About
Real CONVERSATIONS
with spectacular people.
REALLY FAMOUS is a top-rated celebrity-interview show (streaming video + podcast + onstage interviews) featuring intimate talks with top actors, TV personalities and comedians. My guests and I dive into fun, revealing conversations about who they really are and how they really feel.
We talk life, love, regrets, movies, TV, Hollywood, serendipity, ups, downs, and anything that comes up. I genuinely want to get to know the real person behind the fame.
Our talks are intimate yet fun — a 100% real experience.
It’s like catching up with old friends — or eavesdropping on a therapy session.
Watch the sizzle reel.
Really Famous IMDb page
WHERE IT AIRS
Really Famous has aired 100+ episodes on dozens of platforms, including YouTube, Facebook Video, Instagram Live, IGTV, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Pandora, plus live, on-stage shows.
We perform live shows on stages in New York City, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Our newest shows (interrupted by the pandemic, but returning this summer) are in New York City at The Stand, 54 Below, The Friars Club, The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and MMAC, with special guests like Chazz Palminteri, Tim Daly and Michael Imperioli.
Watch now:
WHY CELEBS LOVE IT
Each episode is a great time—not your typical Q&A. It’s like hanging out with an old friend. Smiles all around. Guests feel free to be themselves and they truly shine. (Hear what guests say. Hear what fans say.)
“[Kara] is superb. I would put our conversation among my top three interviews – the others being Terry Gross and Charlie Rose." — Tim Gunn
“I love [Kara]. She brings out the best in people.” — Patrick Fabian (Better Call Saul)
“I wasted years of therapy. I could’ve just come on this podcast and been completely sorted out!” — Alan Cumming (The Good Wife)
Many guests come back (e.g., Tim Daly, Michael Imperioli, Steve Zahn, Jaime Camil, Debi Mazar, Christopher Knight) because they honestly love these talks.
WHY FANS LOVE IT
TV viewers and podcast listeners love this show because it’s relatable, reassuring and entertaining—all in one package.
This isn’t about celebrity gossip or pre-rehearsed answers. It’s about getting to know the REAL person behind the fame.
Fans feel like they’re right there on the couch with us, laughing, smiling, thinking, “Yes, I can relate!” or “I loved this celebrity before, but now I love them even more.”
When you watch this show, you’ll probably feel better. You may feel a little less lonely. You may have an “aha moment” (or many). You may feel like you have a new best friend (or two). You may feel like you eavesdropped on a therapy session.
Assorted things fans say:
“It’s like being at a party in a conversation, and, for once, I am the quiet one. Everything seems so intimate and interesting, and, just relaxed!”
“The connection I feel with both [Kara and her guest] is: Where have you been all my life?”
“It’s so interesting to hear someone with a background as a therapist conduct an interview.”
“I had a Really Famous binge fest this summer, which lit so many fires under me.”
See more of what fans say here.
BACKSTORY
I owe it all to Tim Gunn.
On a cold January afternoon in 2015, I went to Tim’s apartment in New York City to interview him for a piece I was writing for The New York Times. It was a short piece—maybe 700 words about his typical Sunday routine. All I really needed was a rundown on when he wakes up, what he does all day, where he goes, what he eats, his bedtime routine, that sort of thing.
When we sat down in his living room (which was impeccably decorated, naturally), we really got into it. Not only did he describe his favorite Sunday attire (a suit), activity (The Metropolitan Museum of Art), and cocktail (Manhattan), but we found ourselves talking about everything from the fashion industry’s elitist habits to his real feelings about the Project Runway judges, his mother’s death, his relationship with his sister, his Thanksgiving ritual, and why receiving gifts makes him cringe. We drank coffee and ate brownie bites. He showed me his Emmy and his pjs. It was sublime.
Three hours later, I walked out of Tim’s place—fully alive, 100% myself, endorphins coursing through my body. This was my thing. Deeply authentic, honest, fun, sad, meandering conversations and genuine connection was what I was made for.
When I got home, I reminded myself I could fit maybe 7-8 tiny pieces of what Tim told me that day in my short newspaper piece. So about 10 minutes. Of our three delicious hours. But que será, será.
And then, as I recounted my most fabulous experience with Tim to my husband, Dave, he said quite simply, “You should do a podcast.” (An early adopter of podcasts, Dave had gotten me hooked a few years earlier. But until that day, I never dreamed of hosting one.) With no limit on what my guests and I talk about or how long we talk, our natural connection and conversation—not just snippets and sound bites—would be there for everyone to enjoy. Brilliant!
So that was that.
After a year or two of perusing the idea, I hit the ground running. A couple of months of research, some basic equipment, and a name (Really Famous: I interview famous people, but I’m looking for the real person)—and I was on my way.
In 2017, Really Famous was launched.
My first guest? Tim Gunn.
Tim & ME
The fabulous Tim Gunn and me, recently in New York City.
ABOUT KARA
I’m Kara Mayer Robinson, MA, LMHC. I’m an interviewer, therapist, mental health advisor, journalist, friend, mom, and TV and film lover. I also really, truly like people.
I’m all about getting to know you as you really are. If you sit across from me during an interview, at a café, or on your phone, I’m 100% there with you, totally connected, in the zone.
I recently moved to Los Angeles from the New York City suburbs. I have three kids, a husband and a black Labrador retriever (“Stellaaaaaaa!!!!”).
