Listen Now: 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast

Summary

Podcast Summary: 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast – Featuring Jon Hamm

Podcast Information:

• Title: How I Built This with Guy Raz
• Host/Author: Guy Raz | Wondery
• Episode: Listen Now: 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast
• Release Date: November 25, 2024

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Introduction

In the festive yet mischievous episode titled "'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast," How I Built This takes an unexpected twist by featuring a special segment with the iconic character, The Grinch. This episode blends entrepreneurial insights with holiday cheer, presenting a unique dialogue between The Grinch and renowned actor Jon Hamm. The episode delves into themes of anti-heroism, character development, and the intersection of pop culture with traditional storytelling.

Meet the Guests

• The Grinch: The perennial holiday antagonist known for his disdain for Christmas cheer.
• Jon Hamm: Acclaimed actor best known for his role as Don Draper in Mad Men.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Character Identity and Branding

Timestamp [01:12] – Jon Hamm's Introduction: Jon Hamm kicks off the conversation with a light-hearted inquiry about how to address The Grinch, emphasizing the importance of personal branding even for a fictional character.

• Jon Hamm: “Do I call you just Grinch? Do you have a first name?”

Timestamp [01:18] – The Grinch's Persona: The Grinch humorously explores his own branding, preferring the moniker "G" and engaging in playful banter by suggesting unconventional names like "Hamster" for Hamm.

• The Grinch: “I’d like it if you did. Can I call you Hamster?”

Insight: This exchange highlights the significance of personal branding and identity, even in fictional narratives. The Grinch’s unique identity contributes to his enduring legacy, showcasing how a well-crafted persona can resonate across generations.

2. The Grinch as the Original Anti-Hero

Timestamp [04:07] – Embracing Anti-Heroism: The Grinch asserts his status as the original anti-hero, challenging the modern portrayal of such characters.

• The Grinch: “I am the OG Anti hero.”

Timestamp [04:00] – Jon Hamm on Anti-Hero Roles: Jon Hamm compares The Grinch's anti-hero traits to contemporary figures, suggesting a blend of complexity and relatability.

• Jon Hamm: “I think that we look at your place in the literary canon. You wonder, why so angry? Why not turn that frown upside down?”

Insight: The discussion underscores the evolution of anti-heroes in storytelling. The Grinch’s character embodies the quintessential anti-hero attributes—flawed yet intriguing—which have become increasingly popular in modern narratives.

3. The Impact of Casting on Character Perception

Timestamp [04:15] – The Grinch on Jim Carrey's Portrayal: The Grinch expresses his disapproval of Jim Carrey’s depiction, revealing his original casting preferences.

• The Grinch: “The last time they were asking me who should play me, I was really riding hard for Wallace Shawn.”

Timestamp [04:18] – Jon Hamm's Take on Recasting: Jon Hamm reflects on how different portrayals can alter a character’s essence and audience reception.

• Jon Hamm: “I think Jim Carrey really ruined it. For everybody.”

Insight: Casting decisions profoundly influence character perception and legacy. The Grinch's preference for actors like Wallace Shawn over Jim Carrey suggests a desire for a portrayal that aligns more closely with his intrinsic personality traits.

4. The Dynamics Between Grinch and Max

Timestamp [05:15] – The Grinch on Max’s Loyalty: The Grinch highlights the complexity of his relationship with Max, his loyal canine companion.

• The Grinch: “Max is a huge fan. He clearly has a thing for complex characters with dark undertones. Seriously, around the cave we call him Dog Draper.”

Timestamp [05:40] – Jon Hamm on Max’s Understanding: Jon Hamm offers a compassionate view of Max, emphasizing his role as a supportive figure.

• Jon Hamm: “Well, I think he probably understands the role of a good number two, you know what I mean?”

Insight: The interplay between The Grinch and Max exemplifies the importance of supportive relationships in personal growth and overcoming internal conflicts. Max’s unwavering loyalty provides The Grinch with a grounded perspective amidst his cynical worldview.

5. The Grinch’s Influence on Pop Culture and Media

Timestamp [02:33] – The Grinch’s Take on "Mad Men": The Grinch humorously remarks on the challenges of staying relevant in shows like Mad Men, drawing parallels to his own experiences.

• The Grinch: “Speaking of Mad Men, not sure how I wasn't cast in a show with a title like that, but...”

Timestamp [06:15] – Jon Hamm on Dramedy: Jon Hamm discusses his beginnings in dramedy, connecting it to the Grinch’s multifaceted character.

• Jon Hamm: “A lot of people don't know that, but one of my first parts was on Ally McBeal.”

Insight: The Grinch’s commentary on Mad Men and dramedy highlights the fluidity required in character development within the entertainment industry. It underscores the necessity for adaptability and depth in creating memorable characters that resonate with diverse audiences.

Notable Quotes

• The Grinch on Anti-Hero Status:

  • [04:07] “I am the OG Anti hero.”

