Off The Beat with Brian Baumgartner

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 

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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, "Smoltzy" 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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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".

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Sports reporter and NFL insider Peter Schrager talks to Brian about the best job in the world, managing his crazy schedule across two coasts, and running into celebrities in his neighborhood - plus his top pick for all you fantasy football players this year.

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Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and golf enthusiast Bob Parsons is on the podcast today, talking about how he came up with the name GoDaddy, using psychedelics to heal PTSD, and the best golf clubs on the market.

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Brian catches up with his old colleague, former writer on The Office and co-creator of Jury Duty, Gene Stupnitsky. He talks about his childhood as a Ukrainian immigrant, getting fired from every assistant position he ever had, and the secrets of getting kids to say dirty jokes without ruining their innocence.

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This week, Brian sits down with Crash and Narcos star Michael Peña (or as we like to call him, the King of Hilarious Callbacks.) The two chat about everything from the double-life Michael lived as a child to the confidence that Sidney Poitier instilled in him and the embarrassing moments on set of Jack Ryan that didn’t quite make it to final cut.

This episode was recorded on July 6, 2023.

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For the second time on the podcast, Brian gets to pick the brain of the brilliant Ben Silverman, visionary executive producer behind The Office, Ugly Betty, Jane the Virgin, The Biggest Loser, and many more. He talks about his childhood being raised by theater and television in Manhattan, the disappointment of attaining his childhood dream, breaking into new fields in media, and he even gives Brian some Japanese lessons.

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On today’s episode, Brian speaks with the greatest US soccer player of all time, Landon Donovan. He talks about moving to Europe at 17, seeing the sport gain popularity in the US, and the influx of soccer teams coming to San Diego. 

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Brian’s golf buddy, former Green Bay linebacker and current co-host of The Pat McAfee Show, AJ Hawk is going off (the beat) today, talking about his career in football, becoming a fixture at the American Century Golf Championship, and what he is (and isn’t) giving up as The Pat McAfee Show moves to ESPN.

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One of Brian’s favorite people (and everyone’s favorite HR rep) Paul Lieberstein is on the show today. He talks about his early, terrible spec scripts, his excellent new show Lucky Hank, and the real reasons behind the writer’s strike.

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Brian meets a new friend today, the talented and omnipresent Jake McDorman (he’s everywhere!). He shares his experience moving to Hollywood by himself at 17, the NSFW first scene he shot for What We Do in the Shadows, and how he stays in the zeitgeist by being in multiple shows at once.

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Brian catches up with the hilarious writer and comedianAmber Ruffin, who tells him all about making a career in professional improv, working with her sister, and her lifelong love of (not) learning.

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On this episode of Off the Beet [Farm], Brian catches up with his dear old friend Rainn Wilson. Instead of talking about The Office, they go much deeper into how he harnessed his childhood struggles to play some of the weirdest characters out there, traveling the world for his new show Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss, and okay fine, they do talk about The Office a little too.

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On today’s episode, star of stage and screen Garret Dillahunt talks about the whirlwind of creativity on the set of Deadwood, the third director on the set of No Country for Old Men, and never being too proud to take a paycheck.

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Famously Canadian actor Tom Cavanagh gets what he’s been waiting for - to be a guest on Off The Beat. He uses the opportunity to tell Brian about his screen-less childhood in Africa, being the worst singer in every musical he’s ever done, and playing the same character many different ways on The Flash.

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Brian’s fellow Southerner, high school debate team champion, and friend of John Krasinski John Hoogenakker is on the podcast today. He shares how he managed to be a big-time actor without ever living in New York or LA, traveling the world for beer commercials, and balancing his resume of extremely dark stories (like Dopesick and Waco: The Aftermath) with lighter fare (Dilly Dilly!).

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Best friends and TV/radio legends Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) and Peter Tilden (Writer/Producer) sit down with Brian to chat about everything from how Jason found out he couldn’t cut it in magic, the ways Jason may be more like George Costanza than he admits, and their brand new podcast “Really? No Really?”, an iHeartPodcasts series that you can listen to now at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-really-no-really-107027693/

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It’s always a great episode when Brian meets one of his idols - and today’s guest is not only a legend in her own right but the daughter of one as well. Star of stage, screen, and ABC’s new dark comedy Not Dead Yet, Angela Gibbs sits down to talk about breaking into Hollywood alongside her mother Marla Gibbs, moving to Africa and changing her name, and helping Michael Keaton win an Oscar.

