Wendi McLendon-Covey – on her office job & why her parents hated ‘Reno 911!’

Summary

---

Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Episode: Wendi McLendon-Covey – On Her Office Job & Why Her Parents Hated ‘Reno 911!’

Release Date: March 3, 2026
Location: Della Nonna, Arts District, Downtown Los Angeles
Main Guests:

• Host: Jesse Tyler Ferguson
• Guest: Wendi McLendon-Covey

---

Episode Overview

In this vibrant and candid episode, Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits down with comedic powerhouse Wendi McLendon-Covey for a warm, laughter-filled dinner at Della Nonna. Their conversation dives into Wendi’s working-class grind before her breakout on “The Goldbergs,” the unpredictable road of showbiz, her parents’ reaction to “Reno 911!,” comfort TV in a noisy world, awkward celebrity encounters, and what it’s like to land steady sitcom work in an uncertain industry. They also dish on their mutual love for ensemble comedy, the challenges of sustenance in Hollywood, and the healing magic of classic reruns.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Wendi’s Career Trajectory: From Office Job to Sitcom Star

• Sitcom Scheduling and the Hustle
  • Wendi shares she just wrapped the current season of “St. Denis Medical” and has been picked up for a third (05:10).
  • “My schedule for [‘The Goldbergs’] was not great. That was grueling.” – Wendi (05:35)
• Before She “Made It”: Holding an Office Job
  • Wendi reveals she kept a regular office job during “Reno 911!” because the pay was so low.
  • “I had an office job until I got ‘The Goldbergs.’ People are like, ‘Oh, my God, you must be rolling in it.’ No, you needed the office job to support this little show I’m on. I’m not making any money.” (21:15-21:27)
• Financial Realities of Comedy
  • Jesse and Wendi discuss how episodic pay is quickly depleted by taxes and fees.
  • “If they say you’re getting $10,000 for something, might as well chop that in half. Immediately. You’re not keeping $10,000.” – Wendi (34:15)

2. The Making and Legacy of “Reno 911!”

• Casting and Improvisational Roots
  • Wendi talks about her audition process, how the show’s improv format shaped her approach, and how she almost gave up on acting before landing the part. (14:00-15:09)
• Making Something Out of the B-Side
  • “They wanted, like, a sexy cop. I don’t. I can’t play that. But I can play someone who thinks she’s sexy. So that’s what I’m going to do. That to me is funnier.” – Wendi (14:44)
• The Show’s Longevity Despite Modest Beginnings
  • “No one knew what it was going to be. No one knew that it would not be off the air in 25 years.” – Wendi (21:52)
• Revival and Streaming
  • Jesse and Wendi reminisce about the show’s return for Quibi (and then Roku), squeezing out two movies (09:10-10:00).
• Iconic Scenes & Audience Perception
  • Discussion of viral moments, particularly the “choreography drunk driver” scene—people still send her the clip, thinking it’s real (13:07).
  • “I am scared that not enough people know that it’s fake!” – Wendi (13:12)

3. Mutual Comedy Admiration & Dream Collaborations

• Jesse’s “Reno 911!” Obsession
  • Jesse admits he always wanted to guest star on “Reno 911!”
  • “For me, my dream was always to be a guest on Reno 911.” – Jesse (08:33)
  • Wendi offers: “It’s in my contract. Like, I shan’t be back unless Jesse Tyler Ferguson shows up doing whatever the hell character he wants!” (10:06)
• What Kind of “Perp” Would Jesse Play?
  • They joke about the roles he might inhabit (“perp, victim, or witness”) (11:07-11:21).

4. The Value of Comfort Television

• Finding Solace in Rewatches
  • Jesse and Wendi bond over their love for “comfort TV” classics:
    • “The Golden Girls is on all the time...King of the Hill, Seinfeld...they take you to that good place of feeling like everything’s going to be okay.” – Wendi (23:13)
• Drowning Out Social Media Noise
  • Both lament the addictive, soul-rotting quality of social media (23:36)
    • “It is rotting our souls.” – Wendi (23:38)

5. Navigating Fame & Odd Encounters

• Freebies in Hollywood
  • Thompson observes how perks (like free food at restaurants) paradoxically favor those who need them least:
    • “Well, I’m sorry. I gave joy to America for 11 years. I’m going to accept the free bread that was brought out.” – Jesse (24:44)
• Awkward Fan Moments
  • Wendi and Jesse trade stories of wild things people have said:
    • “God, you’re not as fat as I thought you’d be.” – Wendi (26:31)
    • “Oh, you look so much better in person!” – Jesse (25:55)
  • On always saying yes to fan photos: “But then I look like an unmade bed.” – Wendi (27:37)
• Celebrity Human Moments
  • Jesse tells a humorous story about unwittingly wearing Sesame Street character zit patches in public (27:44-28:46).

6. Familial Support and Showbiz Dreams

• Parental Uncertainty & Acceptance
  • Wendi opens up about her parents’ discomfort with her playing sexually provocative characters:
    • “They hated Reno. They were so embarrassed because I was playing a character...They were so like, ‘We did not raise you to be like this.’” (36:52)
    • “I’m not playing this from experience.” (37:04)
  • She gives credit to her husband Greg for believing in her dreams:
    • “He was the only one who believed in me...for real, for real.” – Wendi (35:25)
• “Reno 911!” as an Outsider’s Path
  • “Of course [my parents] had no roadmap for this. They just didn’t want to be supporting me forever. Which is valid.” – Wendi (35:43)

7. The Power and Magic of Stage Work

• Theater Dreams
  • Both nostalgically discuss the unique adrenaline and camaraderie of theater life:
    • “Being backstage is so magical...the adrenaline you feel after you’ve done a good show...it’s like the best drug in the world.” – Wendi (38:20-39:06)
  • “I wish I could do more theater. That’s my dream.” – Wendi (38:20)
• Hopes for Future Stage Work
  • Wendi mentions being offered off-off-Broadway scripts but wants to wait for “the right thing” (40:02).

8. Transitioning to “St. Denis Medical”

• Landing the New Role
  • Wendi describes the post-Goldbergs pivot to NBC’s “St. Denis Medical” and the luck of finding such a cohesive new cast with no chemistry tests due to the time crunch before industry strikes (41:15-41:48).
• Ensemble Chemistry
  • “We lucked out with this cast...and it did work. We lucked out.” – Wendi (41:04-41:48)
• Industry Recognition—Or Not
  • “Luckily, the industry pretty much ignored ‘The Goldbergs,’ so it was fun...We got no recognition ever. Fans liked it, so that’s really what the most important thing is.” – Wendi (42:05-42:26)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I was convinced you were an old whore...Some crusty old broad that drives an IROC.”
  — Jesse (03:44), Wendi (08:16)
• “My dream was always to be a guest on Reno 911!”
  — Jesse (08:33)
• “Like 13, 15 years. Yeah, yeah...we just kept going, not knowing where this was, thinking someone will pick up these episodes. And they did.”
  — Wendi (09:10-09:48) on Quibi’s demise and the show’s afterlife
• “If this ever comes back, you—I'm 100% happy. It’s in my contract.”
  — Wendi (10:04-10:06)
• “I had an office job until I got the Goldbergs...No, you needed the office job to support this little...show I’m on.”
  — Wendi (21:15-21:27)
• “The Golden Girls is on all the time...King of the Hill, Seinfeld...they always take you to that good place.”
  — Wendi (23:13)
• “Social media...it is killing us—it’s rotting our souls.”
  — Wendi (23:36-23:38)
• “God, you’re not as fat as I thought you’d be.”
  — Wendi (26:39)
• “He was the only one who believed in me...for real, for real.”
  — Wendi about her husband Greg (35:25)
• “They hated Reno. They were so embarrassed...I was playing a character that was not over-sexualized. They were so like, we did not raise you to be like this.”
  — Wendi (36:52)
• “Being backstage is so magical...the adrenaline you feel after you’ve done a good show...best drug in the world.”
  — Wendi (38:20-39:06)
• “We lucked out with this cast...we had to hurry and do this pilot before the strikes, so there was no time...It did work, we lucked out.”
  —Wendi (41:04-41:48)
• “Luckily, the industry pretty much ignored ‘The Goldbergs,’ so it was fun...Fans liked it, so that’s really what the most important thing is.”
  — Wendi (42:05-42:26)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 05:10: Wendi discusses scheduling, hiatus, and show pick-up news.
• 08:16: Jesse and Wendi joke about sitcom personas versus real identities.
• 09:10-10:06: The long hiatus and surprise revival of Reno 911!
• 13:07: Notorious “choreography” Reno 911! scene goes viral.
• 14:00-15:09: Wendi’s unique audition process for Reno 911!
• 21:15-21:27: The financial reality of basic cable; working a day job while acting.
• 23:13: Comfort TV and the importance of nostalgic comedies.
• 25:55-27:37: Awkward fan encounters, candid street photos, and visible mustaches.
• 27:44-28:46: Jesse’s embarrassment over wearing Sesame Street zit patches in public.
• 34:15: What actors really take home from a $10,000 gig.
• 35:25-36:01: Wendi’s husband’s support and her parents’ confusion over her career.
• 36:52: Parents’ embarrassment over her Reno 911! character.
• 38:20-39:06: The magic and adrenaline of live theater.
• 41:04-41:48: The “St. Denis Medical” casting and on-screen chemistry.
• 42:05-42:26: Lack of industry recognition for “The Goldbergs” despite fan favorite status.

---

Final Thoughts

This episode is a heartfelt, revealing, and sharply funny exchange, shining a light on the unpredictable realities behind sitcom stardom, the power of belief from loved ones, the enduring importance of comfort TV, and the courage it takes to keep pursuing dreams in Hollywood. Wendi’s candor on finances, fame, and family, paired with Jesse’s empathy and quick humor, make this an essential listen for fans of comedy and behind-the-scenes creatives.

---

Next Week:
Jesse welcomes Dan Bukatinsky to discuss queer acceptance and his journey from acting to producing.

---

Transcript

[A]

I'm heading up to Napa, the wine country, soon, for a little trip. It's me and my in laws and my kids and some friends I think are also joining us. So we actually have a lot of needs. We need a space for a lot of people to stay. We want to be able to cook breakfast in the house. We want to maybe have a few dinners there. We want space for the kids to hang out and play. And we don't want to be too cramped. That's the main thing. So we're staying at a home I booked on Airbnb. Every time I stay at one, I'm reminded why I love them so much. It's the thoughtfulness. You walk in and everything's just handled. There are fresh towels that actually match and the heat's already on. And the kitchen has basics you always forgot to pack. And there's a clear note telling you how to work the fireplace so you don't set the place or yourself on fire. And honestly, I've been thinking about hosting my own home on Airbnb while I'm away on trips. But managing everything seems like a lot to juggle. That's when I turned to Airbnb's co host network. It's so great. You can partner with a local co host who can manage everything. Messaging, guests, styling, making sure check ins are smooth. All the little touches that make a stay feel effortless. So if you've been thinking about hosting, but all those details feel, you know, overwhelming, a co host can help you create that. Wow, they really thought of everything. Feeling without you having to become a full time innkeeper. Find a co [e-mail] host starting this podcast was one of those moments where I had absolutely no idea what was going to happen. I mean, I spent my whole career as an actor and suddenly I'm in front of this microphone and I'm like, okay, I'm gonna host a podcast, invite people to have dinner with me, and hope people care. There's a lot of doubt in those early days. You know, you wonder, is anyone gonna listen? Is this a terrible idea? How am I going to eat all these meals without heartburn every day of my life? But sometimes you just have to take a leap. And it makes a huge difference when you have the right tools and support behind you. Because logistics of building something can be just as scary as the creative side. That's why Shopify is such a game changer. Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world. And 10% of all E commerce in the United States. From huge household names to brands that are just getting started, they make it incredibly easy to build a beautiful online store with ready to use templates that match your style. And Shopify has helpful AI tools that can help write product descriptions, help you with marketing, and even enhance your product photos. It's like having an entire team behind you. Plus, Shopify brings everything together in one place. From inventory to payments to analytics. So you don't have to juggle a dozen different platforms. And their award winning 24. 7 support is always there. If you get stuck, it's time to turn those what ifs into with Shopify today. Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com Dom that's shopify.com Dom hey, it's Jesse

[B]

today on the show. You know her from Reno911, the Goldbergs. She's currently on St. Denis Medical. It's Wendy McLendon Covey. I think you are very different from these women that you play, which is really impressive because I was convinced you

[C]

were an old whore.

[B]

Exactly. I was convinced you were an old whore.

[A]

This is dinner's on me. And I'm your host, Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

[B]

All right, today we are at De La nona in downtown LA's Arts District. I am so excited to try this place. It is a perfect place to bring my friend Wendy because it sort of has this vibe like a family dinner. Like I think big string lights in the backyard. You're Nona pulling a fresh Sicilian pie out of the oven, telling it to grab a slice before it disappears. Wendy is known for her matriarchal role on the Goldbergs, the hilarious Beverly. She's currently playing Joyce on St. Denis Medical. Her characters are known to be funny, familiar, human, kind of like, you know, a family member at a dinner party, someone that you, you love and also slightly fear. So I'm excited to see Wendy. I haven't seen her in a while.

[A]

And let's go ahead and get to the conversation.

[B]

Feel free to get a glass of wine if you want.

[C]

Oh, no, no, no.

[B]

Do you have to work today?

[C]

I have to have another lunch after this.

[B]

No. So you can eat light. You can eat light.

[C]

I might just get a cappuccino or something.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Wait, but you're not. You're not. Are you in production right now?

[C]

No.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

No, we, we just finished in November. Our season that's airing now and we just got picked up for a third season. I saw on Instagram like two days ago.

[B]

That's so exciting.

[C]

But when will we go back? Probably July or August.

[A]

Okay. Wait, how are you so lucky that

[B]

you keep getting these sitcoms that are, like, the cushiest, most fantastic schedules in the world?

[C]

I don't know.

[A]

I'm so envious of you.

[C]

My schedule for the other one was not great. For the Goldbergs. Yes. That was grueling.

[B]

You worked long hours. Did we work on the same lot?

[C]

No, we were on Sony.

[B]

Okay. Yeah. Okay. Yeah, I know. We were, like, on a comedy block together.

[D]

Yes.

[C]

Yeah, we were. And that's right. We were both on NBC.

[B]

Abc.

[C]

Abc. Abc. Abc. What a great. But yes, we were doing that together. But you were across town.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. And when you did the guest spot on our show on Modern Family with Mikayla Watkins, you hadn't started the Goldberg yet.

[C]

That was pre Goldberg.

[B]

Pre Goldberg.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah, I know. I was so excited when you came on, because I am and continue to be such a massive Reno911 there.

[C]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Huge.

[C]

I did not know that.

[B]

Oh, my God. Did I not tell you that when you came on? I mean, I, like, massive. Really Start you guys off with anything to drink. Okay. I'm going to try that espresso situation. Yeah. And I'm also water.

[A]

Perfect.

[B]

I'm good.

[C]

Could I get just a vanilla latte?

[B]

You don't have flavors like, a latte?

[C]

Yes, that'd be perfect.

[B]

Hot or cold?

[D]

Hot. Yeah.

[B]

I'll be right back. Perfect.

[A]

And whole milk.

[C]

All right. Yeah, perfect. Thank you.

[B]

No. Massive fan. In fact, when I. I met Niecy Nash before I met you, because I had done a sitcom with her called Do Not Disturb that Abraham Higginbotham, who was a writer on Modern Family, he was the creator of.

[C]

Was that on Fox?

[B]

It was on Fox.

[C]

I remember it was, like, three episodes. These are some deep cuts.

[B]

I know, I know.

[C]

Wow.

[B]

I know. And I. So I met. I met Niecy back when she was still, like, wearing the flower in her hair. And what? I was so excited to meet her, but she, for me, was exactly how I imagined her to be from what I saw her on TV as. Like, I was like, she parlayed right into, like, the version of her that I thought when I met you, you were completely different to me. You're completely different. And now, I mean, I don't know you super well, but, like, having now seen you, like, outside of your characters that you play, I think you are very different from these, like, women that you play, which is really impressive because I was convinced you were an old whore Exactly. I was convinced you were an old whore.

[C]

Some crusty old broad that drives an Iraq.

[D]

Right.

[C]

Well, thank you. Thank you for saying that. That was a fun show. And I'm bummed now that I know you were a fan that we didn't get you in.

[B]

This is what I was.

[C]

When we resurrected it.

[B]

This is what I was gonna say next is because I know a lot of people who, like, work in Groundlings or Second City. They're, like. Their dream is to, like, maybe be on Essence or something. For me, my dream was always to be a guest on we know 911. I. I know. I know. I am. And when it was.

[C]

This is killing my soul that we cannot make this happen.

[B]

Well, maybe you'll resurrect it.

[C]

Who knows that that little thing just keeps popping up?

[B]

Because it. I mean, you had. That had Reno911, the first iteration of it. I think you did five seasons of it, right?

[C]

Yeah, I did five. They did six.

[A]

They did six.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And then it was gone for, like, a decade, right?

[C]

Like 13, 15 years. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

It went away, and then it came

[B]

back for, like, a special run for Quibi. For Quibi.

[A]

That's right.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

God. Remember?

[C]

Talk about a moment. It literally was a moment.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, four months that it lasted. And I remember being on stage set when they told us, oh, Quibby just folded, but we were still filming, so we just kept going, but not knowing where this was, thinking, well, someone will pick up these episodes. And they did.

[B]

Where did it end up?

[A]

Instagram.

[C]

Roko.

[A]

Roku.

[C]

Roku.

[B]

Roku.

[C]

Is that right?

[A]

Roku.

[C]

I think Roku took all the extra ones. And then we squeezed out two movies.

[A]

That's right.

[C]

During that time, too. So if this ever comes back, you.

[B]

I'm 100% happy.

[C]

It's in my contract. Like, I shan't be back unless Jesse Tyler Ferguson shows up doing whatever the hell character he wants. Because I know you've thought about it. Oh, what would you want to do?

[B]

You came at the right time. Because I have to think about something that wouldn't just ask me.

[D]

Perfect.

[B]

Okay. We've not either. She has another one. I'm eating.

[C]

He's eating. I'm legit. Just having a cappuccino.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

It's okay.

[B]

This is the first time this has ever happened, and it's gonna be a thing that we're embracing.

[C]

I have to eat several more times.

[B]

Several more times.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I. I'm going to. I'm. I have been craving pepperoni pizza for a very long time. So I am going to do the pepperoni. Do you want to do any rant extra spicy? Yes, I do. Both of them. Yes, absolutely. Ranch. And could I also get a Caesar salad?

[A]

It'll.

[D]

Caesar.

[A]

Yes. Awesome.

[D]

Perfect.

[B]

I'll be right back, guys. What would I want to do on Reno911?

[C]

Would you want to be a perp or a victim? First of all, I want to be a perp.

[D]

Okay.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

No, Maybe.

[A]

Oh, gosh.

[B]

That's a great question. Is that, like, kind of the two categories?

[C]

I mean, those are great jumping off points, but you could also be a witness.

[B]

That would be fun. Yeah, that be fun.

[C]

Like, what weird thing did you see and not get involved in?

[B]

Right, right, right, right, right, right.

[A]

You know, who was the actor?

[B]

Was it John Early? Was John early on the show? There was someone on roller skates. It was, like, constantly tweaked out.

[C]

Oh. Oh, Terry. That was Nick Sworesden.

[B]

That's right.

[C]

Yes, yes.

[B]

I was obsessed with that character. Tweaked out on roller sk, like, always with, like, a lollipop in their mouth. Yeah, yeah.

[C]

You know, he came onto the Goldbergs once, and he was selling fake Cabbage Patch Kids out of his. Out of the trunk of his car.

[B]

He came up with.

[C]

No, they. They came up with it for him. But it was so funny because all I kept. I. I'm just looking at him, thinking of him in shorts.

[D]

Yes.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[C]

And he's selling these fake Cabbage Patch Kids called Lettuce Crop Child.

[B]

That's really funny.

[C]

It was funny.

[B]

Lettuce Crop Child.

[C]

Lettuce Crop Child.

[B]

Oh, my God. I love that.

[C]

But so, yeah, I.

[B]

No, if it ever comes back, I'm 100% throwing myself at the situation.

[C]

You have to. And you would be funny as a witness that saw everything, maybe threw a little fuel on the fire to keep it going.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And you're gonna dine out on this story for the rest of your life.

[B]

Yes, yes.

[C]

You know.

[B]

Oh, my God. I love that. I love that.

[C]

Okay. We're making this happen.

[B]

My favorite scene, and this is not unusual. It's like, many people's favorite snip of Reno911, and it shows up all the time on, like, TikTok and Instagram is you pulling over the drunk driver and making him do it. Starts off with just, like, doing some steps, and then you start doing choreography.

[C]

Right, right.

[B]

And it has shown up. People have thought it was real.

[C]

Yes. And they still send it to me saying, have you seen this?

[B]

This should be a scene on Reno911.

[C]

Yes, I've seen it. I have seen it many, many times. And, yeah, I am scared that people. Not enough people know that it's fake. Yeah, I don't know. Very interesting that you said that one and not the one where Clemmie was baptized with nothing under her robe.

[B]

Oh, that's also a classic.

[C]

But that's also a classic.

[D]

What was.

[B]

Yeah, what was the. Was there an audition process for that show?

[C]

There was. And if. I mean, for my audition, it was way different than the others because they had done the thing for Box.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

It sat around for two years, and then the rights reverted back to them.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

And they could shop it around again. So by that time, they needed one other person. That. That's where I came in. But it was the weirdest audition in the world because, first of all, I was so frustrated with the business. I was ready to just throw my head shots in the ocean and say goodbye. But I thought, no, I'll go to this damn thing. I won't get it, but I'll just go.

[D]

Whatever.

[C]

Someone saw me in a show and said, you should know at the Groundlings at the ground, called me in, so I should just go. Because that's nice of them to do that. And the walls were very thin, so I could hear everything that everybody was doing.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

For the audience at home watching this, that is not ideal necessarily, to be able to hear. Hear what's going on with everyone. But since it was improv, I thought, okay, well, this is good, because now I know what not to say, because that's not funny. And they wanted, like, a sexy cop. I don't. I can't play that. But I can play someone who thinks she's sexy. So that's what I'm gonna do. That, to me, is funnier.

[B]

Really funny.

[C]

So I went in and I just did my thing. It seemed to work out. They called me back, but when I watched the original pilot, I thought, oh, this sucks. Like, this isn't that funny, really? And the girl that I was replacing hardly did anything. So I thought, oh, is that all I get to do

[A]

now for a quick break, but don't go away. When we come back, Wendy tells me about how she made ends meet while Reno911 was first taking off. And I tell Wendy an embarrassing story involving pimple patches. Okay.

[B]

Be right back.

[A]

Okay. Be honest. You know that thing you've been saying you're gonna do for years? I'm gonna start therapy. I'm gonna look into therapy. I'm gonna emotionally process that later.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, same. For the longest time I kept putting it off because every time I googled therapist near me, I'd end up 40 tabs deep, comparing credentials like I'm buying a refrigerator and somehow more anxious than when I started. That's why I love growtherapy. They make finding a therapist feel human and doable. Whether it's your first time in therapy or your 50th, grow makes it easier to find someone who fits you. They connect you with thousands of licensed therapists across the US offering virtual and in person sessions, including nights and weekends. You can search by what really matters to you, insurance, specialty, availability, and get started in as little as two days. And if something comes up, you can Cancel up to 24 hours in advance at no cost. No subscriptions, no long term commitments. You just pay per session. Therapy that fits real life. And honestly, I'm such a big believer in therapy. It has helped me become a better partner, a better father, a better friend, and on, well, on most days, a calmer human being. Whatever challenges you're facing, GrowTherapy is here to help grow accepts over 100 insurance plans, including Medicaid in some states. Sessions average about $21 with insurance and some pay as little as $0. Visit growththerapy.comdom to get started. That's growththerapy.comdom availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plan. If you're a small business, the right hire can be make or break. It's not just about finding someone talented. It's about finding someone talented who also gets it. Someone who understands your needs and actually makes things easier, not harder. If I had to hire someone tomorrow, which I don't, thank God, but if I did, I wouldn't want to waste time sorting through a pile of resumes from people who don't really understand what we do. I'd want to reach the right people right away. And that's why I'd use Indeed Sponsored Jobs we when you need the right person, not just another cv that is a job for Sponsored Jobs. Sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed are 95% more likely to report back a hire than a non sponsored job and join the 3.3 million employers worldwide that use INDEED to connect with quality talent that fits their needs, spend less time searching and more time actually interviewing candidates who check all your boxes. Less stress, less time, more results. When you need the right person to

[B]

cut through the chaos, that is a

[A]

job for Indeed Sponsored Jobs and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsor job credit to help your job get the premium status it deserves@ Indeed.com podcast just go to Indeed.com podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Dinner's on me. Indeed.com podcast terms and conditions apply. Hiring. Do it the right way with Indeed. So, on a recent episode, we had Ted Danson on. And if you know Ted, you know he's very passionate about protecting the oceans and buying sustainable, wild caught seafood. And after talking to him, it really made me think, am I actually being intentional about this myself, or am I just hoping for the best at the grocery store? That's one of the reasons I Love Wild Alaskan company. I cannot recommend this company enough. First, it's 100% wild caught, never farmed. So no antibiotics, no GMOs, no additives. Second, their fish is frozen right off the boat, which helps lock in flavor and texture. And third, it's all sustainably sourced from Alaska, supporting responsible fishing practices. Lately, I've been really into their Pacific halibut. It's firm, meaty, great for searing, and the Pacific rockfish, which has this amazing, bold flavor and works beautifully in a quick pan fry. And also, there's no risk here. If you're not completely satisfied with your first box, Wild Alaskan Company will give you a full refund, no questions asked. Not all fish are the same. Get seafood you can trust. Go to wildalaskan.com jtf for $35 off your first box of premium wild Caught Seafood. That's wildalaskan.com JTF for $35 off your first order. Thanks to Wild Alaskan Company for sponsoring this episode. And we're back with more dinners on me.

[B]

The other thing I. I know because Niecy would always tell me this because, you know, in my eyes, again, you all were like. I was like, that is the height of comedy. Like, to be on the show like that. That, like, you've made it. You all are being paid a dollar. You're all being paid $1.1. No money. Because it was cable.

[C]

It was cable. It was basic cable.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And it was like this thing, this little arts and crafts bullshit thing.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Oh, sorry.

[B]

No, we embrace all of it.

[A]

Good.

[C]

I had an office job until I got the Goldbergs. People are like, oh, my God, you must be rolling in it.

[B]

No, you needed the office.

[A]

Office job.

[C]

Needed the office job to support this little. This little show I'm on. I'm not making any money, and it's never been off the air.

[B]

That's the thing.

[A]

Is there.

[B]

Is there a syndication deal or Anything or.

[C]

No, again, no one knew what it was. And basic cable was still kind of new, and, yeah, we just got screwed.

[B]

Yeah, it was a big.

[C]

The beginning, the wrong time. Now, no one knew what it was going to be. No one knew that it would not be off the air in 25 years. So when it came back, the negotiations,

[B]

I was gonna say when it happened again, I'm sure you're like, we got to make up for some lost time.

[C]

Exactly.

[B]

Yeah. That's a poor gift from the kitchen. Thank you. Burrata with blood orange. Oh, my God. Look at. We keep tempting you.

[C]

Delicious. Okay, I might have a little bit of that.

[B]

Right? I mean, I was. I do think that. And just because I'm such a consumer of things and I love watching television and specifically comedy. Like, I don't know what I would do if I didn't have shows like Reno 911 to. To watch when I was a kid. Like, they gave me. They inspired me so much. But also. Also, like, I rewatch them now, and they. They. They're such a. Such a comfort for me. And at a time.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

At a time when, like, it's so important for me to be comforted because there's so much noise, you know, and

[C]

that's kind of what I want to put out. There are these comfort shows that. That you can tuck into at any time, and they will make you feel better. Like, at our house, the Golden Girls is on all the time.

[A]

All the time.

[C]

King of the hill, Seinfeld. It's always on because they always take you to that. That good place of feeling, like, all right, everything's going to be okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

You know what I mean? Like, especially right now when. Listen, I love social media, but it is killing us. It's rotting ourselves.

[A]

Souls. Yeah.

[C]

All right.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

It is rotting our souls.

[B]

No, there's. I was on my Instagram the other day, and I was like, why am I still looking at this? I was like, this is bad. And then I saw something else that drew me in, and I stayed on social media for another 15 minutes.

[C]

It's terrible. And when. And at the end of the week, does your phone give you the thing about. Oh, this is how long you've been on. This is your average.

[B]

I throw my phone across the room when I see that alert. Come on.

[C]

Oh, I'm ashamed. Don't tell me I'm ashamed.

[B]

Yeah, it's bad, I know, but all

[C]

that to say, yeah, Modern Family sure does make a lot of people happy. And it's in syndication. It is on Every day of the week.

[B]

No, no, I know. And that's.

[C]

And we love that.

[B]

We love that very much. And I. It's so funny. I. You know, one of the perks of being someone who people have enjoyed on television is like, you'll be out at a restaurant and something like this will happen. Food will be brought out to you. Complex, compliments of the chef or whatever. And I was sitting with a friend of mine who, you know, has. Just doesn't have an accident job. It's not part of the entertainment business. And. And was like, I mean, you could afford to buy all these things. Like, it's just crazy that, like, someone who can afford these things is having things brought to them.

[D]

And.

[B]

And I was like. I was like, well, I'm sorry. I gave joy to America for 11 years. I was like, I'm gonna accept the free bread that was brought out. But, yes, I think it is crazy that, like, you know, it's so sweet. Yeah, it is sweet.

[C]

But you don't expect it exactly. You don't expect it exactly. You gave and you gave and you gave for 11 years. You had nothing left.

[B]

And I have seen people that I've admired in restaurants, and I have sent things to their table because I don't want to bother them.

[C]

Right.

[B]

And. But I do want it to, like, be like, you know, I want them to know that their work meant something to me.

[C]

That's.

[B]

And it always comes off like, it goes over great. It goes over great.

[C]

That is so chic and classy. I love that you do that.

[B]

Yeah, I try.

[C]

I should eat other places than El Pollo Loco, and maybe I would see

[B]

someone that I would buy you a taco. El Pollo Loco.

[A]

I would.

[C]

Has anyone ever come up with to you? And, I mean, most of the time, fans are very sweet, but has anyone come up to you and said something really out of pocket?

[B]

Yeah. The thing, like, I've gotten a lot is like, oh, you look so much better in person. Which I know in the moment, they're like, you look like they're shocked that you. You look so good in person. And I was like, well, I'm glad today that you think I look that. But, like, I also have been working on television for 11 years. So all those years, you think I

[A]

look like shit on tv.

[C]

What is wrong with people? What is wrong with people?

[B]

Have you gotten anything crazy?

[C]

Yeah, yeah. Things like that about your parents. God, you're not a fat as I thought you'd be.

[B]

Jesus Christ.

[C]

Like, I. I don't even have A comeback. I still can't think of a comeback for that.

[B]

No, but that face. Holding that face for 30 seconds seems like it.

[C]

Wow. Okay. Thanks. Oh, and I. If someone wants to a picture, I always say yes. And I shouldn't because now there's some ugly pictures of me floating around where my mustache is clearly visible. Or, you know, like when I'm running errands, I'm running errands and nothing stops me. Did I spill my El Pollo Loco down the front of me? Doesn't matter. I'm going. I. I got stuff to do.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And I'm stupid because my voice gives me away. And then. Oh, can I take a picture? I always say yes, but then I look like an unmade bed.

[A]

Always.

[C]

Whatever. It is what it is.

[B]

I've seen those zip patches.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

So I embraced them.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I was wearing a few on my face one day. I forgot I had them on. Went out into the world, had a full day.

[C]

Oh, gosh.

[B]

Met people, took pictures with people. I had this, a lovely conversation with a woman at the grocery store who was like, my son came out and we talked about Modern Family. Like that showman. Like. Like, moment. I had moments. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I get home around 4pm that day, and Justin goes, what's in your face? I was like, no. I knew exactly what it was the minute he said it. Looked at myself in the mirror, I had. Let me tell you, they weren't just like, the stars that. Those star patches, they were a special brand. I don't know where I got this from, but they were Sesame street characters.

[C]

No, hold on, hold on, hold on. You okay?

[B]

You know, a Cookie Monster, a Big Bird.

[C]

Oh, my God. Okay, so this whole time I'm thinking you're just wearing the sheer ones that.

[B]

No, no, that blend in, sort of,

[C]

but you can still see them. You had, like, characters on your.

[B]

I had characters.

[C]

Bless your heart.

[B]

But what I'm shocked at is that no one I ran into is like. No one even, like. I mean, maybe they were.

[D]

You know what, though?

[C]

A lot of people. I do see a lot of people just wearing them around. So maybe it's socially acceptable now.

[B]

I don't know.

[A]

Yeah, no, all the time. Oh.

[B]

I mean, not.

[A]

It wasn't ideal.

[C]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Now, let's take a quick break, but don't go away. When we return, Wendy opens up about the long road it took for her parents to train, truly understand her comedy career. And then we dive into her new show, the NBC sitcom St. Denis Medical. Okay, be right back. I love Beautiful landscaping. I love having a beautiful backyard. Gorgeous trees, flowers.

[B]

The idea of it's incredible.

[A]

And then I actually go to a nursery and I immediately feel overwhelmed. I'm wandering around trying to figure out what works, what won't die in two weeks, how I'm even gonna get it home in my car. Especially when I have, hypothetically, two small children who have completely different priorities than plant shopping. That's why I love fast growing trees. It's America's largest and most trusted online nursery, so you can browse thousands of trees and plants right from your couch. They'll recommend plants that actually work for your climate and space and everything arrives healthy, ready to thrive, backed by their alive and thrive guarantee. It just makes the whole process so much easier. And honestly, listen more enjoyable right now. They have great deals on spring planting essentials, up to half off on select plants. And listeners to our show get 20% off their first purchase when using the code DOM at checkout. That's an additional 20% off. Better plants and better growing. At fastgrowingtrees.com using the code DOM at checkout fastgrowingtrees.com code domestic now is the perfect time to plant. Let's grow together. Use code DOM to save today. Offer is valid for a limited time. Terms and conditions may apply.

[C]

We're Molly and Tom, and we're getting married.

[A]

After finding love on Love island, we are now navigating real life and wedding planning on Nearlyweds.

[C]

We share the honest highs, lows, and the chaos of getting hitched.

[A]

From budgets to guest lists to family dramas and the things no one prepares you for.

[C]

We'll have new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure to subscribe to NearlyWeds on

[A]

YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

[D]

This episode is brought to you by White Claw Surge. Great podcast pick, friend. No surprises there. After all, you're all about finding the tastiest flavors out there. Just like White Claw Surge. And with big, bold flavors to enjoy like blood orange, BlackBerry, cranberry, and more. It's time to go all in on taste. Unleash the flavor. Unleash White Cloth Surge. Please drink responsibly. Hard seltzer with flavors, 8% alcohol by volume. White Cloth Seltzer Works, Chicago, Illinois.

[A]

And we're back with more dinners on me.

[C]

Okay. At the tender Age of 17.

[B]

17.

[C]

I lived with my parents till I got married. So really move moved out to New York, New York.

