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Wondry plus subscribers can listen to Armchair Expert early and ad free Right now, join Wondry plus in the Wondry app or on Apple Podcasts. Or you can listen for free wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome, welcome, welcome to Armchair Expert. I'm Dax Shepard and I'm joined by Monica Mouse.
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Hi.
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Hi.
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Monica.
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Lyonica. Lion, heart of a lion. Our friend sweet Darcy Carden is here today.
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Yes, Darcy.
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What was her robot's name? Her robot on the Good Place.
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Jan. Janet.
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Janet. Yeah. Sweet Janet. Yeah. Darcy's a good buddy. She's just the funniest and loveliest lady.
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Yeah, she's super fun. This was a great chat.
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She is a actor, a comedian, an improv genius.
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Yes.
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The Good Place. A League of Their Own. Barry Broad City. Nobody wants this. And currently on Apple tv. Plus she is on Loot, the endlessly funny show with Maya Rudolph and my good friend Nat Faxon. Please enjoy Darcy Cardin. We are supported by Allstate. You know what's smart? Checking Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds on car insurance. You know what's not smart? Not checking your phone's volume before blasting your morning pump up playlist in the office break room. Or not checking that your laptop camera's off before joining the meeting in your robe or something. I'm a little too familiar with not checking your grocery list before heading to the store and realizing you bought everything. Accept what you needed. Yeah, checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate. Potential savings vary subject to terms condition and availability. Allstate North American Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. We are supported by Audible. You know, I spend a lot of time listening. It's literally my job. But when I'm not recording the show, I'm constantly consuming audio content. And honestly, I can get pretty overwhelmed by all the choices out there. That's why I love when Audible drops their Best of the Year collection. Audible's most anticipated collection, the best of 2025, is here. And let me tell you, these editors know what they're doing. They've spent countless hours listening, having heated debates. Probably way more heated than Monica and I get, although that's hard to imagine. And they have handpicked this year's must listens. What I really appreciate is that they don't just go for the obvious picks. They found hidden gems alongside the buzziest new releases. Whether you're into true crime like Monica, historical biographies like me, or something completely Different. This collection has back. I've already started diving into their selection and honestly, it's like having a really smart friend curate your entire listening experience. Want to finish the year with a sure thing? Check out Audible's Best of 2025 and discover why there's more to imagine when you listen. Listen now. Go to audible.com bestoftheyear he's an object. He's an exper. Is it intimidating?
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I mean, it's so. I feel like I was in a joke last time.
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No, you. Now you get it.
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Not a joke.
C
Not a joke. Just. It was not. It was not done. I feel like there was a bathroom with a door knot on.
A
Oh, that's right. That's right. That's right. But that was.
B
That was done. Darby Darcy.
A
Yeah. Does that happen often?
C
My husband calls me Darby all the time. Really?
A
Okay, good. That should have been offensive, but it's.
C
Jason calls me Darby all the time as a nickname and will say it in front of people and I can see, like a look of panic on.
B
Their faces, like, have I been saying it wrong? Does he ever call you Darbles?
C
No, but I want you to.
B
I'm going to.
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I think so. I really want you to call me Darbles.
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Darbles.
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Darbles. How are you?
C
Darbles is good.
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Yeah. Darbles is cute. It sounds like a friend of Bam Bam's or Pebbles on the Flintstones.
B
Yeah. Your hair looks gorgeous.
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Thanks.
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You're shooting right now?
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Yes.
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Okay.
C
I'm shooting a travel show.
B
Oh.
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Kristen mentioned this, but it's not anywhere to be found in my research.
C
Yeah.
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Is it top secret?
C
Maybe. Should I spill it?
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Yes, absolutely.
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We love TV.
C
What? HGTV.
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I thought you said she TV.
C
SheTV. I'm starting a new channel.
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I don't want to offend anyone, but HGTV could be called SheTV. Right. I think it's a largely female.
C
I bet it is. I should do some looking around.
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Kind of like id. Is that a network? And it's only murder stuff.
C
Is it?
B
I think you know it is. I know that.
C
I want to take five full minutes to just look at everything.
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Okay. Take it all in.
C
Okay. Just silence.
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HGTV also has some home flippy stuff and construction they had. What was that show with Magnolia? You know, husband, wife.
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Gaines.
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Gaines and husband. Chip.
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Chip Games.
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I met her.
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Yeah.
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She's out and about in Waco, Texas. She did the factory for the diapers.
C
Oh, yeah.
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It was really cute.
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Yeah.
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She seems quiet.
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I think they're all set up in Waco. Okay, back to Your show that's on hgtv. Home and Gardening Television.
C
That's right.
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Gardens. Home and Gardens. Anyway, we're not allowed to talk about it.
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No, I mean, what's the premise?
C
We are checking out vacation rental properties. Let's say they are very unique.
B
Okay.
C
It's funny. We're in it right now, so there's been no talk of talking about it, but. So I don't know what I'm really allowed to say.
B
It's like a one inch.
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But you're not in a Star wars prequel.
C
I thought you were gonna say you're not in a Star wars house. I'm like, we could be.
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Oh, okay, Right.
C
I'm co hosting it with Sherry Cola, who. You know, from Kristen's show.
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That's right.
C
She plays the Rob.
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She plays the Rob. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. She's Rob. Okay. And you guys are old friends.
C
We met on the set of Nobody.
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Wants this season one and already are traveling together and staying in such a.
C
You get to know someone hella well. Oh, you know.
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Do you both have bdp? Because that sounds very close. Borderline personality.
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I don't.
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Bdp.
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Bpd.
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Bpd. Boogie Down Productions.
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The people that do our hair and makeup are Steph and Emma. People from Good Place. It's such a family.
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Good vibe. Darcy, your character Ryan. Ryan is on the floor.
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Do you know Robin? Sorry. Do you know Rob independently from here?
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We go to the same concerts.
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Oh, shit.
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Then you guys have an intimacy. We don't.
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We do.
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Yeah. That's the part of Rob. That's the Venn diagram part. That none of us overlap on the music.
C
I overlap.
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Yeah. Yes. Yes.
C
Yeah. So we'll kind of be like, hey, we had that show. We had that show. Oh, they're playing at this place, you know.
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Okay.
C
Because I'm just kind of young and cool, like.
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Yeah, you. Definitely you.
A
It's also, you have a pedigree. Your father owned a very prominent. Bam.
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That's right.
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Is that what it's called? Bam.
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Good job.
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Thank you. I did not write that down in my notes. That's seven years old.
B
Good job. Is it really?
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Well, I think we interviewed you seven years ago, so. Well, yes. 2018.
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That feels like three years ago to me.
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Yeah.
C
Because the COVID years, they disappear.
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I agree.
C
I can't believe that was so long ago.
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I can't either.
B
Sherry Cola has, I assume, an improv about checking in on you. She's checking in on you and she's like, do you need me to make you a plate?
C
Oh, yeah.
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And I thought that was so funny. And it's because you guys are BFFs. And now it all makes sense.
C
Our friendship comes from that show completely. A lot of textees and DMs and stuff, but we spent time together on that show and really formed a bond.
A
And are you traveling all over the country?
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Let's see what we've hit so far, if I can remember and I can't.
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Okay, that's fine.
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Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, Kansas. Great. Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, Idaho.
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So it's a Bible bell. Is it called Touring the Bible Bell?
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No, it's not. And I don't think that was necessarily on purpose.
A
And when you went to Missouri, were you in a haunted house in the Ozarks?
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We haven't done a haunted house yet. Ooh.
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Because we just had an expert on. And there's a whole town that caters to everything's haunted, and they host, like, a zombie festival.
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Where do you guys land with. Does that excite you or does that freak you out?
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Neither.
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Okay.
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You're like, sadly don't care. I wish I got either scared or excited.
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Right. I'm more scared than not scared. But when you're in New Orleans or something and people want to go on a haunted tour, I'm not so moved to do that.
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But because of the fear.
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The fear would be a helpful reason to not do it, but I kind of just don't care because I'm a little bit, like, I don't believe in it.
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Yeah, of course you're afraid of believing in it. That's how I am. Like, I don't with the question.
C
Right, right, right.
B
You never know. Right.
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Okay. We shouldn't go here. But the way some people feel about religion, about God, if they're like, maybe I don't believe in it, but just in case I do.
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Yeah.
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That's how I feel about ghosts.
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Yeah.
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Where I'm like, I don't believe in it, but just in case they're real, maybe I do.
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Please don't come to me. Yeah.
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No. Okay. But to really get into that, the God one has a clear incentive. Like, I don't really believe, but I'm making enough space that if there is, I get to go to heaven. Is the ghost thing to appease their egos? Like, I should believe just enough so I don't offend them.
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See, they do want to haunt me. I want them to be friendly.
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Yes, I know.
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I'll prove you were real, babe.
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Yeah. Oh, you want to see real?
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Yeah.
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Watch this blood come out of your eyes.
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I don't want that.
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This guy we had on John doesn't believe in ghosts, but saw one.
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I feel like a lot of people say stuff like that maybe we shouldn't.
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Believe because if we believe, then they will come over. They're like, hey, I know you believe in me as opposed to us not believing. And then they are like, we're not dealing with.
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I believe in scary movies, if that makes sense. Scary movies freak me out for my entire life more than, like, a real ghost would. Yeah.
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Yeah, totally.
C
What the hell does that mean?
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Do you love horror movies? Do you watch them?
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I don't. I wish I did, but I don't. But the ones that I've seen, which are pretty tame, they're, like, in the M. Night Shyamalan world or, like, a thriller, or, like a midsommar or something like that, you know, I can't handle it. But those images stick with me for my life. There's an image from signs of, like, an alien on a roof that somehow has connected with my brain when I wash my face. So when I wash my face every night, I have to open my eyes pretty quickly or I'm gonna start seeing that alien.
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Oh, wow.
C
And now it's gonna just continue.
B
This is ocpd.
C
Okay, go on.
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Ocdp Nope.
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Oc ocd. Excessive Compulsive.
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No, I think it's ocdp.
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Okay. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Plus Primary.
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Primary Primate.
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No, I think it is Compulsive Personality Disorder.
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Okay, hold on, hold on.
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O.C.
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Hold on, hold on.
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I wish it was.
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Who do you think is going to be better about saying letters in the right order?
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Wow. She came for you, brother.
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What does OCDP stand for? Here it is. OCDP stands for Orange County Drum and Percussion.
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That's what you meant.
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That's what I said.
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Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder.
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Personality disorder.
B
You know, the exact thing I just said?
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No, you need a P. Personality disorder.
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Ocpd.
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Look, how crazy.
C
Wait, what happens when you guys disagree? I mean, I know you do it.
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I'm just having fun.
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Oh, you didn't think it was D.P.
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No, I don't really care. I'm not really saying you're wrong, okay? I'm just having fun with ocdp.
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Okay, well, it's OCPD Confirmed. That feels a little ocpd.
C
I didn't know this.
B
It's a little obsessive that you have the alien view. Every.
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Every.
C
And I understand that damn alien.
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And then you have to open your eyes as almost the compulsion to make sure he doesn't come right.
C
I wish I didn't have that.
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We had an expert on. And my understanding of when you add pee is people who go, oh, I'm ocd because I like everything straight. That's not OCD because it's not in violation of your core values. You do think things should be orderly and straight. OCD is, I'm afraid I'm a pedophile. I'm afraid I'm going to kill my baby. I'm afraid I'm going to rape someone.
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It's, like, really intense.
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Mostly those fears that you're some kind of monster, that you're not.
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I had a friend who was always afraid he had left his stove on, would travel away from home and would have to come back home to make sure that the stove was off.
A
Yes. And we were told that's the one you see in movies on TV a lot. But that percentage wise, that's not the bulk of ocd. Bulk of OCD is people thinking they're these bad things that they don't want to be. So they're in total discord with their values.
C
Yeah.
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Whereas OCDP is the house should be neat.
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Sometimes when people say that they have ocd, I'm like, no, everybody has that. The thing that you're saying. Not that you're saying, but the thing that you think you have. Everybody has that.
B
We just got into this recently.
A
We did, we did. Do you want to invite her in?
B
Yeah, but I don't want her to feel trapped because it is sensitive and we just say everything.
C
Yeah. Right. Right.
B
So you can say. If you don't want to go here.
A
You can say pass.
B
You can say pass. But adhd.
C
Oh, interesting. Yes. Yes. Y.
B
Everyone has ADHD now. And I am like. But probably not.
C
Right. I totally get that. We are all told by TikTok, Instagram, whatever. All of these things.
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Yes.
C
So much of what I think we think ADHD is, is just phone stuff.
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Society making us scroll.
C
Right. That's interesting, because also, do you have it? No. No, you don't. I know you don't.
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And Dax says he thinks he might.
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Have it, and I think I might have it. But I think I'm also. Who's about to be like. But I've been saying it for years.
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I've been saying it before. It was a. I mean, that's fair.
C
My mom and I always say undiagnosed ADD since I was a kid. Why not just get it diagnosed?
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P.S. most comedians are ADHD.
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Right, right, right.
A
Get real. We're talking to a very over indexing group to begin with, I think. But my take was more like, well, let's just be honest, everything's a spectrum and the point where they say it's a disorder versus it's not a disorder is arbitrary. They could have moved at 4 degrees to the right or the left. So yeah, it's a spectrum and we pick a point on it where we go, now it's a disorder or not. Like you can't actually get through school. Well, that's a disorder. You can't hold on a job. But I have a really hard time in school and I'm just barely getting through. Maybe that's on the other side. So my thing is like who cares? I meet people all the time to say they're dyslexic. I'm pretty sure they didn't have eight weeks of testing at UCLA like I did. I don't really give a fuck. I know what they're trying to tell me about themselves. They have a really hard time reading and they're probably smarter than their reading ability would be congruent with. So yeah, I get what they're trying to say, but I also get that it's annoying people self diagnose. But I'm more interested in why that bothers us.
C
Right. I think sometimes. Oh God, 500 million streams. Good job.
B
We have got to move that.
C
That's a great note.
B
You know.
A
Well, I'm just upset it only represents Spotify, right? You're like we're at a billion. I know I actually should feel really good about it but I always want to correct people.
C
So funny.
B
We got this a lot of years ago.
C
Third of us put a date on it.
A
What if I put a little sign underneath said this is one third.
C
Yes. You think this is impressive?
A
Times this by 3.
B
We add a 4, 5 depending on.
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Low my self esteem is.
C
I do think that some of it is like if you yourself have ADHD or dyslexia and you know what you've struggled with and then someone's like I have it too. It's a little bit like you doing.
A
But again, let's think about like. So that's a great starting off point. That's the obvious. So what's going on? Is it? I think we all have this policing nature that we don't want anyone to get sympathy for something they don't deserve.
C
Yeah, yeah, totally.
A
I think that's at least one of the big buckets of why it's triggering. So then the question is, why do we care? If someone gets sympathy for something, they don't deserve sympathy for it. Why does that affect me?
C
Does that lessen your struggle?
A
Or is there a finite amount of sympathy in the world and they may just took it now I won't receive it.
B
I think that's true if Darcy has gone through something pretty singular and unique. But then everyone says that they've also done that. It. It does probably limit my sympathy to her because I'm like, well, everyone has that issue, so why are you complaining? And she kind of deserves to complain because it really happened to her.
A
But let's put it this way. I say I'm molested.
C
Yeah.
A
And you go, well, I was molested by my parent. Well, that's worse. So what are we saying? I shouldn't have said that because it's less than yours? As long as one exists that's worse than yours. You shouldn't ever kind of acknowledge. So, yeah, Maybe I'm a 4 on the ADHD spectrum and someone's a 9. So a 4 Shant ever speak of it because we're protecting the nines. What's going on?
C
And then also, what is sympathy? Not to say, what's the point of it? Because you want to feel seen and heard. But what is sympathy? What does it do for you?
A
Yeah, I think it is, oh, this person cares enough about me that they feel sad on my behalf.
C
Empathy towards me, they understand me, they're feeling for my plight.
A
Yes. It's important to them that I'm happy and flourishing. And when they find out I've had this setback, it kind of hurts them, it affects them. But again, there's an infinite amount of that. It reminds me, did you ever have the warm fuzzy book as a kid? Did you have that?
C
No, I don't think I did.
A
It was a book my mom swore by. It's our favorite family book. You read at night. It's about a little land where everyone's born with a warm fuzzy bag. And then you give your warm fuzzies out. And then a man comes to town and he sets up a kiosk and he's selling cold pricklies. And he lets everyone know, you know that you have a limited amount of warm fuzzies. You can't give them all out. Start using these. So you don't use up your warm fuzzies. But the warm fuzzies were infinite. And now everyone starts trading these cold pricklies because they think there's a limit on the warm fuzzies. It kind of ruins the whole town.
C
Yeah.
A
And of course, they find their way back to warm fuzzies. Thank God. Thank God, thank God.
C
Thank God. Oh, my God. I was about to lie to you.
B
She was gonna have nightmares about that.
C
I'm washing my face, I see these little cold pricklies.
A
And then I guess maybe another legit fear would be like, oh, if I acknowledge this person's thing, are they getting off the hook for responsibilities? Like, is this an excuse they're gonna be using going forward? So then maybe there reciprocity driving it again? I just think it's more interesting what's really angering or rubbing people the wrong way about it. And I experience it too. I'm not above it.
C
Right.
B
I think people also just don't want to be around people complaining all the time.
C
Yeah.
B
I guess it depends on how much they're leaning in on, right?
C
When somebody is telling you something personal and it's maybe out of 10, and I have experienced it out of five, I do resist saying my thing. It's a tricky balance of wanting to be like, I see you. I hear you. I've experienced it. And you know, know.
A
Yeah. I can think of the worst time I saw this. A dude in my meeting's son had died as a young adult of cancer. And then another man in the group was then explaining in his share how he knew what he was going through because he had had testicle cancer that he beat really quickly.
B
And I was like, oh, boy, that's a great example.
A
But then we get into specifics, which we had all agree. If someone's sharing a really heartbreaking and setbacky story that their condition created, duh, you shouldn't compare it to your four. But if you're just talking about having some of the attributes of adhd, which I have a ton of, I'm not trying to trump someone's bad. Then why would anyone care?
C
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Case by case. Case by case by case is a.
B
Great way to end a conversation.
C
Almost anything. Case by case by case. I don't know, you guys.
B
What else? I will say, since we had the argument, I was like, maybe he does have it.
A
Oh.
B
I started seeing you through the lens of having it.
C
Right.
B
And I was like, oh, maybe.
C
Right.
A
What opened me up to the notion was Gabor Monte is an expert on adhd. Have you ever heard his name, Gabor Monte? He's this incredible man who was working with heroin addicts up in Canada, and he's just a pioneer in all these Wonder. He's a very Esther Perel type character. And I was walking him to his car and he just said, have you ever been diagnosed with adhd? You were like, sir, I think that was very. You know, if I ask a guy, has he ever identified as an alcoholic, that guy might want to take a look at himself, if I'm asking that.
C
And he's an expert, one of the.
A
Premier experts in adhd. I just want. He didn't say that out of the blue.
C
Yeah. And so have you checked into it?
A
No.
B
Right.
A
I don't need to. Right.
C
You're living. Great.
B
Okay. Then we're circling back to my thing where I'm like, but if you're doing good, what's the point of looking for the quote, problem?
A
Right. So, great. So I think this is where we have a misunderstanding. I'm never excusing anything I do with this ADHD thing. I'm only talking about my ADHD nature, which is like, I try to brush my teeth. I can't do it. It pains me like crazy to stand in front of the mirror and brush my teeth. The second I start brushing them, I go to my closet to do a task, to multitask, and then I get distracted by that task. I'm no longer brushing my teeth. Do you do this with your brushing your teeth?
C
Not brushing teeth, but so many.
A
So many things. Right. It's like I physically can't stand in front of that mirror and do it. Well, that's weird. I can do a lot of things that require willpower. I have this very outside sense of justice, which Timothy told me, but I do, too. It's not because you have one thing I'm saying. Here are the list of things that are normal for adhd. And I have a lot of those things, and I haven't used it once as an excuse for anything.
C
I use the time thing as an excuse in a way where I'm like, I'm a piece of shit.
B
Being late.
C
Being late.
B
You were early today.
C
Yes, I was.
A
Yeah.
C
Well, I missed you guys. And I live really, really close. Close.
A
Yeah. I live in the bad guy. Yeah.
C
But I blame it on ADHD or time blindness. I mean, the amount of times I've said to my husband, I have time blindness. Like, I have it. I have that condition. I need you to help me.
B
Yeah.
A
See, that one does trigger me, because, again, it's an excuse for being late.
C
It is an excuse. I also think I have it. Whatever that means. Whatever that means. Whatever that means. But I also know I could correct I'm going to say that I got this from my dear sweet mom, who's timelined or whatever we want to say. Love you, Lori. Love you. You know you have this.
B
This.
C
I'm not talking. You know you have this. You'd admit it, wouldn't panic about being late until we were late. And then the panic would be at a 12. It's like the science of time didn't exist.
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
C
And then we'd be late and then we would all panic.
B
But maybe yours is nurture then, not nature.
C
Oh, interesting.
B
You grew up in that house.
C
That's right.
B
Then you are used to behaving like that. So of course you're right.
C
It's not like in my.
B
In your jeans.
C
Yeah, I don't know.
A
Maybe it is. I bet it is.
C
Also, I could just correct it. And I do correct it in certain ways. Having a clock in the bathroom has changed my life.
B
Smart.
A
So I was hearing Trevor Noah speak recently. He's adhd. I don't know officially or he declared it, but he said for an ADHD person like himself, there's only now and not now.
C
Right, right.
A
So his example was, we're going out to eat at 7:30. That's not now.
C
That's not now.
A
So I'm not even thinking about that. And then his friend starts getting ready at 6:45. He's like, what are you. Well, I'm getting ready for dinner. When's dinner? So that's not now. I guess I accept that that's how he's computing time. And yeah, no wonder he's never prepared for anything because you can only do it when it's now. Yeah, but again, then I think you need a system which is like, oh, dinner's 7:30, so alarm at 7 to get ready.
C
Exactly.
B
You have.
A
Because I'll never feel like it's time to get ready.
C
Yeah. Husband Jason is the complete opposite. Early. He's got it all together.
A
Conscientious.
C
Yes, exactly.
A
As we've discussed.
C
So we do time check where he's allowed to say time check or I'm allowed to say time check. And it's not like a nagging thing.
B
I love that.
A
Will you deliver it to me?
C
Time check if I'm getting ready or I'll say, give me time checks throughout like we're getting ready to. We have to leave at 7. You can time check me for the next two hours.
A
I have to do this with Kristen. I have to virtually stay in the same room as her when she's getting ready. I have to sit on the bed and, like, just monitor how deeply lost she's getting. And I.
B
It.
C
Me too. Me too. Sometimes Jason will be like, nope, don't put music on. No. You know, that's gonna get you off track. Focus on what you're doing.
B
Is he a burka?
C
He's a cancer. I've realized he's my dad in, like, a way that I'm down with.
A
Yes.
C
Because I love him. He's my best friend. He's hot as hell. I also love my dad. Like, they're two different things.
A
Hot as hell, though, isn't it?
C
But I realized recently we have really fallen into. He's my dad.
B
He protects you.
C
Yeah, I bet. We fought against it for the first few years of our relationship, and I think now we've either accepted it or, like, made it work for us.
B
Like it.
A
Yeah. And are you his mom about some things.
C
Maybe that's just being married.
A
I don't think it's easy for the person who's similar to the parent to be able to see it. Would he say that you're like his mom?
C
No, I don't think he would. I'm baby, he's daddy.
A
Okay. You may be.
C
He's daddy.
A
Okay.
B
Okay, great. It's not that he's like your sister.
C
No, he's not like my dad.
B
Sorry.
C
He's not like my dad. He is my he's father.
A
Like, yes. Okay, great.
B
This is kind of hot.
C
Is it?
B
I think so.
C
Well, whatever it is, it works for us.
B
Oh, my God.
C
I'm not trying to be like daddy. I'm not trying to be like my daddy. I'm saying, like, he takes care of me. I'm baby, he's daddy.
A
You feel safe with him.
C
So, yeah, he's.
A
Everyone gets to design their own thing and no one needs to have an opinion. Right? You're going on how many years we are going. 20th year.
C
Yeah. Like maybe 18, 19.
A
Wow.
C
What year is it? Yeah, dude, 20.
B
Good.
C
Congratulations.
A
How old were you when we got together? Yeah. 20.
C
23.
A
Is there any part of you that's like, nah, I wish I would have done it a little later?
C
No, honestly, I was never hoping to find the one at that early of an age.
A
Right.
C
At all from a child. Knew that I didn't want that. Yeah. I wanted to be free and live my life and be like a slug. Yeah.
B
Sow your oats.
C
You sow my oats is a better way of saying it. It's almost like. Like we couldn't deny. In fact, we did push against each other in the beginning. We were like, this is too real. We're too young. Let's not do this.
A
Is he older?
C
He's older, yeah.
A
How much older?
C
Four years. Is that right?
A
That's nice. That's on the low end.
B
That's good. I like that.
C
Yeah. We just kind of couldn't deny it. We tried to deny it.
A
Do you guys have hall passes?
C
No. We're so chill.
A
Okay. You're never watching a show and you go like, john Locke or John.
C
Not John Locke from Lost Love.
A
John Locke. No, Locke from the movie Tom Hardy.
C
Tom Hardy.
A
You're watching Gangland, or whatever it's called. And you're like, Mobland. Yeah. I want a weird night with this quiet guy who, like, intimidates me. Yeah.
C
That's not taboo.
A
Not at all.
C
For some reason, since the beginning also, our relationship started off as almost like instant best friends. We could not get enough of each other, and we weren't hooking up. And so all of that stuff was already out there.
A
Now, I do think it's safer for the wife to do it than the man to do it.
C
He can do it. He loves Rachel Weisz.
A
Oh, that's his.
B
But, I mean, you kind of look like her.
C
Hey, Monica.
B
I see it. I see it.
C
I cry.
B
We have a problem here. We have to say okay because you can't have hall passes.
C
Right?
A
Oh.
B
When you have the ability to actually meet the person. The point of hall passes invented on Friends, a show I love.
C
Me too. I'm like. You just say no.
A
You are.
B
Yeah.
C
The Jennifer Aniston episode was really special, you guys.
B
So special.
C
I'm so happy for you.
B
Thank you.
C
She likes you so much.
B
Oh, I like her so much.
C
Yeah.
B
That is meant for people who will not really run into this person. You guys could meet all these people, right?
C
Yeah, I agree. The hall pass of it all. Unless then that's just. You can play your own game, however.
B
You get to decide.
C
That's right.
A
You get to decide.
C
True.
A
But I do think if you're playing hall pass games and you're a guy and you want my advice.
C
Yeah.
A
I think you need to be smart about it.
C
Right.
A
I think you're free to say, like, I want to see Taylor Lautner in a towel. I'm going way back to make it innocuous. Remember when older women were, like, way into Taylor Lautner? This was a cultural phenom. Women were taking their daughters to those movies and they were, like, screaming when his shirt came off and stuff, which Again, I support.
C
Totally.
A
It's so inappropriate. But of course, women are generally predators, so that's why it's fine. But anyway, so you're probably safe to go like Lautner. Lautner. Lautner. But he shouldn't say like Sydney Sweeney.
C
Right, right, right, right.
B
Sydney is a tricky one. You'll know in two years.
C
Oh, that's true.
A
I just am obsessed with short and sweet. Sabrina Carpenter's out from August of 2020.
C
Right. You're just discovering it on a level.
A
That I haven't been at.
C
Oh, my God, I love that. Wait, you love her?
A
I love her. I just. I went with Delta on Sunday.
C
I was gonna say, you gotta see her live.
A
I'm love seeing her.
C
It's not fun.
A
Yeah, it's not. Over her. Over watching this little girl at her first concert sing all the songs and dance. This is her girl. Lincoln's got Taylor in Delta. Sabrina.
C
She's so funny and clever and she gets it. She's really ahead of the gym. She's funny.
A
She's funny. She did a great job hosting snl.
C
She's really legit funny. She funny.
A
She funny.
C
I love all these little pop girlies.
B
I know. It's nice.
C
Yeah.
A
But. Yeah. One of the songs I can't stop listening to over and I've been listening to all day every day for a week.
C
What is it?
A
Don't smile.
C
Okay.
A
Smile. Do you know that one?
C
I probably do. I probably do.
A
Okay.
C
But you just love it and you can't stop listening.
A
Don't smile because it happened. Baby cry because it's.
B
Oh, great message. Right? Oh, wait.
C
So good at the twist. I do know this.
A
You're supposed to. To think about me every time that you hold her.
C
You got to.
B
He knows.
A
Don't even. Don't even try to pull off. You got a sick voice. Has a sick voice.
B
You can even get it out. Wait, what?
C
What was I supposed to say? You were supposed to say you sound amazing.
A
It was like you're on the verge of saying you wanted to give a comment, but you.
C
No, you did. It was.
B
You hit all the notes, brother. No, you did.
C
You did a.
B
Something.
C
She, like, always has a celeb in every concert arrested. Does she ever arrest men or is it always women?
B
I think it's women.
A
She arrest the guy on Saturday Live that has the character Domingo. Domingo. She did arrest Domingo, but it feels okay. But yes, I think it's. First of all, I'm one of 12 dudes in an audience of 22,000 people, right?
C
It does Feel like if you were there, everyone would be like, whoa. Like.
A
And in fact, I almost want to apologize for being there because all these people are wearing their nighty gear. Cuz that's her aesthetic. So it was like all these girls in these nighty outfits and I'm like, I know they would have felt better if just there were.
C
None of us were there no dads.
A
Luckily it was like a holding Delta's hands. I hope it buffeted.
C
Yeah, you weren't there.
B
I didn't think about that part.
A
Well, there's a panther in the hen house. That's what it felt like. But there wasn't. Because I was just thinking, you're just enjoying the concert.
C
Yeah, she's so cute.
B
She arrested Dakota and El Fanning.
A
Come on. I love it for being too hot.
C
Also, I feel like I remember that you don't love concerts. Am I right about that?
A
Yes. In general, what happens is I. Again, this. Now I'll say ocd, but it's not. I start obsessing about how long it's.
C
Okay, you want it to be done.
A
I don't even know if I want it to be done. It's just not knowing. It's a control thing. I think I'm like, how long will this be? And how many encores? I can't stand encores.
C
You know what? I wonder if this would help you. You can go to. I want to say it's like radio fm.com or something. You could just google this, but you can google Setlist. Setlist fm. What is it?
A
Setlist fm.
C
Setlist fm.
A
You guys are such nerds. I love.
C
And you can google the set list. And then you would know exactly. You'd be like, okay, they're on the fifth song. I have 10 more. Whatever.
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
C
It might help you.
A
Yes. I just start feeling a little confined.
C
I go to so many concerts. I go to too many concerts.
A
Too many.
C
One a week, honestly. Ideally you could. This is a weird thing that I get, which is while I'm watching the concert, I'm enjoying it so much that I start fixating on that I have to come back tomorrow. Oh, sure. And then I'm like missing the concert. I'm like, do I have time in my schedule? Should I get tickets now? Yeah, I gotta see this again. That song's done now. I want to see it again tomorrow.
B
I get that.
A
That's addicty. That's me. The second I enjoy something, my fear of it being gone is so overwhelming.
C
I have that hardcore at concerts.
A
Yeah. Interesting.
C
I Do feel a little addicted to concerts because I kind of can't resist them. Even if I'm, like, spending too much money or canceling plans, I'm like, I have to go to this.
A
It takes over your life. Yes.
B
I think this is a good addiction. It's not very harmful.
C
Did you see any of these last few Beyonce concerts? No, but I feel like you should have.
A
I love Beyonce. I know you do. I would have loved to have seen.
C
Next time she comes, go. I've never missed her in LA in the last 13 years.
A
How long are her shows?
C
Three. Yeah, it was three.
A
Three hours.
C
She's got a lot of songs.
B
She does. And it was. It was.
C
It was incredible. Monica.
B
It was incredible.
C
I had just gone to Renaissance and then I feel like cowboy Carter came, right, Like a day later, and I was like, I can't do this again. It's too expensive. I just saw her and then I went and I was like, you idiot.
B
I know.
C
How could you have ever missed this? It was incredible.
B
Yeah, it does feel a little life changing when you see someone y at the top of their game. Like, you're like, that's not a person. How's she doing this?
C
She is on a different planet.
A
My favorite performance I've ever seen in my life. I wasn't there, but just watching it was her. Beyonce on American Idol singing one plus one. Stay tuned for more armchair expert if you dare. We are supported by quints. So I'm standing in my closet the other day and I realize I'm reaching for the same three things over and over again, and they're all coming from quints. Which got me thinking, when did I become that guy who actually cares about where his clothes come from? I'll tell you when. When I discovered Quint.
B
Exactly. I was at a happy hour a couple days ago with a very cool woman named Margo. Very chic. And I was like, ooh, I love your pants. I love your sweater. And she said, quints.
A
Boom.
B
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A
Should have known. Turns out Quint cracked the code on something I didn't even know was broken. They partnered directly with these ethical factories. Cut out the middlemen. So you get the same Mongolian cashmere that cost 200 bucks elsewhere for 50. Same quality. None of the markup. Perfect timing too, because holiday shopping is coming, and I actually have good answers for once. Not just clothes either. They've got home stuff, travel gear, all of it. Give and get. Timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince. Go to quince.comdax for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.comdax free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.comdax we get support from AG1. I'm always looking for ways to simplify my wellness routine without cutting corners. That's why I've been drinking AG1 every morning for years. I love the taste, I love the simplicity. I love how I feel after I have my glass of AG1. AG1 is a daily health drink that's basically replaced my entire supplement cabinet. 75 plus vitamins, minerals and whole food ingredients in one scoop. It supports gut health, gives me steady energy without crashes, and supports my immune health. Huge when I'm constantly around people for interviews. Less than three bucks a day doing the work of multiple supplements. With travel and holiday chaos, those antioxidants and functional mushrooms help my body stay resilient. You know, we had back to back Halloween. Then I traveled to Palm Springs, hosted a birthday party, came back and my first thought was like oh, I gotta totally recharge. Went straight to the AG1 head to drink ag1.comdax to get a free welcome kit with an AG1 flavor sampler and a bottle of vitamin D3 plus K2 when you subscribe. That's drinkag1.com stacks we are supported by t mobile 5G home Internet. Like everyone, home Internet is our life. And there's nothing worse than when it slows down.
B
Oh, I know. Especially when you're doing something important like editing this show.
A
Well, actually there's one worse thing. Waiting around all day for the cable guy to show up to install it.
B
I want those five hours back.
A
Fortunately, T Mobile's got home in Internet. They have fast speeds and it sets up easily in 15 minutes with just one cord.
B
Anyone can do it. Even me.
A
Hey, we were first in on T Mobile's home Internet. We were using it up in the attic.
B
Yeah, if you recall, it powers this very show.
A
Yes, it's so reliable. And when you've got a podcast full of valuable insights about human nature and poop jokes, you need that.
B
We all need that.
A
Oh, and the low price is guaranteed for 5 years.
B
5 years. Gotta respect to LTO guarantees Monthly price.
A
Of fixed wireless 5G Internet data exclusions like taxes and fees applies Service delivered via 5G network speeds vary due to factor affecting cellular networks. Check availability and guarantee exclusions and details@t-mobile.com homeinternet this show is sponsored by BetterHelp. The holidays are all about traditions, right? Some we inherit, others we create ourselves. And honestly, I've been thinking about what new traditions might actually serve. Here's one I didn't see coming. Therapy as a holiday tradition. I know, I know, but hear me out. December can be intense. Family dynamics. You're in pressure. All the reflection on what went right or wrong. What if instead of just surviving the season, we used it to actually understand ourselves better? We have talked numerous times about how the holiday season can be a activating event. Yeah, you're with your family.
B
Exactly. Family dynamics. Also pressure. Moms have pressure. Dads have pressure for these children. Presents. I have pressure for my gift guide.
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C
You know what's funny? Maybe not. I have a playlist on my phone for songs to make me cry. For acting.
B
Oh, great.
C
And that's on? That is it.
A
It's so beautiful.
B
Wait, what else is on there?
C
I can't tell you all my secrets. No, I want you to. I want to. I'll send it to you.
B
Okay.
C
It is kind of.
A
I'd like to have a good cry. I'm crying every time I listen to say.
B
I can't do it again. We've now done well.
A
I have so much anxiety now saying that you're going to say it, but it's. Don't smile.
C
Okay. What just happened?
A
I'm crying every time I hear that song. But she's had to tell me the name of my favorite song like three times and she's bailing out.
C
You know, it's hard to remember names.
A
And I'm saying it's circular cuz I'm nervous she's going to say it before.
C
I can think of it.
B
I thought you wanted me to say it. You look at me, right? Yeah.
C
You're like, don't say it. I've got it.
B
And then you're like, okay, I won't say it again.
A
I mean, I might not get it too well then.
B
You know the thing we're, you know, he's dealing with.
C
Have you guys ever Been on a set where that happens with somebody's lines where they, like, can't get the line.
B
But you know it.
C
And then, no problem. Let's take it again. Chill out, everybody. We're good. You're fine. And then you can just feel like when it comes to that moment that they're. They're searching, they're searching, they're searching. And then it's sort of like falling down a. It's hell. And you just want to. To be like, just relax. You start sweating, it's hell.
A
Well, Billy Crudup just told a story on the show this week, which was. He got in that situation with Tom Cruise and Mission Impossible because they had rewritten the scene. Rewritten the scene. He got it that morning. It was like a huge monologue.
C
Oh, my God.
A
And he just couldn't do it. And Tom was like, you ever work with cue cards, Billy? We're going to work with Q cards today. Okay, let's go. And then immediately had cue cards, and he was holding them in front of his face and looking at Tom was.
C
And did it work?
A
Problem solver. Yeah, I saw it. I had no idea that was being read from that.
C
I know. Love a problem solver.
A
I do, too.
C
Great.
B
Yeah, me too.
C
Let's just do it.
A
And also desanctifying, demystifying the whole thing where it's fucking precious. You got to get these words out.
C
Yeah.
A
What's the most scared you've ever been acting? Do you recall?
C
Mm, scared, scared, scared. That episode of Good Place that we were in together, the Janet's episode was sort of overall scary. That was definitely the most pressure I've.
A
Ever had because of the words or what you were supposed to convey that you were afraid you couldn't convey the words.
C
Playing all the different parts.
B
Yeah. For that episode, Darcy was every single character.
C
So it was like nailing the impressions. It was a very important episode, story wise. It felt like the weight of the show was on my shoulders for one episode. And it was a lot of pressure. A show that I love with all my heart. There was no part of me that was like, eh, whatever. It was like, I'm gonna kill myself to make this right.
B
Yeah.
C
You know?
A
Yes. I must rise to.
B
And you did.
C
Thanks, babe.
B
Great episode.
C
So do you.
A
You got nominated, babe.
C
I got nominated, babe.
A
Did they say babe. A specific episode, Babe.
C
Okay. I didn't get nomin for that episode. I got nominated the next year.
A
Okay. Probably they were like, we should have nominated for that episode. It's always like these award shows. Are always a year behind.
C
Right, right.
A
You're seeing someone that's got Best Actor for that year they were okay, but the year before, they were brilliant and they got overlooked and everyone acknowledged it.
C
I feel like Denzel has famously. Maybe he won for Training Day, maybe, which he was amazing in. But I feel like whatever was the year before that was like, was the real best.
B
That's why people think Timothee Chalamet is going to win this year. Because last year he did not win for a complete unknown.
C
Right, right, right. And who won?
B
Oh, Adrien Brody for the Brutalist.
A
Say, say, say thank you. Oh, oh, oh, no, don't cry. Don't smile.
C
Say thank you, Monica. Say thank you.
B
I know, it's like, for what?
A
What do I do?
C
Literally adding even what we were talking about. Say thank you.
A
It's gone already. My God. That's a hard. That's a.
C
Say something. Say something. Say anything. What is it?
B
Don't Smile.
A
Isn't it a hard title? Say anything. John Cusack.
C
That's great.
A
Okay, so that was a scary one.
C
And then I shot something this summer. It's called the Five Star Weekend. And the cast is like, Chloe Seven. Chloe Seven. Way to say her name correctly. Good job.
A
Thank you. I'm going to have you worked a. Had a crush on her back when she was in all those Harmony Crane movies.
C
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
A
She was like, oh, this girl's so punk rock and cool.
C
She really is.
A
But then this year at the Emmys, she did not win.
C
Right.
A
And I happened to be seated directly behind her, so I handed her $20.
C
Oh, I love that.
A
As a consolation prize.
C
You know, it's funny. I almost texted you three.
A
Oh, you did?
C
Because I saw that you were right next to each other. And she left our set in Nantucket to go to the Emmys.
A
Oh.
C
And so I was really day to day with her.
A
So I was almost like, you love her.
C
I love her.
B
Her fashion is off the chart.
C
I went thrift shopping with her one night.
B
You did not.
C
And I was like, I think people would pay.
B
This would be like a charity thing.
C
A million dollars to go thrifting with Chloe 7. Love her. And it was Jen Garner, who we love just too much. The best. And then Gemma Chan and Regina Hall. Timothy Olphant, who was just here, who we love so much, love.
A
He charmed the fuck out of all of you ladies.
C
Yes. He charmed the fuck out of my husband. He's charmed. Ma, Ma, ma, ma. We're going to dinner with him on Friday. He's satisfied. I love him.
A
He's so sad.
C
And his amazing wife, they're just cool.
B
Are you guys going to the Soho House?
C
We're going to a place called Darling.
B
Oh, okay.
C
I haven't been all that is to say it's a drama. It's a comedy drama. I actually don't. I don't know what we're calling it yet.
A
Is it on ID Network?
C
It's on id. It's on she. No, it's on Peacock. There's a lot of emotion, and I'm comedy girl. There was certain scenes. I don't know if you'd call that scared, but it is that thing where you're like, you better bring it.
B
You gotta show up here.
C
You gotta show up, and there's no way to not. You have to. You know what's funny? Okay. I'm gonna pivot to this amazing show I'm so lucky to be a part of. Lute.
A
Yes.
C
Okay. There's a scene where my character's crying. So I listened to my little playlist, got the tears ready, and then we did one take of it. It's me and Maya, and I'm like, well, that wasn't fun. I wanna have fun. I can just. I don't wanna say fake it, but what are you doing when it's full broad comedy and you're crying? You are allowed to sort of ham.
B
It up a little bit.
C
Of course.
A
Yes, yes, yes.
C
My day on set with Maya. And no, not being stuck in a corner by myself listening to my playlist is more important to me than if these tears are real or not.
A
Yes.
C
I'm remembering one scene I had to do where it was a crying scene. This is years ago. And I'm looking down and I can feel the tear roll down my cheek. And I can also feel that my hair is covering it. And I was like, motherfuck.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah.
C
Like, I would never. The character would never move her hair.
A
So you can see.
B
So that would be hilarious.
C
So this one is just for me, I guess.
B
Yeah. Do you cry in real life?
C
I do cry in real life, but honestly, for weird things.
B
What makes you cry?
C
A lot of times it's music. My grandma died last year, who I have an incredible relationship with. Love all the way up and down. When my mom told me that she died, I think I went, okay, okay, no, that's good. I said, what the hell kind of reaction?
B
She's so human, right?
C
Like, no tears. Just like. No, it's actually okay.
A
And see, I want to see that. In a movie. Because that's what really happens in real life. And it reminds me me of things in real life.
C
Yeah, it's weird.
B
Well, it's your brain trying to tell yourself it's good, it's okay. You don't need to freak out. You don't need to die because this is happening. It's actually good.
A
And just the notion that you connect with things when you hear them. Also, it can take months to understand someone died, even if you were there.
B
For sure.
C
This is so cheesy. But grandma Lila, she watched Jeopardy. Every night, as maybe everybody's grandma does. And I got to be on Jeopardy Two weeks after she died. But she act. She did know. She knew I was going to.
A
And stay alive for.
C
I know, I know, I know.
B
Grandma. Grandma, what if you were disappointed in, like, come on.
A
So selfish.
C
But it was. It was one of the things that. When I realized. When my mom told me, oh, no, I told her that you were gonna be on Jeopardy. That's when I lost.
A
Of course. You know what I mean? Yeah. Of course.
B
Yes.
A
Yeah.
C
For some reason, the Jeopardy thing was really connected to her. So everything about that was really emotional.
A
All right, we're gonna talk about Lou, but there's two things I want to talk about that happened in the last seven years that I would like some info on.
C
Okay.
A
One is a Thanksgiving play.
C
Yeah.
A
You were on Broadway.
C
I was on Broadway, first of all.
A
Incredible.
C
Thanks.
A
Did you ever have your eyes set on Broadway?
C
I had my little kid eyes only set on Broadway.
A
Oh, okay. Wonderful.
C
And then when I was in college, right out of college, those years, I was doing a lot of regional theater, community theater with people that had been on Broadway maybe five years older than me, so still young, but people that had been on Broadway and they'd been in this show and they'd been in that show, and then they come do this show, and we do the show together, and we. We're all in a show together, and I'm gonna move to New York, and you guys are on Broadway, and I'm gonna be on Broadway. It was just like, that's the path.
A
Yep.
C
And I see it. Cause we're working together, and that's where you are gonna go next. And then when I moved to New York, and it wasn't like that the first two years of living in New York, I hadn't discovered UCB yet. And so it was just auditioning for plays and not getting them and auditioning for, like, student films and getting them in there and being weird.
B
Yeah, sure.
A
Going to someone's apartment for a casting.
C
I had this very clear realization. I went and saw a musical called 42nd Street Tap Dancing. There's in my mind, a hundred cast members. I don't know if it's 40 or whatever. It's just full of dancers.
A
Sea of dancers.
C
Right. And I remember thinking, the girl in the back row is so much more talented than me, and I can't even see her in the background. And she's on Broadway.
B
Right.
C
So I was like, this is not my skill set, and so I need to find something else.
A
Knock, knock. Comedy.
C
Right, Right.
A
Okay. So exciting to get. Get it.
C
So exciting.
A
And then the premise is really funny. I'm really sad I didn't see it. Kristin told me she did see it and that you were spectacular. And she loved it.
C
Went and ate burgers afterwards.
A
But it's about four white teachers that put on a elementary school play about Thanksgiving with an attempt to make it politically correct.
C
Yes.
A
And then somehow you do get someone that's posing as Native American. Are you?
C
Yes. So I come in as the actress that just answered the casting call, and she can play everybody. She can play a doctor. She can play Native American. You know what I mean? She's not smart at all. She was a dummy. But also lovable. But also bad. But also I love her.
A
And she was vaguely Puerto Rican.
C
What was it? She's vaguely me. She could be anything. She's, like, a little ambiguous. And that's all part of the play. And it was written by Larissa Fasthorse, who's the first Native American woman to ever write a play on Broadway and has had so much success. Success since then. And before then. She's amazing. They sort of realize that the three people who are putting it on, who are Katie Finneran, Chris Sullivan, and Scott Foley. Do you know any of these actors yet? So great. Amazing. And they are sort of as woke as can be and, like, really trying so hard to, like, do the best job.
A
And is it just gonna be a genocide play? Is that what it is?
C
But at first, it's not. Once we sort of realize.
A
And celebrating the same old colonial.
C
Yeah, yeah, exactly. It's digging through what actually happened. Also. I'm like, this is two years ago. What was this play about? I did a hundred nights of it. But we decided to put on a real Thanksgiving play once they realized that I'm Greek or whatever it was. Yeah, Greek.
A
That's what it was.
C
Then we decide to really put on what it was really like. And it's really graphic and Horrible.
A
Yeah. Not fun to watch.
C
And we do that every. I'm covered from head to toe in blood. All four of us are.
B
Oh, wow.
C
And you would come off stage and jump right into the shower. It was really fun. It's also really funny. It was fun to do a Broadway play where the audience was laughing from the beginning to the end.
A
Yeah. Yeah. I don't associate Broadway with comedy all that much.
C
It was a struggle. I'm used to doing improv where you never do something twice.
A
Yeah.
C
Or TV and movies where you kind of don't do something twice.
A
Yes.
C
Especially if you find something fun funny. You better hope you didn't find it in rehearsal because it's really hard to do that thing again.
A
I think we're scarred by the training we had, which is. I'm allergic to the second time, which is a terrible quality.
C
Allergic to it. That's exactly how I feel.
A
Even if I improv once and it's great and they want to get another camera, I'm like, well, I don't want it anymore.
C
I know. I know. It feels stupid. Calls and I'm working with three actors who have done a lot of theater. TV2. Mostly TV, but they've done more theater lately. They were more ready for this than I was. And I remember doing something in a rehearsal that made the producers and director laugh. And then we were going to do it again, and I got a note that they loved that. And I was like, is it cool with you guys if I don't do that again until opening night? And they said no.
B
Yeah. They want to see it.
C
Yeah, you have to.
B
We have timing.
C
So that was a really fun experiment that I ended up loving. I want to get back there.
A
Okay. And then the other thing, this one confuses me because this is again, this is around the time that Sabrina put out Short and Sweet. Yet it's still not on tv. But you and Forte did a show in Australia.
C
Yes, we did.
A
Where is that and what's going on?
B
Id?
C
So. Id. It's on Shetvid. This is called Sunny Nights.
A
Yes.
C
It's directed by the great Trent o', Donnell, who did Some Good Place. Kristen knows him also.
A
Maybe did Colin from Accounts.
C
Yes, he sure did.
A
Greatest show that people have not seen.
C
And you gotta watch it.
A
You must watch it.
C
Do people ever look down the barrel on the. You gotta watch Colin from Towns.
A
Hey, watch it or watch out.
C
Exactly. Will and I play siblings. We shot it not this past summer, but the summer before.
A
Short and sweet debut.
C
Yes. August, Same exact timing. So this Actually will really work well for you. It comes out in Australia in December. Next month. This month.
A
Great.
C
So it's coming out on Stan TV in Australia. And I know there's a lot of armchairs in Australia.
A
There are. Yeah.
C
Yeah, it's great.
A
You know why? There's good people down in Australia.
C
Good people down in Australia.
A
For sure.
C
Sure. It premieres on Boxing Day, and that is December 26, and then it will be streaming in America at some point soon. And I can't wait to tell you about that.
B
Yay.
A
Yeah. I can't imagine a more explosive duo than you and Forte. This is a dream.
C
Dream.
A
Okay, one other question I wanted to explore before we do Luke.
C
Is anything on Earth?
A
Because when you were here last time, you. You had filmed a couple, but you didn't have your full arc yet on Barry. You start being on Barry in 2018. We interviewed you in 2018.
C
Okay, here's the weird thing. And you guys know this. Being in this biz, I auditioned for Barry the week after I auditioned for the Good Place.
A
Whoa. There you go.
C
Or the week of, or whatever it was that pilot season, which we used.
A
To have, and good place of 16 to 2020 to remind people.
C
So we shot the Good Place one week. We shot Barry the next week, and then it didn't get picked up for a year.
B
Oh, wow.
C
And then I think it didn't come out for a year.
A
What I thought might be interesting is this is something that you two share.
C
Yes, we do.
A
Which is a transition from nanny to scene partner. Oh, that's right. Cause you were haters. Nanny for a long time.
C
Long time.
A
Yeah. So what was that transition like? And did it have any growing pains? Or did you have internal things that were fucking with you?
C
Totally, yeah. Bill and Maggie Carey, who he was married to at the time. I nannied for them for years and years and years. Years. And Bill was on SNL and Maggie was making comedy movies and tv, and I was just sort of, like, chugging away at ucb. Yeah, it was. It's funny, I was about to say it was tricky, and then I'm like, no, it wasn't tricky. And the reason it wasn't is because I didn't ever bring it up. If they didn't know I was doing ucb, they wouldn't have known. And Bill, we did a show together, one random ass cat, which is UCB's. What did we call it? Like, our flagship show. It would be a bunch of improvisers and then probably a celebrity guest that would Come do my. That was like the first time we had sort of gotten to work together in that way, and it was really positive.
A
But were you nervous going into it, like, he knows me as this, or were you, like, wait till he sees the skill set.
C
I hate to say that it was a little bit of a. I know it was a little bit of, like, this is my world and I feel good in this world and I know what I'm doing. And not to say that you don't have good shows, bad shows, but I was, I think, more excited.
A
Well, when you're nanny and you are quite literally in their world.
C
Yeah.
A
So if he enters your world, that's fine.
C
And it was really. They were so good to me. I love them so much. We're still really in each other's lives. I went to their daughter's 16th birthday the other day and.
B
Oh, isn't that tough?
C
Isn't that wild? I know, I know. I mean, I was nannying for them up until like a few months before the Good Place.
A
What have you said? A few months ago, I tell you.
C
Well, I would, though.
B
I know. I know I would.
C
When the audition for Barry came along, Tell me if this resonates. I almost called Bill and said, let's just not. No, no, no, you don't have to do this. This is so nice. But no, no, no, no, no, let's not.
B
Don't do me the favor.
C
Don't do me the favor. It's be so awkward when I see you next time. And I didn't get it. Let's just not even worry about it.
A
You didn't do that.
C
I didn't do that. But I really thought about it and I almost was like, should I? I don't know what the right answer was, but I did the audition just because it was such a good script and it was so fun and he was so wonderful about it. He texted me that day like, you got it, you know? Yeah.
B
Was he in the audition?
C
No, but he watched it afterwards.
B
Okay. So that's helpful. I feel like when he's in the audition, I mean, I auditioned in front of Dax for commercial.
C
Okay. And a bunch of other people.
A
I was hoping you would tell a different story, which is I just offered you a role. I didn't make you audition.
C
Oh, yeah, yeah.
B
No, that's a separate. I'm talking.
A
That was the first time for chips.
B
Yeah. But it is weird. And also, we were just already such good friends.
C
And it'd be different if you came up together in the same acting class.
B
Or something like that.
A
But I think that's more stressful because I was directing.
C
Yes.
B
Yeah, you were directing it. And you were there when I walked into the audition. And it's like, this is so strange. But weirdly, I was like, I've done, like, 40 commercials. I feel fine about this.
C
Right.
B
And it was a little bit like, I'm fine doing this.
A
It was almost beneath you.
C
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
A
The actual Spock was, like, an industrial buyout Y1. So it was actually below you.
C
And was that your first time auditioning for Dax?
A
Well, I had already just hired her for Chips.
B
That was horrible.
C
Yeah. Yeah.
B
Because then I didn't even know. Right. I was so excited. I was so flattered. This is before I was nannying. I was just babysitting.
C
Okay, okay, okay.
B
I knew he was working on Chips, and he said, I wrote you a role.
C
Yeah.
B
And I was like, huh? What?
C
Yeah.
B
I mean, you know. You know what it's like to be auditioning and not getting anything and someone wrote you a role for their movie. I was shocked, and I was so excited and so happy. And then I was like, oh, no.
C
I know, I know, I know.
A
Oh, no.
B
And I only let him down totally.
C
This is, like something that I. I really appreciate that Bill did, which is after the fact he said they almost named the character Darcy. I don't think it could have been an offer. Cause I had done hardly anything at that point. But the pressure. So anyway, I didn't know that until later, but going in a little bit. Not blind, but he's not in the room.
B
He's related. He's not making the decision. I think feeling like someone's doing you a favor is complicated. Yeah, it is complicated because it's so nice. I mean, it's the nicest thing that can happen in this business. Business. And then you feel like, oh, my God, they put themselves out there, and I don't know how to act right.
A
You don't know how to do anything. I forgot last week.
B
Yeah, that's how it feels.
C
I totally agree. It's so funny. I read something years ago that Allison Janney insists on. I don't know if she still does, but insists on auditioning. Even with an offer. She's like, let's work together first.
A
Yeah.
B
Make sure.
C
Yeah. Bill never, ever, for one second made me feel like it was anything but earned, you know, he just was really good. Really, really good to me.
A
Now. Did you, though, transfer effortlessly into pure.
C
No.
A
Do you still feel this original dynamic?
C
We have such a long history of Me being his nanny, I don't know if that'll ever fully go away. It's been 16 years now that I've known him.
A
Yeah.
C
And that we've been so close. So we have totally moved into real friendship. Almost like in a family way. But there is always this sort of. I don't mean to say like, boss. It's not even that. It's just I'll never let go of the fact that I was nanny for so long. I can easily access it. I could easily sort of tip into like assistant feeling. You know what I mean? Like, let me get that for you or whatever. Which he would never want. But that's just sort of the foundation.
B
So interesting. I don't have that.
C
Yeah, good, good, good.
B
But only because we work together every day still. I think if we had, had not like if we work together and then I didn't see you, I think that would be easier for me to slip back into that. I think I have more of that with Kristen. Oh, funny where like I do sometimes feel like, oh, I'll just take care of that for her. I know how to do that. But since we continue to work together and build this thing, it's harder for me to slip into like, oh yeah. When I was afraid of the sponge. Cause I heard you hated the sponge. Like, that's like wet sponge, more wet sponge in the sink.
A
Just squeeze it before you put it back. Then you don't have to throw it away every three days because it smells like mold.
B
It's just funny because like I remember Carly saying when I was like training.
C
She was like, just so you know.
B
Dax hates okay when the sponge is left in the sink. So just make as if I've hit.
A
People in the house or yelled at people.
B
But that's her job to teach. Like, don't do that. That's a house rule. And I just remember being like the sponge. I was so aware of it. And now thinking about that girl and that guy.
A
Yeah.
B
It's so funny to me.
A
It's so normal that it almost hurts my feelings. And once in a long while it'll happen. It's fun to watch when it happens. It happened when you watch without a paddle. Like she watched without a paddle this year in preparation of us doing a 20 year anniversary show with Seth and Matt. And she had never seen it.
C
Yeah.
A
And so she watched it and then she came in and her reaction was just really funny and genuine. She was like, I forgot you're really funny. Like, I forgot you're a comedic actor. That I saw who I thought was funny. Right?
B
Yeah.
C
You're to your partner.
B
Yeah, exactly.
A
The person who can't remember the name of his favorite song. That's what you have to deal with. Don't smile. Good job.
B
We're getting there.
C
I think it's good.
B
You wouldn't like it if you came in every day thinking you were.
A
Not every day. But I did. Like, when you thought I was talented for a day, I was like, oh, that feels really nice.
C
That is so married coupley of you guys.
A
You can't see each other as humans.
B
That's so great.
A
I'm just like her dad. You don't give a fuck about your parents. You're just like, yeah, whatever. They don't have feelings.
B
Yeah. But every now and then you go to their work of it.
C
You're like, oh, people respect him. Oh, my God.
A
Good job. He's actually a person.
B
Yeah.
C
He has his own life and feelings.
A
Okay, loot.
B
Wait real quick. We have to touch on Handmaid's Tale for just five seconds.
A
Yes.
B
He was in Handmade.
A
Well, that was another one. She is such a monster of an actor.
C
Unbelievable.
A
Do you have scenes with her?
C
We had scenes together.
A
Did she you up? Yeah. You did four episodes or something?
C
I think I did four episodes, maybe three. Wait, did she me up as an actor?
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah. She's like, maybe the best.
C
And I thought that before I met her and then getting to see her.
A
Do it, she's so goofy in real life. That to me is even more of a testament to one amazing actor. She's like, that's not her at all.
C
And she's that goofy the second they yell cut. And before God. Have you had Bradley Whitford on?
B
Yes. A long time ago.
A
He.
C
I love to hear him talk about her because they've worked together since the West Wing days. And he's like, she's a machine. She's like a different beast.
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
C
She is really incredible.
A
The rest of us can't.
C
And then she directed the last two episodes. And she's such a good director. Ann Dowd, who plays Aunt Lydia.
A
Oh, yes. Yes.
C
Getting to do a lot of scenes with her.
A
I don't know if I've ever got to go to be on a show that was an enormous fan. Well, it's happening this year, actually. I'm doing something that I love the first season.
C
I know. I'm so excited.
A
So that's so fun to get to have Aunt Lydia talk to you in that bitchy.
C
Yes.
B
Yeah.
C
Yes. Oh, my God, literally. We text each other this a lot. I'm saying something to her in the show where I'm like trying to distract her and I'm lying to her, but I say something about I needed to clean something up with a mop. And the way she responds is a mop. Like in a very Aunt Lydia way. To have Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia look you up and down, tearing in half. It feels really good.
B
Oh, wow.
C
And she's also the sweetest, sweetest, most wonderful, darling woman.
B
I commend the casting, though, because they cast Darcy and Tim.
A
Yeah.
B
Regarded so highly comedically that they brought in for the end of the most intense show that's been on TV in the past decade.
C
Probably that whole group, the showrunners, everybody, the writers, they all were very confident. I didn't feel like prove to us that you can do this. They really made me feel good, you know, amazing. But it was really special. I can't believe I got to do that. And plus I got to shoot some guys in the face.
A
Uh huh.
B
Badass.
C
So fun.
A
Okay, loot, Loot.
C
A toot.
A
Toot. I watched the. The first episode you're in, which is already out. Oh my God, what a delight. You're so fucking funny.
C
Thanks, Dax.
A
You come in as a vaguely Italian.
C
Ambiguous yet again, but hardcore.
A
What's your first line to her?
C
Bueno. Serra Bueno.
A
And that's your name?
C
My name is Luciana, but I don't think Bueno Serra is like correct Italian. I think it's a little Spanish and that was sort of the point. There's a lot of bad Italian.
B
Oh, I love this.
A
Yeah, you're super fake Italian.
C
Yeah.
A
And then though it already aired, so.
C
I'm gonna say I play Adam, Scott's girlfriend, and Adam is Maya's ex husband. He's like a billionaire.
A
And she got $87 billion from the divorce Maya, and she's trying to give it away. It's not going well.
C
And he's not. He's just living the billionaire life. And he has this new Italian girlfriend who's like really changing his life.
A
Maya's still very hurt by him.
C
Yeah, there's some real feelings there. At the end of the episode, you find out that I'm not really Luciana from Italy. I'm Ashley Kate. Ashley Kate. Ashley. Ashley Kate from, I want to say Delaware.
A
Your accent is so bizarre.
C
Baltimore, Delaware.
A
Were you coached through that?
C
I was coached.
A
Is that easy for you? That's so hard for me.
C
This is the funny thing. I love accents Italian I don't have.
A
Well, you did in the show.
C
Well, I worked really hard.
A
Okay, you nailed it.
C
I'm really leaning into the. It's bad. It's okay that it's bad. It's part of the character. And then this sort of, like, Baltimore, Delaware accent I don't have. And I worked my buns off.
A
Do you watch videos on YouTube?
C
I watch videos on YouTube for the Italian. So my best friend, Brandon Scott Jones, he was on the Good Place, and now he's on that show Ghosts on cbs. He's great. Amazing. Anyway, he's from Baltimore. My best friend, Baltimore. He's from.
B
Don't Smile.
C
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. He's from Baltimore. So he always. Our whole friendship has fallen into this great accent that I love so much that I make him do, like, a. Of the part, but I don't have it. And I always remark on how hard it is. And then Sudie Green, who's an amazing, hilarious comedian and actor who writes on lute and used to write on snl. She's from Delaware. I might be wrong about that, too, but in that area. So both of them would leave voice memos saying every line.
A
Oh, great.
C
Every line. Like, I was learning a new language, and then I just tried to match it.
B
I love that.
C
It was really hard, and I feel like I got it.
A
It's excellent. It's so funny, and it's so weird. And you're right, that pocket. Also, I was watching Task, and they're nailing this pen, Pennsylvania accent. It's just really random words. Right.
C
I would almost, like, write a new Alphabet. Things that made sense to me, almost like it was music or something, but it's not in me.
A
Well, you're hysterical. And then I love Adam so much. I don't know that anyone plays douchey as good as him.
C
So good at it. And it's fun. You know, after inhaling two seasons of Severance, now it's nice to see him. I mean, I love him in Severance. He's literally one of the best performances. Incredible. Incredible. He's another blown away by him, but it's so fun to see him kind of go back to douchebag. Yes. And this is such a particular kind of douchebag on the show.
A
Her character, who he's in love with, has given him a makeover. He had his nostrils permanently flared. Right. And he has jeans with a ton of zippers on them.
C
So many zippers. Too many zippers. Getting to work with Adam for a little bit in the Good Place was so fun. And then getting to do this with him, getting to work with Maya Rudolph in this way, you get, was she.
A
Not in any good place?
C
She was in good place and she was so great in good place. And we got tons of amazing stuff to get to do together. We got to dance together. We had so much fun. We had too much fun. I mean, couldn't get through a scene. And then to get to play with her on lute in this way where I almost can't explain how much of a dream it is when she was on SNL and I was in college, that is a written out dream. In my diary, like, there was something about Maya when I first watched Maya on snl. I don't even know how to explain this. It's like I saw my family. I connected to her so hard that she made me feel like I belonged or like I was not as weird as I thought I was. I just connected to her in a way that I had never connected.
A
She has that level of playfulness.
C
Yeah.
A
That is pretty unparalleled.
C
Speaking of nannying and Bill and everything, there was one of these kids birthday parties where she was there. And this is years ago, Years and years, years ago. I love her so much that I left.
B
Yeah, I can relate to that.
C
I couldn't meet her and I felt this way when she was put on the Good Place where I was like, I don't want this. I don't want my favorite. She's my favorite. I can't meet her. I can't work with her.
A
Not ready.
C
Yeah, she couldn't have been better. She blew my expectations of her as a person. I just feel so fucking lucky that I got to do this with her. We really tell each other that a lot, which is nice. It's not just like, oh, this is a fun day at work. We kind of like hold each other, stare into each other's eyes. She sometimes will call me her weird sister. Like, you're my weird sister in a way that I'm like, If you told 19 year old Darcy that I know.
B
Do you think you're living in a sim?
C
It does feel. That's what I mean. Maybe more than anything. I'm like, this one. This is like, I wrote this down.
B
Yeah.
C
Yeah. I get to be in three episodes. I don't know if I'm allowed to say that, but there I go, who cares? And that's just a good day. Those were good days where I'm like, my life is good. I am happy, I'm laughing, I'm fulfilled. I'm around amazing, amazing, creative, hilarious people. I just felt really lucky. Something just really hit me on that show.
B
That's beautiful.
A
Okay, well, so everything's going perfect, and it's gonna be a great next year, so you don't need to worry at all.
C
Okay.
A
But we need to be ahead of schedule, and you and Belle need to chat once a month about what you're gonna do again. It seems insane that you guys aren't plotting what you would come back together on it.
C
So some point we do plot it, but we're bad at following up.
A
You might need a non ADHD person involved.
B
Yes. It's like your time blindness.
C
It's actually funny. If we went through our text messages, it would be like, read this script. And then it would be like months later being like, I read it. Did we talk about it yet? So much of that.
B
You got to get an alarm set. Like the time, you know, you need to invite.
C
Oh, my God, you're actually right.
A
Someone with a different neurodivergent skill set that will level out.
C
I love her so much.
A
Yeah, she's very lovable. Well, I love you, Darcy. I love you too. Everybody watch you on loot. Everybody keep your eyes peeled for Sunday nights and the five star weekend. And does your ID TV have a title?
C
It doesn't have one yet.
A
Okay. She show on she show on she tv.
C
Thank you for having me. I love sitting with you guys. I love you. I love talking to you. Thank you for having me. I'm so proud of you.
A
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B
About Addie the little pink pill, right?
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Yes, that's right. Addie is the FDA approved pink pill clinically proven to boost desire in certain pre menopausal women who are bothered by a low libido.
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I love this. It's really nice that there's an option out there for women who are dealing with low desire and I like that. Addie's non hormonal and created by a woman for women. Addie is helping women feel like themselves again and that's really important.
A
It really is. So arm cherries if your libido could use a little jump start, Addie's got you covered. Learn more@addie.com that's a--y-I.com use code DAX for a ten dollar telemed appointment@addie.com addi or flibanserin is for premenopausal women with Acquired Generalized Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder HSDD who have not had problems with low sexual desire in the past who have low sexual desire no matter the type of sexual activity, the situation, or the sexual sexual partner. This low sexual desire is troubling to them and is not due to a medical or mental health problem, problems in the relationship or medicine or other drug use. Addy is not for use in children, men, or to enhance sexual performance. Your risk of severe low blood pressure and fainting is increased if you drink one to two standard alcohol drinks close in time to your Addie dose. Wait at least two hours after drinking before taking Addie at bedtime. This risk increases if you take certain prescriptions, OTC or herbal medications, or have liver problems and can happen when you take Addi without alcohol or other medicines. Do not take if you are allergic to any of Addie's ingredients. Allergic reactions may include hives, itching or trouble breathing. Sometimes serious sleepiness can occur. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, tiredness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and dry mouth. See full P I am medication guide including box warning@addy.com PI Addie use code DAX for a $10 telemed appointment@addie.com that's a D D Y I.com we are supported by JCPenney.
B
You know what's even better than getting compliments on your holiday outfit?
A
Getting compliments on your holiday outfit that you got for way less than anyone would guess.
B
Ding, ding, ding. Ex. I just hit up JCPenney for some holiday party looks and let me tell you, the quality and style are great. I got this really gorgeous velvet blazer that everyone thinks was designer, but it's not. But it really looks Lux.
A
Yeah, but you're sitting there like, oh, this JCPenney.
B
It is really fun to see the look on people's faces when you tell them. And it's not just clothes. Their home stuff is perfect for hosting.
A
Plus they've got gifts for everyone on your list that looks so much more expensive than they actually have are.
B
Because when it comes to holiday gifts, it's what they think you spent that counts.
A
Shop jcpenney.com yes, JCPenney. Mom and dad. Mom and Mom. Dad and dad. Whatever. Parents. Are you about to spend five hours in the car with your beloved kids this holiday season? Driving old granny's house. I'm setting the scene. I'm picturing screaming, fighting back to back hours of the K Pop Demon Hunter soundtrack on repeat. Well, when your ears start to bleed, I have the perfect thing to keep you from rolling out of that moving vehicle. Something for the whole family. He's filled with laughs. He's filled with rage. The OG Green Grunk. Give it up for me. James Austin Johnson as the Grinch. And like any insufferable influencer these days, I'm bringing my crew of lesser talented friends along for the ride. With a list guests like Gronk, Mark Hamill and the Jonas Brothers, whoever they are. There's a little bit of something for everyone. Listen to Tis the Grinch Holiday podcast wherever you get your podcasts. He is an armchair expert, but he makes mistakes all the time. Thank God Monica's here. She's gotta let him have the facts. This is a dangerous food item to eat right before we record.
B
Yeah, it's sticky.
A
Cause look what happened. Cut. Happen. Hey, Monica. Oh, what's on this side?
B
Yeah, that looks.
A
Do I look hillbilly?
B
Ish. Yeah, you do. But it kind of matches your shirt. My whole vibe and your whole vibe. None of this seems on brand.
A
I think I could pull off a missing tooth up front.
B
Well, you have. Oh, no, you don't. You just had a gold one.
A
You remember, the only thing I have bulletproof is my teeth.
B
I know. So wild that you're so obsessed with your teeth. You're not obsessed. You're careful with your teeth. You're scared of them falling out. And yet you shaved one of Them down a little bit. And I'm just surprised you did that.
A
I was surprised.
B
Swept away.
A
I did. I should have. Like, I should have brought an advocate with me.
B
Yeah.
A
I was like, hold on. Do we want this permanently? Yeah. But I didn't. And I'm also really good at. When I make my bed, I can lie in it peacefully.
B
I know, but are. But do you feel you got taken advantage of?
A
No, I don't. And not in this case.
B
Okay, that's good.
A
Yeah. Just lying in your bed if you've made it, Is that the same? Yeah.
B
If you make a bed and you lie in it.
A
This is one of my pet peeves. And I know it's definitely childhood. I think it's how we were raised. Like, yeah, that's it. Just deal with it.
B
Right.
A
There's a lot of tolerance for whining about stuff, and I'm that way. And I like it. And when people are like, when they can't just accept. Yeah. Just get with the program and deal with whatever thing it is.
C
Sure.
A
I get a little judgy.
B
Okay.
A
Well, it's like, I call it a pet peeve. I think you'd call it a pet peeve.
B
Okay.
A
Just deal with. I want to. Sometimes I just want to yell out loud. Just deal with it.
B
Yeah. It's funny, though. I do think it's funny because we. I think we all do feel that way.
C
Like.
B
Like, just. Just. This is. Just get over it.
A
Just different things. We have hard things.
B
There are things that.
A
Yeah. You could say to me at the airport, like, yeah, tsa. They're always there. Just deal with it.
B
It's fine. It is the way it is. Just do it.
A
And I've learned to deal.
B
Sure. I'm just. You know, we all have our things.
A
This isn't a good one, but, yeah, My food comes up. Well, whatever. It's food.
B
Sure.
A
You know, people are like, I asked for light mayonnaise, and this is medium mayonnaise. I have. I'm like, oh, boy, I wish I weren't at a table with you.
B
Wow, you are being judgy.
A
I am. And I think it's because it comes from. I would have been very shamed if I acted that way growing up.
B
Oh, man.
A
Yeah.
B
Okay.
A
But my kids demand satisfaction. You know, they grew up in a different household than me.
B
All right. Also. Okay. Lime mayonnaise and medium mayonnaise is one thing, but what about if they give a chicken sandwich instead of a burger chicken?
A
Great. No, I think you should get the menu item.
B
Yeah.
A
You Should I ordered lasagna? Well, you got clams.
B
Sometimes that happens, and then you're allowed to be pissed.
A
I guess you're right. I guess all the lines in the sand are arbitrary.
B
Yeah.
A
But, like, if I just. If I buy something and I get home and I'm like, yeah, that didn't turn out.
B
You're not.
A
I'm just like, that's your fault. Just deal with it. You should have been able to tell if you let someone grind your tooth down. Like, just. That happened.
B
It happened.
A
I'm not gonna cry over spilled milk.
B
We know. I once cried over spilled milk.
A
Yeah, but you think it's probably equal across. Like, everyone just has their zones.
B
Yes.
A
Yeah. Yeah. I want there to be people that are more tolerant than.
B
I know you do, but you don't think that's. No, there are. There are some people that are just.
A
Like, thanks for the sustenance.
B
Do not care about anything.
A
Yeah.
B
I put my dad almost in that category.
A
Yeah. And I enjoy being around him. I think for that reason. It's like, I ordered milk. Good. A glass of sand. Yeah.
B
He's like, that's fine.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah. Some people are like that. You are not. And either am I, and neither is anyone we know, really, besides my dad. So, you know, it's okay. We all have our things.
A
No, we should aspire to be a shok, though, in the sitch.
B
I think it's okay to care about some things.
A
Okay.
B
Yeah. I think it's all right. You have family in town and there's a little girl in the house.
A
Oh, there is a little girl.
B
She's so cute. And you came down the stairs and she said, hi, Uncle Dax.
A
I know. And she's only met me, like, three times.
B
It's really cute that she calls you Uncle Dax. I know.
A
I don't really get called Uncle Dax.
B
It was the first time I've ever.
A
The first time I've ever been called like, no, certainly my brother's children.
B
They call you Uncle Dad.
A
They did when they were little.
B
Oh, they did. Okay. Because I've never called my aunt's.
A
Oh, you haven't?
B
I did call my Aunt Lily, my dad's sister, who passed away this year. Gee, I called her Aunt Lily, but everyone else was not. Was called by their name. And I don't think they liked it. They thought it was disrespectful.
A
Well, I was going to say what's interesting, what a little I know about the Indian culture is it's all about aunties and aunts.
B
Uncle. It Is.
A
And are they not saying auntie and uncle or they are. You just. You went wrong. Yeah.
B
Yeah. Actually, when I was there for the memorial, people were. They. People were calling me auntie. Some of them, yeah.
A
Oh, really?
B
And then also there's a. The language that my parents speak. Well, they don't. But you know, where they come from.
A
The language they could.
B
Yes. My dad fix it is called Malayalam. And the. The word for sister is chi chi. So my dad called my aunt Lily chi. But normally you would say like, lily chi. And then if there's another sister that Carly. Chechy.
A
Yeah.
B
So. But he just had one sister, so he just called her.
A
He got to just say chechee. There's only one.
B
But when I was there, a lot of people were calling me Monica Chachi.
A
Oh, and did you feel honored and respected?
B
I had to learn all about this because I was like, why are they calling me that? I'm not their sister. So I don't get it. But then it's not that literal.
A
No, it's much looser. They hold it. They hold it with a loose grasp.
B
Everyone's family.
A
Yeah. That's nice.
B
It is nice.
A
And in general, can, like, you just, like, I got the feeling from watching Hussin stand up that he could just go up to any Indian woman and call her auntie. Like, if she was older, like, it would be like a sign of respect probably.
B
Yeah, I think so, actually.
A
Okay.
B
I mean, maybe. Maybe they have to be kind of loosely related, but maybe not.
A
Yeah. I don't know. It seemed. I was trying to read between the lines. I was like, I think you can just roll auntie out as a term of respect, period.
B
It is very interesting being around that side of the family, which is rare because they are more involved in the Indian culture than my family is and my dad. But seeing my dad kind of does code swee witch when he's there, obviously.
A
Right.
B
But even sometimes I'll catch him. I'm like, he's rogue.
A
Yeah.
B
Like, he's. He's the one. He did something different.
A
He's an anarchist. He's punk rock. I should ask him about shaving his sides. He might be up for it.
B
I'd rather not. His hair is.
A
I'd like to give him a haircut next time he's around.
B
Oh, but his hair's.
A
Do you think he'd feel homophobic about me touching his hair?
B
Genuinely? No, he doesn't.
A
He doesn't have any feelings of homophobia?
C
No.
A
Okay.
B
Again, he doesn't.
A
If a random man Started crusting his neck. He would have.
B
Okay. I think he'd be like. He'd probably just be like, what is that person doing? No, I think he'd be like, what is that person doing? But he wouldn't think it was homophobic.
A
Okay.
B
He doesn't care about stuff. I don't know how many times I can say it, but if he was.
A
Being hit on by a man, would he notice? No, he wouldn't notice. Even if it was shirts off and they're kissing.
B
Well, don't make my dad. Don't do that to my dad. He's in India right now.
A
He is. So I had to. I had to reach out to a friend today. A friend of a friend.
B
Okay.
A
Because I needed help with some publicity.
B
Oh, okay.
A
Yeah, I have. I'm going on Kimmel tonight.
B
Right.
A
And I aim to show a clip of Hit and Run.
B
Yeah.
A
Which is proving harder to do than one would think. Huh? Oh, everyone's going. Rights. Rights. Like who? Open Road owned it. They sold. It's like the company that owned the movie's been sold 20 times.
B
Right. Don't you own the rights?
A
I wish.
B
That's crazy.
A
No. So I had to call my friend Callie over at Netflix. I sent her a text. I was like, hey, sorry to bother you with this. You work in marketing at Netflix? Like, I'm trying to get Netflix to send a clip over of this movie and you guys have it currently licensed. Can you. She's on it. She's working on it.
B
Oh, my God. My sweet cow.
A
That might make you giggle.
C
Yeah. God. She.
B
She created Train Dreams and directed it.
A
Wrote and directed Train Dreams.
B
She's getting you out of this pickle. She's busy.
A
We'll see. She's working on it.
B
Yeah. She's also not in publicity. She's in marketing. Very different division.
A
She said this isn't really my thing, but I can call some people.
B
Yeah, she's gonna pull some strings.
A
Yeah.
B
Hopefully Callie's coming over tonight.
A
Oh, she is?
B
Yes.
A
What timing.
B
Exactly. Because today is Mon's giving.
A
It's Tuesday.
B
It's normally Monday. I had to push it because we had to add some recordings yesterday.
A
Yeah. We had a bonkers day yesterday.
B
Yeah. So it's today. Okay.
A
Okay. Is that why you wanted to go early?
C
Yeah.
A
Okay.
B
Cuz I have to get this turkey in the oven at one at the latest.
A
Okay.
B
And I. I still have to cut.
A
Up some shallots Lincoln to go throw it in.
B
Maybe send her in the razor, cut some shallots.
A
She's a good Cutter and put some.
B
Time in t h y me right?
A
And time.
B
And it does take some time. Yeah.
A
I am a c I am a c h I am a c h r a s t I a n I have the l o r d in me H e a r t and I love them and I love them all the time e time.
B
You know that?
A
Can you believe I know that?
B
How do you know that?
A
I don't know these song this songs get in there. I think I'm going to learn it from the Hansens.
B
They have heard them sing that. But I've never committing that to. You don't even know any lyrics.
A
I can barely spell those words. It's the real hard part is spelling Christian.
B
Do you think now you should believe in God? Because that's shocking.
A
God did intervene and allow me to spell his followers name correctly. You want to hear it one more time?
B
Sure.
A
I am a c I am a ch I am a c h r I s t I I have the l o r d in my h e a r t and I l o v e love them all the t I m e time. Wow, that's a tongue twister. Can you try it?
B
Okay, sure. I am a c I am a c I am a c h I am a c h r I s t a I n. Is it a.
A
I n or I a n I n? Okay, so you had misspelled I don't.
B
Have the Lord in my heart.
A
One misspelling so far.
C
I thought that's how it was spelled.
A
That's what I'm saying. It gets really hard.
B
Okay. I ain't am a C I am a c h I am a c h r I s t I a n I have the l o r d in my h e r e a r t and I l o v e l o v e love.
A
Him all the time.
B
All the t I m e time.
A
Really good. You lost the rhythm a little bit there. You got off rhythm, but you did a really good job. Rob. Do you want to try it? No, thanks. Okay.
B
Okay. So mom's giving is today. So I have this turkey. I have to make a stuffing. I'm making a just with the two of you.
A
This is great. Me, I know, but just for you.
B
And C. No, no, no, no.
A
Getting sad a little bit. Hey there. A ton of food for two girls.
B
That's all right.
A
I just imagine you two girls sitting down. Be like, oh, we got a lot of work. That's full bird.
B
You know, her and I used to go to alltime. And get the ribeye. The huge steak.
A
Yeah, the 96.
B
And we'd eat it all now. No. So this is three years running.
A
Yes.
B
And I would do it for the people who I don't normally do Thanksgiving with. So Anthony, Allison, Jess, Trent, and Megan. Dope. Rachel. Anna.
A
Anna. Yes.
B
I said Jazz and Cali and Max. So. Okay, so it's six or seven people.
A
Okay.
B
Squash gratin stuffing.
A
Oh, wow.
B
Green bean.
A
So ambitious.
B
Half kind of green bean casserole, but it's not casserole. It's, like, fancy, fancy.
A
Now you're gonna bring all this potatoes rubbish to Molly's tomorrow.
B
I'm making. I am making the potatoes for our. Our Thanksgiving.
A
Okay. Okay.
B
I asked if she wanted me to make anything else because I have other stuff, but I'm not bringing the leftovers. That feels weird.
A
I mean, I guess bring a bunch of old leftovers. Yeah.
B
Well, Thanksgiving leftovers are notoriously amazing.
A
Better.
B
Yeah, better. Turkey of cloud potatoes. I made gravy already. I made cranberries already. I had to make the stock from scratch.
A
Whoa. This is crazy. Is there any other. There's no other holiday you celebrate three times.
B
No, there's not.
A
Like you could have potentially gone three. You may still yet go three times. I'm gonna Tuesday, Wednesday, and you could bank. You could find one Thursday for Thursday.
B
I'm doing a brunch, so. But I don't know what we're gonna do.
A
Who?
B
Callie again?
A
Well, you guys are gonna be.
B
I'm gonna be so full. I know. I can't wait. Like a little turkey.
A
Speaking of fat.
B
Okay, go.
A
I've gained. Well, now I'm back down a little bit, but I just blinked.
B
Okay.
A
And I went from 196 to 212 by the time I got home from Texas. So I gained 16 pounds in about nine, ten days. Whoa. I have that kind of body. Like, I do think I could blink and be 275.
B
We have to do race to 270 again.
A
16 pounds in 10 days is a lot.
B
That is a lot. What do you think's going on now?
A
Curved it back down. I'm back down to 207.
B
Huh?
A
I mean, I. It's as simple for me as I. Like, I forget to take my Metam musil for a day.
B
Okay.
A
And then I had an early morning for something, and then I just did one day.
B
I didn't poop just one day, though.
A
And then the next day, it's like. It's a joke of a poop. Like, is this.
B
So you're a little constipated.
A
I think I have like 10 plus pounds and then I think that then creates a bunch of water.
B
Sure.
A
Bloat. Bloat, sure. All I know is I got home from Texas on Saturday night and I hopped on the scale. I said, wow, we've almost gained 20 pounds.
B
Wow, that is fast.
A
I can pack it on and then I can really lose it pretty quick too.
B
But you also were traveling, so you weren't working out.
A
I did not work out, but I also was like on a set for 12 hours walking around and being kind of busy. So I bet calorically I spent the same amount. Very normal for me. I'll just do this one time, got on a cruise ship and seven days later, you recall, I got out, was like 22 pounds heavier. I can just. I think I have a lot of real estate to spread it around.
B
Well, you're very tall.
A
Yeah.
B
And wide.
A
Yeah.
B
Well, you're not wide, are you?
A
My shoulders are pretty wide.
B
Your shoulders are wide?
A
Hate to brag, but they are pretty wide. Pretty thin. I mean, if you look at me from sideways, I just look normal.
B
Yeah, you don't look thick unless you gain 15, 20.
A
They will be thick by the end of this holiday.
B
You are, you know, you are thicker with your muscles. You don't look so, so thin anym.
A
I mean, you're talking like five years ago or are you talking last week?
B
No, I mean like, your muscles are huge.
A
You've huge muscles.
B
You do. Everyone knows that.
A
I know. That's, that's. We could.
B
So you. It's like my blamp. We all know about your muscles in my plan. In fact, nobody knows about my blampers, as we just learned.
A
One person didn't know about your blampers. And my hunch is he did know about it.
B
He didn't.
A
He didn't.
C
No.
B
I could tell he didn't know he.
A
Was not going to look. Yeah, but the muscles is so interesting thing.
B
Let's talk about it.
A
The muscles are just a result of the way I like to work out. I mean, in truth.
B
But you also, you want to be big. You've said that.
A
I wanted to be bigger and I got bigger. There are moments where I go, you're starting to look stupid.
B
Okay.
A
You know, like there's. You can look too. I. Even for me, you can look too much.
B
Really?
A
Oh, yeah. Yeah.
B
Okay.
A
Like, I don't want to look like a bodybuilder or a UFC fighter.
C
Okay.
A
Right.
B
Yeah. I mean, I. Yeah, you you agree?
C
Yeah, I agree.
A
Yeah. It's just the result of what I like to do.
B
Yeah.
A
Like I like to lift weights for an hour a day.
B
Yeah.
A
And ride my bike and I feel great.
B
Yeah.
A
And I feel strong.
B
Yeah.
A
But I don't necessarily want to look big.
B
You, you could lower the weights, right?
A
No, cuz the whole point, I still have to exhaust myself in there. That's the.
B
More reps.
A
But yeah. You can do more reps and less weight, but that's the. You get the same gains.
B
Like when your kids are snuggling you.
A
Yeah.
B
Do they ever like hit their head on your muscle and say no.
A
Never.
B
Never.
A
They really. They still like my nook. They will comment that when they're laying on my chest, it's like they're on two pillows. Like they're up kind of high.
B
High right there.
A
But they like it.
B
But they still feel soft.
A
They still. Yeah, yeah. Inviting and soft.
B
Because sometimes when I hug people with big and, and to. You're an extremely good hugger. You're like known for your hugs.
A
Sure. It's my calling card.
B
And you know, you are at risk because sometimes people who are too muscular. I h. I don't like hugging them. It's like, it's like hugging a redwood. Yeah. It doesn't, it doesn't feel cozy.
A
It's not warm, fuzzy. It's cold, prickly.
B
Yeah.
A
Anyways, I'm aware of it. But I don't really. I'm also not going to do anything other than what I do.
B
Right.
A
But I just. For anyone who's like. Does he realize he might look too big? I do.
B
I think you don't. But here's one thing I'll say about some people who are getting very, very, very big.
A
Okay. Maybe. Yeah. You're hitting it on the head, by the way. I see pictures of other guys and I'm like, I think I'm that big. And I, I don't like how they look. That's what's really happening. Yeah. But a lot of it is they're much shorter.
B
Yeah. Yes.
A
I think if you're really bulldoggy, that's not a look for me.
B
Sure. But I, I. Okay. Yes. And what happens though is when you have to wear something high neck where it's buttoned up top.
A
Yes.
B
It still kind of gives that illusion of a shorter person because you're so just only seeing. You're not seeing down here. And so you're just seeing the neck. And the neck is thick. It's stockier.
A
Okay. Right.
B
And so then it looks like, oh my God, like he must have gained 16. So they're so muscular. Like their neck is huge.
A
Yeah, I don't think I'm there, but I think. I know, I know.
B
Yeah, I just noticed it.
A
Yeah. Yeah. When you put a tie, it can look like, oh, this does. None of this fits.
B
Yeah, it's squeezed, constricted. It's squeezing.
A
It makes. It's an uneasy feeling when you're viewing it. Stay tuned for more Armchair expert if you dare. Hey, basketball fans, Steve Nash here, ready to elevate your basketball IQ? I'm teaming up with LeBron James to bring you the latest season of Mind the Game. And we're about to take you deeper into basketball than you've ever gone gone before. We're breaking down the real game, the X's and O's that actually matter. In every episode, we'll share elite level strategy, dive into career defining moments, and explain the why behind plays that change the game. A team or a championship. LeBron and I have lived this game at the highest level for decades. We've been in those pressure moments and made those game changing decisions and learned from the greatest basketball minds in history. Now we're pulling back the curtain and sharing that knowledge with you. Time to go beyond the highlights and get into the real heart of basketball. Watch Mind the game now on YouTube, Prime Video, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. But Then I love the. But then. And then I also love the other side where it's like I was on set and all these guys, they just can't come. They kept coming over feeling my muscles and I love it. I love being. Being touched by people. I like.
B
Yeah.
A
Do you like physical? You like when you're talking to someone and you like the person?
B
Yeah.
A
You like when they touch your shoulder and touch you and stuff? I like that. I'm very physical.
B
It depends on who it is.
A
Okay.
B
I don't think I'm carte blanche, but I. If I like you and know, feel close to you, then yeah.
A
Yeah. We saw Wicked last night.
B
Yeah.
A
You saw Wicked in a huge group of people?
B
Yes, I passed.
A
You passed? Are you gonna see it?
B
I don't know.
A
You're not sure yet? You saw the first one?
B
I saw the first one because we were interviewing Cynthia.
A
So we all went together.
B
All went.
A
And now remembering.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah. I liked it more than the first one. I really, really loved it. Yeah. But it was a chaotic day. It was a maximum chaos day.
B
Yeah.
A
We had a blood draw in the morning, 11 vials again. Then we went in 11am recording. We had a guest. Then we had a one hour break. In that one hour break, I did the pre interview for Kimmel. Then we came in here and then we had a very iconic guest. And. And then the second we walked out, I walked in the house and there were 13 people in the house. And it was make sure everyone's eating this movie's long. Figure out how we get all these people to the theater. Pulling cars out of the garage, moving things around. Total chaos up to the moment of departure. Home Alone thought for sure we definitely were going to leave someone at the house. And then went and had a delightful time.
B
Great.
A
But I think that's the most amount of things I did in one day in quite some time.
C
Okay.
A
At my new heavy weight.
B
Sure. Okay. I have an update too.
A
Okay, Greg.
B
Two updates actually. One is I have bad news.
A
Oh.
B
I'm not going to do a gift guide this year.
A
Oh my God. Monica.
B
But.
A
But you know, I had a hunch this was coming.
B
This, this year. I.
A
Can I make an overall prediction about you and me.
C
Okay.
A
You're just too fried.
B
I'm fried.
A
You're fried? Yeah, yeah, I'm fried. Fried. Too fried. You're too fried. I had this weird feeling. I was like. Because I was having the fried feeling. Laying in bed going, like, I've got to start Christmas shopping.
B
Yeah.
A
But I feel so. I. I just. Because I've been shooting things and doing this, I just have felt like I don't have time.
B
I know.
A
And I've been laying in bed going like, I gotta get. And I was like, God, I wish fucking Monica would get that Christmas guide up in November. And then I was like, I don't think she's gonna do it this year.
B
Okay, listen. Couple things. One, yeah, I'm fried. When the year is supposed to be slowing down, it's actually speeding up.
A
Yeah. Yeah.
B
We have to get a little bit ahead. We also have Mons. Giving Thanksgiving. All the things travel. All these things. And then. Yeah, then. And Beth's dead, which is doing so well. I'm very, very happy. And thank you for everyone for listening. Please keep listening and spreading the word. But like, that's taking up some energy. The extra. Only extra energy is now there.
A
Yes.
B
And I don't. I have to be inspired for the gift guide. It doesn't make sense. If I'm just like, what should I put on it?
A
13 items.
B
Yeah. Then people aren't getting a good gift guide. It has to be real.
A
Welcome to our world. Which is why we need you is we. That's how we feel about presence all the time. None of it's inspiring. I'm not like, oh, that's perfect. That doesn't happen for me. So literally, just like, I got to fill slots.
B
Okay. But I'm going to throw you. I'm going to. I'm a throw you a bone.
A
Okay. I'll receive.
B
So I'm not doing the gift guide, but what I will do from here up until Christmas, I guess, or for the next few weeks on the fact checks, I'll give a couple items.
A
Okay.
B
Okay. And so check into the fact check if you want my gift guide items. And also, you're. You're now the first to know these items.
A
Yeah, I'll be able to get it before they're sold out, which I do appreciate.
B
Okay. So I'm going to go ahead and give you something now.
A
Okay.
B
Okay. So there's a brand. It's called Tecla. Tecla fabrics.
A
Okay.
B
Okay. It's a. I really, really like this brand. They have pajamas that I really like, but also towels. It's like a homeware store.
A
You guys have it in Nashville? Oh, we do, yeah. Your Nashville house has Tekla towels. Oh, we have the towels already.
B
Oh, shit. Well, get them for somebody else who doesn't live there then.
A
Yeah.
B
Okay. Yeah. See? So they're kind of. There's, like, striped ones that are really beautiful.
A
Those do look familiar. And I do love the texture of the towels in Nashville.
B
They're. They're really good, and I really like their sleep. I have a pink striped pajama that I really like, and they have shorts and stuff. So I feel like if you go to Tecla, you can get some towels.
A
T E C H L A T.
B
E K L A T E K L A.
A
Okay.
B
Okay. And there's a. There's a limited edition and there's a robe that looks really cute on the limited edition.
A
So you might need to hear this.
B
You need to get that fast. It's called the Gentle Woman.
A
Gentle woman.
B
Okay. Be nice to me. I'm trying to. To give you some help.
A
Free tip.
B
Yeah. So Tecla, great brand. Go there, buy some stuff. That's all I have for today.
A
Okay, great. That'll get the ball rolling.
B
All right, let's do some facts.
A
Okay, great. What are you laughing at?
B
So we're doing facts for Darcy and peek behind the curtain. P B. Nope.
A
He.
B
This is what Rick Glassman can do. So well.
A
So speedy.
B
Yeah. Pbtc. PBTC we just interviewed Darcy one second ago.
C
Just one.
B
She's still here.
A
She's in the house chatting.
B
She is. And when that has to happen, when we have to do a quick turnaround.
A
Yeah.
B
Rob has to take down the facts while we're, while we're recording because I. Because I can't go back in time, you know, whatever. I can't edit it. So he has taken down the facts today.
A
Okay, great. Fact is, do you feel really busy on those days, Rob, or is it manageable? It's a little busy because I'm also trying to find the answers to the facts. Sure. But I'm listening for new ones. Yeah, it's manageable though. Maybe you have adhd. Maybe. Ding, ding, ding.
B
Okay, so the first fact is Dax's favorite song by Sabrina Carpenter is say Please don't smile. Yeah.
A
How do you feel about 2026 coming up?
B
Um, well, I think I feel good.
A
Yeah.
B
I feel we like. You like round numbers.
A
I play a game, as you may or may not remember.
C
Yeah.
A
I like even numbers.
B
Yeah.
A
Not round so much like round features. That's what you're confused about. But I play a game because I hate odd numbers. So this year I focused on the fact that I was 50.
B
Yep, exactly.
A
Despite the fact it was 2025, which is not great. Although better than most odd numbers because it is divisible by many things.
B
Uh huh. And it has a five, which 50. There's some good symmetry there.
A
There's some cohesion.
B
Yeah.
A
So now I'm going to shift and focus it being 2026 and not 51.
B
Right, sure.
A
And for me there's only a 24 hour window where these aren't both at play.
B
Right.
A
So there'll be one day, January 1st, in fact, that should be the best day of my year because it'll be an even number. 2026 and I'll be 50. An even number. Yeah. I don't focus enough on that probably because sometimes it goes against last year. It's probably the worst new year and it was the worst New Year's. I had that terrible flu in Mexico.
B
That's right, you almost died all day.
A
Long and in harnessing.
B
And that's because it was the worst.
A
And I had a fever. I didn't even put that together till now, but now I understand it.
B
Okay. Idtv. Is it only true crime? No, the network ID is not only true crime. Although that, it's. Although that is its primary focus. It also features other crime related programming such as investigative news, documentaries and Some nonfiction crime dramas. It's called Investigation Discovery. That's what ID stands for.
A
So investigation's pretty baked in.
B
It seems like it. I think my mom watches a lot of idtv.
A
I think a lot of older women watch idt.
B
She loves a true crime. Yeah. Fixer Upper was the show that Joanna and Chip Gaines had.
A
Oh, great.
B
It was a big. I watched it a lot.
A
You did? I've never gotten sucked into a makeover show.
B
Yeah, that tracks. I mean, you have. You have. For cars. A car makeover show, Top Gear.
A
Well, that's not a makeover show, but there have been makeover shows in the past. I did, like, Pimp My Ride or.
B
Right Car.
A
There was a Chip Foose one where he would design a dream car for a very deserving person.
B
Huh. And that show that Robert Downey Jr.
A
Was on where he did electric conversions.
B
Yeah, yeah.
A
Downey's Dream Cars.
B
Downey's Dream Cars.
A
Ddc.
B
Okay. Does Sabrina Carpenter ever arrest men at a concert? Yes.
A
Oh.
B
Carpenter has arrested men at her concerts, including celebrity guests like Corey Fogelman. Fogelman. Vogel Manis from Girl Meets World.
A
I think they were on it together.
B
They were on it together.
A
Great.
B
That makes sense. Marcelo Hernandez, snl. Domingo.
A
Domingo.
B
And Joe Keery from Stranger Things.
A
Oh, great.
B
Okay. What did Denzel Washington win an Oscar for? What came out the year before that was making up for it. Denzel Washington won the Academy Award for best actor in 2002 for his role in the 2001 film Trainer, Training Day. In 2000, remember the Titans came out. Great movie.
A
I can't say, though, that I think his performance in Titans is better than Training Day.
B
Me either. But maybe it was. It was like, oh, he might win for a member of the Titans, and he didn't. And it's like, oh, here he is again. He has to win.
A
Yeah.
B
Darling. Restaurant is in West Hollywood, and it's a Nashville chef.
A
Oh, now I'm more interested my neighbor. Oh, you like the steak burger? They only make 24 of them every night, and then they sell out of them.
B
Is that the one in Nashville?
A
No, that's the one here.
B
I gotta go.
A
I gotta get one of those 24 burgers.
B
I'm getting one. And Rob wrote very good. Exclamation point.
A
Very good. Not great, Rob. No, it's great. I loved it. Okay.
B
Did you have one of the burgers?
A
I did. Is it as good as Emily Burger? They're different. They're different.
B
What's on it?
A
Let me see if I can find a picture of it.
B
Does it have caramelized onions?
A
Caramelized. You know, say caramelized.
B
I say caramelized.
A
You're one of the people that says caramel when you talk about a caramel.
B
I guess I am.
A
Yeah. So then you say caramelized. Wow. That's how I actually now I've just figured out how to prove whether or not it should be caramel or caramel. I never knew. But now caramelized sounds so bad that it could only be caramelized, which means it's got to be caramel.
B
It doesn't sound so bad to me.
A
Caramelized.
C
Caramelized.
A
Does that sound right to you? Be honest, Monica.
B
Obviously it sounds right to me, if that's what I'm saying.
A
Well, I say stuff all the time at some point out and I go, oh, no, yeah, that does. You can have both.
B
Caramelized onions. Caramelized to me.
A
Caramelized onions.
B
I don't. I think that sounds. What do you say, Bob is good, if not better.
A
I say caramelized. Yeah.
B
You guys are from the Midwest. It makes sense.
A
Caramelized. I've never heard that my whole life. Thank you for introducing me to that pronunciation.
B
You're welcome.
A
Caramelized. What?
C
I think it's fine.
A
That sounds right to you again.
B
Obviously it sounds right to me.
A
I know, because.
B
That'S how I say it.
A
Right. Oh.
B
Oh, that burger looks delicious.
A
Okay, so it's a thick guy. It's a soup can style. A dad burger.
B
What's on the bottom?
A
Girthy and narrow. It's just like a mayonnaise. Oh, my God. Paste. Boy, look at the edge of that bun. It's just been cooked to perfection.
B
Oh, my God, this bun is so cool. It's two top buns.
A
You're right. Two top buns.
B
Wow.
A
That's the only tricky thing about. So when you're gluten free and you're eating burgers on their own all the time, like I am, or on a bed of lettuce, I think you get a. Actually a better idea of how good the burger itself is. So often you think a burger is great because the bun's great. That's such a big part of it. And they can tip it. So, like, they've taken the time to grill and butter that bun and you're. Right away. The burger is going to taste so much better.
B
And the cheese is a huge factor.
A
Yes.
B
Like people who are lacking.
A
That's what's a little unfair about my crowning of Emily Burger being the best. Although I stand by it. It is also the only burger I eat the bun with. That's like my one that I make an exception for cuz it's a pro pretzel bun.
B
So good.
A
Me.
B
Now, hold on. Okay, so some people say caramel, right?
A
Yeah, that's you.
B
Wait, I say, yeah, that's what I say.
A
Yeah. Because you're like, oh, I want some. Some of those caramels.
B
Yeah.
A
And I would say, I want some of those caramels.
B
Yeah. But now I think actually it. I think maybe caramel is what Southerners say. So then why am I caramel? Yeah, it makes sense that they would say caramel because it's lazier. Well, that, I mean, no, I'm from the South. That's what happens. We shorten things up and make it like, you know.
A
Yeah, but I'm just gonna. I'm gonna push back. In the same way that AAVE was defended successfully academically, which is. Lazy's a pejorative. You could say efficient. Well, because we speak more efficiently, we're.
B
Molested, so you get to talk about that. And I'm from the south, so I get to say it's lazy.
A
Okay, but I was just def sending you guys.
B
I know, but I don't think it's bad. I just think it's like, you know, lazy speech.
A
Yeah.
B
In a fun way.
A
You can be more efficient. So because they tried to label African American vernacular English as lazy.
B
Right.
A
And they're like, no, no. Let's remember what the point of communication is. Conveying a message successfully to someone else. That's happening.
B
Yeah.
A
And it's being done differently. It doesn't make it lazy or bastardized.
B
Do you say the nut that is in pie often?
A
Well, I intentionally say it a certain way.
B
Okay.
A
Again, my producer friend, who will remain nameless. I don't want to name drop. We were in the hot tub with the kids and we were talking about that my kids have accidentally said the wrong pronunciation of words that I say intentionally wrong. Oh, debris. I never say debris.
B
Right.
A
Because it's spelled debris and it sounds funny. Yeah.
B
You think it's funnier.
A
And Link, poor Lincoln was reading out loud in class and pronounced something debris and then was made fun, embarrassed, and then had to say my sorry. My dad says to Bris, I know it's debris, blah, blah, blah.
B
Oh, God.
A
But my producer friend said, my father did that non stop. We have so many words that we say.
C
Yeah.
A
So I will say pecan pie.
B
Yeah. That's how you say.
A
But I say pecan.
B
Your Natural is in Detroit.
A
Is pecan.
B
Okay.
A
But I'll say, ooh, I want some pecan pie. Because it's more fun.
C
Yeah.
B
And it.
A
And it's not lazy. It's kind of longer.
C
It.
B
That's what? Caramel. That's why I'm getting confused.
A
Yeah. Pecan. Caramel. Caramel. Sometimes there is caramel on a pecan pie. Can you even say pecan?
B
Pecan.
A
Good job.
B
Pecan pie. That sounds not tasty.
A
It's not as. You're right. It's not as appetizing.
B
And either is caramel. Like, ew. I actually am not a fan of caramel.
A
I don't like.
B
You don't.
A
And I don't know why. Caramel.
B
No, I'm saying the thing.
A
I love caramel. I love it.
B
So you say salted caramel pie.
A
I said all your caramels. That. I'll spread them all over myself.
B
Oh, my God.
A
You ever have caramels eaten off of yourself?
B
Okay. Nope. Okay. I'm right. That the southern.
A
You would fall down in a pecan pie and get all over your toes.
B
Okay.
A
And then one of your friends has to get it off with our mouth. Ew.
B
Oh, my God. Okay. Yes. The Southern pronunciation of caramel is typically caramel, which is a three syllable pronunciation. This is in contrast to two syllable pronunciation carmel, which is more common in the west and Midwest. Okay. How many people are in the 42nd street cast varies, but typically features a large ensemble. The 1981 Broadway revival is noted for having a cast of nearly six 60 people.
A
Holy smokes. So she was 60, correct?
B
She was. Yeah, that's right. That's exactly right. That's it for Darcy Facts. Thank you, Rob. Taking those down. And thanks, Darcy.
A
Yeah. All right. Love you.
B
Love you.
A
Foreignchair expert on the Wondry app, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to every episode of Armchair Expert early and ad free right now by joining Wondry plus in the Wondery app or on Apple podcasts. Before you go, tell us about yourself by completing a short survey@wondry.com survey.
C
Hey there, armchairies. Guess what? It's Mel Robbins. I'm popping in here, taking out my own ad. Holy cow. Dax, Monica and I, I don't want this conversation to end. And I'm so glad you're here with us. And the other thing, I can't believe Dax loves the let them theory. He can't stop talking about it. I hope you're loving listening as much as I love having you here. And I also know since you love listening to Armchair Expert, you know who you're going to love listening to? The Let Them the Theory audiobook. And guess who reads it?
A
Me.
C
And even if you've read the book, guess what? The audiobook is different. I tell different stories. I riff. I cry. You're gonna love it. Cause it's gonna feel like I'm right there next to you. We're in this together as we learn to stop controlling other people. So thanks again for listening to this episode of Armchair Expert. And check out the audiobook version of the Let Them Theory read by yours truly, available now on Audible. You can even try it out for free with an Audible trial. Download the Audible app today.
Episode: D’Arcy Carden Returns
Date: December 1, 2025
In this vibrant return episode, actor and comedian D'Arcy Carden joins Dax Shepard and Monica Padman for a wide-ranging conversation brimming with humor, candor, and thoughtful insights. The trio dives deep into D’Arcy’s recent projects—her travel show, Broadway debut, working with Maya Rudolph in "Loot," and her evolving career arc from nanny to scene partner with Bill Hader ("Barry"). Themes of friendship, self-diagnosis, creative fulfillment, relationships, and the messy beauty of being human are interwoven throughout, as are D’Arcy’s signature self-deprecation and warmth. Listeners get a genuine, behind-the-scenes sense of D'Arcy’s artistic journey, struggles, and joys, plus some memorable detours into ADHD, concerts, and the meaning of sympathy.
(03:11 – 05:00)
(04:05 – 08:25)
(08:01 – 10:18)
(12:26 – 16:22)
(18:00 – 23:00)
(23:00 – 27:05)
(28:02 – 33:01)
(39:08 – 41:00)
(46:20 – 50:54)
(52:19 – 57:16)
(62:45 – 65:17)
D'Arcy on Her Long-Term Marriage:
“I’m baby, he’s daddy…Whatever it is, it works for us.” [24:26]
On Sympathy and Self-Diagnosis:
“We all have this policing nature that we don’t want anyone to get sympathy for something they don’t deserve.” – Dax [15:14]
“But what is sympathy? What does it do for you?” – D’Arcy [16:22]
On Acting Pressure:
“It felt like the weight of the show was on my shoulders for one episode. And it was a lot of pressure.” – D’Arcy [40:25]
On Her Relationship to Maya Rudolph:
“She’s my favorite. She’s my weird sister in a way that I’m like, If you told 19-year-old D'Arcy that…” [67:43]
On Broadway Dreams:
“I had my little kid eyes only set on Broadway.” – D’Arcy [46:30]
This episode is a robust celebration of D’Arcy Carden’s journey as an artist and human, packed with laughter, touching personal anecdotes, deep dives into the quirks of brains creative and distracted, and the value of friendship and chosen family. Dax and Monica’s welcoming, irreverent style brings out the best in D’Arcy, making this a must-listen for fans of comedy, acting, and real talk about the challenges and triumphs behind the spotlight.