Off The Beat with Brian Baumgartner

Brian gets to catch up with the legendary Linda Purl, whose acting, music, and baking credits are vast, but you might know as Pam’s mom on The Office. She talks about growing up in Japan, her two roles on Happy Days, and starting a new business in the bread industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lio Tipton joins Brian to talk about their ice skating days in The Minneapple, their experience on America’s Next Top Model, and what it was like to learn from Steve Carell on set of Crazy Stupid Love. Lio also dives into BJ Novak's Vengeance, and Jake Lacy's A Friend of the Family… you won’t want to miss this one!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Walter Hauser (I, Tonya, BlaKkKlansman, Richard Jewell, Cobra Kai), talks to Brian about finding the specific behaviors of his character, surprising little kids on the street as Stingray, and his story of running into Tony Hawk (we know everyone has one of those)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fellow actor, podcast host, and human person Busy Philipps joins Brian to talk about the golden age of teen television, wishing she were with her boyfriend instead of on the set of Dawson’s Creek, and creating her talk show with the help of Merv Griffin’s ghost. Listen to Brian’s episode on Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor, comedian, and poker shark Kevin Pollak, currently starring as Moishe on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, tells Brian all about starting stand-up as a child at his family Seder, taking a chance on a little script called The Usual Suspects, and the best acting advice he ever got: do less.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian’s new BFF Michael Rosenbaum (known for his role as Smallville’s Lex Luthor) joins him to discuss his relationship with his mother, being kind to everyone because you never know who they might be, and the stunt he pulled in his Lex Luthor audition that he doesn’t recommend (even though it worked).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sopranos’ very own Drea de Matteo goes off the beat with Brian this week to talk about the shocking reason she became an actress, the art of truly committing to your character, and the moment she realized she was going to become a series regular as Adriana La Cerva.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian flies solo for this week’s episode, answering fan questions and diving into everything you wanted to know about The Office fan theories, Off The Beat, Sports, and of course, what Kevin Malone might be up to in 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi, Off the Beat fans! We're excited to tell you about The Offical Game of Thrones Podcast, which takes a deep dive into House of the Dragon - the new Game of Thrones prequel from HBO. We think you'll want to hear this as you watch each episode of the TV show. Check out the trailer to see for yourself! About the Podcast: Welcome to the Official Game of Thrones Podcast: House of the Dragon. This show is a place for the mega fan, moderate enthusiasts, and the casual watcher of the Game of Thrones franchise, including the newest addition, “House of the Dragon.” Join our hosts Jason Concepcion (X-Ray Vision) and Greta Johnsen (WBEZ’s Nerdette) every week as they share storyline insights, fan questions, exclusive interviews with the cast and crew, and a whole lot of thoughts and opinions. It’s the only podcast with the inside scoop on all things Game of Thrones. Listen to The Offical Game of Thrones Podcast: House of the Dragon on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 year veteran for the New England Patriots, 3x Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman joins Brian to share his ultimate underdog story - from fighting his way to the NFL to meeting Bill Belichick and running into Tom Brady for the first time… almost literally. We also get some breaking news about his brand new podcast, Games with Names.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Known for her roles on Entourage and Superman & Lois, Emmanuelle Chriqui joins Brian to talk about everything from stagefright to Entourage reunions to defying her own expectations and working an Adam Sandler movie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Leonardo Nam of Maggie, Westworld and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants tells Brian what it’s like to be an international man of mystery, using opera as his pump-up music, and performing Shakespeare as a drag queen on roller blades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Off the Beat: Sports, Brian is joined by the President of Programming for NBC Sports, Jon Miller. Jon tells Brian all about the last 45 years of sports television, the unlikely origin story of the National Dog Show, and reveals the secret trophy room for NBC failures hidden inside 30 Rock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Adam Conover of Adam Ruins Everything and The G Word stops by to share his fountain of knowledge with Brian. They discuss everything from whether alpha males exist to how a punchline is born - before Adam proceeds to ruin perfectly good topics like puppies and The Office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danielle Fishel joins Brian to talk about being a hyper-confident child actor, growing up on the set of Boy Meets World and then returning to Girl Meets World as an adult, plus her love of Brian’s work on Trash Truck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Basketball legend JJ Redick joins the podcast today to muse with Brian over the many ways our decisions impact our futures. They talk about the influence his big sisters had over him, the pinch-me moments in his career, and his podcast, The Old Man and the Three.