Dustin Hoffman: Daydreaming is the Beginning of Invention 

I cannot believe that Dustin Hoffman is 84! I love him; one of the greats.

Dustin is an Elder. I hope someone does interview him for 6 hours so we begin to capture all he has to teach us. For as long as we have him.

Just starting the episode but I have to say to you, Mayim, please hear Dustin when he says “When you tell the truth, it resonates.” And I believe that is why you were able to make the movie with such great people. Don’t diminish yourself nor the work. I can only imagine how surreal it must feel to have Dustin Hoffman saying these words to you, but you must understand it’s because you “did a thing” - a very big thing!! A thing THAT MATTERS and my wish for you is that as this year unfolds with people seeing the movie, and the things that are said to you and about you are words you allow yourself to absorb unapologetically and without qualifications.

I can't. Now I am crying as he talks about death. He is such an artistic genius. Mayim, I cannot believe that you got such a candid, beautiful interview - you just let him talk and it was all so beautiful. This will live on.

I love the fact that Dustin Hoffman shows so much interest in what Mayim says.

My Grandpa used to sing Good Night Irene to every one of his grandkids throughout our visits. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. I’m in my 40’s and Mr. Hoffman, plenty of listeners still know that song!

Biggest thanks to Mayim and Jonathan and of course to Mr.Hoffman for having the oportunity to watch so close and personal Dustin Hoffman, my hero from “Marathon Man” and “All President’s Man” . It is such a privilege. 🌹 “I know who I am playing someone else”. Those words. Mr. Hoffman’s words. So (in some way) tragic but at the same time so, so beautiful! Thrilling episode. 💜

This may be one of absolute favorite episodes! Dustin Hoffman’s frankness and humility throughout your conversation was so unexpected and just lovely. Truly a living legend!

What an endearing man! I feel his time as an administrator made him such a compassionate human being! Also the story of goodnight Irene was heart melting!!

Won’t lie. Totally would have watched this episode if it was twice as long. 💞

OKAY! OKAY! OKAY! Jonathan just did a huge thing for me when he told Dustin Hoffman his emotional range was a super power. I was always criticized by family members for being "too emotional". I never considered it might be a good thing. I'm going to take that on board.

TRUE GEMS of today’s episode💎: “People who are hurt, hurt others” [MB & DH] “If we don’t understand how we think, how we can understand how others think” [JC] “Understand yourself for the sake of living” [MB] “I know who I am, playing someone else” [DH] “We rationalize most of our own lives because is too painful to be aware of our own truths” [DH] Geniuses. The three of them are geniuses. Period. Nothing more to be added. FABULOUS EPISODE. 👏🏻👏🏻

I could have watched hours and hours of that conversation! Absolutely fantastic, thank you!

I have so little exposure to Dustin Hoffman, so I was able to come into this episode mostly blind. This is probably my favorite episode now. He is utterly fascinating to listen to, his questions were prescient and his story was filled with much humor and aspects of a time mostly forgotten.

I have loved Dustin Hoffman since the "Graduate". You could can do the math. I am a grandmother of an autistic grandson. When someone asks me to describe Nikki, I ask them have you seeq "Rain Man"? This is Nikki. Nikki's gift is art. I loved your show today. Keep on doing the great work

Dustin Hoffman - what a national treasure he is.

That was absolutely incredible. He was so open about everything.

Dustin Hoffman is more than a genius. He is a warm gem of golden wisdom. I have to pause this video so I can watch more later, it's so full of beautiful words. It's worth getting every bit of it. Cheers to you, Mayim and cohorts!

I love Dustin even more now, if possible. This was such a treat. And your movie moved me in ways I have never experienced. Relatable on so many levels. The high dramas and then back to “normal” the next second, caring for my dying father while my mother was in denial, the older sibling the “black sheep” of the family, etc. Thanks for sharing parts of your story.

Mayim is so talented and beautiful . After watching this episode I want to do a Dustin Hoffman weekend binge watch of all his movies.

