Too short!!

( not you, Dick..)

Bravo!
Well done.

More! More!!

" I was like, Oh my God "

~ BILLY COLLINS

You should come back to Dick Cavett for another show - with a theme - lots to mine here - deeper discussions about Groucho Marx, Mel Brooks, comics he has known. Have him pick a topic.

Absolutely Awe....I agree with another comment. Have him back every month! Love this podcast....heard about in on Wait Wait...which was also fun! Subscribed!

Oh, the lovely Dick Cavett. And the lovely Alec Baldwin. I'm sad that complete sentences, measured intelligent thought and the complete lack of the word awesome would make me so happy. I suppose its the rarity. Thank you - job well done.

I could have listened to 2 hours of this. What a great show! Thank you!

Thank you for this interview. This conversation reminded me of the fact that I quit taking piano lessons at the age of eight because my teacher had an uncanny resemblance to Dick Cavett. I somehow imagined that I could never reach the level of Mr. Cavett's sense of wit and humor with my piano playing if I were to continue taking lessons with him. Now at the age of 52, I've fortunately managed to find a 90 year old teacher to teach me accordion and piano lessons, and as luck would have it, he is just as charming and witty as Mr. Cavett.
I've enjoyed all of your interviews, look out Teri Gross.

A friend just helped me discover this podcast and I think Alec er, I mean Alex is doing a fabulous job here! So far, I have listened to the Chris Rock interview, David Letterman and Dick Cavett. My wife and I watch Letterman regularly and it was great to spend an hour listening to Alec chat with Dave. Not something that Dave does very often but, I think Alec needs to get him back in for part two!

Dick Cavett was particularly interesting to me. Although I am too young to have watched his show growing up I had a few brief encounters with him and Carrie Nye when they would head out to my home town growing up (Williamstown, MA) for the Williams College Theater Festival. As a young guy working at my dad's service station on the end of Spring Street in the small rural western town of Williamstown, Mr Cavett would stop into the garage for gas, work on his car, etc.

One time I recall vividly was a friday night when Mr. Cavett had driven into town, pulled up to the front of our station and got out looking disheveled ... one white shirttail hanging out, his hair all a mess, black car grit on his arms and face. He proceeded to walk around to the back of his car, open the trunk and as I walk over to him to see what was the trouble, he looks up holding a flat tire up in his arms and states with that distinctive Dick Cavett deep voice, "Oh, hi sonny, is your dad Artie inside?". And as I start to respond he was busy that he would be out in a minute ... Mr. Cavett, clearly struggling to hold this tire and rim in his arms drops the tire and rim on the ground next to us and, with clear frustration from having to change a flat tire on his trip up from Long Island, states ... "Tell your dad I need a new f*#king tire and I'll be around tomorrow to get this all squared away, thanks", gets back in his car and drives away.

As anyone who has been on a road trip and experienced a flat tire knows ... it's incredibly frustrating and you what he had been through so, it continues to be comical (for me) and just a classic moment I will remember forever!

-Jim-

great interview.

Wonderful interview in a lineup of fascinating people in this program. You come across as old friends and I enjoy this work as much as your comedy and movie work. (Also thank you for your postings on the Huffpo)

I really enjoyed your interview with Dick Cavett. He mentioned Mel Brooks during the interview, which got me to thinking that I would like to hear you interview both Mel Brooks and Woody Allen.

Just listened to several podcasts while working (boring accounting, but I TRY to make it interesting)and it's the most productive I've been all week. Your show is great, keep up the good work. I wish my Dad were still alive to listen to your show, he'd dig it. If it's OK with Dick Cavett I'm gonna say "you rock"!

Fantastic interviews! I love Here's The Thing. Alec, I would love to sit next to you on Thanksgiving!Your interviewing skills are exactly what I loved about Dick Cavett. I loved hearing from him and Erica Jong and her daughter. The mother/daughter dynamic about the issues of the 60's & 70's made me think of my owm relationship with my mom.Please keep doing Here's The Thing!

Well Alec, I'm hooked. It's a relief to hear an interview done by a member of the club. You know what your subjects are about, just like Mark Maron's WTF. Keep 'em coming.

This is the first Here's the thing podcast that I have listened to and was very pleased. I will be listening to all at the gym....makes working out at lot of fun....thanks

Loved this interview in particular. I was too young to watch the show when it was on the air, but I still recognize Dick Cavett's special ability to put his guests at ease. And Alec once again managed to ask all the questions I'd want to ask, at the same time answering questions about himself that I have.

Amazing!

What a delightful interview. Great job! Can't wail to listen to more...but not tonight!

Wow! Yes, your interview with Cavett was superb. I loved how each of you shared personal observations throughout the interview. The ease with which you both conversed makes listening a joy.

Keep interviewing! You're wonderful!

This is excellent radio. Mr. Baldwin is pitch perfect each time and his rapport with the guests is nothing short of brilliant. I eagerly anticipate each new show.

Even if awesome was allowed, I would not have used it. Thank you for a wonderful show. It moved from being just a nice show to sheer joy and a must. Unfortunately, I can't watch James Lipton on regular basis, but I have your podcast. Radio is far more better than any 30 Rock. Thanks, Mr. Baldwin.

I just wanted to take a moment and tell you how much I loved this guest. Mr. Cavett is someone that I stop and take notice of. I am 44 now, and was not old enough to remember his talk show, but the HBO series "Remember when" was one of my favorites. Just hearing his voice reminds me of what a wonderful person he is and what care he takes in our language. Thank you so much for interviewing such a wonderful and intellegent man. Keep it up. Mr. Baldwin has a nice easy going interviewing style. I would not change a thing.

I just listened to an interview with Dick Cavett, my first in this new series featuring Alec Baldwin. Mr. Baldwin's reference to his new podcasts on the Letterman show led to a very easy iTunes download. Mr. Cavett's comment on the interview was perfect: WOW. It was a classic show business achievement - it left the listener wanting more. Both Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Cavett know how to interview so well that there is no perception of anything but conversation, and it is like listening to two old friends. I wish that Mr. Cavett had spoken more about his late wife, Carrie Nye, a talented and dedicated actress whose film career was far too skimpy. And he did not mention his house on Long Island burning down, and his subsequent rebuilding of the structure. Mr. Baldwin, please keep this in mind when you interview him again!

I think you could just interview Dick Cavett once a month. I could listen to him talk all day. Love the podcast I am definitely going to be subscriber.

I have listened to all your podcasts so far, and I have enjoyed all of them. Your range of guests has been both intriguing and entertaining and in most cases, I've thought, "that's it?" when the podcast was over because I wanted to hear more. You definitely have a subscriber.

However, could you please put a little more effort into the into's and outro's? I can tell whenever Mr. Baldwin is reading off a script because it is noticeably flat and there is no flow. It's jolting to hear because his speaking voice is so remarkably smooth and he seems to be so well prepared and informed for the interviews.

Alec:

You exceeded all of my expectations in your interview with Dick Cavett.

I remember seeing The Dick Cavett Show periodically in my youth, but I didn't have the appreciation for him until just around the time that the show left the air (I think it was cancelled? Like Bill Mahr [ABC] and The Smothers Brothers [CBC]?). I wasn't old enough (or educated or sophisticated enough) to really appreciate what you, Dick, were doing.

I had read a piece about Mr. Cavett — New York Times or The New Yorker — about, I believe, the disappearing older beach homes which surrounded his and the experience rebuilding his own home. Mr. Cavett's charm, wit, and intelligence remains quite intact — evident in both that piece and in this interview. Alec, you complimented his qualities with your own in this interview.

I was especially taken with the discussion about depression and needing to (and, indeed, finding some solace in) work. I'm a musician and performer who has experienced the same thing, and it was good for me to know that other good, intelligent people (yeah, ok — and famous [I'm not that... [un?]fortunately) have worked through depression and have fine professionals to care for them.

That's The Thing I take away from this discussion between two friends.

Thanks for letting us in and sharing your real lives.

(By the way, I make good ice tea, too. It must be an Irish or British Empire thing — learned to brew it well from my Canadian mother and from the Kate Aiken cookbook.)

I love this podcast. I snapped it up at the beginning, having experienced the delight of Alec Baldwin on radio both as guest host on Studio 360 and through his hilarious pledge segments for NPR. Alec, you really do take conversation in unexpected directions. The Cavett thing was unbelievable--especially loved your dueling impressions of Brando; Stephen Daldry, where you each decide you want to work for the other--wow! This is REAL conversation. Ed Rollins--it is all so good. Your nimble mind, intelligence, and creativity make this such a different kind of interview show--thank you for doing it. It is a real pleasure.

Not an easy thing to do, interviewing the master interviewer, but you did a masterful job. I watched many of the Cavett shows and always thought that they were the best "interview" shows on tv. I have listened to most of your podcasts and I must say that you are our 21st century DC.

the player used for this is not the same as the lopate show--I can't get to play...or save it to my usb flash drive..i usually download at work and listen later at home. Could you please use same player as lopate. Really to hear this show. Larry

Alec, I love your podcasts. Keep it up. You pick the most interesting people to interview. It has helped increase my running pace!

Alec, your podcasts are a treat. Keep them coming. Clearly, you've got a knack for interviewing.

I don't mind your throwing in stuff about your life once in a while. You're insights are as fascinating as those of your guests, to me.
Keep following your instincts, I'll keep listening.

You succeeded in getting new observations and new incidents from someone as well known and prone to fall back on old stories as Mr. Cavett. Much appreciated.

I was very excited to hear that Alec Baldwin was going to be doing a podcast. He has always been one of my favorite actors and I have enjoyed reading his opinions on Huffington Post. He is such a versatile talent and I'm glad to see that he is exploring another platform. I listened to the show with Dick Cavett last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Being able to hear the ice tinkling against the glasses gave an authentic feel to the program. I can't wait to listen to all of them and look forward to more in the future. Thanks Alec!

Alec, I love "Here's the Thing". I really enjoyed this pod cast with Dick Cavett. You should have a part two, three and four with him. He is our eyewitness to the late 60's when our culture was finally leaving the 50's behind. Dick Cavett interviewed the people involved with the changes that were taking place. I wish Here's the Thing was on every week. Thank you.

I am so appreciative of your addition to podcast world. I like how you move away from the microphone when you laugh. Its classy. In this show I took away from it the resolution to never say Awesome again. thank you.

Well Alec Baldwin...you have managed to delight me one more time on one more level. I just finished listening to the interview with Cavett and I must say, Exceptional. Liked the informal setting. It felt like I was with you sitting right there in front of him....such an interesting man. Watched his show all the time with my father and have even Netflixed his DVDs that are avialable. Might I say...both of you gentlemen are looking better than ever!....Alec, could it be the yoga? Been practicing myself since the 70's. So, on to the next interview...downloaded from iTunes. Was so happy to hear about this show...found out about it on Wait, Wait. Have been listening to NPR, Bob Edwards, Fresh Air, This American Life, etc. and now this great show with more interesting info on people I know and people I want to know. Thank you so much.

Dick Cavett was correct "wow". First time I have heard the podcast but will not be the last. I use to watch Dick on his shows and many times on the Tonight show. Always loved his calm easy intelligent interviews. You seem that way also and your Brando was right on. I am looking forward to many more. In honor of Dick Cavett I will not say "awesome ", but it was . Long live "Here's the Thing".

That "lout" that starred in Zabrisky Point was Mark Frechette. He had no previous acting experience and was discovered in Boston by Antonioni's assistant, having a violent shouting match at a Charles Street bus-stop.

In August, 1973, he and two other members of the Mel Lyman commune in Roxbury attempted to rob the New England Merchant's Bank. Frechette was arrested and sentenced to prison. He died September 27, 1975 under highly suspicious circumstances during an apparent weightlifting accident when a 150-pound bar fell on his neck, choking him to death.

Poor Dick, being forced to converse with this minor Boston hoodlum.

So glad to enjoy this great show Alec- your intelligence, humor and capacity to connect & create a compelling, interesting and informative platform... Ok, Peter Sagal is threatened, but he'll survive..Ha!
Thank you for your passionate presence on Public Radio... YES!!!!

Apropos Mr. Cavett's justifiable laceration of the use of those nauseatingly ever-present "A" words, repeated countless times by American morons from coast to illiterate coast, ladies and gentlemen, I give you this:

http://vimeo.com/8159811

Remarkable! Top-drawer! Fantasmo!

Thanks for making my commute much better! I love this podcast!

I have been enjoying the podcasts. There have been many interesting guests; the interview about sex trafficking was disturbing, but gripping.

One bit of constructive criticism: I find that Alec sometimes adds a lot of personal commentary, instead of eliciting information from the guest.

I give this podcast a B, but it could be an A.

Absolutely love the podcast! keep it up!

Alec, I greatly enjoyed every episode, keep it! I especially enjoy the conversations with non-entertainment guests! Thanks!

Alec. This is conversation at its best. I love to see this series contnuing. I realized this existed through listening to 'Wait, Wait dont tell me' If I may, I will use these as examples in class for podcast production and interview technique.
Thank you so much!

This is a whirlwind of fun, an intergenerational romp and intellectual be-bop with a soupcon of locker room towel-snapping. Cavett was always a thinker, and AB is perhaps the best man to take up the mantle.

I'm old enough to remember watching some of Dick's interviews when I was a little girl....Alec, wonderful job with this interview..you have a real knack for this...I felt as though I was sitting with you both, sipping iced tea!

Outstanding. Could have used another hour. Baldwin's Brando is as measured and pleasing as is his interviewing style.

Alec,

I loved the episode! (I won't say it was 'awesome' or 'amazing'!)

Your 'Here's The Thing' interviews are entertaining and insightful but also wonderfully edited. They capture the moment perfectly.

Regards from Australia,

Simon

Your talents seem limitless Mr. Baldwin.

I was thinking the other day that in terms of output, getting up in the morning and going to work, you and Shatner share the top of the heap.

I listened to Wait Wait on my bikeride yesterday, and your Cavett and Lorne shows on my bikeride today. Thank you sir, I travelled 6 miles more today than yesterday.

I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered how good Shatner's interview show was, and while your awesomeness is not a suprise, it is equally amazing.

I imagine you both owe a gratitude to Dick Cavett.

@ p de simone from NYC-what planet are you on? do you want the standard boring Q&A session? this is a much more realistic interview,with the flow of a conversation. he does let people talk. open your mind[and ears] a bit...!

Ok, that's it......just a bit TOO much fun you're having there Mistah Baldwin....almost (having dug into the archive) TOO MUCH WONDERFULLNESS!
I want to hear you get down and dirty with Rush, or Frum, or SOMEBODY where the interview ends in a SCREAMING match as the microphone hits the floor with sounds of punches being thrown....MUCH better for the ratings I'd say! :+)))
Seriously dude, just wanted to say best thing on the waves right now.....and get the tech peeps to feauture the fact that you have a newsletter available right up front on home page. Keep on chooglin'!

Dang it! I didn't wanna like your podcast, but it was very good. It was so good because you were enjoying yourself, which is the secret to success: do what you love.

I subscribed. I wish you much success. Enjoy!

Great interviews, all. Except Kardashian...blerg! Please try to get Tom Hanks, I think Alec Baldwin interviewing Tom Hanks would be a match made in radio heaven. BTW hold David Letterman to his promise!!

alec baldwin is an awful interviewer! Let him talk, Alec!!!!!!!!!!

Ad Jackie D would say, "that was categorically awesome"

I heard you on Wait, Wait and was thrilled to hear that you are doing this show and that my first one would be Dick Cavett- the most awesomeful person from my youth. Great pick and interview.

AWEsome interview. It's always a treat to turn the tables on the interviewer and find out what makes him tick.
Over the years the I wonder ifs build up and the imagination fills in the voids. So it's swell to get an insight into the dynamics of those great timeless interviews. In time Mr. Baldwin's dance with the stars will also be valued....
Oh yes I remember back then we had those podcasts....

Ah, Alec... I am so enamored of your voice that I would blissfully listen to you read the phone directory. Fortunately for me that you are now doing these podcasts so I can enjoy my ear candy and be informed at the same time! The Cavett interview was wonderful, albeit too short... I look forward to hearing all the rest of your podcasts..

Here's the thing....your show is great, but each and every interview (with the exception of the sex trafficking dude) was like 30 minutes too short. I woul love to hear unedited or at least longer versions of the interviews. You always leave me wanting more, but not in that great way.
Love the show. Will be a loyal listener as long as it lasts.

On the show:

What's her name Kardashian - Ugh. Why, Alec?
Dick Cavett - Wow. Yes, Alec.

I loved the Cavett interview and am now going to start watching his old shows (wherever I can find them). I especially enjoyed the stories about Brando. And I'm looking forward to tracking down the Lawrence Olivier interview you were talking about. Thank you for creating "Here's the Thing." The conversations you create are engaging and fun, and I find myself eagerly anticipating your next podcast. Keep up the *AWESOME* work.

Hi Alec:

Really wonderful interview with Dick Cavett. I was too young to have seen his show, and recently stumbled across is interview of Bowie, which reminds me of your observation of Mr. Cavett's ability to "book the brightest and often the most reclusive celberties of that time" is so accurate. Your interview reminds me how important it is to review of his interviews. Additionally, perhaps just having friends from your neck of the woods allows me to enjoy the home-spun feel you bring to your interviews. Keep up the excellent work!

Here's a thought: how about Alec interviews himself imitating Marlon Brando. Now there's a show!

One of the best Cavett interviews I've ever heard - and I've heard plenty. Fantastic job.

I was in high school when Cavett's show debuted-I think it aired at 11a.m. I would hope for, and possibly manufacture, an illness in order to stay home and watch...be charmed, entertained and awestruck by his talent.

I'm listening for the first time and Alec your show is fascinating.

Alex you are amazing ..... I love your show! Keep going!!!

Great show, Alec! Keep up the good work, I look forward to listening to more of your shows. And please let Dick Cavett know that he is a true cultural icon, as well as very entertaining.

I am liking this ("Here's the Thing") ... I don't miss that I can't actually "watch," I am forced to "listen" - one of the great things about radio.

Dick Cavett remains my all time favorite interviewer. Dick was exceptional because he listened to his guests. He wasn't on to the next question ahead of his guests and he rarely interrupted his guests when they were speaking (aka: answering his questions).

Interviewers today I think are missing this skill. Looking forward to more interviews. Thanks.

I heard you talk about your podcast on Letterman last week and just got around to listening. Now I'm a fan....it's one of the most refreshing pieces of entertainment I've experienced in a while. I like that Alec is so natural and spontaneous with the guests---it feels real. Real is a good look for him. My favorites so far are Dick Cavett, Chris Rock, and Erica Jong and her daughter.

Surfing for an interesting npr program and happened upon Here's The Thing with Dick Cavett. Loved it! Honest, open and interesting conversation in which you drew him out well. I'll be back!

Love the Dick Cavett interview - wish it was 3X longer! Just found the podcast in iTunes last week and I've been downloading the interviews to catch up. I love the intelligence and intimacy of the interview format and Alec is excellent at setting the tone for each session and conveying his interest and curiosity about each guest. His enthusiasm is infectious. Thank you so much!

Dick Cavett is an American treasure, and you, Mr. Baldwin, are rapidly becoming one as well. I am of an age to find sweet melancholy upon hearing Mr. Cavett's memories of interviews I saw as a kid--his early show was the only daytime TV my mother allowed, and she relished his wit and wisdom. Bravo to you both for a delightful half hour. More please!

Alec: thoughtful and entertaining interview!
Would love to see you take this to the OWN network.
Are you out there Oprah?
"Here's The Thing" is our kind of show!
Class Act!

Smooth, Alec. Nice job.

lovely interview - i hope there are additional episodes with cavett forthcoming. beautifully done, alec.

You know I have to say it Alec--AWESOME!!!!<3

Alec’s multifarious talents are fluid and varied.
On radio he’s sincere, gentle and simply interested; subtly reserved.
What will he surprise us with next?