Behind the Billions

Before getting into "The Limitless Sh*t," Episode 7 of 'Billions' Season 5, cocreators Brian Koppelman and David Levien discuss the concept of high-end mental-performance-enhancing drugs; the difficult editing required to pivot into a midseason finale; crew superstars, including the line producer, key grip, and gaffer; obscure references; guest cast; and more (0:05). They next speak with actor-director David Costabile, who plays Mike Wagner, about directing as well as acting in Episode 7, figuring out who Wagner is as a character, old-school NYSE traders, and more (31:05) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before getting into "The Nordic Model," S5E6 of 'Billions,' cocreators Brian Koppelman and David Levien discuss the real billionaire art community, this episode's director Shaz Bennett, script-to-screen changes in location, the show's stellar sound department, revealing the layers of Chuck Rhodes Sr., a laundry list of obscure references, guest cast performances and more (0:50). They next speak with actor Stephen Kunken, who plays Ari Spyros, about joining the show as a guest star in the pilot episode, the change in his character's demeanor as the show progresses, "defending" Spyros to fans of the show online, and more (32:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before getting into "Contract," S5E5 of 'Billions,' cocreators Brian Koppelman and David Levien discuss diving into Bobby Axelrod's childhood; the greatness of the episode's director, Adam Bernstein; and the costume and wardrobe department's effect on the show; they also explain some obscure references and shout-out some guest-cast performances (0:30). They next speak with actress, writer, and comedian Eva Victor about her signature style-satire videos; the dynamic relationship between her character, Rian, and Winston; how Eva's part came about; set stories; and more (36:06). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before diving into S5E4, "Opportunity Zone," 'Billions' cocreators Brian Koppelman and David Levien discuss the challenges of filming the opening scene of Episode 4, having Daymond John of "Shark Tank" on the show and the insight he provided, Dominique Wilkins set stories, listener questions, obscure references, and more (0:45). Then they talk with actress Maggie Siff about her coaching scene with Frank Grillo's character, Nico Tanner, auditioning for the part of Wendy Rhodes, the toughest scenes to play as Wendy, and more (35:23). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before diving into S5E3, "Beg, Bribe, Bully," 'Billions' cocreators Brian Koppelman and David Levien discuss real-life examples of billionaire feuds, script-to-screen changes, a stellar performance from the assistant director, guest cast members, obscure references, and more (0:40). Then they talk with author Ben Mezrich about his time in the writers' room as consulting producer for Season 5 of 'Billions' (32:44). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before diving into S5E2, “The Chris Rock Test,” 'Billions' cocreators Brian Koppelman and David Levien discuss some parallels between ‘Billions’ and real-life billionaire behavior as well as how the location manager and prop master truly shined in Season 5's second episode (0:30). Then they talk to Corey Stoll, who plays Michael Prince, about his character, joining an already established show, learning from his castmates, filming at Mohonk Mountain House, and more (36:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Billions' cocreators Brian Koppelman and David Levien discuss the show returning for its fifth season, what a showrunner really does, the importance of season openers, and Episode 1 of Season 5 of 'Billions,' "The New Decas" (0:20), before talking to "The Man" Becky Lynch about her cameo in Episode 1 (32:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Koppelman and David Levien give a behind-the-scenes look into 'Billions,' Season 5. After each episode's airing on Showtime, the podcast will unpack the writing of the script, exclusive stories from production, the ideas behind the music cues, and much more. The 12-episode podcast season will also include interviews with cast and crew members as well as bonus podcast episodes devoted to inside stories from 'Billions.' Hosts: Brian Koppelman and David Levien Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down ‘GLOW’ Season 3 by diving deep on Episode 6, “Outward Bound.” We talk about why we love the show, the ongoing conflict between Ruth and Debbie, and how ‘GLOW’ handles wrestling stereotypes. Hosts: Alison Herman and Michael Baumann Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Finally, we discuss 'The End of Evangelion' in comparison with the TV series finale and the modern temptation to discount the show’s characters and sexuality as “problematic.” Episodes discussed: 27 - 28 Hosts: Justin Charity, Micah Peters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down the final episodes of ‘Stranger Things’ Season 3. We discuss the emotional ending and look ahead to Season 4. Hosts: Alison Herman, Miles Surrey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down episodes 4 through 6 of ‘Stranger Things’ Season 3, breaking down Hopper's dad-bod corner, the best music cues, and much more. Hosts: Alison Herman, Miles Surrey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down episodes 1 through 3 of ‘Stranger Things’ Season 3, offering our thoughts on the Russians, the Mind Flayer, Hopper’s dad-bod, characters we ship, our favorite musical cues, and, of course, ’80s nostalgia. Hosts: Alison Herman, Miles Surrey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss the final episodes of ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion,’ which introduce the final pilot as well as the final Angel before ending the series on a cathartic if bewildering final note. (Don’t worry, we’ll cover ‘The End of Evangelion’ in the sixth and final episode of 'Sound Only.') Episodes discussed: 22-26 Hosts: Justin Charity, Micah Peters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss episodes 15 through 21 of ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion,’ which puts Toji in the cockpit of the brand-new Unit-03. Meanwhile, Kaji leads a dangerous investigation of NERV, the Angel in Terminal Dogma, and the real cause of Second Impact. Episodes discussed: 15 - 21 Hosts: Justin Charity, Micah Peters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss episodes 8 through 14 of ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion,’ which introduce us to Asuka Langley Soryu, the hot-headed pilot of Unit-02, and which also begin to grapple with the intriguing backstories for Misato, Ritsuko, and Kaji. Episodes covered: 8 - 14 Hosts: Justin Charity, Micah Peters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk about the arrival of ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ on Netflix and the changes that accompanied the new release (00:00) before breaking down episodes three through seven, which introduce us to Rei Ayanami, the pilot of Evangelion Unit-00 (08:42). Episodes covered: 3 - 7 Hosts: Justin Charity, Micah Peters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first episode of our six-part miniseries on the 1995 classic ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion,’ we break down the context of the show, explain its importance and impact in both anime and the TV canon, and discuss the show's main character, Shinji Ikari (00:00). Then we analyze the first two episodes, “Angel Attack” and “The Beast” (32:43). Episodes covered: 1 - 2 Hosts: Justin Charity, Micah Peters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss the 12th and final episode of ‘Billions’ Season 4: “Extreme Sandbox.” We break down Axe’s acquisition of Taylor back under Axe Cap, Connerty’s fall from grace, and make predictions for what's in store next season. Hosts: Alison Herman, Kate Knibbs Unbury the Hatchet: How Competitive Ax-Throwing Went From a Canadian Fad to a Global Pastime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss the 11th episode of ‘Billions’ Season 4: “Lamster.” We break down Wendy’s change of heart during her medical license hearing, Axe’s intervention by the hands of his own staff, Rebecca’s deal with Taylor, and Connerty’s breaking of the law in order to close in on Chuck. Hosts: Alison Herman, Miles Surrey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices