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    "Don Cheadle"

    enApril 08, 2024
    What university did Sean attend for his education?
    How did Don Cheadle handle setbacks in his career?
    What themes emerged from Sean and Arnett's conversation?
    How does Don believe support systems help individuals?
    What challenges did Don face while working on creative projects?

    Podcast Summary

    • The Importance of Education and Different Paths to KnowledgeSean and Arnett discussed the importance of education and the various paths people take to acquire knowledge and skills, emphasizing the power of humor to bring people together despite their differences.

      During this conversation, the speakers discussed various aspects of their educational backgrounds, with Sean sharing about his experience at Illinois State University and Arnett sharing about not attending college. They also joked about the quality of their jokes and shared some light-hearted humor. However, an underlying theme emerged about the importance of education and the various paths people take to acquire knowledge and skills. Despite their different backgrounds, they found common ground in their love for humor and shared experiences. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of having a good sense of humor and the power of a well-timed joke to bring people together.

    • The Significance of Good Sleep and Excitement for Upcoming GuestGood sleep is vital for productivity and overall well-being. Excitement builds for an upcoming interview with Don Cheadle.

      Good sleep is essential for productivity and overall well-being. This was evident in a conversation between the hosts about their own sleep experiences. One host, Sean, shared that he had a rare good night's sleep after a period of restlessness, attributing it to his exhaustion from staying up late. The other host, Will, had been keeping him company during his sleepless nights. The importance of sleep was further emphasized when they introduced their upcoming guest, Don Cheadle, who is known for his accomplishments in various fields and is universally loved. The hosts expressed their excitement about having him on the show and shared that they had recently met him online. The conversation also touched upon the topic of nicknames, with the hosts jokingly suggesting "Don Shalom" for Cheadle. Overall, the conversation highlighted the significance of sleep and the excitement surrounding their upcoming guest.

    • Jason Bateman's Replacement and Love for Sci-FiDespite unexpected setbacks, Jason Bateman remains optimistic and continues to thrive in the entertainment industry, currently working on 'Fight Night' alongside notable stars. The industry's unpredictability was also emphasized through Sam Jackson's love for golf and the discussion of past projects.

      The entertainment industry can be unpredictable, with unexpected twists and turns that can lead to both success and disappointment. During a conversation, the topic shifted to the experiences of being in the industry, with Jason Bateman sharing his story of being replaced on a pilot that eventually went to series. Bateman and the other speaker, Scotty, also discussed their mutual appreciation for sci-fi and shared their current projects. In Atlanta, Bateman is working on a project called "Fight Night" alongside Kevin Hart, Sam Jackson, Teraji Henson, and Terence Howard. Despite the potential for setbacks and changes, Bateman remains optimistic and looks forward to the experience. The conversation also touched on Sam Jackson's love for golf and the unpredictability of the industry, with Bateman jokingly expressing his envy of Jackson's golfing abilities. Overall, the conversation highlighted the unpredictability and excitement of the entertainment industry, with its potential for both success and disappointment.

    • Discovering the Hidden Gems of AtlantaWorking in Atlanta can lead to a deep appreciation for the city and its people, with unique zones and great restaurants to explore, despite the challenges of intense heat and long hours.

      Working in Atlanta for extended periods, despite the challenges like intense heat and long hours, can lead to a deep appreciation for the city and its people. The speakers, who have had varying experiences there, have found enjoyment in the unique zones they've discovered and the great restaurants. However, it's important to note that there are actually two different Kansas City locations, one in Missouri with the Chiefs and Royals, and the other in Kansas with no professional sports teams. This misconception often leads to confusion, especially during late-night conversations.

    • Discovering a Passion for Acting in ChildhoodDon Shelton, inspired by great teachers and intimidated by the complexities of music, chose acting over music and began his career in 6th grade, leading to a successful acting career.

      Don Shelton, a well-known figure in various fields, discovered his passion for acting at a young age. While he also had a strong interest in music, particularly jazz, he ultimately chose to pursue acting due to a combination of factors, including the presence of great teachers and the intimidating nature of the scientific aspects of music. Don's journey began in sixth grade when he played Templeton the Rat in a production of Charlotte's Web, and continued through high school where he excelled in both acting and music. However, he ultimately decided to focus on acting, leading him to a successful career on screen. Kansas City, Kansas, where Don grew up, is notable for having teams in all five major professional sports leagues, with three still present today.

    • Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes discuss their love for music and theaterJason Bateman and Sean Hayes share their experiences in music and theater, discuss the potential of combining them, and emphasize the importance of personal growth and trying new things.

      Both Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes have a deep connection to the world of music and theater. Jason shared his experience of discovering a comfort in music again in his career, while Sean revealed his background in musical theater, having studied it in high school and college. They also discussed the possibility of combining music and theater in innovative ways, like creating a musical out of an existing piece of music. Jason even mentioned producing a Tony Award-winning musical called "Strange Loop." Both men expressed the importance of trying new things and making mistakes, which they were able to do during their formative years in theater. They also touched upon the topic of socializing and the need to find a balance that keeps one's social battery charged. Overall, their conversation showcased their shared passion for music, theater, and the importance of personal growth.

    • Delta Airlines and Jazz: Unique ExperiencesDelta Airlines offers comfortable flying with sustainable dining, premium options, and free Wi-Fi for Sky Miles members. Jazz is a diverse genre of music with improvisation and various sub-genres, worth exploring for those who appreciate a good melody.

      Delta Airlines is committed to providing a comfortable and enjoyable flying experience, offering sustainable in-flight dining options, premium food and beverages, and fast-free Wi-Fi for Sky Miles members. Jazz, on the other hand, is a genre of music known for its improvisation and diversity, spanning various sub-genres and influences. Despite its complexity and broad appeal, some people may still be unsure of where they stand with jazz, as it can range from smooth and melodic to fusion and improvisational. For those who appreciate a good melody, there is a place for jazz in their musical journey, and it's a genre worth exploring further. Delta Airlines and jazz both offer unique experiences that cater to individual preferences and tastes.

    • Unexpected twists in entertainment careersCareers in entertainment offer unpredictable opportunities and choices that shape one's professional journey

      The entertainment industry can present unexpected opportunities and twists in one's career. The speaker shared stories from his experiences working on "Black Monday" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," where he encountered challenges like an unexpected offer for his own show and a canceled pilot. Reflecting on his past, he acknowledged that these experiences, good or bad, shaped his career path significantly. However, he also mentioned that there were no clear-cut forks in the road that could have led him to a different profession. Instead, his journey was a series of opportunities and choices that led him to where he is today.

    • Exploring the connection between music and actingMusic and acting share improvisation, connection with artists, and audience feedback, providing immense pleasure and transcending language and cultural barriers.

      For this individual, music and acting share similarities in terms of improvisation, connection with fellow artists, and audience feedback. Both bring immense pleasure and transcend language and cultural barriers. The speaker's background involved music as a fallback, but they've had experiences in both fields, including playing various instruments and acting in movies. The connection to music has remained constant throughout their life, and they've picked it up again recently, even recording an album with a new sax. Overall, the unifying power of music and acting in bringing people together and providing a creative outlet is a significant theme in the discussion.

    • Discovering Passion Through Support and CollaborationSurround yourself with positive influences and supportive people to overcome challenges and discover new passions.

      Having a strong support system and surrounding oneself with positive influences can help individuals overcome challenges and thrive in various aspects of life. Don shares his experience of being pushed out of his comfort zone while collaborating with Rob Glasser, which ultimately led him to discover his passion for music. He attributes his ability to gravitate towards the good to his upbringing and close-knit family and friends. Don emphasizes the importance of having people who will support and challenge you, as well as those who can provide perspective and lift you up when needed. He also shares that even in challenging projects, the end result can sometimes surprise and delight.

    • Embrace uncertainty and learn from setbacksStay focused on project value, maintain a thick skin, and adapt to industry pressures and challenges through collaboration and transferable skills.

      The entertainment industry is unpredictable, and despite the pressure and uncertainty, it's essential to believe in the value of the projects we commit to and stay resilient in the face of challenges. The speaker, who has had a fortunate career with great experiences, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a thick skin and learning from setbacks. He also highlights the value of collaboration and the transferable skills gained from various experiences, such as acting and editing. For instance, Jason Bateman's experience as an actor has helped him excel as a director by allowing him to understand the editing process and craft performances accordingly. Overall, the key takeaway is to stay focused on the value of the projects we undertake and to remain adaptable and resilient in the face of industry pressures and challenges.

    • Acting and Directing in Entertainment Industry: Unique ChallengesActors face rejection and criticism, but can sometimes distance themselves. Directors cannot hide and must tackle problems head-on. Both roles require resilience and a thick skin to succeed.

