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Charlie Sheen Speaks Out, Saluting ‘Downton Abbey,’ Olivia Cooke Is ‘The Girlfriend,’ Big Cats on PBS

TV Insider
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Charlie Sheen Speaks Out, Saluting ‘Downton Abbey,’ Olivia Cooke Is ‘The Girlfriend,’ Big Cats on PBS


Netflix

aka Charlie Sheen

One of Hollywood’s most notorious figures is now seven years sober, and as the centerpiece of a publicity blitz surrounding his new memoir (The Book of Sheen, out this week), Charlie Sheen at 60 consents to an exhaustive interview for a two-part documentary from director Andrew Renzi. He reflects on his meteoric rise, his personal lows (drug and alcohol abuse, a careless predilection for sex workers, getting fired from Two and a Half Men) and how he somehow survived it all. Among the colorful personalities also weighing in: ex-wives Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller, Men costar Jon Cryer, former Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss and even his former drug dealer. Expect eyes to open and jaws to drop.

Cast members of 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale'

Rory Mulvey/Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection

Downton Abbey Celebrates the Grand Finale

They left TV and Masterpiece nearly a decade ago, but the Crawleys of Downton Abbey and their devoted staff of servants have never entirely gone away. With a third and final film in the beloved period franchise opening this weekend, the stars gather at London’s posh Savoy Hotel to reminisce about Downton Abbey‘s past and present, sharing the fondest of memories. You know this is why you’ve been saving that bottle of bubbly.

Waleed Zuaiter, Olivia Cooke, Robin Wright, Laurie Davidson, and Tanya Moodie in 'The Girlfriend' on Prime Video

Christopher Raphael / Prime Video

The Girlfriend

What could be more welcome at midweek than a streaming guilty pleasure? This sleek, sexy melodrama depicts a battle of wills between two femmes fatales: Laura, an icily controlling and fabulously wealthy mother (House of Cards‘ stunning Robin Wright) and the working-class looker named, of all things, Cherry (House of the Dragon‘s scintillating Olivia Cooke), who has captured the fancy of Laura’s adored doctor son Daniel (Laurie Davidson). “This one is … different,” Daniel tells his extremely clingy mom before she meets Cherry, sparking an almost immediate mutual distrust. The story unfolds from both Laura’s and Cherry’s alternating perspectives, showing events from different angles that leave you wondering what really happened. One thing’s for certain: It’s not going to end well. All six episodes are available for a juicy binge-watch.

'Big Cats 24/7' Season 2

Tom Parry / BBC Studios

Big Cats 24/7

Using thermal cameras and drone technology, nature filmmakers take an around-the-clock immersive approach to capturing life among the big cats of Botswana — lions, leopards and cheetahs, oh my — in the second season of the enthralling docuseries. The first two episodes of the four-part series focus on the females of the species, tending to their lion, leopard and cheetah cubs and protecting them from intruders and other predators.

Aidy Bryant in 'Platonic' Season 2 Episode 7

Apple TV+

Platonic

Three is becoming a crowd when Will’s (Seth Rogen) friskiness in the guest house becomes a concern for his best bud Sylvia (Rose Byrne) and too-accommodating husband Charlie (Luke Macfarlane), whose time in therapy has made him more assertive about demanding change. While Will goes home-hunting, he also makes time to help Sylvia with the holiday retirement party she’s planning for Charlie’s law firm, no one expecting the bombshell that’s about to drop. Guest stars include The Office‘s Paul Lieberstein as Charlie’s therapist, whose very name is a joke, and Saturday Night Live alum Aidy Bryant as Sylvia’s potential new client.

INSIDE WEDNESDAY TV:

ON THE STREAM:

  • The Hardacres (streaming on BritBox): A rags-to-riches period family drama from the U.K. follows the fortunes of a working-class Yorkshire clan from the fish docks who unexpectedly come into money and take over a country estate to the chagrin of their new neighbors.
  • Eli’s Places (streaming on ESPN+): Eli Manning travels to Stanford to discuss the impact of Name, Image and Likeness rulings with former Colts QB Andrew Luck, who’s now General Manager of his alma mater Cardinal team. While there, Manning helps walk-on long snapper Alejandro Chavez negotiate his first endorsement deal.
  • Helluva Boss (streaming on Prime Video): Plucked from YouTube, the irreverent adult animated comedy about an assassination bureau from Hell presents its first two seasons, fully uncensored for the first time, along with an original episode.




This story originally appeared on TV Insider

Kamala Harris protection flap shows everything is political

LATimes
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Kamala Harris protection flap shows everything is political

When Kamala Harris was contemplating a run for California governor, one of her supposed considerations was the security detail that attends the state’s chief executive.

The services of a life-preserving, ego-boosting retinue of intimidating protectors — picture dark glasses, earpiece, stern visage — were cited by more than one Harris associate, past and present, as a factor in her deliberations. These were not Trumpers or Harris haters looking to impugn or embarrass the former vice president.

According to one of those associates, Harris has been accompanied nonstop by an official driver and person with a gun since 2003, when she was elected San Francisco district attorney. One could easily grow accustomed to that level of comfort and status, not to mention the pleasure of never having to personally navigate the 101 or 405 freeways at rush hour.

That is, of course, a perfectly terrible and selfish reason to run for governor, if ever it was a part of Harris’ thinking. To her credit, the reason she chose to not run was a very good one: Harris simply “didn’t feel called” to pursue the job, in the words of one political advisor.

Now, however, the matter of Harris’ personal protection has become a topic of heated discussion and debate, which is hardly surprising in an age when everything has become politicized, including “and” and “the.”

There is plenty of bad faith to go around.

Last month, President Trump abruptly revoked Harris’ Secret Service protection. The security arrangement for vice presidents typically lasts for six months after they leave office, allowing them to quietly fade into ever greater obscurity. But before vacating the White House, President Biden signed an executive order extending protection for Harris for an additional year. (Former presidents are guarded by Secret Service details for life.)

As the first female, first Black and first Asian American vice president, Harris faced, as they say in the protective-service business, an elevated threat level while serving in the post. In the 230-odd days since Harris left office, there is no reason to believe racism and misogyny, not to mention wild-eyed partisan hatred, have suddenly abated in this great land of ours.

And there remain no small number of people crazy enough to violently act on those impulses.

The president could have been gracious and extended Harris’ protection. But expecting grace out of Trump is like counting on a starving Doberman to show restraint when presented a bloody T-bone steak.

“This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, the revoking of security clearances and more,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass angrily declared.

True.

Though Bass omitted the bit about six months being standard operating procedure, which would have at least offered some context. It wasn’t as though Harris was being treated differently than past vice presidents.

Gov. Gavin Newsom quickly stepped into the breach, providing Harris protection by the California Highway Patrol. Soon after, The Times’ Richard Winton broke the news that Los Angeles Police Department officers meant to be fighting crime in hard-hit areas of the city were instead providing security for Harris as a supplement to the CHP.

Not a great look. Or the best use of police resources.

Thus followed news that officers had been pulled off Harris’ security detail after internal criticism; supposedly the LAPD’s involvement had always been intended as a stopgap measure.

All well and good, until the conservative-leaning Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union representing rank-and-file officers, saw fit to issue a gratuitously snarky statement condemning the hasty arrangement. Its board of directors described Harris as “a failed presidential candidate who also happens to be a multi-millionaire, with multiple homes … who can easily afford to pay for her own security.”

As if Harris’ 2024 defeat — she lost the popular vote to Trump by a scant 1.5%, it might be noted — was somehow relevant.

To be certain, Harris and her husband, attorney Doug Emhoff, won’t miss any hot meals as they shelter in their 3,500-square-foot Brentwood home. (The one house they own.) But they’re not stupid-rich either.

One person in the private-security business told Winton that a certain household name pays him $1,000 a day for a 12-hour shift. That can quickly add up and put a noticeable dent in your back account, assuming your name isn’t Elon or Taylor or Zuckerberg or Bezos.

Setting aside partisanship — if that’s still possible — and speaking bluntly, there’s something to be said for ensuring Harris doesn’t die a violent death at the hands of some crazed assailant.

The CHP’s Dignitary Protection Section is charged with protecting all eight of California’s constitutional officers — we’re talking folks such as the insurance commissioner and state controller — as well as the first lady and other elected officials, as warranted. The statutory authority also extends to former constitutional officers, which would include Harris, who served six years as state attorney general.

Surely there’s room in California’s $321-billion budget to make sure nothing terrible happens to one of the state’s most prominent and credentialed citizens. It doesn’t have to be an open-ended, lifetime commitment to Harris’ protection, but an arrangement that could be periodically reviewed, as time passes and potential danger wanes.

Serving in elected office can be rough, especially in these incendiary times. The price shouldn’t include having to spend the rest of your life looking nervously over your shoulder.

Or draining your life savings, so you don’t have to.



This story originally appeared on LA Times

Candice, Amelia & Daiane Rock ALO’s First Bag Collection

FashionGoneRogue
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Candice, Amelia & Daiane Rock ALO’s First Bag Collection


ALO debuts its first bag collection. Photo: Steven Meisel / ALO

ALO just turned up the heat with its first-ever luxury bag campaign, and the images are pure power pose fantasy. Shot by legendary photographer Steven Meisel, the new visuals star Candice Swanepoel, Amelia Gray, and Daiane Sodré.

The trio is draped over sculptural leather silhouettes, resembling gym goddesses in glistening, second-skin sets. Each shot is a flex in its own right, combining raw athleticism with fashionable polish. These accessories are all about making a statement.

ALO Bag Campaign

Alo bag 2025 campaign02

The collection features four dynamic shapes: the Voyage Duffle, Odyssey Bowler, Tranquility Tote, and Balance Bucket, all handcrafted in Florence using Silver Standard calfskin and suede. Designed in LA, each piece is infused with ALO’s wellness-meets-luxury DNA.

Alo bag 2025 campaign03

Think yoga studio energy wrapped in Italian leather. Every bag comes with an intention-setting crystal, smoky quartz for grounding or citrine for creativity, because of course, your tote should come with good vibes. Rose and clear quartz are coming later this year, too.

Alo bag 2025 campaign04

Whether you’re heading to the airport or just want your Pilates bag to hit different, ALO’s new launch is serving function, fashion, and full-on main character energy.

Alo bag 2025 campaign05



This story originally appeared on FashionGoneRogue

Democrat Senator John Fetterman Slams His Own Party for Embracing Socialism: ‘You Are Morons’ (VIDEO) | The Gateway Pundit

TheGatewayPundit
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Democrat Senator John Fetterman Slams His Own Party for Embracing Socialism: ‘You Are Morons’ (VIDEO) | The Gateway Pundit


Screencap of Twitter/X video.

Once again, Democrat Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania who suffered a stroke, is coming off as one of the most sensible members of his party.

As Zohran Mamdani rises in the polls for the New York City mayoral race, Fetterman called people in his party ‘morons’ for accepting the ideology of socialism.

He even talks about meeting a person from a socialist country who warned him about the evils of that economic system.

Breitbart News reports:

When asked about a Gallup poll that found that 42 percent of Democrats have a favorable view of capitalism, while 66 percent of Democrats “view socialism favorably,” Fetterman shared how when he was in Croatia, he told people that “some people” in the Democrat Party “are talking about socialism,” and asked people about their thoughts.

“Senator, there’s a Gallup poll that was released that 42 percent of Democratic voters view capitalism favorably, while 66 percent of Democratic voters view socialism favorably. Do you think that’s a messaging issue for Democrats?” a reporter asked.

“Oh, that’s a great, it’s a great question,” Fetterman responded. “I literally was in a former communist nation, and I asked that. I said, ‘Some people in my party, some of the lefties are talking about socialism now. What do you think?’ And he’s like, ‘That’s the worst thing ever. You would never want to live here, I’ve lived through that kind of a thing. You’re going to need a reality check if you ever adopt any of those things. You know, like, you are morons. It’s like, it was a nightmare for us, and now we are a free market nation.’ It was Croatia.”

Watch the clip:

Back in 2008, when Obama was running for president, Democrats would foam at the mouth if you accused them of being socialists. Now, after years of Bernie Sanders preaching to the left about the glories of socialism, they’re completely open about their support of it.




This story originally appeared on TheGateWayPundit

Macron faces deepening French political impasse: But does he do compromise?

France24
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Macron faces deepening French political impasse: But does he do compromise?

In 2017, he blew up the system. Now, can he keep it together? France’s Emmanuel Macron had never run for public office before becoming president. And for a while, he seemed exempt from the crude reality of political horse-trading. Yet now, the same Macron who reigned supreme when he smashed the big tent centre-left and centre-right parties eight years ago is running out of road in his second term, with his baffling decision last year to dissolve parliament backfiring miserably and an even stronger opposition ousting the 47-year-old president’s second prime minister in under a year on Monday.


This story originally appeared on France24

Gym supplement could offer breakthrough for Alzheimer’s patient

Express.co.uk
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Gym supplement could offer breakthrough for Alzheimer’s patient


Creatine, a popular supplement amongst gym enthusiasts for its muscle-building properties, could emerge as an unexpected treatment option for Alzheimer’s patients. Early findings from a new study published in the Frontiers in Nutrition journal reveal that it can help preserve muscle strength and size in Alzheimer’s patients within just eight weeks.

While the impact of Alzheimer’s on mental health is widely recognised, the disease also wreaks havoc on the physical body, either directly or indirectly. Previous studies have suggested that muscular dysfunction could be an early red flag, preceding cognitive decline. Weak muscles, especially in older individuals, can lead to a host of additional problems such as increased risk of falls and injuries, difficulty with daily tasks, stiffness, and pain. These issues are further exacerbated by other symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Researchers at the University of Kansas hypothesised that improving muscle strength and size could trigger a domino effect, alleviating these secondary issues in Alzheimer’s patients. Creatine, known for enhancing muscle strength and size, could therefore offer a potential solution, allowing patients to maintain more physical capability despite their condition.

However, the impact of creatine on Alzheimer’s patients specifically has never been explored until this pilot trial. The study involved 20 participants, all aged between 60 and 90, who had been clinically diagnosed with probable Alzheimer’s disease.

They were instructed to take daily doses of a 10 gram creatine supplement for a period of eight weeks. At the beginning and end of this period, researchers assessed the participant’s hand grip strength, conducted a lower-body evaluation, and measured muscle size and thickness.

The group reported no signs of withdrawal and on average, participants adhered to the creatine supplementation plan 90% of the time. By the end of the eight weeks, handgrip strength had increased from an average of 33.5kg to 35.5kg.

Hand grip strength is often directly associated with quality of life and mortality risk in older adults as it signifies their ability to be independent and prevent themselves from falling. However, there were no significant changes in BMI, waist circumference or percentage of lean body mass.

In some areas of the body, subcutaneous fat levels decreased and the muscle cross-sectional area increased in the legs for those who underwent the lower body assessment according to News Medical.

Overall, the researchers discovered that taking creatine had modest benefits for the skeletal muscle structure in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. They also suggested that the increased hand grip strength could counteract the accelerated muscle loss these patients typically experience.

The researchers concluded: “This eight-week pilot trial suggests that 20 g/day of CrM may provide modest skeletal muscle benefits in patients with AD. These data provide preliminary evidence to warrant further investigation of the potential for CrM to prevent AD-related decline in muscle function.”

They called for more research into creatine supplements as a possible solution to prevent Alzheimer’s related decline in muscle function. However, they also cautioned that these initial findings should not be seen as conclusive proof due to the small size of the study group and some changes made to the protocol during the study.



This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk

Wegovy-maker Novo Nordisk cutting 9000 jobs in restructuring

NYPost
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Wegovy-maker Novo Nordisk cutting 9000 jobs in restructuring

Wegovy-maker Novo Nordisk will cut 9,000 jobs, or about 11.5% of its workforce, in a restructuring to save $1.26 billion annually, it said on Wednesday, as it battles rising pressure from US rival Eli Lilly

“Novo Nordisk today announced a company-wide transformation to simplify its organization, improve the speed of decision-making, and reallocate resources towards the company’s growth opportunities in diabetes and obesity,” it said in a statement.

The company, which is also known for its Ozempic diabetes treatment, already said in August that it had implemented a global hiring freeze covering job roles that were not critical for its business.