[B]

I mean, a big part of it was I was so desperate to get out of New Mexico. Yeah, I didn't have an easy time growing up. So I was like, I want to go. Like, first of all, I love. I love Broadway.

[C]

Yeah. Oh, look at that.

[B]

I like that you're invested in, like, enjoying the, you know, the presentation, even though that is.

[C]

Take anything away from you guys. Could I get a. Another one of these, please? Thank you. That looks like a cheesy pillow.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

That is beautiful.

[A]

It wasn't lying.

[B]

I want to take a centerpiece.

[C]

You're gonna.

[B]

I have no qualms about eating in front of you.

[C]

Do it.

[B]

I know you've talked about. And I certainly relate to it a little bit. I mean, I had a big break at H2.21, and then I had nothing for a while. And, you know, I know you've talked a lot about just the grind. And, like, how long am I gonna do this before I call it quits?

[A]

Because you're.

[B]

It's still astonishing because I. I consider Reno911 to be a very big deal, and I guess that could be considered your. Your big break. But at the same time, like, we're just talking about. You made. We're not making any money off of it. You're probably shooting for a very little. About a very few weeks during a year, and then, like, very few weeks, months and months of, like, what next? What next? Yeah, I. I kind of can't believe that the Goldbergs was, like, your first, like, big. I mean, I know you did other things, but, like, that was your first, like, regular, steady job.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah. And again, I. I did other things. I made a lot of movies, Most of them terrible.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I'd done other series, but I never felt like. Well, the thing is, is that no one breaks it down for you. The financial part of it. Like, if they say you're getting $10,000 for something, might as well chop that in half. Immediately.

[D]

Immediately.

[C]

You're not keeping 10,000. You're maybe keeping 4,000 once you pay everybody out and pay your taxes. So with that in mind, it's like, I really worry when I see people that get one big job and then they buy a house or they buy a ridiculous car or something, because I think, oh, honey, you just screwed the pooch. You're not gonna work enough to keep that going at that. That level, or I hope you do, but you're probably not. It's not always going to come in like this. So luckily, you know, I had my little job. Greg had his work, and it was fine. But. Yeah.

[B]

Did Greg, like, was he. I imagine at times probably, like, supporting both of you.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, in those lean months.

[C]

And that is why Greg got to retire at 45. And now he does not have to do anything he doesn't want to do because he carried it for so long. And then it's like, I got you.

[B]

I mean, that must mean so much that he had that.

[A]

Did he ever.

[C]

He was the only one who believed in me. Like, for real. For real.

[B]

Your parents were. They supported.

[C]

Weird.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

They were so embarrassed. Well, now they're fine with it. Now it's like, okay, you're not crazy. Clearly, we were wrong. You were right.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

But, you know, I don't want to get. I don't want to whinge about them too much because, look, I did something that was outside of everybody's comfort zone. Of course, they had no road map for this. They just didn't want to be supporting me forever. Which is valid.

[B]

Right.

[C]

You know, but they could not understand a way forward because they'd never seen it. It was just outside of their realm of experience. So they thought, oh, you know, you'll have maybe three kids and wouldn't a stewardess job be good for you? And that's what it was back then. It was stewardess. It wasn't flight attendant. So wouldn't that be nice for you? And then you could get us free tickets to go places. And it, you know, we'll all work out. You'll live a very nice life. But I was always like, I think I got something more. And I tried like hell to do anything else, but this kept calling me back and calling me back. And when I started getting traction, first of all, they hated Rena. They were so embarrassed because it was because I was playing a character that

[A]

was not over sexualized.

[B]

And. Yeah.

[C]

And they were so, like, we did not raise you to be like this. And I said, but this is a fictitious person.

[A]

Right.

[C]

I'm not playing this from experience. Right. You know?

[B]

Right.

[C]

They finally figured it out. You know, they.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[C]

Whatever.

[B]

Yeah, it's all good.

[C]

Ah, thank you. For you. Thank you so much.

[B]

Thank you so much.

[C]

Did you. You're a lot younger than me, but did you ever watch Fame when you were a kid?

[B]

I did watch Fame, and I'm not that much younger than you. Really? Yeah. Not that much younger.

[C]

Like the TV show Fame.

[B]

The TV show Fame. I watched. Yeah.

[C]

Did you just think, okay, well, this is going to be my life now. It's going to be just like this.

[B]

That was based off of Juilliard. Really?

[A]

Or.

[B]

No. LaGuardia High School.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

And yeah, like, people dancing on the cars and stuff. So for me, Juilliard was the college version of that. That, like, if you could get into Juilliard, you've made it already before even, like, finishing the program. And that was the school I was so intimidated by. And so for me, I was like. I really was. I was looking to not, like, make it big. I just wanted to live in the city and make a living.

[C]

Be a working actor.

[B]

Be a working actor. Like, I will be in the ensemble of a show. I will do whatever I would. It doesn't matter. I'll understudy. I'll be a swing. Like, just anything. I just want to be near that community.

[C]

And people don't understand, like, until you're right in the thick of it, how special that life really is. Like, once you. And I wish I could do more theater. That's my dream, is I want to do more theater. But being backstage is so magical. Being in the dressing room and that nervous feeling in your stomach before the curtain goes up and maybe looking outside to see. I would always. I always have to peek because if there's something distracting, I gotta see it before I go on.

[B]

I don't want to see it on. Yeah, yeah.

[C]

But. And then the adrenaline you feel after you've done a good show.

[B]

I know.

[A]

I've never.

[B]

I can't get that feeling anywhere else.

[C]

Yeah. It's like the best drug in the world. And it makes you say, I don't care if I ever get rich. I don't care if I have a house full of nice furniture. That's not my life. This is my life. This is the greatest thing in the world. And I miss. Miss that feeling. It's so.

[B]

Have you put yourself out there, like, saying, I would love to do more theater.

[C]

I have. But then other things pop up. So, like, I got an offer to do a play in April, and then I read it, and then it was like, I don't think I can do this New York. And I've never had that experience of living in New York for any amount of time. And I really was excited. Like, it was off off Broadway. Like, who cares? But I read it, and I was just like, I don't know that anyone can make this work, but I'm still holding out hope for something.

[B]

No, you want it to be the right thing.

[C]

It's got to be the right thing.

[A]

Absolutely.

[D]

Well, now you're.

[B]

I mean, you're busy. St. Denis is going to go on for how. Who knows how long?

[C]

Who knows?

[A]

It's so Good.

[B]

By the way, I really love it. Thank you, Caillou. And can is a friend of mine.

[C]

She is a kick in the pants.

[D]

She is.

[C]

And she is so damn funny.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I love her.

[B]

Ridiculously funny. And I love watching. Interesting story.

[C]

She has a very interesting story. And I love when she has. When she goes back to Korea and she shows, like, her parents watching her show or something like that. It's like, oh, this is so sweet.

[B]

I know, I know. I met her in Ireland. We were both in Cocaine Dirt together. Cocaine bear.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

And I was like, who is this wackadoo? I am obsessed with her.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

She and my husband Justin actually really hit it off. And they would go, like, when I was working, like, they would go and, like, go sightseeing in Ireland together.

[C]

I love. And I hardly ever have scenes with her.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

But I think she's just such an interesting spice in the rack.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah. I love her character. I love it so much. We lucked out with this cast because no one does, like, chemistry testing.

[B]

There was no chemistry. I was gonna ask if there was any sort of testing or chemistry reads.

[C]

No, this was like. I mean, we filmed. I had just finished the Goldbergs and was still doing my farewell tour of the last 10 years of my life. And we had to hurry and do this pilot before the strikes, so there was no time to, like, oh, what about what happens when these two people get together? It was like, just make it work.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And it did. It did work. We lucked out.

[B]

I mean, it's incredible, too, that you, like, parlayed from one job right into the other. That just doesn't ever happen, especially when you're kind of known. I mean, people see you do one thing for 10 years, for a decade, and it's really hard to get them to think of you as something else.

[C]

Yeah. But luckily, the industry pretty much ignored the Goldbergs, so it was fun.

[B]

It's so interesting because I felt like it was on.

[A]

Well, it was on for a very

[B]

long time, and I know so many people who loved it, but you felt like it was sort of something that sort of flew under the radar a bit in the.

[C]

Within the industry.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, we got no recognition ever. And yet it was. Fans liked it, so that's really what the most important thing is.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And it's. You know, it still airs, but, you know, I. It was, like, the most fun I've ever had. For the most. Most part. There were some hiccups there, but, like, that crew I'm still so attached to and. And I miss, miss them every day. It's like I. I troll everybody's Instagram accounts just to make sure I like the ears. Everybody's.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[C]

But yeah, so I, I lucked out because, like, the day I found out we weren't coming back was the day I got the offer for this. So it. Or at least just to read the script or whatever. So it was. I was lucky because that was a shitty year, as we know, because we started striking and then. Yeah, you know, it's like I didn't want downtime at all. I wanted to just go into the next thing, but I ended up with

[B]

downtime as we all ended and then we had a pandemic, you know, So I was like, I was so excited for this next chapter of my life.

[A]

And then it was like.

[B]

And everyone go inside and. And I felt. And then during that time, there was like, they were brewing this idea of maybe doing a Modern Family spin off with Eric and I and Which I was interested in, but I was also supposed to do this play in New York and it sort of felt like as I. As the reality of maybe the spin off is actually gonna happen. I literally felt like I was like, oh, my God, like, I want to date other people. People is what I felt like. I was like, I have to like, feel like what it's like to not do that.

[C]

Right.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Anyway, it ended up not working out, but like. Yeah, I certainly know, you know, that was.

[C]

But it will come back. Modern Family will come back.

[A]

Do you.

[B]

Oh, you think?

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Oh, no.

[C]

Yeah. After a little bit more time, it'll come back and it'll be the right time because enough time will have happened for new ideas to germinate.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And you'll all want to do it by that time.

[D]

You know what I mean?

[B]

I feel that way about, about Bridesmaids. I think that there'll be like another Bridesmaids movie.

[C]

You think?

[A]

I do.

[B]

I know I've heard stories about like, you know, Krista didn't want to do it, but I do think with time, it was so. It was such a beloved movie and that cast is so incredible. I just. I don't know, maybe you have inside information that I don't have, but I have no information. I don't see how with time, all those people would not want to come together and do another.

[C]

Another movie in the realm of what is possible. You know, it could happen.

[B]

That movie was such a moment. It was such a huge moment.

[C]

I'm glad you. Glad you got a kick out of it.

[B]

I'm not the only one. Thank you for doing this.

[D]

All right.

[B]

Thank you. I really adore you.

[C]

I adore you.

[B]

It's been a really long time.

[C]

Will you come and do St. Denis?

[B]

Oh, my God.

[C]

We're back up.

[A]

I would love to.

[C]

Okay, I'm gonna float that.

[B]

Float it out.

[C]

Yeah, I would.

[B]

Absolutely. The show's great.

[A]

Thank you.

[C]

Thank you. Thank you so much for having me.

[A]

I adore you all. This episode of Dinner's on Me was recorded at Della nona in downtown LA's Arts District. Next week on Dinners on Me, you know him from Scandal and the Comeback, which is now back for a third season, it's Dan Bukatinsky. We'll talk about queer acceptance and his journey from acting to producing alongside Lisa Kudrow and coming back after a decade for the final season of the Comeback. And if you don't want to wait until next week to listen, you can download that episode right now by subscribing to Dinners On Me. Plus, as a subscriber, not only do you get access to new episodes one week early, you'll also be able to listen completely ad free. Just click try free at the top of the Dinners on Me show page on Apple Podcasts to start your free trial today. Dinners on Me is a production of Sony Music Entertainment and a kid named Beckett Productions. It's hosted by me, Jesse Tyler Ferguson. It's executive produced by me and Jonathan Hirsch. Our showrunner is Joanna Clay. Our associate producer is Alyssa Midcalf. Sam Baer engineered this episode, Hansdale. She composed our theme music. Our head of production is Sammy Allison. Special thanks to Tameka Balance Kolasny and Justin Makita. I'm Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Join me next week.