a million little stories

a million little storiesa million little storiesa million little stories

a million little stories

a million little storiesa million little storiesa million little stories

a million little stories

a million little storiesa million little storiesa million little stories

the podcast hosted by DJ Nash, Creator of ABC's 

A Million Little Things.

Episodes

a million little stories

a million little storiesa million little storiesa million little stories

the podcast hosted by DJ Nash, Creator of ABC's 

A Million Little Things.

Episodes

Podcast Episodes

Ep 101: The Pitch

Ep 102: Romany Malco

Ep 102: Romany Malco

In his first episode, DJ shares one longer story. The pitch to A Million Little Things, word-for-word, exactly what he pitched, August 9, 2017, the day he sold the series to ABC. 

Ep 102: Romany Malco

Ep 102: Romany Malco

Ep 102: Romany Malco

DJ talks to actor Romany Malco about how he came to play Rome, what it's like portraying a character suffering from depression, and about race in our society.

Ep 103: The Cast

Ep 102: Romany Malco

Ep 104: AMLT Composer Gabriel Mann & Special Guest Colin Hay

DJ speaks with Casting Director Cathy Sandrich Gelfond about what it was like casting the main actors for the series.

Ep 104: AMLT Composer Gabriel Mann & Special Guest Colin Hay

Ep 104: AMLT Composer Gabriel Mann & Special Guest Colin Hay

Ep 104: AMLT Composer Gabriel Mann & Special Guest Colin Hay

In this episode, DJ takes an in-depth look with the show's composer Gabriel Mann at how the music and score are chosen for A Million Little Things. The first season, Colin Hay performed a special cover of his for the finale. Unbeknownst to Gabe, DJ gets Colin to show up, surprise Gabe, and perform his beautiful song. 

Ep 105: Executive Producer/Director James Griffiths

Ep 104: AMLT Composer Gabriel Mann & Special Guest Colin Hay

Ep 105: Executive Producer/Director James Griffiths

 James Griffiths has made eleven pilots. Ten of them have gotten on the air. DJ spends an hour talking with his friend, Executive Producer/Director James Griffiths about taking the script to A Million Little Things and putting it on the screen. 

Ep 106: Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen

Ep 104: AMLT Composer Gabriel Mann & Special Guest Colin Hay

Ep 105: Executive Producer/Director James Griffiths

 A Million Little Things deals with some pretty heavy topics, including: depression, suicide, breast cancer, PTSD, domestic violence, and chemical dependency. DJ spends the hour talking to Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, the show’s consultant, about the work that goes into depicting these issues both authentically and responsibly. 

Ep 107: J.K. Simmons

Ep 109: Father's Day/Growing Up Fisher Interview

Ep 108: David Schwimmer

 In honor of Father’s Day, DJ connects with J.K. Simmons to talk to him about playing DJ’s dad Mel in Growing Up Fisher. The two talk about the show, what goes into crafting a role, and the unexpected surprises of being a father. 

Ep 108: David Schwimmer

Ep 109: Father's Day/Growing Up Fisher Interview

Ep 108: David Schwimmer

In Part 2 of his three-part Father's Day special, DJ talks with one of TV's most beloved stars David Schwimmer about directing the pilot to Growing Up Fisher, fatherhood, and how Schwimmer made it okay for DJ to look this way.

Ep 109: Father's Day/Growing Up Fisher Interview

Ep 109: Father's Day/Growing Up Fisher Interview

Ep 109: Father's Day/Growing Up Fisher Interview

In Part 3 of his three-part Father's Day special, DJ talks with the most amazing man he's ever met in his life, his father, about his own experiences as a dad and what it was like having J.K. Simmons portray him on Growing Up Fisher.

Ep 110: Comedian Royale Watkins

Ep 302: An Inside Look at "Writings On The Wall"

Ep 109: Father's Day/Growing Up Fisher Interview

At the heart of it, A Million Little Things is a show about friendship. DJ spends the finale of Season 1 of the podcast with one of his best friends, comedian Royale Watkins, talking about friendship, marriage, and a million little things. 

