Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

More of my interview with Broadway legend Shoshana Bean. Shoshana tells me more about embracing the role of Elphaba in ‘Wicked' after getting it in such a crazy way. Plus, we hear about the odd jobs she did to pay the bills and how we deal with opening night jitters. This episode was recorded at Miriam on the Upper West Side, NYC.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Broadway legend Shoshana Bean joined the show. Over bourekas and a Jerusalem breakfast, Shoshana walks me through that wild moment when she had to step in as Elphaba in ‘Wicked' on Broadway after Idina Menzel's unexpected injury. Plus, we get into her latest Broadway show, ‘The Lost Boys' based on the ‘80s film, and why vampires are a compelling allegory for feeling like an outsider. This episode was recorded at Miriam on the Upper West Side, NYC.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with ‘Somebody Somewhere' Emmy winner Jeff Hiller. Jeff and I share favorite audition stories, the surprising way Jeff got their equity card (involves a themed restaurant) and the backstory of iconic playwright Tony Kushner officiating my wedding. This episode was recorded at Betty on the Lower East Side, NYC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Somebody Somewhere' Emmy winner Jeff Hiller joined the show. Over baked eggs and an omelet, Jeff tells me about portraying a rare depiction of a gay man of faith in ‘Somebody Somewhere' and what it was like to audition for ‘Pluribus.' Plus, we get into the roles that paid the bills for many years, including repeat roles as the bitchy waiter – and Jeff will be the first to tell you, it isn't as easy as it sounds. This episode was recorded at Betty on the Lower East Side, NYC.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'Glee' and ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace' star Darren Criss. Darren tells me about recently crashing a ‘Glee' themed fitness class, a favorite moment with the theater icon Stephen Sondheim and we get into the unexpected ‘Glee' moment that had another life on TikTok. This episode was recorded at Win Son Bakery in Manhattan's East Village. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Glee' and ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace' star Darren Criss joined the show. Over scallion pancakes stuffed with gooey cheese and bacon, Darren tells me about going viral for a Harry Potter parody in 2009, getting ‘Glee,' and how 'Maybe Happy Ending' almost didn't even make it on stage, which is hard to believe given its acclaim – the Broadway show and Darren both walking away with Tony awards. Plus, we talk about being dads and a funny moment at a fancy Hollywood party. This episode was recorded at Win Son Bakery in Manhattan's East Village.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jane Fonda didn't just change Hollywood; she rattled American politics, beauty standards, and the birth of modern fitness culture. Today, I'm sharing a preview of a new podcast, Big Lives, and a special episode about Jane. Every week, hosts Kai Wright and Emmanuel Dzotsi dig into the BBC archive to explore the story behind the icons who shape our culture—trailblazers like David Bowie, Meg Ryan, Amy Winehouse, and Tina Turner—and better understand how each legend set the stage for our contemporary cultural landscape. In this preview, Kai and Emmanuel look at how Oscar-winning “nudie cutie” became a firebrand activist and one of the most polarizing figures in American culture. If you like what you hear, find more episodes of Big Lives wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with ‘Boogie Nights' and ‘Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me' star Heather Graham. Heather talks about going to yoga retreats with Molly Shannon, and she reflects on her time hosting SNL, plus – I tell the story of how I proposed to my husband Justin. This episode was recorded at Le Pavillon in Midtown Manhattan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Boogie Nights' and ‘Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me' star Heather Graham joined the show. Over Spanish mackerel and steak, Heather tells me about doing her first film at age 17 with ‘80s teen icons Corey Haim and Corey Feldman, being discouraged to star in Paul Thomas Anderson's edgy cult classic ‘Boogie Nights,' and her latest foray into the horror genre with her new action-packed film ‘They Will Kill You' and a hotly anticipated new adaptation of Stephen King's ‘Carrie.' This episode was recorded at Le Pavillon in Midtown Manhattan, NY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with ‘The Rookie' star Jenna Dewan. Jenna talks about her nomadic childhood, and stepping into the role of producer, plus – I share the story of my son Beckett's