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian sits down with show biz veteran Tate Donovan - whom you may know as one of the worst TV dads in history, Jimmy Cooper, or Rachel Green’s multimillionaire love interest, Joshua Burgin. They talk everything from finding Tate’s passion for acting at four years old to why it’s not a good idea to work with your ex and the time he was told to “SHUT UP!” on set.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian heads to Lake Tahoe for the American Century Championship in today’s extra special episode. Partnering with Airbnb, he talks with some of sports and entertainments’ greatests - Adam Napier, Jerome Bettis, Jimmy Roberts, The Miz, Marcus Allen, and Vince Carter - about what brings them back year after year, and what gives them the confidence to play. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian’s friend and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb sits down for a special sports edition of Off The Beat. He talks about selling hot dogs at his hometown college football games, the first time he visited Green Bay, and how sometimes running the wrong path can still get you the touchdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s an SMU reunion this week as Khary Payton AKA King Ezekiel from The Walking Dead shares his journey to the throne with Brian. They discuss how Khary painted rocks to start his first theater company, his epic tenure as Cyborg from Teen Titans, and why Kevin really should have been the (next) World’s Best Boss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary NFL running back and Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson joins his good friend Brian to kick off the Off The Beat: Sports Edition! Eric sets the record straight on his football beginnings, the infamous Pontiac Trans-Am controversy, and how his mother was the guiding force behind it all. Check out Eric’s new book, Watch My Smoke: The Eric Dickerson Story, today: https://a.co/d/738FLGM. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian sits down with his old friend Kevin Rahm to reminisce about the greatest movie they ever made - Moosecock. Plus, he’ll talk about working on legendary shows like Desperate Housewives and Mad Men, being mistaken for James Spader, and his namesake golf tournament that has raised $1.7 million for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital - visit therahmgolf.org for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Brian goes even further “off the beat” and interviews his good friend and legendary sportscaster, Joe Buck. This is the first of some sports guests to come - Joe dives deep into his career from becoming Fox’s youngest NFL announcer to his favorite baseball and football calls to signing on to broadcast for ESPN. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do graphic novels, the Boondocks and the LA Lakers have in common? Winning Time’s Writer and Executive Producer Rodney Barnes, of course! Rodney joins Brian to talk about how he slid his way into his first Writers’ Room, the way comic books prepared him for the world, and what it’s like to write about a living history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress and creator of the term “LA-ien” Anne Winters joins Brian to talk about performing live with a cucumber, how she builds an emotional arc for her characters, and joining the cast for the new season of The Orville: New Horizons, now streaming on Hulu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is joined by one of the stars of his new favorite show, Severance, Tramell Tillman. They talk about Tramell’s original path to become a surgeon, creating the unpredictable character of Milchick and the world of Lumon, and the five minutes of frivolity that is the Music Dance Experience. Beware - Severance spoilers ahead! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Whitney, also known as Larry the Cable Guy, joins his golf buddy Brian to talk about his start in shock radio, the secret allure of Nebraska, and speaking to friends and fans on both sides of the aisle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian meets a new friend, the talented actress and fellow podcaster Jenna Elfman. She tells him about her almost-career as a professional ballerina, how she created the quirky character of Dharma on Dharma & Greg, and what it was like to enter the zombie world of Fear the Walking Dead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor, writer, and theater-lover Aasif Mandvi joins Brian to talk about growing up across three separate countries, how he talk-sang his way through the musical Oklahoma!, and how he almost missed his audition for The Daily Show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian sits down with the hilarious Catherine Tate to talk about her journey from Catholic School to the stage. They discuss the time she got to play “Girl 1” alongside Daniel Craig, the word she created that has become a part of the lexicon, and how she went from hater to fangirl of the US Office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of 2010’s Sexiest Man Alive and the iconic star of AMC’s Mad Men, Jon Hamm, sits down with Brian to discuss his years as a drama teacher at John Burroughs High School, how he developed the Don Draper character, and the two big movie franchises he gets to work on now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian’s dear friend from the accounting department, Oscar Nunez joins him to share some stories even Brian never knew - including his fascinating family history and his stint in fashion school. Move over, Oscar de la Renta, we’ve got Oscar Nunez! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wendie Malick joins Brian to discuss her incredible life, from working on Capitol Hill to becoming an Emmy nominated actress. They dive into her career - starring on Dream On, Just Shoot Me, and most importantly, working with Brian on Hot in Cleveland. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From his years on The Johnny Carson Show and SNL to his second career as a caricaturist - Kevin Nealon has done it all. On today’s episode, join Kevin and Brian as they dive deep into Nealon’s career, his hilarious audition stories, and the time he almost got cast as Sam Malone for Cheers. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian welcomes the one and only Lamorne Morris AKA Winston Bishop from New Girl to the show. They chat about Lamorne’s never-ending audition process, his complicated relationship with cats in real life, and the wrap party with Prince. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creed Bratton finally sets the record straight about his wild stories in a game of “Fact or Fiction”, being attacked by wild dogs in Libya, and his life in the metaverse as Cryptocreed with his new series of Non-"Sponge"able Tokens. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler (known for her role as Meadow Soprano) chats with Brian all about her childhood in musical theater, her relationship with the late great James Gandolfini, and what it was like to win the Super Bowl…in Brian’s eyes, at least. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian and Jessica Szohr (Gossip Girl’s Vanessa Abrams) - Hollywood’s most unlikely duo - have been through more together than you might think. From being snowed in at Justin Timberlake’s house to plenty of Packers games, they discuss their friendship and favorite memories together. Be sure to check out Jessica's podcast, XOXO at https://link.chtbl.com/XOXOwithJessicaSzohr Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time in… weeks, Brian talks to fellow actor and golfing buddy Rob Riggle - or you might know him as Captain Jack (among many other amazing credits). Rob talks about his 23 years in the Marines, the unusual way he hypes himself up when he gets down, and the correct pronunciation of “Wallenpaupack”. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian is joined today by a man who we dare you to not like, Eric Stonestreet AKA Cam from Modern Family. Brian and Eric talk about everything from Eric’s evolution from a “pig grazin’ farm guy” to the king of commercials to the never-before-heard Emmy story that will move you to tears. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian sits down for his first Off The Beat interview with the legen—wait for it—dary Alyson Hannigan AKA Lily Aldrin from How I Met Your Mother. They take it all the way back to her days fighting demons, the time a few too many iced teas landed her an iconic role, and her auditioning faux pas that could have cost Jason Segel his role as Marshall. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian pulls back the curtain to talk about his journey into podcasting and what it has been like to make The Office Deep Dive. Then, he sits down for one last interview with his co-author and Executive Producer Ben Silverman to talk about their last year revisiting The Office - and the possibilities of the future. And don’t worry, Brian isn’t going anywhere. Come back next week to this feed to hear the very first episode of Off The Beat. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Brian sits down to talk with the hilarious David Koechner who played Michael’s inappropriate friend, the Pacman - Todd Packer. David explains how it was like to grow up in a little town in Missouri, how he manifested his SNL days at age 13, his iconic role as Champ Kind on Anchorman, and of course, how he brought The Office’s cringiest character to life. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In another brand new interview, Brian talks to David Denman, who played Pam’s high school sweetheart and former fiancé, Roy Anderson. David talks about finding out there was such a thing as acting school, working with Kate Winslet and her Cheez Whiz, and makes a riveting case in defense of Roy. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They say two Brians are better than one… Brian [Baumgartner] sits down with The Office boom operator Brian [Wittle] to talk about the soothing sounds of the show, the uncomfortable positions it took to get those sounds, and Brian Wittle’s namesake character with a bad rap for meddling in true love. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you ever wonder where Dwight’s mustard shirts, Pam’s cardigans, or Jim’s three-hole-punch costume came from? This week, costume designer extraordinaire Carey Bennett is ready to share it all. She and Brian dive into the intricacies of The Office costume design - from the show’s unfashionable fashion to collaborations with Rainn Wilson to helping create and define individual characters through their costumes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What better way to kick off the new year than with another call-in episode of The Office Deep Dive? Brian hears from fans about everything from the time an elderly woman misunderstood a “that’s what she said” joke to speculation about who we’d all actually want to work with in an office - before paying tribute to the Jims and Pams in all of your lives. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian brings it back to the fans in part two of this special call-in edition of the podcast. He takes calls from listeners to talk all things The Office, from Kevin’s evolution throughout the series to what it’s been like to grow up alongside the show. Then, the fans do their own deep dive into why young people respond so well to the show. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, YOU get to guide the conversation! Brian brings on listeners from all around the world to answer all of their burning questions, respond to their hilarious - and incredibly moving - stories about The Office, and spend some time getting to know the people who have made this whole thing possible. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.