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The West Wing Weekly

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Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

An episode-by-episode discussion of The West Wing, one of television’s most beloved shows, co-hosted by one of its stars, Joshua Malina, along with Hrishikesh Hirway of Song Exploder.

#196

The Candidate

Is The Candidate, in fact, the anti-West Wing? A political story that ends not with a bang, but with a question of existential dread. --- [Interview with screenwriter Jeremy Larner in Brooklyn Magazine] (https://www.bkmag.com/2016/07/19/the-candidate-interview/) --- [The trailer for Downhill Racer (1969)] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz1oJjtPLFQ) --- [Jerry Seinfeld on Letterman: "You're rooting for clothes."] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzfDTaGc5EU) Let us know what you thought of the film! ... Read more

19 Nov 2024

53 MINS

53:23

19 Nov 2024

#195

A Face In The Crowd

Did this movie predict Trump back in 1957? We discuss the film debut of Andy Griffith in a role so dark, anyone who knows the Andy Griffith show might experience some uncomfortable dissonance. Some goodies that came up in our conversation: --- [The dance of joy from "Perfect Strangers"] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfPg5LjGYz8) --- [This essay about the film on the Criterion website] (https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/6301-a-face-in-the-crowd-american-character) --- [Albert Brooks and Holly Hunter in a great scene from Broadcast News] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTCtiADVAWs) --- [The 'ten-word-answer' scene from The West Wing] (https://youtu.be/sS4UAZ5UfGY?si=Mw7h7D4DYRO05bgJ&t=407) What did you think of the film, on a scale of 1–10 grains of inert matter? Let us know! ... Read more

12 Nov 2024

51 MINS

51:45

12 Nov 2024

#194

Network

This week, we dive deeper into the role of the fourth estate, as we discuss Network, the Oscar-winning film that was meant to be a wild satire at the time it was released, but ended up uncannily predicting the future. Some additional reading material: [Mad As Hell] (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250062246/madashell) , Dave Itzkoff's book about Network [Directors' Guild of America post] (https://www.dga.org/Craft/DGAQ/All-Articles/0305-May-2003/Under-the-Influence-Sidney-Lumet) about Sidney Lumet at a 2003 screening of Network [Vanity Fair article on the legacy of Network ] (https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/03/awards-insider-network-got-it-right-the-legacy-of-a-scorching-satire) (which includes thoughts from Aaron Sorkin) ... Read more

05 Nov 2024

59 MINS

59:33

05 Nov 2024

#193

Bulworth

This week, we're discussing the 1998 film Bulworth, which features a rapping Warren Beatty, a young Josh Malina, a few problematic moments, and some wonderful and strange ones, too. For a real treat, watch the [music video for Ghetto Supastar] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP3zuuGav-Y&ab_channel=VideoMusicaHD) , which also features a young Josh Malina! What did you think of Bulworth? Join the conversation over on our [Patreon] (https://patreon.com/thewestwingweekly) and let us know on a scale of 1–10 forced calls! ... Read more

29 Oct 2024

1 HR 00 MINS

1:00:36

29 Oct 2024

#192

Judas and the Black Messiah

What's more terrifying in Martin Sheen's depiction of J. Edgar Hoover—the racism, or the makeup?! We discuss ALL the important aspects of this cat-and-mouse thriller, which was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture, and won two: Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Daniel Kaluuya. For additional viewing: --- [The Lucas Brothers] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN4qzdMe7dg) --- [William O'Neal's full interview for Eyes on the Prize II] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE9oCQwXyW0) Hoover and Sheen-as-Hoover, side by side: ![image] (https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/jedgarhoover-1613077504.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*) What did you think of Judas and the Black Messiah? Let us know on a scale of 1–10 [simultaneously played saxophones] (https://youtu.be/ZIqLJmlQQNM?si=SVGZaR3VTeWCwpOM&t=103) over on our Patreon page, [patreon.com/thewestwingweekly] (https://patreon.com/thewestwingweekly) . ... Read more

22 Oct 2024

50 MINS

50:40

22 Oct 2024

#191

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

This week, we're discussing the hilarious — and terrifying—Dr Strangelove. A few goodies: --- [An interview with title designer Pablo Ferro] (https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/dr-strangelove-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying/) --- ["Are We the Baddies?" from That Mitchell and Webb Look] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h242eDB84zY) George C Scott side-by-side with Tim Robinson (from [I Think You Should Leave] (https://www.netflix.com/title/80986854) ) ![image] (https://c10.patreonusercontent.com/4/patreon-media/p/post/112143388/2b2befb9f9ac4eb49aa0f8a43336b940/eyJ3Ijo4MjAsIndlYnAiOjB9/1.jpg?token-time=1729900800&token-hash=MgTuBiRCHBv_5XKUEhqLPt2rvVy50bQNbRWUwsVuzMc%3D) Let us know what you thought of the film, on a scale of 1–10 precious bodily fluids! Join the conversation on our Patreon at [patreon.com/thewestingwingweekly.] (https://patreon.com/thewestingwingweekly.) ... Read more

15 Oct 2024

48 MINS

48:43

15 Oct 2024

#190

In the Loop

This week, we're discussing the razor-sharp dialogue and side-splitting comedy of In the Loop (2009), one the greatest political satires. Here are footnotes for some of the stuff outside of the film that came up in the conversation: --- [A tiny clip from the unaired pilot of "Legally Mad"] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rORSZ4uyE30) --- [The stateroom scene from the Marx Brothers' "A Night at the Opera"] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCyR113uZ_o) --- [The Roy Kent chant] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AwcC9fEvqU) [Join us on Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/thewestwingweekly) to let us know what you thought of the film, on a scale of 1–10 Lemons Difficult. ... Read more

08 Oct 2024

47 MINS

47:12

08 Oct 2024

#189

The American President

It's the first installment of the Political Film Fest, and we've got: Martin Sheen in the oval office! "What is the virtue of a proportional response?" The GDC! There are so many familiar elements in The American President, and yet, the film feels dramatically different from The West Wing (and at times, comedically different). It's our first episode, and we're going to talk about what we loved, what we didn't, and everything in between. Let's dive in! We’ve gotta start early because we're having lunch at the Kremlin. Some goodies: --- [Here's the trailer for the film] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyGibtCfMLM) . ---Check out this great poster from Italy for [ Il Presidente] (https://www.mynumi.net/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/l/c/lcnmf171_1/www.mynumi.net-LCNMF171-30.jpg) . What did you think of The American President? Let us know how you would rate it on a scale of 1–10 Virginia hams. Sorry: Virginias ham. To join in the discussion, listen to ad-free versions of TWWWPFF, and get additional benefits, subscribe to our Patreon at [patreon.com/thewestwingweekly] (https://patreon.com/thewestwingweekly) . ... Read more

01 Oct 2024

1 HR 02 MINS

1:02:36

01 Oct 2024

#188

Introducing: The West Wing Weekly Political Film Fest!

After four years away, we're bringing back The West Wing Weekly in a new form. As this election season heats up, we're taking a weekly respite from the stress of reality, and turning towards political cinema instead. We're watching and discussing some of our favorite films. It's the same mix of analysis and nonsense that you’ve come to expect from The West Wing Weekly, but applied to a different movie each week. We're starting our journey in the familiar territory of Aaron Sorkin dialogue, with The American President. We're launching this podcast on our Patreon page, for paid subscribers. Go to [patreon.com/thewestwingweekly] (https://patreon.com/thewestwingweekly) to subscribe and join us. There are different tiers to choose from, starting at $5/month. Every paid tier has access to the podcast, with additional benefits and ways to connect with us and other TWWWPFF listeners at higher tiers. Okay, what's next? We're back! Let's go! [patreon.com/thewestwingweekly] (https://patreon.com/thewestwingweekly) ... Read more

28 Aug 2024

04 MINS

04:25

28 Aug 2024

#187

0.21: Celebrating the new West Wing book "What's Next?" (live with Mary McCormack, Melissa Fitzgeral...

On Saturday, August 10, we celebrated the publication of the new book "What's Next: A Backstage Pass to the West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service" by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack. Josh and Hrishi moderated a discussion with them, along with special guests Aaron Sorkin, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney, and Richard Schiff. The event took place in front of a sold out audience at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Buy "What's Next: A Backstage Pass to the West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service" [here] (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/669218/whats-next-by-melissa-fitzgerald-and-mary-mccormack-foreword-by-aaron-sorkin-introduction-by-allison-janney/) . To see some photos of the event, visit [thewestwingweekly.com/021] (https://thewestwingweekly.com/021) . And subscribe to our new series, The West Wing Weekly Political Film Fest, at [patreon.com/thewestwingweekly] (https://www.patreon.com/thewestwingweekly) ! ... Read more

21 Aug 2024

1 HR 06 MINS

1:06:59

21 Aug 2024

#186

0.20: A West Wing Weekly Special to Discuss A West Wing Special To Benefit When We All Vote (with Aa...

