Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Cristin Milioti Episode Summary
Release Date: June 2, 2025
In this engaging episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, host Dax Shepard is joined by Monica Padman to delve deep into the life and career of the multi-talented actress Cristin Milioti. Their conversation spans Cristin's early life, her educational journey, breakthrough roles, experiences in theater, and personal reflections on fame and age. The episode is rich with insights, memorable anecdotes, and thoughtful discussions on broader cultural topics.
1. Introduction
Timestamp: [00:00] - [03:28]
Dax Shepard and Monica Padman warmly welcome Cristin Milioti to the show, highlighting her impressive body of work. They mention her roles in popular series and films such as "Palm Springs," "How I Met Your Mother," "Black Mirror," "Made for Love," and notably, her standout performance in "The Penguin", which becomes a focal point of their discussion.
2. Early Life and Background
Timestamp: [05:25] - [07:10]
Cristin shares her upbringing in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a suburb of Philadelphia. She reflects on common misconceptions about New Jersey, emphasizing its unique culture beyond stereotypes like "The Sopranos" or "Jersey Shore." Cristin describes the Pine Barrens, home to the legendary Jersey Devil, and paints a vivid picture of her hometown's mystical and emotional landscape.
Notable Quote:
"There's something in the water there. It's very spooky and mystical and there's a lot of big emotions there."
— Cristin Milioti [05:50]
3. Educational Journey
Timestamp: [07:11] - [20:50]
Cristin discusses her academic pursuits, including her time at New York University (NYU). Initially enrolling in a musical theater program, she candidly shares her dissatisfaction with the curriculum that combined performing arts with liberal arts courses, such as French history and biology, which led her to leave the program halfway through her sophomore year.
She reflects on the challenges of balancing her passion for acting with the academic demands of NYU, highlighting the financial struggles she faced during her off-Broadway years, such as accruing debt and living modestly.
Notable Quote:
"I was like, this is not what I thought it was."
— Cristin Milioti [19:00]
4. Acting Career Beginnings
Timestamp: [20:51] - [22:15]
Post-NYU, Cristin delves into her early acting roles, including her groundbreaking work on "The Sopranos." She describes her first encounter with the iconic show, directed by Steve Buscemi, and how she was cast as a mob boss's daughter. Cristin speaks about balancing her career with personal growth, emphasizing the support she received from her parents.
Notable Quote:
"He is one of my favorite people on the entire universe."
— Cristin Milioti [22:55]
5. Breakthroughs and Major Roles
Timestamp: [22:16] - [37:32]
Cristin discusses her transition from television to theater, detailing her experiences on Broadway. She highlights her role in "The Lieutenant of Inishmore," where she earned her equity card and faced the challenge of performing under unconventional circumstances, such as having her hair buzzed for the role.
The conversation shifts to her work on "The Good Place," where she worked with actor William Jackson Harper. Cristin reflects on the dynamics of acting alongside seasoned actors and the intimate nature of theater performances.
Notable Quote:
"When theater is great, it reminds me of a place of worship where I can be in communion with an experience that is so individual to that one moment in time with the people who I'm seated next to."
— Cristin Milioti [27:58]
6. Experiences on "The Sopranos"
Timestamp: [22:16] - [24:45]
Cristin recounts her involvement in "The Sopranos," discussing how appearing on the show, particularly in a memorable episode, was both exciting and a learning experience. She shares behind-the-scenes insights, including interactions with Steve Buscemi and the challenges of maintaining continuity in her role amidst personal transformations, such as shaving her head.
Notable Quote:
"I'm so happy for you and love that you're so open to astrology and you're open to that notion that makes life more fun and interesting."
— Cristin Milioti [50:20]
7. Theater and Broadway
Timestamp: [25:00] - [46:52]
Cristin delves deeper into her theater experiences, discussing her auditions for "Wicked," where she faced the daunting task of hitting high vocal notes she knew she couldn't achieve. She shares a humorous yet humbling story about auditioning multiple times and eventually accepting roles that better fit her vocal range.
She also reflects on the rigorous demands of performing over 500 times on Broadway, earning nominations for prestigious awards such as the Tony and Grammy for her performances.
Notable Quote:
"I have to be like, oh, yeah, this is not natural."
— Cristin Milioti [61:06]
8. Roles in Other TV Shows and Movies
Timestamp: [46:53] - [60:17]
Cristin discusses her roles in shows like "Fargo," "Palm Springs," and "Made for Love." She provides insights into the complexities of these characters, particularly her role in "The Penguin," where she portrays a deeply wounded individual seeking justice and revenge. The conversation touches on the psychological aspects of her characters and the intricate relationships they navigate.
Notable Quote:
"It's such a testament to you. You don't have nearly that amount of stuff to work with. And you're blasting him in scenes. You're just so fucking powerful and terrifying and subtle playing opposite."
— Cristin Milioti [49:58]
9. Personal Reflections on Fame and Age
Timestamp: [60:18] - [83:31]
Cristin opens up about her feelings regarding delayed recognition in her career, expressing gratitude for her steady ascent and the ability to be part of projects she truly believes in. She reflects on the pressures faced by younger actors who achieve fame quickly and contrasts it with her own journey of gradual success.
The discussion also touches on imposter syndrome and the challenges of reconciling one's self-perception with public recognition. Cristin emphasizes the importance of embracing one's journey and the value of experiencing setbacks and growth over time.
Notable Quote:
"I've gotten to be a part of things that I have genuinely believed in and would watch and worked with people."
— Cristin Milioti [60:12]
10. Discussions on Culture and Race
Timestamp: [87:31] - [100:35]
The conversation shifts to broader cultural topics, including stereotypes, cultural differences, and the importance of understanding individuals beyond preconceived notions. Cristin and the hosts explore how initial perceptions can be influenced by cultural backgrounds and the necessity of approaching such topics with sensitivity and curiosity.
They discuss the Jersey Devil folklore, the significance of cultural practices like eating with hands in Indian traditions, and the complexities of navigating identity in diverse environments.
Notable Quote:
"It's about the very specific phrasing. I guess you could say, first of all, my dad doesn't care about anything. So yes, you could."
— Monica Padman [93:31]
11. Personal Anecdotes and Light-Hearted Moments
Timestamp: [100:35] - [129:24]
The episode concludes with lighter, more casual interactions among Dax, Monica, and Cristin. They share humorous stories about name spellings, personal habits, and interactions with friends and family. Cristin recounts her experiences auditioning for various roles, including a funny story about attempting to sing out-of-range notes during a "Wicked" audition.
They also touch upon the challenges of editing podcast episodes, the humorous side of their personal lives, and playful banter about cultural misunderstandings and personal quirks.
Notable Quote:
"I've done a couple musicals, but they've all been not conventional. Yeah, they're not like Thoroughly Modern Millie."
— Cristin Milioti [21:16]
Conclusion
This episode of Armchair Expert offers a comprehensive look into Cristin Milioti's multifaceted career and personal growth. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that have shaped Cristin into the accomplished actress she is today. The discussions on cultural identity and personal introspection add layers of depth, making it a rich and engaging listen for both fans and newcomers alike.
Highlights:
- Cristin's Early Struggles: Navigating high school bullying and finding confidence at Long Lake Camp ([12:00]).
- Breakthrough Roles: Her impactful performances on "The Sopranos" and "The Penguin" ([22:16], [49:58]).
- Theater Passion: Balancing on Broadway and dealing with imposter syndrome ([25:00], [61:06]).
- Cultural Insights: Addressing stereotypes and the importance of individual understanding ([87:31], [93:31]).
- Personal Growth: Embracing delayed recognition and the journey to success ([60:12], [83:31]).
Memorable Quotes:
"There's something in the water there. It's very spooky and mystical and there's a lot of big emotions there."
— Cristin Milioti [05:50]
"I've gotten to be a part of things that I have genuinely believed in and would watch and worked with people."
— Cristin Milioti [60:12]
"When theater is great, it reminds me of a place of worship where I can be in communion with an experience that is so individual to that one moment in time with the people who I'm seated next to."
— Cristin Milioti [27:58]
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