Covering pop culture, entertainment, celebrity news and the arts, WSJ Speakeasy’s Christopher Farley provides the inside scoop you need. Listen to weekly updates on movies, television, music, books and more from the staff of the popular WSJ Speakeasy blog.
Kim Dickens' Path to 'Fear the Walking Dead'
Actress Kim Dickens sits down with Speakeasy's Mike Ayers for a conversation about her road to "Fear the Walking Dead" and "House of Cards" and what's behind the super-fandom of today's new golden age of television.
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9/6/2016 • 29 minutes, 33 seconds
Jeff Bridges on Sleeper Hit 'Hell Or High Water'
Actor Jeff Bridges joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about the sleeper hit 'Hell Or High Water,' and how it became one of the most acclaimed films of the summer.
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9/1/2016 • 17 minutes, 2 seconds
'Southside' Director, Star on Obamas' First Date
Director Richard Tanne and star Parker Sawyers discuss the new film "Southside With You," which recounts Barack Obama's first date with a young lawyer named Michelle Robinson.
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8/24/2016 • 27 minutes, 34 seconds
Colson Whitehead Talks 'The Underground Railroad'
Author Colson Whitehead joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about his new novel 'The Underground Railroad,' which tackles the topic of slavery by posing the question, "What if the Underground Railroad were an actual railroad?"
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8/10/2016 • 26 minutes, 36 seconds
Underground Airlines: Ben Winters Rewrites History
Bestselling author Ben Winters talks to Christopher John Farley about his provocative new book, "Underground Airlines," which blends current events and an alternate history where slavery still exists.
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8/2/2016 • 32 minutes, 20 seconds
Cops: Fact and Fiction With Conlon and Channer
Christopher John Farley talks about the current issues and controversies impacting the police world with Edward Conlon, author of the celebrated memoir "Blue Blood," and Colin Channer, whose book of poems, "Providential," examines the key themes facing police today.
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7/20/2016 • 35 minutes, 25 seconds
Shiri Appleby Talks the Reality Behind 'UnREAL'
Actress Shiri Appleby joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about the success of Lifetime's hit drama "UnREAL," offering an inside look at how reality shows are really produced, and what it was like directing her co-stars this season.
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7/18/2016 • 15 minutes, 14 seconds
Kristen Stewart Talks Woody Allen's 'Cafe Society'
Actress Kristen Stewart joins Christopher John Farley to talk about auditioning for Woody Allen in her new film, 'Cafe Society,' and what she really thinks about playing a female James Bond.
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7/14/2016 • 12 minutes, 14 seconds
Viggo Mortensen Talks New Film 'Captain Fantastic'
Actor Viggo Mortensen joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about going off the grid in his new film, "Captain Fantastic," which explores how pop culture consumption has led us astray from our elemental roots.
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7/12/2016 • 21 minutes, 57 seconds
Author Bob Proehl on 'A Hundred Thousand Worlds'
Author Bob Proehl sits down with WSJ Speakeasy's Michael Calia to discuss his new book, "A Hundred Thousand Worlds," the Comic-Con age's definitive novel about a road trip through geek culture.
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7/12/2016 • 23 minutes, 17 seconds
Author Nicole Dennis-Benn on 'Here Comes the Sun'
Author Nicole Dennis-Benn discusses 'Here Comes the Sun: A Novel,' which takes a look at the other side of the Jamaican tourism industry through a woman's fight for independence within her community.
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7/11/2016 • 28 minutes, 1 second
Why Elaine Hendrix Loves 'Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll'
Actress Elaine Hendrix discusses the road that led to FX's "Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll," how rock continues to captivate audiences, and why the new season will thrive with a woman's touch.
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7/7/2016 • 28 minutes, 22 seconds
'Game of Thrones' Experts Dissect Season Finale
Years after launching the fan site, Westeros.org, Elio M. Garcia Jr. and Linda Antonsson, superfans turned bestselling authors, discuss HBO's sixth season finale, and remind us why they're the foremost experts on all things "Game of Thrones."