Ep 301: An Inside Look at "Hit & Run"

Ep 302: An Inside Look at "Writings On The Wall"

Ep 302: An Inside Look at "Writings On The Wall"

With Season 3 of A Million Little Things back on the air, showrunner DJ Nash spends 40 minutes talking with Michelle Leibel, who co-wrote the premiere with him, about some of the behind the scenes fun and drama that went into writing the script and bringing it to television. 

Ep 302: An Inside Look at "Writings On The Wall"

Ep 302: An Inside Look at "Writings On The Wall"

Ep 302: An Inside Look at "Writings On The Wall"

In this behind the scenes look at Episode 302 of A Million Little Things Michelle Leibel returns to talk with DJ about being the child of someone who's physically challenged, whether or not you can stay in touch with exes, and some of the many, many, many practical jokes that are played on set and in the writers' room of A Million Little Things.  

Ep 303: An Inside Look at "Letting Go"

Mid-Season Premiere with DJ and the Writers

Ep 303: An Inside Look at "Letting Go"

Michelle Leibel is back joining DJ as they talk about where some of the funny moments in this week's episode came from and how important it was to the writers to tell Rome's story.

Holiday Special?

Mid-Season Premiere with DJ and the Writers

Ep 303: An Inside Look at "Letting Go"

In this Christmas Eve episode, DJ and Michelle joke about spending the holidays with family, those animated holiday specials and other happy memories of two Jewish kids growing up with Christmas. But most importantly, they answer questions from the Millionaires about life and making A Million Little Things. 

Mid-Season Premiere with DJ and the Writers

Mid-Season Premiere with DJ and the Writers

Mid-Season Premiere with DJ and the Writers

In anticipation of the mid-season premiere of A Million Little Things, DJ gathered the writers to talk about what it's like to work on the show and to take a story from idea to your living room.

Ep 305: An Inside Look at "Non-Essential"

Ep 305: An Inside Look at "Non-Essential"

Mid-Season Premiere with DJ and the Writers

DJ and his old pal Michelle get together to discuss this week's episode of A Million Little Things, whether or not the moon landing really happened, and a few other things.  

Ep 306: An Inside Look at "Miles Apart"

Ep 305: An Inside Look at "Non-Essential"

Ep 306: An Inside Look at "Miles Apart"

In this week’s episode, DJ takes an inside look at the episode of A Million Little Things called Miles Apart, talking with Actor Allison Miller, Director Tessa Blake, Editor Lauren Connelly and Writer Michelle Leibel about how the character Maggie came to be and how the writing, direction, editing and acting approached the subject of Maggie’s abortion.

Ep 307: An Inside Look at "Timing"

Ep 305: An Inside Look at "Non-Essential"

Ep 306: An Inside Look at "Miles Apart"

DJ and Michelle take an inside look at Episode 307, discussing Dakota taking the fall for Eddie, Maggie’s podcast, OCD tendencies, and how much disinfecting of an airplane seat is too much.

Ep 308: An Inside Look at "The Price of Admission"

Ep 308: An Inside Look at "The Price of Admission"

Ep 308: An Inside Look at "The Price of Admission"

In a special episode of the podcast, DJ sits down with Grace Park, Terry Chen, Claudia Vaughan, and Dr. Russell Jeung, founder of StopAAPIHate.org. They spend the hour talking about the increase in violence and hate speech toward the AAPI community and the portrayal of AAPI characters in Hollywood. Be sure to check out a very moving and unfortunately timely discussion.

Ep 309: An Inside Look at "The Lost Sheep"

Ep 308: An Inside Look at "The Price of Admission"

Ep 308: An Inside Look at "The Price of Admission"

In this episode, DJ and Michelle talk about the effects of social media, addressing important current issues in the show, and signs that are bigger than ourselves.

Ep 310: An Inside Look at "Trust Me"

Ep 308: An Inside Look at "The Price of Admission"

Ep 310: An Inside Look at "Trust Me"

In this episode, DJ talks with writer Elizabeth Laime, director Tessa Blake, and actors Lizzy Greene and Andrew Leeds about how they took the difficult topic of grooming and brought it to network television. An episode that's filled with laughs, tears, and Lizzy making fun of DJ. 

