Good One: A Podcast About Jokes Episode Summary: The Skeleton Twins Reunion With Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader Release Date: January 28, 2025

Hosted by Jesse David Fox

Introduction

In this special episode of Good One: A Podcast About Jokes, host Jesse David Fox delves into a heartfelt and humorous reunion with two iconic Saturday Night Live (SNL) alumni, Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of their acclaimed film Skeleton Twins, the trio reminisces about their early days on SNL, the development of their enduring friendship, and the intricate process behind creating a film that seamlessly blends comedy and drama.

Meeting on SNL

Craig Johnson, the director of Skeleton Twins, kicks off the conversation by introducing Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader, highlighting their significant contributions to SNL over seven seasons.

• Kristen Wiig recalls her initial connection with Bill: “I called you… because you had gotten the show” (03:06).

• Bill Hader shares his first encounter: “I think we actually didn't meet initially, but we had the same manager… Kristen was the babysitter” (03:23).

Their mutual support was evident from the start, with Bill offering Kristen advice during her auditions, fostering a bond that would later translate into their collaborative efforts on SNL and beyond.

SNL Experiences and Sketch Development

The conversation shifts to their collaborative environment on SNL, where both Kristen and Bill discuss the dynamics of working together and the creative process behind developing memorable sketches.

• Bill Hader fondly remembers a sketch they developed together: “We did this thing called the Australians with Fred Armisen that no one liked” (10:08).

• Kristen Wiig adds humorously: “We were just putting Australian things into a bag… Off to New Zealand” (10:33).

They also mention the recurrent "Hollywood Dish" sketch, which became a favorite among audiences for its predictability and comedic timing.

Transition to Skeleton Twins

As the panel progresses, Craig Johnson steers the discussion toward the making of Skeleton Twins. Kristen and Bill reflect on how their SNL experiences influenced their approach to the film, emphasizing the balance between humor and emotional depth.

• Bill Hader explains how he was approached to join the project while still on SNL: “I was still on SNL, and when we shot Skeleton Twins… I just read it and immediately was like, yeah, please” (22:09).

• Kristen Wiig shares the casting decisions and how Kristen was a perfect fit for the role after the success of Bridesmaids: “We just kind of crossed our fingers…and Kristen was like, oh, yeah, I would love to do it, but only if Bill wants to do it with me” (24:37).

Their collaboration was not just professional but also deeply personal, allowing them to portray familial bonds authentically on screen.

Challenges and Triumphs During Filming

The panel delves into the emotional and logistical challenges faced during the filming of Skeleton Twins. Kristen recounts intense scenes that required genuine emotional responses, strengthening her bond with Bill.

• Kristen Wiig describes a memorable scene: “We just started crying. I felt bad that I said that” (28:49).

• Bill Hader speaks about overcoming personal anxieties related to the film’s reception: “Morning of the Sundance screening… total panic attack… my wife went… they were loving it” (32:06).

Their ability to navigate these challenges resulted in a film that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Impact on Careers and Future Projects

Reflecting on the success of Skeleton Twins, Bill credits the film with opening doors for his acclaimed HBO series, Barry.

• Bill Hader states: “I don't think Barry would have happened if it wasn't for this movie” (39:20).

Both Kristen and Bill discuss how their experiences on Skeleton Twins have influenced their subsequent projects, allowing them to explore a wider range of characters beyond their comedic roots.

• Kristen Wiig expresses pride in Bill’s work: “It's like everybody's favorite show and your talent comes through in it” (46:09).

Writing and Performing: Bridging Two Worlds

The discussion shifts to the interplay between writing and performing, highlighting the distinct yet complementary skills required for each.

• Bill Hader shares his struggles and growth as a writer: “I write pretty much every day now” (43:11).

• Kristen Wiig talks about overcoming self-doubt in her writing process: “I always gotta keep going because there were things that I've written that I've done, and I always thought it was terrible” (45:02).

Their dedication to honing their craft has allowed them to create nuanced and impactful performances that transcend traditional comedy.

Memorable Moments and Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, Kristen and Bill share amusing anecdotes from their time on set and their personal interactions, adding levity to the in-depth discussions.

• Bill Hader recounts a hilarious mishap involving a microphone: “One time I spit an icy… I spit it in Kristen's face, and it was really cold” (12:46).

• Kristen Wiig describes the unpredictability of live performances: “We would try not to laugh as you both anticipated the fact that that moment would be coming” (12:24).

These stories not only entertain but also showcase the genuine camaraderie between the two performers.

Conclusion

As the panel wraps up, Kristen and Bill express their gratitude for each other and the enduring relationships forged through their shared experiences. Their journey from SNL to Skeleton Twins and beyond exemplifies the power of collaboration, resilience, and the ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling.

Notable Quotes

• Kristen Wiig on First Impressions: “She is one of the best, hands down” (06:06).
• Bill Hader on Comfortability: “You've seen each other hit huge highs, huge lows. So you're just incredibly comfortable with each other” (06:50).
• Kristen Wiig on Writing Challenges: “I start writing it. I'm like, this is terrible” (45:27).
• Bill Hader on Barry Connection: “I don't think Barry would have happened if it wasn't for this movie” (39:20).

Final Thoughts

This episode of Good One: A Podcast About Jokes offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the lives and careers of Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Through candid conversations, memorable anecdotes, and reflections on their collaborative work, Jesse David Fox facilitates a rich and engaging discussion that honors their contributions to comedy and film.

Note: Timestamps correspond to sections of the provided transcript for reference.