Mickey Rourke, Golden Globe winner and an Oscar nominee for his performance in The Wrestler, reflects on the issues leading to his self-destruction and his Hollywood comeback.

Prolific singer-songwriter Lionel Richie discusses the early days of Motown, the new meaning his career hit songs take when he's performing on the stage, the international Obama-mania when he was on the road during the campaign season and the role he played on Obama's compilation CD.

Multitalented comedian-actor Garry Shandling reminisces about getting his start in the business and talks about the humor in the recent presidential race and the current economic situation.

New York Times' chief Washington correspondent David Sanger weighs in on the challenges facing President Obama. Singer-songwriter-producer Akon describes his African roots and explains how he came into the music business with a 10-year plan.

Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, star of the new film, Last Chance Harvey, discusses panic attacks, depression and lifetime achievement awards.

Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn discusses the GOP's continuing opposition to using taxpayer dollars to bail out failing U.S. companies and banks. Alt-country singer-songwriter Neko Case talks about her new CD, "Middle Cyclone."

Pulitzer Prize-winning military affairs reporter Thomas Ricks, author of Fiasco and The Gamble, weighs in on the war in Iraq, saying that nothing good can come of it. Emmy-nominated actor Ian McShane talks about his new NBC series, Kings.

From the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates comments on the latest developments in Iraq and Afghanistan, President Obama's recent announcement of a date certain for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq and reshaping the Pentagon for the needs of the 21st century.

Michigan's Gov. Jennifer Granholm discusses the crisis for the U.S. auto industry and its impact on the country. ER's Noah Wyle reflects on the arc of the character he plays on the long-running hit series and his role in the feature film An American Affair.

Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy weighs in on how to stop racism in the NFL's coach selection process. Oscar-nominated actress and Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman describes her role in the new film, Phoebe in Wonderland.

Journalist Dan Baum talks about his acclaimed new book project on the people of New Orleans, Nine Lives. Actor Bill Paxton, star of the HBO series Big Love, comments on the possibility of being typecast and describes his new JFK series project.

Lisa Jackson, the first African American administrator of the EPA, explains her views on environmental racism. Legendary singer-songwriter-guitarist Bobby Womack expresses his feelings on being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

National security affairs expert Thomas P.M. Barnett, author of Great Powers, discusses America's place in a post-Bush world. Oscar-winning actor Timothy Hutton tells the story behind the character he plays in TNT's series, Leverage.

Brown University Africana studies professor Tricia Rose explains why hip-hop is ostracized, yet rises to the level of being studied. London-born novelist Zoë Heller comments on adapting novels to film and talks about her newest project, The Believers.

Spinal Tap members—Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Michael McKean—explain how they came together 25 years ago for their "mockumentary" and why they're embarking on a new concert tour.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich argues bankruptcy vs. bailout, proposes a different solution for the economic woes of the U.S. and talks about the future of the GOP. The Mentalist star Simon Baker offers his thoughts on why his show is TV's most popular new drama.

World-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Keith Black discusses the issues of healthcare for the poor and faith vs. science and explains some of the latest advances in his field. Hitmaking singer-songwriter-producer The-Dream talks about the difficulties he had growing up and adapting in school.

Tavis pays tribute to the late Dr. John Hope Franklin and revisits his conversation with the dean of African American historians, which included a discussion of Dr. Franklin's influential legacy, as well as his personal struggles with discrimination.

Wall Street exec Carla Harris weighs in on the financial crisis and says being the architect of your own agenda is a key to success. Tony-nominated actor Bobby Cannavale explains his attraction to the role he plays in ABC's new series Cupid and how New York City factored into his career decisions.

Celebrated dancer-choreographer Judith Jamison, the longtime artistic director for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, reflects on Ailey's mission and his company's legacy and describes the genius in dance.

North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad, chair of the Budget Committee, gives an update on the flood situation in his state and discusses the looming budget fight. Sudanese child soldier turned hip-hop star Emmanuel Jal recounts his early memories and shares why he was ready to tell his story.

Former investigative reporter and investment banker William Cohan, author of House of Cards, examines what went wrong on Wall Street and comments on whether it will be the same again. My Name is Earl star, Emmy-winning actress Jaime Pressly, talks about being emancipated at age 15 and the importance of adults helping kids.