The offices of Novo Nordisk in Bagsvaerd, Denmark on July 14, 2025. REUTERS

Novo, which currently has 78,400 positions globally, said about 5,000 of the job cuts will be in its native Denmark.

“Our markets are evolving, particularly in obesity, as it has become more competitive and consumer-driven. Our company must evolve as well,” newly appointed CEO Mike Doustdar said in the statement.

“This means instilling an increased performance-based culture, deploying our resources ever more effectively, and prioritizing investment where it will have the most impact – behind our leading therapy areas,” he added.

As part of the restructuring, Novo will report one-off restructuring costs of $1.4 billion in the third quarter, including impairment charges, but also expects $156.9 million of savings in the fourth quarter, it said.

Novo said its operating profit growth this year is now expected at between 4% and 10%, down from between 10% and 16% seen last month, changing solely due to the restructuring costs.

Novo, which became Europe’s most valuable listed company worth $650 billion last year on booming sales of Wegovy, is facing a pivotal moment as the medicine loses market share and sees sales growth slow, especially in the United States.

The company, which is also known for its Ozempic diabetes treatment, already said in August that it had implemented a global hiring freeze covering job roles that were not critical for its business. REUTERS
Novo Nordisk’s new CEO poses for a photo at the company’s headquarters in Bagsvaerd, Denmark on Aug. 7, 2025. ZUMAPRESS.com

It has warned of far slower growth this year, in part due to compounders who have been allowed to make copycat medicines based on the same ingredients as Wegovy due to shortages.

Investors in July wiped $70 billion off the drugmaker’s market value after Novo issued a profit warning and named company veteran Doustdar as its new CEO.

Its shares have fallen nearly 46% since the start of the year, lowering its market value to about $181 billion as of Tuesday’s close.



This story originally appeared on NYPost

Ex-New York boxing commissioner on how the sweet science has changed over the years

NYPost
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Ex-New York boxing commissioner on how the sweet science has changed over the years

Jabbing with the Commish

Randy Gordon is our former boxing commissioner — and who knew we had a former boxing commissioner — or even a current one.

Randy: “At 10 my right side was burned badly in an explosion. Doctors said I’d never walk again. In a wheelchair for a year. My 10th birthday, my parents pushed me in front of our TV to watch the fights. In ’59, every Friday I’d watch them. I’d imitate the fighters by moving my legs. Six months later, I tried standing for the first time in a year.

“Boxing brought my life back. I went to journalism school, wrote about boxing, announcing it, put my five kids through college with those earnings. Eventually inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, back in 1989, Gov. Mario Cuomo made me commissioner of NY State Athletic Commission and that’s my whole story.”

OK, so now, today, who’s the greatest boxer of all time?

“Sugar Ray Robinson.”

Hit in the head so much, boxers seem a little less bright.

“Taken advantage of. They earn hundreds of millions. Easy to overspend on sports cars, homes for friends, girlfriends, jewelry. Spending but not investing. Once, mobs had control. Now cameras, many people, too many watchers. The sport’s cleaner. We tried getting Muhammad Ali, who had dozens of amateur fights, to get medical testing. Hitting on the head is not a good thing.

“There’s also arms. It’s a skill. Trained, they’re not hurt at all. Not cut to ribbons. Noses not broken. No scar tissue. That’s choreographed movie stuff now. In the old days, yes. No more. Today it’s more a ballet.

“I’d like the rounds shortened, under three minutes, and to see they’re cared for financially.”

Listing spied

Itchy to escape Crapdami? Sean Connery’s former Nice, France, estate Villa Roc Fleuri is back on the market. It’s Mediterranean views, rooftop deck, nice Nice views, spa, pool, five bedrooms. Down from $30 mil, now just a low small pitiful paltry poverty-level insignificant shrunken woeful embarrassing teeny $23.5 mil.

Scene & heard

Important news: De Blasio stepped into a porta-potty at a Ditmas BBQ. The door hit him as he waddled in. What occurred inside stays inside . . . Anna Wintour’s newie replacement got a scissor to her paycheck. Only making a shrinking, sinking lousy $250,000 . . . Jerry Nadler, not waddling again for Congress, decided with the missus Joyce and together called pals before calling press. Wonderful that Joyce now has him all alone — just for herself . . . And Kevin Bacon: “When looking for a part I never get a haircut. Sometimes the hair grows to my shoulders. Casting agents would say: ‘What’s with the hippie look?’ Still, superstitious, I’d never get a trim until I got a part.”

