Bullseye with Jesse Thorn

Rian Johnson has dedicated the last 20 years of his career to making genre movies that transcend their genre. His latest smash hit film series, Knives Out, blends big, over-the-top whodunnit stories with humor and social satire. Johnson just wrote and directed the third movie in the series: Wake Up, Dead Man. Johnson joins Bullseye to talk about growing up as a youth-group kid in Orange County, California, why mystery is so inherent to his writing style, and the harsh realities of micro budget cinema.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Violinist and singer Sudan Archives, our guest this week, recently released her third full length album. BPM is a punchy, layered dance album filled with homages to Chicago house and Detroit Techno. We had a chance to talk with Sudan back in 2022 when she released her record Natural Brown Prom Queen. She spoke with us about the album, her concerts, and her favorite fellow fiddle players.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week, we’re joined by Johnny Knoxville. He’s been at the center of the Jackass universe for more than two decades and has performed stunts in all its iterations. Now in his 50’s, Knoxville has found ways to keep working without risking death. In the coming weeks, he'll host Fear Factor: House of Fear, a new reboot of the early 2000s reality competition show. Knoxville reflects on his time making Jackass, and what it’s been like to age into (and out of) the dangerous world of stunt performing. A version of this interview originally aired in August of 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Each year, Bullseye looks back on the year in stand-up comedy by presenting listeners with an annual end of year stand-up comedy showcase! The Bullseye team combed through dozens and dozens of albums to bring you some of the best comedy of 2025. That includes stand-up from: Gianmarco Soresi, Robby Hoffman, Fortune Feimster, Josh Gondelman and more!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A special treat for our podcast listeners! For years, Bullseye would close out each episode with an essay written by Jesse called The Outshot. It was an opportunity to show appreciation for the things he loves. For Bullseye's recent 25th anniversary tour, we thought we'd bring The Outshot back. In it, Jesse reflects on his time working in radio. This segment was recorded live at The PIT in New York City. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy