The Tangle with Kyle Ridley

This week, John Hill shares his journey from a conservative Texas upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. He discusses the challenges of growing up in a religious household, the impact of bullying, and the importance of finding community through theater. John reflects on the significance of media representation, his career in Broadway and television, and the influe...

Actress and director Lennon Parham shares her journey from Southern roots to becoming a prominent figure in comedy and television. She discusses her early education, the influence of her family, and her transition into the world of improv and writing. Lennon reflects on her deep friendship and creative partnership with Jessica St. Clair, navigating the challenges of the television industry, and th...

This week, Tim Bagley shares his journey from a humorous Midwestern upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in comedy and television. He reflects on the challenges of LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood, his personal experiences with coming out, and the impact of loss and grief on his life and career. Tim also discusses the importance of community, maintaining hope in difficult times, and the sig...

This week, Caroline Rhea joins Kyle to discuss her new tour, standup special, and acting gigs past and present. Caroline shares her standup journey from the late ‘80s to today, in addition to discussing ageism and sexism in comedy. Caroline also reflects on her massive hit “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and her yearlong talk show in the early 2000s. She shares personal anecdotes about parenting, the...

This week, comedian Colin Braun joins Kyle to discuss his winding road through engineering, comedy, all the way to Ireland. Colin shares his standup inspirations and what it was like to first get up on stage. He’s also candid about his struggles with depression and the complexities of life as a gay man with ADHD. Colin opens up about his divorce, fears of a fascist government, and his move to Irel...

Pop star Tiffany joins Kyle to discuss her 40-year career in music and the many ups and downs through the decades. Tiffany shares her journey from a record-breaking teen performer, navigating industry rejection in her 20s, becoming a mom, and finding her sweet spot as a songwriter. She reflects on the lack of sisterhood in the industry in her early ears, and the pressures of being in the public ey...

This week, writer/comedian Naomi Ekperigin deep dives into her multifaceted career. Naomi and Kyle discuss her early influences, the evolution of her comedy career, and the impact of the pandemic on her work. She reflects on the challenges of navigating the comedy scene, the role of social media, and her commitment to safety in public spaces. Naomi also delves into her experiences with marriage, p...

This week, Tom Arnold reflects on his extensive career in the entertainment industry, sharing insights about his journey through stand-up comedy, four ex-wives, fatherhood and sobriety. He discusses the evolution of comedy over the decades, his experiences with fame, and the legacy of the groundbreaking show 'Roseanne.' Tom also shares details about his directorial debut, 'The Break...

Kicking off 2026, Candiace Dillard Bassett joins Kyle for a wide-ranging and candid conversation. Candiace discusses her experiences as a new mom, her participation in season four of “The Traitors,” and her upcoming music projects. She also reflects on the challenges of reality TV, the importance of authenticity, and her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. We also get tangled in “The Real Housewive...

Culture and entertainment writer H. Alan Scott has a true tangle with Kyle, discussing the highs and lows of life. H. Alan shares his personal journey from Mormonism to Judaism, his experiences with cancer, and his lifelong love of all this pop culture. H. Alan shares his childhood influences, all-time favorite shows, standout interviews, and his Oscar predictions. The conversation also delves int...

Actress, author and podcaster Jessica St. Clair joins Kyle for a candid conversation on life, career, marriage and friendship. Jessica offers a hilarious and heartfelt look at life’s highs and lows – from landing major TV and film gigs, launching a hit podcast, writing with her best friends, to battling cancer and then caring for her husband in the wake of his diagnosis. Jessica also discusses the...

Kyle is joined by singer-songwriter Morgan Karr (MORGXN), who shares his journey from Nashville to Los Angeles and back, exploring themes of identity, love, loss, and resilience. He discusses the impact of his southern upbringing, coming out, and the importance of finding role models and supporters in the LGBTQ+ community. MORGXN also reflects on his experience in Broadway’s “Spring Awakening,” hi...

This week, Kyle is joined by comedian-author-actress-entrepreneur Phoebe Robinson! The trailblazer reflects on her journey from aspiring writer to a prominent figure in comedy and publishing. She also discusses her comedic influences, the evolution of the comedy landscape, and her experience launching the imprint, Tiny Reparations Books. Robinson shares insights on personal growth, the challenges...

