Best Elle Jay Podcasts (2025)

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The Empire Podcast Review Of The Year 2025 2:41:08

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1d ago2:41:08

2:41:08

And so, as 2025 disappears off into the distance, it's the most wonderful time of what's left of the year, as the Empire Podcast team get together in the podbooth for their marathon deep dive/look back at the cinematic year that was. Join Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and James Dyer for this near-three-hour behemoth in which they go through the year …

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Mike Feeney 1:17:23

4m ago1:17:23

1:17:23

Andrew Santino sits down with comedian Mike Feeney for a sharp, funny conversation about stand-up, writing jokes that actually work, life on the road, and the quiet insanity of being a comic in 2025. They talk about finding your voice, tightening material, dealing with bad sets, and why simplicity usually beats trying to be clever. It’s a comic-to-…

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684: Become Your Highest Self (Guided Meditation) 15:12

13h ago15:12

15:12

This meditation is an invitation to come home to who you truly are, not who you think you should be, not who the world has asked you to become, but the most grounded, expansive, loving version of you. Your highest self already exists within you; she is calm, she is clear, and she is deeply connected to her intuition and her truth. In this episode, …

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A Bit of Optimism Will Return in the New Year 2:37

5d ago2:37

2:37

Team Simon here! As the year comes to a close, A Bit of Optimism is pressing pause for a short winter break. The show will return on January 27, 2026 and we can’t wait to be back with you. But before we go, we want to say thank you. Truly. This show exists because of you—the listeners who show up every week, share episodes and clips, leave thoughtf…

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Revisited: Your Unhappy Brain Needs Some Assistance with Happiness Expert Mo Gawdat 1:30:38

5d ago1:30:38

1:30:38

Team Simon here! Thank you for being part of such an incredible year—and for helping us grow the podcast through your support, sharing it with others, and showing up week after week. We love seeing your comments and hearing what resonates with you. A Bit of Optimism returns on January 27, 2026, with brand-new episodes we think you’re really going t…

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Farewell, Rob (ft. guests Glenn Close; Stephen Lang; Josh Safdie) 2:13:59

9d ago2:13:59

2:13:59

The final Empire Podcast of the year is here, folks, and it's a bumper-sized jamboree, longer than usual and hopefully fit to tide you over until we return with Episode 700 (live from Kings Place) on January 11th. For the first time ever, the revolving fourth chair revolves wildly during the pod itself, so Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and James Dyer…

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Oscars Move to YouTube; Rob Reiner Tribute; Cynthia Erivo (“Wicked For Good”); Craig Brewer (“Song Sung Blue”) 1:25:27

9d ago1:25:27

1:25:27

The Oscars are moving to YouTube in 2029, and the Roundtable gives its perspectives — and the pros and cons — on the surprise news. Also, we pay tribute to the late acting and directing legend Rob Reiner. Later, “Wicked For Good” star Cynthia Erivo talks about hanging up the broomstick and why this was the most challenging production of her career.…

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Kerryn Feehan 1:32:19

8d ago1:32:19

1:32:19

Andrew Santino sits down with comedian, writer, and podcaster Kerryn Feehan for a sharp, unfiltered conversation about stand-up, dating chaos, internet backlash, and leaning all the way into your comedic voice. They talk about Kerryn’s brand-new stand-up special Kerryn Feehan: Don’t Serve Me, finding confidence onstage, dealing with online noise, a…

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It: Welcome To Derry — An Empire Podcast Special, In Association With Warner Bros. 46:38

9d ago46:38

46:38

They all float down here. Now that It: Welcome To Derry, the prequel to Andy Muschietti's It Chapter One and It Chapter Two, has finished its eight-episode run, the Empire Podcast has teamed up with Warner Bros. to bring you a special episode in which Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and James Dyer conquer their fears of clowns, spiders, and spider-clow…

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683: Marianne Williamson on Choosing Love When the World Feels Uncertain 1:08:35

7d ago1:08:35

1:08:35

Feeling disconnected from religion… yet deeply drawn to something more? Curious about Jesus, but blocked by the language, the dogma, or past experiences? This isn’t about believing the “right” thing. It’s about remembering the truth beneath it all. In this powerful episode, I sit down with spiritual teacher and bestselling author Marianne Williamso…

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Prepare for the Life You’re Meant to Live With Chaplain John Fox 1:07:31

12d ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Often the biggest transformations we undergo don’t arrive as lightning bolts, but as quiet shifts we’ve been preparing for all along. For John Fox, the transformation from a 25-year career in high finance to becoming a chaplain wasn’t sudden at all. It was a slow burn—shaped by loss, reflection, community, and a deep desire to live a more meaningfu…

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Golden Globes Nominations Frontrunners, Snubs and Surprises; Amanda Seyfried (“The Testament of Ann Lee”), Elle Fanning (“Sentimental Value”) 1:21:59

16d ago1:21:59

1:21:59

“One Battle After Another” cements its frontrunner status as the Golden Globes nominations were announced — but here are a few more surprises and takeaways. Also, “The Testament of Ann Lee” star Amanda Seyfried talks about juggling family life with awards season, the film’s exploration of trauma and grief, and the status of “Mamma Mia 3.” Later, El…

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Paul Thomas Anderson & Boogie Nights: An Empire Podcast Special, In Association With Warner Bros. 44:55

16d ago44:55

44:55

Boogie Nights wasn't Paul Thomas Anderson's first movie (that was Hard Eight), but it's the film that put him firmly on the map, and served notice that here was a serious filmmaking force. And with the release of a remastered 4K UHD version of Boogie Nights on Monday, December 15, it's the perfect time for the Empire Podcast team — Chris Hewitt, He…

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There's Magic In The Air (ft. guests Shih-Ching Tsou & Sean Baker; Daryl McCormack & Cailee Spaeny; James L. Brooks) 1:56:11

16d ago1:56:11

1:56:11

The penultimate regular Empire Podcast of the year is here, folks (don't worry, there are specials galore on the way), and it's a belter. Guest-wise, we have more goodies under the tree, as Jamie Graham talks to longtime collaborators Shih-Ching Tsou and Sean Baker (the director of Anora) about Tsou's directorial debut, Left-Handed Girl, which can …

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Josh Richards 1:34:50

13d ago1:34:50

1:34:50

Andrew Santino sits down with Josh Richards — creator, comedian, and entrepreneur — for a wild talk that bounces between fame, failure, and figuring out what actually matters when millions of people are watching. They get into TikTok fame, business moves, podcast drama, dating in the spotlight, and why Josh’s journey from small-town Ontario to Holl…

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F1: An Empire Podcast Interview Special ft. Jerry Bruckheimer, Damson Idris & Kerry Condon 1:04:35

16d ago1:04:35

1:04:35

"Yer man's in the pits, boss!" Joseph Kosinski's crowd-pleasingly kinetic F1 was one of the success stories of the year at the box office, displaying impressive legs (or wheels) to take the chequered flag with over $600 million in the global bank, making it the biggest hit of Brad Pitt's career. And now that the film is making its debut on Apple TV…

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682: Why You Don’t Feel Seen In Love & Healing Attachment Wounds | Jessica Baum 59:17

18d ago59:17

59:17

Terrified of being abandoned… or suffocated… or never truly chosen in love? That’s not you being “too much” or “not enough.” That’s your attachment wounds talking. In this powerful episode, I sit down with psychotherapist and attachment expert Jessica Baum, LMHC, to unpack why you feel the way you do in relationships, and how to finally feel safe i…

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How Losing Everything Taught Her to Help Everyone: Joan Howard’s Story 51:08

19d ago51:08

51:08

Life can change in an instant. One day you’re shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue, and the next you’re sitting in your car with everything you own, and everyone you love, wondering what happens now. Joan Howard grew up in Beverly Hills with every advantage until a series of crises left her homeless and living in her car with her mother and three dogs. Wh…

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Gotham Awards Recap and Golden Globes Nominations Preview; Will Arnett (“Is This Thing On?”), Jon M. Chu (“Wicked For Good”) 1:20:46

23d ago1:20:46

1:20:46

Parsing the Gotham Awards, National Board of Review winners and AFI lists for Oscar predictions, plus what to look for with Monday’s Golden Globes nominations. Also, “Is This Thing On?” star Will Arnett on tackling a dramatic role, and “Wicked For Good” director Jon M. Chu on his long journey through the franchise. Learn more about your ad choices.…

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Adam Ray Is Back! 1:28:02

20d ago1:28:02

1:28:02

Andrew Santino sits down with the hilarious Adam Ray — actor, comedian, impression master, and star of the new Netflix special Dr. Phil Unleashed — for an episode full of absurd stories, Hollywood madness, and nonstop bits.They talk about what it’s like becoming Dr. Phil, the art of a perfect impression, the grind of touring, and how Adam somehow p…

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QT's Making A List, We're Checking It Twice (ft. guests Taron Egerton; George Clooney & Adam Sandler; Jon M. Chu) 1:58:26

23d ago1:58:26

1:58:26

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Christmas on our mind as we enter December, and accordingly we deliver a sackful of great guests to you, our loyal and loving listeners. First off, Chris Hewitt goes to Taron Egerton's actual flat (smells divine... and the flat wasn't bad either) to sit down with him for a candid chat about his career,…

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The Shameless Plug #10: The Odyssey Odyssey 42:36

24d ago42:36

42:36

The new episode of The Shameless Plug is here, folks, and this month sees Chris Hewitt sit down with freshly-minted award winner, Empire editor Nick de Semlyen, to delve into one of the most special issues of Empire magazine in many a moon: our world exclusive first look at Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, for which Nick went on something of an ody…

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681: Stop Doing These 5 Things That Destroy Your Confidence 29:41

23d ago29:41

29:41

If your confidence feels low and you don’t know why, you’re probably doing 5 tiny things every day that quietly destroy it. In this powerful solo episode, I walk you through the hidden habits that slowly erode your self-belief without you even realising. They seem small. They look “normal.” But they shape how you think, speak, choose, and show up i…

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A Rebel With a Cause (and a Cone) with Jeni’s Ice Cream Founder Jeni Britton 53:19

25d ago53:19

53:19

What if a great business was built like a handmade mixtape? A lovingly crafted experience that is as much a love letter from its founder as it is custom-tailored to its audience. Before Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams became a household name, Jeni Britton was a 22-year-old art school dropout scooping her ice cream creations at a farmers market in Ohio. …

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What to Watch This Thanksgiving Weekend; Michael B. Jordan (“Sinners”), Renate Reinsve (“Sentimental Value”) 1:24:38

30d ago1:24:38

1:24:38

Michael B. Jordan talks about working with his longtime collaborator Ryan Coogler, challenging himself with “Sinners,” and what his next ventures will be, including “Miami Vice” and “The Thomas Crown Affair.” Later, “Sentimental Value” star Renate Reinsve talks about the movies that influenced her, her ambitions as an actor and possible director, a…

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There Can Be Only Dozens (ft. guests Simu Liu; Ke Huy Quan; Richard Linklater & Ethan Hawke) 1:51:41

30d ago1:51:41

1:51:41

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt sit down with two actors who star in animated movies (and ask them both about their favourite things to do in London). First, Simu Liu Zooms in to talk about new Netflix family flick, In Your Dreams, plus his own dreams, and the return of Shang-Chi to the MCU. [21:38 - 38:30 approx] Then, …

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Brendan Sagalow 1:20:05

27d ago1:20:05

1:20:05

Andrew Santino sits down with Brendan Sagalow — stand-up comic, rapper (sort of), and certified goofball — for an episode that’s equal parts confession, cringe, and bars. Brendan’s currently featuring for Dan Soder on tour, fresh off the road and ready to overshare. They talk bombing, confidence, bad jokes that somehow work, and the glorious day Br…

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680: Spirit Babies, Miscarriage, Mastering Your Psychic Abilities & Trusting Your Intuition | Emily Greene 1:15:21

29d ago1:15:21

1:15:21

Some conversations crack your heart open in the best way. This one did exactly that. Today I sit down with spirit baby psychic medium Emily Greene for a deep, grounded, soulful journey into intuition, conception, communication with spirit babies, and the unseen world that so many women feel but can’t quite name. Emily has supported thousands of fam…

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The Culture That Converts Even the Biggest Cynics with former WD-40 CEO Garry Ridge 56:55

1M ago56:55

56:55

Who would’ve guessed that one of the world’s best company cultures was hiding behind a can of WD-40? Of all the places to find a leadership masterclass, the blue-and-yellow can in your garage probably wasn’t on your list - but it’s time to put it there. Garry Ridge - an Australian who brought his charm and curiosity across the Pacific - joined WD-4…

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‘Wicked For Good’ Reviews and Oscar Chances; Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”), Brendan Fraser (“Rental Family”) 1:37:07

1M ago1:37:07

1:37:07

“Song Sung Blue” star Kate Hudson discusses her journey alongside Hugh Jackman in the film, in addition to her earliest influences, her favorite collaborations and the type of movie she would consider filming with her mother. Then, “Rental Family” star Brendan Fraser about his role in Hikari's dramedy and teases where he thinks his "The Mummy" char…

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Leanne Morgan 1:16:36

1M ago1:16:36

1:16:36

Andrew sits down with the lovely Leanne Morgan to talk stand-up, family chaos, stage nerves, and what she’s learned headlining arenas. They dig into writing clean but savage jokes, growing a massive fanbase, and why everyday stories crush on stage. I bet they would have dated. ❤️ 🎥 Leanne's New Netflix special: Unspeakable Things: https://www.netfl…

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Escape From Malcatraz (ft. guests Benedict Cumberbatch & Dylan Southern; Joel Edgerton & Clint Bentley; Ariana Greenblatt) 1:57:43

1M ago1:57:43

1:57:43

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees the podteam — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and James Dyer — play themselves as they discuss great 'as themselves' performances in the movies. They also run their collective eye over the week's movie news, including heartening Star Trek developments, review Train Dreams, Wicked: For Good, Playdate, and S…

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Choose Your Seven Humans Wisely with author Fredrik Backman 58:07

1M ago58:07

58:07

What if great friendships aren’t found by luck but built through effort? Bestselling novelist Fredrik Backman, the mind behind A Man Called Ove (adapted into the Tom Hanks film A Man Called Otto), Anxious People, and the beloved Beartown series, has spent his career writing about the quiet power of ordinary people. But in his real life, he learned …

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679: The Universal Codes of Success, Manifestation & Love | Monica & Michael Berg 1:31:53

1M ago1:31:53

1:31:53

What if ancient spiritual wisdom held the key to more love, presence, and peace in your everyday life? In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Monica and Michael Berg, authors, spiritual teachers, and directors of The Kabbalah Centre, to explore how Kabbalah helps us move beyond fear, deepen our faith, and live with greater awareness. We un…

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What Are the Oscar Race Dark Horses?; Regina Hall (“One Battle After Another”), Chloé Zhao (“Hamnet”) 1:31:02

1M ago1:31:02

1:31:02

“One Battle After Another” star Regina Hall discusses her role in Paul Thomas Anderson's film, her return as Brenda in "Scary Movie 6" and what's next. Also, writer/director Chloé Zhao discusses the spiritual dimensions of "Hamnet," working with child actors and why her upcoming "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" sequel pilot required an entirely different…

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All The Information Is On The Task (ft. guests Edgar Wright, Rosamund Pike & Isla Fisher, Michael Shannon) 1:58:03

