host was so disrespectful. i wanted an update on mitchell and webb and instead the interview deteriorated into some screechy gender politics ‘call out’ about an old tweet. such a bore and what a rude way to treat interviewees! first and last listen.
Jesse has remarkable guests, asks prescient questions. Jesse can make people I don’t even know be interesting and compelling. Bring more Oscar!
Pretty Pipeliner (retired! 66)
i guess he hasn’t heard that women make up HALF the population...guess it would take up too much time to find ‘em...also, he can make comedians sound so boring and NOT FUNNY! wow…
For periods of my life, Bullseye has been the narration that grounds me. The interviews are beyond thoughtful and dive into authentic human experiences in a way that unlocks the invisible strings that connect us all to each other. The love of creating and the craft of living an inquisitive life is universal regardless of medium or aesthetic and Jesse takes the conversation there every time. Looking for a way to bring the listeners into the inner life of the subject. Sometimes it’s the most banal things that unlock insights but Jesse quietly steers the conversation to the fertile spaces that leave an impression.
I am from the Bay Area originally and Jesse captures the intangible energy of that place. Whether it’s joy, heartbreak, or a shared passion, it all cooks together in a delicious and generous dish prepared for us all.
Whenever I’m home sick, I find myself listening to Bullseye so I’m never too far from that feeling.
The first and last episode I’ll ever listen to. Also, I didn’t seek this episode. I’m just tired and was curious about what Mitchell and Web were up to.
I was shocked at how blatantly backhanded all of this dude's compliments toward David and Robert were to begin with. Very awkward interview. But to then try and corner Robert at end of an interview because of a controversial tweet he made years previously and had since deleted? That’s bad interviewing.
I don’t agree with Robert’s decision to write that tweet. But it should be a conversation between the two of you, unrecorded, if you genuinely are curious and care to try and change his mind. Not a “gotcha” moment to publicly shame him. His reasons for not discussing the matter further were absolutely valid.
One star because this dude seemed to know what he’s talking about. But man, the way he says things akin to “don’t you wish your show was more successful” and “aren’t you mad that Olivia Coleman is so successful and you aren’t” is so childish and projecting.
I don’t blame them for not wanting to share audio with you afterward. What a disrespectful way to conduct an interview.
Thank you so much for replaying your Raffi interview! Hit me right in my heart. Hearing his songs again after many years was so touching. What a tender wholesome soul! ❣️
Thank you ever so much for the tribute. His death came as terrible news. But it brought me to Bullseye. Your interview, honesty and thoughts were very touching. Condolences to you and everyone. That said, I’ll be tuning in to more Bullseye!
Why does Jesse
s p e a k
s o
s l o w l y?
I nod off waiting for him to finish his questions. Which are great questions. He’s a great interviewer. I seriously put the speed on 1.25 to get through it!
I used to only listen when my favorite artists were on Bullseye. I couldn’t help notice how often they would say, “what a good question, no one has ever asked me that.” I’ve since learned to love Jessie’s interview style and enjoy learning a tiny bit about him, and volumes about his fascinating subjects every episode.
The number of times I’ve heard a guest say “wow an interviewer has never asked me that” or “thank you so much for noticing that” is insane. Jesse has a skill for connecting with his guests that really gets the best out of the conversation, without being prying or insensitive. He comes across as actualized person, never pretending to be an expert intellectual or sucking up to famous people, just talks to them like people and isn’t afraid to be vulnerable.
The variety of artists and scope of talent presented is unlike any other in this format. Jesse has a unique lens from which he asks his questions. His courage to ask in depth questions can yield the most touching responses. I always leave this podcast with a strong positive emotion and food for thought. The Matt Barry interview compelled me to write this. Thank you for a hilarious interview and introducing me to the work of this wonderful bloke!
I came to Bullseye after being a long-time Judge John Hodgman listener. It snuck up on me that Jesse Thorne is the second-best interviewer in the game right now. (Terry Gross is untouchable.)
At the end of the Tom Scharpling interview, after the guest had discussed his experience with mental illness and electroconvulsive therapy as a child, host Jesse Thorne thanked him for… getting vaccinated. Then he reminded the audience that he and those he works with all think fascism is bad (WHAAA?) and bigotry based on gender identity is wrong (DOUBLEWHAAA?). These were such powerfully instructive moral lessons for me that I had to get in my car, drive it a little, then pull over to the side of the road in stunned silence because my whole worldview had shifted.
