# HOW TO: Interview High-Profile Talent (w/ Ethan Shanfeld)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-50-50-podcast-7299121/how-to-interview-high-profile-talent-w-ethan-shanfeld
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-50-50-podcast-7299121/how-to-interview-high-profile-talent-w-ethan-shanfeld.md
Podcast: [The 50/50 Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-50-50-podcast-7299121)
Published: 2026-06-09T15:56:00+00:00
Episode link: https://the-5050-podcast.castos.com/episodes/how-to-interview-high-profile-talent-w-ethan-shanfield
Audio file: https://episodes.castos.com/67e9c4924ee350-83326482/2487275/c1e-5w5k1b7v2kvbr09k8-ok0xm806aqn9-2kcjp1.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-50-50-podcast-7299121/episodes/how-to-interview-high-profile-talent-w-ethan-shanfeld
Duration seconds: 4217

## Resource

This week, we're joined by Variety TV reporter Ethan Shanfeld. From his early days studying journalism at Northwestern and freelancing for outlets like Nylon and Pitchfork to landing major cover stories at his current employer, Variety, Ethan breaks down what makes a great pitch email, how he prepares for interviews without over-preparing, and why every celebrity requires a completely different approach. We dive deep into his unforgettable SEVERANCE cover story, including the surreal experience of interviewing Ben Stiller and Adam Scott over a 4pm dinner at an Italian restaurant on Manhattan's West Side Highway—without quite knowing what he was walking into. Along the way, we discuss building trust with interview subjects, broaching the tough questions, and navigating the ever-present publicists in the room. Plus: stories from interviewing a silver-handed Benny Safdie, an incredibly candid Miley Cyrus, and the unique challenge of sitting down with Nintendo's notoriously guarded president through a translator. Welcome to the 50/50 fam, Ethan! Ethan Shanfeld - Variety Page Ethan Shanfeld - Twitter Subit your Horror Short!

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## Transcript

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