1M ago1:58:03

1:58:03

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast would surely deserve to get a full fat five points from Greg Davies, the Taskmaster himself, as Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and John Nugent apply themselves wholeheartedly (some more wholeheartedly than others, it must be said) to deciding which Taskmaster contestant has appeared in the best fil…

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Julia Ducournau & Tahar Rahim On Alpha: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 24:35

1M ago24:35

24:35

Alpha is the third film from the brilliant French filmmaker, Julia Ducournau, following on from her titanic debut, Raw, and her raw follow-up, Titane (which won the Palme D'Or, no less!). A tale of an unusual epidemic and generational trauma, there's much going on above and below the surface, which we get into in this interview special, as Jamie Gr…

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Becky Robinson 1:12:26

1M ago1:12:26

1:12:26

Andrew sits down with Becky Robinson — stand-up wrecking ball, sketch tornado, and creator of the viral Entitled Housewife character — for a fast, ridiculous, actually-honest conversation about touring, writing characters that go too hard, and dropping her first hour. 🎟️ Tour dates & tickets: https://www.beckyrobinsonthegreat.com 🎥 New special: ENT…

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Jenny Beavan: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 45:41

2M ago45:41

45:41

Nicholas Hytner's The Choral, a delightful drama set in 1916 Yorkshire, is in cinemas now, folks. It features costumes designed by the legendary Jenny Beavan, who is one of the best costume designers in the business. Nominated for 12 Oscars, winner of three, Beavan has worked with directors like Robert Altman, James Ivory, and George Miller across …

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The Smartest Way To Be Stupid with comedian Matthew Broussard 1:04:53

2M ago1:04:53

1:04:53

If you feel stupid while learning something new, you’re doing it right. But if you keep doing the same thing over and over hoping it’ll suddenly make sense - that’s on you. The trick isn’t to push harder; it’s to find a new teacher, a new explanation, a new way in. That’s exactly how Matthew Broussard approaches comedy - and everything else. A stan…

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Daniel Day-Lewis, Sean Bean, & Ronan Day-Lewis On Anemone: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 50:02

2M ago50:02

50:02

Every year at the London Film Festival, Empire hosts a gala screening for a film that we particularly admire. This year's choice was Ronan Day-Lewis' Anemone, a drama that we called 'sad, absurdist, brooding, tender, and intense', and which marks the return to acting of the great Daniel Day-Lewis, father of Ronan and co-writer of the movie, after e…

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Is “One Battle After Another” the Oscar Frontrunner?; Laura Dern (“Jay Kelly”/ “Is This Thing On?”), Nina Hoss (“Hedda”) 1:32:46

2M ago1:32:46

1:32:46

The Awards Circuit Podcast Roundtable is back, and catching you up on the Oscar frontrunners, the film festival circuit and more. Also: “Jay Kelly” and “Is This Thing On?” star Laura Dern about some of her iconic roles and what’s next for her. And “Hedda” star Nina Hoss discusses her role in the film, the state of Hollywood and more. Learn more abo…

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The Sound Of Burning Felt (ft. guests Jennifer Lawrence & Lynne Ramsay; Elle Fanning & Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi; Sean Bean & Daniel Day-Lewis) 1:51:46

2M ago1:51:46

1:51:46

Blimey, this week's episode of the Empire Podcast is star-studded, and then some. First, Chris Hewitt chats with Die, My Love star, Jennifer Lawrence, and director Lynne Ramsay, about unpredictability on set and receiving an email from Martin Scorsese; then, he has a crash course in Yautja from Predator: Badlands stars Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatan…

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Sal Vulcano 1:24:27

2M ago1:24:27

1:24:27

Andrew Santino sits down with Sal Vulcano — comedian, podcaster, and star of Impractical Jokers — for an episode packed with laughs, anxiety, and way too much honesty. They talk about friendship, fame, stage fright, and why Sal still second-guesses everything even after 13 seasons on TV. No punishments this time — just two comics being brutally rea…