I feel extraordinarily lucky that I carved out this career, especially considering its odd and winding path. (Let’s just say it involves an accounting degree, Comedy Central, Bob Newhart, Columbia University, a New York therapy license, The New York Times, Edie Falco and a lot of trial-and-error with microphones and video cameras.)
But truth be told, I work for it. I’m a “go for it,” “let’s do this,” “yes!” “make it happen” person. When I set my sights on something, I get super passionate about it, figure out what I need to do, and I just do it. (I owe this quality to my mom.)
I also love nestling on the couch for a few hours of great TV. I watch it all—the latest Max, Apple TV+, Hulu and Netflix series and the classics, from North By Northwest to The Brady Bunch.
I can tell you what’s good and what’s not—just ask! (I owe my film and television appreciation, as well as my listening skills, to my dad.)
Assorted movies and shows I adore: The Godfather, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Before Sunset, ET, Doctor Zhivago, Gomorrah, Borgen, The White Lotus, Severance, Hacks. (There are plenty more—believe me.)
Other passions: celebrity memoirs, Italy, speaking Italian (well, trying to), long and speedy walks, people-watching, fine chocolate, rich espresso, fabulous style, vibrant summer dresses, fabulous heels, train stations, traveling on trains and last-minute plans.
(OK, now this is starting to feel like a dating app profile…let’s move on.)
If you’d like to hear more of my personal stories, how I got here, my thoughts on life, etc., you’ll find scoop on The Story of Me blog.
TALK SHOW HOST
I absolutely love hosting my talk show, interviewing celebrities on stage and taping interviews for television, podcasts and YouTube. It’s my jam.
I’m a therapist, so my talks tend to be real - and fascinating. We don’t just talk about nonsense. (Well, sometimes we do, because it’s fun to talk about things like weird habits and guilty pleasures.)
We get into the things you’d talk about when you haven’t seen your best friend in a few weeks and you’re dying to catch up because you have things on your mind. Ups and downs. Relationships. Anxiety. Self-doubt. Dreams. Hopes. Ideas. Reflections on life. The new TV series you just found.
People say I bring out the best in people. They also say they feel like I’m their best friend. I really like that. (And if you want to compare me to Oprah, Barbara Walters or Ellen, which I’ve heard a few times, well—I’m honored!)
Which talks do I love most? All of them. But fine, fine, if you insist, I’ll pick a few classics: Danny Aiello, Tim Daly, Michael Imperioli, Tippi Hedren, Kim Fields, Tim Gunn, Louie Anderson, Meredith Vieira, Julian McMahon
THERAPIST
Before starting Really Famous, I had a private practice in New York. I’m still licensed. I earned my Master of Arts at Columbia University in New York City.
My training, my empathy, and my intuition add up to create a synergy that leads to deep, personal, meaningful conversations.
Not only do I help them open up, but in a totally safe and satisfying way.
I see people — really, truly see them. I also read people. And I genuinely appreciate them.
People say I bring out the best in everyone.
I think they’re right.
Want to know more about my availability as a therapist? Click here.
MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT
Now I bring my skill set to TV and film productions.
I work on sets as a mental health advisor, wellbeing facilitator, wellness coordinator, coach and consultant. I’m an emotional support resource. I’m on set to make sure everyone’s mental health is OK. Whether it’s personal struggles or a work conflicts, I smooth out the edges, calm the waters and help everyone feel better so they can do a better job.
Learn more about my on-set mental health services at HollywoodWellness.org.
WRITER
I’ve written hundreds of pieces published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, Emmy Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Time Out New York, WebMD Magazine and more. Many are cover stories. Many are celebrity profiles. Take a look, if you’d like:
Assorted faves: Spike Lee (NYT), Sharon Stone (WebMD cover), Michael Rapaport (NYT), Chrissy Metz (WebMD cover), Keri Russell & Matthew Rhys (WSJ), Regina King (WebMD cover), Jesse Eisenberg (Time Out).
AMAZON INFLUENCER
I’m happy to announce I’m now an Amazon Influencer, so I can share my favorite things, TV + film finds, gear recommendations + more on my Amazon Influencer Storefront.
It’s a great way to support Really Famous. Amazon sends over a small advertising fee every time you buy something through my link.
ONSTAGE INTERVIEWER, SPEAKER, HOST, TV SEGMENTS
As it turns out, I LIVE FOR live interviews. I host them at venues large and small.
I moderate panels. I host events. I speak about why celebrities are just like you, interviewing, podcasting, television, film, women in media, and more.
Recent and upcoming appearances include the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters), Digital Hollywood and Podcast Movement.
You can hire me to dazzle up your event, film festival, movie screening, panel, Q&A or corporate meeting.
MEDIA APPEARANCES
Sure, I’m a good listener. But I’m also a good talker. I love to talk — about my show, my celebrity guests, my favorite TV shows and movies, my life, you name it. You can see for yourself, if you’d like.
Check out my guest spots on these radio shows + podcasts:
Bialik Breakdown with Mayim Bialik
Really Famous (with guest host Peter Hermann)
INSIDE SCOOP
Join me for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes fun and early access to live events:
REACH OUT
Pitch a celebrity. Propose a collaboration. Sponsor the show. Give feedback.
I’m here for you. Here’s how to get in touch.
Copyright 2022 Kara Mayer Robinson LLC