We're listening back this week to our conversation with actor Ted Danson. Ted seems like he's everywhere these days. He's the host of the podcast, "Where Everybody Knows Your Name," stars in the Netflix show, "A Man on the Inside," and was given the Carol Burnett Award at the 2025 Golden Globes. In this conversation, Ted goes deep with Rachel on aging, marriage and what he calls "karmic poo."

To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Duke professor Kate Bowler was 35 years old when she was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. Her memoir about the experience, "Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved," became a New York Times bestseller. She now hosts the podcast, "Everything Happens." She talks to Rachel about accepting that religion won't give you all the answers and learning how not to be an "efficiency monster."

To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

When you see Michelle Buteau perform, she gives off a blended vibe of, "Oh my god, I can't believe I'm here!" and also, "Of course I am here!" Last year, she starred in the movie "Babes" and the TV show based on her memoir, "Survival of the Thickest," was renewed for a second season. Her brand new Netflix comedy special is "Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall."

To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Usually for this show, Rachel is in the NPR studio in Washington, D.C., and the guests are famous people in another studio. But Rachel recently brought the Wild Card deck to Washington Square Park in New York City and asked the questions to people face-to-face in the park. Today, we're sharing some of the answers we heard.

To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

As 2024 winds down, we're sharing some of our favorite answers from the earliest Wild Card episodes.

To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Barry Jenkins is best known for indie films like "If Beale Street Could Talk" and "Moonlight." Now he's helming Disney's "Mufasa: The Lion King." He talks to Rachel about the connections he sees between his old work and the new movie, and he also tells her about the place he sought refuge as a child and why he's compelled to believe that there's no order in the universe.

To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

2024 has been a big year for Ilana Glazer. First they co-wrote and co-starred in "Babes." Now, they have a new stand-up special coming out on Hulu, called "Human Magic." The "Broad City" co-creator and star talks to Rachel about learning how to rebel at age 37, figuring out how to be alone and tapping into their inner animal.

To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Comedian Ilana Glazer talks about being prepared at a young age for grown-up responsibilities and John Lithgow discusses a belief he had to let go of.

This normally would be a bonus episode just for Wild Card+ listeners. With this being the season of giving, we're sharing this one with everyone! To hear more bonus content like this, regular episodes sponsor-free, and support the work of NPR, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Everyone has their own role that made them fall in love with John Lithgow. It could be "Footloose" or "Shrek" or "3rd Rock from the Sun." And as he approaches 80, Lithgow keeps giving us more memorable roles. This year alone, he was in "The Old Man," "Conclave" and "Spellbound." He tells Rachel what makes him so easy to work with and how he's become more comfortable with death.

To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

In the world of podcasts and radio, Ira Glass is a legend. But he tells Rachel that he doesn't think about his legacy. He makes his show, "This American Life," for people to enjoy now, and he doesn't care if people forget about it one day. He also tells Rachel, and those in the audience at this live taping, that he's a nicer person on air than face-to-face.

To listen sponsor-free, access bonus episodes and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy