Life is Short with Justin Long

Anderson Cooper (CNN) and Justin talk about his upbringing in the Vanderbilt family and his fasciation with the Astors, his hilarious friendship with Andy Cohen and why he wanted to do his podcast "All There Is" about how we process grief.

Happy New Year! The guys kick off 2024 with a recap about their holidays — how Justin accosted two strangers to procure Santa hats. They’re still trying to figure out wha the loser of their football bet has to do. A listener named Christian writes in with an impressive squirrel-theme rap. Finally, Zach from Indiana writes in praising “Going The Distance,” and Christian’s ability to keep Justin on track.

Josh Gad (Gutenberg! The Musical!, Frozen) and Justin talk about working with actor Andrew Rannells on both “Book of Mormon,” and his latest show “Gutenberg! The Musical!,” how his kids handle attention from the public, and his seemingly contrasting passions for both sports and musical theater.

The guys talk about the trips they both recently went on: Justin & Kate to Big Sur for her birthday (in which they had a friendly run in with Bo Burnham and Phoebe Bridgers ????) and Christian & Maggie to Costa Rica where they were accosted by monkeys, but fell in love with the laid back, phone-free atmosphere. Then we read a letter from Nancy with a glowing endorsement for Christian’s “scratch bar” idea. Finally, Stacy calls in saying she has the same issue as Christian with hands rubbing together.

Tony Robbins (The Holy Grail of Investing) and Justin talk about how his upbringing influenced his motivation to help people, what it was like to take Ayahuasca, and he spills a few investing secrets.

The guys are in the “man” cave together for a discussion about how Christian has 99 problems and an eviscerated opossum IS one. Justin gets his rental car stuck in the snow and lives to tell the tale (thanks to Larry). Then we read a letter from Lizzy with praise for the roundabout stories that open the show. Finally, a listener named Crystal calls in to talk about how she’s handy around the house like a blue collar “life-r.”

Noah Hawley (Fargo) and Justin talk about the state of award shows, what inspired the storyline for the 5th season of “Fargo,” and how his mother’s writing career shaped his own.

The guys are still together this week, so they take the opportunity to walk down memory lane, discuss the benefits of a coffee warmer and compare their brotherly dynamic to the Kelce Brothers. We read a letter from Katie praising the show for keeping her spirits up through difficult times. Finally, a listener named Zoe leaves a voicemail pitching the genius idea for a destination funeral.

Melissa Rauch (Night Court) and Justin talk about what it’s like to star in the Night Court reboot, how she broke into the industry, and how she used to hand out flyers outside Broadway shows before making it as an actress.

This week the guys discuss the joys of having a snow day with the nephews in Connecticut, and Christian reveals a bougie gripe he has with his favorite massage parlor. A listener named Tara Tiffany writes in from Ireland to ask if the guys would rather find maggots or toenails in their food. Julie calls in to reveal she made the turtle figurine for Justin and she offers some potential new lightning round questions.

Zach Woods (In The Know, Silicon Valley) and Justin discuss their similar aversion to technology (despite the roles they've played), how they handle being accosted by overly friendly drunk fans, and what it was like to work with Mike Judge on his new show “In The Know.”

The guys discuss Justin’s mostly naked honeymoon experience on a remote island, and he updates us on the status of Teak the cat’s peen problems. A listener named Patrick writes in with a not-so-bad name suggestion for Christian’s scratch bar idea. Finally, Casey calls in with a NY Jets/Taylor Swift-themed Would You Rather (and the guys tread lightly with their answers).

Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Found, Saved By The Bell) and Justin talk about his iconic Zack Morris character in Saved By the Bell, how he avoided being typecast, and they clear up a silly little rumor about competing for the same roles.

The guys have a lot to say about the Super Bowl this week and “they don’t both have to have bet $50 on the Chiefs.” Then we read a letter from Betsy who shares her personal tales of the paranormal. Finally, Ellis from Colorado calls in asking how the guys met their significant others, who made the first move and what advice they have for a long marriage.

Steve Aoki (HiROQUEST 2: Double Helix) and Justin talk about his interest in cold plunging and longevity research, how he manages his demanding DJ schedule, and how his father’s impressive legacy lives on.

Best friend of the show Jerry O’Connell calls in from the gym for a quick chat about what he did for his 50th birthday. Then we read a letter from Soraya asking for advice about setting boundaries with siblings. Finally, Brad calls in to shout out his wife Ellis and he asks about the gender breakdown of the show and the guys’ thoughts about AI.

Bob Costas (MLB Network) and Justin talk about his long career as a sportscaster for NBC, how he got his start calling minor league hockey games and why he believes The Kansas City Chiefs are America’s team.