HOF gives Fonz two thumbs up

Henry Winkler’s grabbed the TV Hall of Fame last month for playing Fonz on 1970s thing “Happy Days.” Says celeb seer John Cohan: “Doesn’t deserve it. Was a takeoff on the Kookie character from ‘77 Sunset Strip.’ Kookie was a record seller star with that hit ‘Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb,)’ which every single person alive remembers.”

Down boys. Even I don’t remember the record — or him. 

Robert Downey Jr: “I crack open the NY Post first thing in the morning and the rest of my day goes downhill.”

Definitely not only in New York, kids, not only in New York.



This story originally appeared on NYPost

Down 8.3% in a day! What on earth’s going on with the Burberry share price?

Motley Fool
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Down 8.3% in a day! What on earth’s going on with the Burberry share price?


Image source: Getty Images

Up until 9.30am Tuesday (9 September), the Burberry Group (LSE:BRBY) share price was heading in the right direction. The luxury fashion house’s shares were changing hands for 1.9% more than they were when the market opened. But then everything changed. By the time the London Stock Exchange had closed its doors, the stock had fallen 8.3%. From peak to trough, that’s a swing of more than 10%.

Why?

Big falls like these are usually triggered by a broker downgrade or a disappointing earnings release. Neither of these happened.

In fact, it appears the cause of the drop was, according to Bloomberg, “cautious comments” made by company representatives at an international conference. Exactly what was said isn’t clear. But stock exchange rules require market sensitive information to be released first to shareholders via the official Regulatory News Service. I therefore suspect something has been lost in translation or misinterpreted. Or perhaps investors are being overly cautious.

On the up

Whatever the truth, the fall is particularly disappointing given that the share price has been on a strong rally. It’s done so well — even after today’s fall, the stock’s changing hands for 110% more than it was in April — the group will be re-joining the FTSE 100 on 22 September.

By coincidence, that’s the same day on which Burberry will be showcasing its latest collection during London Fashion Week. It will be interesting to see how the brand’s promise to return to its roots will be received by journalists and other industry experts. To try and reverse falling sales, the company implemented a turnaround plan ‘Burberry Forward’. The underlying principle is to focus on outerwear which is seen as its core strength.

But there’s nothing the group can do to reverse a global slowdown in the luxury fashion market. Instead, it needs to concentrate on getting its own house in order by designing products that customers want to buy, even though many of them are apparently experiencing a squeeze in their incomes.

No need to panic

Of course, savvy investors know not to read too much into short-term price movements, especially those over the course of one day. However, the group’s next scheduled stock exchange announcement isn’t until 13 November. That’s when the group plans to release its interim results. It’s going to be a long wait for anxious shareholders.

But I remain optimistic. A return to the top-flight of UK companies means more funds can invest in the stock. And I think there are a number of reasons why they might want to consider doing this.

The Asia-Pacific region remains the group’s biggest market. And although economic growth for most countries in the territory has slowed recently, the majority are growing faster than any in the West.

Burberry’s clothing and accessories aren’t cheap (that’s the point of a luxury brand) but they’re not ultra expensive. I think this gives it an advantage over some of its rivals.

It’s also recently returned to The Lyst Index of “hot brands“. It’s compiled using data on product searches, global social media mentions and engagement statistics over a three-month period. This suggests the turnaround plan is working.

Recoveries are rarely smooth. Yesterday’s a good example of this. But on balance, I think Burberry’s still a stock for long-term investors to consider.



This story originally appeared on Motley Fool

$16 billion Twilio CEO warns: If you say ‘I’ too much in the interview you don’t get the job

Fortune
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billion Twilio CEO warns: If you say ‘I’ too much in the interview you don’t get the job

Previously, we’ve heard from a CEO who rejects job candidates who say they can start right away and another who won’t hire anyone who fails his coffee-cup etiquette test. Now, Twilio’s CEO says there are two more ways to tank a sit-down interview.

