When HBO’s Enlightened returns on January 13 for its second season, fans of the show—which follows Laura Dern’s Amy, an executive on the mend from a nervous breakdown—are in for some surprises. In addition to episodes from directors Todd Haynes and David Michôd,
Enlightened creator and star Mike White—also the beloved screenwriter of movies like School of Rock—promises a higher-octane season. “There’s more juice to the story,” White says. “Now it has higher stakes.” Here, White takes DuJour questionnaire.

What was the best day of your life?

When I was on The Amazing Race and my dad got to paraglide over the Alps. Watching him do that was such an exciting moment. 

The worst?

The day my cat died was very traumatic.

If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, who would it be?

Mick Jagger. It’d be cool to sing in front of 50,000 people going crazy. 

What’s your favorite hour of the day?

Probably 3 p.m. I take naps around 3.

If you could relive any day in history, what would it be?

I’d pick an uneventful day. Crowds scare me. 

Did you break a sweat today?

No, but I smell bad anyway. I’ve been traveling and have no fresh clothes. 

What was the day’s best conversation?

I had a meeting with Scott Rudin. It’s hard to top that for dishy humor.

If you had to wear a uniform every day, what would it be?

If it looked good, I’d wear a lifeguard uniform. 

Isn’t that just a bathing suit?

Sometimes they wear those red hoodies. Like an Abercrombie & Fitch model.

Check out the trailer for the new season below.