Penelope Cruz | Smartless

Dive into the witty and complex world of stand-up with "2 Bears, 1 Cave," where renowned comedians Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer, joined by the sharp-witted Sam Morril, dissect the intricacies of creating humor across different platforms. The trio discusses how the sanitized constraints of television impact the raw, provocative flourishes crucial to live comedy and the complexity of adapting material that remains true to the spirit of stand-up while appeasing wider audiences. With personal anecdotes and insights, this episode peels back the curtain on the meticulous craft of joke-telling, from adapting personal experiences into universal laughter to the unpredictable tightrope walk of dark humor in professional arenas.

Moreover, segueing seamlessly into the shared passions of sports and cinema, the speakers engage in a hearty dialogue, traversing topics from sports legends that captivated ‘90s fans to the fine line separating a creator's artistic genius from their personal life controversies, such as the debated legacy of Woody Allen. Rich in both poignant and uproarious stories, the anecdotes range from military service to the realities of life on tour, highlighting a comedian's lifecycle filled with triumphs and tribulations. Ending on a high note, this episode of “2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer” honors the vibrancy of comedy, beckoning listeners to partake in the unique energy of live performance.

Dive into the minds of actress and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus and acclaimed author Isabel Allende on an enlightening episode of "Wiser Than Me." Their conversation traverses numerous themes from the power and vulnerability of women to the complexities of personal relationships. Julia's personal experiences of sexism, as well as her portrayal of challenging female characters in Veep and Seinfeld, layer the discussion with depth. Meanwhile, Allende brings her wisdom to the table, sharing her joys of newfound freedom in aging and shifting norms of society.

The conversation is further enriched by insights into Allende's life, beliefs, experience with grief, and approach to writing. Known for her rich narratives and strong female characters, Allende reveals the discipline behind her craft and her philosophical views on life, death, and existential themes. The women also delve into their experiences and thoughts on motherhood, a profound blending of intense complexities and ineffable joys. The podcast culminates into a broader discussion about women's health and the taboo around menopause, encouraging listeners to explore more with Womaness. This episode of "Wiser Than Me" offers a powerful exploration of womanhood, through the eyes of two influential women.

My Name Is Barbra is the 1,000-page autobiography of Barbra Streisand, perhaps one of the most successful and well-rounded performers in history. As a testament to her career, Streisand is an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards), a feat that only 24 people have achieved.

This guide will take you through Streisand’s remarkable life, as told by Streisand herself. We’ll examine her personal life—how she was raised, how she describes herself, and her various romantic relationships. Then we’ll explore her extensive career. Finally, we’ll discuss her legacy: her philanthropic work and what she hopes to leave behind after she passes away.

Our commentary will provide some background information about the entertainment industry and the people Streisand discusses. We’ll also examine some of the psychology behind Streisand’s drive to perform and escape from reality. Finally, we’ll discuss what other prominent figures—such as composer Paul Wiliams—have said about Streisand and her work.

Lean In, by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, explores the professional, personal and societal hurdles holding women back from leadership positions in the workforce. The hurdles include discrimination, family-unfriendly policies, and a lack of help at home. To get more women into leadership positions and make true changes, Sandberg urges women to “lean in” to their careers, taking risks and being ambitious in their professional goals, while demanding more help at home. To do this, women must fight a lack of self-confidence and internalized gender stereotypes to forge fulfilling and rewarding personal and professional lives.

In a stirring episode of "Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus," acclaimed actress and activist Julia Louis-Dreyfus joins forces with renowned policy-maker and environmentalist Gina McCarthy and commentator Judith Bowles. With both women recounting their personal journeys into activism, and McCarthy's transition from a bystander to an environmentalist, it's a podcast enriched with personal fervor. Louis-Dreyfus dives deep into her childhood influenced by political activism, while McCarthy shares her discovery of her own activist passion later in life, and her inclination towards policy-making grounded in hard evidence.

Their conversation doesn't shirk away from the contentious issues either. Louis-Dreyfus and McCarthy examine the place of emotion in politics, the gender bias that continues to pervade the field, and the controversial topic of climate change skepticism. As the dialogue unfolds, they recount past mistakes like the Flint Water Crisis, while also touching on their respective efforts to balance activism with personal life. It’s a podcast that blends admissions of past regrets with the wisdom acquired along a journey of dedicated activism.

In this follow-up to Girl, Wash Your Face, blogger, motivational speaker, and author Rachel Hollis writes that she’s fed up with seeing women ignore their own dreams because of self-doubt, guilt, and society’s expectation that women put others first. Hollis offers the lessons she learned in growing from humble beginnings to becoming the founder of a multimillion-dollar media company to help her readers shed the weight of expectation and achieve their dreams.

Hollis’s advice consists of excuses to let go of, behaviors to adopt, and skills to acquire. In addition, she provides a step-by-step blueprint to take your dream from fantasy to realization. In this guide, we’ll compare Hollis’s advice to that of other popular self-help authors and expand on her messages through practical exercises.

