Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

More of my interview with Comedian Alex Edelman. We dig into whether sitcoms and action movies are political, how Alex became buds with ‘Modern Family’ co-creator Steve Levitan, his early career working with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and how he’ll continue to cover “spicy” issues in his standup. This episode was recorded at Chifa in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comedian Alex Edelman joins the show. Over addicting chili noodles and lomo saltado, Alex tells what it’s like juggling acting and writing on the Peacock sitcom ‘The Paper,’ what it was like finding out former President Barack Obama watched his award-winning standup special ‘Just for Us,’ and how he handled a huge career moment while grieving the loss of his best friend and collaborator. This episode was recorded at Chifa in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Dr. Biden tells me about a difficult request she made of then First Lady Michelle Obama, how it was becoming Second Lady then First Lady while keeping her career as a college teacher and why she was emphatic about continuing to work. Plus, we here more about what it’s like to be a student in Dr. Biden’s class. This episode was recorded at Culina at The Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden joins the show. Over burrata salad and cappelletti, Dr. Biden brings me behind-the-scenes of the final days in the White House. She also shared intimate details from her early days of dating President Joe Biden, her special relationship with sons Beau and Hunter, and shares the difficult moment she had recording the audio for her new memoir A View from The East Wing. This episode was recorded at Culina at The Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'Bridgerton’ star Golda Rosheuvel. Golda talks picking jobs that challenge and provoke, and I share my meet-cute story with my husband Justin. Plus, we share our tips and tricks for memorizing Shakespeare. This episode was recorded at The Begging Bowl in Peckham, London.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Bridgerton’ star Golda Rosheuvel joins the show. Over Thai delights, we talk about becoming famous in mid-life after nabbing the role of Queen Charlotte in ‘Bridgerton’ and the way it changed her life. We also get into meeting her wife and how that relationship keeps her grounded, and how she ended up starting a bakery with her family – which has won awards for its sourdough. Plus, how being dyslexic has shaped the way she prepares for roles. This episode was recorded at The Begging Bowl in Peckham, London. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with Sitcom star and Office Ladies podcast cohost Jenna Fischer. Jenna tells me more about rewatching ‘The Office’ for her hit podcast (co-hosted with Angela) Office Ladies and her husband Lee Kirk’s surprising ‘Office’ cameo. Plus, she tells me more about her journey with her cancer diagnosis and treatment – how she navigated sharing the news with her kids, to how she’s channeled that pain into her latest project ‘Nimrods.’ This episode was recorded at Ca Del Sol in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sitcom star and Office Ladies podcast cohost Jenna Fischer joins the show. Over branzino and lasagna, we talk about nabbing the iconic role of Pam on the U.S. version of ‘The Office,’ even wearing her own temp clothes to tape the pilot, and how regardless of the show’s popularity, she was able to weirdly fly under the radar in L.A. We also hear about the odd jobs she did to get by pre- ‘Office’ and we dig into her new role in ‘Nimrods,’ a Green Day inspired flick directed by her husband Lee Kirk, and why it’s especially poignant at this point in her life. This episode was recorded at Ca Del Sol in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with singer, sitcom star and stage queen Vanessa Williams. Vanessa tells me her memories of working with the late great Cicely Tyson in the 2013 revival of The Trip to Bountiful, what it’s like performing for British audiences, and her royal encounters. This episode was recorded at Flute at the Broadwick Soho in London. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Singer, sitcom star and stage queen Vanessa Williams joins the show. Over tuna tostadas and butternut squash salad, Vanessa tells me about repeatedly having to prove herself across careers – from Miss America and the controversy that forced her resignation, to building success in music, Broadway and television – meanwhile, dealing withjudgement, racism and being underestimated as a performer. We also reminisce about her iconic role as Wilhelmina Slater in ‘Ugly Betty,’ her chemistry with costar Michael Urie, and why it stands out as one of her favorite jobs to date. Also, we get into her role as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada musical, now on the West End. This episode was recorded at Flute at the Broadwick Soho in London. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with ‘Half Man’ and ‘Baby Reindeer’ creator and star Richard Gadd. Richard and I discuss the final season of ‘Modern Family’ and the show’s lasting impact. Plus, we get into his love for Scotland’s Edinburgh Fringe and we discuss whether a musical is in Richard’s future – never say never! This episode was recorded at Frederick’s in Islington, London. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Half Man’ and ‘Baby Reindeer’ creator and star Richard Gadd joins the show. Over roasted fish and watermelon salad, we discuss our unique experiences as Boy Scouts, dealing with the pressure of success after a cultural phenomenon like Netflix’s ‘Baby Reindeer,’ and the sleepless nights he faced taking on the challenging role of Ruben in ‘Half Man,’ streaming on HBO Max and the BBC. This episode was recorded at Frederick’s in Islington, London. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with Killing Eve and Grey’s Anatomy star Sandra Oh. Sandra recalls working with Peter Dinklage in Twelfth Night in Shakespeare in the Park and how his son inspired some iconic physical comedy. Plus, she reflects on growing up the child of Korean immigrants in Ottowa, Canada, and how she ended up doing opera at the Met. This episode was recorded at Dorian in Notting Hill, London. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Killing Eve and Grey’s Anatomy star Sandra Oh joins the show. Over steak rosti and tomato, peach and ricotta salad, we reminisce over our time together in the Twelfth Night in Shakespeare in the Park and Sandra reflects on her iconic role as Dr. Cristina Yang in Grey’s Anatomy and its legacy. Plus, we get into her chemistry read with Jodie Comer for Killing Eve and her experience doing British theater on the West End, leading The Misanthrope. This episode was recorded at Dorian in Notting Hill, London. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Therapuss host Jake Shane joins the show. Over prosciutto and pasta, Jake tells me about going viral on TikTok seemingly overnight, the supportive celebs who helped his showTherapuss (now on Netflix!) succeed and we get into anxiety, people-pleasing and coping with online criticism. This episode was recorded at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica, CA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'The Five Star Weekend’ star D'Arcy Carden. D’Arcy recalls attending the 2020 Emmys while nominated for her role as Janet in ‘The Good Place’ and we discuss Shakespeare fears, babysitting drama and how we measure success at this point in our lives. This episode was recorded at Wife and the Somm in Glassell Park, Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'The Five Star Weekend’ star D'Arcy Carden joins the show. Over BBQ black cod and baby beet salad, D’Arcy tells me about choosing roles that scare her after ‘The Good Place,’ like ‘A League of Their Own’ and ‘The Five Star Weekend.’ Plus, we get into her early career in New York City – juggling nanny jobs (including for a former SNL star), comedy shows at UCB, and a fascinating gig that combined live theater and transit.This episode was recorded at Wife and the Somm in Glassell Park, Los Angeles.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'Sex and The City' and ‘And Just Like That...’ star Kristin Davis. Kristin digs more into the conversations she has with her kids about race and her own realizations around inclusivity.Plus, she reflects on her early career, sobriety, and the surprising job that required some medical assistance to calm the nerves. This episode was recorded at Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Sex and The City' and ‘And Just Like That...’ star Kristin Davis joins the show. Over bluefin crudo and purple asparagus salad, Kristin tells me about rediscovering SATC through her rewatch podcast ‘Are You a Charlotte?’ and reflected on the show’s early days – which included getting episodes on VHS tapes. She also opens up about her decision to become a mother on her ownand navigating the nuances of transracial adoption. This episode was recorded at Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica, CA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with celebrity chef Curtis Stone. Curtis and I swap proposal stories, and he reveals his son’s foray into show business (spoiler: he’s staring in a movie with the Jonas Brothers!). Plus, Curtis gives tips on getting organized in the kitchen and why hospitality is more than the food. This episode was recorded at Cobi’s in Santa Monica, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone joins the show. Over slow-cooked Indonesian beef and coconut squash curry, Curtis reveals that even chefs have picky eaters as children, how TV affected perception of him as a ‘real’ chef, and we hear what restaurants do to protect themselves against unruly guests (spoiler: they take notes). Plus, he shares why he hires formerly unhoused and incarcerated people—and how it's transformed the culture of his LA restaurants. This episode was recorded at Cobi’s in Santa Monica, CA.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'Queer Eye’ star Tan France. Tan tells me about his long partnership with his husband Rob, a stabilizing force when he wasn’t publicly out. Plus, Tan’s run-in with one of my ‘Modern Family’ co-stars and how he’s hoping a big life change will lead to a reinvigorated social life. This episode was recorded at Cento Pasta Bar in West Adams, Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Queer Eye’ star Tan France joins the show. Over spicy pomodoro and a mind-blowing tiramisu, Tan admits to a sweets addiction that requires extra luggage on his trips to the UK. He also opens up about body dysmorphia, how his visibility on the hit Netflix show led to him coming out to his Pakistani Muslim family, leaving his Utah home, and seeing a cheeky, more explicit side of Tan in his new web series ‘Honorable Gays,’ out now on YouTube. This episode was recorded at Cento Pasta Bar in West Adams, Los Angeles.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'The Testaments’ star Ann Dowd. We talk about parenting, dealing with rejection as actors, and Ann shares how debilitating stage anxiety made her leave a show. Plus, the meaningful practice she’s found to ground herself. This episode was recorded in The Living Room of The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'The Testaments’ star Ann Dowd joins the show. Over afternoon tea, Ann reflects on returning to Aunt Lydia for ‘The Testaments,’ why she felt unexpectedly nervous stepping back into the role, and how the world has changed since ‘The Handmaid's Tale’ first premiered. She also looks back on her unforgettable work in ‘The Leftovers’ and ‘Mass,’ shares the story of a mysterious prediction that kept her going through years of struggle, and opens up about success arriving later in life. This episode was recorded in The Living Room of The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'The Big Bang Theory’ and ‘The Audacity’ star Simon Helberg. Simon tells me about the unfortunate way he found out ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’ was cancelled, how he untied his self-worth from achievement, and how parenthood brought more perspective. Plus, I share a funny time at this restaurant that involved his ‘Big Bang’ costar Jim Parsons. This episode was recorded at El Condor in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'The Big Bang Theory’ and ‘The Audacity’ star Simon Helberg joins the show. Over enchiladas and guacamole, Simon reflects on ending ‘The Big Bang Theory’ after 12 years and starring alongside my dear friend Lucy Punch as a tech bro billionaire Martin Phister in the AMC series ‘The Audacity.’ We also talk about his early life: how formative his experience at Crossroads School was -- creating lasting friendships -- and how growing up at the Groundlings theatre influenced his love for comedy and performance. This episode was recorded at El Condor in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with fashion designer Michael Kors. Michael reflects on career setbacks, including filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1993, before eventually IPO’inghis company in 2011 — a run that later put his estimated net worth near $1 billion. Plus, he tells me about going to Studio 54 as a teenager and we reflect on the importance of LGBTQ landmarks like The Stonewall Inn. This episode was recorded at Cafe Commerce on the Upper East Side in NYC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fashion designer Michael Kors joins the show. Over a club sandwich and a birthday cake, Michael tells me about showing an eye for style at 5-years-old, the surreal experience of seeing his name everywhere, and how ‘Project Runway’ demystified the hard work that goes into fashion. Plus, he tells us about his involvement in an LGBTQ+ museum set to open in 2027. This episode was recorded at Cafe Commerce on the Upper East Side, NYC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'Desperate Housewives’ star Eva Longoria. Eva tells me about overcoming anxiety when first-time directing, gives her restaurant tips for Mexico City, and we hear about how she juggles home bases in the U.S., Spain and Mexico. This episode was recorded at Coucou in West Hollywood, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Desperate Housewives’ star and ‘Searching for France’ host Eva Longoria joins the show. Over oysters and a burger, Eva reflects on ‘Desperate Housewives’ as her “film school,” her transition from TV directing to her first feature ‘Flamin’ Hot’ and the upcoming Netflix female-led comedy ‘The Fifth Wheel.’  Eva also discusses executive producing ‘The House of Spirits’ on Prime and the joys of becoming a mom in her 40s. This episode was recorded at Coucou in West Hollywood, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'The Punisher’ star Jon Bernthal. Jon tells me some moving stories from folks, including those who have been incarcerated, featured on his podcast, Real Ones. Plus, we reflect on chasing perfection and coping with insecurities in our stage work – me with TRU and him with Dog Day Afternoon. This episode was recorded at Cafe Cluny in NYC’s West Village. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'The Punisher’ and ‘The Bear’ star Jon Bernthal joins the show. Over pancakes and avocado toast, Jon tells me about making his Broadway debut in ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ and why he still gets terrified before each show. Plus, he reflects on being associated with hyper-masculine roles and being able to tell a different kind of love story on stage. We can’t leave without talking about our time together on the short-lived CBS sitcom, ‘The Class.’ This episode was recorded at Lume in NYC’s West Village.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with ‘You’re Killing Me’ star Brooke Shields. Brooke reflects on her breakout role in ‘Suddenly Susan’ and how the cancelation affected her. Plus, a funny story involving a friend of ours, Windex, and Andre Agassi. This episode was recorded at Cafe Cluny in NYC’s West Village. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘You’re Killing Me’ star Brooke Shields joins the show. Over frisée salad and an omelet, Brooke reflects on lifelong fame, longing for serious roles, and how she later found her confidence. Plus, we get into the important conversations the documentary ‘Pretty Baby’ sparked at her dinner table with her daughters and we get into all the fun she’s having leading the murder mystery ‘You’re Killing Me’ on AMC/Acorn. This episode was recorded at Cafe Cluny in NYC’s West Village. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More of my interview with 'For All Mankind’ star Joel Kinnaman. Joel tells me ending up in Texas as a foreign exchange student. Plus, we get into his transition from Sweden to Los Angeles alongside the Skarsgard brothers. This episode was recorded at Crudo e Nudo in Santa Monica, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘For All Mankind’ star Joel Kinnaman joins the show. Over fresh fish and farmer's market vegetables, Joel tells me about aging across four decades on the Apple TV+ series ‘For All Mankind’ and this season, portraying the same age as his father. Plus, we hear about his fascinating upbringing – from being raised by his American father in Sweden, who deserted the Vietnam War – to being an exchange student in suburban Texas. Plus, playing in his native Swedish in Netflix’s ‘Detective Hole’ and his unexpected wedding at Burning Man. This episode was recorded at Crudo e Nudo in Santa Monica, CA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

‘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 ‘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

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