Episode 311: An Inside Look at "Redefine"

Episode 313: An Inside Look at "Listen" and "United Front"

Episode 311: An Inside Look at "Redefine"

 DJ and Michelle are back (this time vaccinated and in person) to talk about breaking the season over Zoom, all their favorite jokes that didn't make it to script, and the wonder of cat actors.

Episode 312: An Inside Look at "Junior"

Episode 313: An Inside Look at "Listen" and "United Front"

Episode 311: An Inside Look at "Redefine"

 In this week's episode, DJ talks with actor James Roday Rodriguez about how he came to play Gary, pitches that have helped shape the character, and what it's like seeing DJ cry.

Episode 313: An Inside Look at "Listen" and "United Front"

Episode 313: An Inside Look at "Listen" and "United Front"

Episode 314: An Inside Look at "Not Alone" and "No One is to Blame"

In this week's episode, DJ and Michelle discuss Episode 313 "Listen" and Episode 314 "United Front," talking about capturing different characters' viewpoints of the same complex topic and Michelle's incredible haircut. (That's how you wanted me to word it, right Michelle?) 

Episode 314: An Inside Look at "Not Alone" and "No One is to Blame"

Episode 315: An Inside Look at "Justice Part 1" and "Justice Part 2"

Episode 314: An Inside Look at "Not Alone" and "No One is to Blame"

In preparation for the A Million Little Things season finale, DJ and Michelle discuss Episodes 315 ("Not Alone") and Episode 316 ("No One is to Blame"), talking about fielding criticism on social media, the responsibility of being a mentor, and the fun of writing the ups and down of Katherine's dating life.

Episode 315: An Inside Look at "Justice Part 1" and "Justice Part 2"

Episode 315: An Inside Look at "Justice Part 1" and "Justice Part 2"

Episode 315: An Inside Look at "Justice Part 1" and "Justice Part 2"

DJ is joined by fellow writers Terrence Coli, Elizabeth Laime, and Michelle Leibel to discuss A Million Little Things' two-episode finale and their favorite on-camera and off-camera moments from Season 3. 

About DJ

A Little Bit About DJ

After graduating from Brown University, DJ headed right to Manhattan to begin his career doing stand-up in the New York comedy scene. 


In 2000, he was named Best New Face at the Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, which led to a deal with CBS where he co-created and starred in the CBS pilot, “Life with David J,” along with Elliott Gould. DJ has been writing (and not acting) ever since.


In 2014, DJ created and executive produced the NBC series “Growing Up Fisher,” starring Academy Award® winner J.K. Simmons and Jenna Elfman. The show was based on DJ’s childhood growing up with a father who is blind and with parents who got divorced. The show featured the first visually impaired lead character in a comedy series (as well as the first guide dog). In 2015, DJ created and executive produced his second series, “Truth Be Told,” starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Tone Bell, directed by Pamela Fryman.


There’s an old saying: “Friendship isn’t a big thing … it’s a million little things.” Loosely based on DJ’s real-life experiences, “A Million Little Things” is an hour-long dramedy for ABC in the tone of “The Big Chill” and “Big Little Lies,” about a group of friends who, for different reasons and in different ways, are all stuck in their lives. But when one of them dies unexpectedly, it’s just the wake-up call the others need to finally start living. Last May, the Television Academy awarded “A Million Little Things” one of the seven recipients of its 12th annual Television Academy Honors, which represents “some of the most powerful and impactful television of 2018.”


Lastly, the only thing on DJ’s bucket list is to play the drums with Sting to “Message in a Bottle.” Anyone who can help make this happen, please let DJ (and Sting) know.

Past Episodes - Season 1

Ep 101: The Pitch

In his first episode, DJ shares one longer story. The pitch to A Million Little Things, word-for-word, exactly what he pitched, August 9, 2017, the day he sold the series to ABC. Listen here.

Ep 102: Romany Malco

In a funny but at times moving interview, DJ talks to actor Romany Malco about their decade-long friendship, about the crazy way he came to play Rome, and about the lives that have been touched by the stories in A Million Little Things...not the least of which is theirs. And oh yeah, they also talk about Romany's upcoming movie, Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison. Listen here.

