Kylie & Kat Dennings on Irish Dancing in Bars, Stage Name Origins & Kelce Cat Game Plan | Ep. 14

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Kylie on Irish Dancing in Bars, Stage Name Origins & Kelce Cat Game Plan with Kat Dennings | Ep. 14"

Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce—a Wave Original podcast hosted by Kylie Kelce—delves deep into the personal and professional narratives of its guests. In Episode 14, released on March 13, 2025, Kylie sits down with acclaimed actress Kat Dennings to explore their shared roots, acting journeys, quirky family traditions, and even some spooky childhood memories. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of their engaging conversation, highlighting key topics, insightful discussions, and memorable quotes.

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1. Return to Irish Roots and St. Patrick's Day Traditions

Timestamp: [00:57 - 03:30]

Kylie opens the episode by reminiscing about her Irish heritage and the unique way her family celebrates St. Patrick's Day. She shares fond memories of performing Irish dances in bars during her youth, a tradition that brought joy despite the questionable parenting decision of frequenting smoky establishments.

Kylie Kelsey ([02:15]): "We would dance, usually with a live band, and it was very fun. That was way back when you could still smoke in those bars."

She also hints at a humorous incident from the previous year when her husband tricked her into dancing on a balcony with professional Irish dancers, a moment captured in a clip shared post-episode.

2. Engaging in Friendly Competitions and Fan Base Decisions

Timestamp: [03:30 - 04:00]

Kylie discusses the results of a fan poll determining the name of the NGL fan base, revealing the "Kai League" as the clear winner with 67% of votes. She expresses her appreciation for the community's participation and excitement about future polls.

Kylie Kelsey ([03:45]): "I like that. It was a tight race, but 67% to 33% is outstanding."

3. Ask Me Some Things: Beauty and Makeup Routine Insights

Timestamp: [17:30 - 25:18]

In the "Ask Me Some Things" segment, Kylie answers fan questions about her beauty regimen. She candidly shares that her makeup routine is minimal and self-taught, relying on essentials like mascara, powder, and chapstick. This honesty resonates with listeners who appreciate her down-to-earth approach.

Kylie Kelsey ([19:00]): "There is not a team. I have been wearing the same makeup since high school."

4. In-Depth Conversation with Kat Dennings: Shared Philadelphia Roots

Timestamp: [14:44 - 34:48]

Kylie warmly welcomes Kat Dennings, uncovering their shared upbringing in the Philadelphia suburbs. They bond over mutual acquaintances and fond memories of local hotspots like Dance Express, highlighting the strong community ties that shaped their early lives.

Kat Dennings ([15:05]): "We both grew up in Narberth, and it's fascinating to see how our paths intersected."

5. Overcoming Early Acting Challenges and Career Breakthroughs

Timestamp: [30:25 - 34:21]

Kat Dennings recounts her tumultuous early acting experiences, including a harsh acting class that nearly discouraged her from pursuing her passion. Despite these setbacks, she persevered, leading to her eventual success in significant roles such as Two Broke Girls and Thor.

Kat Dennings ([31:20]): "I didn't have a great experience in the acting class world, but I didn't listen and kept pursuing acting."

6. The Origin of Kat Dennings' Stage Name

Timestamp: [32:36 - 34:48]

The conversation shifts to the intriguing story behind Kat Dennings' stage name. Kylie reveals that Kat changed her last name from Litwack to Dennings as a tribute to her mother's best friend, Janine Denis, blending it with her first name inspired by a favorite movie character.

Kat Dennings ([34:21]): "Dennings is from my grandmother's side, and Kat was inspired by Christina Ricci's character in Casper."

7. Haunted House Stories: Childhood Paranormal Experiences

Timestamp: [35:21 - 37:59]

Kylie shares eerie tales of growing up in a historic, allegedly haunted house built in 1892. She describes unexplained phenomena like doors swinging open on their own, flickering lights, and mysterious drumming sounds that left a lasting impression on her childhood.

Kylie Kelsey ([37:59]): "Someone was drumming in my attic, and the next morning, drumsticks were mysteriously found under the cabinets."

8. Kelce Cat Game Plan: Navigating Family Pet Decisions

Timestamp: [39:29 - 44:44]

The episode takes a lighter turn as Kat seeks advice from Kylie on convincing her husband to adopt a cat. They brainstorm humorous and strategic plans, emphasizing the benefits of adopting older cats to ensure a better fit and reduce hesitations.

Kat Dennings ([42:22]): "One day I'm just gonna take our kids to your bad—oops, I mean SPCA—and pick out a cat while he’s away."

Kylie offers practical tips and supports Kat's playful approach, showcasing her dedication to animal rescue efforts.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [45:35 - End]

As the episode wraps up, Kylie and Kat express their gratitude for the heartfelt and entertaining conversation. Kylie encourages listeners to check out Kat’s latest sitcom, Shifting Gears on ABC, and promotes the podcast's social media channels for more content.

Kylie Kelsey ([45:35]): "Thank you for having me. This was really so much fun."

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Notable Quotes:

• Kylie Kelsey ([16:06]): "I was really disturbed. Yeah."
• Kat Dennings ([19:49]): "We’re going with that."
• Kylie Kelsey ([34:22]): "I was very ahead of her time. I was like, this can't be displayed on a poster."

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Final Thoughts:

Episode 14 of Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes with professional insights, offering listeners a glimpse into the lives of two talented women connected by their Philadelphia roots. From spooky childhood stories and acting triumphs to heartfelt discussions about family and pets, Kylie and Kat deliver an episode filled with authenticity, humor, and heartfelt moments. Whether you're a fan of their work or new to their stories, this episode promises a captivating and relatable listening experience.

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For more episodes and exclusive content, follow Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce on all major podcast platforms and social media channels.

Transcript

[Kylie Kelsey]

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[Kat Dennings]

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[Kylie Kelsey]

Big wireless way too much.

[Kat Dennings]

Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month. Of course, if you enjoy overpaying, no judgments.

[Kylie Kelsey]

But that's weird.

[Kat Dennings]

Okay, one judgment anyway. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent.

[Kat Dennings]

To $15 per month required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Plan options available, taxes and fees extra.

[Kat Dennings]

See full [e-mail] Brownie not gonna lie. You might hear barking during this episode. That's Brownie and Duke and they are visiting and I love it. Let's get this episode started. Welcome back to Not Gonna Lie, a wave original brought to you by Liquid Death. Liquid death is not scary. It's not. It sounds scary, but it's not. It's actually some of the best water you'll ever drink. It's cool and refreshing. You get to do the little when you open the can. It's lovely. I'm your host, Kylie Kelsey. I go places I have no business being. I talk to people I have no business talking to. I'm a high school field hockey coach and I hate surprises, period. Coming up on today's episode. St. Patty's Day weekend is almost here, so I'm going to return to my McDevitt roots. That's right. I used to be very Irish. Now I'm a Kelsey. And who knows what the heck that is. If anyone wants to figure that out, please let me know. It's a great debate in our household. We're going to return to my Irish roots for a very Irish edition of Can I Be Honest? And after that, I'll be joined by a woman I have no business speaking to, actress Kat Dennings. I'm going to talk to Kat about growing up in the Philly suburbs, her incredible career, and we'll see if she can help me convince Jason to adopt a cat. It's all coming up on today's episode. But before we do Anything? We have the results of the three head to head matchups for the name of the NGL fan base. Queen Nicole, who runs our socials, totaled up the votes from Instagram and Twitter. And here are your winners. First, the biggest blowout victory goes to the Kai League over the Outliers. I agree with this decision. 67% of the total vote to 33%. That's outstanding. Way to get in there, guys. Then we had a closer race between the Flockers versus the Fafos. Fafos won with a total of 52.7%. That's a CLO. That's close. I like that. I like that. It was a tight race. And lastly, the Real Ones versus the Kai leaders. A real nail biter. And the only one that had a different result on Instagram and Twitter. What? But when we totaled all the votes. The Real Ones.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yes.

[Kat Dennings]

The Kai leaders. That's okay because Kyle Leaders and KY League were close. So this is great that you weeded this out. And Queen Emma, inside scoop. She's really rooting for the Real Ones. So if you love Queen Emma, do your thing. Your official finalists, the KY League, the Fafos and the Real Ones, we'll be posting. And by Wheel, I mean Queen Nicole. We'll be posting the final poll very soon. Make sure to follow us. NGL with Kylie to vote. I'm still unsure which one I'm rooting for. Get your foot. Thank you. There's no room in there anymore. And it hurts. I can't breathe. And it hurts. And we're back. Okay, we'll be posting the final poll very soon. Make sure to follow us at NGL with Kylie to vote. I am unsure who I'm voting for because I feel like these are three strong options. But I will say I do tend to lean in the direction that Queen Emma sways because I love her. And so maybe it's the Real Ones. Guys, we're gonna find out so soon. It's so much fun. I can't wait to find out. Okay, but seriously, follow us and make sure you're voting at GL with Kylie. You got this. I believe in you. Moving on. St. Patrick's Day is on Monday. But the Real Ones know the Real ones. I see what you did there, Queen Emma. She's trying to send subliminal messaging. I'll do it. I don't care. Moving on. St. Patrick's Day is on Monday. But the Real Ones know the celebrations will go down this weekend at probably every Irish pub in the world. At the very least, in the U.S. growing up, St. Patty's Day was a busy day in our household. Much to my father's chagrin. We. He got to say that his daughters, who were anywhere from the ages of 8 to. I mean, we did it until we were probably. My sister was probably 15 or 16. We were dancing in bars on St. Patty's Day. That's how we spent our St. Patty's Day. We would do with our Irish dancing school. We would do a tour, basically, and we would have a number of bars that we would go around to and basically like dance, usually with a live band. It was very fun. That was way back when when you could still smoke in those bars. So my wig, yes, wig for Irish dancing reeked of cigarette smoke. This sounds like a questionable parenting decision, but I swear it was an enriching experience. And we were really only in bars on St. Patty's Day. It's come to my attention that there are some fun little traditions that parents do. I want to be clear if you think I'm making leprechaun tracks on my floor. I think you missed the episode about our deadbeat elf, Eminem. I will not be doing any, any leprechaun tricks. It's not me. You got the wrong one. And as fans of the other podcast might remember, last year on St. Patty's Day, my husband tricked me into doing an Irish dance with actual Irish dancers on a balcony at a bar where lots of people were watching. So we're actually going to put the clip in in post because Queen Emma knows I don't want to relive it. I will say we were at the bar to watch a friend of ours. They had friends whose daughter Maggie was Irish dancing with her dance school. I had. I just thought we were going to watch. And then someone, my husband and Chuck, our good friend, decided that they were going to team up against me. I don't know. It felt. I felt attacked. Okay. And then was asked. This is the really messed up part. I was asked by children to come and join them. And that felt wrong for me to say no. That felt mean hearted and I wasn't going to do it. So I said yes. And then I went up there. I took Irish dancing from when I was four until seventh grade. I don't know how old you are in seventh grade, so that long. I do think we'll have the girls do it. I do think the girls will enjoy it. Wyatt in particular. Homegirl's got her legs just keep growing. They're just getting like a string bean. Just Longer and longer and longer. Sometimes I feel like I should almost apologize about that, but I'm not gonna, because tall girls unite. But I really do think she could get those gangly suckers moving for some Irish dancing. Although last week, Wyatt did tell me, when I said, maybe I'll start Irish dancing soon, she said, I'm not doing that. So I'll have to get her to change her tune. That's it for Can I be honest? St. Patty's Day edition. Now, before I bring on Kat Dennings, I want to answer a couple more of your questions for a brand new edition of Ask Me Some things. Because Ask Me Anything was just a little too open ended. Seriously, guys, calm down. From Dev 19 to me, you always look effortlessly beautiful. What? For your skin, hair and makeup. What are your favorite products? Is your look really as easy as it looks or do you have a team? That is so sweet. I'm gonna save that for the days where I feel like a bridge troll. My pre show routine is that I show up to this studio. Studio approximately five minutes after when I was supposed to be in the studio, give or take five minutes. So it's usually five to 10 minutes past the time I was supposed to be here. I then proceed to frantically do my makeup while we go through our rundown. It's real professional shit going on over here. And. And the last, most important step of my makeup routine is my mascara. That's it. There is not a team. I have been wearing the same makeup since high school. I do not wear a foundation. I wear a powder from. Well, I guess it's technically a foundation, but it's bare minerals powder. I wear the same CoverGirl mascara. CoverGirl mascara, Vaseline, Chapstick. My formal. Like, this is like, if we're getting really fancy, this is the most makeup I will do at any given point. Moisturizer, concealer under my eyes and on my eyelids just to hold eyeshadow. Bare minerals, matte foundation, not foundation powder. I don't. I don't know what it is. Bronzer, some blush. And then I usually rub it off. Like, I put it on and then I rub it off because that makes sense. And then I do my eyebrows somewhere in there before that. I don't know. You guys really have some opinion on my eyebrows? I don't. Guys, if I cared, I would have fixed it by now. That sounds. That sounds harsh, but I just. I just need to. I. This is not my eyebrow. They look like cousins. And that's close enough. And I'm fine with that. And people who do eyebrows professionally. Please stop sending me DMS that. You want to fix my eyebrows? I really. I don't. I don't have it in me. And then mascara. I've recently graduated to curling my lashes, so. Big deal. And some eyeshadow. And then chapstick. Sometimes lip gloss. Never with a color. No sparkle. God, no. What? No. That's it. That's my whole makeup routine. That's it for ask me some things. We'll be right back with today's guest. You know the one I have no business speaking to. After this brief hydration break brought to you by Liquid Death. Another can of Liquid Death Mountain water in the books. Oh, hi. I didn't see you guys there. I'm just kidding. This camera's always on. We should really look into that. I just wanted to show off this can of my favorite water. I buy Liquid Death for our house just about every time I'm out shopping. I love it because in a can, for some reason, it just tastes colder. I can't explain it. It's science. Look it up. I'm not going to do your job for you. It's delicious and kind of aggressive in its name. And I think we all know if you're here, you can appreciate that I love the mountain water. But you should also try Liquid Death soda flavored sparkling water and their low calorie iced tea. Liquid Death is available nationwide, literally anywhere you shop for water or iced tea. And for all not gonna lie listeners, that's right. We got you a bargain. They're giving $2 off any two six packs. Just go to liquidit.com Kylie for details. You know her from 2 Broke Girls, Thor, WandaVision, 40 year old virgin, the House Bunny, and the list goes on and on. She's currently starring in the hit sitcom Shifting Gears on abc. She's also a fellow Philly Suburbs girl and an advocate for animal rescue. Kat Dennings, welcome to Not Gonna Lie.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Thank you so much. Thank you for having me. I'm so excited to be here.

[Kat Dennings]

I'm so excited to talk to you. I've been a fan of you for many years. I loved two Pro Girls. Just outstanding.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Thank you so much.

[Kat Dennings]

And very recently I found out that we grew up very close to each other.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yes. This is what I said before we rolled that I was really excited to talk to you about because we're both Narbs. We're Narber Babes.

[Kat Dennings]

This is, this is fascinating to me. So you it. We obviously popped on a little Wikipedia. Born in Bryn Mawr. So I'm assuming Bryn Mawr Hospital.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Correct. That's right.

[Kat Dennings]

And then grew up in Wynwood. Narberth.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Wynwood. But my best friend from childhood whose name is Avi. And anyone who lives in Narberth now knows Avi. Is it. Are you. Do you know Avi?

[Kat Dennings]

What's Avi's last name?

[Kylie Kelsey]

Fox. Do you know Avi Fox? You. You must. Did she babysit you?

[Kat Dennings]

Is she a photographer?

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yes.

[Kat Dennings]

Stop. Oh, my God. She photographed our welcome dinner for our wedding. She was the same year as my sister. Or a year older. I love Avi.

[Kylie Kelsey]

This is great publicity for Avi's photography business.

[Kat Dennings]

I'm so happy. That is crazy.

[Kylie Kelsey]

She's really amazing.

[Kat Dennings]

The best. But that's. That really drags you into the Narbs.

[Kylie Kelsey]

So I was in Narberth every day or every other day. I mean, you know, we were best friends. And I would just go over there and I still talk. I mean, obviously she and I still talk, but like I still talk to her next door neighbor. Like on Instagram. Yes. And my dance teacher from Dance Express. Shout out Dance Express. Miss Kathy.

[Kat Dennings]

They. I mean, long standing dance school there. I went to school with a bunch of girls that dance there.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah. I was a big disappointment. And not going to lie, I sucked. But I had a good time.

[Kat Dennings]

That's. That's all that matters.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah, sure.

[Kat Dennings]

That's really why we're there. Yeah. The beginning of this episode, I spoke about Irish dancing because that's what I did growing up. And I know for a fact I was not cut out for any other form of dance.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Really. I. I took a couple of those classes.

[Kat Dennings]

Did you?

[Kylie Kelsey]

In like paoli or something.

[Kat Dennings]

It's a good time.

[Kylie Kelsey]

It's fun. I don't know.

[Kat Dennings]

You know, we had fun.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I can't believe that I'm saying this because it's such an old memory, but like my like third Irish dance class, I drank out of someone else's water by accident and I never went back. That was like the moment where I. Traumatizing. Yeah. Like something snapped in my brain and I just never went back there. Which is pretty indicative.

[Kat Dennings]

My. My germaphobia would probably be right in there.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I was really disturbed. Yeah.

[Kat Dennings]

I was a full blown nar. Because we grew up in my great grandmother's house where like my mom spent a bunch of her time. And then I. My first official job was in the. The family owned grocery store downtown.

[Kylie Kelsey]

The American family market that just closed.

[Kat Dennings]

I know. And then my sister's first, like official job was in Mapes next door.

[Kylie Kelsey]

You know, I was just gonna start crying because this. I won the Mapes coloring contest two years in a row.

[Kat Dennings]

No, you didn't.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I did. And I cheated. And I'm really sorry. I figured out the truth comes out. Here it is 30 years later. I figured out the. The situ. I figured out how to do it, and I cheated, and I feel really bad about it, but it. But. But c'est la vie, you know?

[Kat Dennings]

Right.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Here's how to win.

[Kat Dennings]

That's amazing.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Here's how I figured out.

[Kat Dennings]

How was it?

[Kylie Kelsey]

What'd you do for the listeners? This is a 5 and 10. That is usually, I think maybe there's one location left or something, but they're mostly gone. The best place ever, Mapes 5 and 10. And every year they had a coloring contest for the kids, and they give you the sheet and you do it, and then they'd hang up. The first, second, and third behind the counter in the first place would win like a $10 gift certificate or something, which buys a lot of stuff at the 5 and 10. It did.

[Kat Dennings]

It really did.

[Kylie Kelsey]

And every year I would lose and I would notice that the first place always had, like, a bunch of stuff on it. Just like piles of paint, piles of pom poms, piles of sequins. And I was like, that doesn't even look good. What the hell? So one year I decided to just see if the more crap I piled onto this picture would actually win. And it did.

[Kat Dennings]

They did. You want to know what happened? That's a marketing tactic.

[Kylie Kelsey]

That's right.

[Kat Dennings]

They were like, come in, shop our craft aisle, pile it on there, and then we'll give you that ten dollar gift card.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I'm not proud of it, but in a way, I kind of am.

[Kat Dennings]

So you should be. Two years in a row is like you legitimately crack the code.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah. I mean, you know, cheating on a children's coloring contest at the 5 and 10 is not the worst crime it could commit.

[Kat Dennings]

Is it a crime or was it just really smart, tactical behavior?

[Kylie Kelsey]

That's right. That's.

[Kat Dennings]

We're going with that.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah.

[Kat Dennings]

The other thing about being a true Philadelphian is something that you've shared on your Instagram, and it is when you stare wistfully at pics of Wawa signs.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah.

[Kat Dennings]

What's your order?

[Kylie Kelsey]

Well, I always get the same thing. And we're talking about hoagies, right?

[Kat Dennings]

Naturally, yes.

[Kylie Kelsey]

All right. I always. And this is controversial also, because I don't know if you remember Lee's Hoagie House. I think there's still a Lee's Hoagie House over there.

[Kat Dennings]

I do.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I always get turkey, extra shredded lettuce and mayo, and that's it. I know.

[Kat Dennings]

I can respect that.

[Kylie Kelsey]

It's flavorless and it reminds me of my childhood and I love it. And I never, never deviate from that order.

[Kat Dennings]

That's perfect.

[Kylie Kelsey]

And did they have. Okay, everyone's turned this off. They're like, would we wanted to hear about two girls. She's talking about sandwiches.

[Kat Dennings]

We'll get there.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Whatever. It's. This is a huge deal for me, guys. This is a big deal.

[Kat Dennings]

Okay, now, now we will. We will help other people.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Sorry, guys. Sorry.

[Kat Dennings]

I loved.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I know. Same. I could literally talk about this all day.

[Kat Dennings]

I'd love to get into your acting career, starting with Two Broke Girls.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yes.

[Kat Dennings]

Because it's one of my favorite shows.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Oh, goodness.

[Kat Dennings]

I just think that you guys had such a great dynamic and it was so much. It was like this lovely dry humor with such a contrast between the two of you. It was so much fun to watch.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Thank you.

[Kat Dennings]

What was your initial reaction finding out that you got cast in that show?

[Kylie Kelsey]

Oh, my God. Well, first of all, thank you. Because I just was just texting with Beth just now, who played Caroline in that show, who I still love and adore. And we basically grew up on that show together. I think we started it when I was 22 and we wrapped when I was like 30 or something. I don't. I can't do math. No, that's wrong. Anyway, whatever. Like 29, something like that. She is so fantastic.

[Kat Dennings]

But.

[Kylie Kelsey]

So the way this happened was it was a pilot, which is just for anyone who. Who wouldn't know about this. You make a TV show, but your first episode is called the pilot. And you make the pilot and the. The studio and network decide whether they want to pick it up to series. So you just never know what's going to happen with a pilot. And I had only done like indie movies and stuff and I had just gotten cast in Thor. Like, just like we hadn't shot it yet or something or we had shot it and it hadn't come out. That's what it was. We had shot it. It hadn't come out yet. And then I got a call offering me. So I didn't have to audition for this, offering me the role of Max Black. And I was like, are they sure? Like, I. This seems like such a funny because I'd only done like semi dramatic, like indie movies and then like 4 year old virgin and these other comedies. So I was like, this is so weird. I can't believe they want me for this. Why would they want me? And then I realized that the. The main boss creator of this show, Michael Patrick King, had worked with me when I was 14 on an episode of Sex and the City. And so it was like this strange full circle moment. And I was like, wow, this is so weird. So it's like you shoot in front of an audience and they laugh and you just pretend they're not there. And this is so wild, you know? And I was like, all right, I'll do it. And it. It took off. It was just the craziest thing that it. That it became what it ended up being, which is like this very, like, raunchy, like, fun experience that I just. I could never have known what it was going to be like. And it was really amazing. So, yeah, I got a call and I went to sushi with Whitney Cummings and Michael Patrick King, and they convinced me to do it. I was like, all right, that's it. That's the story.

[Kat Dennings]

Twist my arm.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah. I was like, okay.

[Kat Dennings]

Now in. I enjoyed, like, what dry humor Max had.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah.

[Kat Dennings]

How often would you break?

[Kylie Kelsey]

Never.

[Kat Dennings]

That is so impressive.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I think maybe once in. In. In six years. Seven years. Six seasons. I broke once. I don't remember what it was.

[Kat Dennings]

That's.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I can't. I don't.

[Kat Dennings]

That's so impressive because there were so many times where you would hit, like, a line and I would, like, laugh out loud and then be like, how do you know? Why?

[Kylie Kelsey]

Because I'm terrified of thinking of my next line.

[Kat Dennings]

That's why it' to the next one.

[Kylie Kelsey]

It's true. It's true. I'm sorry. I'm sorry to admit that, but most of the time when I'm performing, I'm just thinking about whatever I'm gonna say next.

[Kat Dennings]

I mean, if it works, it works.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I'm the opposite of Meryl Streep. Let's just put it that way. I'm just thinking about what I'm gonna say next and wondering if I messed that last lineup. And that's pretty much it.

[Kat Dennings]

And now you're back in sitcom World, starring in shifting gears on ABC.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yes.

[Kat Dennings]

The season finale is airing next Wednesday, March 19th at 8pm on ABC. And you can stream it the next day on Hulu. That's where I have been binging it personally.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Oh, my God. Amazing. Thank you so much.

[Kat Dennings]

In the show, you play a mom of two teenagers. How did it feel to be in that mom character role?

[Kylie Kelsey]

That's a First for me, that I've never played a mom, and I didn't really know what to do next career wise, because I was like, I'm in. I'm 38. I'm in this, this area where, like, I could play mom, but, like, me, I'm 12. How could I play a mother? Like, that's crazy. But, you know, obviously the math. Maths. And I was excited about the idea, you know, doing something I've never done before and playing up this side of my life because I am a stepmother, I have two stepchildren, and I. I'm a godmother, and I have nieces and nephews that I am. Are like my own children. And so I have this big side of me where there are a lot of children involved in my life. So I was really excited to, to do that. And, yeah, I've never gotten to do that before. And then obviously Tim Allen is, you know, this is the. Tim Allen's next sitcom, which is like, he's an icon of, of television. So I was like, you know, I can't really pass. Pass up this opportunity. This would be really fun. And it is.

[Kat Dennings]

It's been so much fun to watch because I think it's a little bit. Especially in the beginning, it's sort of that, like, more serious.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah.

