Next Question with Katie Couric

Kyle MacLachlan Gets Personal: Inside His New Memoir “Fictional Selves”

Next Question with Katie Couric

Summary

Teenagers today are spending an average of nine hours a day on screens outside of school, raising concerns among parents about the potential risks associated with unrestricted internet access and social media. Gab, a company that produces phones and watches specifically designed for children, aims to address these concerns by offering devices that allow kids to stay connected without the distractions of social media. Their products include GPS-enabled watches for younger children and phones with parental controls for tweens and teens, promoting a gradual introduction to technology.

In a recent conversation, actor Kyle MacLachlan discusses his new memoir, "Fictional Selves," which reflects on his life and career, including his iconic roles in films and television. He explains that the impetus to write the book stemmed from a desire to share his experiences with his son and to provide insight into his life as an actor. MacLachlan recounts his journey from community theater in Yakima, Washington, to starring in major productions like "Dune" and "Twin Peaks," highlighting the influence of his parents and the importance of storytelling in understanding one's identity.

MacLachlan also shares his thoughts on fame, the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry, and the significance of mentorship and collaboration in his career. He emphasizes the value of connecting with younger generations and remaining curious about the evolving creative landscape. As he reflects on his experiences, MacLachlan encourages others to embrace their own stories and the lessons learned along the way.

Show Notes

Kyle MacLachlan has spent four decades disappearing into other people. He’s been Paul Atreides in Dune, Special Agent Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks, and Trey MacDougal in Sex and the City. Now, in his new memoir Fictional Selves, he’s turning the lens on himself.

On this episode of Next Question, Katie sits down with MacLachlan to talk about the characters that shaped his career and what he’s learned about the man behind them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from Next Question with Katie Couric

Oct 21, 2026

When we talk about aging well, we focus on our hearts, our brains, and our muscles, but we almost never talk about our mouths. After this conversation, I think that’s a big oversight.

Oct 20, 2026

A breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed. It can change the lives and relationships of everyone around them. In this episode of Next Question, I spoke with two mothers and their daughters about how breast cancer interrupted their lives and changed their relationships with one another. They share what it was like to navigate a diagnosis together, the emotional toll cancer can take on an entire family, and how their relationships evolved through it all. We’re sharing their stories to shed light on the impact breast cancer can have on patients and the people who love them. Presented in partnership with @EliLillyandCompany .

Oct 16, 2026

The “I’ve Had It” ladies–Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan–have taken social media by storm. The two progressive women from Oklahoma who have, well, had it with the politics of today. Jennifer has written a new book called Not Today, Fascists all about her upbringing surrounded by conservative evangelicals and the connections she’s made between the ultra-religious and the MAGA movement. Katie spoke with Jennifer about her new book, Jennifer’s hopes for the Democratic party, and about the latest moves from the Trump administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 15, 2026

Gloria Steinem was more than a feminist icon. She was a pioneering journalist, a tireless activist, and a driving force behind a movement that transformed the lives of generations of women. Following her death at 92, Katie gathered with two of Gloria's closest friends, actress and activist Marlo Thomas and feminist organizer Amy Richards, for a special tribute recorded live at New York's 92nd Street Y. Together, they reflect on Gloria's extraordinary life, from the early days of the women's liberation movement and the founding of Ms. magazine to the friendships and experiences that shaped her deeply held beliefs. They share intimate memories of the woman behind the public figure, discuss her posthumous memoir, An Unexpected Life, and reflect on her commitment to women's rights at a time when many of the gains she fought for are under threat. It's a moving, personal, and at times funny celebration of a woman who never stopped fighting for equality, never lost her sense of humor, and always believed in the power of hope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 13, 2026

As I get closer to my 70th birthday, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to age well. That’s what inspired “The Art of Aging,” where I’m talking with leading experts about the science of living healthier, longer. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Stephanie McNally, medical director of Northwell’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health and system director for the Center for Menopause and Midlife Health, to talk about the flawed study that left a generation of women afraid of hormone therapy, what the latest science says about who can safely benefit from it, and how losing estrogen affects everything from our hearts and bones to our brains and skin.. We discuss the options available for women who aren’t candidates for hormone therapy, from cognitive behavioral therapy to acupuncture to new prescription and herbal treatments, and why no woman should feel she has to just grin and bear it. In partnership with Northwell’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See all episodes →