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6/27/2016 • 25 minutes, 31 seconds
'Game of Thrones' Season Finale: A Speakeasy Recap
It's a Speakeasy round table on the explosive season finale of "Game of Thrones," as Mike Ayers, Mike Calia and Sarene Leeds break down all things season six of the ever-popular HBO series.
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6/27/2016 • 36 minutes, 33 seconds
Barron, LaValle and Tremblay: From Fear To Fiction
Acclaimed dark fiction writers Laird Barron, Victor LaValle and Paul Tremblay sit down with Speakeasy's Michael Calia to discuss the key to good horror fiction, the state of the genre, and the new realms of fear in today's world.
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6/27/2016 • 36 minutes, 51 seconds
'Veep's' Tim Simons Loves Playing Hateable 'Jonah'
Actor Timothy Simons sits down with Speakeasy's Mike Ayers to discuss his road from a small town in Maine to playing "the most hateable twerp" on TV in HBO's acclaimed comedy "Veep."
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6/20/2016 • 39 minutes, 37 seconds
From 'Orange' to 'Purple' With Danielle Brooks
Actress Danielle Brooks sits down with Speakeasy's Mike Ayers to discuss her journey to starring in Broadway's "The Color Purple" revival, and why people still connect with "Orange Is the New Black" in the wake of it's fourth season premiere.
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6/16/2016 • 37 minutes, 10 seconds
Nancy Isenberg on Class, History and 'White Trash'
Author Nancy Isenberg joins Christopher John Farley to discuss her new book, "White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America," which takes on the myths told about the class system and equality throughout U.S. history.
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6/15/2016 • 24 minutes, 52 seconds
Ezra Edelman Discusses 'O.J.: Made in America'
Director Ezra Edelman sits down with Speakeasy's Mike Ayers to discuss the making "O.J.: Made in America," his new ESPN documentary that takes an in-depth look at O.J. Simpson's downfall.
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6/14/2016 • 39 minutes, 31 seconds
Holly Taylor Talks 'The Americans' Fourth Season
Speakeasy host Sarene Leeds talks with Holly Taylor, who stars in the cold-war spy drama, "The Americans," which just wrapped its fourth season on FX.
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6/9/2016 • 28 minutes, 13 seconds
Tom Morello on His New Group and Summer Tour
Speakeasy's Christopher John Farley talks with Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine. Morello's got a new supergroup called Prophets of Rage, featuring Chuck D of Public Enemy. They're hitting the road this summer in what's billed as the "Make America Rage Again" tour.
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6/8/2016 • 15 minutes, 36 seconds
David Alpert Talks About His New Show 'Outcast'
Speakeasy host Paul Vigna talks with "The Walking Dead" executive producer David Alpert. Alpert is executive producer of the brand new show "Outcast," premiering June 3rd on Cinemax.
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6/3/2016 • 36 minutes, 53 seconds
LeVar Burton and Cast on New 'Roots' Miniseries
Christopher John Farley speaks with executive producer LeVar Burton, and cast members Regé-Jean Page and Malachi Kirby about the new "Roots" miniseries.
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5/30/2016 • 24 minutes, 50 seconds
Actor Evan Peters on Superhero Films, New Projects
In part two of a sit-down conversation with Speakeasy's Michael Calia, "X-Men: Apocalypse" star Evan Peters discusses the latest crop of superhero movies and his upcoming projects.
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5/27/2016 • 10 minutes, 50 seconds
Alexandra Shipp Talks Playing 'Storm' in 'X-Men'
"X-Men: Apocalypse" star Alexandra Shipp sits down with Speakeasy's Michael Calia to discuss mastering the role Storm in the new film, what it takes to make a superhero spectacular, and what she would choose as her own super power.
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5/26/2016 • 23 minutes, 36 seconds
Part 1: Evan Peters Discusses 'X-Men: Apocalypse'
In part one of a sit-down conversation with Speakeasy's Michael Calia, actor Evan Peters discusses his role as Quicksilver in the highly anticipated new film, "X-Men: Apocalypse."
