Hospital Lost Chunk of Patient's Skull, Riley Keough Allegedly Biological Mother to John Travolta's Son, Father Falls Asleep Holding Baby in Hot Tub, and More!

Cara Buono: Stranger Things, Playing Karen Wheeler & Fighting Demogorgons

This week, Tommy is joined by actress Cara Buono, best known for her powerful portrayal of Karen Wheeler on Netflix’s cultural phenomenon Stranger Things. With a career spanning decades across film and television Cara has become known for bringing depth, strength, and emotional nuance to every role she takes on—especially in the world of Hawkins.

She dives deep into her most unforgettable Stranger Things moments, including the iconic wine bottle scene, the physical demands of filming, and what it truly means to be part of such a beloved story. Cara also reflects on career twists that led her to the show, from losing a role to landing one that would change everything. Plus, she shares what she’s most proud of in this role, her thoughts on the show’s future, and a side of her journey she’s never talked about before.

Subscribe, rate, and leave a written review if you enjoy this conversation!

Tune in every week for new episodes of I’ve Never Said This Before

Executive Producers: iHeart Media and Elvis Duran Podcast Network

Follow us on socials! 

Instagram: @neversaidthisbefore

YouTube: @TommyDiDarioShow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FULL SHOW: The Day We Found Things in the Walls (and Ruined Christmas)

From live Christmas tree critters and stolen holiday gifts to weird stuff discovered inside your walls, this show goes completely off the rails. We debate siblings sleeping with friends, drawing questionable things on buses, zipper etiquette, awkward restaurant habits, and why “we” gifting is a crime. Plus: December birthday drama, shopping cart morality, and a very special Michael Oppenheimer moment.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The System Tried to Cancel Me

When Gandhi gets suspended from her ride share app for something she didn’t even do, the After Party crew dives into the chaos of anonymous reports, bad customer service, and how to actually get your money (or dignity) back.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The System Tried to Cancel Me

When Gandhi gets suspended from her ride share app for something she didn’t even do, the After Party crew dives into the chaos of anonymous reports, bad customer service, and how to actually get your money (or dignity) back.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Z100 Jingleball Diaries: Freya Skye

Backstage at our Z100 Jingleball presented by Capital One, Elvis, Danielle and Gandhi interviewed the biggest stars of the night!

For more info head to iheart.com/jingle-ball

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teeny Meanie Bonus Clip: Holiday Breaking Point

In this holiday Teeny Meanie, Lisa, Nick, and Celia give listeners permission to stop forcing joy, togetherness, and overcommitment just because it’s December. From skipping plans to ignoring guilt and doing only what actually feels good, the crew reminds you that rest counts, boundaries matter, and forced merriment helps no one. A messy, honest send-off before the show takes a well-earned holiday break.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around the Room: Don’t Yuck My Yum

Skeery defends his medium‑rare burgers from the well‑done police, Scotty B vents about his daughter ignoring a very simple luggage solution, Gandhi spirals into deep‑sea giantism, Garrett discovers his mom was way cooler than he ever knew, Sam gushes over her mom’s return to theater, Nate launches a campaign to bring back office mugs, and Danielle admits she’s being held hostage by tip‑screen guilt.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr. Michael Oppenheimer Sells Xmas Caulk

Mr. Michael Oppenheimer has no down season, so you bet he’s selling Patrick something for the holidays!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr. Michael Oppenheimer Sells Xmas Caulk

Mr. Michael Oppenheimer has no down season, so you bet he’s selling Patrick something for the holidays!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.