It is absolutely fantastic that you have such a legendary actor like Dustin Hoffman in this episode! You are such an inspirational and intelligent and wise human being Mayim, and you have such a wonderful understanding of the processes of the human mind and metal health. I am so happy to be subscribed to your channel and to be able to watch your content! You Mayim and Dustin are great treasures for sure!

Sir Alec Guinness plays Alec Guinness, John Wayne plays John Wayne, Clark Gable plays Clark Gable, but Mr. Dustin Hoffman is league of above them all, thank you for an insightful, truly enlightening and informative interview. If this podcast went six hours, you wouldn’t hear a complaint from me, I’d probably enjoy every moment of it.

Again THANK YOU for this amazing 🤩 breakdown of one of my if not the one and very precious Dustin Hoffman ( I am a 70’s baby….) . What an pleasure and an honour to have him worked with you and being such an intricate yet so approachable, humble and personable soul… Speechless and content, love your work and will certainly not miss watching your film. ❣️❣️❣️❣️💌💌💌💌✨✨✨🤓🤓🤓🤣🥰🥰🤩

This is, without a doubt, my favorite episode of the podcast. Dustin Hoffman is such an open, warm, and truly wonderful man. I could listen for hours to just hearing him share stories from his life. This was an absolutely delightful podcast, and I’m so grateful I had the pleasure of hearing it today. Thank you all! ❤️

Dustin was such a great guest! His telling of stories was mesmerizing and humorous. Mayim and Jonathon asked some really great questions as well. An hour and a half was time well spent!

This needs more views. Dustin Hoffman is a legend and I've never seen him in a casual setting like a podcast. What an incredible and sweet man!

I love your podcast, but, honestly, this is my all-time favourite episode. Dustin Hoffman should be a regular - I don't think you would ever run out of things to talk about. He is so compassionate and in touch with his feelings - what an amazing human. Also, the chemistry between you is off the charts. Love from Canada.

I loved how he threw the questions back to her! Such desire to know and understand! His stories/memories were so captivating... Loved this conversation

I generally feel like I can say this about every episode, but this one has left me lacking words. Initially I was excited about hearing Dustin (f'ing) Hoffman (!) talk about first acting, and specifically second his life experience. What I witnessed was a human being sharing his life experience and how he expressed that through his acting. But most interesting to me was how often he asked clarifying questions in the moment. Example: hypervigilance; certainly he connected with the concept, but he sought understanding of the word and its definition in the context of the interview. That is a person who is clearly engaged in the conversation and completely unconcerned with possibly being demeaned (totally lacking the right word here) for not understanding, but genuinely more concerned with making sure he was following along with conversation. Perhaps this is one of the many blessings that accompanies age - unawareness of perception, because it's not useful nor helpful if one wishes to connect with another human. And to see a man of his caliber and experience not even remotely hesitate to ask clarifying questions in, yes, an acting related conversation, but more so a human conversation was a joy to watch. I can fully understand why actors like Dustin don't do podcasts (for various and obvious reasons), but I am very grateful this collision of people occurred and was shared. It was quite meaningful to me. Dustin has now extended the line he draws across so many decades of acting and roles to a place that connect him with Mayim, allowing for this interview to happen. Thank you.

OMG Mr. Hoffman’s recollection of his childhood resonates with me. My father was a Romanian Gypsy…my mother would say the same thing about dad coming home, ‘spic and span’, never go barefoot, my fault for getting sick. Nice to hear this ‘sameness’ about our immigrant fathers.

What a wonderful and touching interview! He's lovely, and your relationship with him was so sweet! If I were in your shoes, my heart would have leapt out of my chest when he got a little choked up and said, "It's so touching to talk about these things with another artist!" He clearly has so much respect for you! Thanks for letting this podcast go as long as it did and not cutting important things out. What a blessing to hear the three of you talking so deeply!.

Dustin is smart, talented, and endlessly charming. Such a treat to see this interview.

A real legend ... I always liked him , so great, that he was invited to be the guest. Thanks Mayim , You are amazing ! :)

omg Dustin's life story hit close to home when he was talking about his upbringing and how he survived everyday in life even to the part of being picked on for being Jewish, From the age of 13 until 40 I was afraid to tell most people I was jewish. I stored my star of david necklace and chai in a jewelry box and wouldnt wear it. It was like a part of me felt ashamed of being Jewish, of course i grew up in a household like Dustin, my parents were conservitive and only time I would know of the holy days was when i went to my relatives homes for Passover, Hankkah, and sadly burials. Burials scared me because I didnt know why things were done (in my book so dark ) I couldnt understand or comprehend any of it, covering mirrors and things like that were strange to me. As I got older I tried to seek out information about where I came from, my heritage, roots, ancestors, and truly wanted to know what being Jewish was all about. Then I got married (to a Catholic man/Latino) and was immediately disowned by everyone in my immediate family. (it changed my life completely and broke me. I had two kids, then after 10 years of marriage (divorce), My father died, my mother never spoke to me and family was bare to none. I realized now i have to create my own family and history with my kids and bring traditions back to the best of my ability. Not easy at all. To this day I struggle at age 62. I journaled everyday for years about my childhood and adult heartache struggles, from as far back at 6 years old to my 40's. I said one day I could make a movie of my life because of the complex things that back then had to be shoved under the carpet. I was brought up to be seen and not heard and not to talk until i was spoken to. My mother and father both were unperdictable on the daily just like yours Mayim, plates thrown, screaming, yelling, slapping, name calling and alot of abuse and torment towards me because I was the oldest of 3 kids and everything fell on my shoulders. When your move came out it hit the nail on the head 1000000%. I never knew one day to the next what was going to happen when i would get up in the morning to when i got home from school. I would always anticipate the worst in every situation. In my world I was scared to think positive because it most of the time turned negative. I could go on but I am sure I am one in a million who have gone thru this not just being of Jewish decent but any ethnic background. 5 years ago I litterially took out my star of David and my Chai and wear them proudly. I know I feel like Dustin said "a bad Jew". That is a true statement in how i feel at age 62. You probably wont read any of this I wrote but if you do know that your movie changed my life and opened my heart to a better understanding of my childhood and adulthood as a daughter of a disfunctional home to a mother of two children (very complex) and divorced and never remarried. I had the honor of meeting you two years ago on the way to San francisco from Burbank you were with your two boys. I waited for you before you exited the plane and asked for your autograph, You were gracious and kind and did give me one. I told you I didnt want to approach you in the terminal out of respect for your privacy or having anyone bombard you. You told me thank you very much for that. I had a smile on my face. You exited the plane, went out the door to drive away and I was at peace having met you. Now your movie was the icing on the cake for me in life. I dont know how much life I have to live but I have to live my best life I can and have to find absolute peace with my childhood upbringing and know that i was the best kid and best teenager and young adult, good mother, wife and now human being I can. Thank youf or that interview with Dustinn Hoffman. Another piece of a puzzle i needed for my healing journey. I guess in a way a story in my book that was told in bits and pieces. I love you and respect you so much.

I have watched every episode of this podcast and this is the first time you’ve gotten me tearing up. Thank you so much for having such a remarkable man on. Please please please have him on again. There is so much more you could discuss with him. Thank you so much Mr Hoffman for sharing your story. You have such a peaceful presence. Please have him on again ❤️

Always been a fan of both of you but to see the emotional connection between you and the genuineness of this interview had me in tears. Sooooooo good!🥰🥰🥰

What a legendary human, Dustin Hoffman has so much class and real appreciation for other creative people like Mayim, it's wonderful to watch your interaction in a live podcast. Mayim, take a compliment sometimes - it's Dustin Hoffman! You're a wonderful actress with so much depth too.

I saw the thumbnail & 1st thought was how mindblowing the words "Dustin Hoffman is on my podcast" must be for you, Mayim - congratulations!!! (ps after listening: what an enthralling experience, I hung on this beginning to end. I can't imagine what an effect this had on you experiencing it first hand.)

