The Office Deep Dive with Brian Baumgartner

Today Brian sits down with the multi-talented actor and musician Folake Olowofoyeku. She talks about her diverse upbringing in Lagos watching Spanish telenovelas and listening to Irish music, moving to the US as a young student, and bringing it all back around to play a Nigerian woman on Bob Hearts Abishola. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr. & Mrs. Rapaport are bonded by their love of Reality Television & are inviting you into their living room. Rapaport's Reality is hosted by Kebe Rapaport & Michael Rapaport. They're talking tea, dissecting the drama, and giving praise to the greatest form of entertainment on television today. They're diving into real time shows & re-watching all the biggest and the best. Subscribe to tap in with our Superfans & go behind the ropes with the new "it couple" of the Reality World with new episodes every week! Listen here and subscribe to Rapaport's Reality with Kebe & Michael Rapaport on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian's conversation this week is with rising star Alex Neustaedter. The young actor shares details about his experience as a child model, how he avoided the Mickey Mouse Club, getting to know Meg Ryan over a slice of apple pie, and that time he snuck into the Pittsburgh Zoo. Alex can currently be seen in the second season of American Rust, now streaming on Prime Video.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian's guest today is former professional basketball player and Lob City legend, Blake Griffin. The six-time NBA All-Star discusses his youth as a three-sport phenom, how he learned he would be selected as the #1 draft pick by the Clippers, and the excitement and heartbreak of play-off basketball. Plus, Blake details his retirement plans for keeping busy in the world of film and TV production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor, podcast host and wrestling dork Will Sasso is on the podcast today. He and Brian discuss Will's start on Canadian teen dramas, his breakout performance on legendary sketch show Mad TV, and recurring roles on some of our favorite TV shows over the past 3 decades. Plus Will dives into the kayfabe and controversy behind his "AI-influenced" podcast, Dudesy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian sits down with actor, model, and violin prodigy Torrey DeVitto to learn about what makes a great classical musician, hitting the teen mecca of television jobs, and why she can't bring herself to eat eggs from her own duck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Brian speaks with the fabulous Sarah Drew. Sarah talks about her youth being as inspired by musical theater as her father's church sermons, her professional stage experience and pivot to screen acting, and how a small collaboration with Shonda Rhimes blossomed into a career defining role on Grey's Anatomy. Sarah can be seen starring in Branching Out, premiering this month on the Hallmark Channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian sits down with Bachelor-turned-business guru Jason Tartick. Jason talks about the business side of reality television, how to balance love and checkbooks in his new book “Talk Money to Me”, and challenges Brian to consider his own relationship to financial transparency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is swapping secrets with broadcast journalist Alisyn Camerota this week. She pulls back the "anchor mask" and delves into her rebellious youth, the conflicts with Roger Ailes during her tenure at Fox News, her transition to the culture of CNN, and what to do when the constant firehose of a 24-hour news cycle gets overwhelming. These stories and many others can be found in Alisyn's new book, Combat Love: A Story of Leaving, Longing, and Searching for Home, out this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Dastmalchian is on the pod this week proving once again that there are no small parts, just small actors. He and Brian discuss the rigor of traditional theater training, the joys of digging into character creation, David's struggles with mental health and overcoming addiction, and the edgy breakout roles that turned him into a recognizable creep. Catch David in the new movie Late Night with the Devil, in theaters this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Brian is searching for his "missing" invitation to Augusta National with PGA Tour golfer, Justin Thomas. From youth phenom to the #1 professional in the world, Justin has dominated the game of golf over much of the last decade and is just hitting his stride. In this episode, he details memories of witnessing an inspiring Tiger Woods shootout, his early rivalry with Jordan Spieth, his legendary 59 shot round in Hawaii, and the mental strength it takes to face down the back nine with a one stroke lead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian's guest today is none other than Juror #6, Ronald Gladden of the hit show Jury Duty. Ronald talks about his start in construction engineering, being the last person on Craigslist, and building his new life among the stars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian talks with actress, documentarian, and multi-generational icon, Soleil Moon Frye. Best known for her breakout role as the young Punky Brewster, Soleil reflects on Punky's continuing influence, how supportive family and close friends allowed her to have a childhood through the pressures of network success, and how an appreciation of the world brought her behind the camera and lead to the creation of her 2021 documentary film, Kid 90. The pair also cover Soleil's current work with the Ask2BSure campaign to raise awareness about the Meningitis B vaccine. More information can be found at www.Ask2BSure.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian's attention turns from football to baseball this week as he gets into the spring training mindset with Fox Sports analyst and Hall of Fame pitcher, John Smoltz. A veteran of over 20 years in professional baseball, "Smoltzie" takes us behind the scenes of his storied career from star high school athlete and Detroit Tigers prospect, to playoff near-misses and eventual World Series redemption as part of the dominant Atlanta Braves starting rotation alongside Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, and how overcoming injuries forced him to relearn the game from the bullpen where he excelled as the Braves' closer. Plus, John details why you should never talk trash to Tiger Woods and shares his early thoughts on the upcoming 2024 baseball season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Garlin and Susie Essman are joined by cast, crew, and superfans of Curb Your Enthusiasm to break down every episode of the HBO show…ever. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Brian's favorite time of the year…Super Bowl week! To celebrate, he brings on NFL Network's analytics expert Cynthia Frelund to talk about the Big Game. They discuss everything from the tough Detroit Lions loss, to Cynthia's multiple degrees, to their picks for the Super Bowl. Plus, Brian takes a moment to share about his most recent trips to golf tournaments and charity events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are counting down to the big game this week as Brian is joined by author, podcaster, and "Best in the Business" NFL insider, Jay Glazer. The Fox Sports contributor breaks down his keys for getting the big scoop, the lessons of his short-lived MMA career, how teams can be powerful assets off the field, and his current charity work with organizations like Merging Vets & Players.  Jay is also the host of the Unbreakable Podcast, which features his candid conversations with athletes, celebrities, coaches and mental health experts about the challenges of living with ADHD, depression and anxiety and tips and tools to navigate those issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is back in the accountant's corner this week with returning favorite, Angela Kinsey! The long-time friends share stories about the time they unknowingly met at a Señor Frog's, tips for getting an internship in New York City, their big TV show pitch to Telemundo, and the conclusion (and exciting future) of Angela's Office Ladies podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is feeling the postseason excitement this week with former SportsCenter host and current NFL Network star Rich Eisen. After celebrating the recent Michigan national championship win, Rich shares highlights from his career as a sports journalist and stories of some of the big personalities that influenced his approach, finally he shares his thoughts on the NFL playoff matchups going into Wild Card Weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian's New Years' wishes are answered this week as Angelique Cabral is on the podcast. She details her humble beginnings in the commercial acting world, her time honing her skills with regular appearances on everything from soap operas to sitcoms, and how her deep love of Broadway informed her role as Queen Amaya in Disney's Wish.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian goes "long" this week with former NFL defensive end Chris Long! In a spirited and open discussion the two-time Super Bowl champ details his early life as the son of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long, dealing with the pressures and high expectations from the football world as well as from around his dinner table, and later successes on his own terms with the Eagles. Listeners can catch Chris in his second career as host of the Green Light Podcast and regular panelist on the weekly highlight show, Inside the NFL now on CW. Listen to new episodes of Chris' podcast, Green Light.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First aired in 2021. To wrap up the year and the holiday season, we are revisiting Brian's trip to Scranton, Pennsylvania! He talks with some of the people who have been on this journey with him since day one, and whose lives have been changed just as much by The Office as his own. So join us on a trip to the home of Dunder Mifflin, where everybody's arms are always open to The Office family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian looks at just a few more of his favorite moments from the year on the podcast, including Landon Donovan's determination to uplift soccer in the US, Jason Alexander's hair journey, and how Eric McCormack magically learned to play piano just like Elton John. Hear from: Alex Caruso, Landon Donovan, Jason Alexander & Peter Tilden, Eric McCormack, and Rosie O'Donnell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian's getting sentimental, looking back on his amazing guests and favorite moments of 2023.  He revisits the origins of the Law & Order franchise, and an extremely authentic, not-made-up recipe for hot dog pizza. Hear from: Angela Gibbs, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Kevin Reilly, Maz Jobrani, and Rainn Wilson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Off the Beat, home of the Off the Beat interview. Can I take your order? Brian serves up a fresh podcast hot off the griddle for you today as he talks with actor and comedian, Kel Mitchell! The pair discuss Kel's early start in acting, the pressures of success at a young age, his creative partnership with comedian Kenan Thompson, and revisiting his character of Ed in this year's Good Burger 2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Brian has a neighborly conversation with actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar. The pair cover MPG's lengthy career from Indonesia to Bayside High and beyond, including stories about his friendly childhood rivalry with Paul Walker, the origins of the character Zack Morris and reinventing himself as an actor with grittier and riskier roles on "NYPD Blue" and his current character of Sir on NBC's "Found".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just before the past weekend's SEC Championship game, University of Georgia Athletic Director Josh Brooks sat down with Brian in anticipation of the big game. They reminisce about their viral beginnings, playing sports in suits, and their beloved Dawgs.  