Ep 103: The Cast

DJ speaks with Casting Director Cathy Sandrich Gelfond about what it was like casting the main actors for the series. Listen here.

Ep 104: AMLT Composer Gabriel Mann & Special Guest Colin Hay

In this episode, DJ takes an in-depth look with the show's composer Gabriel Mann at how the music and score are chosen for A Million Little Things. The first season, Colin Hay performed a special cover of his for the finale. Unbeknownst to Gabe, DJ gets Colin to show up, surprise Gabe, and perform his beautiful song. Listen here.

Ep 105: Executive Producer/Director James Griffiths

James Griffiths has made eleven pilots. Ten of them have gotten on the air. DJ spends an hour talking with his friend, Executive Producer/Director James Griffiths about taking the script to A Million Little Things and putting it on the screen. Listen here

Ep 106: Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen

 A Million Little Things deals with some pretty heavy topics, including: depression, suicide, breast cancer, PTSD, domestic violence, and chemical dependency. DJ spends the hour talking to Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, the show’s consultant, about the work that goes into depicting these issues both authentically and responsibly. Listen here.

Ep 107: J.K. Simmons (Father's Day Part 1)

In honor of Father’s Day, DJ connects with J.K. Simmons to talk to him about playing DJ’s dad Mel in Growing Up Fisher. The two talk about the show, what goes into crafting a role, and the unexpected surprises of being a father. Listen here. 

Ep 108: David Schwimmer (Father's Day Part 2)

In Part 2 of his three-part Father's Day special, DJ talks with one of TV's most beloved stars David Schwimmer about directing the pilot to Growing Up Fisher, fatherhood, and how Schwimmer made it okay for DJ to look this way. Listen here.

Ep 109: Growing Up Fisher Dad Interview (Father's Day Part 3)

In Part 3 of his three-part Father's Day special, DJ talks with the most amazing man he's ever met in his life, his father, about his own experiences as a dad and what it was like having J.K. Simmons portray him on Growing Up Fisher. Listen here.

Ep 110: Comedian Royale Watkins

At the heart of it, A Million Little Things is a show about friendship. DJ spends the finale of Season 1 of the podcast with one of his best friends, comedian Royale Watkins, talking about friendship, marriage, and a million little things. Listen here. 

Past Episodes - Season 3

Ep 301: An Inside Look at "Hit & Run"

With Season 3 of A Million Little Things back on the air, showrunner DJ Nash spends 40 minutes talking with Michelle Leibel, who co-wrote the premiere with him, about some of the behind the scenes fun and drama that went into writing the script and bringing it to television. Listen here.

Ep 302: An Inside Look at "Writings on the Wall"

In this behind the scenes look at Episode 302 of A Million Little Things Michelle Leibel returns to talk with DJ about being the child of someone who's physically challenged, whether or not you can stay in touch with exes, and some of the many, many, many practical jokes that are played on set and in the writers' room of A Million Little Things. Listen here.

Ep 303: An Inside Look at "Letting Go"

Michelle Leibel is back joining DJ as they talk about where some of the funny moments in this week's episode came from and how important it was to the writers to tell Rome's story. Listen here.

Holiday Special

In this Christmas Eve episode, DJ and Michelle joke about spending the holidays with family, those animated holiday specials and other happy memories of two Jewish kids growing up with Christmas. But most importantly, they answer questions from the Millionaires about life and making A Million Little Things. Listen here.

Ep 305: An Inside Look at "Non-Essential"

DJ and his old pal Michelle get together to discuss this week's episode of A Million Little Things, whether or not the moon landing really happened, and a few other things. Listen here.

Ep 306: An Inside Look at "Miles Apart"

In this week’s episode, DJ takes an inside look at the episode of A Million Little Things called Miles Apart, talking with Actor Allison Miller, Director Tessa Blake, Editor Lauren Connelly and Writer Michelle Leibel about how the character Maggie came to be and how the writing, direction, editing and acting approached the subject of Maggie’s abortion. Listen here.

Ep 307: An Inside Look at "Timing"

DJ and Michelle take an inside look at Episode 307, discussing Dakota taking the fall for Eddie, Maggie’s podcast, OCD tendencies, and how much disinfecting of an airplane seat is too much. Listen here. 