Picture this: You’ve spent weeks polishing your resume, navigating multiple rounds of interviews, and finally, you land a 45-minute dinner with the boss. You think you’ve won him over. Then he asks, “Do you have any questions for me?”

If your answer is a blank stare or “Nope, I’m fine,” consider yourself on thin ice.

“The number one red flag for me is when someone doesn’t ask questions towards the end of an interview,” Twilio CEO Khozema Shipchandler exclusively tells Fortune, while adding that most interviews for senior hires will go on for 45 minutes over dinner. 

“For all of them, in the last 15-to-20 minutes, I give them an opportunity to ask questions—and if they don’t have any, I think that’s a pretty significant mark against them being curious about what they’re interviewing, the company, the way we might work together, chemistry, culture, all of those things. That’s a pretty big red flag.”

And before that, even if you have lots of questions up your sleeve, there’s one word he’s listening out for throughout the interview that could cost you the job: Using “I” a lot in conversation.  

It’s perhaps surprising, as job seekers are often encouraged to avoid using “we” too much, as it can sound passive. But leading every anecdote with “I” or “when I was in charge of” can actually backfire. Shipchandler says it signals you’re not a team player—or a real leader.

“I don’t really think that demonstrates leadership particularly well. What I do is easy because people are supposed to listen to me. I can bark orders and ideally they follow them,” he explains. “But the hard leadership is when you’re not in charge. How do you get people, through data, passion, charisma, persuasion, to get people to do things? I really try to test for that.”

3 questions to ask hiring managers instead of drawing blank

It can be awkward when the hiring manager asks, “Do you have any questions for us?” because more often than not, there’s nothing left to cover. The usual topics—like what the job actually entails and how many days you’re expected to show face in the office—tend to arise naturally early on during the interview. 

But even if you’re applying to a junior role and interviewing with a hiring manager or recruiter, instead of the CEO, not mustering up the effort to think of anything to ask can still cost you the job. 

Meta’s former global head of talent, and current chief people officer at the creative agency Figure 8, Jenn Bouchard, told Fortune that it’s a deal-breaker because it signals disinterest.

“An interview is a two-way experience,” she added. “And so as much as I’m getting to know the candidate, I also want them to be curious about getting to know the role, the company, the culture, even the team that they might be walking into.”

Sweaty palms and drawing blank can get the best of us. So instead of relying on thinking of something great on the spot, it’s a good idea to have some questions up your sleeve to impress the hiring manager, Bouchard insisted. These are a few questions that have wowed her in past interviews: 

  • What’s the hardest problem that you’re trying to solve? What has the team not been able to solve? And why do you think that is?
  • What are the top three strengths of the team? And how will this person add to the strengths of that team? 
  •  What has the leadership team recently implemented based on employee feedback?

Other tests to look out for over dinner: The salt shaker, the waitress and pricey menu items  

Shipchandler’s far from the only boss to opt a dinner setting for the final interview stages. He says it’s generally reserved for senior hires whose resume ticks all the right boxes.

“They’ve already got all the qualifications at that point. The question is, is there chemistry? Are we going to work well together?,” he says, adding that he’s testing what you’re like off the clock.

“It’s got to be fun too, not just all business,” Shipchandler adds. “What are their outside interests? No judgment from me, obviously, but can we have a conversation about that too?”

But be warned: When the interviews moves to the dinner table, bosses start paying attention to more than just your words, recruiters told Fortune they’re assessing your personality—and it’s not just what you say, that job seekers should be cautious about. 

Other things CEOs could be testing you for over the course of the meal include how quickly you order, whether you wait for others to sit before sitting down to eat, and the price of the items you order. 

One boss won’t hire anyone who salts their food before tasting because it apparently highlights a lack of patience.

Meanwhile, a aconsultant revealed on X that he even knows a CEO who would take candidates for breakfast and secretly ask the servers to mess up their order “to see how they’d react.”

“Most people can fake it through a normal interview,” @patricklencioni added. “Interview in a way that brings out true colors.”

Are you a manager who has a unique way of testing prospective employees? Fortune wants to hear from you. Get in touch: Orianna.Royle@fortune.com

Fortune Global Forum returns Oct. 26–27, 2025 in Riyadh. CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business. Apply for an invitation.



This story originally appeared on Fortune

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