Good One: A Podcast About Jokes
Episode: Ego Nwodim’s “Lisa from Temecula”
Host: Jesse David Fox
Release Date: June 4, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Good One: A Podcast About Jokes, host Jesse David Fox welcomes Ego Nwodim, a standout performer from Saturday Night Live (SNL). Celebrating her sixth season on the show, Ego discusses her journey, the development of her memorable character Lisa from Temecula, and the dynamics of creating comedy within the fast-paced environment of SNL.

Breaking Down "Lisa from Temecula"

The episode kicks off with Ego performing her iconic character, Lisa from Temecula, a role that marked her breakthrough on SNL. Lisa is portrayed as an overly meticulous lawyer who insists on her steak being cooked extra well, leading to humorous disruptions at the dinner table.

[00:10] Jesse David Fox: "Good One: A Podcast About Jokes is a podcast about - well - jokes, and the people who tell them."

[02:16] Ego Nwodim: "It's just like a blank canvas where Scott really allows you to do anything."

Ego recounts the sketch’s creation, highlighting how it blends her type-A personality with playful absurdity, making Lisa a beloved recurring character.

Casting and Early Years on SNL

Ego shares a succinct story of her casting on SNL, testing twice before landing her spot on the show.

[05:45] Ego Nwodim: "I tested for SNL two times. [...] The second time it worked out."

Reflecting on her initial experiences, Ego emphasizes her strategy of observing and adapting without overshadowing established cast members, allowing her comedic voice to flourish organically.

Collaboration with Writers Alex English and Gary Richardson

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Ego's collaboration with writers Alex English and Gary Richardson. She describes their complementary styles—her meticulousness balanced by their relaxed approach—which fosters a creative synergy essential for developing sketches like Lisa from Temecula.

[13:13] Ego Nwodim: "They make me chill out. I can be very Type A."

Ego details how sketches evolve from initial ideas to final performances, often involving improvisation and iterative feedback during table reads and rehearsals.

Behind the Scenes: Developing Lisa from Temecula

Ego delves into the specific journey of creating Lisa from Temecula, from its original premise to its final form. She explains how a simple observation about steak preferences transformed into a full-fledged character through collaborative writing and creative input.

[24:32] Ego Nwodim: "She's like the sweater of a woman who really thinks she's killing it."

Ego also discusses the challenges faced during dress rehearsals, such as unexpected changes and the pressure of perfecting the sketch for live television.

Performing Under Pressure: Live Sketch Dynamics

Ego recounts a memorable dress rehearsal where technical issues and unexpected props (like an overcooked steak) tested her improvisational skills. Her ability to stay in character and handle on-the-fly changes exemplifies her comedic resilience.

[31:01] Ego Nwodim: "We’re at dinner. What are you doing?"

Ego highlights the importance of trust and collaboration among the cast and crew to maintain the sketch’s integrity despite unforeseen hurdles.

Expanding the Cast: Other Recurring Characters

Beyond Lisa, Ego introduces other characters she has developed, such as Rich Auntie with No Kids and Charlotte, the Pregnant Stingray. Each character showcases her versatility and creative range, blending absurdity with relatable human traits.

[54:57] Ego Nwodim: "I love playing these confident people who are, like, a hot mess."

These characters further establish Ego's unique comedic voice on SNL, allowing her to explore different facets of humor and personality.

Leadership and Mentorship on SNL

As a senior cast member, Ego reflects on her role in mentoring newer cast members. She stresses the importance of empathy and support, drawing from her own experiences as a newcomer to guide and encourage her colleagues.

[75:49] Ego Nwodim: "It's really important to seek out those more junior cast members... I'm there if you need advice."

Ego’s leadership approach fosters a positive and collaborative environment, ensuring that the creative energies within the SNL cast remain vibrant and inclusive.

Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

Ego discusses her personal growth on SNL, balancing her type-A traits with her innate silliness. She expresses a desire to continue pushing her comedic boundaries, aspiring to take on more dynamic and diverse roles within the show.

[51:38] Ego Nwodim: "I didn't want to rock the boat... now I can be more playful."

Looking ahead, Ego is enthusiastic about exploring new characters and sketches, striving to infuse her performances with even greater energy and creativity.

The Laughing Round

In the concluding segment, The Laughing Round, Ego shares her favorite jokes, discusses interactions with legendary comedians, and offers advice to aspiring comedians.

• Favorite Joke: Lisa from Temecula enjoys repeating a punchline from a Jamie Foxx and Fantasia performance about skin tone.

• Characters She Wishes to Steal: Ego expresses admiration for Kerry Washington’s Miss Uganda and Tim Robinson’s sketches, highlighting her appreciation for diverse comedic styles.

• Best Bombed Moment: Ego candidly shares that her best bombed moment was during a dress rehearsal for Lisa from Temecula when unexpected props disrupted the sketch.

• Advice for Aspiring Comedians: Emphasizes the importance of watching as much comedy as possible, embracing failures, and finding inspiration in everyday life.

[84:40] Ego Nwodim: "Watch as much of the comedy it is that you want to be doing... get up there and get comfortable and bombing."

Closing Remarks

Jesse and Ego wrap up the episode with light-hearted banter and final thoughts on Ego’s contributions to SNL. Ego reiterates her passion for improvisation and her commitment to maintaining a positive and supportive atmosphere within the show.

[87:53] Jesse David Fox: "Thank you so much."

[88:51] Ego Nwodim: "Good one."

Notable Quotes

• Ego on Character Creation:

  [06:31] Ego Nwodim: "What can sustain the duration of a podcast episode, what is a game that could just be played in how I respond to things?"

• Ego on Leadership:

  [75:49] Ego Nwodim: "If you need advice or if you ever need an ear, I'm there."

• Advice for Comedians:

  [84:40] Ego Nwodim: "Get up there and get used to and comfortable and bombing and being bad at it and getting okay with that."

Conclusion

This episode of Good One offers an insightful look into Ego Nwodim’s comedic process, her experiences on SNL, and the intricate balance between meticulousness and playful absurdity that defines her characters. Ego’s reflections provide valuable lessons for both aspiring comedians and fans eager to understand the art of joke-telling from one of SNL’s brightest talents.

For more episodes and sketches discussed, visit Good One Podcast on Peacock or follow Ego on social media at @egowodom.