Podcast Summary: "Katherine Hahn Vacationed At An Abandoned Ski Lodge"

Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers hosted by Seth Meyers and Josh Meyers delves into memorable family vacations, childhood adventures, and the humorous disasters that often accompany them. In the September 17, 2024 episode titled "Katherine Hahn Vacationed At An Abandoned Ski Lodge," the brothers welcome Northwestern alumna Katherine Hahn to share her unique family vacation experiences.

1. Announcing the Grand Canyon Adventure

The episode opens with Seth and Josh Meyers excitedly announcing their upcoming family trip to the Grand Canyon, a long-standing jest among their listeners.

Josh [00:35]: "Every year, we're in a fantasy football league with you, me, a bunch of your college friends... So every year, we go have a fantasy football draft..."

Seth humorously acknowledges his impending journey:

Seth [03:14]: "The other great thing is there's a sort of reveal... I could not. I had to read it three times before I realized that you and Devi had actually planned a draft at the Grand Canyon."

This segment sets the tone for the episode, blending light-hearted banter with plans for an adventurous trip.

2. Tribute to Beloved Friend Eric Gilliland

Before introducing their guest, Seth and Josh take a moment to honor their late friend, Eric Gilliland, a Northwestern alum and comedy writer known for his work on Roseanne.

Josh [07:05]: "He was the definition of beloved. ... His personality was giant."

Seth adds a personal touch by recalling their interactions with Eric:

Seth [08:18]: "He took us all out to dinner and he basically just offered his experience and told us we could ask him anything we wanted."

This tribute underscores the deep bonds formed during their Northwestern days and sets a heartfelt backdrop for the episode.

3. Introducing Katherine Hahn and Northwestern Memories

Katherine Hahn joins the conversation, bringing her own set of Northwestern memories. The brothers reminisce about their shared experiences, highlighting the camaraderie among Northwestern alumni.

Seth [10:23]: "You gave the commencement?"

Catherine Hahn [11:00]: "I did this year. And, well, you left some big shoes to try to fill."

Catherine shares her experience delivering the commencement speech, noting the pressure and eventual joy it brought her.

4. Graduation Speeches and Influences

Catherine discusses her decision-making process for the commencement speech, expressing both hesitation and satisfaction.

Catherine Hahn [11:21]: "It was the sweetest day. ... I just felt like a rush of gratitude."

Seth reflects on his own commencement speech, emphasizing the legacy left by previous speakers like Robert Redford.

Seth [15:07]: "And I can only say, watch out for the shoes. Look out for the shoes."

The conversation highlights the significance of commencement speeches and the pressure of following in notable footsteps.

5. Family Vacation Stories: Road Trips and the Abandoned Ski Lodge

Katherine delves into her family's tradition of road trips, often visited during the summer months to maintain financial prudence.

Catherine Hahn [27:36]: "We spent like a full two weeks in an abandoned ski lodge in the middle of summer."

One standout memory involves a summer trip to Blue Knob, an abandoned ski lodge where the family endured the heat, exemplifying her father's frugality and sense of humor.

Catherine Hahn [30:05]: "He took pictures of all of us on the like, Mord ski lift just being like, hurry up, it's so hot."

These anecdotes paint a vivid picture of unconventional yet cherished family vacations filled with laughter and enduring memories.

6. Anecdotes About Catherine’s Father, Bill Han

Katherine fondly recounts stories about her father, Bill Han, highlighting his quirky and resourceful nature.

Catherine Hahn [30:44]: "He was very frugal... drove to D.C., got angry at roundabouts, and cleverly avoided parking penalties."

One memorable incident involves Bill’s attempt to secure discounted entry to the Lincoln Memorial by pretending to have a handicap:

Catherine Hahn [31:49]: "He started limping back to the car without missing a beat."

Another tale showcases his ingenuity at Cedar Point amusement park:

Catherine Hahn [32:11]: "He would carry a briefcase with all of his discharge papers from the Navy to try to get the discount."

These stories illustrate Bill's humorous approach to life's challenges and his ability to turn mundane situations into memorable adventures.

7. Sibling Relationships and Family Dynamics

Katherine discusses her relationship with her two younger brothers, emphasizing the dynamics shaped by their age differences.

Catherine Hahn [25:03]: "I have a brother that's two years younger and then a brother that's seven years younger."

She shares how her responsibilities as the eldest sister fostered a nurturing bond, especially with her youngest brother.

Catherine Hahn [26:06]: "I felt responsible... It was pretty cool."

The conversation also touches on the playful exchanges between her brothers, showcasing a lively and affectionate sibling relationship.

8. Current Family Life and Parenting

Transitioning to the present, Catherine reflects on her own parenting style and the adventures of raising three children. She praises her son’s equestrian skills and daughter’s fearless nature.

Catherine Hahn [61:34]: "She rides horses... she's a very stern rider. She's the paddocks."

She also humorously describes her daughter’s creative approach to games and her son's playful antics.

Catherine Hahn [55:32]: "My son Axel, the middle one, does a thing where he is not confident with the one lie."

These insights offer listeners a glimpse into the joys and challenges of modern family life, wrapped in Catherine’s engaging storytelling.

9. Rapid-Fire Questions and Personal Insights

In a rapid-fire segment, Seth and Josh pose quick questions to Catherine, eliciting candid and humorous responses about her ideal vacations, transportation preferences, and favorite family memories.

Josh [71:23]: "What is your favorite means of transportation? Train, plane, automobile, boat, bike, Walking."

Catherine Hahn [71:30]: "Oh, it depends where and how far. But I do love a car. But I love a plane."

These interactions add a dynamic and playful element to the episode, allowing Catherine’s personality to shine through.

10. Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

As the episode wraps up, Seth and Josh express their appreciation for Catherine’s stories and the memories shared.

Seth [75:08]: "I will say that my... I loved WandaVision so much. I can't wait for Agatha all along. That's gonna premiere on September 18th. Thank you, Catherine. We love you, you guys."

Catherine reciprocates the gratitude, highlighting the importance of reminiscing about childhood vacations.

Catherine Hahn [75:57]: "What a delight, you guys."

Notable Quotes:

1. Josh on Fantasy Football Drafts

   "Every year, we're in a fantasy football league with you, me, a bunch of your college friends..." [00:35]

2. Seth on Commencement Shoes

   "And I can only say, watch out for the shoes. Look out for the shoes." [15:07]

3. Catherine on Responsible Relationships

   "I have a brother that's two years younger and then a brother that's seven years younger." [25:03]

4. Catherine on Her Father's Ingenuity

   "He would carry a briefcase with all of his discharge papers from the Navy to try to get the discount." [32:11]

5. Catherine on Family Games

   "We love. I mean, we used to love Uno for a long time. Now we're into banana grams..." [55:03]

This episode of Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of family dynamics, cherished memories, and the enduring bonds formed through shared adventures. Katherine Hahn’s stories provide a relatable and entertaining narrative that resonates with listeners, celebrating the joys and quirks of family life.