Wondery Presents: 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast

Summary

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Wondery Presents 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast

Episode Title: Wondery Presents: 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast
Release Date: November 26, 2024
Host/Author: Armchair Umbrella
Platform: Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

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Introduction: Setting the Grinchy Stage

The episode begins with The Grinch reintroducing himself to the audience, embracing his role as the perennial Christmas skeptic. He teases listeners with the premise of the podcast—a blend of holiday-themed rants and celebrity interviews aimed at uncovering the less endearing aspects of the festive season. The Grinch announces a thrilling twist: the disappearance of the children of Whoville's letters to Santa, framing it as a “Whoville whodunit.” This mystery sets the stage for the episode’s explorations, inviting listeners to join Cindy Lou and Max in clearing his name.

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Main Conversation: Grinch Meets Jon Hamm

**1. Nickname Banter and Light-Hearted Roasting
Timestamp: [01:02 – 02:09]

The Grinch welcomes Jon Hamm to the podcast with his characteristic blend of sarcasm and humor. He immediately engages in playful name-dropping:

• Jon Hamm: "Do I call you just Grinch? Do you have a first name?"
• The Grinch: “Some people call me G. No one really calls me G. But I'd like it if you did. Can I call you Hamster?”

This exchange sets a friendly yet teasing tone, establishing the dynamic between host and guest. The Grinch humorously critiques Jon’s appearance, likening him to a “pickleballer,” which Jon takes in stride, displaying his good-natured demeanor.

**2. Discussions on Acting and "Mad Men"
Timestamp: [02:07 – 03:24]

The conversation shifts to Jon Hamm’s acclaimed role in "Mad Men." The Grinch marvels at the show's production design, particularly the mid-century modern Nordic furniture:

• The Grinch: “It's really hard to source mid-century modern Nordic furniture up here.”

Jon provides insight into the show's theme, clarifying its focus on the advertising world of Madison Avenue rather than solely on agitated characters:

• Jon Hamm: “They were more kind of crazy. They were advertising and it was on Madison Avenue. That was the genesis of the name.”

The Grinch humorously contemplates his place in such a show, imagining himself as an “angry guy” with a stylish suit:

• The Grinch: “You know, it's about angry guys. And I'm there and I'm looking snappy in my suit and I'm going, I'm sad, but I have everything.”

**3. Exploring the Antihero Archetype
Timestamp: [03:24 – 04:28]

The discussion delves into the concept of the antihero, with Jon drawing parallels between The Grinch and modern antiheroes like those portrayed by Taylor Swift:

• Jon Hamm: “A little bit. In kind of the Taylor Swift way.”
• The Grinch: “Why are you gonna be an antihero? Why not just be a good guy 100%?”

Jon reflects on The Grinch’s canonical position, suggesting a transformation from anger to a more benevolent character:

• Jon Hamm: “I feel like when last we saw you, that heart was growing real big.”

The Grinch asserts his status as the original antihero, proposing Jon for the role if the genre were to include classic characters:

• The Grinch: “Why don't you play me in a movie?”

**4. Humorous Insights on Casting and Character Dynamics
Timestamp: [04:05 – 05:49]

The Grinch critiques Jim Carrey’s portrayal of him, expressing a preference for Wallace Shawn’s take:

• Jon Hamm: “You know, I think Jim Carrey really ruined it for everybody, I gotta say.”
• The Grinch: “I wasn't involved in the casting of that because the last time they were asking me who should play me. I was really riding hard for Wallace Shawn.”

The conversation turns to Max, The Grinch’s loyal dog, showcasing a blend of humor and character depth:

• The Grinch: “Max is a huge fan. He's a ham, Stan.”
• Jon Hamm: “Well, first of all, I love all dogs. I have a dog here at home named Murphy.”

They joke about Max’s understanding of complex characters and his admiration for figures like Jesse from "Breaking Bad":

• The Grinch: “He thought Jesse was making a lot of good decisions and he was rooting for the guys.”

**5. Reflections on Genre and Acting Styles
Timestamp: [05:49 – 06:22]

The dialogue shifts to the nuances of acting genres, particularly dramedy, highlighting Jon’s versatility:

• The Grinch: “He reeks in here. They call it range, right? Comedy, drama, and then all the way back to comedy and then drama again.”
• Jon Hamm: “Sometimes dramedy. I got my start in dramedy.”

They reminisce about iconic shows like "Ally McBeal," blending nostalgia with humor:

• The Grinch: “I haven't spoken to that dancing baby in so long, we ran into each other at an admiral's club.”