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5/26/2016 • 11 minutes, 19 seconds
Author Sherman Alexie Discusses 'Thunder Boy Jr.'
Author Sherman Alexie joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about his first picture book, "Thunder Boy Jr."
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5/24/2016 • 16 minutes, 44 seconds
Author Moira Weigel on the 'Labor of Love'
Author Moira Weigel joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about her new book, "Labor of Love: The Invention of Dating."
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5/18/2016 • 19 minutes, 31 seconds
Kate Beckinsale Talks 'Love & Friendship'
Actress Kate Beckinsale joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about her new role in the film "Love & Friendship," based on a novella by Jane Austen.
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5/13/2016 • 14 minutes, 51 seconds
'Underground' Star Aldis Hodge Talks Season Finale
Actor Aldis Hodge, star of the television series "Underground," discusses the show's season finale, the fate of his character, and what we can expect in season two.
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5/12/2016 • 50 minutes, 43 seconds
Radiohead's 'A Moon Shaped Pool': An Album Review
Speakeasy's Mike Ayers is joined by Wall Street Journal music writer Neil Shah for an in-depth look at Radiohead's highly anticipated new album, "A Moon Shaped Pool."
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5/11/2016 • 24 minutes, 35 seconds
Women in Hollywood: A Speakeasy Round Table
Wall Street Journal reporters Ellen Gamerman, Jennifer Maloney, Lucy Feldman, and Alexandra Wolfe join Mike Ayers for a round table discussion about real women making a run in Hollywood. The panel takes a closer look at the the new female protagonist and how women are currently being portrayed in books, film, and television.
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5/5/2016 • 28 minutes, 2 seconds
TED's Chris Anderson on the Art of Public Speaking
Chris Anderson, curator of TED, the nonprofit devoted to sharing valuable ideas through the medium of 'TED Talks,' discusses his new book, "TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking."
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5/4/2016 • 19 minutes, 4 seconds
Lin-Manuel Miranda Makes History With 'Hamilton'
Fresh from making history for 16 Tony nominations, Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator and star of the hip-hop Broadway phenomenon "Hamilton," reflects on the show's success with Christopher John Farley.
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5/3/2016 • 13 minutes, 41 seconds
Soccer Legend Pelé Talks 'Pelé: Birth of a Legend'
Three-time World Cup Champion, FIFA Player of the Century and Brazilian soccer icon Pelé discusses FIFA, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, his highly anticipated sports auction Julien's Auctions, and the new film about his life, "Pelé: Birth of a Legend."
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4/29/2016 • 7 minutes, 45 seconds
Eric Bana Talks Netflix's 'Special Correspondents'
Actor Eric Bana sits down with Michael Calia to discuss the state of television, his background in comedy, and his new Netflix original comedy film, "Special Correspondents" with Ricky Gervais.
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4/28/2016 • 30 minutes, 53 seconds
Actor Tony Hale Talks New Season of HBO's 'Veep'
Actor Tony Hale sits down with Speakeasy's Mike Ayers for a conversation about the new climate of television comedy, his comedic influences, and what viewers can expect from the fifth season of HBO's "Veep."
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4/25/2016 • 26 minutes, 3 seconds
Ayesha Curry on Cooking for TV ...and Steph Curry
Ayesha Curry joins Christopher John Farley for a discussion about her newly announced Food Network cooking show, and the feasts she prepares for her NBA superstar husband, Stephen Curry.
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4/21/2016 • 20 minutes, 2 seconds
Russell and Hoechlin Talk 'Everybody Wants Some!!'
Wyatt Russell and Tyler Hoechlin sit down with Speakeasy's Michael Calia to discuss the new film, "Everybody Wants Some!!" -- Richard Linklater's self-described sequel to the 1993 coming-of-age classic, "Dazed and Confused."
