Nick Offerman, Billy Bragg, and Dolly Parton

22nd December 2014

Jesse speaks with Park and Recreation’s Nick Offerman, and musicians Billy Bragg and Dolly Parton

Episode notes

This week’s episode includes content from previous broadcasts. Check out the links below to listen and share each segment.

Nick Offerman Talks Moustaches, Woodworking and Luck
Nick Offerman is a man accustomed to being recognized. As city administrator Ron Swanson on NBC’s Parks and Recreation, he sports one of the most revered moustaches in recent television history. He’ll explain why his moustache is may actually be more famous than he is.

Swanson has a lot in common with Offerman. They both pride themselves on masculinity and have a penchant for carpentry. But Offerman says there are some major differences between himself and the character he portrays; like the fact that Offerman took two semesters of ballet classes.

Offerman also talks about the joys and perils of growing up in a small town in Illinois, how he discovered his theatrical side, and why woodworking continues to be central to his life.

Offerman’s book, Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man’s Fundamentals for Delicious Living is now available in paperback. You can also catch his new comedy special on Netflix. It’s called American Ham, and see him in the final season of Parks and Recreation, which begins January 13th.

This segment originally aired October, 15 2013.

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Billy Bragg on “The Song That Changed My Life”: Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin'”
Billy Bragg performs politically-minded folk music with a punk rock edge, songs with a tone and attitude somewhere between Woody Guthrie and The Sex Pistols. But what led him to develop his voice as an artist?

As Bragg explains, one of the most pivotal moments in his life happened during his lunch break at a record store. He put on a record that changed his life: Bob Dylan’s folk anthem The Times They Are A-Changin’.

Billy Bragg’s latest album is called Tooth & Nail.

This segment originally aired April 23, 2012.

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Dolly Parton on Show-Business and Sacrifice
Dolly Parton’s beautiful voice and musical talent could have carried her to some measure of success. But it was Parton’s unwavering drive and embrace of hard work that made her a superstar.

Parton will talk about the personal sacrifices she made for professional success, the events that shaped her life and how she feels about them now.

She’ll also share stories about childhood. Parton grew up in the mountains of Tennessee with a large family and a not-so-large home. You’ll find out how her upbringing relates to one of her most-loved songs, “I Will Always Love You”.

Parton’s newest album, Blue Smoke is available now.

This segment originally aired December 11, 2012.

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The Outshot: Michael Mann’s Thief
Jesse recommends the 1981 noir film Thief, starring James Caan. It’s a crime thriller about one last big score, but it’s just as much about running from loneliness and is about running from the cops. Director Michael Mann infuses it with a cool, dark beauty unlike any robbery film you’ve ever seen.

This segment originally aired July 8, 2013.

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In this episode...

Senior Producer
Producer
Maximum Fun Producer
Maximum Fun Production Fellow

Guests

  • Nick Offerman
  • Billy Bragg
  • Dolly Parton

About the show

Bullseye is a celebration of the best of arts and culture in public radio form. Host Jesse Thorn sifts the wheat from the chaff to bring you in-depth interviews with the most revered and revolutionary minds in our culture.

Bullseye has been featured in Time, The New York Times, GQ and McSweeney’s, which called it “the kind of show people listen to in a more perfect world.” Since April 2013, the show has been distributed by NPR.

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Senior Producer

Producer

Maximum Fun Producer

Maximum Fun Production Fellow

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