• Jon Hamm on Character Portrayal:

  • [04:15] “I think Jim Carrey really ruined it. For everybody.”

• The Grinch on Max’s Role:

  • [05:15] “Max is a huge fan. He clearly has a thing for complex characters with dark undertones.”

Conclusions

"'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast" offers a refreshing perspective by intertwining entrepreneurial storytelling with beloved holiday lore. Through his dialogue with Jon Hamm, The Grinch navigates themes of identity, anti-heroism, and the intricate dynamics between characters. The episode underscores the enduring relevance of well-crafted personas and the profound impact of casting choices on character legacy. Moreover, it highlights the significance of supportive relationships in personal development, as exemplified by The Grinch and Max.

This episode serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of The Grinch, reinforcing his place in literary and pop culture while providing listeners with insightful reflections on character construction and media influence. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to The Grinch's story, this episode offers valuable lessons on innovation, leadership, and the nuanced navigation of personal and professional challenges.

Final Thoughts

By integrating a fictional character like The Grinch into the framework of How I Built This, the episode creatively bridges the gap between traditional entrepreneurial narratives and imaginative storytelling. It invites listeners to reconsider the elements that contribute to building an iconic brand, whether in business or storytelling, emphasizing that authenticity and depth are key to enduring success.

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Note: This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to encapsulate the essence of the episode while highlighting significant discussions and insights shared between The Grinch and Jon Hamm.

Transcript

[Narrator]

The Grinch is back again to ruin your Christmas season with Tiz the Grinch Holiday Podcast. After last year, he's no stranger to the spotlight. And it turns out he might even love the limelight. He's learned a thing or two about hosting, and he's ready to rant against Christmas cheer and roast his celebrity guests like chestnuts on an open fire. You can listen with the whole family as guest stars like Jon Hamm, Brittany Broski, and Danny DeVito try to persuade the mean old Grinch that there's more to love about the insufferable holiday season. But that's not all. Somebody stole all the children of Whoville's letters to Santa. Everybody thinks the Grinch is responsible. It's a real Whoville whodunit. Can Cindy Lou and Max help hunt down the thief in this crazy Christmas mystery and clear the Grinch's name? Grab your hot cocoa and cozy slippers to find out if the Grinch's heart will triple this season. I'm about to play a clip from Tiz the Grinch Holiday Podcast. Follow Tiz the Grinch Holiday Podcast on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[The Grinch]

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome John Hamm.

[Jon Hamm]

Hi. Thanks for having me. Wow, this is great. Do I call you just Grinch? Do you have a first name?

[The Grinch]

Oh, Grinch is fine.

[Jon Hamm]

Grinch is good. Okay.

[The Grinch]

Some people call me G. No one really calls me G. But I'd like it if you did. Can I call you Hamster?

[Jon Hamm]

You can call me Hamster. That's not the first time I've heard that. But you know what? I think I'll call you G. We're.

[The Grinch]

Kind of like a morning shock jock thing now.

[Jon Hamm]

I see.

[The Grinch]

It's 107.7. It's G man and the hamster.

[Jon Hamm]

Say what?

[The Grinch]

We need a little. All right. Hey, everybody, it's G Man here. We're gonna be setting up a tent at an event that no one would ever want to come to. So come see us at the tent G Fest. At the G Fest. Now, Hamster, you look great as always. But thanks, pal. And by great, I mean you kind of look like one of those dudes who makes pickleball their entire purp personality.

[Jon Hamm]

I see. Well, that feels like a dig.

[The Grinch]

It's because it is, hun.

[Jon Hamm]

Okay.

[The Grinch]

Is that how you stay so fit? Are you a pickleballer?

[Jon Hamm]

I'm not a pickleballer. I do play a little tennis. Maybe. That's it. I like to get out in the. In the fresh Air. And, you know, especially I live in California, So it's nice 10 months out of the year here.

[The Grinch]

California. The Sunshine State.

[Jon Hamm]

The Sunshine State, yeah.

[The Grinch]

Beantown. I mean, you were around some beautiful production design on the set of Mad Men.

[Jon Hamm]

Yes, yes, yes.

[The Grinch]

It's really hard to source mid century modern Nordic furniture up here.

[Jon Hamm]

I get it.

[The Grinch]

Okay, so no pickleball.

[Jon Hamm]

No.

[The Grinch]

Speaking of Mad Men, not sure how I wasn't cast in a show with a title like that, but.

[Jon Hamm]

Okay, well, it wasn't about people that are angry so much. It was. They were more kind of crazy. You know, they were advertising and it was on Madison Avenue. That was the. That was the genesis of the name. So I think maybe it wasn't necessarily about just angry folks. You would have been great in that show. It was about angry folks.

[The Grinch]

Right. I think that that's really the show that they should have done. You know, it's about angry guys. And I'm there and I'm looking snappy in my suit and I'm going, I'm sad, but I have everything.

