Listen Now: ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast

Summary

Episode Summary: 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast Featuring Jon Hamm

Baby, This is Keke Palmer presents a special episode titled 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast, hosted by the iconic Grinch himself. Released on January 13, 2025, this episode delves into the mischievous world of the Grinch as he navigates through holiday festivities with celebrity guests, including the distinguished actor Jon Hamm. The conversation is a delightful blend of humor, pop culture references, and insightful banter that offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at both the Grinch's persona and Jon Hamm's experiences in the entertainment industry.

Introduction to the Grinch's Podcast World

The episode kicks off with the Grinch updating his hosting skills after last year's escapades, setting the stage for a fresh and entertaining take on holiday traditions. He introduces Jon Hamm with a playful twist, engaging in a lighthearted exchange that immediately establishes a jovial tone.

Banter on Nicknames and Personas

Grinch (01:04): “Some people call me G. No one really calls me G, but I like it. If you're dead, can I call you Hamster?”

Jon Hamm (01:17): “You can call me Hamster. That's not the first time I've heard that, but you know what?”

The Grinch humorously navigates the conversation by assigning playful nicknames, highlighting his witty and whimsical nature. This segment sets the groundwork for a relaxed and engaging dialogue between the host and his guest.

Discussing Pop Culture and 'Mad Men'

The conversation shifts to Jon Hamm's acclaimed role in Mad Men. The Grinch expresses admiration for the show's production design, particularly the mid-century modern Nordic furniture, and muses about his hypothetical casting in the series.

Grinch (02:25): “Speaking of Mad Men, not sure how I wasn't cast in a show with a title like that, but...”

Jon Hamm (02:31): “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.”

Their discussion explores the nuances of character development and the portrayal of anti-heroes, with the Grinch playfully suggesting how his persona could have fit into the show's dynamic.

The Grinch as the Original Anti-Hero

Jon Hamm (04:00): “That's an interesting question for you to ask. You know, I think if we look at your place 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...”

Grinch (04:07): “And G to the OG if you're trying to play anti heroes, why don't you play me in a movie?”

Jon Hamm acknowledges the Grinch's evolution from a classic antagonist to a more nuanced character, emphasizing the Grinch's role as an original anti-hero in storytelling.

Casting Choices and Character Dynamics

The Grinch critiques Jim Carrey's portrayal of his character, expressing a preference for a different actor to embody the Grinch's essence.

Grinch (04:10): “He bodied, he ate.”

Jon Hamm (04:12): “Did you sign off on that, by the way?”

Grinch (04:13): “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. Sean.”

This exchange sheds light on the complexities of character portrayal in media and the importance of casting in bringing characters to life authentically.

Max the Dog and Character Relationships

The conversation takes a heartwarming turn as they discuss Max, the Grinch's loyal dog. The Grinch humorously compares Max to a character from Breaking Bad, highlighting Max's endearing and slightly confused nature.

Grinch (05:06): “Max is a huge. He's a ham stand. He clearly has a thing for complex characters with dark undertones. Seriously, around the cave we call him Dog Draper.”

Jon Hamm (05:13): “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.”

This segment not only provides comic relief but also deepens the audience's understanding of the Grinch's relationship with Max, showcasing their bond amidst the chaos of Whoville.

Reflections on Genre Blending: Dramedy

The duo explores the concept of genre blending, particularly the amalgamation of drama and comedy, known as dramedy, drawing parallels between their careers.

Grinch (05:51): “This guy loves number twos. Let me tell you, it rakes 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 (06:04): “Sometimes dramedy. I got my start in dramedy.”

Their mutual appreciation for dramedy underscores the versatility required in acting and character development, adding a layer of professional insight to the conversation.

Conclusion: A Blend of Humor and Heart

The episode wraps up with a nod to classic pop culture references, leaving listeners with a sense of nostalgia and amusement. The Grinch and Jon Hamm's banter encapsulates the spirit of the holidays—combining humor, reflection, and the warmth of unlikely friendships.

Narrator (06:28): “Follow Tis the Grinch Holiday podcast on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcast. Unlock weekly Christmas mystery bonus content and listen to every episode ad free by joining Wondery in the Wondery app, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.”

'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast offers a unique and entertaining take on holiday traditions, blending classic Grinch charm with contemporary celebrity insights. Whether you're a fan of the Grinch, Jon Hamm, or simply enjoy witty conversational podcasts, this episode promises laughter, thoughtful discussions, and a fresh perspective on embracing the holiday spirit.

Transcript

[Narrator]

The Grinch is back again to ruin your Christmas season with Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast. Now, 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 letter to Santa, and everybody thinks the Grinch is responsible. It's a real Whoville who done it. Can Cindy Lou and Max help clear the Grinch's name? Grab your hot cocoa and cozy slippers to find out. 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 podcast.

[The Grinch]

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 like it. If you're dead, 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.

[Jon Hamm]

I see.

[The Grinch]

It's 107.7. It's G man and the Hamster. Say what?

[Jon Hamm]

What? We need a little.

[The Grinch]

All right. Hey, everybody, it's gman here. We're going to 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 dick.

[The Grinch]

It's because it is, hun.

[Jon Hamm]

Okay.

[The Grinch]

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

[Jon Hamm]

I'm not a pickleballer. I do play a little tennis. Maybe that's it. 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 gotta 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 a Taylor Swift way.

[The Grinch]

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

[Jon Hamm]

That's an interesting question for you to ask. You know, I think if we look at your place 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, huh?

[Jon Hamm]

That was a nice shift.

[The Grinch]

I just think everybody's cramping my style with this anti hero. So I am the OG you bring up a good point. I am the OG Anti hero.

[Jon Hamm]

OG yes, for sure.

[The Grinch]

I'm the OG for sure. And G to the OG if you're trying to play anti heroes, 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. Sean.

[Jon Hamm]

Fair enough. I would have 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 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. He's a ham stand. 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]

It's tails 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, you know, 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, it rakes 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 Grinch]

The classic dramedy, 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]

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

[The Grinch]

Oh, he's still dancing.

[Narrator]

Follow Tis the Grinch Holiday podcast on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcast. Unlock weekly Christmas mystery bonus content and listen to every episode ad free by joining Wondery in the Wondery app, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.