Near the start of his interview with Charlie Day, he said that a friend his had, like, the most, like, *practical* job an artist could have: playing piano at a Nordstrom’s. His point (which I’m sure you already know) was that teaching music theory is also practical.
My most charitable interpretation is that this podcast is a parody of celebrity interview shows. But unlike The Larry Sanders show, it’s not funny.
He doesn’t seem to have the ability to deeply listen. Very often he will ask questions that are too similar in succession. Some really annoying bad habits:
- he will ask questions like, do you feel A? or do you feel B? Instead of just asking How did ____ name you feel.
-at least twice per episode he “relates” with his own anecdotes, often illustrating the wrong or opposite point. (example “his mom on Twitter”) when he tells his stories it’s awkward and sad and “spectrum-ee”
whatever the reason, nervousness, lazyness, being high, or just lacking the processing power Jesse Thorn = not good at interviewing. Which is why it was so wonderful that Amy Schumer called him out! She is the best!!!
Always thoughtful and insightful, often funny as well. Jesse asks unique questions that somehow get at something I did not yet realize I always wanted to know! Jordan, Jesse Go! and Judge John Hodgman are also great Maximum Fun Podcasts Jesse makes.
Jesse Thorn is my favorite interviewer. He asks intelligent, thoughtful questions and is always well-researched before going in. He doesn’t let up when guests try to dodge or cop out, but constantly maintains a high level of kindness and respect. I think the interviews get deeper than a lot of the subjects expect and the value is far more substantial for the listener than most other chat shows. Jesse is also one of the funniest people on the planet, give Jordan Jesse Go! a listen too.
Exceptional interviewing! Just finished the ep with G Perico. I throughly enjoyed it. It was just another Sunday, where I listen to weekend edition until I decide to stop. This show came up and it kept me engaged the entire time. It was intelligent, thought provoking and opened my mind to something I’d never thought I’d be interested in. NPR never fails to introduce me to new podcasts that I’d never thought I’d love. Thanks! Keep up the good work!
Jesse’s interviews are thoughtful, insightful and kind. He is truly a gentle giant. I love his show for bringing to light remarkable people that were not on my radar, and for getting to know more deeply the ones that were. Thanks Jesse!
Jesse is the best interviewer I know. The Sound of Young America was my first taste of podcasts. Bulleye is a good marketing name but honesty is what you should expect from Jesse. Word up!
I don’t think Jesse is a very good interviewer. He makes too much of the conversation about himself. He’s also so woke it hurts and takes any chance he possibly can to remind the world that he grew up poor. He also slips into a weird lingo when interviewing certain black people..?
My son, who has lived with me longer than anyone, suggested this podcast. He is right; Jesse and his crew and guest put on a great show and I have learned about creators who make my world more interesting
Great guests but Jesse Thorne makes every interview about himself. I don’t think he was fair to Mitchell and Webb and it was unprofessional to keep pressing a point when the guest asked him not to and told him he didn’t want to talk about it. Agree or disagree with guest but when they ask you to stop you should.
Jesse Thorn is a great interviewer who goes beyond the surface level questions you might get on a shorter interview. His longer interviews usually get something new from the subject, and he’s always well prepared. He doesn’t take himself too seriously, but is always respectful to the guests and takes them seriously.
Jessie pretends to listen and communicate but he is just part of cancel culture...a bully bending to the vocal Twitter minority. Goodbye maximumfun! I’m done with you all.
The topics/guests are diverse and Jesse’s perspective is wonderfully personal. For example, in August there were three very cool interviews/topics:
-Ruth Asawa, an amazing Japanese American artist, is discussed by biographer Marilyn Case
-Stealing Home, author Eric Nusbaum, tells the displacement story of Mexican American communities that livers where Dodger Stadium stands
-Ramy Youssef, comedian discussing his tv show about a young Arab Muslim living in New Jersey
His unique perspective, son of activists, urban, love of RnB and Hip Hop, and not afraid to ask the hard questions. The conversations are lively and interesting. I look forward to them every week.