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Brian is joined today by the legend who “met everyone there was to meet”, the incredible actress and comedian Rosie O’Donnell. In a beautifully candid conversation, the two discuss everything from the hilarious way Rosie got her start in show biz to the unbreakable sisterhood she formed with Madonna and why the “Queen of Nice” title was never quite right.

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This week Brian is joined by 9-1-1 and Into the Badlands star, Oliver Stark. The duo dive deep into Oliver’s early acting days in London, the time Idris Elba did (and didn’t) recognize him, and what it’s been like playing a firefighter on the small screen.

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As he gears up for his next tour, actor and comedian Maz Jobrani regails Brian with tales of getting recognized by Spike Lee, filming his seventh stand-up special, and fighting for democracy through comedy.

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Hanging out with Brian today is stand-up comedian, actress, and author Anjelah Johnson-Reyes. She tells stories about following a producer into 7-Eleven, going viral before going viral was a thing, and the joke that’s lived a thousand lives. They also get into her book, Who Do I Think I Am: Stories of Chola Wishes and Caviar Dreams(now available in paperback) and her sixth comedy special which will be released on YouTube May 14th! 

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Brian gains yet another new best friend today - this time it’s Yellowjackets star Steven Krueger. Steven nerds out with Brian about their time in high school speech & debate, shares how he changed his dream from being a lawyer to being an actor, and issues an apology to Canada for the crimes he committed while filming in Vancouver.

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Scandal co-stars and rewatch podcast co-hosts Katie Lowes & Guillermo Díaz are on with Brian today for a very fun episode, in which they discuss their roots in New York and the never-ending hustle of actor life, give a glowing report from the magical world of Shondaland, and share their safe word (oops - they don’t have one!).

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First aired in 2021. As a special happy birthday treat to the “heart of The Office”, we are revisiting Brian’s full interview with receptionist and vet technician Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesly). Jenna discusses the time she laid everything down to protect the Office pilot DVD, DMing fans on Myspace from set... back when Myspace was a thing, and her only regret from the show (ugh, thanks, Toby!).

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He’s an executive producer and director these days, but Brian knows him better as the director of photography on an old show called The Office. Randall Einhorn is back on the podcast to share stories about his life in the wilderness, moving from behind the camera to behind the cameraman, and turning teachers into heroes on Abbott Elementary.

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His name is Kyle Bornheimer, but you might know him as The 30-Second Man, as Adman on The Office, or maybe as Steve Martin if you knew him when he was little. Whatever you want to call him, he talks to Brian about his dreams of tap dancing, guest starring in almost all your favorite TV shows, and how he became a joke on BoJack Horseman without ever appearing on the show.

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Brian’s newest bestie, NBC meteorologist and 3rd Hour of TODAY co-host Dylan Dreyer is on the podcast to teach Brian many things, like how to read a weather report, what Lake Effect Snow is, and her name (which maybeBrian had some trouble with when they first met).

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It’s that time of year again… Super Bowl season! Brian brings on sportscaster extraordinaire Kay Adams and esteemed commissioner of The Office Fantasy Football League Stephen Saux to talk Super Sunday. From the hottest takes on the big game to the worst trade Rainn offered this year, Brian, Kay and Stephen have you covered.

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Dog mom and gymnast Nastia Liukin joins Brian to share her inspiring journey to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. They discuss everything from how she convinced her dad to coach her to being mentored by Kobe Bryant and the time she gave a gymnastics lesson to Brian (yes, the host of this podcast, Brian). Check her out in Fox’s new competition series Special Forces.

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This week, the hilarious Richard Kind breaks it to Brian he can’t join his exclusive dinner club. He also tells him all about his philosophy of life, bringing a sense of realism to his role as an NYPD officer, and all the people he’s wanted dead over the years (it’s a long list).

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Fresh off the set of their new show The Other Black Girl, Brian’s friend and recent co-star Bellamy Young is on today’s episode. She tells him about her pageant days in North Carolina, her time as POTUS Mellie Grant on Scandal, and vows to teach Brian to sew.

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Will and Grace star Eric McCormack joins Brian this week to chat about his early days in Canadian theater, his failed Friends’ audition, and the moment Elton John offered him a private home performance. They also discuss their new Hulu show, The Other Black Girl!

