SmartLess

SmartLess

Podcast16 episodes summarized

"RE-RELEASE: Tom Hanks"

1h 4mJun 11, 2026

The SmartList podcast hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett interview Tom Hanks in a wide-ranging conversation covering his career from early sitcom work through iconic dramatic films. They discuss his passion for WWII history, the craft of acting, directing, and the changing entertainment landscape. The episode is notable for its casual, humorous tone punctuated by genuinely insightful reflections from Hanks on storytelling and the industry.

FunnyInsightfulTom Hanks' career trajectory from Shakespeare to Hollywood stardomWorld War II fascination and its personal originsFilming Saving Private Ryan's Omaha Beach sequence

"Jon Bernthal"

59mJun 8, 2026

Jon Bernthal joins the SmartLess podcast hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett (on his birthday) to discuss his Broadway run in Dog Day Afternoon, his journey from troubled youth to acclaimed actor, his time studying theater in Russia, and his philosophies on fatherhood and community. The conversation covers his upcoming projects including Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey, as well as his community work in Ojai, California.

InsightfulDiscussionJon Bernthal's path to acting through an accidental theater classStudying at the Moscow Art Theater in Russia (1999-2001)The Walking Dead as a career and life turning point

"Bowen Yang"

57mJun 1, 2026

The Smartless podcast hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett interview comedian and former SNL cast member Bowen Yang. They discuss his multicultural upbringing across Australia, Canada, and Colorado, his path to SNL, his experience with conversion therapy at 17, and his life post-SNL.

DiscussionStoryBowen Yang's multicultural upbringing (Australia, Canada, Colorado)Path to SNL: from pre-med student to cast memberSandra Oh as an inspiration and the synchronicity of her hosting SNL

"Nick Jonas"

1h 2mMay 25, 2026

The SmartLess podcast hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett interview Nick Jonas, discussing his career trajectory from Broadway child actor to pop star and serious actor. Topics range from his musical upbringing and the Jonas Brothers' journey to his marriage to Priyanka Chopra and thoughts on AI in music. The conversation also includes casual banter about Sean's solo s'mores night and various cultural recommendations.

DiscussionFunnyNick Jonas's early Broadway career and childhood performing experiencesJonas Brothers' career arc including early failure and Disney partnershipAI's impact on music creation and creative ownership

"RE-RELEASE: Nate Bargatze"

54mMay 21, 2026

The Smartless podcast hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett interview comedian Nate Bargatze in a wide-ranging conversation. They discuss his upbringing with a magician father, his path to stand-up comedy, his touring life, and his comedic philosophy. The episode is filled with banter, jokes, and genuine admiration for Bargatze's clean, storytelling-based comedy style.

FunnyDiscussionNate Bargatze's upbringing with a magician fatherEarly stand-up career grinding in Chicago and New YorkStorytelling-based comedy philosophy

"Sting"

1h 0mMay 18, 2026

The SmartLess podcast hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett interview music legend Sting, discussing his upbringing in northeast England near a shipyard, the formation of The Police, his solo career, and his current theatrical production 'The Last Ship.' The conversation spans topics including vocal health, jazz appreciation, AI's impact on music, activism, and Sting's philosophy on songwriting and artistry.

InsightfulDiscussionSting's working-class upbringing in Wallsend, northeast EnglandThe formation and legacy of The PoliceThe Last Ship musical and its emotional significance

"Kareem Rahma"

1h 0mMay 11, 2026

The SmartLess podcast hosts Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes interview Kareem Rahma, the creator of viral social media shows 'Subway Takes' and 'Keep the Meter Running.' They discuss aliens, the Artemis 2 moon mission, and Kareem's journey from failed tech entrepreneur to successful independent media creator. The conversation covers his creative process, upcoming projects, and philosophy on authentic engagement.

FunnyDiscussionArtemis 2 moon mission debateUFOs, alien life, and government disclosureKareem Rahma's career journey from Vice to NYT to independent creator

"Jonah Hill LIVE"

1h 15mMay 8, 2026

The SmartLess podcast hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett welcome Jonah Hill as their surprise guest at a live show at the Avalon Hollywood. Hill discusses his career trajectory from writing Simpsons spec scripts as a child to working with Judd Apatow, Scorsese, and now directing his own films. The conversation covers his move to San Diego, fatherhood, his new film 'Outcome' on Apple, and the upcoming comedy 'Cut Off' with Kristen Wiig.