NEVER! Imagined seeing an acting legend like this…. Aim for those Mayim! This was awesome!

i'm mostly speechless now that I watched this beautiful episode. but what i feel the most is, I'm honored to have had way to witness this. I'm in my 50s so I know well and have always appreciated Dustin H as an actor, I certainly had read or watched interviews to him in the past, but this one, wow.. so intimate, so open, so brilliant and 'simple' (meaning, with not much 'artificial structure') at the same time, his way to embody his age and his emotions... really really beautiful. Now I can say I truly like also the human being he is, for what he shared with us here. So I also feel grateful to you Mayim and Jonathan for this unique chance you gave all of us. Thank you, thank you 🙏 (ps: can't wait to see your movie!!)

Dustin Hoffman is an amazing actor. I really loved his performance in Rain Man

Such an endearing, honest, and genuine human being. His living a life of ‘hyper vigilance’ ( without even an understanding of the term) was his gift to us. A double-edged sword that provided HIS OCD inherited conditionings for excellence and his desire to be honest in all his WORK so that he could touch our hearts in every portrayal of various human individuals. Meeting him 4 decades ago in my early twenties I knew then what an amazing talent he was even then. He continues to be, not only a universally recognized gift, but an incredible mensch. His family is also very blessed he’s in their lives, not just ours.

Dustin Hoffman is fascinating and had a fascinating life. I know "Goodnight Irene". My grandma was an Irene. My grandpa sang it to my Gram and later my dad sang it.

OMG! Such a treat! The best 95 minutes I've spent in a long time! Thank you so much. Dustin, thank you for sharing with us all. Those of us who've grown up with and around you and your career hold you dearly in our hearts and minds for having given us so much to enjoy. So happy I found this.

Hey guys! I just wanted to say how much I loved this episode. I laughed, I cried, I listened to you while I was taking a sun bath in the garden and suddenly I felt so full of joy and happiness. Thank you very much for your amazing commitment to this podcast. You are awesome. A big hug from the UK and so much love. ❤️🫂🥰😀

Have! Him! Back! What an amazing human?! So often on this show I get insight into other people. This is the first time I've ever had insight into myself because of someone else. This episode truly touched me. Thank you, sincerely, to everyone involved in this episode! Truly a fantastic watch and experience!

I was mesmerized, intrigued, awestruck, and fascinated. I could go on and on. Loved this interview and Mayim and Jonathan!!

Dustin Hoffman is a legendary actor. I love him in " sleeper's " one of the best ! Spectacular episode.

I loved this interview and I learned so much. It was so relaxed and organic and loving. My heart is full, thank you, Mayim, Dustin, and Jonathan.

One of my favorites is Dustin’s character in Meet the Fockers!

One of the best interviews I have ever seen. Thanks so much for being so open and honest and Dustin Hoffman is more amazing to me now than he was to me before.

“i know who i am when i’m playing someone else.” wow. that really hit me deep.

I am so happy I watched this episode on this platform. I got a kick out of Mayim's reaction to Dustin Hoffman's compliments and observations on her movie. He is a treasure between his sharing of such personal sh=tories through to his candor about age, overall health and sheer scope of his body of work. Thanks to Mayim and Jonathon for this treasure!

That was tremendously beautiful! I actually only knew him from the Fockers movies because I’m not really a movie person, I mostly watch shows or read but I definitely need to check more of his work out!

what a heartfelt and genuine conversation, amazing! 👏 please have more elders on, there was a real richness here that no 20 something can deliver.

Don't apologize for crying. It's a beautiful show of emotion that highlights your loving empathy for the living spirits who touch your heart

I loved every second of this episode. How fantastic getting to listen to Dustin Hoffman. Her face when he complimented her directing was adorable.

I could have listened to this for another 1.5 hours, there was so much more !!! Such a great interview!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I could have listened to many more hours. The mutual respect and authenticity exhibited throughout the entire episode was inspiring. Best podcast to date.

So impressed with the respect of this interview. Mayim was a great listener, great interview questions and nobody interrupted each other. Knocked it out of the park on this one. Love Dustin, his kind gentleness and awareness of himself. He's a wonderful storyteller, first class mench 💙💙💙

This is my all time favorite interview!! I envisioned, as I was listening, that this would be THE ultimate dinner party (guests)...type of discussion, deep, raw, so insightful. I agree with Jonathan, I could have listened for 6 hours.