      Acting and directing in the entertainment industry come with unique challenges. Actors may face frequent rejection and criticism, but they can sometimes distance themselves from the production process. Directors, on the other hand, cannot hide from the problems and must tackle them head-on. Actors also face a long and difficult journey to succeed, with disappointment coming often. The speaker shares personal experiences of being fired from jobs and facing racial bias in the industry. Despite these challenges, they remain grateful for their career and consider themselves fortunate. Directing, however, has presented distinct challenges, such as working with limited resources in unfamiliar towns. Overall, both roles require resilience and a thick skin to succeed in the entertainment industry.

    • Overcoming challenges in actingActors face unexpected situations and criticism, requiring resilience and versatility to succeed in the industry.

      Overcoming challenges and adapting to unexpected situations are essential parts of the creative process for actors. Don Cheadle shared stories from his career, including dealing with a reluctant actress, unexpected fires on set, and taking on a British accent for a role despite backlash. He also discussed the importance of trusting the script and finding the authenticity in each character. Despite facing criticism and even threats, Cheadle persevered and continued to push himself artistically. His experiences demonstrate the resilience and versatility required to succeed in the entertainment industry.

    • Working with Denzel Washington: A Masterclass in ActingBeing fully immersed in character and environment, doing homework, and staying committed are essential for acting success.

      Acting is a complex and demanding craft that requires preparation, dedication, and a willingness to learn. As actor Will Rothhaar shared, working with Denzel Washington was an awe-inspiring experience that taught him the importance of being fully immersed in the character and environment, even in the face of distractions. He emphasized the importance of doing one's homework and being a constant student of the craft. A memorable theater experience involving forgetting lines and landing in a audience member's lap served as a reminder that even the most seasoned actors face challenges and that the key is to keep pushing through. Overall, the key takeaway is that acting is not for the faint of heart, but those who are willing to put in the work and stay committed can create truly memorable performances.

    • Actor's on-stage blunder disrupts live theater performanceMistakes during live theater performances can lead to prolonged disruptions and amplified consequences for actors, impacting audience experience and revealing societal irritants.

      Live theater performances can be unpredictable and even disastrous, as demonstrated by an incident during a production of Cymbeline where an actor, Stefan Schnabel, forgot his lines and caused a prolonged disruption, leaving the audience and fellow actors confused and frustrated. This experience highlights the vulnerability and pressure actors face on stage, where mistakes can be amplified and have significant consequences. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the different things that can irritate people, such as forgetting lines in a performance or encountering stupidity without a genuine desire to learn. The discussion also hinted at the current state of societal stupidity and its potential dangers.

    • Reminiscing about working with Don ShalhoubEnjoying a good working relationship can lead to professional and personal growth, enhancing the overall experience.

      During their conversation, the hosts expressed their admiration and enjoyment of working with Don Shalhoub, both professionally and personally. They reminisced about past experiences and shared stories about his easy-going nature and talent. They also discussed the importance of having a good working relationship and how it can significantly enhance the experience, even when making decisions about collaborating with someone. Despite not covering much content during the episode, the hosts emphasized their excitement about having Don on the show and the positive impact he has had on their work.

    • Exploring various topics with engaging hosts and guests on the Smartless podcastThe Smartless podcast offers an unscripted, entertaining conversation between hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, and their guests, covering topics from favorite dog types to personal stories.

      The hosts of the Smartless podcast, which includes Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, have an unscripted and lively conversation with their guests. They often veer off topic and share personal stories, creating an engaging and entertaining experience for their audience. For instance, during their conversation with Don, they discussed various topics including favorite dog types, travel destinations, and even shared some funny anecdotes. The hosts' chemistry and ability to connect with their guests keep listeners engaged and excited for the next episode. If you're interested in listening to their podcast, you can find it on various platforms including the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Additionally, Wondery offers a premium subscription, Wondery Plus, which allows listeners to access the podcast early and ad-free. Another new podcast from Wondery, The Cat in the Hatcast, is perfect for families and offers a fun and interactive listening experience. Listeners can join the Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss characters on new adventures each week and enjoy catchy songs, tongue twisters, and wondrous wordplay. The Cat in the Hatcast is available on the Wondery app and other podcast platforms, and Wondery Plus subscribers can listen early and ad-free.

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