The Great Creators with Guy Raz

Ten years ago, Nick Sanborn & Amelia Meath (Sylvan Esso) exploded onto the indie music scene with their unique electro-pop sound and mysterious aura. Since then, they’ve played some of the biggest stages in the world and have even created their own record label in their adopted hometown of Durham, NC. In this conversation, Nick and Amelia reflect on their chance meeting and the remix that sparked their creative/life partnership; how they blended their musical styles after touring for years with other bands; and why songwriting sometimes feels like fishing. Catch Sylvan Esso's latest tour dates here: https://www.sylvanesso.com/tour Links from the Show: Hey Mami'Coffee' live at CoachellaFor more conversations like this with musicians like Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie, go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ron Howard, the Oscar-winning director behind films like 'Apollo 13' and 'A Beautiful Mind,' sits down with Guy to discuss his remarkable journey from child actor to Hollywood heavyweight. Ron’s latest documentary – “Jim Henson: Idea Man” – about the creator of the Muppets, is available now on Disney Plus. Links from the Show: Ron playing Opie on The Andy Griffith ShowGrand Theft Auto“Jim Henson: Idea Man”Apollo 13CocoonHappy DaysA Beautiful Mind Frost NixonSplashFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from David Duchovny to Diplo – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Actor, filmmaker, and playwright Tyler Perry is one of the most prolific and prosperous entertainers of his generation. Despite growing up in New Orleans with little money, no connections, and few entertainment role models, Tyler went on to build a billion-dollar business – totally bypassing Hollywood gatekeepers in the process. How did he do it? And what’s the key to his success? This episode answers that question. Tyler’s new film The Six Triple Eight, about a battalion of black women who served in WWII, is out December 20th on Netflix. Links from the Show: The Six Triple EightTyler Perry’s House of PayneTyler Perry StudiosFor more conversations like this, go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kelly Clarkson won the first season of American Idol in 2002, released her chart-topping single “A Moment Like This” the same year, and almost instantly became a music megastar. Kelly talks to Guy about the hardships of her early life, and how they helped motivate her towards success, the personal story of heartbreak while making her album “Chemistry”, hosting her award-winning TV talk show, and how her busy production schedule keeps her creativity flowing. This episode was first published in 2023. Links from the Show: A Moment Like Thisacceptance speechLIVE Remix with Kellysings with PinkFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Josh Brolin (Dune, Avengers, Sicario) knows what it’s like to fall, rise, and live to tell the story. From his chaotic childhood on a horse ranch in California to teen stardom in 'The Goonies' to two decade without a big acting role, Josh pulls back the curtain on family, creativity, and a life driven by "insatiable curiosity". Plus: how he found other ways to support himself while waiting for the right role; a career-defining audition where directors praised the lighting but ignored him; and why he calls his 50's his "F It" decade. You can buy Josh's memoir 'From Under the Truck' here. Links from the Show: The GooniesNo Country for Old MenSicarioDuneAmerican GangsterW. MilkFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With a career spanning decades, Tom Hanks has embodied more unforgettable characters than most actors have roles. This episode brings back Tom’s inspiring conversation with Guy Raz from 2023, where he shares his journey through film—from early breakout roles to timeless classics—and his process of breathing life into each character. You’ll also learn how Tom deals with nerves and self-consciousness on set; what Joe DiMaggio and Paul Newman told him about performance anxiety; and why he believes ‘bringing an idea’ is the secret to success. Links from the show: Bosom BuddiesSplashrunning sceneForrest Gumpexecution sceneThe Green MileSullly:plane crash in the HudsonBaz Luhrmann's ElvisThe real Colonel Tom Parker in an interview on ABC TrailerA Man Called Otto For more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Jason Sudeikis to Anna Kendrick to Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

JR is an internationally acclaimed street artist, photographer and filmmaker known for his massive photo-pasting murals that transform cityscapes into powerful messages of empathy and connection. In this episode, JR shares his journey from tagging buildings in Paris as a teen to using art to bridge divides in tense and dangerous places – from the Middle East to Brazilian favelas to Tehachapi, a maximum-security prison in California. Explore JR’s latest documentary “Tehachapi” here: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/tehachapi/chapters/tehachapi Links from the Show: Tehachapi documentaryFace to FaceFaces PlacesInside OutJR:murals AppTED TalksFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Norman Reedus is an actor, fashion model, and photographer best known for portraying Daryl Dixon on the wildly popular TV show The Walking Dead. He sits down with Guy