This year marks the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live” – and while many of the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” have gone on to achieve remarkable careers, few have had as fascinating a journey as Dan Aykroyd’s. As the youngest member of the 1975 original cast, Aykroyd quickly became known for his iconic sketches, including parodies of Julia Child and Richard Nixon, the beloved “Two Wild and Crazy Guys,” and the absurd “Bass-o-Matic.” His sketch “The Blues Brothers” not only became a cultural touchstone, but evolved into successful feature films and a live musical act. Aykroyd’s talents also extend to behind the camera, as he wrote and starred in the comedy classics “Dragnet,” “Coneheads,” “Spies Like Us” and “Ghostbusters.” Aykroyd’s career has earned him numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award and Grammy and Academy Award nominations. He is also an entrepreneur and co-founder of the House of Blues music venues and Crystal Head Vodka. In this conversation, host Alec Baldwin speaks with Aykroyd about the early days of “SNL,” the evolution of his career into music and dramatic roles, and how his upbringing helped shape the creation of “Ghostbusters.”

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After a whirlwind political season of campaign ads, fundraising texts, and seemingly-endless breaking news…Election Day has finally arrived! To mark the occasion, host Alec Baldwin speaks with Molly Jong-Fast, political analyst for MSNBC, special correspondent for “Vanity Fair,” and host of the podcast “Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast.” Daughter of celebrated writers Erica Jong and Jonathan Fast, Jong-Fast is also the author of the books “Normal Girl,” “Girl [Maladjusted]” and “The Social Climber’s Handbook.” As a member of the press – a profession often attacked by Donald Trump – Jong-Fast has been sounding the alarm about the 45th President’s escalating extremism and authoritarian bent. In this episode, Alec and Jong-Fast discuss Project 2025 and its troubling implications, the effect J.D. Vance has had on the Trump ticket, and her reasons for remaining optimistic about the future.

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One need not look very far to see that the television landscape has rapidly changed in the last few years, with an influx of new streaming platforms and shifting audience viewing patterns. Another notable upheaval: In 2023, Don Lemon, the Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Award-winning journalist and longtime host of “CNN Tonight with Don Lemon,” was let go from CNN after seventeen years with the network. Following his exit, Lemon took time for introspection, resulting in his new book, “I Once Was Lost: My Search for God in America.” The work is a deeply personal exploration of his spiritual journey and the role of religion in the country. It is Lemon’s third book, following “Transparent” and the #1 New York Times bestseller “This Is The Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism.” Earlier this year, the anchor launched his new endeavor, “The Don Lemon Show,” on YouTube and podcast platforms. Host Alec Baldwin speaks with Don Lemon about the shakeup at CNN, the role of his faith in trying times and the importance of the press and the First Amendment in a free society.

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