Every day is opening night.

Dan Hoyle

What makes Dan Hoyle so unique is his ability to seamlessly integrate the two realms of journalism and theater. A man of great curiosity and passion, Hoyle has a long history of storytelling, winning the 2007 distinguished Will Glickman 'Best New Play' Award for his show, Tings Dey Happen, and being nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Performance. In his newest play, The Real Americans, Hoyle presents a deeply personal and thought-provoking piece – documenting his interactions all around a diverse and complicated United States. This week, it is our pleasure to have the fascinating Dan Hoyle on the couch.

What do you consider to be your best asset?

I observe people well. My strength as an actor and writer comes from close observation of people and behavior, what they say (and what they don't.)

What was your proudest moment?

Performing my previous show Tings Dey Happen (about Nigerian oil politics) to rapt audiences in five Nigerian cities on a U.S. State Department tour.

What is your favorite drink?

I ride an energy/hydration wave of black tea and coco water. That's partying on a Tuesday.

What is your favorite food?

Vietnamese Pho. At 6am in Hanoi.

What is your favorite condiment?

I'm kind of a Dijon mustard guy, and I shudder to think what that means metaphorically.

What is your current obsession?

McConaughey. I could listen to him talk about Gap khakis for an hour right now.

If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?

Mangos.

What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?

To write and have a character role in an HBO show. Mike White is my current new hero.

What is the one thing you waste too much money on?

Print media. I'm 33 years old and I subscribe to half a dozen newspapers and magazines. But they're just too good.

What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?

Baseball on the radio.

What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?

My profession.

What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?

Work ethic. If a thing's worth doing, it's worth doing well.

What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?

Sorry, you want me to say what now about my Mama?

What in the world most thrills you?

The rush of good-feeling and empathy when you have random conversations with strangers and connect with them and know their story.

What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?

The branding of analogue experience. Aha! Now I've got you googling.

What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job?

I went up on my lines during my Obama cameo and I just went into a tailspin. I literally spoke Obama gibberish for about five seconds. There were no words, just his vocal pausings.

What is your favorite place in the world?

Anywhere that has really strong local culture and people are inviting me to groove in it.

What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?

The ability to take a nap from 3pm to 3:30pm.

Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?

Cats. If you don't feel like hanging out, they probably don't either.

What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?

I'll do my wedding day over again.

What is your personal motto?

Stay open.