Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda

How does an actor adapt to becoming a director? In this episode, Alan Alda and Ben Stiller compare notes about the delicate art of communicating director to actor, actor to director, and actor to actors. Ben Stiller is an Emmy Award winning actor who has been in over 50 movies. And, recently, he produced and directed the critically acclaimed hit Showtime series, Escape at Dannemora. This 7-part series is based on the true, stranger-than-fiction account of a prison break in upstate New York in the summer of 2015. The series was also a break for Stiller from the comedy that audiences expected from him. If it worked, he’d be free to work in any genre. Happily, at last report, he’s still at large.

What does a director look for in actor? How does a director create a sense of family and community on a set? How does a director get an actor to relate? Noah Baumbach is the director of films like "The Squid and the Whale," "Frances Ha," and now the critically-acclaimed film, "Marriage Story." Alan Alda sat down with Noah to ask him about his career as both a writer and director, and his take on writing compelling scripts for specific actors. Noah also speaks with Alan about how to bring out the best in each performance and how to know when to make a cut to make the greatest impact.

She’s an icon of stage and of screen, with one of the most recognized voices in the world. And, no matter where she is in the world, Julie Andrews always brings a little bit of home with her. In this episode, Alan Alda sits down with Julie and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, to talk about how they've learned to collaborate as writing partners and how Julie has worked tirelessly throughout her career to make sure home and family never got lost in the work. As she says, it's never been easy to combine home and work together, but imagination, playfulness, and determination can help keep the feelings of home — warmth, safety, and understanding — with you throughout your life.

Clear+Vivid returns next Tuesday, November 26th with the legendary Julie Andrews! In the meantime, check out our new favorite podcast, Curiosity Daily, presented by your hosts Ashley Hamer and Cody Gough! The Curiosity Daily podcast relies on science to help listeners understand the world — and themselves — better. In this special presentation, you'll hear some of of Cody and Ashley's favorite stories that answer the question: is it just me? You'll learn about how your friendships change as you get older, why it's so hard to exercise after work, why you talk louder while you're wearing headphones, and cutting-edge insights into the science of jealousy. Whether you're curious about relationships or your sleep habits, you'll learn more about yourself and the people around you with Curiosity Daily. Alan Alda and the team at Clear+Vivid will be back with you next week! Thanks for listening!

As a special treat for listeners of Clear+Vivid, we're publishing two bonus episodes of Curiosity Daily on Tuesday, November 12th and Tuesday, November 19th, so you can discover this great podcast for yourself! The Curiosity Daily podcast taps the latest scientific research to make you smarter about the world. In this special presentation from hosts Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer, you'll hear some of their favorite stories about research-based life hacks, including how to get a better night’s sleep, how to better manage your time and money, and even how to get over a breakup! Plus a few other surprises we think you’ll like. So let’s talk life hacks! From your morning routine to your exercise regimen, you'll learn how to live your best life with Curiosity Daily. Enjoy! Season 6 of Clear+Vivid returns with new episodes on Tuesday, November 26th!