Ep 308: An Inside Look at "The Price of Admission"

In a special episode of the podcast, DJ sits down with Grace Park, Terry Chen, Claudia Vaughan, and Dr. Russell Jeung, founder of StopAAPIHate.org. They spend the hour talking about the increase in violence and hate speech toward the AAPI community and the portrayal of AAPI characters in Hollywood. Be sure to check out a very moving and unfortunately timely discussion. Listen here.

Ep 309: An Inside Look at "The Lost Sheep"

In this episode, DJ and Michelle talk about the effects of social media, addressing important current issues in the show, and signs that are bigger than ourselves. Listen here.

Ep 310: An Inside Look at "Trust Me"

In this episode, DJ talks with writer Elizabeth Laime, director Tessa Blake, and actors Lizzy Greene and Andrew Leeds about how they took the difficult topic of grooming and brought it to network television. An episode that's filled with laughs, tears, and Lizzy making fun of DJ. Listen here.

Ep 311: An Inside Look at "Redefine"

DJ and Michelle are back (this time vaccinated and in person) to talk about breaking the season over Zoom, all their favorite jokes that didn't make it to script, and the wonder of cat actors. Listen here.

Ep 312: An Inside Look at "Junior"

In this week's episode, DJ talks with actor James Roday Rodriguez about how he came to play Gary, pitches that have helped shape the character, and what it's like seeing DJ cry. Listen here.

Ep 312: An Inside Look at "Junior"

In this week's episode, DJ talks with actor James Roday Rodriguez about how he came to play Gary, pitches that have helped shape the character, and what it's like seeing DJ cry. Listen here.

Ep 313: An Inside Look at "Listen" and "United Front"

In this week's episode, DJ and Michelle discuss Episode 313 "Listen" and Episode 314 "United Front," talking about capturing different characters' viewpoints of the same complex topic and Michelle's incredible haircut. (That's how you wanted me to word it, right Michelle?) Listen here.

Episode 314: An Inside Look at "Not Alone" and "No One is to Blame"

In preparation for the A Million Little Things season finale, DJ and Michelle discuss Episodes 315 ("Not Alone") and Episode 316 ("No One is to Blame"), talking about fielding criticism on social media, the responsibility of being a mentor, and the fun of writing the ups and down of Katherine's dating life. Listen here. 

AMLT Cast - #RunForMaud

On May 8, 2020, what would've been Ahmaud Arbery's 26th birthday, the cast and crew of A Million Little Things hosted a run in his honor. Speakers include cast members Romany Malco, Christina Moses, Allison Miller, James Roday, Chance Hurstfield and the show's creator, DJ Nash. The run was posted on Zoom and fans of the show were invited to join. So many did, from so many countries and even more states. It was a little bit of beauty to come out of a horrific event. Love must win.

DJ's Favorite Organizations

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

https://afsp.org/

PREVENTS

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The President's Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide

https://www.va.gov/PREVENTS/

Stand Up To Cancer

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Stand Up To Cancer

https://standuptocancer.org/

The Seeing Eye

The Seeing Eye

Stand Up To Cancer

https://www.seeingeye.org/

320 Festival

The Seeing Eye

320 Festival

https://320festival.com/

The Seeing Eye

On Saturday, October 17th, Mel left us. While he is gone, he truly will never be forgotten. His impact on the world, on his friends and family, on everyone he loved, was phenomenal. In 1981, Mel got his first guide dog, Brandy. And she changed his life. With Brandy at his side, he graduated law school, started a law practice that spanned over 30 years, and met the love of his life. With the three dogs he had that followed, Rindy, Jenner, and Gilbert, he continued to inspire every person he ever met. 


To honor Mel, we have asked that donations be made to The Seeing Eye so that other visually impaired people and their families can benefit from the independence a guide dog offers. You can find his page here.


You may also mail your gift directly to The Seeing Eye at PO Box 375, Morristown, NJ 07963 (please put “In Memory of Mel” on the memo line). Thank you so much for supporting a cause he held so close to his heart.

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