This week Justin talks about his efforts to watch all the Oscar noms, and Christian muses on what makes going to the DMV so miserable. Then we read a letter from Kyla whose friend was a college classmate of Justin’s (and she has some opinions of him from back then). Finally, Tiffany calls in asking for advice on how to make a Costco meet-cute into a real friendship.

Charles Duhigg (Supercommunicators) and Justin talk about his most recent book about how we can communicate better, his research on the different kinds of conversations we have in every day life and how we can break bad habits.

This week, the guys gush over this season of The Bachelor and they come to the realization that they’re both team Daisy. Then, Brydie the phlebotomist writes in to express how their brotherly banter remind her of her own boys. Finally, Daniel calls in to say thank you for playing his abandoned voicemail on the pod and to relate about not being the stereotypical “manly” man.

Esther Perel (Where Should We Begin?) and Justin talk about her groundbreaking couple's therapy podcast "Where Should We Begin," how resentment builds and can damage a relationship, and why telling stories can help strengthen bonds between friends and lovers.

Today on the show Justin asks Christian to help him navigate a predicament involving parking and pizza, and Christian thinks we should make some changes to the alphabet and keep G hard. Molly from Cincinnati writes in wondering about the origin of Poodollar, plus she gives Christian some ideas for his bad back. Finally, Angie from Cleveland calls in wondering whether people with real words as names feel weird when they hear it.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family, Dinner's On Me) and Justin talk about the lasting cultural impact of his role on "Modern Family," how he came out to his father and what to expect from the new season of his podcast, "Dinner's On Me."

Today on the show, Christian fills us in on his week cosplaying as a snow bird in Marco Island, Florida. Then, a listener named Iliana writes in with a recommendation for a birding podcast, and she ends it with a bird-themed WYR. Finally, Pam from Halifax calls in to share her own supernatural experience in Japan.

Kyle Maclachlan (Varnamtown, Portlandia) and Justin talk about his riveting new podcast, Varnamtown, his experience working with David Lynch on Dune, Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks, and his passion as a vintner with his own winery Pursued By Bear.

Today on the show the guys talk about the Bachelor finale and why they were both surprised at Joey’s choice (even though both women are gems). Then, Daniel the Elvis impersonator writes in thinking he might have had a beer with Justin in an airport bar in Atlanta. Finally, Carla the speech pathologist calls in to clue the guys in on the phonetic alphabet, and she offers up a musical WYR.

Katey Sagal (PIE podcast, Married With Children) and Justin talk about her upbringing in Hollywood, her early career as a singer, how she got cast in Married With Children and her new podcast with husband Kurt Sutter called PIE.

This week on the show, the guys discuss how Christian scrapped plans for a humidor for a new juicer and he can’t get enough. Then, we read a letter from Kaitlin about an acquaintance’s ASMR Spa business offering scratching. Finally, Danielle from Indiana calls in with a story somewhat related to (but worse than) Justin’s broken capillary issue.

John Quiñones (ABC News) and Justin talk about his upbringing in San Antonio, Texas, how the Upward Bound program changed his life, what made him want to become a journalist and what he's learned about human nature from working on the show, "What Would You Do?"

This week on the show, the guys discuss how Christian finally cleaned out his childhood bedroom, and they recount their wild night out in New York City (including a Larry David encounter). Then, Christi writes in asking about how Christian manages to put lotion on his hands without rubbing them together and she gives us a WYR about using a sexy voice on the pod or Shrek voice on a date. Finally, Jackie from Utah calls in asking about what things women do that the guys find attractive.

Phil Rosenthal (Somebody Feed Phil) and Justin talk about the origin of his it show "Everybody Loves Raymond," the importance of trying new things, and what it's like to work with his brother on his Netflix travel show "Somebody Feed Phil."

This week on the show, the guys talk about Christian’s “intimidating” experience at a memorial service, and Justin has yet another awkward social interaction at a restaurant for us to analyze. Nicole writes in with lovely things to say about the show topped off with 3 thought-provoking Would You Rathers. Finally, Nico from Alberta calls in to ask about where the cutoff is to be considered “short,” as a man.

Astro Alexandra (space communicator) and Justin talk about her unique career in science communications, how she developed her lifelong curiosity with science and why social media isn't all bad.

This week on the show the guys both have frustrating coffee-fetching experiences, and Justin is obsessed with pickleball despite being shamed on the court. Nancy writes in with a Would You Rather about reliving (and then forgetting) your best day or your worst day ever. American Airlines flight attendant John Stanley leaves two unforgettable messages filled with lighthearted corrections.