See Josh throw a javelin in his business attire here, and the video that made them friends here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is back with The Other Black Girl herself, Ashleigh Murray. Ashleigh schools Brian on the difference between Kansas City in Kansas and Missouri, the pearls and pitfalls of adapting a beloved comic book character, and nearly calling a SWAT team over a mysterious bottle of champagne in her hotel room.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Brian celebrates the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike with star of Hulu's The Other Black Girl, Sinclair Daniel. They discuss Sinclair's bi-coastal beginnings, how New York City shaped her early acting experiences, and the highs and lows of releasing a TV show during the actors' strike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is on today with sports journalist extraordinaire Bomani Jones. Bomani tells Brian how he ended up with three separate economics degrees, his hot take on hot takes, and his very favorite part about sports: the petty dramas behind the scenes of college football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian works on his French language skills this week with actor, author, and mental health advocate Stephanie Szostak! Stephanie surprises Brian with stories of her childhood in France, her brief career as a part-time model in New York, and her early successes working alongside legends like Meryl Streep and Steve Carell. The pair also discuss the inspiration behind Stephanie's new book, "Selfish: Step Into a Journey of Self-Discovery to Revive Confidence, Joy, and Meaning" which is available now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian responds to YOUR questions this week on a very special Mailbag episode of Off the Beat! We get the inside scoop about the highs and lows of Brian's professional career, his preference for villains, hot takes on college football, and personal tips for always staying beautiful. Plus he spills the beans on his not-so-secret chili recipe!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's all things golf this week when Brian is joined by his friend and retired PGA Tour golfer, Colt Knost. Colt doesn't hold back as the two discuss highlights of his notable amateur career, the constant grind of making The Cut, finding his second life as a media personality for CBS Sports and Sirius XM, and his opinions on the challenges currently facing the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicago Bulls player and all-defensive first team NBA player Alex Caruso talks about fulfilling his destiny at Texas A&M, taking the long way to the NBA, and Brian and Alex both share their most embarrassing basketball moments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live and in person from their shared home course in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, Brian talks with his neighbor and friend PGA Tour pro Charley Hoffman about getting knocked down a peg by his excellent team at UNLV, stepping into a leadership role on the board of the PGA, and living in paradise in his hometown of San Diego.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of the amazing writers of The Office, Brian shares a compilation of his favorite moments interviewing the creative minds behind the show. Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky talk about fan-favorite episodes: Dinner Party and Scott Tots, Mike Schur reflects back on the 2008 writers strike, and Jen Celotta remembers the love and passion every writer had for the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Baseball bad boy AJ Pierzynski remembers the days of waiting by the phone for important news, reveals how boos from the crowd actually made him play better, and gives his thoughts on the upcoming playoffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi, Off the Beat Fans! We want to share a new podcast that we think you'll love - Six Degrees with Kevin Bacon.  About the show: A singular star, everyone ( and we mean everyone! ) is connected to ...KEVIN BACON.  He has starred in some of the biggest films of the last 30 years – and after years of hearing his name used alongside ‘Six Degrees' (the idea that everyone is separated by six people or less), Kevin decided to embrace it and turned the concept into a non-profit – SixDegrees.org - in 2007.  Now, in his new podcast “Six Degrees with Kevin Bacon,” he will use his fame to feature celebrity guests and highlight their favorite charitable organizations! Each episode will feature inspirational conversations with extraordinary changemakers and how they are making a difference in the world every single day. Get ready to lean in, learn and be inspired to act. Tune in Tuesdays for your weekly dose of #dogooders. The 'Six Degrees with Kevin Bacon' podcast. Dancing will NOT be banned. Listen here and subscribe to Six Degrees with Kevin Bacon on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NFL tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals and the LA Rams, Andrew Whitworth chats with Brian about his near-perfect game attendance record, helping develop the team culture at the Rams, and the most beautiful full circle moments of his career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian gains a new friend in Sarah Wayne Callies, who speaks about her homeland of Hawaii, the beauty of live theater, and opening new frontiers in the podcast world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian chats with a rule breaker, record breaker, and bone breaker Lindsey Vonn. The Olympic medalist and skiing champion talks about her first hole in one, the topography of Minnesota, and breaking her body for her sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Reilly, the former network exec behind shows like Saved by the Bell, The Sopranos, The Shield, The Office, and more talks about falling in love with television and the palm tree silhouettes of Los Angeles, drinking Evian on Brandon Tartikoff's sofa, and his perspective on the strike from a network insider.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.