very first time performing onstage. This episode was recorded at Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘The Rookie' star Jenna Dewan joins the show. Over pizza bianca and gooey garlic bread, we bond over the grief of losing beloved pets — I recently lost my dog Leaf, who Justin and I got when we first started dating. Then, of course, we gotta get to Jenna's career. She tells me about the pressure to pick a lane – dancing or acting – after her breakout role in the film ‘Step Up.' We also get into how she cut her teeth dancing alongside Janet Jackson and why she considers ‘The Rookie' the best job she's ever had. This episode was recorded at Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with ‘Somebody Feed Phil' star Phil Rosenthal. We talk more about LA as a food city, and the restaurants that make it great, plus – we talk about more about Max & Helen's and why diners are so important to our communities. This episode was recorded at Holbox in South Los Angeles, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Somebody Feed Phil' star and ‘Everybody Loves Raymond' creator Phil Rosenthal joins the show. Over ceviche and aguachile, Phil tells me about the special gift he was able to give his mom, struggling to get a sitcom made after ‘Raymond,' and why it took a decade to get his hit travel show made. Plus, we get into opening one of the hottest food tickets in Los Angeles, his diner Max & Helen's, which he founded with Mozza founder Nancy Silverton. This episode was recorded at Holbox in South Los Angeles, CA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'The Last Thing He Told Me' star Angourie Rice. We get into what Nicole Kidman is like behind the scenes and the differences between working on set in Australia versus the United States. This episode was recorded at Crossroads Kitchen on Melrose in Los Angeles, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'The Last Thing He Told Me' and ‘Spider-Man' trilogy star Angourie Rice joins the show. Over vegan ravioli and lasagna, Angourie tells me about carrying on the ‘Mean Girls' legacy after Lindsay Lohan and what it was like shooting the Apple TV+ series ‘The Last Thing He Told Me' on a houseboat with Jennifer Garner. We also get into how her YA romance novel Stuck Up And Stupid was selected for Reese's book club! This episode was recorded at Crossroads Kitchen on Melrose in Los Angeles, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with ‘The Comeback' star Dan Bucatinsky. We get into Dan's longtime collaboration with Lisa Kudrow and he shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from their comedy series Web Therapy. This episode was recorded at Louise's Trattoria in Larchmont Village in Los Angeles, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'The Comeback' executive producer and star Dan Bucatinsky joins the show. Over minestrone soup and burrata salad, Dan tells me about hiding behind parked cars to avoid being seen with his now-husband, why he almost missed a dinner with Michelle Pfeiffer, and nabbing his Emmy-winning role in ‘Scandal' in his late 40s. This episode was recorded at Louise's Trattoria in Larchmont Village, Los Angeles.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with St. Denis Medical' star Wendi McLendon-Covey. We get into why she's never left her hometown of Long Beach, how she met her longtime husband Greg, and we get into the life she lives in her other home, New Orleans. This episode was recorded at De La Nonna in Downtown Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'St. Denis Medical' star Wendi McLendon-Covey joins the show. Over pepperoni pizza, Wendi tells me about getting paid pennies for her iconic role on ‘Reno 911,' the office job she lowkey juggled with acting until booking ‘The Goldbergs,' and how her husband never gave up on her – even when she almost gave up on herself. This episode was recorded at De La Nonna's in Downtown L.A.'s Arts District.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with ‘The Traitors' star Lisa Rinna. We get into her M&M moment with Joey Fatone, how a banishment on ‘Traitors' goes down behind-the-scenes, and her advice to her costar Colton Underwood. This episode was recorded at Coral Tree Cafe in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘The Traitors' star Lisa Rinna joins the show. Over curry chicken and steak salads, Lisa tells me what it's like to be an actual traitor on the hit Peacock show and where her relationship stands with some of her castmates now. Plus, we get into all the juicy bits from her memoir You Better Believe We're Gonna Talk About It, and we have to talk about walking runways at age 62 and being more fabulous than ever.  This episode was recorded at Coral Tree Cafe in Brentwood, Los Angeles.