FunnyDiscussionJonah Hill's career origins and comedy writing passionThe Simpsons as Hill's primary creative influenceWorking with Judd Apatow and the Superbad era

"Colin Jost"

1h 5mMay 4, 2026

SmartLess hosts Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman, and Will Arnett interview Colin Jost, SNL's longest-tenured Weekend Update anchor. They discuss his Staten Island upbringing, his unlikely path from economics to comedy writing, his purchase of a decommissioned Staten Island ferry with Pete Davidson, and his current projects including a new movie and Pop Culture Jeopardy on Netflix.

FunnyDiscussionColin Jost's Staten Island upbringing and ferry commute to schoolColin Jost's path from Harvard economics to SNL comedy writingThe Harvard Lampoon and its pipeline to SNL

"Nick Kroll"

1h 0mApr 27, 2026

Comedian and actor Nick Kroll joins the Smartless podcast hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett for a wide-ranging conversation. They discuss Nick's career origins, his animated shows Big Mouth and the upcoming Mating Season, his famous father's corporate investigations business, and personal anecdotes including how Harry Styles helped him plan his marriage proposal.

FunnyDiscussionNick Kroll's comedy career originsBig Mouth animated series and its creationJules Kroll's corporate investigations business

"Aubrey Plaza"

1h 1mApr 20, 2026

Aubrey Plaza joins the SmartLess podcast hosts Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman, and Will Arnett for a wide-ranging conversation covering her early career at UCB, her medical history including a stroke at age 20, and two major personal announcements: her pregnancy and her new animated Amazon Prime series 'Kevin.' The conversation touches on her acting philosophy, her time as an SNL intern, and her experience filming White Lotus in Sicily.

FunnyDiscussionAubrey Plaza's pregnancy announcementEarly career and UCB originsStroke at age 20

"Amanda Peet"

1h 10mApr 13, 2026

This SmartList podcast episode features Amanda Peet discussing her career, personal challenges including her recent breast cancer diagnosis and her father's death, and her transition into writing. She talks about getting published in The New Yorker, creating Netflix's 'The Chair,' and her new film 'Fantasy Life.'

DiscussionInsightfulActing careerWriting and showrunningBreast cancer diagnosis

"RE-RELEASE: Charlie Day"

51mApr 9, 2026

Charlie Day appears on the SmartLess podcast to discuss his long career, from creating It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia to recent projects like his new rom-com 'I Want You Back' with Jenny Slate. The conversation covers his musical background, the origins of Always Sunny, and his friendship with Jason Bateman.

DiscussionFunnyIt's Always Sunny in PhiladelphiaActing career originsMusical background

"Stephen Colbert"

1h 5mApr 6, 2026

Stephen Colbert appears on the 300th episode of SmartLess podcast, discussing his upcoming departure from The Late Show after 11 years, sharing Hollywood stories from his early career, and engaging in comedic banter about everything from Lord of the Rings to his failed auditions.

FunnyDiscussionLate Show endingEarly career strugglesLord of the Rings fandom

"Elle Fanning"

1h 0mMar 30, 2026

Elle Fanning discusses her career journey from childhood actor to producer, sharing stories about growing up with sister Dakota in the entertainment industry and her current projects including the Oscar-nominated 'Sentimental Value' and upcoming Apple TV+ series 'Margot's Got Money Troubles.'

DiscussionInsightfulChildhood acting careerRelationship with sister DakotaTransition to producing

"Maggie Gyllenhaal"

1h 1mMar 23, 2026

Maggie Gyllenhaal discusses her transition from acclaimed actress to director, sharing insights about her directing process, upcoming film 'The Bride,' and how her acting experience informed her directorial approach. She emphasizes creating safe creative spaces for actors and learning new filmmaking techniques.

InsightfulDiscussionDirecting transitionFilm productionActor direction

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