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4/15/2016 • 26 minutes, 23 seconds
Alison Wright Talks FX Spy Series 'The Americans'
Actress Alison Wright discusses the challenges of playing FBI secretary Martha Hanson in the FX spy series "The Americans," her latest role in HBO's "Confirmation" and working with Ben Affleck in the upcoming film, "The Accountant."
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4/14/2016 • 27 minutes, 27 seconds
Pulitzer Winner Margo Jefferson Talks 'Negroland'
Pulitzer Prize winning critic Margo Jefferson joins Christopher John Farley for an in-depth discussion about race, representation, and her new memoir "Negroland," for which she received the National Book Critics Circle Award.
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4/13/2016 • 24 minutes, 28 seconds
Juno Temple Talks Breakout Role in HBO's 'Vinyl'
Actress Juno Temple sits down with Speakeasy's Mike Ayers to talk her love of '70s rock 'n' roll, working with Martin Scorsese, and all things "Vinyl," HBO's new series about the music industry in 1970s.
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4/11/2016 • 28 minutes, 48 seconds
Director Karyn Kusama Discusses 'The Invitation'
Director Karyn Kusama joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about today's film culture, the importance of diversity in cinema, and her much buzzed-about new thriller, "The Invitation."
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4/5/2016 • 17 minutes, 48 seconds
Marvel's Axel Alonso Talks 'Black Panther' Series
Editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, Axel Alonso, joins the Wall Street Journal's Christopher John Farley for a first look at Ta-Nehisi Coates' much anticipated new "Black Panther" series.
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3/29/2016 • 21 minutes, 25 seconds
All Things 'House of Cards' Season 4
The Wall Street Journal's Mike Ayers, Ellen Gamerman, and Rachel Bachman dissect the latest season of "House of Cards" with a deep dive into latest installment of the Underwood legacy and the many new plot developments of season 4.
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3/29/2016 • 31 minutes, 17 seconds
Michael K. Williams Talks 'Hap and Leonard' Series
Actor Michael K. Williams discusses his new SundanceTV series, "Hap and Leonard," his memorable role on "The Wire," and what we can expect from the highly anticipated new "Ghostbusters" film.
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3/1/2016 • 22 minutes, 46 seconds
Ed Skrein Talks Playing a Villain in 'Deadpool'
Actor Ed Skrein sits down with Michael Calia to discuss his villainous role of Ajax in Marvel's 'Deadpool,' the highly anticipated new film from Twentieth Century Fox.
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2/10/2016 • 33 minutes, 21 seconds
Maggie Siff Talks Shrinking Heads on 'Billions'
Actress Maggie Siff talks all about her supporting role as psychiatrist-to-the hedge fund stars, Wendy Rhoades, on Showtime's popular new drama series, 'Billions.'
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2/8/2016 • 23 minutes, 23 seconds
Author Sarah Vowell's Fresh Take on U.S. History
Author and journalist Sarah Vowell joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about her latest book, Lafayette in the Somewhat United States.
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1/15/2016 • 36 minutes, 47 seconds
Staceyann Chin Talks One Woman Show, MotherStruck!
Christopher John Farley speaks with spoken-word poet Staceyann Chin about her one woman show MotherStruck!, produced by Rosie O'Donnell, about a lesbian immigrant's profound journey to motherhood.
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1/8/2016 • 30 minutes, 20 seconds
Backstage with The Gin Game's James Earl Jones
Backstage at the Golden Theatre in New York, Barbara Chai sits down with the legendary James Earl Jones who discusses his new role in D.L Coburn's Pulitzer Prize winning play, The Gin Game.
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12/28/2015 • 20 minutes, 5 seconds
Director Tom Hooper Talks The Danish Girl
Director Tom Hooper joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about The Danish Girl, his latest film which profiles Lili Elbe, one of the first people to undergo sex reassignment surgery in the 1930s.
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12/16/2015 • 26 minutes, 2 seconds
Walton Goggins and Tim Roth Talk The Hateful Eight
Walton Goggins and Tim Roth, stars of The Hateful Eight, sit down with Michael Calia for an in-depth discussion about the highly anticipated new film from Quentin Tarantino.
