Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist

Willie Geist, Sunday TODAY
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NBC's "Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist" provides sharp, conversational coverage of the day's news, along with in-depth profiles of the people and ideas shaping our culture. In his “Sunday Sitdowns,” Geist chats with some of the biggest names in news and pop culture, from actors and musicians to presidents and CEOs, about the stories behind their success. This podcast features the full, unedited versions of those conversations for an even deeper look at the names in the headlines. "Sunday TODAY" airs live on NBC from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. ET. Check your local listings.

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415 episodes

Hugh Grant on His Chilling New Film, "Heretic" (November 2024)

Hugh Grant talks to Willie Geist about his new film, “Heretic” and about reprising the role of Daniel Cleaver in the upcoming fourth “Bridget Jones” film. They also discuss Grant's relationship with fame and how he’s creating better boundaries and protections in the industry. (Original broadcast date November 17, 2024)

33m
May 25
Gloria Estefan: A Journey of Resilience, Rhythm, and Roots

Willie sits down with Gloria Estefan as she returns to her "roots" with her first Spanish-language album in 18 years, "Raices". She also reflects on her extraordinary life story from young Cuban exile to becoming a music icon, and her amazing recovery story in between.

1h 2m
May 18
Lisa Kudrow on New Netflix Series, "No Good Deed" (January 2025)

Willie sits down with Lisa Kudrow to talk about her starring role in the new Netflix series, "No Good Deed," alongside Ray Romano. She also reflects on her time starring in “Friends,” one of the most popular and enduring shows in the history of television. (Original broadcast date January 5, 2025)

39m
May 11
Vince Vaughn Talks New Netflix Movie, "Nonnas"

Willie sits down with Vince Vaughn to talk about his career full of unforgettable roles starting with "Swingers", taking us all the way to his new Netflix movie, "Nonnas". They got together at Enoteca Maria on Staten Island, the Italian restaurant which inspired the movie, and got to meet up with the man behind the true story, Joe Scaravella.

50m
May 04
Eric Church Talks His Latest Album, "Evangeline Versus the Machine"

Willie sits down with country music superstar Eric Church to reflect on his unconventional and uncompromising route to the top of Nashville. They talk about his latest album, "Evangeline Versus the Machine", and how he got his signature sunglasses look. 

51m
Apr 27
Hannah Waddingham on ‘The Fall Guy’ and impact of ‘Ted Lasso’ (April 2024)

Willie sat down with Emmy-winning actor Hannah Waddingham to discuss her breakout performance in the hit series "Ted Lasso". They also talk about her role in "The Fall Guy" alongside Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. (Original broadcast date April 21, 2024)

55m
Apr 20
Bowen Yang Reflects on His SNL Fame and "Wicked" Breakthrough

Willie sits down with "Saturday Night Live" cast member Bowen Yang to talk about his extraordinary rise to fame. Yang opens up about his upbringing as the son of Chinese immigrants and his conflict of coming out to his parents. Bowen also discusses his role in the hugely popular movie musical "Wicked." 

52m
Apr 13
Jon Bon Jovi On Getting His Voice Back for New Album, "Forever” (June 2024)

Willie chats with Jon Bon Jovi about his new album, "Forever", which marks a victory in the fight to get his voice back. They also talk about his head-spinning rise from Jersey bar-singer to international superstar, and they even take a tour of his studio at his Jersey home. (Original broadcast date June 16, 2024)

41m
Apr 06
Lainey Wilson on Her Journey from Baskin, Louisiana to Country Music Stardom (June 2024)

Lainey Wilson sits down with Willie Geist at Radio City Music Hall ahead of her concert to talk about making it big out of a small town, getting to work with her idols, and - despite the long journey - knowing she would always make it. (Original broadcast date June 30, 2024)

44m
Mar 30
Eva Longoria Reflects on Turning 50 & "Desperate Housewives" Fame

Willie sits down with Eva Longoria to catch up on her many new projects, such as her starring role in the film "Alexander and The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip." Longoria also opens up about how her life changed after “Desperate Housewives” and her new perspective on turning 50 years old. 

49m
Mar 23
Don Cheadle on New Series, "Fight Night," and the True Story Behind It (September 2024)

Golden Globe-winning actor Don Cheadle talks to Willie Geist about his prolific career including Oscar nominations, the "Ocean's 11" franchise, and the Marvel Universe. They also talk about his new show “Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist” streaming now on Peacock, about the true story of how an epic party after Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight in Atlanta became the scene of an infamous heist. (Original broadcast date September 8, 2024)

33m
Mar 16
‘Open Book with Jenna’ Featuring Rebecca Yarros

Hey Sunday Sitdown fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you a special preview of the first episode of an all-new season of Jenna Bush Hager’s podcast, ‘Open Book with Jenna’. In this season’s debut episode, Jenna sits down with bestselling author Rebecca Yarros. Together they talk about how Rebecca drew on her experience with chronic illness and life in a military family to write “Fourth Wing,” and her process to plot out five books in the series. To listen to the full conversation, just search ‘Open Book with Jenna’ wherever you’re listening to follow now, or click here: https://www.today.com/open-book-with-jenna  

4m
Mar 13
Jelly Roll on His Rise from a Troubled Past (October 2024)

 Willie Geist sits down with former rapper turned country artist, Jelly Roll, ahead of his latest album, "Beautifully Broken". He tells the story of his troubled upbringing and how he turned it all around, now selling out the biggest arenas in the country. (Original broadcast date October 6, 2024) 

50m
Mar 09
Angela Bassett on Presidential Role in Netflix's "Zero Day"

Willie sits down with Emmy and Golden Globe winning actress, Angela Bassett. They discuss her role as President of the United States in the new Netflix series, "Zero Day", starring alongside Robert Dinero. They also reflect on her decades-long career playing iconic roles such as Tina Turner in "What's Love Got to Do with It", and the Queen of Wakanda in the “Marvel” cinematic universe.

39m
Mar 02
Renee Zellweger on Almost 25 Years as "Bridget Jones"

Willie sits down with Oscar-winning actress Renee Zellweger who opens up about what she likes about playing the relatable title character Bridget Jones in the beloved franchise — a role she stepped into when the first movie was released in 2001.They talk about her new film, “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,”  her childhood growing up in Katy, Texas, and her road to the heights of Hollywood.

32m
Feb 23
Dateline Presents: Murder in the Moonlight

As a bonus for Sunday Sitdown fans, we’re sharing the trailer for Murder in the Moonlight, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline and Keith Morrison.   In this podcast, Keith Morrison takes listeners to a quiet farmhouse on America’s Great Plains, where Sharmon and Wayne Stock have just celebrated Easter with their big, loving family. That night, under a pale moon, the couple is shot to death in their bedroom. The investigation includes four suspects, spans three states, and comes down to a single shiny clue: A gold ring found at the scene of the crime.   If you like what you hear, just search Murder in the Moonlight to listen to the first two episodes now, completely free. Or subscribe to Dateline Premium on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or DatelinePremium.com /DatelinePremium.com. Subscribers get early access to new episodes and can listen to all Dateline podcasts ad-free.    

2m
Feb 17
SNL 50: Steve Martin & Martin Short

Since starring together in The Three Amigos in 1986, Steve Martin and Martin Short have worked together on the blockbuster Father of the Bride movies, toured the country making relentless jokes at each other’s expense, and now they’re starring in a hilarious series about three neighbors working together to solve a murder in their New York City apartment building. Willie Geist sat down with the two comedy legends to talk about their series Only Murders in the Building and their friendship lasting more three decades. (Original broadcast date September 12, 2021)  

39m
Feb 13
SNL 50: Seth Meyers

It’s been more than 10 years since Seth Meyers took the Late Night baton from his friend Jimmy Fallon, carrying on a legendary legacy started by David Letterman in 1982. Before taking over behind that desk, Meyers spent over a decade at Saturday Night Live, first as a cast member, then as Head Writer and host of “Weekend Update.” Willie Geist got together with the television host and comedian to talk about applying those writing skills to a children’s book, inspired by his three kids, and more. (Original broadcast date March 20, 2022) 

29m
Feb 13
SNL 50: Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan rose to the heights of comedy from the depths of poverty, growing up between Brooklyn and the Bronx. But in 2014, he nearly died in a horrific accident, when the van he was riding in was crushed by a speeding tractor trailer. Willie Geist sat down with the former Saturday Night Live star to talk about about that accident and how it changed him, his return to comedy and his hit show “The Last O.G.".  (Original broadcast date March 31, 2019)

