Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson: Alana Glazer on 'Human Magic' and Navigating Parenthood

In this engaging episode of Dinner’s on Me, hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, the conversation centers around comedian and actress Alana Glazer, best known for her role in the acclaimed series Broad City and her recent Hulu special, 'Human Magic'. Recorded at the renowned Jitlada restaurant in Los Angeles' Thai Town, the episode offers an intimate look into Alana's personal and professional life, touching on themes of parenthood, friendship, gender identity, and creative evolution.

Meeting Alana Glazer

Jesse begins by sharing his admiration for Alana, highlighting the profound impact of Broad City on the comedy landscape. He recounts an initial meeting with Alana during a live taping of Dinnertime Live with David Chang, emphasizing his excitement to have her as a guest on his podcast.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (02:03): "I had never met them in person, but my admiration for them ran very deep."

Parenting and Family Life

The conversation swiftly moves to personal anecdotes about parenthood. Jesse discusses his experiences raising two young sons, Beckett and Sully, sharing humorous and heartfelt moments, such as attending Taylor Swift concerts to entertain his boys.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (08:24): "We really do want to take our 4-year-old to concerts in the near future. He did see the Taylor Swift movie. Loves her."

Alana opens up about her journey into motherhood, the challenges of pregnancy, and the decisions surrounding expanding her family. She reflects on the emotional and physical aspects of pregnancy, including a memorable story about overcoming a breech position without a C-section through self-spinning techniques.

Alana Glazer (12:43): "I had self spun. My MDOB had no clue about spinning babies. It's incredible as possible."

Career Evolution: From Broad City to 'Human Magic'

Alana delves into her career trajectory, starting with the grassroots beginnings of Broad City as a web series. She shares the transformation of the show into a mainstream success and the personal growth that accompanied this journey.

Alana Glazer (37:08): "It's almost like a shooting star going across the sky that I'm straddling and holding onto, you know what I mean?"

Discussing her latest project, 'Human Magic', Alana highlights how her experiences as a parent influenced her comedy, bringing a deeper sense of vulnerability and authenticity to her work.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (44:25): "You can check out Human Magic on Hulu right now."

Discovering Gender Identity

A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on Alana's exploration of her gender identity. She candidly shares how becoming a parent and the use of gender-neutral language in her personal life led her to realize her non-binary identity.

Alana Glazer (32:00): "I do feel like a fucking dude, you know, I fucking feel like Richard Simmons."

This self-discovery process is portrayed as both challenging and liberating, underscoring the importance of language and personal reflection in understanding one's identity.

Friendship and Relationships

Alana discusses the intricate dynamics of friendship, both platonic and romantic. She describes her close bonds with her brother and gay friends, as well as the deep connection with her husband, whom she met serendipitously in Washington Square Park.

Alana Glazer (24:39): "We met in Washington Square Park. It was a literal meet. Cute."

The conversation touches on the evolution of relationships over time, especially in the context of parenthood and career demands, highlighting the resilience and adaptability required to maintain meaningful connections.

Reflecting on 'Broad City' and Creative Legacy

Alana reflects on the origins of Broad City, reminiscing about the early days of creating sketch comedy videos with her co-creator, Abbi Jacobson. She emphasizes the show's role in paving the way for diverse voices in comedy and the personal significance it holds for her.

Alana Glazer (38:06): "We were so obsessive about the web series, we had a microcosmic version."

Closing Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Jesse and Alana share their optimistic outlooks on life and humanity. Alana expresses her belief in the enduring human spirit, while Jesse echoes her sentiments, reinforcing the episode's overarching themes of hope, connection, and personal growth.

Alana Glazer (20:52): "I really do think humanity will prevail."

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (20:54): "I agree with you. I'm an optimist."

Final Quote from Alana Glazer (44:54): "This was so good."

Conclusion

This episode of Dinner’s on Me offers a heartfelt and multifaceted exploration of Alana Glazer's life, seamlessly blending personal stories with professional insights. Jesse Tyler Ferguson's thoughtful questions and genuine curiosity create a space for Alana to share her journey authentically, making it a compelling listen for fans and newcomers alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Jesse Tyler Ferguson (08:24): "He did see the Taylor Swift movie. Loves her."
• Alana Glazer (12:43): "I had self spun. My MDOB had no clue about spinning babies."
• Alana Glazer (32:00): "I do feel like a fucking dude."
• Alana Glazer (24:39): "It was a literal meet. Cute."
• Alana Glazer (20:52): "I really do think humanity will prevail."

Note: This summary excludes promotional segments and advertisements, focusing solely on the substantive content of the conversation between Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Alana Glazer.