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What if one moment completely changed the trajectory of your life? Amanda Brugel joins The Buzz to talk Dark Matter and why the quieter, deeply personal Episode 5 became one of her favorites of the season. We also explore a pivotal piece of career advice that changed how Amanda saw herself as an actor — leading to a realization that perfectly connects her own story to the questions at the heart of Dark Matter. Amanda also opens up about expanding beyond the roles she once envisioned for herself, representation for actors of color, and her responsibility to portray multifaceted women she recognizes in the real world. Sometimes a conversation about alternate lives becomes surprisingly personal.

Theo Rossi joins NaVell J. Lee for a wide-ranging conversation about Bruton, revisiting Sons of Anarchy, the upcoming Legends, and his new film Come With Me. Rossi reflects on Juice and Jax's unforgettable final conversation on Sons of Anarchy and why that scene continues to resonate with fans years later. He also takes us inside Bruton, from researching the real Bryan Bruton and filming inside prisons to portraying a man confronting accountability, survival, fatherhood and forgiveness. Plus, Rossi offers a tease of Legends and his reunion with Charlie Hunnam and his former Sons castmates before diving into Come With Me and a larger conversation about social media, conformity, influence and why original thought has become increasingly difficult. It all leads to an unexpected discussion about podcasting, finding your own voice, and what happens when people start looking to everyone else to tell them what to think.

Michael O’Keefe and Elizabeth A. Davis join NaVell J. Lee for a special bonus conversation about A Break in the Rain and the healing power of music. O’Keefe discusses Jake’s journey through grief and the unexpected connection that begins to bring him back to the people he loves, while Davis explores the bond between Jake and Catriona and how music allows them to express what words alone cannot. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn when Davis reveals the story behind “Empty Boots,” a song she wrote about her grandfather and his struggle to tell his children that he loved them—and how the song has since brought healing to her own family. It’s a conversation about grief, love, connection, and the extraordinary ability of music to help us say what sometimes cannot be said.

Two very different stories. One episode of The Buzz. First, Shawn Ryan, Eileen Myers and Adam Arkin join NaVell J. Lee to discuss MGM+’s American Hostage, including the series’ distinctive split-screen storytelling, recreating moments from the real-life hostage crisis and finding the balance between historical accuracy and dramatization. Then, Knife Edge host Jesse Burgess talks about the new season of the culinary series, getting viewers emotionally invested in the chefs pursuing Michelin stars, and why everyone can consider themselves a foodie. American Hostage is now streaming on MGM+. Knife Edge Season 2 premieres September 25 on Apple TV.

The Buzz kicks off its milestone 20th season with comedian, actor, television host and longtime podcaster Chris Hardwick. In a wide-ranging conversation with NaVell J. Lee, Hardwick reflects on his return to podcasting, how becoming a father changed his relationship with work, and why questions about quality of life have become more important than chasing the next career high. The two longtime podcasters also look back at how dramatically the medium has evolved since its earliest days—from explaining what a podcast even was and recording episodes onto physical media to today's world of video podcasts and creators carrying entire studios in their pockets. But the conversation ultimately comes back to something much simpler: listening. Hardwick and Lee discuss abandoning the script when a genuine connection happens, treating guests as people rather than content, and why authentic human moments remain the "secret sauce" of podcasting. Plus, Hardwick reflects on fatherhood, his upcoming comedy special and the joy of experiencing the world again through his daughter. Season 20 starts here.

The Buzz goes backstage at the Emmys for conversations with some of the night’s biggest winners. Tom Pelphrey reflects on a 22-year acting journey, discovering his purpose at 14 and why acting has become inseparable from who he is. Allison Janney looks back on her longtime friendship with Bradley Whitford and what it has meant to reunite with her former West Wing costar. Then, Stephen Colbert answers the question that really needed to be asked: Who do we have to beg for more Strangers with Candy? Finally, the cast of Widow’s Bay closes out Emmy night following its Outstanding Comedy Series victory, with Matthew Rhys discussing the surprisingly demanding work behind the show’s finale. Four questions. Four Emmy-winning conversations. One unforgettable night backstage with The Buzz.