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Conclusion: Teasing Future Mysteries and Content

As the episode wraps up, The Grinch hints at ongoing investigations in Whoville, specifically Cindy Lou and Max’s efforts to solve the Christmas mystery. He encourages listeners to engage with exclusive content available through Wondery Plus, ensuring fans stay tuned for more adventures and behind-the-scenes insights.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• The Grinch: “Do you have a first name?” ([01:02])
• Jon Hamm: “They were more kind of crazy. They were advertising and it was on Madison Avenue.” ([02:15])
• The Grinch: “Why are you gonna be an antihero? Why not just be a good guy 100%?” ([03:29])
• Jon Hamm: “I feel like when last we saw you, that heart was growing real big.” ([03:35])
• The Grinch: “I was really riding hard for Wallace Shawn.” ([04:11])
• The Grinch: “Max is a huge fan. He's a ham, Stan.” ([04:47])
• Jon Hamm: “I have a dog here at home named Murphy.” ([05:04])
• The Grinch: “He thought Jesse was making a lot of good decisions and he was rooting for the guys.” ([05:33])

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Final Thoughts

This episode of 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast masterfully blends humor, celebrity interaction, and holiday-themed intrigue. Through his engaging banter with Jon Hamm, The Grinch offers listeners a blend of wit and warmth, all while navigating the complexities of his character and the festive season. Whether you're a fan of The Grinch’s antics or Jon Hamm’s acting prowess, this episode promises both laughter and thoughtful dialogue, making it a must-listen for the holiday season.

Transcript

[The Grinch]

Hello, ladies and germs, Boys and girls, the Grinch is back again to ruin your Christmas season with Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast. After last year, he's learned a thing or two about hosting, and he's ready to rant against Christmas cheer and roast his celebrity guests like chestnuts on an open fire. You can listen with the whole family as guest stars like Jon Hamm, Brittney Broski, and Danny DeVito try to persuade the mean old Grinch that there's a lot to love about the insufferable holiday season. But that's not all. Somebody stole all the children of Whoville's letters to Santa. Santa. And everybody thinks the Grinch is responsible. It's a real Whoville whodunit. Can Cindy Lou and Max help clear the Grinch's name? Grab your hot cocoa and cozy slippers to find out, grownups. I'm about to play a clip from Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast. Follow Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Jon Hamm.

[Jon Hamm]

Hi. Thanks for having me. Wow, this is great. Do I call you just Grinch? Do you have a first name?

[The Grinch]

Oh, Grinch is fine.

[Jon Hamm]

Grinch is good. Okay.

[The Grinch]

Some people call me G. No one really calls me G. But I'd like it if you did. Can I call you Hamster?

[Jon Hamm]

You can call me Hamster. That's not the first time I've heard that. But you know what?

[The Grinch]

I think I'll call you G. We're kind of like a morning shock jock thing now. I see it's 107.7. It's G man and the Hamster. Say what? We need a little. All right. Hey, everybody, it's G Man here. We're gonna be setting up a 10 at an event that no one would ever want to come to, so come see us at the 10G Fest. At the G Fest. Now, Hamster, you look great as always. But thanks, pal. And by great, I mean you kind of look like one of those dudes who makes pickleball their entire personality.

[Jon Hamm]

I see. Well, that feels like a dig.

[The Grinch]

It's. Cause it is, hun.

[Jon Hamm]

Okay.

[The Grinch]

Is that how you stay so fit? Are you a pickleballer?

[Jon Hamm]

I'm not a pickleballer. I do play a little tennis. Maybe. That's. I like to get out in the fresh air and, you know, especially I live in California, So it's nice 10 months out of the year here.

[The Grinch]

California. The Sunshine State.

[Jon Hamm]

The Sunshine State, yeah.

[The Grinch]

Beantown. I mean, you were around some beautiful production design on the set of Mad Men.

[Jon Hamm]

Yes, yes, yes.

[The Grinch]

It's really hard to source mid century modern Nordic furniture up here.

[Jon Hamm]

I get it.

[The Grinch]

Okay, so no pickleball.

[Jon Hamm]

No.

[The Grinch]

Speaking of Mad Men, not sure how I wasn't cast in a show with a title like that, but.

[Jon Hamm]

Okay, well, it wasn't about people that are angry so much. It was. They were more kind of crazy. They were advertising and it was on Madison Avenue. That was the genesis of the name. So I think maybe it wasn't necessarily about just angry folks. You would have been great in that show if it was about angry folks.

[The Grinch]

Right? I think that that's really the show that they should have done. You know, it's about angry guys. And I'm there and I'm looking snappy in my suit and I'm going, I'm sad, but I have everything.

[Jon Hamm]

You would have looked great in the period costumes. I got to say, I could see you in a skinny tie. That would have been a good look for you.

[The Grinch]

And then someone runs over my foot with a lawnmower. Except if you ran over my foot with a lawnmower. I mean, that's the end for that lawnmower. I'm going to be fine. But this green fur foot situation, I mean, that times a million.

[Jon Hamm]

Fair enough. Again, the show would have been radically different had you been in it, but I probably would have watched.

[The Grinch]

Yeah. And you're an anti hero on that, right?

[Jon Hamm]

A little bit. In kind of the Taylor Swift way.

[The Grinch]

Yeah. I mean, how about just regular hero, huh? Why are you gonna be anti hero? Why not just be a good guy 100%?

[Jon Hamm]

Well, that's an interesting question for you to ask. You know, I think that we look at your place in the, in the literary canon. You wonder, why so angry? Why not turn that frown upside down? You know, I feel like when last we saw you, that heart was growing real big and.

[The Grinch]

Okay, don't bring it up, hun.

[Jon Hamm]

That was a nice shift.

[The Grinch]

I just think everybody's cramping my style with this anti heroes. I am the OG you bring up a good point. I am the OG Anti hero OG yes, for sure. I'm the OG for sure. And G to the OG if you're trying to play antiheroes, why don't you play me in a movie?

[Jon Hamm]

You know, I think Jim Carrey really ruined it for everybody, I gotta say.

[The Grinch]

He bodied, he ate.

[Jon Hamm]

Did you sign off on that, by the way?

[The Grinch]

You know what? I wasn't involved in the casting of that because the last Time they were asking me who should play me. I was really riding hard for Wallace Shawn.

[Jon Hamm]

Fair enough. I would've liked to seen that. My dinner with G. Yeah.

[The Grinch]

Some people say inconceivable. I say very conceivable.

[Jon Hamm]

Quite conceivable. I'm with it. Talk about eating it up, no crumbs.

[The Grinch]

Well, I think you'd eat it up, no crumbs. As the Grinch, I really, I think you'd make a great Grinch.

[Jon Hamm]

Well, let's make it happen.

[The Grinch]

Yeah. Do you want the part? I mean, you'd have to do it for free. You'd have to live in a cave and you'd have to feed Max twice a day and pay my bills. Are you interested?

[Jon Hamm]

I'm gonna say yes. A qualified yes.

[The Grinch]

Now, speaking of Max, I think that's really, truly the hard part is dealing with Max. I don't wanna blow up his spot, but Max is a huge fan. He's a ham, Stan. He clearly has a thing for complex characters with dark undertones. Seriously, around the cave we call him Dog Draper. Anything you want to say to Max?

[Jon Hamm]

Well, first of all, I love all dogs. I have a dog here at home named Murphy and I think Murphy and Max would probably get along really well.

[The Grinch]

Oh, Murphy, you like that? Max, do you want to meet Murphy?

[Jon Hamm]

His tail's wagging. I can see.

[The Grinch]

Well, tails wagon. Because he loves life and he's. Well, he's kind of a moron.

[Jon Hamm]

Well, he's meeting one of his heroes.

[The Grinch]

It's true. Well, he was sort of more on Heisenberg's side during that whole era.

[Jon Hamm]

Well, that's fine. There's room for both of us here.

[The Grinch]

Yeah, he was a breaking bad guy.

[Jon Hamm]

We were parallel tracks for sure. I get it.

[The Grinch]

Uh huh. He doesn't really understand the show. He thought Jesse was making a lot of good decisions and he was rooting for the guys. And I was like, max, you gotta stop rooting for these guys.

[Jon Hamm]

Well, I think he probably understands the role of a good number two, you know what I mean? And he understands that, right? So yeah, there you go.

[The Grinch]

This guy loves number twos, let me tell you, right? It reeks in here. You have what they call in Hollywood, they call it range, right? Comedy, drama, and then all the way back to comedy and then drama again.

[Jon Hamm]

Sometimes dramedy. I got my start in dramedy.

[The Grinch]

See, this is what I'm talking about.

[Jon Hamm]

A lot of people don't know that, but one of my first parts was on Ally McBeal. The classic dramedy.

[The Grinch]

Ally McBeal. You know, I haven't spoken to that dancing baby in so long, we ran into each other at an admiral's club.

[Jon Hamm]

He's got to be, like, 35 now. Yeah, but you know what? Probably. I guarantee you this. Still dancing?

[The Grinch]

Oh, he's still dancing. Unlock weekly bonus content that follows Cindy Lou and Max as they investigate the Christmas crime to clear the Grinch's name and listen to every episode ad free by joining Wondery plus in the Wondery app, Spotify or Wondery Kids plus on Apple Podcasts.