Off The Beat with Brian Baumgartner

Live and in person from their shared home course in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, Brian talks with his neighbor and friend PGA Tour pro Charley Hoffman about getting knocked down a peg by his excellent team at UNLV, stepping into a leadership role on the board of the PGA, and living in paradise in his hometown of San Diego.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of the amazing writers of The Office, Brian shares a compilation of his favorite moments interviewing the creative minds behind the show. Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky talk about fan-favorite episodes: Dinner Party and Scott Tots, Mike Schur reflects back on the 2008 writers strike, and Jen Celotta remembers the love and passion every writer had for the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Baseball bad boy AJ Pierzynski remembers the days of waiting by the phone for important news, reveals how boos from the crowd actually made him play better, and gives his thoughts on the upcoming playoffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NFL tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals and the LA Rams, Andrew Whitworth chats with Brian about his near-perfect game attendance record, helping develop the team culture at the Rams, and the most beautiful full circle moments of his career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian gains a new friend in Sarah Wayne Callies, who speaks about her homeland of Hawaii, the beauty of live theater, and opening new frontiers in the podcast world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian chats with a rule breaker, record breaker, and bone breaker Lindsey Vonn. The Olympic medalist and skiing champion talks about her first hole in one, the topography of Minnesota, and breaking her body for her sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Reilly, the former network exec behind shows like Saved by the Bell, The Sopranos, The Shield, The Office, and more talks about falling in love with television and the palm tree silhouettes of Los Angeles, drinking Evian on Brandon Tartikoff’s sofa, and his perspective on the strike from a network insider.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports reporter and NFL insider Peter Schrager talks to Brian about the best job in the world, managing his crazy schedule across two coasts, and running into celebrities in his neighborhood - plus his top pick for all you fantasy football players this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and golf enthusiast Bob Parsons is on the podcast today, talking about how he came up with the name GoDaddy, using psychedelics to heal PTSD, and the best golf clubs on the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian catches up with his old colleague, former writer on The Office and co-creator of Jury Duty, Gene Stupnitsky. He talks about his childhood as a Ukrainian immigrant, getting fired from every assistant position he ever had, and the secrets of getting kids to say dirty jokes without ruining their innocence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Brian sits down with Crash and Narcos star Michael Peña (or as we like to call him, the King of Hilarious Callbacks.) The two chat about everything from the double-life Michael lived as a child to the confidence that Sidney Poitier instilled in him and the embarrassing moments on set of Jack Ryan that didn’t quite make it to final cut. This episode was recorded on July 6, 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the second time on the podcast, Brian gets to pick the brain of the brilliant Ben Silverman, visionary executive producer behind The Office, Ugly Betty, Jane the Virgin, The Biggest Loser, and many more. He talks about his childhood being raised by theater and television in Manhattan, the disappointment of attaining his childhood dream, breaking into new fields in media, and he even gives Brian some Japanese lessons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Brian speaks with the greatest US soccer player of all time, Landon Donovan. He talks about moving to Europe at 17, seeing the sport gain popularity in the US, and the influx of soccer teams coming to San Diego. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian’s golf buddy, former Green Bay linebacker and current co-host of The Pat McAfee Show, AJ Hawk is going off (the beat) today, talking about his career in football, becoming a fixture at the American Century Golf Championship, and what he is (and isn’t) giving up as The Pat McAfee Show moves to ESPN.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Brian’s favorite people (and everyone’s favorite HR rep) Paul Lieberstein is on the show today. He talks about his early, terrible spec scripts, his excellent new show Lucky Hank, and the real reasons behind the writer’s strike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian meets a new friend today, the talented and omnipresent Jake McDorman (he’s everywhere!). He shares his experience moving to Hollywood by himself at 17, the NSFW first scene he shot for What We Do in the Shadows, and how he stays in the zeitgeist by being in multiple shows at once.