James Patterson: Don’t need to be a great writer if you tell a good story | Forward Progress

Legendary author James Patterson discusses his creative mindset surrounding his work. He also opens up about the collaborative process and partnerships with co-authors,including his long-lasting relationship with Mike Lupica.

Join Graham, Seth, and Brad as they break down the journey to their long-awaited conversation with filmmaking icon James Cameron. Almost ten years in the making, the interview became one of the toughest bookings the show has ever secured, complete with last-minute logistics and transforming Cameron’s space into a studio.

James Cameron reflects on the lessons it took him four decades to truly understand — about leadership, pressure, creativity, and the personal cost of relentless ambition.From his early years pushing himself and others to the brink, to moments that forced him to confront how fear, control, and intensity shape the people around you, Cameron opens up about the evolution that changed not just how he works, but who he is.He discusses learning to lead without intimidation, why being right isn’t the same as being effective, and how maturity reshaped his definition of success. Cameron also shares insights on risk, failure, discipline under pressure, and the mindset that allowed him to survive — and thrive — in environments where most people would fold.

Comedian Tom Green shares wild and unforgettable stories, from his appearance on The David Letterman Show to his viral success with “The Bum Bum Song,” partying with Dennis Rodman in New York City, and once having William Shatner as his landlord.

Businessman Howard Schultz narrates the success of Starbucks in China as an American, company-owned brand, sharing that Starbucks opens a new location every day in China. Howard revisits a speech he gave at Peking University, pointing to his hope for improved relations between the two countries. Finally, he breaks down Starbuck’s appeal in China and credits Starbucks China CEO Belinda Wong as one of the most valuable people in the company for her ability to create brand success despite hostility between the nations.

Graham heads to Houston for a chat with Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year opens up about contemplating retirement after a major surgery in 2015, landing a $100 million contract and frequent reminders he was booed on draft day. In this 2016 interview, Watt also details his extreme diet and workout routine and his desire to go down as the greatest player of all time.

Comedian Nikki Glaser talks of her bout with alcoholism, saying she used it as a crutch to ease her social anxiety, but that she no longer needs to drink to enjoy social and intimate experiences. The HBO, Comedy Central and Netflix star reflects on the life-changing tragedy of losing her cousin to alcohol consumption, predicting that alcoholism would have eventually taken her as well… had she allowed the illness to progress. Nikki continues by sharing stories to illustrate her evolving, blossoming relationship with her mother and empathizes with her mother’s alcohol consumption.

Tom Hanks and his siblings moved around a lot as a child. And while that was difficult for his shy brother, Hanks said he never walked into a new social situation and felt uncomfortable. His upbringing though made him uniquely suited to be an actor, he said. The actor grew up independently, including driving himself to the theatre to see plays as a young man. Hanks describes being inspired, and the realization he had when in rehearsals for one of his first plays.

Former Dallas Cowboys Quarterback, Tony Romo is back for another interview, this time as one of the top NFL broadcasters in the game. Romo talks about his early days in the booth, shares how family life has become a priority and reveals that constant improvement is still his passion.

Larry the Cable Guy emotionally recounts the moment he realized he landed the role as Mater in Pixar’s “Cars,” including why it remains the greatest thing to ever happen to him and how it was the culmination of everything he’d worked for up until that moment.