It's Open with Ilana Glazer
Bill Burr
Anointed by Rolling Stone in 2017 as one of the 20 greatest stand-up comedians of ALL TIME, our guest today has released 12 highly acclaimed stand-up comedy specials including his most recent Drop Dead Years in 2025, has trail-blazed the podcasting genre since the launch of his Monday Morning Podcast in 2007, continues to add outstanding TV and film performances to his credentials from roles in Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian, to this year’s highly anticipated The Social Reckoning, and made his Broadway debut in the 2025 revival of Glengarry Glen Ross. Please welcome the humble, the heroic, the brilliant: Bill Burr. Ilana and Bill discuss his upcoming cinematic role as a fictional moral compass in The Social Reckoning, and how acting helps him to personally unlock emotions long since buried “way out in the Atlantic”. Further, Bill shares about returning to an analog way of life, letting go of anger as his primary emotional driver, and the sensibility of looking and acting one’s age. Come on in, it’s open. GROUND NEWS — Go to www.groundnews.com/open to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock worldwide perspectives on the stories shaping our world. Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Amanda Jane Stern Consulting Producers: Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Head of Partnerships: Deanna Spinale Video Producers: Lexa Krebs Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
Ms Rachel
Today on It’s Open we are joined by one of the most popular and influential creators of infant, toddler, and early childhood educational content in the world today—with over 21 million subscribers, and over 17 billion views on YouTube—it’s the one-and-only Ms Rachel! Ilana and Rachel’s burgeoning friendship brings them together as they connect deeply about standing up and speaking out for the safety and human rights of ALL children, how compassion is awesome, and the “empathy trap” is nonsense. They also explore their respective journeys coming to understand, treat, and ultimately celebrate their personal expressions of neurodivergence. And finally they share their love and fascination with the wonders and joys of motherhood. Come on in, it’s open! PRIMARY — New customers can use promo code ILANA for 25% off plus free shipping on their first order at http://www.primary.com (promo excludes clearance styles) BROOKLINEN — Use code ILANA at checkout to receive 15% off your order at http://www.brooklinen.com Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Amanda Jane Stern Consulting Producers: Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Head of Partnerships: Deanna Spinale Video Producers: Lexa Krebs Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
All About Women
As our final compilation episode from season one, we’ve gathered some of the incredible women who shared their perspectives on It’s Open. Being a woman isn’t one simple thing, it’s many complicated things. We unpacked it together over the course of season one, and at times disheartening but generally hopeful conclusions our guests came to feel that much more empowering when strung together. Featuring interviews with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Michelle Buteau, Atsuko Okatsuka, Abbi Jacobson, and Joanne McNally. Go to groundnews.com/open to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock worldwide perspectives on the stories shaping our world. Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Finder: https://www.benjerry.com/flavors Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: Amanda Jane Stern, David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
The Big Issue with Billionaires
Keeping it up during this break between seasons, we compiled some of our favorite moments from Season One of It’s Open and reorganized them around themes that have cropped up. Over and over again this year, we’ve discussed billionaires and the system that empowers their existence. People all over America (and the world, frankly) are suffering due to a lack of resources while a very small minority are hoarding wealth. Listen to our guests discuss the wealth issue. Featuring interviews with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ben McKenzie, James Talarico, and Joanne McNally. Go to groundnews.com/open to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock worldwide perspectives on the stories shaping our world. Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Finder: https://www.benjerry.com/flavors Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: Amanda Jane Stern, David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
The Power of Trans People
During our break between seasons, reviewing past episodes has revealed a few recurring themes. For the next few weeks, we’re compiling some of our favorite moments from Season One of It’s Open and reorganizing them around those themes. This week, we’ve focused on a topic we discuss at length on the pod: transness, the fluidity of gender, and the ways we can liberate and support trans people as a way to liberate and support all people. Featuring interviews with Chase Strangio, Jay Jurden, Matt Bernstein (Matt XIV), Jinkx Monsoon, Zoe Lister-Jones, and Elliot Page. Go to groundnews.com/open to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock worldwide perspectives on the stories shaping our world. Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Finder: https://www.benjerry.com/flavors Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: Amanda Jane Stern, David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
Gianmarco Soresi
This week Ilana sits down with stand-up comedy sensation Gianmarco Soresi, who was named in Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch For 2025 and Deadline’s Comics Who Won 2025. He and Ilana discuss the relentless pursuit of craft, the charismatic leaders that populate the musical theater world, the state of stand up, moms who over-share, and generational Judaism. Gianmarco is currently touring North America, the UK, and Europe on his massive THE MISERY LOVES TOUR tour, while his self-released 2025 comedy special THIEF OF JOY now claims over 5 million views on YouTube. Go see him out there, and come on in here, it’s open! Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Finder: https://www.benjerry.com/flavors Go to groundnews.com/open to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock worldwide perspectives on the stories shaping our world. Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
Andrew Rea
On this week’s episode, Ilana sits down with Andrew Rea, the self-made YouTuber behind two of the platform’s largest and most influential cooking shows—BINGING WITH BABISH and BASICS WITH BABISH—claiming over 10.5 million subscribers. Andrew shares the radical personal transformation that followed his discovery of anti-depressants as well as mushrooms, boosting his self confidence, and prompting the creative a-ha moment where he began producing YouTube videos by combining his two life long loves: film & food. And the rest is history. Ilana and Andrew discuss the softness that men need, inspiring men to cook, and his new found spirituality. Also that he loves Jews. Come on in, it’s open! Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Finder: https://www.benjerry.com/flavors Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur Go to groundnews.com/open to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock worldwide perspectives on the stories shaping our world. All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
Jay Jurden
On this episode of It’s Open, Ilana sits down with friend and colleague Jay Jurden — a powerhouse, rising star comic whose first comedy album JAY JURDEN, Y’ALL debuted at #1 on iTunes, his debut stand-up special YES MA’AM is streaming on HULU, and you can catch him around the country on his NOTHING SPECIAL tour or at his London debut in August. Jay and Ilana dig into the fraught cultural landscape of the stand-up comedy and podcast scenes, sorting out the divide between creators that are socially responsible and those that are socially (and politically) reckless and unaccountable. Jay Jurden is dazzling, sharp, and can spar with the best of them, and he is a fierce advocate for his black, queer, and trans community! Let’s go in - it’s open! Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur Go to groundnews.com/open to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock worldwide perspectives on the stories shaping our world. All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
Elise Joshi
Join us today to get hyped on Gen-Z leadership because it rocks. We sit down with the spectacular Elise Joshi, a progressive political organizer, climate activist & journalist who has been lighting up digital media with clear, hard-hitting content since she was 17. Elise discusses how—growing up during COVID, California’s wild fires, and the emergent climate crisis—she learned to question authority, found the grassroots coalition through making digital content, and went on to help found and then executive direct Gen-Z for Change. Now, Elise is reporting and producing groundbreaking local news coverage from within the Emmy-award winning nonprofit More Perfect Union, and is launching More Perfect University, a national project that aims to train and spotlight young local reporters across the country. Get a glimpse of a near-future progressive USA! Come on in, it’s open. Enjoying It’s Open with Ilana Glazer? The best way to support the pod is also the easiest: Subscribe! It tells the platforms what we’re doing, which helps us grow, and ensures you never miss an episode. Loving it? Leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Thank you for being a part of our community. Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur Go to groundnews.com/open to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock worldwide perspectives on the stories shaping our world. All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
John C. Reilly
Today, Ilana was thrilled to meet and talk with actor, comedian, singer John C. Reilly. For decades, and through his unique expression of sincerity and comedy, John’s performances have shaped the impact of American movie classics—like Chicago, Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and Step Brothers. Ilana and John discuss his current and recent projects: a one-man-plus-band musical performance MR. ROMANTIC and the surreal Italian-American Western feature film HEADS OR TAILS. John discusses his love for singing love songs, his belief that kindness is absolutely everything, and nature-vs-nurture when both your sons are working models. Come on in, it’s open. Enjoying It’s Open with Ilana Glazer? The best way to support the pod is also the easiest: Subscribe! It tells the platforms what we’re doing, which helps us grow, and ensures you never miss an episode. Loving it? Leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Thank you for being a part of our community. Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur Go to groundnews.com/open to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock worldwide perspectives on the stories shaping our world. All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
