, and SmartLess co-host opens up about four decades in the business, raising two daughters, and what really keeps him grounded in a world built on illusions.

Check out Jason Bateman’s Esquire cover here: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a69605877/jason-bateman-what-ive-learned/

#JasonBateman #BlackRabbit #ArrestedDevelopment #Smartless #Ozark #WhatIveLearned #Esquire

The Jonas Brothers have learned a few things after 20 years in the spotlight together. In this episode of “What I’ve Learned,” Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas sit down with Esquire Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian to look back on two decades of music, fame, and brotherhood. From their Disney days to solo careers, fatherhood, divorce, and life on tour, the brothers open up about family, faith, and the future of the band.

Read the Jonas Brothers digital cover story here: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a69062100/joe-nick-kevin-jonas-brothers-interview-2025/

Stream 'Greetings From Your Hometown' here: https://jonasbrothers.lnk.to/greetingsfromyourhometown

#JonasBrothers #NickJonas #JoeJonas #KevinJonas #GreetingsFromYourHometown #WhatIveLearned #Esquire

Marc Maron has made a career out of brutal honesty both on stage, on his podcast, and in life. In the premiere episode of Esquire's new video podcast, “What I’ve Learned,” the comedian, actor, and "WTF" host sits down with Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian to reflect on three decades of lessons in art, addiction, grief, and growth. From his role in the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic "Deliver Me From Nowhere" to his complicated friendship with Louis C.K. and ongoing feud with Jon Stewart, Maron opens up about aging, ego, and what it really means to evolve.