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'Scrubs' star Sarah Chalke. We get into our Taylor Swift fandom, how her daughter may be her acting coach, and her personal connection to a ‘Grey's Anatomy' episode that she starred in. This episode was recorded at Clark Street Diner in Los Angeles.More of my interview with 'Scrubs' star Sarah Chalke. We get into our Taylor Swift fandom, how her daughter may be her acting coach, and her personal connection to a ‘Grey's Anatomy' episode that she starred in. This episode was recorded at Clark Street Diner in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Scrubs' star Sarah Chalke joins the show. Over an omelet and patty melt – diner go-to's – Sarah tells me about becoming famous straight out of high school on the no. 1 sitcom, ‘Roseanne,' and we get into how formative ‘Scrubs' was in her career and what it's like to reunite with her colleagues in the upcoming revival. This episode was recorded at Clark Street Diner in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with ‘Where Everybody Knows Your Name' podcast co-host and TV legend Ted Danson. We get into a terrifying moment on stage, acting opposite his wife Mary Steenburgen in this season of the Netflix series ‘A Man on the Inside,' and his parents' reaction to him becoming a TV star. This episode was recorded at Max & Helen's in Larchmont Village, Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been 20 years since How I Met Your Mother premiered, and just over 10 years since the finale. Josh Radnor, who played “Ted” for nine seasons teams up with series co-creator Craig Thomas for this episode-by-episode rewatch podcast. For the superfans, HWMYM (listen to the trailer to learn how it's pronounced) will get into all the secrets, theories, and pineapples, but we'll also use HIMYM – and our relationship to it two decades later – to talk about life and love and art and everything in between. How We Made Your Mother… a flashback podcast for a flashback show. You can listen to all episodes of season 1 now, and join Josh and Craig as they dive into season 2! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Where Everybody Knows Your Name' podcast co-host and TV legend Ted Danson joins the show. Over an omelet and patty melt – you know, diner classics – Ted tells me about how 'Cheers' had a precarious start, acting opposite his wife Mary Steenburgen in this season of the Netflix series ‘A Man on the Inside,' and how he wrestled with imposter syndrome and social anxiety for a long time. This episode was recorded at Max & Helen's in Larchmont Village, Los Angeles.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'Traitors' star Colton Underwood. We get into working with the iconic Alan Cumming on The Traitors, and how the stylish hosts sets a high bar for the cast. This episode was recorded at The Butcher's Daughter in West Hollywood, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Traitors' star Colton Underwood joins the show. Over juice and breakfast burritos, Colton tells me his strategy coming into ‘Traitors' -- it's not being lowkey – and his reaction to some of his colorful castmates. Plus, he tells me his husband's reaction to his season of ‘The Bachelor' and how he looks back at a difficult period in his life. This episode was recorded at The Butcher's Daughter in West Hollywood, CA.  Want next week's episode now? Subscribe to Dinner's on Me PLUS. As a subscriber, not only do you get access to new episodes one week early, but you'll also be able to listen completely ad-free! Just click “Try Free” at the top of the Dinner's on Me show page on Apple Podcasts to start your free trial today. A Sony Music Entertainment & A Kid Named Beckett production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with ‘It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia star Mary Elizabeth Ellis. Mary Elizabeth tells me all about working on set with Taylor Swift and we get intothe joy of seeing our children develop their own senses of humor. This episode was recorded at The Ceviche Project in Los Angeles, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'A Man On The Inside' star Mary Elizabeth Ellis joins the show. Over ceviche and crudo, Mary tells me about her meet-cute with Charlie Day, which feels straight out of an early 2000s sitcom. Plus, we get into working with legends like Danny DeVito on ‘It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' and Ted Danson on ‘A Man on the Inside.' This episode was recorded at Ceviche Project in Silver Lake, CA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'Abbott Elementary' star Chris Perfetti. Chris tells me what it's like getting recognized more often after Abbott, and we share experiences working on short-lived television shows. This episode was recorded at Roberta's in Studio City, CA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Abbott