We’re back! The West Wing cast reunited for this special episode, so we got back together to discuss it. And Aaron Sorkin joins us to talk about his experiences adapting "Hartsfield’s Landing" for this voter turnout initiative. Please go to [whenweallvote.org] (https://www.whenweallvote.org/) to donate! For more, visit [thewestwingweekly.com/020] (http://thewestwingweekly.com/020) ... Read more

28 Oct 2020

1 HR 15 MINS

1:15:54

28 Oct 2020

#185

Introducing: Home Cooking

We want to introduce you to a brand new emergency quarantine podcast mini-series called [Home Cooking] (http://homecooking.show) . It’s from Hrishi and chef Samin Nosrat, author of the award-winning cookbook Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, and host of the Netflix show by the same name. The first episode just came out, and features Josh as the special guest. If you’ve missed hearing Josh and Hrishi in conversation, we thought you’d appreciate this excerpt. The rest of the episode centers around giving people advice about what to cook with whatever they’ve got in the house, and we think you’ll really enjoy it! Listen and subscribe to Home Cooking on your favorite podcast app, or at [homecooking.show] (http://homecooking.show) . ... Read more

30 Mar 2020

17 MINS

17:31

30 Mar 2020

#184

7.22: Tomorrow (Live with cast and crew of The West Wing)

As the Bartlet administration ends, so does our podcast. We recorded our finale live in Los Angeles, at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel. This episode has two parts: first, we discuss "Tomorrow," with several guests joining us. Then, we take a fond look back at the entire series, along with thirty (30!) guests from the cast and crew, including Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme. Here’s everyone who was with us on stage: Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme, Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Marlee Matlin, Jack Jason, Kathleen York, Allison Smith, Melissa Fitzgerald, Ramon de Ocampo, Evan Arnold, Karis Campbell, Teri Polo, Christopher Misiano, Dylan K. Massin, Matthew Del Negro, Eli Attie, Jimmy Smits, Josh Singer, Mary McCormack, Kevin Falls, Lawrence O'Donnell, Paul Redford, Ron Ostrow, Kim Webster, Peter James Smith, William Duffy, Tim Davis-Reed Thanks for listening to the podcast. We're very grateful for the experience we’ve had making this over the past four years. Okay. What's next? For more, including photos from the event, visit [thewestwingweekly.com/722] (http://thewestwingweekly.com/722) ... Read more

29 Jan 2020

2 HR 12 MINS

2:12:24

29 Jan 2020

#183

7.21: Institutional Memory (with Janet Ashikaga)

CJ & Danny and Will & Kate all ponder what's next, and Josh & Hrishi do, too, as we discuss "Institutional Memory." We're joined by someone who also posseses institutional memory: the fantastic Janet Ashikaga, editor on The West Wing (including this episode), as well as Sports Night and Seinfeld. Plus: listen to the trailer for Hrishi’s new podcast, [Partners] (https://www.partners.show/) , and subscribe to it [here] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/partners/id1494790308) . For more, visit [thewestwingweekly.com/721] (http://thewestwingweekly.com/721) ... Read more

22 Jan 2020

1 HR 12 MINS

1:12:43

22 Jan 2020

#182

7.20: The Last Hurrah (with Mary-Louise Parker and Teri Polo)

We discuss "The Last Hurrah" in this, our antepenultimate hurrah. And what a hurrah it is, with not one, but two great guests: Mary-Louise Parker and [Teri Polo] (https://twitter.com/TeriPolo1) . Hurrah! For more, visit [thewestwingweekly.com/720] (http://thewestwingweekly.com/720) ... Read more

15 Jan 2020

1 HR 19 MINS

1:19:19

15 Jan 2020

#181

7.19: Transition (Live with Bradley Whitford)

We traveled all the way to London to make a lot of references to "Fiddler on the Roof." Bradley Whitford joined us to record this episode in front of a sold-out crowd at the Hammersmith Apollo. For more, visit [thewestwingweekly.com/719] (http://thewestwingweekly.com/719) ... Read more

08 Jan 2020

1 HR 17 MINS

1:17:16