Twenty-five years after September 11, the stories of those who lived through that day remain essential. At the Tribeca Festival, NaVell J. Lee sits down with 9/11 survivor Debbie St. John and 9/11: Reunited producer Louis Lee Ray for two deeply personal conversations about memory, survival and the people whose lives became forever connected on September 11, 2001. St. John reflects on how the attacks changed America's sense of security, the importance of remembering the ordinary people who risked their lives for strangers, and why September 11 represents a distinct “before and after.” Ray takes us behind the making of 9/11: Reunited and the emotional experience of bringing people back together 25 years later. NaVell also shares his own memories of watching the attacks unfold from his U.S. History classroom and why meeting survivors and first responders in the years since has strengthened his belief that their stories must continue to be told. Recorded at the 2026 Tribeca Festival.

Rodrigo Santoro joins NaVell J. Lee on The Buzz to talk about his role as Damien Zaldivar in Runner and why he wanted to create a villain who couldn't simply be labeled “bad.” Santoro breaks down the character's vulnerability, unpredictability and surprising playfulness, including the improvisations that made it into the final film. Then, the conversation takes an unexpected and deeply personal turn. Realizing the interview is taking place on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Santoro reflects on Runner's first-responder characters and the real people willing to risk their own lives to help complete strangers. “You don't need to wear a cape to be a hero.” Plus, Santoro looks back at Love Actually, why audiences still connect with the film more than 20 years later, and why Karl and Sarah's bittersweet story may be more true to life than a fairy-tale ending. It's a conversation about villains, heroes, courage, love—and the humanity connecting all of them.

What if the perfect world doesn't exist? On this episode of The Buzz, I sit down with Dark Matter stars Alice Braga and Dayo Okeniyi for two conversations exploring the choices, identities and alternate realities at the heart of the Apple TV series. Alice Braga reflects on the “what ifs” we carry through life, why there may be no perfect choice, and how Amanda's journey—and a memorable Season 1 dance to “Raspberry Beret”—captures the importance of being present in the life we're living. She also teases the consequences of the Box awaiting the characters in Season 2. Then, Dayo Okeniyi takes us deeper into Leighton Vance. He reveals how the Dark Matter creative team incorporated pieces of his real Nigerian heritage and family into Season 2, why specificity matters when portraying Black characters, and the isolation that comes with Leighton's unique combination of identity, wealth and responsibility. Plus, Dayo explores Leighton's search for a “perfect world”—and why his reasons for wanting to create one may be more personal and complicated than he is willing to admit. Dark Matter Season 2 is streaming on Apple TV, with new episodes Fridays. Follow The Buzz for more conversations with the actors and creatives behind television and film.

To celebrate 60 years of Star Trek, The Buzz is reaching into the archives for a special conversation with Marina Sirtis, beloved by generations of fans as Counselor Deanna Troi. Originally recorded several years ago, Marina joins NaVell J. Lee for a conversation reflecting on her incredible journey through the Star Trek universe, her experiences as part of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the franchise that continues to inspire audiences around the world. As Star Trek celebrates its 60th anniversary, revisit this conversation with one of the iconic members of its legacy. 🖖 Happy Star Trek Day! Follow The Buzz – BuzzWorthy Radio on Spotify for more conversations with the actors, creators, and storytellers behind television and film.

What makes an opening title impossible to skip? At Televerse, The Buzz catches up with BigStar EVP Carson Hood and Creative Director Doug Appleton for a conversation about the art, emotion and nostalgia behind memorable opening sequences. Hood explains why creatives working with beloved franchises like Marvel “can’t be a poser,” how quickly a title sequence needs to capture an audience and why honoring a fan’s connection to familiar characters can help earn their trust. Then, Appleton dives deeper into how opening titles prepare audiences for the world they’re about to enter. From the return of the iconic X-Men theme in X-Men ’97 and Professor Xavier’s appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to Game of Thrones, Total Recall and James Bond, the conversation celebrates the opening sequences and music that become inseparable from the stories themselves. Plus: an Eagles-Cowboys rivalry nearly ends one interview before it begins, and another starts — and ends — with a microphone. Follow The Buzz for more conversations with the people creating the television, film and entertainment we love.

Ethan Suplee is getting ready to reunite with the cast of Mallrats at Super Jersey Comic Expo — but our conversation goes far beyond the View Askewniverse. Ethan joins me to talk about the lasting bond between the Mallrats cast and Kevin Smith, why returning to a movie that is now more than 30 years old feels like no time has passed, and why he says there is essentially nothing he would ever say no to Kevin Smith about. We also dive deeply into Ethan's journey with addiction, recovery, food, weight loss and self-worth. As the host of Lifelong, Ethan has created a space for honest conversations about health, addiction and recovery. We discuss his recent conversation with Tyler Labine, the importance of vulnerability, and why his relationship with food required a different kind of recovery than his relationship with substances. Ethan also opens up about the death of his former Remember the Titans co-star Hayden Panettiere and how that loss brought back memories of his own struggles with addiction. Most importantly, we talk about what it means to be a work in progress. This is one of those conversations that starts with Mallrats and ends somewhere much deeper. Watch the full conversation with Ethan Suplee. #EthanSuplee #Mallrats #KevinSmith #Lifelong #AddictionRecovery #Podcast #MentalHealth #SuperJerseyComicExpo

John Candy may be gone, but the love for him has never disappeared. At Televerse 26, NaVell J. Lee catches up with director Colin Hanks, producer Sean Stuart and Jennifer Candy-Sullivan to discuss John Candy: I Like Me, the documentary exploring the life, career and legacy of the beloved comedian. Jennifer Candy-Sullivan reveals how a short Ryan Reynolds and Maximum Effort tribute to John Candy ultimately went viral and helped spark the idea for a feature documentary. Sean Stuart discusses the process of looking beyond Candy's celebrity and on-screen persona to uncover the man, his family life and the struggles he faced. And Colin Hanks explains why relatability became such an important part of the story — including the ways Candy's experiences with anxiety, mental health and the pressures of life connected him to audiences in ways they may not have realized. Plus, we talk about what it means for John Candy: I Like Me to still be finding audiences nearly a year after its TIFF premiere. It's a conversation about comedy, family, legacy and why John Candy still feels like one of us. Featuring: Colin Hanks, Jennifer Candy-Sullivan & Sean StuartHost: NaVell J. LeeEvent: Televerse 26Documentary: John Candy: I Like Me

The Abbott Elementary cast brought plenty to talk about at Televerse 26! NaVell J. Lee catches up with Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams and Janelle James for three very different conversations about the Emmy-nominated ABC comedy. Quinta Brunson reveals why getting Marcello Hernández onto Abbott Elementary is easier said than done—and confirms that the Saturday Night Live star has been pressing her to make it happen. The campaign is officially underway! Tyler James Williams explains how the cast approaches Abbott's signature fourth-wall breaking, including why thinking of the camera operators as characters changed the way he approached Gregory's looks into the camera. He also reflects on Everybody Hates Chris becoming an animated series and his time on The Walking Dead. Janelle James brings the Ava Coleman energy from the moment the cameras start rolling—including making sure we had the proper lighting! She talks about Ava and O'Shon, her comedy influences, Abbott's continued Emmy recognition and, naturally, the Philadelphia Eagles. Plus: Eagles pride, spontaneous red-carpet moments and plenty of Abbott Elementary fun. Featured interviews:• Quinta Brunson• Tyler James Williams• Janelle James

We're going back to the Televerse red carpet for a special bonus episode of The Buzz – BuzzWorthy Radio featuring three very different conversations with Patrick Ball, Henry Czerny and Kareem Rahma. First, Patrick Ball of The Pitt talks with NaVell J. Lee about the show's portrayal of healthcare workers, the compartmentalization that can come with working in emergency medicine, and Langdon's journey toward understanding the importance of empathy and taking an "empathetic pause" with patients. Ball also reflects on the incredible recognition The Pitt has received. Then, Henry Czerny of Paris Is Always a Good Idea discusses his character's relationship with turmoil, conflict, pain and the importance of allowing yourself moments of bliss. The conversation also includes a fun behind-the-scenes moment as Henry gets himself ready for the red carpet interview. Finally, Kareem Rahma of Subway Takes talks about hosting the Golden Globes pre-show, building relationships throughout the entertainment circuit, the success of Subway Takes, his memorable conversation with Colin Jost — and, of course, the ongoing debate over mozzarella cheese on burgers and steaks. Three guests. Three very different conversations. One Televerse bonus episode. GUESTS: Patrick Ball — The PittHenry Czerny — Paris Is Always a Good IdeaKareem Rahma — Subway Takes