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian catches up with the hilarious writer and comedian Amber Ruffin, who tells him all about making a career in professional improv, working with her sister, and her lifelong love of (not) learning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Off the Beet [Farm], Brian catches up with his dear old friend Rainn Wilson. Instead of talking about The Office, they go much deeper into how he harnessed his childhood struggles to play some of the weirdest characters out there, traveling the world for his new show Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss, and okay fine, they do talk about The Office a little too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, star of stage and screen Garret Dillahunt talks about the whirlwind of creativity on the set of Deadwood, the third director on the set of No Country for Old Men, and never being too proud to take a paycheck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famously Canadian actor Tom Cavanagh gets what he’s been waiting for - to be a guest on Off The Beat. He uses the opportunity to tell Brian about his screen-less childhood in Africa, being the worst singer in every musical he’s ever done, and playing the same character many different ways on The Flash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian’s fellow Southerner, high school debate team champion, and friend of John Krasinski John Hoogenakker is on the podcast today. He shares how he managed to be a big-time actor without ever living in New York or LA, traveling the world for beer commercials, and balancing his resume of extremely dark stories (like Dopesick and Waco: The Aftermath) with lighter fare (Dilly Dilly!).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best friends and TV/radio legends Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) and Peter Tilden (Writer/Producer) sit down with Brian to chat about everything from how Jason found out he couldn’t cut it in magic, the ways Jason may be more like George Costanza than he admits, and their brand new podcast “Really? No Really?”, an iHeartPodcasts series that you can listen to now at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-really-no-really-107027693/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s always a great episode when Brian meets one of his idols - and today’s guest is not only a legend in her own right but the daughter of one as well. Star of stage, screen, and ABC’s new dark comedy Not Dead Yet, Angela Gibbs sits down to talk about breaking into Hollywood alongside her mother Marla Gibbs, moving to Africa and changing her name, and helping Michael Keaton win an Oscar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is joined today by the legend who “met everyone there was to meet”, the incredible actress and comedian Rosie O’Donnell. In a beautifully candid conversation, the two discuss everything from the hilarious way Rosie got her start in show biz to the unbreakable sisterhood she formed with Madonna and why the “Queen of Nice” title was never quite right.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Brian is joined by 9-1-1 and Into the Badlands star, Oliver Stark. The duo dive deep into Oliver’s early acting days in London, the time Idris Elba did (and didn’t) recognize him, and what it’s been like playing a firefighter on the small screen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As he gears up for his next tour, actor and comedian Maz Jobrani regails Brian with tales of getting recognized by Spike Lee, filming his seventh stand-up special, and fighting for democracy through comedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hanging out with Brian today is stand-up comedian, actress, and author Anjelah Johnson-Reyes. She tells stories about following a producer into 7-Eleven, going viral before going viral was a thing, and the joke that’s lived a thousand lives. They also get into her book, Who Do I Think I Am: Stories of Chola Wishes and Caviar Dreams (now available in paperback) and her sixth comedy special which will be released on YouTube May 14th! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian gains yet another new best friend today - this time it’s Yellowjackets star Steven Krueger. Steven nerds out with Brian about their time in high school speech & debate, shares how he changed his dream from being a lawyer to being an actor, and issues an apology to Canada for the crimes he committed while filming in Vancouver.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scandal co-stars and rewatch podcast co-hosts Katie Lowes & Guillermo Díaz are on with Brian today for a very fun episode, in which they discuss their roots in New York and the never-ending hustle of actor life, give a glowing report from the magical world of Shondaland, and share their safe word (oops - they don’t have one!).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First aired in 2021. As a special happy birthday treat to the “heart of The Office”, we are revisiting Brian’s full interview with receptionist and vet technician Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesly). Jenna discusses the time she laid everything down to protect the Office pilot DVD, DMing fans on Myspace from set... back when Myspace was a thing, and her only regret from the show (ugh, thanks, Toby!).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He’s an executive producer and director these days, but Brian knows him better as the director of photography on an old show called The Office. Randall Einhorn is back on the podcast to share stories about his life in the wilderness, moving from behind the camera to behind the cameraman, and turning teachers into heroes on Abbott Elementary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His name is Kyle Bornheimer, but you might know him as The 30-Second Man, as Adman on The Office, or maybe as Steve Martin if you knew him when he was little. Whatever you want to call him, he talks to Brian about his dreams of tap dancing, guest starring in almost all your favorite TV shows, and how he became a joke on BoJack Horseman without ever appearing on the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian’s newest bestie, NBC meteorologist and 3rd Hour of TODAY co-host Dylan Dreyer is on the podcast to teach Brian many things, like how to read a weather report, what Lake Effect Snow is, and her name (which maybe Brian had some trouble with when they first met).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s that time of year again… Super Bowl season! Brian brings on sportscaster extraordinaire Kay Adams and esteemed commissioner of The Office Fantasy Football League Stephen Saux to talk Super Sunday. From the hottest takes on the big game to the worst trade Rainn offered this year, Brian, Kay and Stephen have you covered.