THE PLUG W/ JUSTIN JAY
THE PLUG W/ JUSTIN JAY
No PR questions. No soundbites. Just real conversation. The Plug w/ Justin Jay is a long-form arts and culture podcast — conversations with the musicians, athletes, photographers, directors, and designers who actually make the things worth talking about. Guests have included Tony Hawk, De La Soul, MGMT, Foo Fighters, The Strokes, Tom Sachs, Stacy Peralta, and more. Each episode, photographer and author Justin Jay goes deep on craft, failure, and the work behind the work. Watch video clips and selected full episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay
April 09, 2026

Andrew McCarthy

Andrew McCarthy starred in several iconic 80's films and is a NYT best-selling writer

Andrew McCarthy
THE PLUG W/ JUSTIN JAY
Andrew McCarthy

Andrew McCarthy starred in several iconic 80's films and is a NYT best-selling writer

This episode we sit down with actor, director, and New York Times bestselling author Andrew McCarthy for a candid conversation about friendship, identity, and reinvention.

Best known for iconic roles in St. Elmo's Fire, Pretty In Pink, Weekend at Bernie’s and some of your favorite 80’s films, McCarthy has spent the last decade carving out a second act as a deeply introspective writer. His latest book, Who Needs Friends, documents a 10,000-mile solo road trip across America, where he spoke with strangers—from cowboys to cops—to explore the often unspoken realities of male friendship.

The conversation dives into why men struggle with vulnerability, how friendships evolve (or fade) over time, and what happens when a life in Hollywood gives way to a quieter, more reflective creative path. McCarthy also opens up about the complicated legacy of the Brat Pack, the loneliness of the open road, and the surprising honesty he found in conversations with strangers.

Our conversation with Andrew is a thoughtful look at connection in modern life—and a reminder that it’s never too late to redefine who you are.


Check out video clips of this episode and other conversations on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNH5UGRKI5E1AUBWAk-OkrA?sub_confirmation=1


Purchase Who Needs Friends by Andrew McCarthy

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/andrew-mccarthy/who-needs-friends/9781538768945/


HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii’s North Shore by Justin Jay:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.hi1k.com/⁠⁠⁠


Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://justinjay.com/

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