Before he was a star on the smash sitcom ‘Modern Family,’ Jesse was a young actor struggling to make it in New York. When he landed an audition for a role that could change his life, he was ecstatic—until he realized he was going to have to forge his entire résumé. Host: Brian Phillips Producers: Mike Wargon, Conor Nevins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Kaya McMullen Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville For a glimpse of Jesse’s Broadway breakthrough, you can find a clip from his star-making turn in ‘On the Town’ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAxxGJ1Yesk">here</a>. And check out the issue of Playbill he talks about in the episode <a href="https://playbill.com/playbillpagegallery/inside-playbill?asset=00000150-ac83-d16d-a550-ecbf167a0000#carousel-cell178906">here</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

8. The Big Stick, With Tyler Parker

This is a podcast about the lies people tell.

Science says that 60% of people can’t get through a 10-minute conversation without telling at least one lie. (Ten minutes!) These lies, told by normal people, provide the backbone of this show. 

Truthless is a curiosity-driven storytelling show, featuring one central interview in each episode. Together, Brian and the guest will retell the story of a lie, and in the process try to make sense of the insecurities, desires and vanities that drove the guest to tell that lie in the first place. Season 1 will feature a wide spectrum of stories, including: catfishing; lying to your parents; inventing your family when talking to strangers; and faking your own death to get out of a job. The guests will include a few celebrities (Malcolm Gladwell, The Kid Mero), a few Ringer colleagues (Katie Baker, Rob Harvilla, Tyler Parker), some great stories told by less well-known names. The takeaway: everybody lies, and it’s worth hearing about.