Raz to talk about his nomadic upbringing, stumbling into serious acting, motorcycles, fatherhood, the bizarre nature of fame, and how his ‘Walking Dead’ character has made him a better friend and a harder worker. The second season of Norman’s show ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’ is streaming now on AMC+, and you can pre-order Norman’s new book of photographs, ‘In Transit’, here. Links from the Show: The Walking Dead: Daryl DixonRide with Norman ReedusFloatingSix Ways to SundayThe Boondock SaintsConey Island sharkInstagram pageFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect, Up in the Air) is an Oscar-nominated actress, singer, and now, director. Anna joins Guy Raz to share her journey from Portland, Maine community theater at age six, through her breakout Broadway role at 12, to Hollywood stardom. She reveals her path to directing Woman of the Hour (after swearing she’d never direct), and how George Clooney helped calm her nerves in her breakout role. Listen as she reflects growing from child actor to powerful voice in Hollywood. Watch Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut ‘Woman of the Hour’ on Netflix here: https://www.netflix.com/title/81728818 Links from the Show: Woman of the HourTwilightPitch PerfectUp in the AirRocket ScienceFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lin-Manuel Miranda (‘Hamilton’, ‘In The Heights’) and Eisa Davis (‘Angela’s Mixtape’, ‘Bullrusher’) are writers, performers, and collaborators who are revolutionizing hip-hop theater. In this episode, Lin and Eisa join Guy to discuss their latest creative project, ‘Warriors’, a concept album inspired by the 1979 cult film, “The Warriors”. The duo reflects on how hip hop, New York’s streets, and unexpected muses like "Gamergate" influenced their work. Plus, they reveal how they convinced the elusive Lauryn Hill to play a lead role. Will ‘Warriors’ make its way to Broadway? Tune in to find out more! Listen to ‘Warriors’ concept album here: https://music.apple.com/ye/album/warriors/1769091603 Links from the Show: ‘Hamilton’ at the White House‘In The Heights’MixtapeThe WarriorsFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Julie Bowen is a celebrated actress and two-time Emmy winner who brought the iconic character of Claire Dunphy to life for 11 seasons. In this episode, Julie chats with Guy Raz about her childhood love of theater in Baltimore, waiting tables while studying acting in New York, breaking into Hollywood with roles in films like ‘Happy Gilmore’ and on TV Shows such as ‘Ed’, and finding out she got cast in ‘Modern Family’ while in labor with her two twin boys. Julie stars in the new Peacock series ‘Hysteria!’ For more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kenny G is a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and the top-selling instrumental artist of all time, with over 75 million record sales, and 1.5 billion streams. Kenny joins Guy to discuss his creative journey, from being the kid who didn’t make the high school band to a global music icon. Listen to how he defied industry norms with ‘Songbird’ to make it to the Billboard chart, his approach to handling critics, and his 50-year philosophy on practice and perfection. Check out Kenny G’s new memoir ‘Life in the Key of G.’: https://a.co/d/2TcYvwN Links from the Show: SongbirdSilhouetteKenny G collaborating with The WeekendmemoirFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Finneas is a Grammy and Oscar-winning producer, songwriter, and artist. He is best known for his close collaborations with his younger sister, Billie Eilish, and for being the youngest person to win the Producer of the Year award. In this episode, Finneas sits with Guy to discuss his unique creative partnership with his sister Billie Eilish, the unexpected virality of their breakout hit “Ocean Eyes” (recorded in their bedroom when Billie was just 13), and how his experiences producing for other artists have shaped his own artistic identity. He also reveals the collaborative energy behind his latest album “For Cryin' Out Loud,” and why he strives to be a musical “chameleon.” Listen to Finneas’s latest album, “For Cryin' Out Loud” here: https://finneas.lnk.to/ForCryinOutLoud Mentioned in this episode: “Ocean Eyes” song“Serotonin” by Girl in RedWhen We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? by Billie Eilish“The Greatest” song by Billie Eilish“For Cryin' Out Loud” albumFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Diplo is one of the most successful and influential DJ/producers working today. He shares his journey from working odd jobs while grinding away on music to selling out festivals and generating billions of streams. Interested in a Visual Map tracing Diplo's creative journey? We made one just for you. Check it out here. And you can find his most recent album, Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: Chapter 2 - Swamp Savant, here. Links from the show: Paper PlanesvideobreakdownPaper PlanesPineapple ExpresstrailerPaper Planes"Where Are Ü Now""Where Are Ü Now"Lean OnThundercloudsSierra FerrellNija CharlesStarrahInstagramDiplo's Creative JourneyFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ray LaMontagne is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for his raspy vocals and soulful, introspective lyrics. He also has an incredible life story that you rarely hear