Band of Brothers Podcast

Ron Livingston, who plays Capt. Lewis Nixon, joins host Roger Bennett to reflect on Band of Brothers' first episode. Ron reveals his research process to portray the enigmatic S-2 Intelligence Officer, the way he surprised Tom Hanks during his audition, and the total immersion the entire cast underwent during a 10-day actor bootcamp, which saw them train like actual 1940s paratroopers.

The episode’s writer and director each delve into the recreation, production, and filming of an invasion that carried the future of modern democracy on its shoulders. From the paratroopers flinging themselves out of C-47s, to the capture of German 105mm machine guns at Brecourt Manor, Orloff and Loncraine reveal how they captured the terror, confusion and heroism of one of the most important days in modern history.

Senior Military Advisor Capt. Dale Dye and Matthew Settle, who plays Capt. Ronald Speirs, join host Roger Bennett to relive one of the series’ most combat-heavy episodes. Capt. Dye, who also plays Col. Sink in the series, opens up about his total immersion method that transformed actors into members of Easy Company. And Settle discusses his portrayal of the mythologized, enigmatic and unflinchingly fearless Capt. Speirs, and what it was like to play some of the series’ most haunting scenes.

Frank John Hughes, who plays Staff Sergeant “Wild Bill” Guarnere, joins host Roger Bennett to discuss Easy Company’s jump into the Netherlands as part of Operation Market Garden. Plus, Hughes’ deep bond with the real Guarnere, a singular character who overcame the loss of his leg during the Battle of the Bulge to live a life that overflowed with selflessness.