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12/14/2015 • 24 minutes, 30 seconds
Mary Beard Talks SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
Classics professor Mary Beard, author of SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome, joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about her new book, as well as a look at how Roman times speak to today.
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12/7/2015 • 25 minutes, 17 seconds
Director Todd Haynes on His Latest Film, Carol
Director Todd Haynes joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about his critically acclaimed new film, Carol.
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12/4/2015 • 15 minutes, 40 seconds
Uzo Aduba on Orange is the New Black and The Wiz
Emmy award winner Uzo Aduba talks her upcoming gig as Glinda the Good Witch in the highly anticipated The Wiz Live!, making history for her role on Orange is the New Black, and what's in store for Crazy Eyes next season.
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11/19/2015 • 23 minutes, 45 seconds
David Tennant On Comic Villains and Jessica Jones
Michael Calia sits down with actor David Tennant to talk comic book characters, playing a villain, and his upcoming role of Zebediah Kilgrave, a.k.a. the Purple Man, in Marvel's new Netflix series, Jessica Jones.
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11/17/2015 • 21 minutes, 46 seconds
Cate Blanchett Discusses Her Latest Role in Carol
Oscar winning actress Cate Blanchett joins Christopher John Farley for a discussion about her role in the new film Carol, based on the book by Patricia Highsmith about a 1950s forbidden love affair.
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11/16/2015 • 16 minutes, 52 seconds
Alanis Morissette: Revisiting Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about her landmark album, Jagged Little Pill, and its legacy as one of the most culturally iconic records of the '90s.
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11/11/2015 • 25 minutes, 11 seconds
Kevin Powell: The Real World Journey Into Manhood
Kevin Powell joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation about his brand new memoir, The Education Of Kevin Powell: A Boy's Journey Into Manhood. Kevin discusses the road that led him from breakout star of the very first season of MTV's The Real World to making his mark in hip hop as the original senior writer of Vibe magazine.
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11/4/2015 • 25 minutes, 55 seconds
Sara Bareilles Talks Her New Album and Musical
Sara Bareilles joins Christopher John Farley for a conversation on her latest album, What's Inside: Songs From Waitress, her brand new book, and her highly anticipated 2016 Broadway musical, Waitress.
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10/29/2015 • 21 minutes, 11 seconds
Marni Nixon: The secret voice of movie musicals
Marni Nixon has dubbed the singing voices for some of the most celebrated musicals in movie history including The King and I, West Side Story, and My Fair Lady. She joins Christopher John Farley with stories about the classic film era, and what Natalie Wood, Deborah Kerr and Audrey Hepburn thought about her singing over them.
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10/22/2015 • 22 minutes, 40 seconds
Andy Mientus talks Spring Awakening and The Flash
Andy Mientus sits down with Barbara Chai for a conversation about starring the Broadway show Spring Awakening, as well as playing the first gay villain on television in The Flash.
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10/16/2015 • 22 minutes, 7 seconds
Tori Amos discusses her musical The Light Princess
Tori Amos and playwright Samuel Adamson sit down with Christopher John Farley for a conversation about the new cast album from their musical, The Light Princess.
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10/15/2015 • 21 minutes, 37 seconds
Tovah Feldshuh talks "The Walking Dead" and more
The Wall Street Journal's senior editorial director Christopher John Farley chats with actress Tovah Feldshuh about the upcoming season of "The Walking Dead," and what we can expect from her new one woman show, "Aging is Optional."
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10/8/2015 • 19 minutes, 58 seconds
Margaret Cho on the rules of comedy in a PC world
Senior Wall Street Journal editor Christopher John Farley has an in-depth chat with comic Margaret Cho about the current state of comedy, her Showtime special and tour, "psyCHO" and the new ABC comedy "Dr. Ken."
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10/7/2015 • 22 minutes, 17 seconds
Coming soon to WSJ Podcasts: Speakeasy
Coming Soon, a brand new Speakeasy Podcast. WSJ Podcasts: Listen Ambitiously.
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