Elementary' star Chris Perfetti joins the show. Over oxtail pasta and bee sting pizza, Chris tells me about the evolution of his character Jacob, why they didn't need to overexplain his sexual orientation, and w g his love of theater with a busy sitcom schedule. Plus, I recall a run-in with Chris at LAX, that now seems like it was a big turning point in his life. This episode was recorded at Roberta's in Studio City, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with ‘Landman' star Ali Larter. Ali tells me more about making the move to Idaho. We reminisce about early career auditions and our love for the kitchen. This episode was recorded at Tony's Mexican Grill in Sherman Oaks, CA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Modern Family' star Eric Stonestreet joins the show. Over enchiladas and guacamole, Eric tells me about meeting the love of his life while our show was on hiatus and his top-secret wedding that I didn't even know about (until the last minute). We also get into his love of clowning, his development of the Fizbo character, and what he's mad isn't on his IMDB. This episode was recorded at Tony's Mexican Grill in Sherman Oaks, CA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with ‘Landman' star Ali Larter. Ali tells me more about making the move to Idaho. We reminisce about early career auditions and our love for the kitchen. This episode was recorded at Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Landman' star Ali Larter joins the show. Over a seafood tower, Ali tells me about shooting on-location in Texas, how she met her husband (and fellow actor) Hayes MacArthur, and what Billy Bob Thornton hates to do on set. We also bond over the difficulties of raising kids as working actors, moving to Idaho with her family, and Ali tells me about the hoax Esquire cover that landed her first manager. This episode was recorded at Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with ‘The King of Queens' star Patton Oswalt. Patton shares the story of proposing to his wife and how his first wife, the late true crime writer Michelle McNamara, played a role in identifying the Golden State Killer. This episode was recorded at Levant Bistro & Bake Shop in Echo Park, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comedian Patton Oswalt joins the show. Over Lebanese egg pie and Mediterranean chicken, we talk about Patton's hilarious new standup special on Audible: ‘Black Coffee and Ice Water.' We dissect a lot of things that make him laugh -- from his daughter's dissection of the horror genre to AI's bent toward racism. We also talk about falling in love after losing his first wife and how important it was to have his daughter a part of the proposal. And we can't leave without talking about the late great Jerry Stiller, his costar on ‘The King of Queens.'  This episode was recorded at Levant Bistro & Bake Shop in Echo Park, CA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we revisit my conversation with my ‘Modern Family' costar Rico Rodriguez joins the show. Over smashburgers, Rico tells me his original – very different – approach to Manny, who took him under his wing on set, and at what age he found out he made more than his allowance suggested. This episode was recorded at Heavy Handed in Studio City, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘The Last Frontier' star Alfre Woodard joins the show. Over oysters, we talk about her extraordinary career—from her early days in Tulsa to the groundbreaking roles that made her one of the most respected actors of her generation. Alfre reflects on working with icons like Robert Altman and Maya Angelou, the confidence she carried into Hollywood, and why she's never once waited for permission to be herself. We also talk about ‘The Last Frontier,' her gripping new Apple TV+ series and she shares how they shot epic scenes. This episode was recorded at Saltie Girl in West Hollywood, California.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2' star Josh Hutcherson. Josh gets into braving LA highways on his vespa while filming 'The Kids Are Alright', how he put life plans on hold for his role in HBO's 'I Love LA' and why directing is on his to do list. This episode was recorded at Night + Market Song in Silverlake, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Five Nights at Freddy's 2' star Josh Hutcherson joins the show. Over Thai iced teas and Pad Thai, Josh tells me about splitting his time between California and Spain, what he loves about living on the Eastside, and why the subtle trolling of the hipster LA enclave in the HBO Max series ‘I Love LA' hits so close to home. We also bond over being senior dog dads, and he tells me how his acting career started by peeling open the Yellow Pages at age 8. Plus, he tells me how nabbing Peeta in ‘Hunger Games' changed everything. This episode was recorded at Night + Market Song in Silver Lake, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'Now You See Me, Now You Don't' star Justice Smith. We get into our experiences at high school reunion, we bond over our shared love of Martha Plimpton, who was his costar in the HBO Max series ‘Generation' and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Now You See Me, Now You Don't' star Justice Smith joins the show. Over chicken schnitzel and avocado confit, Justice tells me about his what it was like growing up with 8 siblings, how it was to be one of the only Black kids at a performing arts high school in OC, and how he found confidence — and clarity — around identity as he entered his 30s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Zootopia 2' star Ginnifer Goodwin joins the show. Over meatballs and spicy fusilli, Ginnifer tells me about her chaotic ‘Big Love' audition, preparing her kids for the Disney red carpet and her family's little-known Hollywood history. This episode was recorded at Jon & Vinny's in Studio City, California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Stranger Things' star Gaten Matarazzo joins the show. Over sushi and cappuccinos (yes, really), we talk about his remarkable journey from child performer to seasoned Broadway star and Netflix favorite. Gaten shares what it was like to commute from New Jersey to perform in Les Misérables as a kid, the surreal audition process that led to his breakout as Dustin in ‘Stranger Things,' and how it feels to say goodbye to such a defining project. He also opens up about living with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) and how he's using his platform to raise awareness and empower others. This episode was recorded at Lure Fishbar in SoHo, New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' star Meredith Marks. Over arugula salad, we hear her iconic relationship origin story with husband Seth Marks, her kids' reaction to mom on reality TV, and what she's learned to accept and not accept when it comes to drama with her costars. Plus, she shares what would lead her to leave the franchise. This episode was recorded at Bottega Louie in West Hollywood, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Palm Royale' star Allison Janney joins the show. Over taglionlini al limone, we get into the iconic ‘Primary Colors' moment that led to playing CJ, how she shaped an iconic scene from ‘I, Tonya,' playing opposite my friend Keri Russell in Netflix's ‘The Diplomat,' and we get some hints at what's to come on this season of the Apple TV + series ‘Palm Royale,' which she stars in alongside Kristen Wiig and Ricky Martin. This episode was recorded at Angelini Osteria in Los Angeles, CA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Desperate Housewives' star Teri Hatcher joins the show. Over crispy trout and ribeye tibs, we talk about her new ‘Desperate Housewives' rewatch podcast, Desperately Devoted, which she co-hosts with her on-screen and real-life daughters. Teri opens up about revisiting Wisteria Lane with fresh eyes and how her 27-year-old daughter's modern perspective reshapes her understanding of the series. We also dive into her lifelong love of food — from culinary school to winning ‘Chopped' and baking in ‘The Great British Bake Off' tent — and how cooking has always been her love language. Teri talks candidly about aging in Hollywood, and about discovering new creative energy through a new hobby: stand-up comedy. This episode was recorded at Aunt Yvette's Kitchen in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Nobody Wants This' star Jackie Tohn joins the show. Over plant-based Italian sandwiches, Jackie tells me how early rejection helped her develop her trademark resilience (and sense of humor) and she opens up about the wild ride of her career — from competing on ‘American Idol' to starring in ‘GLOW' and becoming a series regular on ‘Nobody Wants This' with BFF Kristen Bell. Please cast her in ‘The Nanny' remake. This episode was recorded at Maciel's Plant-Based Butcher in Highland Park in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Actor Lizzy Caplan joins the show. Over fried catfish and Chinese broccoli salad, we reminisce about our early days as castmates in the sitcom “The Class”—including the infamous table read she slept through—and how that period shaped both of our careers. Lizzy shares stories about growing up in Los Angeles, breaking out in “Mean Girls,” and finding her voice in beloved cult shows like “Party Down.” We also get personal, reflecting on the loss of our parents in recent years, and why she couldn't imagine raising her child anywhere but Brooklyn. This episode was recorded at Strange Delight in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices