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Esquire

Glen Powell has become one of Hollywood’s biggest leading men, but the lessons he’s learned came long before the spotlight. In this episode of the “What I’ve Learned” podcast, the Esquire cover star sits down with Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian to reflect on authenticity, fame, and what it really means to be a movie star. Watch as Glen explains why he originally turned down “Top Gun: Maverick,” what Tom Cruise taught him about collaboration, why he loves working with JJ Abrams and how living in a garage shaped the way he approaches success. He also discusses “Chad Powers,” the importance of family, and why “sending the elevator back down” has become one of his guiding principles.

Check out Glen Powell’s Esquire cover here: http://www.esquire.com/glen-powell

What I've Learned | Glen Powell

Esquire US

Glen Powell on Why He Originally Turned Down “Top Gun: Maverick”

Discussion opens with reflections on playing certain character types and the importance of authenticity both on and off screen. The conversation is set in a minimalistic indoor studio with a monochrome, black-and-white visual style, emphasizing intimate, conve

Authenticity and Personal Reflection

Speaker shares stories about personal background including family influences, childhood music, and cultural reference points like ACL. The visual context remains consistent with soft controlled lighting in a black and white video, enhancing the calm and focuse

Background and Influences

Conversation delves into career anecdotes covering auditions, role choices such as initially passing on Top Gun Maverick, and understanding team dynamics. The two-person seated interview format with close-ups and two-shots maintains an intimate atmosphere cond

Career Insights and Industry Experiences

Topics include engagement with social media influencers, travel routines before flights, personal specialties, and wellness perspectives. Visuals continue with the professional yet approachable and minimalist black and white setting that supports the candid an

Engagement with Contemporary Media and Personal Wellness

Focus shifts to current film projects including working with J.J. Abrams and insights on serving the story in film roles. The interview’s classic tonal coherence in monochrome video, subtle contrast, and conversational framing underlines the reflective nature

Film Projects and Career Philosophy

In this black-and-white studio interview, actor Glen Powell discusses his career evolution, including initially turning down a role in Top Gun: Maverick. He reflects on authenticity, mentorship, personal growth, and what it means to be a trustworthy movie star. The candid conversation highlights Powell's creative philosophy and insights gained from industry experiences.

Glen Powell discusses turning down Top Gun: Maverick and shares insights on authenticity and his career in this in-depth esquire podcast interview.

Glen Powell on Authenticity and Top Gun Role

Glen Powell Reflects on Authenticity and Turning Down Top Gun: Maverick

Hasan Minhaj has built a career turning headlines into comedy, but the biggest lessons he’s learned have come from navigating success, setbacks, and everything in between. In this episode of the “What I’ve Learned” podcast, the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning comedian sits down with Esquire Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian to reflect on fame, fatherhood, and what it takes to keep creating through adversity. Watch as Minhaj opens up about losing the opportunity to host “The Daily Show,” the message he'd like to send to Prince Harry, and why an $85,000 Pizza Hut commercial changed his life. He also discusses “Best of the Best,” his comedy partnership with Ronny Chieng, and the importance of joy and representation.

What I've Learned | Hasan Minhaj

Hasan Minhaj on Fatherhood, Losing "The Daily Show" & Ronny Chieng

The segment opens with a formal introduction set in a minimalist black and white studio environment. During this part of an intimate two-person seated interview, discussion touches on personal family references, cultural heritage, and early educational experie

Introduction and Cultural Background

Continuing the conversation, the speakers explore themes around community, cultural celebrations, and personal identity with references to diverse backgrounds such as Bengali and Pakistani experiences. The formal studio setup with monochrome palette maintains

Community and Identity

This chapter shifts to reflections on personal growth, challenges, and comedic influences including references to notable personalities like Ronny Chieng. The structured studio environment supports a focused dialogue on elements defining comedy and personal na

Personal Experiences and Comedy

Discussion progresses into nuanced topics involving family interactions, emotional experiences, and life lessons including marriage and fatherhood. Throughout, the minimalist and formal studio setting with a neutral background frames the intimate exchange, all

Family Dynamics and Life Lessons

The speakers delve into deeper reflections on marriage secrets, emotional strength, and fatherhood insights. The consistent black and white, soft-lit environment complements the sober, introspective mood conveyed by the subjects in this professionally staged i

Reflection on Relationships and Parenting

This segment covers responses to social situations, thoughtful commentary on financial prudence, and incorporating personal history into creative expression. The monochrome video with formal attire and stable studio lighting continues to underscore the profess

Social Commentary and Personal History

The final chapter concludes the dialogue with a summation that includes subtextual insights and closing thanks. Visual continuity is maintained with a neutral, minimalist black and white studio background, capturing the intimate and professional tone until the

Closing Remarks and Farewell

In this intimate black and white studio interview, Hasan Minhaj reflects on his comedy career, cultural identity, and experiences as a third culture kid in America. He shares insights into his complex comedic partnership and rivalry with Ronny Chieng, while also discussing themes of fame, family, and personal growth in a focused conversation with Esquire's Michael Sebastian.

