Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
Actor Steve Zahn joins the hosts to discuss his distinctive career, living and working remotely from Kentucky, and collaborating with family. Zahn explains how he built a production company named Macaroni Art in Midway, Kentucky, where he shoots independent projects like his film She Dances alongside producing partners and his daughter Audrey. The conversation spans his early days in New York theater, working with directors like Tom Hanks and Werner Herzog, and shooting upcoming projects such as Chad Powers in Kentucky and beyond. Throughout the episode, the hosts and guest trade stories about theater auditions, memorable film sets, and how Zahn manages to maintain a low-profile farm life while continuing to land roles in acclaimed television shows and movies.
Hosts introduce the episode with a promotional ad for Hilton, highlighting its hospitality for college football fans.
An advertisement promotes Indeed Sponsored Jobs, offering a credit for listeners to boost job postings.
A commercial spot for Old Spice holiday gift packs, detailing the contents and scents available.
Steve Zahn joins the show, setting the stage for his interview and the episode’s main content.
Zahn shares details about his family, upbringing, and how his personal life intersects with his career.
The conversation covers Zahn’s notable roles, including Reality Bites, The White Lotus, and Silo, and the impact of these projects.
Zahn talks about collaborations with directors like Tony Scott and actors such as Christian Bale, and the dynamics on set.
Zahn explains his move to Kentucky, the benefits of remote filming, and how it shapes his work and lifestyle.
The episode wraps up with final thoughts, a brief recap, and concluding ad spots for Helix and other sponsors.
Zahn shares his interests in football, hockey, music, and how these hobbies influence his life off set.
The hosts discuss the challenges of playing safety in football, sharing humorous stories about fair catches and the nervousness of being on the line of scrimmage.
Steve recounts his long‑time friendship with Sam Rockwell and his experience working with David Cross, highlighting their joint projects and mutual respect.
Naming Macaroni Artstory
The guest explains the origin and meaning behind his production company, Macaroni Art, which is headquartered out of a brick wall location in Midway, Kentucky.
Avoiding Los Angelesinsight
The guest discusses why he never permanently relocated to Los Angeles, choosing instead to rent long-term or live outside the industry hubs in places like Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
Kentucky Tax Rebatesstrategy
The guest details how shooting his feature film She Dances in Kentucky allowed the production to take advantage of local tax incentives.
Working With Familystory
The guest shares what it was like starring alongside his daughter Audrey in their independent film, noting that her professional theatrical training made the collaboration seamless.
A live freight train passes right outside the guest's Kentucky office during the recording, creating an unexpected audio interruption.
Playing Lead Guitarstory
The guest reveals that Ben Stiller bought him his first guitar on the set of Reality Bites, which helped prepare him for his musical role in That Thing You Do.
Working With Werner Herzogstory
The guest recounts auditioning for director Werner Herzog at his home and shares eccentric behind-the-scenes anecdotes from filming Rescue Dawn with Christian Bale.
“I think it's great now.”
“I lost 40 pounds for that.”
“Being safer on the road starts with the person behind the wheel.”
“I have a huge bonfire that I start, and when the coals are, you know, you gotta have a real dry one that's got a lot of wood in it, and then, and then you keep the fire going, basically.”
“I don't like the sweet tea. I like just plain tea.”
“I was so stoked to be on this. You guys are amazing.”
This guy knows how to clap: it’s Steve Zahn. Bite-breakage, noodle art, and a steak with Werner. Shower-Team assemble! … on a gorg new SmartLess.
11,984 words · 5 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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