This week Kyle is joined by comedian, podcaster and actress Liza Treyger! They discuss her recent European tour, childhood influences, and the impact of television on her career. Liza reflects on the evolution of comedy in the age of social media, her unique performance style, and the current state of the comedy scene, particularly regarding political commentary and the wave of ‘bro’ podcasters. L...

This week, Kyle is joined by actor, musician and improv king Charles Esten! Charles reflects on his journey growing up in Alexandria, Virginia, to becoming a beloved musician and actor, widely known for hit shows ‘Nashville’ and ‘Outer Banks.’ Charles shares insights into his songwriting process, the importance of family, and the healing power of music through his involvement with Musicians On Cal...

This week, Kyle is joined by Emmy winner Jane Lynch! The renowned actress, musician and host is heading out on her annual “Swingin’ Little Christmas” tour with friends Kate Flannery and Tim Davis. The tour kicks off Nov. 29 in Bethesda, Maryland, and runs through Dec. 17. In addition to the tour, Jane reflects on her illustrious career and some of her most acclaimed roles, including “Best in Show,...

This week, comedian and impressionist Andrea Lopez joins Kyle to share her comedic journey from DC, Los Angeles, to New York City. She discusses her early SNL influences, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry. Andrea also reflects on her experiences with rejection, her creative process in developing characters, and honing her impressions. We’re a...

This week, Kyle is joined by writer, host, traveler, and foodie extraordinaire Phil Rosenthal. They discuss his new book, “Phil's Favorites: Recipes from Friends and Family to Make at Home,” and his passion for uniting people through food and travel. Phil also reminisces on 30 years of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and his favorite parts of scripted vs. unscripted shows. Phil reflects on the sign...

This week, Kyle is joined by “Real World: New Orleans” groundbreaker Danny Roberts. They reflect on Danny’s time on the show 25 years ago, the intense scrutiny in the aftermath, and his experience reuniting with castmates in 2022 for “The Real World Homecoming.” Danny also reflects on his journey growing up in rural Georgia, the challenges he faced coming out to his family, becoming a prominent fi...

This week, Alex Borstein joins 'The Tangle' to discuss her decades-spanning career in comedy, new tour, and classic roles. Alex shares insights into her early influences, the process of crafting characters, and the balance of personal and political themes in her work. She also discusses her experiences on shows including 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,' 'Family Guy,' &apo...

This week, Kyle welcome Americana singer-songwriter Cam. They discuss her musical upbringing, traveling the world in a choir, and writing songs at an early age. Cam also shares the influences that shaped her and the impact of solo vs. collaborative songwriting. They also explore the challenges of navigating career transitions, the impact of becoming a mom in the pandemic, and the emotional weight...

This week, Kyle speaks with Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black. Kyle shares his personal connection to Black’s 2009 Oscar speech and how it impacted him as a college student. They also discuss Black’s tireless activism, his lifelong fight for equality, his mother’s impact, growing up Mormon, and the current state of filmmaking. Black also reflects on his past projects, his biggest lesso...

This week, Kyle’s bestie Nick Caggiano returns to discuss their latest tangles! They share their thoughts on the new season of “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” as well as Nick’s lifelong love for “Designing Women.”  They also dig into deeper issues including Nick’s coming out story, religious family dynamics, and Nick’s latest dating tangles. They also touch on the role of faith and political...

This week, Kyle is joined by the hilarious Wendi McLendon-Covey. They explore Wendi’s journey to Hollywood and the impact of her acclaimed roles on 'Reno 911,’ 'Bridesmaids,’ and ‘The Goldbergs.’ Wendi also shares her hopes for the new season of ‘St. Denis Medical,’ and looks back at some of her more obscure projects.  Chapters Long Beach for life  Discovering improv   The turning point...

This week, Kyle speaks with writer, actor and podcaster Matt McConkey. They discuss Matt's influences, friendships, and his journey to become a TV writer. They also revisit his previous podcasts and their impact, including “Homophilia” and “And Just Like Matt.” McConkey also shares his long-lasting love for Jennifer Aniston and the “Sex and the City” characters.  Chapters Acting, writing, lau...