Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra – Special Preview of “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace”

In the special preview episode of “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” hosted within Rachel Maddow's groundbreaking series, listeners are granted an exclusive glimpse into the collaborative and insightful conversations that define Nicolle Wallace's new podcast. This episode seamlessly blends Wallace's introduction to her own show with a compelling discussion featuring actor and podcaster Jason Bateman, delving into the tumultuous landscape of current American politics.

Introduction to “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace”

The episode opens with Nazole Wallace enthusiastically introducing her latest venture, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace.” She describes the podcast as an intimate invitation into her curated list of "the smartest, funniest, wisest, most creative people" she has encountered throughout her personal and professional life. Wallace emphasizes the podcast's mission to showcase individuals who inspire her, make her laugh, tell the truth, and offer invaluable advice.

Nicole Wallace [00:02]:
"It's an invitation inside my short list of the smartest, funniest, wisest, most creative people I've been blessed to encounter..."

Wallace highlights the diverse array of guests featured on her podcast, including prominent figures such as Jason Bateman, Kara Swisher, Rachel Maddow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Doc Rivers, and Jeff Daniels. She underscores the accessibility and relatability of these accomplished individuals, promising listeners an opportunity to hear and see them through her personal lens.

Nicole Wallace [00:02]:
"The best people are some of the most accomplished and accessible people out there... this podcast is a chance for you to hear them and see them the way I do."

In-Depth Conversation with Jason Bateman

The heart of the special preview lies in Wallace's engaging conversation with Jason Bateman. The dialogue navigates the unpredictable nature of contemporary politics, particularly focusing on former President Donald Trump's unprecedented and often chaotic actions.

Nicole Wallace [00:02]:
"Stay here to listen to a special preview of the first episode with Jason Bateman, where we talk about how he got into podcasting with his show Smartless, his latest projects, and his take on the current political mayhem."

Jason Bateman draws an intriguing parallel between the real-world political scene and the scripted arcs of television shows. He marvels at the surreal developments, likening them to episodes crafted by a writer's room aiming to create "gobsmacking" and cliffhanger-filled narratives.

Jason Bateman [01:39]:
"There's a writer's room somewhere... they're figuring out these seasonal arcs that are just... gobsmacking and somehow they build to these great... cliffhangers."

Bateman discusses the plausibility of extreme scenarios unfolding in reality, such as the notion of Trump potentially facing imprisonment—a storyline Bateman initially dismissed as a "jump the shark" moment. However, he acknowledges the alarming reality that such an outcome is becoming increasingly conceivable.

Jason Bateman [01:39]:
"It was very plausible that he was going to win the election but start serving in prison... that was... just a show I can't stop watching because he keeps outdoing himself..."

Wallace probes deeper into the impact of these political upheavals on creative industries, questioning whether the bizarre shifts in reality influence how creators envision their work.

Nicole Wallace [02:50]:
"Does it change your industry at all when like the real world is so batshit crazy, does it make people think like... this couldn't happen when the real world keeps defying that frame of this couldn't happen."

Bateman responds by reflecting on his experiences in developing projects that intersect with current political figures, noting the challenges of aligning scripted narratives with unfolding real-life events. He emphasizes the difficulty writers face in conceiving plausible future scenarios within the ever-evolving political landscape.

Jason Bateman [03:03]:
"The writers rooms are having difficulty imagining it even in a fictional setting... he keeps pushing through shamelessness... and so we're constantly on our heels."

This candid conversation underscores the blurred lines between fiction and reality in today's political climate, highlighting the unpredictability and resilience of authoritarian figures like Trump.

Conclusion

The special preview episode serves as a tantalizing introduction to “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” showcasing the depth and relevance of conversations listeners can expect. Through the engaging dialogue between Wallace and Bateman, the episode not only promotes Wallace's new podcast but also provides insightful commentary on the current state of American politics and its intersection with media and entertainment. This preview sets the stage for a season filled with meaningful discussions and thought-provoking interviews.

Notable Quotes:

• Nicole Wallace [00:02]:
  "The best people are some of the most accomplished and accessible people out there."

• Jason Bateman [01:39]:
  "It's just a show I can't stop watching because he keeps outdoing himself and doubling and tripling down..."

• Jason Bateman [03:03]:
  "You can't assume that somebody is going to drive right through shamelessness... he's constantly on our heels."

This episode not only highlights the collaborative spirit between Rachel Maddow and Nicolle Wallace but also sets a compelling tone for the series, encouraging listeners to engage with the pressing issues shaping today's political and social landscape.