Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers
Episode: PAUL FEIG Had ‘Sundahs’ with Grandma in Florida
Date: December 16, 2025
Hosts: Seth Meyers & Josh Meyers
Guest: Paul Feig
Episode Overview
This lively episode features celebrated director, writer, and actor Paul Feig (Freaks and Geeks, Bridesmaids) as he recounts family vacations, upbringing in Michigan, and unforgettable stories from childhood—including legendary Florida trips, quirky family traditions, and brushes with showbiz from a young age. The Meyers brothers and Feig share jokes, memories, and reflections on Midwestern family culture, nostalgia for 20th-century vacations, and the magic of seeing films with an audience.
Key Discussion Points & Highlights
Thanksgiving Catch-Up & Family Traditions
[00:00–05:37]
- Seth and Josh reminisce about Thanksgiving—highlighting their annual family show, "You Brined," and the joy (and minor stress) of watching their children perform.
- Appreciation for family game nights—games like Dixit and Monikers get a mention for adding cheer to the holidays.
- Reflections on the stress of group games like Mafia:
“I will leave a party if it's time to play Mafia. I hate mafia so much.”
—Seth Meyers [04:51] - Seth recently traveled to London for the first time in a decade, fawning over Christmas in London and displaying his “John le Carré map of London.”
Guest Introduction: Paul Feig
[10:55]
- The Meyers brothers warmly introduce Paul Feig:
“Probably our most dapper guest I've ever had.”
—Josh [11:17] - Feig details how he’s adopted a signature suit look, inspired by his father.
Paul Feig’s Childhood & Parental Influence
[16:26–18:59]
- Raised in Mount Clemens, Michigan; only child.
- Parents melded “smart humor” (dad) and “goofy humor” (mom), shaping Feig’s comedic voice.
- Memorable anecdote: Dad’s file of nightclub MC jokes—led to a blue joke winning Feig his first talent show in 9th grade.
- Notable Quote:
“They were all fairly off color... I peppered them through my act and ended up winning the talent show, but with jokes that were pretty—secretly rude.”
—Paul Feig [17:52] - The family’s humor balance and support were critical for his showbiz aspirations.
Working the Army Surplus Store
[24:00–25:21]
- Feig’s dad owned/ran an army surplus and sporting goods store; mom worked in the back office.
- Starting at age 5, Paul was “forced” to work there, doing everything from folding jeans to cleaning toilets:
“My dad just made me work in the store. Everybody dumped all their worst jobs onto me.”
—Paul Feig [24:40] - Reflections on maintaining humility and why he eventually escaped to L.A.
Family Vacation Stories: From Michigan to the Caribbean
[28:39–32:01]
- Family wasn’t drawn to local lakes—dad disliked “lake culture” despite selling sporting goods.
- Vacations were either to Florida (to visit Grandma) or the Caribbean, which was viewed as somewhat “fancy” by peers.
- Frugal pride: Dad refused to buy a Cadillac to avoid the appearance of luxury.
- Road Trip Rituals:
- The “classic” drive to Florida, stopping overnight in Lexington, KY, to swim in a memorable “terrarium pool.”
- Stuckey’s rest stops were magic:
“That was my favorite part... All candy and stuff. But also, they had magic tricks.”
—Paul Feig [36:01]
Florida ‘Sundahs’ and the Complications of Grandma Visits
[37:15–41:33]
- Visits to his grandmother in Fort Lauderdale recalled with both love and comic horror:
“She would fix me an ice cream Sunda, as she would call it... and I would have to sit on this footstool... her in the sundress... with legs akimbo.”
—Paul Feig [38:24] - Grandma was overbearing and sometimes at odds with Feig’s mother.
- Cousin Philip (often on trips) would cleverly escape these awkward obligations.
Growing Up with Older Friends & Family Dynamics
[33:13–34:56]
- Paul’s close relationship with cousin Philip and his older next-door neighbor, who began as a babysitter, is a recurring theme.
- Discussion of holiday food traditions: green Jell-O, cheese balls, and the ever-popular chopped liver ball.
- Hosting holidays was a source of anxiety (especially for Feig’s mom); Feig finds shortcuts nowadays—ordering full feasts from hotels or markets.
Canadian Connections & Lake Erie Cottage
[46:43–48:36]
- Mother’s family was Canadian—visits to Windsor, Ontario, and a mercury-tainted (but still-swum-in) Lake Erie cottage.
