Cara Buono: Stranger Things, Playing Karen Wheeler & Fighting Demogorgons

This week, Tommy is joined by actress Cara Buono, best known for her powerful portrayal of Karen Wheeler on Netflix’s cultural phenomenon Stranger Things. With a career spanning decades across film and television Cara has become known for bringing depth, strength, and emotional nuance to every role she takes on—especially in the world of Hawkins. She dives deep into her most unforgettable Stranger Things moments, including the iconic wine bottle scene, the physical demands of filming, and what it truly means to be part of such a beloved story. Cara also reflects on career twists that led her to the show, from losing a role to landing one that would change everything. Plus, she shares what she’s most proud of in this role, her thoughts on the show’s future, and a side of her journey she’s never talked about before. Subscribe, rate, and leave a written review if you enjoy this conversation! Tune in every week for new episodes of I’ve Never Said This Before Executive Producers: iHeart Media and Elvis Duran Podcast Network Follow us on socials!  Instagram: @neversaidthisbefore YouTube: @TommyDiDarioShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From live Christmas tree critters and stolen holiday gifts to weird stuff discovered inside your walls, this show goes completely off the rails. We debate siblings sleeping with friends, drawing questionable things on buses, zipper etiquette, awkward restaurant habits, and why “we” gifting is a crime. Plus: December birthday drama, shopping cart morality, and a very special Michael Oppenheimer moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Gandhi gets suspended from her ride share app for something she didn’t even do, the After Party crew dives into the chaos of anonymous reports, bad customer service, and how to actually get your money (or dignity) back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this holiday Teeny Meanie, Lisa, Nick, and Celia give listeners permission to stop forcing joy, togetherness, and overcommitment just because it’s December. From skipping plans to ignoring guilt and doing only what actually feels good, the crew reminds you that rest counts, boundaries matter, and forced merriment helps no one. A messy, honest send-off before the show takes a well-earned holiday break.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skeery defends his medium‑rare burgers from the well‑done police, Scotty B vents about his daughter ignoring a very simple luggage solution, Gandhi spirals into deep‑sea giantism, Garrett discovers his mom was way cooler than he ever knew, Sam gushes over her mom’s return to theater, Nate launches a campaign to bring back office mugs, and Danielle admits she’s being held hostage by tip‑screen guilt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr. Michael Oppenheimer has no down season, so you bet he’s selling Patrick something for the holidays!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here are your daily horoscopes for December 23rd, 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Isaiah & C.J. discuss: Isaiah’s trip back to Boston to be honored for his career-high 52 point game at the Garden, the tradition of Christmas Day games in the NBA, Isaiah’s own chapter in the Celtics-Knicks rivalry, and winning predictions for each holiday matchup on Thursday. Also, they illuminate the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame nominees, including Jamal Crawford, Blake Griffin, Joe Johnson & Brandon Roy. And finally, find out who took No Days Off this week!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know all about the Christmas traditions we’ve grown up with, but where did they originate? We celebrate with Christmas trees, cards, lights, visits from Santa Claus, and lots of great food. But our ancestors were more likely to celebrate with drunken dancing, weird games, and street fights. How did Santa Claus, Christmas carols, and eggnog become a thing? And a reminder… feel free to DM me if you have a story you’d like me to cover. On Facebook it’s Patty Steele, and on Instagram Real Patty Steele.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

📺 Watch this Episode On today's MKD, we start the week off with special guest Jarrett Ferentino! We talk about Brian Walshe's sentencing, suspicious items found in D4vd's rental home, Nick Reiner's defense team, Jarrett's career, and more! Follow Jarrett - Instagram (@jarrettferentino) // Youtube (@JarrettFerentino) // Website (jarrettferentino.com) Pre-order Jarrett's book - Mothers, Murders, and Motivation 🎟️ 2/21 - City Winery NYC - COMING SOON! Shop our new merch! Use code GrossVIP15 at checkout - theduramatershop.com Submit your stories, questions & comments to [email protected] Support The Show: 🧠 Join The Gross Room 🖤 Sponsors 🔬 Buy Nicole's Book 🥼 Merch Follow: 🎙️ Mother Knows Death 🔪 Nicole 🪩 Maria 📱 TikTok More Info: 📰 Newsletter 📃 DisclaimerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.