I never knew what you said about my country, Argentina. I'm really amazed... And happy about my country saving people...

Time well spent -- thankyou, all!

This was amazing! He is a real legend, I could listen to him for hours! This podcast is getting better and better, and I can't wait to see the movie, I'm in Argentina so I'm not sure if I have access on the platforms available here.

Intelligent and creative people conversing is such a gift! Thank you.

This is fantastic! So very glad for you, Mayim!

Oh my gosh , I have the same family , I know that feeling on the feelings. Everyone in the family went through everything with each other. Especially when mom and dad were alive

What a great episode! there's nothing more beautiful than hearing such great men talk about their life and experiences. The best stories ever told are of our elders who have lived such different lives from us. Thank you for sharing Dustin Hoffman with us

OMG. I just sat over an hour in my kitchen after looking and eating ant totally forgot everything and everyone around me... That was beautiful, authentic, moving! Thank you!

Omg this might just be my favorite episode yet. Love love Dustin Hoffman so much. So much talent. I could listen to him tell stories forever ❤️❤️

I just got out of the psych ward i would love for Mr Hoffman to do an impression of me 😂 (my uncle worked in a psych ward as well in the 70s and did hilarious impressions, but as i got admitted I immediately wondered if nurses did impressions of us patients ahah).

Thank you so very much for this episode. I have always loved Mr. Hoffman for his various roles because of the diversity in his characters. It was an absolute pleasure to listen to him and his story. BTW, this Gentile has MAJOR allergies!

So many human moments and evidence of the lost art of conversation, and sharing feelings with out an ego. Story telling still lives! Thanks for brightening my day.

Kramer vs Kramer is one of my favorite movies. I could listen to him tell stories for hours, yeah? Wonderful man & actor.

I wish you could have extended this interview a few more hours. What a treat! Thank you to everyone involved. I hope you interview Mr. HOFFMAN again. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing all the background color of the two of you. Thanks again!

Ok…wow, now what do I do with the rest of my day?!? What. A. Boss.! 😁😁😁 I hung on every word and will definitely watch this one again. Also going to rent the movie soon Mayim 😉 so excited to watch (and feel all the feelings) Love the podcast guys, I am all caught up now and look forward to the next one every Tuesday morning. Sending good vibes your way 💗❤️💗

Chiming in about the 'being oneself while playing another character' ... I recently saw a Ted Talk about the workings of being 'authentic' and 'un-authentic'. The talk encouraged both but gave special attention to the positive workings of 'un-authentic' manners. For me, being 'un-authentic' has always been dreaded but the Talk explored the positive, healthy and kind workings, its good potential, and the shortcomings of only ever being 100% authentic ... in relating with others. I think this is kinda what Mr. Hoffman touched upon about the pleasant experience of playing another character and getting to know himself at the same time ... sigh, wonderful!

Mr. Hoffman’s story about the man with a stroke singing hit home. My beloved hubby had a severe stroke at age 53. Aphasia effected, he struggles to speak but can sing Johnny Cash songs. Before stroke he spoke 6 different languages so this also can be a barrier to speech. I miss intellectual debates with him. But love that Mr. Hoffman shared this story. He is amazing and send him gratitude for bringing joy to this world.

Thank you so much for this! Midnight Cowboy is one of my top ten favorite films ever and Mr. Hoffman's performance is one of the best in history. What a gem this interview is!

Thank you for this. I especially enjoyed y’all talking about why it’s different seeing things on the big screen as opposed to the small screen and how ya get more out of it. I’m trying to feel more relatedness over these last 2 years and I loved hearing y’all articulate the differences.

Dustin Hoffman? Released on my birthday? Mayim...THANK YOU!!!!!!

Perhaps one of the most insightful discussions I have ever seen! Thank you THANK YOU !!!

I just want to say… that it’s a rainy and cold day here in Santiago, Chile and I canceled the rest of my afternoon to watch this 😂. I wasn’t wrong. I’m patting myself in the back and I think I will watch rain man next.

Extraordinary encounter with brilliance! Thank you Mayim, Jonathan and Dustin for touching our hearts with your stories, your wisdom and your heart! 💗

I can’t get enough of this interview. He’s one of my favorite actors of all time. What a lovely guy.