[Kat Dennings]

And you feel that, like, the weight of it a little bit more just because you're discussing, like, missing your mom and how it changed the dynamic with your dad and. No spoil, like, spoiler alerts. But it's really fun to watch you sort of navigate that dynamic. And then watching the kids sort of bond with their grandparent is, like, a lot of fun to, to check out as well, so. Absolutely check it out.

[Kylie Kelsey]

It's.

[Kat Dennings]

I'm really enjoying it. I have not finished it yet, but obviously because we're waiting for the season finale next week, but. But I have not. I'm not caught up to the end, so no spoilers. Don't. Yes, please.

[Kylie Kelsey]

You're so nice. Thank you. It's. It's a really interesting experience because we are doing. We are dealing with, like, grief and real issues on this, and it feels kind of crazy to be raw and emotional in front of an audience like that. And it's this incredible combination of, like, theater and burlesque or something like that. But as soon as I look into Tim Allen's little face, I'm in there. Like, I forget about everything else because he's really. I mean, everyone knows he's great, but he, He's a very present actor and he's really feeling these things, and I really haven't experienced that a huge amount because, like, me, people are thinking about their next line or whatever they're doing. He's so in the moment, and he's such an amazing actor, and he will just be there with you. And I experience these feelings without having to think about. There's one episode where we have to get emotional and we were both really dreading it. Like, oh, God, we have to cry. What is this? But. But we. It's like I looked at him and I started crying, and then he looked at me and he started crying. It was real. And in the first episode, we both get emotional and it was real. Like, these aren't. It's just a. It's incredible to do with him and the kids. I mean, everybody is really amazing. And that just makes the funny parts even funnier and such a relief to do. And it's just been a very good, organic feeling, like, show to make, which is new. It's a new experience for me.

[Kat Dennings]

That's awesome. Well, I am personally very much enjoying it and encourage everyone else to check it out.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Thank you so much.

[Kat Dennings]

I said it last week. Liquid Death is literally me. What do I have in common with them? Well, they don't care if I curse. Fucking love that. And they're passionate about water. So am I, because my hydration needs right now are a little bit elevated. Well, since I have trouble giving myself any compliments ever, Queen Emma has written out some similarities between me and Liquid Death. Number one, people think we're tough on the outside, but on the inside, we're just water and iced tea. Number two, we both hate plastic. That's correct. Speaking of, Liquid Death donates a portion of proceeds from every can sold to help kill plastic pollution. Gosh, just love them more. Number three, everybody loves us and enjoys our company, especially our production teams. I see how you snuck that in there, Queen Emma. Now, as I've mentioned, I'm a big fan of Liquid Death's mountain water. It's currently in my refrigerator and right here. Liquid Death is available nationwide, literally anywhere you shop for water or iced tea. And for all Not Gonna Lie listeners, they're giving $2 off any two six packs. Just go to liquidd.com Kylie for details. Let's go all the way back to your early career. Before you moved out to la, did you have formal training in acting?

[Kylie Kelsey]

Absolutely not.

[Kat Dennings]

You were winging it.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I. Yeah, I. My first manager, God bless her, she was out of her mind and she was like a child. Manager. So you can, you, you know what I'm talking about. It's a vibe. It's a real vibe. And her husband. And you know what? These are great people. I'm not going to say anything shady, but it was a little funny. Her husband had an acting studio in quotes that every client that she signs had to go to. So 9 year old me goes to this acting class and it's full of bright eyed young people. And this guy just tore into these kids like you wouldn't believe. I mean, soul crushing to the point where a teenage boy left the room crying.

[Kat Dennings]

Okay.

[Kylie Kelsey]

It was so horrible. And they had me read like a Chiclet commercial, like a fake commercial off of paper. And that was like an exercise or something, I don't know. And I did a bad job because of course, nine years old. And he was like, that was terrible. You're never going to be an actress. You have no instincts. I was like, I'm selling imaginary Chiclets, sir. Like what instincts are exist for this, this year? So I really fought back against that. And I went outside and I like gave a pep talk to this like very cute 16 year old teenage boy who was like crying and I'm like, it's gonna be okay. I really don't think he knows what he's talking about. You should act anyway. Don't listen to him, like. And needless to say, I didn't go back there and I did end up being an actress. So he can, you can suck it, shove it. Yeah. That said, maybe he's, I'm sure he's a great person and he has his tough love ways but you know, I, I didn't have a great experience in the acting class world. Now I know a lot of people absolutely thrive on that and there are wonderful places and I'm sure that's great. I'm not good at that.

[Kat Dennings]

I did read that Dennings is actually a stage name.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yes.

[Kat Dennings]

So did you choose that when you were 14?

[Kylie Kelsey]

I chose it when I was 9.

[Kat Dennings]

Did you really?

[Kylie Kelsey]

I did.

[Kat Dennings]

In fact, was there any particular reason for that?

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yes, there is, of course, because my real last name is Litwack. That's all you need to hear. So it's, that's, that's, that, that's, you know. And at nine I was like, this isn't going to work for me. Yes, this is not gonna work. I can't see that.

[Kat Dennings]

I like that nine year old. I like that nine year old. You was like, absolutely not.