[Jon Hamm]

You would have looked great in the period costumes. I gotta say, I could see you in a skinny tie. That would have been a good look for you.

[The Grinch]

And then someone runs over my foot with a lawnmower. Except if you ran over my foot with a lawnmower. I mean, that's the end for that lawnmower. I'm gonna be fine. But this green foot situation, I mean, that times a million.

[Jon Hamm]

Fair enough. Again, the show would have been radically different had you been in it, but I probably would have watched.

[The Grinch]

Yeah. And you're an anti hero on that, right?

[Jon Hamm]

A little bit. In kind of the Taylor Swift way. Yeah.

[The Grinch]

I mean, how about just regular hero, huh? Are you gonna be anti hero? Why not just be a good guy? 100%.

[Jon Hamm]

Well, that's an interesting question for you to ask. You know, I think that we look at your place in the. In the literary canon. You wonder, why so angry? Why not turn that frown upside down? You know, I feel like when last we saw you, that heart was growing real big and.

[The Grinch]

Okay, don't bring it up, hun.

[Jon Hamm]

That was a nice shift.

[The Grinch]

I just think everybody's cramping my style with this antiheroes. I am the OG you bring up a good point. I am the OG Anti hero.

[Jon Hamm]

OG yes, for sure.

[The Grinch]

I'm the OG for sure. And G to the OG if you're trying to play antiheroes, why don't you play me in a movie?

[Jon Hamm]

You know, I think Jim Carrey really ruined it. For everybody.

[The Grinch]

I gotta say, he bodied, he ate.

[Jon Hamm]

Did you sign off on that, by the way?

[The Grinch]

You know what? I wasn't involved in the casting of that because the last time they were asking me who should play me, I was really riding hard for Wallace Shawn.

[Jon Hamm]

Fair enough. I would have liked to seen that. My dinner with G. Yeah.

[The Grinch]

Some people say inconceivable. I say very conceivable.

[Jon Hamm]

Quite conceivable. I'm with it. Talk about eating it up, no crumbs.

[The Grinch]

Well, I think you'd eat it up, no crumbs. As the Grinch. I really think you'd make a great Grinch.

[Jon Hamm]

Well, let's make it happen. Yeah.

[The Grinch]

Do you want the part? I mean, you'd have to do it for free. You'd have to live in a cave and you'd have to feed Max twice a day and pay my bills. Are you interested?

[Jon Hamm]

I'm gonna say yes. A qualified yes.

[The Grinch]

Now, speaking of Max, I think that's really, truly the hard part is dealing with Max. I don't wanna blow up his spot, but Max is a huge fan. He's a ham, Stan. He clearly has a thing for complex characters with dark undertones. Seriously, around the cave we call him Dog Draper. Anything you wanna say to Max?

[Jon Hamm]

Well, first of all, I love all dogs. I have a dog here at home named Murphy and I think Murphy and Max would probably get along really well.

[The Grinch]

Oh, Murphy, you like that? Max, do you want to meet Murphy?

[Jon Hamm]

It's tails wagging. I can see.

[The Grinch]

Well, it's tails wagging because he loves life and he's. Well, he's kind of a moron.

[Jon Hamm]

Well, he's meeting one of his heroes.

[The Grinch]

It's true. Well, he was sort of moron Heisenberg's side during that whole era.

[Jon Hamm]

Well, that's fine. There's, you know, there's room for both of us here.

[The Grinch]

Yeah, he was a Breaking Bad guy.

[Jon Hamm]

We were parallel tracks for sure. I get it.

[The Grinch]

Uh huh. He doesn't really understand the show. He thought Jesse was making a lot of good decisions and he was rooting for the guys. And I was like, max, you gotta stop rooting for these guys.

[Jon Hamm]

Well, I think he probably understands the role of a good number two, you know what I mean? And he understands that, right? So yeah, there you go.

[The Grinch]

This guy loves number twos, let me tell you. Right? It reeks in here. You have what they call in Hollywood, they call it range, right? Comedy, drama, and then all the way back to comedy and then drama again.

[Jon Hamm]

Sometimes dramedy. I got my start in dramedy.

[The Grinch]

See, this is what I'm talking about.

[Jon Hamm]

A lot of people don't know that, but one of my first parts was on Ally McBeal.

[The Grinch]

The classic dramedy Ally McBeal. You know, I haven't spoken to that dancing baby in so long. We ran into each other at an admiral's club.

[Jon Hamm]

He's got to be, like, 35 now. Yeah, but you know what? Probably. I guarantee you this. Still dancing.

[The Grinch]

Oh, he's still dancing.

[Narrator]

Unlock weekly bonus content that follows Cindy Lou and Max as they investigate the Christmas crime and try to clear the Grinch's name. And listen to every episode ad free by joining Wondery plus in the Wondery app, Spotify, or on Apple Podcasts.