Elliot Page
Today Ilana sits down with the award-winning actor and cultural leader for queer rights, self-discovery, and truth: Elliot Page. Ilana and Elliot cover his new documentary SECOND NATURE, about queerness in the animal kingdom, the book Sex at Dawn, which was influential in both of their sexual developments, and the feeling of being in love 😍. In this generous and open discussion, Elliot describes learning to move beyond the societal pressures to conform (that we are all subject to) and discover an authentic, personal sense of masculinity and the deep comfort he has found in being his true self. Come on in, it’s open. Enjoying It’s Open with Ilana Glazer? The best way to support the pod is also the easiest: Subscribe! It tells the platforms what we’re doing, which helps us grow, and ensures you never miss an episode. Loving it? Leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Thank you for being a part of our community. Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
Reshma Saujani
Today Ilana sits down with Reshma Saujani, best known as the founder of Girls Who Code. Reshma’s an entrepreneur, social leader, and activist fighting to reshape the economic landscape for American mothers. llana and Reshma get right down to it, looking at depravity in America today, the enduring construct of “race,” and the manufactured rage-baiting that attempts to separate different groups of women from organizing as one. They discuss Reshma’s debut documentary film NO COUNTRY FOR MOTHERS, her two ground-breaking political runs for U.S. congress, and her nonprofit MOMS FIRST. Finally, they share about the all-too-common feelings of insecurity and self-doubt women feel, finding mirrors of ourselves in other people, and the empowering practice of telling the truth. Enjoying It’s Open with Ilana Glazer? The best way to support the pod is also the easiest: Subscribe! It tells the platforms what we’re doing, which helps us grow, and ensures you never miss an episode. Loving it? Leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Thank you for being a part of our community. Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
Jacob Tierney
This week on It’s Open, Ilana sits down with Jacob Tierney. Best known as the writer and director of Heated Rivalry— the TV adaptation of Rachel Reid’s hockey romance that positively rocked the culture in 2025— Jacob is a staple in Canadian television. He created the beloved series Letterkenny and its spin off Shorsey, and now Jacob discusses his personal career journey from Canadian child-actor through his teenage years, against the dark backdrop of Miramax in the 90s, to the present, where his professional prowess and creative energy is impacting the culture. He and Ilana discuss writing queer stories in the industry today, the yearning of a weekly release, and his submitting to the connectivity of the universe. Enjoying It’s Open with Ilana Glazer? The best way to support the pod is also the easiest: Subscribe! It tells the platforms what we’re doing, which helps us grow, and ensures you never miss an episode. Loving it? Leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Thank you for being a part of our community. Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
Matt Bernstein
Matt Bernstein (aka @mattxiv) is a force to be reckoned with. A 27-year-old, progressive political commentator who has cultivated a 2M+ following by combining clear-eyed, heartfelt, sharp-witted cultural discourse with gorgeous glam and a calm, confident delivery. His video podcast, A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein, has become a touchstone in the digital landscape as a rational, ethical, and hilarious voice calling for political and social accountability and standing up for basic human rights for all. Ilana and Matt discuss right-wing grifting, his innate passion for politics, and the privilege and joy of simply getting to live as one’s true colorful self. Enjoying It’s Open with Ilana Glazer? The best way to support the pod is also the easiest: Subscribe! It tells the platforms what we’re doing, which helps us grow, and ensures you never miss an episode. Loving it? Leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Thank you for being a part of our community. Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
"More Perfect Union on Toxic Data Centers and the Local Nonpartisan Fight Against Them" with Ilana Glazer
It’s Open partners with More Perfect Union, the ground breaking and progressive non-profit news organization, to highlight the vital local coverage that is helping Americans stay informed and stay connected. Join us as MPU spotlights—and Ilana reacts to—the toxic fallout from mass data center installations nationwide. And then witness the wave of nonpartisan action welling across American towns RIGHT NOW to fight this escalating affront to citizens’ basic human rights. Enjoying It’s Open with Ilana Glazer? The best way to support the pod is also the easiest: Subscribe! It tells the platforms what we’re doing, which helps us grow, and ensures you never miss an episode. Loving it? Leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Thank you for being a part of our community. Host: Ilana Glazer Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill Lighting Director: Kevin Deming Editor: Tovah Leibowitz Graphics: Raymo Ventura Outro Music: Don Hur All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod