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Brian is joined by golf legend Michelle Wie West to talk about her career which began at the age of ten. They discuss the unexpected impediment that made her choose golf over tennis, why playing against the boys just wasn’t that big of a deal, and the motivation behind her “visually shocking” golf stance.

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Brian takes one last look at a few of the wonderful people who’ve stopped by this year on Off The Beat. He looks back on everything from how Catherine Tate blossomed from shy child to performer to how Penn Badgley was convinced to take his role on Gossip Girl. Hear from: Catherine Tate, Jon Hamm, Penn Badgley, Lamorne Morris, Paul Walter Hauser, Penn Jillette, Danica McKellar.

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This week, Brian reflects on some of the incredible guests who have joined him in going Off The Beat. From the audition nerves that launched so many into stardom to the man who lip-synced long before it was cool, he revisits a small sampling of the amazing people who’ve made the podcast what it is today. Hear from: Rob Riggle, Alyson Hannigan, Eric Stonestreet, Busy Philipps, Kevin McHale & Jenna Ushkowitz, Drea de Matteo, Rob Corddry, Kevin Pollak.

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Brian interviews his second Penn in today’s episode - the charming, philosophical, plays-a-murderer-on-tv Penn Badgley from the smash hit show, You. Penn digs into Joe Goldberg’s myth of love, the awkward middle school years, why amoral characters are compelling, and the importance of journaling your way through starring on Gossip Girl.

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Off The Beat’s #1 fan, Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, is back for a full interview with Brian about his fascinating journey from reality TV star to WWE Superstar. He dives into his VHS tape audition for The Real World, the creation of “The Miz,” and the advice The Rock gave him for his first film.

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Brian is Glee-ful to have his first threesome in this episode with Jenna Ushkowitz and Kevin McHale. They talk about Jenna’s start on Broadway and Kevin’s days in a boy band, facing Ryan Murphy for the first time, and the origins of the beloved holiday known as Snixxmas.

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Danica McKellar is a different type of triple threat than you’ve met before - she’s a mathematician, author, and actor all in one. She sits down with Brian to explain two-dimensional magnetic models, the magic of Christmas movies, and getting a round of applause for her first kiss.

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Comedian and SNL alum Taran Killam talks to Brian about his varied career, from the stage to sketch comedy to sports. They discuss Taran’s envious role in Hamilton, SNL’s infamous after-after parties, and the importance of monthly pedicures.

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Brian is joined by the one and only Rob Corddry to talk about his incredible acting career. They dive into everything from Rob’s penchant for embarrassing himself in front of celebrities, the “joke machine gun” that was Childrens Hospital, and the years of media plants that led to hosting Top Gear America.

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Penn Jillette, one of the greatest magic men in history, joins Brian for a fascinating dive into his career. They talk about the key ingredient in his 47-year partnership with Teller, the “scientist” who never deserved to have such an influence on his life, and how a career as “carny trash” would have been perfectly fine by him.

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This week, Brian tells John Krasinski and Craig Robinson (Jim and Darryl from The Office) “IT IS YOUR BIRTHDAY.” To celebrate, he digs into the archives to hear all about the way John and Jenna constantly shut down production, John’s tendency to cry-laugh, and Craig’s unique method for wooing college sweethearts.

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Brian sits down with the prolific Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, Oz, The Family Business) for a hilarious chat about how he started busting ghosts, Gordon Parks stumbling upon his resume, becoming a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, and working with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

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Brian gets to catch up with the legendary Linda Purl, whose acting, music, and baking credits are vast, but you might know as Pam’s mom on The Office. She talks about growing up in Japan, her two roles on Happy Days, and starting a new business in the bread industry.

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Lio Tipton joins Brian to talk about their ice skating days in The Minneapple, their experience on America’s Next Top Model, and what it was like to learn from Steve Carell on set of Crazy Stupid Love. Lio also dives into BJ Novak's Vengeance, and Jake Lacy's A Friend of the Family… you won’t want to miss this one!

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Paul Walter Hauser (I, Tonya, BlaKkKlansman, Richard Jewell, Cobra Kai), talks to Brian about finding the specific behaviors of his character, surprising little kids on the street as Stingray, and his story of running into Tony Hawk (we know everyone has one of those)

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Fellow actor, podcast host, and human person Busy Philipps joins Brian to talk about the golden age of teen television, wishing she were with her boyfriend instead of on the set of Dawson’s Creek, and creating her talk show with the help of Merv Griffin’s ghost. Listen to Brian’s episode on Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best here.

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Actor, comedian, and poker shark Kevin Pollak, currently starring as Moishe on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,tells Brian all about starting stand-up as a child at his family Seder, taking a chance on a little script called The Usual Suspects, and the best acting advice he ever got: do less.

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Brian’s new BFF Michael Rosenbaum (known for his role as Smallville’s Lex Luthor) joins him to discuss his relationship with his mother, being kind to everyone because you never know who they might be, and the stunt he pulled in his Lex Luthor audition that he doesn’t recommend (even though it worked).

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The Sopranos’ very own Drea de Matteo goes off the beat with Brian this week to talk about the shocking reason she became an actress, the art of truly committing to your character, and the moment she realized she was going to become a series regular as Adriana La Cerva.

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Brian flies solo for this week’s episode, answering fan questions and diving into everything you wanted to know about The Office fan theories, Off The Beat, Sports, and of course, what Kevin Malone might be up to in 2022.

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Hi, Off the Beat fans! We're excited to tell you about The Offical Game of Thrones Podcast, which takes a deep dive into House of the Dragon - the new Game of Thrones prequel from HBO. We think you'll want to hear this as you watch each episode of the TV show. Check out the trailer to see for yourself!

About the Podcast: Welcome to the Official Game of Thrones Podcast: House of the Dragon. This show is a place for the mega fan, moderate enthusiasts, and the casual watcher of the Game of Thrones franchise, including the newest addition, “House of the Dragon.” Join our hosts Jason Concepcion (X-Ray Vision) and Greta Johnsen (WBEZ’s Nerdette) every week as they share storyline insights, fan questions, exclusive interviews with the cast and crew, and a whole lot of thoughts and opinions. It’s the only podcast with the inside scoop on all things Game of Thrones. 

Listen to The Offical Game of Thrones Podcast: House of the Dragon on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!

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12 year veteran for the New England Patriots, 3x Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman joins Brian to share his ultimate underdog story - from fighting his way to the NFL to meeting Bill Belichick and running into Tom Brady for the first time… almost literally. We also get some breaking news about his brand new podcast, Games with Names.

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Known for her roles on Entourage and Superman & Lois, Emmanuelle Chriqui joins Brian to talk about everything from stagefright to Entourage reunions to defying her own expectations and working an Adam Sandler movie.

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Actor Leonardo Nam of Maggie, Westworld and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants tells Brian what it’s like to be an international man of mystery, using opera as his pump-up music, and performing Shakespeare as a drag queen on roller blades.

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On this episode of Off the Beat: Sports, Brian is joined by the President of Programming for NBC Sports, Jon Miller. Jon tells Brian all about the last 45 years of sports television, the unlikely origin story of the National Dog Show, and reveals the secret trophy room for NBC failures hidden inside 30 Rock. 

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Comedian Adam Conover of Adam Ruins Everything and The G Word stops by to share his fountain of knowledge with Brian. They discuss everything from whether alpha males exist to how a punchline is born - before Adam proceeds to ruin perfectly good topics like puppies and The Office.

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Danielle Fishel joins Brian to talk about being a hyper-confident child actor, growing up on the set of Boy Meets World and then returning to Girl Meets World as an adult, plus her love of Brian’s work on Trash Truck.

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Basketball legend JJ Redick joins the podcast today to muse with Brian over the many ways our decisions impact our futures. They talk about the influence his big sisters had over him, the pinch-me moments in his career, and his podcast, The Old Man and the Three.

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Brian sits down with show biz veteran Tate Donovan - whom you may know as one of the worst TV dads in history, Jimmy Cooper, or Rachel Green’s multimillionaire love interest, Joshua Burgin. They talk everything from finding Tate’s passion for acting at four years old to why it’s not a good idea to work with your ex and the time he was told to “SHUT UP!” on set.

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Brian heads to Lake Tahoe for the American Century Championship in today’s extra special episode. Partnering with Airbnb, he talks with some of sports and entertainments’ greatests - Adam Napier, Jerome Bettis, Jimmy Roberts, The Miz, Marcus Allen, and Vince Carter - about what brings them back year after year, and what gives them the confidence to play. 

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