- Memories of “Canadian British” quietness as a counterbalance to brash “Feig” energy.
On Neighbors and Social Boundaries
[48:08–50:06]
- Feig (and his wife) identify as “neighborly, but only selectively social”—not inclined to spontaneously befriend neighbors.
- Josh relates with a story about their open-door neighbor, Franz.
- Feig admits to being a “snob” socially:
“Seth, you nailed it. I think it’s a technical term.”
—Paul Feig [49:17]
Detroit Nostalgia & First Encounters with Standup
[51:17–54:58]
- Recollections of an underdog Detroit, trips to Greektown and Tiger Stadium.
- Early exposure to comedians like Kip Adotta.
- Mutual fondness for SNL’s Steve Higgins and “comedy nerd” name-drops.
- Feig’s memory of being the only one not looking at cue cards in SNL’s audience [54:37].
The Magic of Moviegoing
[59:01–65:50]
- Discussion about the release of Feig’s new film, The Housemaid, and the waning of communal movie theater experiences in the streaming era.
- Paul’s joy in experiencing audience reactions firsthand:
“Cause I engineer all my movies for a theater full of people... It’s all teed up for this big group experience.”
—Paul Feig [60:04] - Hilarious recollection of opening night for Bridesmaids:
“That was probably my greatest experience of watching one of my movies.”
—Paul Feig [61:43] - The unique power of shared laughter and collective viewing—Star Wars (1977) as a comedic “laugh a minute” revelation.
Quickfire Family Trip Questions
[65:50–67:35]
- Q: Relaxing, adventurous, or educational vacation?
- A: “Relaxing.” —Paul Feig [66:03]
- Q: Favorite means of transportation?
- A: “Airplane.” —Paul Feig [66:07]
- Q: If stranded on a desert island with one family member?
- A: “My cousin Philip.” —Paul Feig [66:38]
- Q: Pitch for Mount Clemens:
- “Come for the pizza... stay for the Greek coffee shops.” —Paul Feig [67:06]
- Q: Have you been to the Grand Canyon?
- “No. I have not. I’ve flown over it.” —Paul Feig [67:16]
Memorable Quotes
-
On awkward family talent show jokes:
“There was a big silence and then you hear all the teachers in the back just burst out laughing.”
—Paul Feig [18:18] -
On his grandmother’s house dresses:
“She would fix me a sundah... tell me the same stories over and over again, but with legs akimbo... an exercise in keeping your eyes up.”
—Paul Feig [38:24] -
On neighborly boundaries:
“Unless somebody comes over with like a basket of baked goods and forces us to be their friends...”
—Paul Feig [48:39] -
On coming home from vacations:
“I had real fond memories of those trips until we got there and had to spend time with my grandmother.”
—Paul Feig [36:07] -
On movie theaters vs streaming:
“When you’re in a big theater, they own you. You are just fully in their command.”
—Paul Feig [65:08]
Notable & Funny Moments (with Timestamps)
- Family talent show blue joke that brought the house down [18:21]
- Description of the “terrarium” hotel pool in Kentucky [36:02]
- Enduring “Sundah” trauma with grandma’s house dress [38:24]
- Feig’s signature style origins and “wheel of eras” theory [28:14]
- Surviving accusations of spitting at Tiger Stadium [55:13]
- Delight at Bridesmaids box office surprise [61:43]
- Auto Bingo and Stuckey’s stops—defining road trip joy [40:16]
Episode Tone & Final Thoughts
The conversation is warm, nostalgic, and self-deprecating, filled with classic Meyers banter and Feig’s dry wit. The Meyers brothers create a playful, familial atmosphere, prompting Feig’s storytelling prowess. Listeners come away with a vivid sense of Midwestern family dynamics, the formative (and comic) pain of childhood rituals, the meaning of show business resilience, and the communal magic of the movies.
Recommendation
A must-listen for fans of comedy, anyone who grew up in the Midwest, or who finds joy in rich family stories (awkward grandmas, cross-country road trips, and all). Essential for those who love Paul Feig’s work and want an authentic, humorous window into his upbringing and ethos.
Paul Feig’s new film The Housemaid is in theaters December 19th.
(...and yes, he’ll be wearing a suit to the premiere.)