Hasan Minhaj shares his comedy journey, cultural roots, and his charged rivalry with Ronny Chieng in a candid interview with Esquire's editor.

Hasan Minhaj on Comedy and Ronny Chieng Rivalry

Hasan Minhaj Discusses Comedy, Identity, and His Rivalry with Ronny Chieng

Adam Scott has spent decades bringing complicated and hilarious characters to life on screen, but the lessons he’s learned extend far beyond the roles. In this episode of the “What I’ve Learned” podcast, the Emmy-nominated actor sits down with Esquire Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian to reflect on why not getting “The Office” was ultimately meant to be and how a cult following brought “Party Down” back more than a decade later. Watch as Scott opens up about everything from knowing the ending of “Severance" and what he learned acting alongside Robert De Niro in "The Whisper Man" to attending Taylor Swift’s wedding and what the first line of his obituary would say.

Watch "The Whisper Man" on Netflix.

What I've Learned | Adam Scott

Adam Scott on Losing "The Office" to John Krasinski & Landing "Parks & Rec"

The conversation begins with an introduction to Adam Scott in a minimalist indoor studio set with high-key, even lighting and a neutral backdrop. The black and white video emphasizes a professional and classic look, focusing on the dialogue in a two-person int

Introduction and Early Career Insights

In a focused dialogue set within the same indoor studio environment with monochrome color grading and balanced composition, the interview shifts to recounting audition experiences, including a notable one for the role of Jim Halpert. The minimalist furniture a

Audition Stories and Career Reflections

The black and white, timeless visual style continues as they discuss the mix of real and staged moments during productions, deep humor, and difficulties of show business. The camera work employing handheld microphones and headset mics adds intimacy. The minima

Behind the Scenes and Show Business Challenges

Discussion explores experiences working on specific projects with colleagues, the challenge of building small but dedicated audiences, and the commitment required for show business success. The two-person interview setup and neutral studio environment provide

Project Experiences and Loyal Audiences

The interview delves into the hardships of pursuing a show business career and aspects of the creative process. Throughout, the black and white monochrome video and minimalist surroundings underscore a serious tone with balanced composition. Formal attire and

Personal Challenges and Artistic Process

Featuring a continued two-person interview format within the classic studio space, Adam Scott reflects on meeting celebrities like Taylor Swift and comments on the entertainment industry’s nuances. The neutral background and subtle shifts between wide and clos

Notable Encounters and Reflections on Fame

The concluding moments present a contemplative tone, with Adam Scott pondering legacy and paying homage to the production atmosphere. The high-key lighting and timeless monochrome aesthetic provide a consistent, professional studio atmosphere, facilitating an

Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Actor and producer Adam Scott discusses his Hollywood journey in a black-and-white interview setting, sharing stories about almost landing The Office role, his work on Parks & Recreation and Severance, and collaborating with Robert De Niro on The Whisper Man. He opens up on fame, creative processes, and personal challenges, revealing insights from more than three decades in entertainment.

Adam Scott shares insights about his career near-miss with The Office, roles in Severance, and The Whisper Man, offering personal and professional

Adam Scott on Career, The Office & Severance

Adam Scott Reflects on Career Turns Including The Office and Severance

Aaron Sorkin has spent decades writing some of the most influential stories in film and television, but the biggest lessons he’s learned extend far beyond the page. In this episode of the “What I’ve Learned” podcast, the Academy Award-winning writer and director sits down with Esquire Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian to reflect on the craft of writing, the power of dialogue, and why storytelling matters, especially in the age of AI. Watch as Sorkin opens up about addiction and recovery, what he learned from Rob Reiner, why he’d like to revisit “The Newsroom,” and how becoming a father and surviving a minor stroke changed his perspective. He also discusses “The Social Reckoning,” Facebook’s influence on modern life, and why he still believes America can turn things around.