Dr. Phil McGraw (We've Got Issues) and Justin talk about what he's learned about America through his 20 years in TV, why he started his own cable network Merit Street Media, his original dream of being an airline pilot and they get into the important social topics covered in his latest book, "We've Got Issues: How You Can Stand Strong for America's Soul and Sanity."

This week on the show, Justin tells us a story about getting a cold hug from Kris Jenner at a Hollywood party, and Christian has a run in with an intimidating turkey. Then Mike from Pittsburgh writes in and gets right to the point with a bunch of WYRs. Finally, Carrie from Tennessee leaves a “more than stoned” voicemail asking if the guys would rather be a living fossil of a horseshoe crab or a sturgeon.

Mark Consuelnos (Live with Kelly and Mark) and Justin talk about how he feels awkward at fancy Hollywood parties, how he got his big break on a whim right out of college and he tells his side of the story of meeting and falling in love with his wife and co-host, Kelly Ripa.

This week on the show, Justin tells us about his harrowing experience in Mexico and the “loose week” that followed. Christian has caught the Pickle Ball bug and is still dealing with Tina the Turkey messing up his yard. Kendall the late-bloomer Shorty calls in wondering why Christian doesn’t join in the interview portions of the show. Finally, we mix it up this week and hear voicemails from a construction worker named Tory, and a psychologist named Sarah.

Susie Essman (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Justin talk about her early comedy days in New York and meeting Larry David, how she helped develop her "Curb" character Susie Greene's personal style, and what happened when HBO decided to put a real-life billboard featuring her likeness in LA.

This week on the show, Justin needs to be talked into grabbing a NY slice and Christian recounts his experience time traveling via a Dave Matthews tribute band. Then, Carissa writes in about the genius way her kids marketed their lemonade stand. Amanda calls in to correct the record on her coworker John Stanley. Plus, John calls again with more nuggets of wisdom.

Dr. Mark Hyman (The Young Forever Cookbook) and Justin talk about the history of the US food industry, the myths surrounding organic and healthy eating, and why he wanted to write his new book, "The Young Forever Cookbook: More than 100 Delicious Recipes for Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life new cookbook Young Forever."

This week on the show the guys discuss how they’re both unwilling to join Ashley Madison, and Justin tells us we should read up on American journalist Dorothy Thompson. Tara writes in with a food poisoning story that rivals Justin’s Mexico misadventure, and tops it off with a couple WYRs. Diamond calls in with a fun nature fact about Palau jellyfish and she asks which brother they’d switch places with.

Kathleen Hanna (Rebel Girl) and Justin talk about her upbringing in the 80s in the Pacific Northwest, her experiences in the punk scene and what it took to write her memoir, "Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk."

This week on the show, the guys share a few humorous observations they had at a Beach Boys concert, and Justin recounts his trip with Kate to a small town carnival. Miriam writes in to correct the guys on a mistake they made in one of their ads. Alistair calls in with a good idea on how to handle road rage-y people.

Ben Platt (Honeymind) and Justin talk about Ben's upbringing in musical theater, the intense pressure and preparation he endured to star in Broadway's "Dear Evan Hansen," and what inspired his latest solo album, "Honeymind."

This week, the guys have updates and shout outs galore, and Justin tells us about what he did for his birthday. A listener named Keith Deal writes in about how he loves to fall asleep while listening to the show, and we debate the pros cons of being an only child versus one of many. Angelica from Jackson, WY calls in to admit she listens to the show on speakerphone while doing arduous activities, and she ends on a thought-provoking Would You Rather.

Mo Willems (Mo Willems Workshop) and Justin talk about his early career in comedy, what it was like to work for Sesame Street, how he interacts with his young and enthusiastic fans and why he loves to see kids creating their own stories based on his characters.

This week on the show, the guys wish they could send thank you notes to every person who auditioned for their new horror film, and they debate whether it’s better to be compared to Napoleon Bonaparte or Napoleon Dynamite. Salma writes in with a story about a paranormal experience involving the ghost of her aunt. Geoffa calls in from Ecuador with a mind-bending Would You Rather.

Jamie Lynn-Sigler (MeSsy podcast) and Justin talk about landing her breakout role as Meadow in The Sopranos, how her role in Entourage was originally pitched to her, what it's been like to live and work with MS, and why she and Christina Applegate started their podcast MeSsy.

This week on the show the guys are in LA filming a new horror short! They recount their experiences buying sugary coffee drinks and playing pickle ball together on the West Coast. Then a listener named John Murphy writes in with his funny impression of the Wheel of Fortune sound effect. Finally, John Stanley calls in yet again to discuss his experience being gay in the South back in the 80s.