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dog mom and gymnast Nastia Liukin joins Brian to share her inspiring journey to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. They discuss everything from how she convinced her dad to coach her to being mentored by Kobe Bryant and the time she gave a gymnastics lesson to Brian (yes, the host of this podcast, Brian). Check her out in Fox’s new competition series Special Forces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the hilarious Richard Kind breaks it to Brian he can’t join his exclusive dinner club. He also tells him all about his philosophy of life, bringing a sense of realism to his role as an NYPD officer, and all the people he’s wanted dead over the years (it’s a long list).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off the set of their new show The Other Black Girl, Brian’s friend and recent co-star Bellamy Young is on today’s episode. She tells him about her pageant days in North Carolina, her time as POTUS Mellie Grant on Scandal, and vows to teach Brian to sew.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will and Grace star Eric McCormack joins Brian this week to chat about his early days in Canadian theater, his failed Friends’ audition, and the moment Elton John offered him a private home performance. They also discuss their new Hulu show, The Other Black Girl!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is joined by golf legend Michelle Wie West to talk about her career which began at the age of ten. They discuss the unexpected impediment that made her choose golf over tennis, why playing against the boys just wasn’t that big of a deal, and the motivation behind her “visually shocking” golf stance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian takes one last look at a few of the wonderful people who’ve stopped by this year on Off The Beat. He looks back on everything from how Catherine Tate blossomed from shy child to performer to how Penn Badgley was convinced to take his role on Gossip Girl. Hear from: Catherine Tate, Jon Hamm, Penn Badgley, Lamorne Morris, Paul Walter Hauser, Penn Jillette, Danica McKellar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Brian reflects on some of the incredible guests who have joined him in going Off The Beat. From the audition nerves that launched so many into stardom to the man who lip-synced long before it was cool, he revisits a small sampling of the amazing people who’ve made the podcast what it is today. Hear from: Rob Riggle, Alyson Hannigan, Eric Stonestreet, Busy Philipps, Kevin McHale & Jenna Ushkowitz, Drea de Matteo, Rob Corddry, Kevin Pollak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian interviews his second Penn in today’s episode - the charming, philosophical, plays-a-murderer-on-tv Penn Badgley from the smash hit show, You. Penn digs into Joe Goldberg’s myth of love, the awkward middle school years, why amoral characters are compelling, and the importance of journaling your way through starring on Gossip Girl.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Off The Beat’s #1 fan, Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, is back for a full interview with Brian about his fascinating journey from reality TV star to WWE Superstar. He dives into his VHS tape audition for The Real World, the creation of “The Miz,” and the advice The Rock gave him for his first film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is Glee-ful to have his first threesome in this episode with Jenna Ushkowitz and Kevin McHale. They talk about Jenna’s start on Broadway and Kevin’s days in a boy band, facing Ryan Murphy for the first time, and the origins of the beloved holiday known as Snixxmas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danica McKellar is a different type of triple threat than you’ve met before - she’s a mathematician, author, and actor all in one. She sits down with Brian to explain two-dimensional magnetic models, the magic of Christmas movies, and getting a round of applause for her first kiss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian and SNL alum Taran Killam talks to Brian about his varied career, from the stage to sketch comedy to sports. They discuss Taran’s envious role in Hamilton, SNL’s infamous after-after parties, and the importance of monthly pedicures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is joined by the one and only Rob Corddry to talk about his incredible acting career. They dive into everything from Rob’s penchant for embarrassing himself in front of celebrities, the “joke machine gun” that was Childrens Hospital, and the years of media plants that led to hosting Top Gear America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penn Jillette, one of the greatest magic men in history, joins Brian for a fascinating dive into his career. They talk about the key ingredient in his 47-year partnership with Teller, the “scientist” who never deserved to have such an influence on his life, and how a career as “carny trash” would have been perfectly fine by him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Brian tells John Krasinski and Craig Robinson (Jim and Darryl from The Office) “IT IS YOUR BIRTHDAY.” To celebrate, he digs into the archives to hear all about the way John and Jenna constantly shut down production, John’s tendency to cry-laugh, and Craig’s unique method for wooing college sweethearts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian sits down with the prolific Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, Oz, The Family Business) for a hilarious chat about how he started busting ghosts, Gordon Parks stumbling upon his resume, becoming a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, and working with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.