43m
Feb 13
SNL 50: Andy Samberg

Andy Samberg arrived at Saturday Night Live as a Featured Player in the fall of 2005, and within a couple of months he shook up the legendary show and brought it into the digital age. Willie Geist sat down with the SNL alum to talk about his time on the show and those infamous digital shorts that he produced with his comedy group “The Lonely Island”, his hit NBC comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and more. (Original broadcast date January 21, 2019)

43m
Feb 13
SNL 50: Jimmy Fallon

Willie Geist sat down with his NBC neighbor, Jimmy Fallon. The two got together as Jimmy celebrated his 10-year anniversary as host of "The Tonight Show", reflecting on his long career in comedy, his years at SNL and landing the biggest job in "Late Night". (Original broadcast date May 12, 2024)

52m
Feb 13
SNL 50: Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph knew from an early age that she was meant to make people laugh, but a seven-season run on “Saturday Night Live” put her comedic genius on the map. Willie Geist met the actress inside SNL’s famous Studio 8H to talk about her time on that show, including her favorite celebrity impressions and what it was like to work alongside cast members like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. She also shares how the show served as comedy boot camp, giving her a foundation for roles in films like “Bridesmaids” and her Amazon series “Forever,” in which she stars alongside fellow SNL alum Fred Armisen. (Original broadcast date September 16, 2018)

53m
Feb 13
SNL 50: Tina Fey

Willie Geist sat down with Tina Fey to talk about the return of “Mean Girls” 20-years later, with a musical movie. She discusses writing, producing and starring in both movies, after becoming a comedy icon through writing for "SNL". (Original broadcast date January 14, 2024) 

32m
Feb 13
Will Ferrell Talks Latest Comedy and His Favorite SNL Sketches

Willie Geist gets together with comedy icon Will Ferrell to talk about his new movie, "You're Cordially Invited", starring alongside Reese Witherspoon. The two also discuss Ferrell’s recent documentary with friend Harper Steele, "Will and Harper", and reflect on Ferrell's time on SNL ahead of its 50th anniversary.

43m
Feb 09
Nate Bargatze On His Comedy Journey

Willie Geist sat down with Nate Bargatze at City Winery in front of a live audience for the first ever Sunday Sitdown Live. Bargatze talks all about his rise in comedy - from performing for one person in a small club, to selling out arenas around the world. They also discuss new family-friendly plans for the "Nateland" empire and answer some questions from the audience.

1h 9m
Feb 02
GRAMMY NOMINEE: Kelsea Ballerini

Willie Geist sits down with one of the biggest young stars in music, Kelsea Ballerini. They talk about her latest album, "Patterns", and her gig as a coach on "The Voice." Ballerini also reflects on her choice to move to Nashville as a teenager to pursue country music. (Original broadcast date October 27, 2024) 

46m
Jan 31
GRAMMY NOMINEE: Kacey Musgraves

Willie Geist sits down with 7-time Grammy winner, Kacey Musgraves. The two get together at Electric Lady Studios to talk about the inspiration for her latest album, her writing process and finding success while bucking convention in Nashville. (Original broadcast date March 10, 2024) 

54m
Jan 31
GRAMMY NOMINEE: Jelly Roll

Willie Geist sits down with former rapper turned country artist, Jelly Roll, ahead of his latest album, "Beautifully Broken". He tells the story of his troubled upbringing and how he turned it all around, now selling out the biggest arenas in the country. (Original broadcast date October 6, 2024)

51m
Jan 31
GRAMMY NOMINEE: Alicia Keys

Willie Geist sits down with 16-time Grammy winner, Alicia Keys. The two get together at the Schubert Theater in New York to talk about Alicia's incredible career full of beautiful music and the new Broadway musical inspired by her own extraordinary life. (Original broadcast date April 14, 2024)

37m
Jan 31
GRAMMY NOMINEE: Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson sits down with Willie Geist at Radio City Music Hall ahead of her concert to talk about making it big out of a small town, getting to work with her idols and - despite the long journey - knowing she would always make it. (Original broadcast date June 30, 2024)

44m
Jan 31