Read Aaron Sorkin’s full Mavericks of Hollywood profile here: https://www.esquire.com/a73344814/aaron-sorkin-interview-2026/

What I've Learned | Aaron Sorkin

Aaron Sorkin on Why AI Will Fail, Facebook & The Future of America

The interview opens with a discussion of the guest's past work on "The West Wing," highlighting a romantic view of American institutions. The indoor studio setting is minimalist with neutral tones and soft, even lighting, emphasizing a formal yet conversationa

Introduction and Early Career Reflections

Conversation shifts towards modern societal issues, including remarks about social media dynamics and retrograde ideas, with personal reflections on leadership and addiction. The monochrome video capture and consistent framing reinforce the documentary style a

Cultural Commentary and Personal Insights

Focus on candid discussions about cocaine use in the 1990s, screenwriting experiences, and struggles with addiction. The minimalist studio setup with plain grey background and neutral wardrobe choices supports the intimate and honest nature of the dialogue.

Addiction and Creativity

The conversation covers leadership in contemporary media, defenses against societal challenges, and references to other works and influences. The interview maintains a clean, focused two-person seated format with soft, even high-key lighting, enhancing clarity

Leadership and Media Reflections

Discussion of screenplay writing, breathing room in creativity, and influence of films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." The monochrome video frames and minimalist environment keep the viewer's attention on subject expressions and dialogue.

Artistic Process and Influences

Shared anecdotes from social settings, acknowledgement of individual talents, and reflections on familial influences. Continued use of neutral soft lighting and minimalist studio setting contributes to the documentary style and conversational mood.

Personal Stories and Revelations

Final personal notes followed by an upbeat instrumental music outro, maintaining the formal interview style with consistent visual and production cues, closing the conversation in the neutral, minimalist environment.

Closing Remarks and Concluding Music

Aaron Sorkin discusses his career and latest film, The Social Reckoning, in a candid conversation focused on storytelling amid societal challenges. He reflects on American institutions, critiques Facebook’s algorithm and its role in events like January 6, and shares insights about addiction, leadership, and creativity. The interview emphasizes Sorkin’s perspectives on media influence and the future of America.

Aaron Sorkin discusses The Social Reckoning, Facebook's algorithm, and the future of America in a detailed interview about storytelling and societal

Aaron Sorkin on Facebook and Storytelling

Aaron Sorkin on Storytelling, Facebook’s Impact, and America’s Future

Aaron Judge has become one of the defining athletes of his generation, but the biggest lessons he’s learned have come far beyond the baseball diamond. In this special first-ever live taping of the “What I’ve Learned” vodcast, the Yankees Captain sits down with Esquire Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian in front of an audience at Ralph Lauren’s flagship New York store to reflect on growing up in a small California town, being adopted, learning from failure, and what it truly means to wear the pinstripes. Judge opens up about developing the routines that transformed his career, why legacy is about much more than home runs and MVP awards, and how fatherhood has changed the way he experiences baseball. He also shares what it means to represent the Yankees on and off the field before answering questions from young fans in the audience.

What I've Learned | Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge on Fatherhood, Failure & Being a Yankee

The interview begins with the speaker reflecting on the significance of being a Yankee, highlighting personal meaning and honoring the sacrifices made. The monochrome indoor studio setting features a formal arrangement with curtains and flowers, emphasizing a

What It Means to Be a Yankee

Discussion shifts to learning from past Yankees legends and appreciating defining moments such as game-winning hits. The setting remains consistent with a minimalist black and white aesthetic, symmetrical framing, and formal attire, reinforcing the serious yet

Lessons from Yankees Past and Moments of Triumph

This section centers on in-game atmospheres, teammates’ reactions, and the emotional impact of baseball on family life. The monochrome video highlights facial expressions and hand gestures that convey camaraderie and personal investment within the formal studi

Team Dynamics and Emotional Connections

The conversation explores influences from family, parenting approaches, and attention to detail both on and off the field. The formal and professional black and white set underlines the sincerity of the discussion, with subtle visual cues such as fist bumps il

Family Influences and Personal Philosophies

The final chapter reflects on shared experiences, predictions, and the emotional grounding that comes with being part of the Yankees legacy. The static, monochrome studio setting accentuates the concluding tone of contemplation and connection, capturing moment

Reflection and Looking Forward

Aaron Judge discusses what it means to wear the Yankees pinstripes, how his upbringing and adoption shaped his identity, and the lessons he's learned about failure and fatherhood. In a calm, formal interview setting, Judge shares insights on his career, family influences, and the deeper significance of his legacy beyond baseball achievements.

Aaron Judge shares deep reflections on fatherhood, failure, and what being a Yankee means, highlighting his personal journey and lessons from his career.

Glen Powell on Why He Originally Turned Down “Top Gun: Maverick”

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