Podcast Summary: How Did This Get Made? – "Last Looks: Oops! All Just Chat w/ Ruby Karp" (Released March 28, 2025)

Hosts: Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas

Introduction

In the March 28, 2025, episode of "How Did This Get Made?", titled "Last Looks: Oops! All Just Chat w/ Ruby Karp," hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas take a departure from their usual deep dives into notoriously bad movies. Instead, they engage in a candid and engaging conversation with special guest, Ruby Karp—a multifaceted talent known for her work in acting, comedy, and writing. The episode provides listeners with an intimate look into Ruby's latest projects, her experiences in the entertainment industry, and her perspectives on modern media trends.

Main Discussion with Ruby Karp

Ruby Karp's Current Projects

The episode centers around Ruby Karp's newest endeavors, including her Off-Broadway show and her contributions to various television projects. Ruby shares insights into her upcoming performance at the SoHo Playhouse, titled "I Don't Trust Adults," which runs from March 26 to May 3, 2025. She describes the show as a series of interconnected stories that explore her childhood experiences with authority figures and the dynamics of theater camps.

Ruby Karp (26:32): "I tell the story of six different adults who caused me to be forever suspicious of adults."

Ruby also discusses her book, "Earth Hates Me," a self-help memoir she authored at the age of 16. While the hosts express amusement and a bit of embarrassment over the early publication, Ruby emphasizes the personal nature of the work and her desire to reclaim her narrative.

Ruby Karp (32:12): "It's like all of your 16-year-old secrets, but in the form of a book. And it's like all of your 16-year-old secrets."

Experiences in Comedy and Early Career

Ruby delves into her extensive background in comedy, recounting her early memories of performing alongside Paul and Jason. She reflects on how these formative experiences shaped her comedic style and her approach to storytelling.

Ruby Karp (29:31): "I was thrown on stage a lot as a kid, particularly because I loved attention as a child."

Jason adds his perspective on Ruby's upbringing in comedy, noting her resilience and creativity in navigating both the highs and lows of early performances.

Perspectives on AI and Entertainment

A significant portion of the conversation explores Ruby's thoughts on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry. The hosts and Ruby discuss the potential and pitfalls of AI-driven performances, comparing it to fan-made content and the evolving nature of content creation.

Paul Scheer (15:14): "People are just putting themselves in the roles that they want to be with AI, but I think people could take a big breath of fresh air and going, like, yeah, that would be fun to do."

Ruby contemplates the future of AI in entertainment, pondering whether it can genuinely replicate the nuanced performances of seasoned actors or if it will remain a novelty.

Recommendations and Media Consumption

Ruby offers the hosts her recommendations for current TV shows and music, emphasizing the importance of staying connected with evolving media trends. The discussion touches on popular series like "Daredevil Born Again," "Reacher Season 3," and animated shows like "Common Side Effects." Ruby also highlights burgeoning talent in the music industry, mentioning Sabrina Carpenter's rise as a Grammy-winning artist.

Ruby Karp (39:12): "Young people love Crunchyroll, Ruby."

Paul and Jason respond enthusiastically to Ruby's suggestions, sharing their own experiences and expressing interest in exploring the recommended content.

Challenges of Content Spoilers and Appointment Viewing

The conversation shifts to the challenges of avoiding spoilers in the age of rapid information dissemination. The hosts and Ruby discuss the concept of appointment viewing versus on-demand content consumption, debating the merits of experiencing shows as they air versus waiting for unspoiled accessibility.

Jason Mantzoukas (41:05): "It's because if you don't, you will open your phone and every single thing that has happened will be spoiled for you."

Ruby concurs, emphasizing the communal aspect of watching shows in real-time to maintain narrative integrity and personal enjoyment.

Conclusion and Promotions

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to support Ruby Karp by attending her Off-Broadway show and exploring her other projects. They provide details on how to access her performances and book, directing listeners to her Instagram handle and the SoHo Playhouse website.

Paul Scheer (47:44): "If you're in New York, check it out, tell people, go see it. It's gonna be fun."

The hosts also tease their next podcast episode, which will focus on the 2000 film "Jill Rips," starring Dolph Lundgren. They provide a humorous synopsis and highlight the film's low ratings, maintaining the podcast's signature comedic tone.

Paul Scheer (50:21): "Next week we're watching the 2000 film starring Dolph Lundgren called Jill Rips."

Finally, they conclude by urging listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to support its growth, while acknowledging and thanking the production team.

Notable Quotes

• Ruby Karp (26:32): "I tell the story of six different adults who caused me to be forever suspicious of adults."
• Ruby Karp (32:12): "It's like all of your 16-year-old secrets, but in the form of a book."
• Paul Scheer (15:14): "People are just putting themselves in the roles that they want to be with AI, but I think people could take a big breath of fresh air and going, like, yeah, that would be fun to do."
• Jason Mantzoukas (41:05): "It's because if you don't, you will open your phone and every single thing that has happened will be spoiled for you."
• Paul Scheer (47:44): "If you're in New York, check it out, tell people, go see it. It's gonna be fun."

Final Thoughts

This special episode of "How Did This Get Made?" offers a refreshing departure from the hosts' usual focus on bad movies, providing a platform for Ruby Karp to showcase her diverse talents and projects. Through heartfelt conversations and insightful discussions, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Ruby's contributions to comedy and theater, as well as her thoughtful perspectives on the evolving landscape of entertainment. The episode encapsulates the essence of collaboration and mutual support among creatives, making it a standout installment in the podcast's storied history.