Wow. Amazing episode. Wish it could have been longer!

What an amazingly beautiful, funny, honest, deep thoughts conversation between lovely people - thank you! Would love to see Mr Hoffman back for more! This was incredibly heartwarming and wholesome

What a win for y'all!!! He's amazing, this episode was amazing. Much love!

Definitely one of my favorite episodes so far! What a brilliant and authentic man! I have admired Dustin Hoffman’s work for years. My one shot at meeting him in person was when I studied in London and he was playing Shylock in the Merchant of Venice. I got sick the night of the show, stayed behind feeling sorry for myself... Turned out he gave my flat mates a ride back in his limo! I was heart sick I missed out when I heard that but also was touched by and impressed with his kindness. Thank you for this amazing interview!

I cannot imagine the mix of feelings you had to have worked with a cinematic icon, and have him be genuinely appreciative of your work. Even for someone who is famous, and has an admirable body of work, it must seem unreal. But Mazel Tov to you! I've seen the movie, and the praise is well deserved.

The tremendous BEAUTY of talking from the connection with one's and the other's heart and soul. Enjoyable, touching, heartful. Thank you! 🥰

I have always loved Dustin Hoffman since I saw him in Kramer vs Kramer. It was so amazing to see him being interviewed. He is such an interesting person and I also appreciated getting to know more about his relationship to Judaism. I would love for Mayom to interview him again. This was so special.

What an incredible get! Dustin Hoffman...he was so moved by speaking with you. What a memorable convo this must have been for you guys!

Oh my word what a great podcast. I'm aware of Mr. Hoffman's work. What a fascinating journey he's had and it no doubt contributed to his acting. I love how he stopped you Mayim and bounced a few of your questions back at you. It was as if I was sitting at the dining table with you all and watching a beautiful conversation unfold. Well done team. I found this podcast quite mesmerizing honestly. The wisdom he exudes is profound. Just imagine what we could learn if we could have a round table with a bunch of 80-somethings. Wow. I hope I get to feel such wisdom someday. Great conversation in all directions.

We know about Dustin Hoffman's professional life, we don't know dh the man and human being. You and Jonathan gave us what we were looking for

You guys grabbed me with this episode. Gold! Pure Gold!

I was mesmerized!! Incredible podcast. All 3 of you🥰

Dustin Hoffman aways a brilliant actor, embodies the character. I am not an actor, but consider myself a story teller...I paint, I'm a maker of things, and tell a story. It was so do wonderful hearing his process and how it thrilled him to share with you and you connect. Love this so much. FYI everyone in East Tennessee has hayfever!

Awesome to hear and see Dustin Hoffman talk about his life and his career. What a legend in film. Kramer vs Kramer was my first real movie. Mayim great questions and I thought your movie was Great however I was triggered by the resemblance of our mothers. All the acting was great I hope you win awards. Dustin and Mayim are geniuses. No matter where you are in your journey in life you much learn to understand yourself. It’s not always comfortable to dig deeply. It’s pretty simple. Life is difficult. We all struggle.

Ms. Bialik, thank you so much for describing the why of why you liked acting/auditioning. You are the first person I've heard explain it that way. I also have always felt that way about acting. My only memory of first grade is being in a play, on stage. I remember I was a flower. I don't think I had any lines. I just swayed and maybe we sang some songs. And when the audience (which were parents and family), stood up and clapped, cheared, had big smiles, they looked so happy. That's the moment I knew/decided that I wanted to be an actor. I just wanted to make people happy or rather be part of that process. Its never been about the applause for myself (for the attention) or for my own ego or out of a need to be creative. In fact the attention also made me uncomfortable. I just wanted to make people feel, whether its joy, sadness, even anger. Also simply to entertain. To give people a reprieve from the day to day. Its never been about me. I just wanted to be part of the collaborative/creative process. When you said that you didn't do it for the attention, I thought, oh my goodness, I'm not the only one. I really felt like kind of a freak because I don't have this need to be creative but rather to be part of the process. So thank you for that!😊