[Kylie Kelsey]

She slash. I was very ahead of her time. I don't know where I was a very. A CEO situation. I was like, this can't be displayed on a poster. It shan't happen. And so I. So do you happen to know who Lloyd Alexander is, who's a child, a children's author who wrote the black C.A. aldrin, among many others. Other classics. So randomly. He was my mother's best friend. So I went there every week until I was 15 years old. And it was. They were like my grandparents, he and his wife. So his wife's name was Janine Denis. She was French, and it was D E N N I. And I thought it would be a super sick idea if I took her name and made it, like, kind of different. Literally. That was the thinking. That's as far as it went.

[Kat Dennings]

That's amazing.

[Kylie Kelsey]

But. So Dennings is from her and Kat, because my name is Catherine and I have all kinds of nicknames for that. Kat I chose because Christina Ricci's character, Kat in the movie Casper, was my favorite character at the time. So I was like, okay, Kat Dennings, this is it. I can really picture it. And that's literally the whole. That's it. The whole story.

[Kat Dennings]

That's perfect. That's actually. That segues me to an important question I have for you. Speaking of.

[Kylie Kelsey]

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[Kat Dennings]

Look at us. Headed right back to Wynwood.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Amazing.

[Kat Dennings]

Is it true that your house was haunted?

[Kylie Kelsey]

You bet. And it probably still is. Ma'am.

[Kat Dennings]

Were we, like, experiencing paranormal activity? Like, to. What were you.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah, listen, tell me. I'm very. I am. If I don't see it, I don't believe it. I'm a very staunch person, and I saw some. I saw some activity. I did you. Everybody lived in that house, experienced something.

[Kat Dennings]

Are we talking, like, footsteps opening cabinets, flickering lights?

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yes. The class, all the classics and some other ones. So this house was built in 1892. It was one of the first houses in the area. And it had a plot, so plenty.

[Kat Dennings]

Of time for people to die.

[Kylie Kelsey]

So many people died in there, you wouldn't even believe it. It has a plaque on it from the Historical Society. And every year the Historical Society would come through the house doing a tour, and I'd Be eating, like, my corn flakes. I'd be like, hello, Good morning. Like, 20 ladies, like, walking through with, like, pamphlets looking at her, looking at my, like, Hanson posters or whatever. It was insane. And so this is a very old house, and you're not allowed to change old houses. Like, you can't break down walls or anything. It's like a sacred thing. So there were a lot of, like, door. There was. We had, like, a butler door that was, like a swinging door. That door would swing itself, man. That door would swing itself. Lights would go on and off. Things would fall. Things would go missing and turn up other places, things like that. And then the two craziest ones. And I know it makes me sound insane, and I am. So it's fine. No, I lived in the. In the. On the third floor, which you. Some could call the attic. Some. Some might call it an attic.

[Kat Dennings]

Huh?

[Kylie Kelsey]

Okay. I had a drum set because I was into that at the time. It was like. I was, like, not eight. Eight. Eight years old. I was very into the drums one night. That's right. You guessed it. They were. They were drumming. I heard drums, and I was asleep, and I was like, huh? And I look up, and someone's playing the drums. And I'm. I'm. I know it sounds insane, but they were drumming.

[Kat Dennings]

See, the problem is, is that I believe you.

[Kylie Kelsey]

You should. It's horrible. How do you think I feel? So these. Someone was doing it, and I. In my. In my. And look, I had just woken up. Some could argue I hallucinated this, but here's. Here's the proof, okay? The person drumming that I concluded to be, like, a young boy, because I was convinced the attic was haunted by specifically a young boy. Sticks get dropped. Sticks fly off and go underneath. On either side of the. Of the room, there were, like, storage cabinets with, like, a small thing. Space under the cabinet. Sticks go flying. I'm like, what a weird dream. I'm gonna go back to bed. And guess what?

[Kat Dennings]

The next morning, they were still under the storage cabinet, right? No.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yes. And I always put them on the snare drum.

[Kat Dennings]

Did you keep sleeping up there?

[Kylie Kelsey]

What am I gonna. You think? My mom was like, oh, you don't like it? A couch? Yeah. No, no. Of course I kept sleeping, but I was terrified.

[Kat Dennings]

See, the problem with the haunted house is that if you're upstairs, it's a young boy playing the drum set. But if you try to sleep on the couch, maybe it's the old lady.

[Kylie Kelsey]

You know, Maybe there's a couch ghost that I didn't know.

[Kat Dennings]

You see what I'm saying?

[Kylie Kelsey]

It's a lose. Lose.

[Kat Dennings]

The last thing that I wanted to talk to you about is something that I re. I might need some help in.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Oh, I'm happy to help. Whatever it is.

[Kat Dennings]

I. It's my understanding that you are a big cat lover.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yes.

[Kat Dennings]

And that you do great work supporting the ispca.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I try. I try to support them and my local rescues or any rescue that reaches out that needs exposure and stuff. Yeah.

[Kat Dennings]

So I am in a great debate with my husband about getting a cat. Our. Our daughter, just. Our oldest daughter, just the other day told dad we're going to buy a cat. And he was like, kylie, did you tell her we're going to buy a cat today? And I was like, I swear I did not.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Oh, my God.

[Kat Dennings]

It wasn't me.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Wow.

[Kat Dennings]

But then I said to her, do you want to go to the spc? Because that's where we always got. We always got our cats there. But is there. So my husband has told our daughters that cats are poisonous.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Excuse me. What is he doing? He's trying everything now.

[Kat Dennings]

He's trying it desperate. Desperate to not have a cat. Which is hilarious because I have told the story many times where he grew up with a cat, Flash, who he was forever impressed by. She would like, catch birds midair in the backyard and it blew his mind.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Right. Okay. So he. He does like cats.

[Kat Dennings]

He has an appreciation for Flash.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Here's the other thing I like to tell people is that everyone wants a kitten and myself included, everyone wants a kitten. They're so cute.

[Kat Dennings]

However, I want to visit them.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Right. And they're only kittens for a very short time. And then they're cats. So you might be better off with your husband and maybe take him. Who. How could he resist, man? He can't take him in to maybe meet a cat who. Who's a little older, who's already really feisty, and he might, you know, toss a couple of things, watch that cat fly for it, and he'll fall in love. You know, like, consider an older cat. That's what I would recommend because then his. The personality is already sort of established.

[Kat Dennings]

Established.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah.

[Kat Dennings]

Right. And then he'll not getting a variable.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Right. Because with kittens, you really. It really depends on like, how they're raised in the environment that will like, say a lot about. This is so helpful because for me, all of my cats have been very anxious. And you can guess how that happened.

[Kat Dennings]

No, that was. That was innate. That they were. That was nature, not nurture.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Absolutely not. So I would say maybe a cat who's over a year old. 2, 3, 4. You know, just like, he'll fall in love. It will not be possible. You need to take him in and meet some cats.

[Kat Dennings]

So I'm going to tell you my, my backup plan here, okay. Is, is that one day I'm just gonna take our kids to your bad.

[Kylie Kelsey]

You are evil. Oh, my God.

[Kat Dennings]

And I'm going to pick out a cat. I'm going to bring the cat home.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah. To fall.

[Kat Dennings]

And I'm going to. No.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Oh, you're just gonna get full blown. Good.

[Kat Dennings]

I'm gonna full blown. I'm gonna full commit. And then I'm gonna make sure that it's like a day or two where he's not home, where he's traveling. Because at that point the girls will be like, this is the best thing ever. They'll get to bond with the cat. They'll get to experience all the love and the cuddles and all of it. Or just watch the cat. If the cat is not a cuddly cat.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Right.

[Kat Dennings]

And. And then by the time he returns, it's too late. You can't be the worst person ever and send the cat back.

[Kylie Kelsey]

That's brilliant. What I thought you were going to do is have them fall in love with the cat at the place and then incessantly ask him and beg him for it. Now this is even. No, no, this is even more amazing.

[Kat Dennings]

You should do that more direct. It's.

[Kylie Kelsey]

What's he going to do about it?

[Kat Dennings]

He's not going to send it back. He's going to have four little girls looking at him like, dad, it's our cat.

[Kylie Kelsey]

That's right.

[Kat Dennings]

Right.

[Kylie Kelsey]

He would.

[Kat Dennings]

I feel like this makes a lot of sense.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I endorse this concept.

[Kat Dennings]

Thank you so much.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I think you're on the right track here.

[Kat Dennings]

Yeah, this is perfect. Yeah. So when you come back to the Philadelphia area.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah. Which I will.

[Kat Dennings]

Because naturally.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah.

[Kat Dennings]

We'll just. Maybe we could just meet up at the. The local spca.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Oh, absolutely. I will be.

[Kat Dennings]

Just hang out with all the cats.

[Kylie Kelsey]

I will be your cat doula. I will figure this out for you. And I can also mediate the experience between you and your husband. I'll be like, listen, I. It's me. I've brought this cat into your home and you can direct all. All complaints to this email address. It'll be fake. And then you'll just be out of the line of fire. And he'll be so annoyed that his emails keep coming back from my fake cat dwell at email address that he'll already be over it.

[Kat Dennings]

Yes. Perfect.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Great. This is great.

[Kat Dennings]

I really appreciate your support.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Anytime, anytime. I can help you with this easily.

[Kat Dennings]

It has been such a pleasure talking to you. I am so happy that we got to chat about the Philly suburbs and in a way that no one else will understand.

[Kylie Kelsey]

That's true. And you know what? I wouldn't have had it any other way. This is a joy and a pleasure and thank you for having me.

[Kat Dennings]

Absolutely. Thank you. And so excited for to continue watching but also for next week's finale.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Yeah. Thank you so much.

[Kat Dennings]

Maybe I'll catch up in time to be able to watch it.

[Kylie Kelsey]

And if you don't, you can just stream it.

[Kat Dennings]

If I don't, I'll stay on Hulu. I'll stay on Hulu.

[Kylie Kelsey]

You kind of have other things going on right now, so just a couple. Don't worry about it.

[Kat Dennings]

Small stuff.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Just. Yeah.

[Kat Dennings]

Thank you so much for coming on. I really appreciate it.

[Kylie Kelsey]

Thank you for having me. This was really so much fun.

[Kat Dennings]

Thank you so much again to Kat Dennings for joining me today. You can find even more clips from my conversation with kat on my YouTube channel on more Shit Monday. And that does it for this week's episode of Not Gonna Lie. I'll be back next Thursday with a brand new episode that I may or may not have manifested. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Follow the show on all social media at NGL with Kylie. Not gonna Lie is a wait wave original brought to you by Liquid Death. Thank you guys for tuning in.