What would happen if you faced your fears and said “yes” to everything outside your comfort zone for a whole year? In Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes, the celebrated television screenwriter and producer of the hit series “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal,” answers that very question. Rhimes recounts her journey of personal growth and transformation as she embarks on a year-long experiment to say "yes" to everything that scares her. From giving public speeches to prioritizing playtime with her daughters, Rhimes pushes herself out of her comfort zone and learns to embrace new experiences.

In this guide, we’ll explore Rhimes’s journey from a life of merely surviving to full-hearted thriving and outline the meaningful lessons she wishes to pass on to her readers so they, too, can reclaim their lives from fear. Along the way, we’ll compare the author's ideas to those of other similar self-help writers and provide additional context from sociology and psychology experts to help you better understand and apply Rhimes’s insights to your life.

Jack Canfield struck gold as a co-author of the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, but it took years for him to achieve success. In The Success Principles, he details 67 principles to help anyone achieve their goals and dreams, based on his study and interviews with hundreds of successful people. The basic formula for success is to identify what you want, know that you deserve to have it, and use the book’s principles to get you there.

The book's Principles include taking responsibility for your life, setting goals and visualizing success, facing your fears, forgiving others so you can move forward, asking for and graciously receiving feedback, and appreciating your successes.

Delve into the intricate world of Hollywood storytelling with "REAL ONES with Jon Bernthal", in a captivating discussion with acclaimed filmmaker, David Ayer. Journey with us as Ayer reveals the profound influence of personal tragedies and adversities on his celebrated screenplays, interweaving themes of trauma, survival, and authenticity. Join actor Jon Bernthal, as he recounts invaluable career lessons and the complexities of navigating the cinematic landscape, revealing a transformative moment sparked by an audition with Ayer.

Examine Hollywood's paradox as a world that offers boundless opportunities while wrestling with constraints of classism, commercial pressures, and conservatism. Appreciate Ayer's audacious critique of Hollywood's limitations alongside his narrative philosophy, which upholds the authentic representation of human experiences over commercial appeal. Discover the transformative power of storytelling through film, its role in societal healing, and how Ayer and Bernthal aim to use this medium to promote authentic masculinity and emotional health in society.

Join Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain and the playful trio of Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes on "SmartLess" as they take a deep dive into the world of acting, both on the vibrant stage of Broadway and beyond. Jessica opens up about the grueling demands and emotional journeys of live theater, sharing how her impressive 137-show run has left her craving the serenity of a Tahitian vacation. With anecdotes that resonate with any dedicated performer, this episode captures the passion, the pressure, and the profound need for recovery time that comes with the art of acting.

The conversation flows from Jessica's early career fostered by significant moments like a life-changing monologue contest win to her thoughts on maintaining creativity in seemingly repetitive roles. Peppered with lighthearted tales of on-stage mishaps and her unexpected culinary interests, the podcast shines a light on the diverse personality of an actress acclaimed for her versatile roles in science fiction and beyond. "SmartLess" hosts blend humor and insight offering listeners candid reflections on vulnerable moments in the spotlight and the strong work ethic forged by their upbringings. Tune in for an engaging blend of heartfelt revelation and infectious laughter and stay tuned for a preview of what's next with sports personality Rex Chapman.

Dive into the thought-provoking world of 'Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus' as the host herself sheds light on the dismissive societal attitudes toward the wisdom of older women. In this episode, Julia Louis-Dreyfus gives the spotlight to the renowned Jane Fonda, who is lauded for her cultural influence through her activism and feminism. Together, they discuss the roles they've played in societal culture, shedding light on their career impacts, their personal experiences, and their unique perceptions of aging and the struggle with societal pressures.

In the latter part of the episode, we delve deeper into the significance of female friendships and support systems as Fonda reveals her perspective shift, crediting it to motherhood and activism. Moreover, the episode offers a revolutionary take on women's health and beauty in later life, especially focusing on menopause and its associated societal stereotypes. Through this conversation, these trailblazing women aim to deconstruct societal norms and promote women empowerment. Brands advocating for women and eco-friendly initiatives are highlighted, adding another vibrant layer to their discussion.

Matthew McConaughey’s Greenlights is not a conventional memoir. As he neared age 50, the Oscar-winning actor revisited the journal that he had kept for the previous 35 years to see what he could learn from it. The result is this book, which combines hard-earned insights about the art of living with vivid accounts of McConaughey’s upbringing in rural Texas, his adventures in the movie business, his global travels, and his lifelong search for love and fatherhood. Part autobiography and part life-guide, Greenlights both explains and illustrates McConaughey’s philosophy of “catching greenlights”—recognizing and even creating those moments when life says “yes” and you cruise into success as you pursue your destiny. It’s valuable reading for anyone in search of an entertaining manual on finding your way in the world.