about, because he prefers to avoid the spotlight and let his music do the talking. But in this episode, Ray opens up about his challenging childhood, working as a carpenter to support his young family, and how he resisted pressure from his label to rewrite his debut album, “Trouble.” He also reveals his unique songwriting process, which involves taking long periods of time away from his guitar until certain melodies begin to surface and “bother” him. Plus, how overcoming self-criticism allowed him to embrace the joy of performing. Listen to Ray LaMontagne’s latest album, “Long Way Home,” here: https://orcd.co/rl-longwayhome Links from the Show: TroubleSupernovaOuroborosTill the Sun Turns BlackGod Willin’ And The Creek Don’t RiseFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Three-time Grammy winner Miranda Lambert is a proud Texan who got her start performing during set changes at local bars starting at age 17. It was a “Honky Tonk U” education that would serve her well – igniting a career that would see Miranda become country music’s most award-winning artist of all time… all before the age of 40. In this episode, Miranda talks with Guy Raz about how losing early singing competitions actually helped her “win” in the music industry; the valuable lessons she learned from Keith Urban while the two toured together, and why she decided to return to her Texas roots to record her brand new album “Postcards from Texas". You can get Miranda Lambert’s new album, “Postcards from Texas,” here: https://ml.lnk.to/postcardsfromtexas Links from the Show: BluebirdGunpowder and LeadWranglersMama’s Broken HeartPalominoKeroseneFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From a lightning bolt moment watching cellist Yo-Yo Ma on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as a child to becoming a 5-time Grammy winner, Esperana Spalding’s journey has been driven by an innate love for music. But along the way, she’s often felt misunderstood and misrepresented in the press. Today, Esperanza sits with Guy to talk more about the forces that propelled her rise, her decision to livestream the 77-hour process of writing an album from start to finish in real time, and the lessons she learned about presence and love while collaborating with her musical hero, Milton Nascimento, on their new album, “milton + esperanza.” Get the new album here: https://esperanzaspalding.bandcamp.com/album/milton-esperanza Links from the Show: performing at the White House in 2009Emily's D+EvolutionRadio Music SocietyFall InJudasFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Stephen Colbert to Björk to Ice Cube– go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Giovanni Ribisi, the versatile actor known for his roles in “Saving Private Ryan,” “Avatar,” and “Friends,” reflects on his life growing up in the heart of Hollywood and his enduring passion for filmmaking. He also discusses the emotional toll of “living” in intense roles; why he thinks “humiliation” is an important element of every creator’s journey; and going to extreme measures to push his career forward — like spending his last $700 on a plane ticket to an audition. See Giovanni’s cinematography work in the psychological thriller "Strange Darling," available now: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22375054/ Links from the Show: Saving Private Ryan (1998)Avatar (2009)Strange Darling (2023)Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)The Gift (2000)Heaven (2002)SubUrbia (1996)For more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Goode is a filmmaker, conservationist, and a former nightclub owner. His Netflix docuseries Tiger King, about zookeeper and convicted felon Joe Exotic, became a massive cultural phenomenon at the start of the pandemic. In this episode, Eric joins Guy to discuss his eclectic career path - from pinning dead flies to canvas as an eccentric young artist to opening the infamous Area nightclub in 1980s New York, frequented by the likes of Andy Warhol, Jean-Michael Basquiat, and Keith Haring. He also shares how his lifelong fascination with animals led him to conservation work and filmmaking, and behind the scenes of documenting Joe Exotic and the murder plot that unfolded while filming for Tiger King. Watch Eric Goode’s latest documentary “Chimp Crazy” on HBO Max here: https://www.hbo.com/chimp-crazy Links from the Show: Tiger KingChimp Crazy TrailerTurtle ConservancyFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Foster is the frontman for Foster the People, which rocketed to fame in 2011 on the strength of their very first single, ‘Pumped Up Kicks’. Mark talks about growing up as a pastor’s son in Cleveland; nearly joining the military but choosing instead to move to L.A. to pursue his music dreams; falling into addiction and getting sober; feeling afraid to perform on SNL after becoming famous overnight; and his process for getting into a flow state in the studio. Mark also reflects on the meaning of ‘Pumped Up Kicks’, more than a decade later – and shares how current events influenced the themes on the band’s newest album, ‘Paradise State of Mind’. Check out the new album here: https://store.fosterthepeople.com/products/paradise-state-of-mind-cd Links from the Show: Pumped Up Kicks (Official Video)Lost In Space (Official Video)Paradise State of MindFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.