HEIDI GARDNER: SNL, THE CHIEFS, AND SECOND CHANCES

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Not Skinny But Not Fat" Episode Title: HEIDI GARDNER: SNL, THE CHIEFS, AND SECOND CHANCES
Host/Author: Amanda Hirsch
Release Date: December 3, 2024

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1. Thanksgiving and Family Traditions

Amanda Hirsch opens the episode by sharing her family's unconventional Thanksgiving traditions. Rather than sticking to the traditional turkey, Amanda and her family have opted to enjoy their favorite foods, eliminating the dry turkey from their celebrations.

“In my family, we haven't had turkeys in Thanksgiving for years...just do a dinner on Thanksgiving with our favorite food.”
[00:03]

2. Parenting Challenges and Celebrities

Amanda delves into the challenges of parenting during holidays, particularly Thanksgiving, while referencing Jason and Kylie Kelsey's expanding family. She reflects on balancing personal family traditions with the dynamics of having a baby.

“I have two boys. No complaints...But I'm still, like, how are you wanting to be pregnant four times?”
[04:31]

3. Introduction of Heidi Gardner

Amanda introduces today's guest, Heidi Gardner, highlighting her roles on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) and "Shrinking." Heidi's deep connection to Kansas City and her love for the Chiefs are emphasized, setting the stage for an engaging conversation.

“Today I have the amazing, the funny, the talented Heidi Gardner from SNL... I'm lucky to have Kansas City.”
[05:34]

4. Kansas City and Chiefs Obsession

Heidi and Amanda discuss the vibrant community spirit in Kansas City, especially following the Chiefs' successes. They highlight how the team's performance has united the city and elevated the local culture.

Heidi Gardner: “He elevated it.”
[07:30]

5. Balancing Home and New York Life

Heidi shares her experiences juggling life between Kansas City and New York due to her commitments with SNL. She describes the contrasting vibes of the two cities and how each environment influences her personally and professionally.

Heidi Gardner: “There’s something really cool to me and stressful when I'm in Midwestern Kansas City...I feed off that.”
[13:17]

6. Heidi’s Career Path: From Hairdressing to Comedy

Heidi recounts her unexpected journey from pursuing a career in hairdressing to discovering her passion for comedy and improv. Influenced by her father's background in improv and encouragement from friends, Heidi transitioned into the entertainment industry.

Heidi Gardner: “I went to see a show at the Groundlings, and I was just like, wow, that's the funniest thing I've ever seen.”
[25:48]

7. Joining SNL: A Rapid Progression

Heidi details her swift climb to becoming an SNL cast member. After performing in showcases and participating in The Groundlings' Sunday Company, she was scouted by SNL scouts and quickly moved through auditions to join the main cast within a month.

Heidi Gardner: “It was like they saw me in a showcase...and then I got it.”
[27:06]

8. A Week in the Life on SNL

Heidi provides an insider's look into her hectic weekly schedule on SNL. From pitching jokes and writing sketches to rehearsals and live performances, she illustrates the demanding yet exhilarating routine that defines her life as a cast member.

Heidi Gardner: “Our rehearsals, and we shoot all the pre tapes...I watch Chiefs games on Sundays.”
[30:08]

9. Memorable Moments and Sketches

Heidi shares her favorite moments on SNL, including her struggles with maintaining character. A standout moment was her experience breaking character during a sketch with Ryan Gosling, which she describes as both challenging and endearing.

Heidi Gardner: “I just couldn't help it...It was so cool.”
[35:38]

10. Expanding Horizons: "Shrinking"

Transitioning from SNL, Heidi discusses her role as Grace in the show "Shrinking." She highlights her collaboration with writer Bill Lawrence and how this role allowed her to explore different facets of her acting career.

Heidi Gardner: “Tell me about getting that.”
[46:58]

11. Introducing "Second Chance Stage"

Heidi introduces her new project, "Second Chance Stage," a reality competition on Max focusing on individuals pursuing their dreams for a second time. She explains the show's heartwarming concept and her role as a judge, emphasizing the vulnerability and resilience of the contestants.

Heidi Gardner: “The contestants are People that are taking a second chance at their dreams.”
[59:07]

12. Closing Remarks and SNL Superlatives Game

The episode concludes with a light-hearted game where Amanda and Heidi assign humorous superlatives to SNL cast members. This segment showcases their camaraderie and the fun dynamics behind the scenes.

Amanda Hirsch: “Most likely to host an award show.”
[65:47]

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Notable Quotes:

• Amanda on Family Traditions:
  “I have to say, regarding babies and a little bit of celeb pop culture stuff, Jason Kelsey and Kylie Kelsey are having a fourth girl.”
  [04:31]

• Heidi on SNL's Influence:
  “He elevated it.”
  [07:30]

• Heidi on SNL Casting:
  “It was like they saw me in a showcase...and then I got it.”
  [27:06]

• Heidi on Breaking Character:
  “I just couldn't help it...It was so cool.”
  [35:38]

• Heidi on "Second Chance Stage":
  “The contestants are People that are taking a second chance at their dreams.”
  [59:07]

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Key Insights:

• Balancing Personal and Professional Life:
  Heidi emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections to her roots in Kansas City while thriving in the fast-paced environment of New York and SNL.

• Unexpected Career Transitions:
  Heidi's journey from hairdressing to comedy underscores the value of embracing unexpected opportunities and nurturing latent talents.

• Community and Support:
  Both Amanda and Heidi highlight the significance of community support, whether it's cheering for the Chiefs or fostering relationships within the entertainment industry.

• Vulnerability in Pursuing Dreams:
  "Second Chance Stage" embodies the essence of vulnerability and determination, inspiring listeners to pursue their passions despite setbacks.

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Conclusions:

In this engaging episode of "Not Skinny But Not Fat," Amanda Hirsch and Heidi Gardner explore the intersections of family traditions, career evolution, and community spirit. Heidi's candid reflections on her journey to SNL, her love for Kansas City, and her new venture into reality television provide listeners with a heartfelt and inspiring narrative. The episode underscores the importance of embracing one's roots, the power of unexpected opportunities, and the resilience required to pursue one's dreams.

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content sections to focus solely on the meaningful discussions and insights shared during the episode.

Transcript

[A]

The following podcast is a Dear Media production.

[B]

Welcome back to the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Hirsch, and I still can't believe that I get to chat with some of my favorite stars from my very own podcast, where you'll feel like you're just talking shit with your best friends in your living room. Happy post Thanksgiving, everybody. I hope you had an amazing turkey day. In my family, we haven't had turkeys in Thanksgiving for years. Now. One day we just literally looked at each other. I mean, one year and we were like, can we be honest and say that turkey is literally dry and not yummy and let's stop fucking making it and let's just do a dinner on Thanksgiving with our favorite food? So that's what we've been doing. I wonder if other people have given up on. On turkey. But yeah, it's been a lot of food. A lot of food. At the end of last week, a friends giving a Thanksgiving. So it's been pretty wild. I wonder what other people with babies do, because I. When I have a baby, like, I'm not that flexible. Like, I just. Even when I try to be, like, during Thanksgiving, I was like, okay, like, I'll come with Lenny. Like, he'll just go to sleep later. Like, no big deal. I'll just try to give him a nap when I'm there. And. And it's just not how I roll. It's just not. It's like, I hate going into the other room with the baby and, like, being FOMO and like, everyone's gonna start eating without me. And then Lenny, of course, doesn't fall asleep. And then I forgot to bring something. It's just like. It's just hard. As cute as they are at that age, and as much as I don't want him to, like, get bigger, that age is just, like, an inconvenient. Like, where are you gonna put them? I'm at my sister's house. She doesn't have a baby Bjorn, like, bouncer thing. She doesn't have a mattress. So it's just like I carry him and then, like, put him in the stroller. Poor thing. Like, he doesn't want to be in the stroller. You know what I mean? Like, so, whoops. Should have brought a mat. Should have brought a fucking bouncer. Like, all the shit. What ended up happening is that husband ate like, an animal and was like, I'll take him home and put him to sleep. And I was like, thank you. So I can have my orange wine anyway, whatever. You're doing. It's okay. I'm here to make you feel better about it. If they're parents that are more go with the flow, and you're like a schedule parent, and they're like, why just put them to sleep, like, on the beach, like under an umbrella. And you don't do. And you're going to sit in the hotel room for two hours while the baby naps. That's you. And don't you feel bad about it. I have to say, regarding babies and a little bit of celeb pop culture stuff, Jason Kelsey and Kylie Kelsey are having a fourth girl. Okay, now I need to know if other people feel this way. First of all, I'm like, oh, my God, I was so right this whole time. There are some people that make girls and some people that make boys. I wonder if they had another to see if it would be a boy and then it's another girl. I wonder if they just wouldn't say. I know that a lot of times people are open about it. They're like, I wanted a girl and I have a boy. And other people, it feels weird to say that because then what are you saying? Like, I didn't want this boy. Why is he here? And some people take it too far, you know? Like, some people are like, yeah, I'm going to check what gender it is anyway. You get the drift. I think it's like, whatever comes out, say thank you and love it. And of course, I also understand having a boy wanting a girl. Having a girl wanting a boy, however, that wasn't even my point. My point was that I'm sure Jason Kelsey wanted a boy also and then got another girl, and now they're done or not. Or maybe I'm wrong, but I'm more so like, Kylie motherfucking Kelsey, who's coming out with a pod, by the way. Okay, first of all, I'm sure people compare themselves to other people, and even I do that. Even me. You guys. Even me. But no, but even me. Like, I have two boys. No complaints. I have two sons. I've done it. Thankfully, everything went well and whatever for me. But I'm still, like, not jealous, but I'm more like, how are you wanting to be pregnant four times? How are you 32 and on your fourth baby and I'm 36 and on my second baby or whatever, you start to have these feelings of like, are you. Do you enjoy your pregnancies? Like, you're okay with doing this again? And then I'm like, this woman is a Viking, she can probably handle it. It all spreads from the top to bottom somehow. Like, she was at the super bowl at nine months pregnant. She practically gave birth in the field. Like, yeah, she's probably, like, as strong as I think I am. And as, like, every woman who does it is fudgeing amazing and deserves a trophy. But she's probably stronger and she probably, like, handles it better, you know what I mean? And she's probably like, yeah, whatever. Like, I'll just be pregnant again, no problem. Jason even said to Travis on their pod, like, I think we're done. Like, you think? How many were you gonna have? And that just stresses me out because I'm, of course, not a hundred percent sure I'm done after two. But I'm, like, mainly thinking I want to be done. Then I'm like, oh, maybe a girl or maybe a third. I like the number three. Then I'm like, three is a crowd. You know, you, like, go back and forth and then you see somebody pop out a fourth baby. Like, it's no prob. And they're younger than you and all this shit, and you're like. Anyway, onto today's guest, you guys. Today I have the amazing, the funny, the talented Heidi Gardner from snl. You guys know her. She's also in shrinking as Grace. I think she's so incredible, and sitting down with her was so interesting. First of all, oh, my God, I didn't even think of this. Like, why was I thinking of the Kelsey's. She's obsessed with the Chiefs. She has a lot to say, and she's just such a vibe. So I hope you enjoy this interview with Heidi Gardner. Heidi Gardner is here. Hi, how are you?

[A]

Good, how are you?

[B]

I'm good. I was just telling you before we started that I watched your so hard to say. Architectural Digest. Architectural.

[A]

Yeah, you say now. I can't say it.

[B]

You could say it.

[A]

Architectural.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

But I think I emphasized every syllable.

[B]

Architectural.

[A]

I'd probably be like arc. If I was just being natural, I'd be like, architectural ideas.

[B]

Yeah. Gotta do it fast. In Kansas City.

[A]

In Kansas City, where I'm from, my.

[B]

Home, representing, like, hello, Lucky to have you. Kansas City.

[A]

Oh, thank you. I'm lucky to have Kansas City. I won't shut my mouth about the city. I love it.

[B]

Born and raised.

[A]

Born and raised. That's what made me. I love the Chiefs. I love the city. I love the people. I love that it has a spotlight on it right now.

[B]

And like you, the Chiefs, Travis Kelce, all literally.

[A]

I was mostly thinking of Taylor.

[B]

But you're like, okay, yeah, Taylor and.

[A]

The Chiefs and Travis and did you feel it there?

[B]

Like the change since that happened?

[A]

It has been. It was even a little pre Taylor with the super bowl wins and we had the NFL draft. It was just all these things were happening in KC and I think everybody was like, we need to savor these moments. Like we need to go all to all of these events. We were already going to Chiefs games. But it's like my brother always reminds me when we're like, should we watch at home or try to go to the game? He's like, we have a unicorn quarterback. Like let's go to the game. Like this is so. It feels like that in Kansas.

[B]

What does he mean by unicorn quarterback?

[A]

Like Mahomes is just so. He's one of a kind.

[B]

God, she lights up. No, if I'm your boyfriend, I'm like, okay. No, the way you lit up. What like in sports or in life?

[A]

Well, I think both, but definitely in sports. I mean I. I don't know Patrick very well, but I've met him and I think he's very special and what he does for the team and the game.

[B]

Yeah, like he elevated it.

[A]

He elevated it.

[B]

Wow. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, it's very special.

[B]

Wow. So you go, you go.

[A]

Oh yeah.

[B]

So your brother makes you go.

[A]

Yes. I mean he doesn't make. I'm just as passionate.

[B]

Okay. You're like, don't give him credit.

[A]

Yeah, but, but yeah, that's how it feels in Kansas City right now. It's like, get out there, be a part of the city, be a part of our world.

[B]

So nice. We don't really. Do we have that in New York? I'm not a sports person, but do people are people like that with like the Yankees and.

[A]

Yeah, I think definitely like when the. I think the Knicks first playoff run was a couple years ago and it had been a. It had been a drought before that and I remember going to a playoff Knicks game and like the city was on fire.

[B]

But maybe you feel it more in Kansas City because it's like smaller.

[A]

Smaller. And it's more personal.

[B]

It's more personal. So yeah, cuz born and raised. Like people get confused. By the way you guys, I looked into it. Cuz there are two Kansas cities.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

One in Kansas. Kansas and one in Missouri. You're in the Missouri one.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

And so people get confused. But I looked it up yesterday. It's not that confusing. It just goes across both states.

[A]

Yeah, there's a road.

[B]

Have you been to the Other Kansas City.

[A]

Yeah, totally.

[B]

Oh, yeah, Yeah.

[A]

I mean, it is weird that I, you know when. Because I'm. Yeah. I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and say someone would come in town for a concert and you'd be watching it on the Missouri side of Kansas City, and they'd be like. And the artist, you know who. Maybe it's their first time in Kansas City. Here's Kansas City thinks they're performing in Kansas. And we'd be like, hello, Kansas. And we'd be like, oh.

[B]

Oh, you would get mad. Yes, that makes sense.

[A]

But it's okay.

[B]

Like, Kansas City, they get confused. Cause I was listening to like, Jason Bateman has a thing about this. I was listening to Smart List. Whenever Kansas City comes up, he still doesn't get it. So that's why I looked it up and I was like, oh, my God. But it's. It's easy. It's easy to get. Yeah, but I love that you're so connected to it that you bought a house there.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

And what. How often. Cuz with your job at snl, like, how often can you actually be at home?

[A]

So I used to just go kind of for holidays and once in the summer. And then two years ago I had gone back, I think it was for the NFL draft. And then the writer strike happened and then actors strike. And so I just didn't come back to New York for the summer. I was like, oh, I can just kind of be in Kansas City. And it felt really good to just be able to spend a whole summer at home again. And I. It was like, really healing and nourishing. And I was like, yeah, that does make sense to me. That's. It feels like summer. Cause this is where I was a kid and had summer and was swimming and. Yeah, it's a lot of swimming and.

[B]

A lot of swimming.

[A]

Hanging out with friends and being with family.

[B]

But that was 20, 23 summer.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So. But you can actually do that every summer, right? Cause the SNL's on all the time.

[A]

No, so it was like we got cut off like three shows early that. That year with the strike.

[B]

Oh, but we.

[A]

We kind of have like a school year season. Like we're off mid May to October.

[B]

Oh, so you do have the summer to do that. Yeah, it's like your Hamptons.

[A]

Yeah, it's my Hamptons.

[B]

That's so fun.

[A]

I like that.

[B]

But isn't it weird when you're not there? Like, I can't imagine, like, you're not there for many months, then you Come home or does someone go in there for you and like. Yeah, your family does y. And they make it feel like it's not abandoned.

[A]

Really lucky. Yeah.

[B]

And you love your family so much. If you guys watch your. Your ad tour, like, you literally walk in picture of your dad.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. That picture is so important to me. That picture has been. It's a picture of my dad with a lampshade on his head and like a rocks glass. And it's New Year's Eve. The lampshade has ribbons coming from it. It's just. It is my dad and it means so much to me, but I also think it just means like party and fun and then it's the vibes. Yeah. And so that was important to me, like, from the time I started talking to the interior designer Madeline Hudson, I was like, this photo. My dad has to have a spot, a meaningful spot in the house. And of course, it ended up just.

[B]

Like right upon entrance, front and center. How old are your parents?

[A]

71 and 68.

[B]

Because they sound like so fun and you seem to like, be so connected to them, which is so cute.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like your dad. And then you have a spot for your mom in the closet. And you're so. You seem like such a family oriented person.

[A]

Yeah, Those things definitely stick with me. You know, I. The closet, I was so important to me because I so many times when I just like, want to transport in time or think about my happy place. It is her closet. And her closet was just part of her bedroom. I'm so lucky that I get to.

[B]

Have this walk in big old closet.

[A]

But it was like my mom just had this huge vanity with all the perfume bottles, the ones you can like squeeze on the end. The French ones.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

All of her mom. My grandma's costume jewelry out hat boxes that had hats with like the veils.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then her closet was such like, such like cool girl, late 80s, early 90s vibes. Like, she would have like the mini velvet sweetheart cut dresses with like the big gemstones.

[B]

Oh, you have such a good memory.

[A]

Yeah. Bolero jackets. Like watching get ready for a date was everything. Wow. For me. Yeah.

[B]

So you really, like, paid homage to that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That's so sweet. How far away are they is their house?

[A]

So my dad is about. They're. They're actually both about like 20. 20. Yeah. Everything's 20 minutes from each other in Kansas City.

[B]

And your brother's still there too?

[A]

I have two brothers and they're there. Yeah. Yeah. And my grandma, my mama, she's there. Yeah. And all my friends and all.

[B]

All your friends, we're still on a.

[A]

Group text chain from high school.

[B]

I can't.

[A]

And it. This. I swear, it's not unhealthy. I'm not, like, no codependent. I promise. I just am lucky and grateful that I still get along.

[B]

A lot of people that move. The. The reason why it's, like, fascinating is because, like, for real fascinating is because so many people move to la, moved to New York for the biz, and kind of maybe go home sometimes to visit their family. But it's. What's special about your relationship with it is like, no, it's, like, still your home.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But do you feel like, at home in New York, too?

[A]

I do. And that. That's cool. After I was worried after I did that whole summer in Kansas City and I just got kind of, like, comfy again, and I was like, well, I wonder if I could just live here and do SNL and just fully go back to Kansas City on the hiatus and, like, maybe just run a hotel room, like, when I'm working. But I got back to New York and I was like, I do need this, too.

[B]

Like, yeah.

[A]

There's something really cool to me and stressful when I'm in Midwestern Kansas City. I leave one morning, like, take a flight to New York, and, you know, I've just been on, like, tree line, Midwestern streets, and then, you know, four hours later, I'm on the subway and, like, don't have space. And I feed off that.

[B]

I like it.

[A]

I'm like, how did two worlds become so different?

[B]

And how long is the flight?

[A]

The flight is just, like, a little over two hours.

[B]

Yeah, those are so, like, it's so close and then. But it. Does it ever give, like, anxiety to come back to the crazy New Yorkness? Like, the subway after you're, like, in the tree line relaxing?

[A]

It used to, but now I just kind of embrace the chaos of it.

[B]

And you take the subway to snl, not a car.

[A]

Yeah. Every so often when it's too late, the show will get a car for us.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, but I.

[B]

Isn't it always too late?

[A]

Well, yeah, but I mean, even on nights where it's like 10, 30, 11, sometimes I'll be going down to the train and someone, like, another cast member will stop me and be like, get a car. You know, just. Yeah.

[B]

Well, you're a train gal, I guess.

[A]

Yeah, I like the train. Yeah.

[B]

So let's talk about how you joined SNL because 2017, what is it? Like, for seven years.

[A]

Yep. Eight years on SNL.

[B]

Yeah, eight years on SNL. So how did you get on it? Was that always a dream? Well, you were. Wasn't your yearbook thing, like, Most Likely to be on snl?

[A]

Yeah. Which was just cool. I remember being slightly disappointed that year because someone else got Most likely to be an MTV bj.

[B]

And that's what you really wanted at the time. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

But. But I was a huge SNL fan, obviously, but I just thought that was cool. And I knew, like, people in high school thought I was funny, so I was like, oh, yeah, that's fun. Superlative. But I do think it was maybe a, like a back of my mind dream. I can't even say it was a dream because I wasn't on any sort of path for acting or comedy or knew what improv really was. My dad did improv when I was really young.

[B]

But, like, what for fun? He did it.

[A]

He did it in a group called Comedy Sports, and he was really good. And so it started to make more sense to me. But. But, yeah, it just was not my path. I was funny. I did prank calls, and I could quote movies, and I kind of thought, that's me. And I. But I didn't.

[B]

What did you prank call?

[A]

I pranked call, like, the local radio stations, all sorts of businesses.

[B]

Like doing voices.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Oh, so you knew you were good at voices? Yeah, well, at impressions and stuff.

[A]

I don't even know impressions. I knew I was good in those moments that transforming or making my friends laugh like that made me popular at sleepovers or I could really get my younger brother laughing when I would do it. And like, he. I remember him wanting me to do it, like, for his friends. And I was like, but other than crank anchors, I was like, I don't really think I'm gonna have a career in prank calls.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But I moved to la. I dropped out of college, moved to LA to do hair, ended up taking an improv class. And then that's what kind of.

[B]

So you moved to LA for, like, when you dropped out of college, it was for hair.

[A]

Yeah. I was very confused about what I wanted to do, but I was cutting my friend's hair just for fun and was kind of good at it. And so I was like, okay, I'll drop out of school and I'll go to school for hair. But I felt a little bit of shame at the time, which I would not encourage anyone to feel shame for dropping out of school now. But I felt just very singular. I was like, none of all my other friends know their major and what they're gonn to do.

[B]

What was your major at the time? Or undecided.

[A]

Truly Nothing like. Or just I was bouncing around. Like, I. I started at KU and I was like, okay, well, I like movies, so I'll be in the theater and film department.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But I was in, like, lighting design classes and that were required math and skills. I was like, I don't think I'm in a light. I couldn't put these up.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Or understand the filters. So I. Then I went to mu. I transferred and was in their design program because I was artistic. But again, I was getting out a ruler and I was like, I think this is also math based.

[B]

I know. Actually, you guys, so many things are math based. I used to think, like, I wanted to be like, fashion, merchandising. And then you learn. It's like, no, no, you're not going to fashion shows. I mean, like, that's cute. Let's merch in it. You're, like, calculating things. It's all math.

[A]

Fractions.

[B]

Look it up before you decide on a major because it's not what you think it is.

[A]

Fractions were back with all of those things. And so I just thought, okay, well, I feel insecure about dropping out. I think I want to do hair. But I was like, well, people know I like movies and pop culture, so if I say I go, I want to do hair in L. A. That will sound more legit. And so that's just what I said. And I did. And.

[B]

But you actually. But you're saying that's what I said, but you weren't sure.

[A]

No, I was like, I gotta. If I say it, I gotta follow through. So I did move to LA and get my license to do hair and worked in a salon.

[B]

So did you do, like, celeb hair or just normie hair? Not really.

[A]

We were in Studio City and, like, we would see celebs. One time we saw Jason Bateman walk by with, like, a French bulldog puppy. And my boss and I were like, we, like, screamed like, oh, my God. And I think he was like, whoa, Like, I'm about to get accosted. But we were like, it's not you, it's your puppy. I can, you know, blow my own hair out and wave it. If I. This I did not do today. I, like, cut into a wig for Halloween this year. I can still do things, and I would love to, like, blow a friend's hair out. It was very meditative when I did it.

[B]

We'll be Right back after the break. I wish more men listen to my podcast because I would tell them go to Blue Nile and buy your girl some jewelry. Because what is a better gift than jewelry? Okay. And I know because I've had so much to celebrate this year. Like I'm just so thankful and I'm so thankful that I'm able to give a tip like this and say jewelry is a way to go you to you. Getting it from your partner, buying it as a big gift for your mother or mother in law or your sisters. You want something special, sparkly. Okay, you're thinking of buying jewelry, there's no better place to do it than blue nile.com so again, if you're looking to buy something for yourself or to give the best holiday gift at all of all time because what's better than getting jewelry? Blue Nile offers some of the highest quality standards in the industry and the prices are significantly lower than traditional retail. So check them out you guys, if you have questions about what to get. Blue Nile also has jewelry export Experts on hand 24, 7 via phone or chat. From technical questions to budget suggestions, they really help you feel confident about your purchase. You want to know how many carrots to get? I know you guys always have questions about those sort of things. You also get 30 day returns and a diamond price match guarantee. You really can't beat the ease and convenience of shopping Blue Nile or their selection. They've got thousands of independently graded diamonds for you to sift through. Go to blue nile.com to shop. Blue Nile, the original online jeweler since 1999. That's blue nile.com blue nile calm kids with a stuffy nose is incredibly hard. These kids, they don't know how to get their snot out. It's like blow, you know what I mean? And stuffy noses are just no bueno. When a baby's congested, it just so hard and you want them to be able to breathe well. And that's why I'm so thankful for the new Navage Baby aspirator and inhaler. These are baby safe pediatrician recommended nasal care products and they're game changers in our house when it comes to providing congestion relief. You need one of these at your house when you have a baby and the Navage one is really great. It's a rechargeable aspirator and it uses really gentle suction to clear mucus and like takes it all out. It's a really great design. There's a 40% larger collection cup to gather mucus versus leading brands. You really want a lot of mucus gathering space, if you know what I mean. And it also has this unique anti backfill feature and it protects the motor from snox. Of course you don't want anything from the snot getting in the machine and everything is sealed so nothing gets inside. It's really helpful and it's a must, you guys, for this winter season that's coming up. Parenting is hard. Make life easier. Order the new Navage baby aspirator and inhaler today. I know you're going to thank me for this tip. My listeners can order directly from my exclusive URL Navage. It's spelled N A V A G E.com Not Skinny. You can order both products and get full product [e-mail] not skinny. Again, that's N a V A G E. Don't wait. Order [e-mail] Not Skinny. This episode is brought to you by Saks.com Listen, I knew what Saks.com was since I was a baby, okay? Being like one day I hope to [e-mail] it's so chic. It's so she. And it's really making it fun to find the perfect gift for the pickiest people this holiday season, including myself. Because a gift from me to me is still a gift, you guys. There's literally holiday inspiration for everybody on your list. Again, when you get a holiday gift, you know from the box. What's up? We're shallow over here, okay? I want to see sacks on the box. But I'm serious you guys. Listen, whatever it is, whoever it is, you can do it on Saks.com you can shop for anybody, especially for your heart. To shop for mom who doesn't like anything and needs to be like organic and cotton from I don't know where. And sacks.com is where you go. Gifts for him, gifts for her, stocking stuffers, beauty gifts and even gifts for kids, you guys. So Saks.com has a holiday gift guide. It makes it really easy to find presents for hard to shop for people. Saks is where you find viral Celine sunglasses or trending sneakers. Saks.com can also help you find your own holiday vibe. You can upgrade your party looks with cult favorite Chloe bag or treat yourself to Gucci loafers that will work for any holiday get together. Treat yourself, find gifts guaranteed to bring joy to every hard to shop for person, including you this [e-mail] calm and we're back. It sounds like, you're such a decisive, like, but confident in your decisions person. Casey dropped out. And when they're, like, decided this, like, how did you have so much, like, confidence to make those huge changes?

[A]

I don't know. I feel like I'm a little. It's kind of like if I say I'm going to do something, I think I. I feel the pressure that I have to do it and prove it. And it's more the pressure or, like, what I think other people would think that's making me do it rather than just the natural, but that, I mean.

[B]

Something put, like, gas up your ass to do it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So you moved by yourself. You did hair for nine whole years. Yeah. Were you auditioning during or. How did the entertainment stuff come up?

[A]

Like, four or five years into it, I went to see a show at the Groundlings, and I was just like, wow, that's the funniest thing I've ever seen. I'm definitely going to bring, like, my family when they come in town. And I had a friend who was performing at the Ground Leads, and I told her that. She was like, what do you think of the show? And I was like, I'm. It was awesome. And I'm definitely going to bring, like, my mom. And she was like, okay, that's cool. I also think you should, like, take classes here because you're funny. And I was like, oh, I didn't think that's why you invited me. But she encouraged me to. And then other loved ones of mine, my older brother, when I told him, like, my friend wants me to take an improv class, he was like, I'll pay for it. I've been waiting for you to do something like that our whole lives.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

So that was also. It's other people believe in. In me too. That gives me like, that, okay, I'll try it. And I kept doing hair. It was just a really fun hobby. I was enjoying improv, starting to write, sketch, and perform. And then it was my boss at the salon who sat me down at a certain point and was like, you don't belong here anymore. And I was kind of like, are you firing me? She was like, no, but I don't think you want to do hair anymore. Like, you're meant for something else. And so I. I quit the salon. And it was probably like six or seven months later, SNL came and.

[B]

What do you mean, SNL came?

[A]

So they come in the summers when they're off to scout. Yeah. And they saw me. I was in a showcase with some other Performers and they saw me and then flew me to New York to test and. Yeah.

[B]

Wow. Was that, like, a fast progression?

[A]

It was like they saw me in a showcase. Two weeks later, I heard they wanted me to come to New York. I tested for the show, and then a week later, I heard they wanted me to come back to a second audition. And then 10 days later, I heard I got on the show. So it was like a month of, like.

[B]

And how long had you been on the Groundlings at that point? When they came, I had been in.

[A]

The main company for a year, so I. I'd taken classes and done their Sunday Company, you know, for, like, five years prior to that. You know, you're building all your skills and.

[B]

Wait, so five years you're in the Groundlings? Yeah, before this. The SNL scout came?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Or did they come, like, every year?

[A]

Well, they came every year. They came when I was in Sunday Company and I did a showcase. I had been in Sunday company for maybe three months. And of course, you hear SNL's coming and you're like, well, that'd be cool to get.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm so glad I didn't get it then, because I didn't have the skills, you know, I mean, I was still green when I did get it. So I needed, like, a year and a half, like, more time in the, like, Sunday Company. Before Main Company, I needed a lot more performance reps and a lot more, like, time to develop characters. And then. Yeah, and then I got it.

[B]

Was that so crazy?

[A]

It was crazy when it happened when I found out I was going to be on the show. And then I always tell this to new cast members the day that they actually, you know. You know, for like, a week. But then they announce it, like, in the press. And I always tell the new cast members, I'm like, that day that they announce it, like, screenshot your phone because you'll never have more notifications than that day, you know? Yeah, it was so cool. I know that people say, like, it's cliche, like, people come out of the woodwork when, you know, stuff like this happens. But I'm like, it's cool.

[B]

But in a good way. It happened. Like, people were like, oh, my God. Probably all your high school people who were like, you were most likely.

[A]

Yeah, we. We did it. You know, and that's still, to this day, is really cool that I feel so special. You know, I have friends of friends of friends who will tell me that just because I'm from Kansas City and, like, their daughter went to High school with me, they watch snl, you know, like this, like. I feel like I have this community of love either just because of where I'm from or because of someone else they know. And it's like, oh, that is so cool.

[B]

That is so cool. And this, like, half dream or like, something that kind of accompanied you since you were younger ended up happening. Yeah, that's super cool. And it's been, what, seven. Seven years. Can you give us a snapshot? Because, like I said, like, we've heard about this crazy schedule that you guys have. So what? Can you give me a snapshot of, like, a week in the life?

[A]

Yeah, it's like Monday, we go in late in the day, we meet the host. We, like, pitch them a joke. It's just, like, informal. You're there for, like, a couple hours. That's kind of just the Meet the Host day. You pitch to the writers. Stuff you want to work on that week. But, you know, hopefully you're home by 8. Like, you could do something on a Monday night. Tuesday, you come in anytime you want. Really? I like to be into work by, like, one or two. I'm a better writer at 1pm than 1am all the.

[B]

The performers also write.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Yep. And so you get in whenever you want. On Tuesday, you just start writing your sketches. You know, that can go well into the night, well into the next morning. I kind of like to work until the middle of the night, sleep, and then get back up on Wednesday and do rewrites and, like, little fixes on sketches. Then you get in to work on Wednesday around 2:30, you start to read all the sketches that are gonna be at the table read in, like, the next hour. You do the table read. That takes like, three and a half, four hours. You wait to find out what gets in the sketch show. If you have a sketch in, you meet with production and hair and wigs and everything.

[B]

Does Lauren still decide all that, or is it. Yeah.

[A]

And definitely the host has input too.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Yeah. And producers help and head writers. Just everyone's kind of designing the show, but Lauren, for sure. Yeah. And then Thursdays are rehearsals, Friday, our rehearsals, and we shoot all the pre tapes. You get in around 11:30 on Saturday. You rehearse everything in wigs and wardrobe. Once you get about an hour break to eat, and then we do the dress rehearsal and then the live show. Wow. And then Sundays, I watch chiefs games, and that's.

[B]

So Saturday is cray cray. Yeah.

[A]

And then. And you go to the afterparty. So you're just like.

[B]

Do you always go to the afterparty?

[A]

I do. Like, maybe every six. I might take one off just because I want to have an easier Sunday. But I always kind of regret it because the after party is good to let off that steam and adrenaline.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And if I just go home with.

[B]

All that adrenaline, how do you even fall asleep?

[A]

Yeah, I'm up anyways.

[B]

How's your sleep then with this, like, crazy schedule? Do you have good sleep?

[A]

No. I used to be such a great sleeper. Like, I feel like I even in my 20s, like I was someone who wanted to go to bed at 10 or 10:30 on nights, you know, where I wasn't doing something, I could fall right asleep and then I could sleep till like 9:30, you know, just like. Just a solid 12.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And now it's pretty brutal. Like. Like, even last night I was so tired. Like, I kind of filled my Sunday with too much. I was so tired around 8:30 and I could have just gone to bed and I was still up till 12:30 knowing I had stuff this morning.

[B]

Oh, watching TV?

[A]

Yeah. Housewives.

[B]

Which one?

[A]

I did O.C. reunion. The latest New York and the latest Salt Lake.

[B]

What are you thinking of New York? It's getting. You watch the New York one with the prank pregnancy.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

What they do.

[A]

Why do that? Also, I know any repercussions that come from that to.

[B]

I think I saw that Andy was a little pissed.

[A]

I mean, it's so fabricated and dumb and like, even I feel like I have no idea the actual information that Bryn heard of off that prank. But I. I wouldn't even. I'm like, I feel like she's gonna get called out in the next episode. Like, you lied about all that stuff then. But I'm just like, well, the lie should have never came. That is such an elaborate, stupid prank. I don't like it.

[B]

I mean, no one really likes a pregnancy prank anymore. Just because we're so hyper aware of everything. But also like a reality show about a fake thing. Like an entire episode. I mean, I'm.

[A]

An entire episode. I was like, how long is this dodgeball scene going on? It was like, there's that movie in Nora right now that has a 30 minute scene and it's actually really good and thrilling. And I was like, everyone's telling me to watch that. Yeah, that's great. But I was like, this is like a Nora level. They're at this Dodge Vault plays Chelsea Pierce for 30 minutes.

[B]

I feel like every show has that. I remember Breaking Bad had that Fly episode.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, I feel like every show has that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

What's your favorite sketch to do or impersonation to do?

[A]

I really like being at the update desk. I feel like it's really fun to do characters there. And recently I got to do Reba McEntire, and that was. Right.

[B]

That was very cool.

[A]

And there's one I do that's, like, a busy coworker who's doing seemingly nothing, and she's just overwhelmed. It's like, fighting for physicality.

[B]

Yeah. Do you like doing impressions? Is there one that you'd, like, hate doing that you feel like you're not good at it, but everyone's like, no, it's our favorite one.

[A]

I feel like I'm not much of an impressionist, so when I do have to do one, I'm a little in my head about it. And I think the best thing you can do when you're not an impressionist is actually just have fun in the. Like, not try to get it perfect because.

[B]

Right.

[A]

You're just not.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Right.

[B]

Yeah, exactly. Like, make it kind of make fun of yourself. And at the same time, you famously broke character in Ryan Gosling's Beavis and Butthead, which, like, was so funny, and I think it made it funnier that you did. But what was that moment like for you? Why was that the moment that made you break?

[A]

I. I've thought about this a lot because I found it, like, a big source of pride that I never break. And even though it's, like, so lovable and likable, I don't know why, I wouldn't even use it as a crutch, but I just didn't. I'm just so character, you know? Or, like, I'm like, stick in your character. Stay. You know? And also in that one, I was the straight man. And it's like, you really want to get out all the information for all the fun stuff around to happen.

[B]

Right.

[A]

But I will say when I. Because I was like, why did I break so hard? Some of it is, you know, Mikey and I sit next to each other at table. He's like a brother to me. He makes me laugh constantly. And, like, I'm like, okay, I have that relationship with Mikey. But then I was like, I don't know. I. I get that he's funny. I laugh at him all the time, and I haven't done it on tv. Why did I do it? And, like, I was watching the old, like, Debbie Downer sketches where everyone would find a sleep break.

[B]

That's what I was thinking of, too. Like, those times were so good.

[A]

They're so good. But also, it's like everyone around a table, and they're all seeing each other about to break. Like, they know. They can all feel it happening.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I do think maybe the audience in Beavis and Butthead, like, the actual studio audience, like, could feel it coming to a swell because they were seeing Ryan and Mikey. And I just don't think anyone has ever had to, like, blindly look back at something that shocking.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, like, I had to do something where I was surprised. Surprised by. And I had seen him before in rehearsals, but they, like, amped up the makeup.

[B]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Okay. So you were shocked by the.

[A]

So, yeah, I was just coming in blind. And then I look back to see, like, my very good friend look like that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And.

[B]

And Ryan Gosling.

[A]

Yes. And it just.

[B]

And I think they had. I think for sure, Ryan had a little smile.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

The whole time.

[A]

But I was trying. I was definitely trying to keep it together.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

For Ryan's, because he was the first reveal, and that was early on in the sketch. I'm like, I can't. I can't go.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, then. Mikey. I just could not help it.

[B]

And that's your first time in all these years.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then were you. Was there a part of you that was, like, hard on yourself? Like, right. I do that. Or immediately you were like, no, people are fine with it. They love it.

[A]

Right after. I mean, the audience was so sweet to me. I remember in the moment, like, because I was trying to compose myself, and when I turned back and then I couldn't stop, the. The audience applauded, which was sweet. And I was like, okay, this is okay. But, like, get it together. But then right after I just started, I felt like I was unaware of the amount of time I broke for. So I was like, was that okay? I went back to my dressing room, and I had a lot of friends there that night. And I was like, was that okay? You know, they're like, what do you mean? And I was like, I just. I got worried. And then a lot of writers were coming up to me. Like, that was awesome. You know, I was like, I do.

[B]

It was kind of part of it, I feel like, because I remember seeing the responses, and the responses were, did you see Heidi? Like, that was part of it, which was cool.

[A]

People have been very sweet. And Lauren was very sweet.

[B]

Oh, yeah. He was like, don't worry. That was great. Keep doing it. No, Vulture described it. Vulture magazine described the moment as breaking in spectacularly charming fashion. Is that so cute?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

The Domingo sketch, that new one.

[A]

Yeah. Another, like, viral.

[B]

Wow. How do you guys are you. You try to study it. Like, what. What makes a sketch?

[A]

No. You just don't know.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That, I think is also really cool because when you get something in the show, you're holding it so tight, you want. It's your baby.

[B]

Is it you?

[A]

So that Jimmy Fowley, Kira O'Sullivan, Sudi Green and Ali Levitan wrote that. So it's not the writers. It's not like a certain cast members. It's really cool when the writers write such a cast piece where everyone gets to a score like that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But. Yeah, and. But this is this. I would say this is the same for writers or cast. It's like you write something and it gets in the show, you know, hopefully it makes it past dress rehearsal. You're just holding on to it so tight you want it to succeed and. And maybe it does or not. But, like, it's almost good when a sketch, like, has, like, the grip off of it. And I felt like Domingo was just a delight the entire week. You know, it just felt like something. I don't think I ever thought it was going to get cut because I was like, it's really fun and bubbly and, you know, it was Ariana Grande. I was like, she's great in it. She's being hilarious.

[B]

And it's funny to watch Ariana Grande try to not sing well. Yeah.

[A]

It just didn't seem like it had a tight grip on it. There was, like, just happiness around it. And the same with, like, Beavis and Butthead. It had gone to a dress rehearsal seven years prior. It didn't. I think it got cut for time from, you know, another show.

[B]

So you never know is what you're saying.

[A]

You just never know. And I try to remind myself, you know, because you just. There's so many high stakes at that job and you're just like, just be open.

[B]

Yeah. You never know.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Damn. So you even did a sequel because it went so well.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That's crazy. Does that happen towards it? Like, should we. It's kind of like with a movie, like, do we want to do it again? Even though the first one was so good. Yeah.

[A]

I guess I hadn't even been thinking about a sequel because I honestly feel like I kept on. I've been hearing about the original, like, up until now, like, people did it for a Halloween costume. You know, people were Domingo or the bridesmaids. And so then When.

[B]

Yeah, that's so funny.

[A]

Like finding the velvet dresses, you know? But then when I heard last week, Jimmy told me that they were writing a sequel, I was like, oh, that makes such sense with Charlie and. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

And Marcello is such a good cast member.

[A]

I know.

[B]

He's my assistant here. Has a huge crush.

[A]

He's a cutie.

[B]

Everyone loves sweetie.

[A]

And he was at. He was Domingo last night at Sabrina Carpenter's concert.

[B]

Oh, stop.

[A]

Yeah, they cut to Marcelo and he's.

[B]

Like, oh, my God, he's living.

[A]

I know.

[B]

We'll be right back after the break. The holidays are here. The holidays are here. We are in holiday season, you guys. Everyone's shopping till they drop. So I want to make sure skims is on your list for holiday shopping because I'm telling you, this is a gift that everyone you buy for will thank you. It's not going to be some random thing where they're like, oh, great, I love this vegetable peeler. Like, no, this is. They open the box, they see skims. They're going to be like, thanks, babe. They're going to love it. You want to do matching pajamas? We love that holiday tradition, matching pajamas at skims. You guys. Also, don't you love getting an amazing bra? So the fits everybody scoop bralette, for example, first of all, it's in the name so you can be sure that it fits everybody. You get matching fits everybody panties with a fits everybody bra. Also, the skims holiday shop has everything packaged in these cute little boxes and it makes for really easy stocking stuffers. Look no further. Skims has the best holiday shop Shop Skims holiday [e-mail] available in sales for women, men, kids, and even pets. If you haven't yet, be sure to let them know I sent you. After you place the orders like podcast in the survey and select my show in the drop down menu that follows Skims scoops bralettes. You guys, they really saved me. They've been like, my nursing bra, my sleeping bra, my pumping bra, like, everything. Don't miss out on skims holiday shop, you guys. @skims.com you guys, listen. Winter season is upon us. Or as we call it in a household with kids, cold and flu, season is upon us. I actually love seasons. I love that winter is coming up. I love holiday season in New York. I love the smell of Christmas trees they sell on the street. It's so special. I love watching the windows change at fifth Avenue when they put up all that holiday decor. I actually love wearing a jacket I do. I love seasons. You know what I don't love, especially now that I have kids, is when they get sick. When your kids get sick and during the winter it is non stop. Noah literally now has them like stomach bug. A month ago he had strep throat. And with a new baby, I'm obviously so worried all the time. That whole gets sick from Noah because Noah's inside school. You guys know how it is. So that's why obviously when you have something at home that can help your kid feel better, it is priceless. So if you don't know about Highlands, I wanted to tell you about it because it's a staple in my household. Highlands has a kids cold and cough formula and it helps tremendously with congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough and post nasal drip. And has natural active ingredients that I love. Highlands products have always been made with safe effective ingredients. From babies and kids to grownups. Families trusted Highlands to help relieve sniffles for more than 120 years. So their formulas are for daytime and for nighttime and so that offers you round the clock care. So their new kids organic all in one cough syrups are safe for ages 1 to 12. So that's amazing. And they're USDA organic certified. You're welcome. And they're made with really gentle organic ingredients such as organic honey, ivy leaf, elderberry, chamomile, as well as wild cherry bark, zinc and more. That is all amazing, amazing stuff that can help your kid feel better, help their throat feel better all in one cough syrup. This new formula really helps soothe coughs, this mucus and throat irritation gently and effectively. And it's so important like that cough can just linger forever. So it's really good to give your kids something to help it go away faster. I know that Noah gets stuck with like a nasty post nasal drip for so long and it sucks for them because they don't know how to like spit it out. So the post nasal drip can be never ending. I specifically love Highlands products because it really has a kid approved taste. Like, Noah really hates all kinds of syrups and he's really good about taking this. And I love that it's manufactured here in the us. It's allergen free, it's cruelty free and it's paraben free. Okay. So like I said, their kids all in one cough syrup is the newest addition to a trusted line of Highlands kids cold and cough products. So like I said, all organic. It's a multi benefit formula. It supports immunity. They also have a nighttime formula that supports restful Nights Highlands crafted by nature tested by time. Shop now for 25% off all Highlands products at Highlands.com/not skinny kids all in one. Cough syrup for cough suited dry irritated throats. Kids cold and cough claims based on traditional homeopathic practice not accepted. Medical evidence not FDA evaluated number one in dollar sales 52 weeks in October 5, 2024. And we're back. So speaking, we're talking about shows before, and everyone knows I'm a huge fan of shrinking. Like, oh, my God, I love that show so much.

[A]

That's a great show.

[B]

And you're on it as Grace. Tell me about getting that.

[A]

Yeah, that is another thing. That was just such an unexpected special part to get a writer on the show. Bill had. I had worked with Lawrence.

[B]

Yeah, we love him.

[A]

Well, I love Bill Lawrence. Oh, another Bill. Yeah.

[B]

Oh.

[A]

But we had worked together at, like, Just for Laughs festival in Montreal. Like, right before I got snl. We both performed together. And then he was the writer on the show. And I think he threw my name in for Grace. And I got that role. And it's been so cool. Like, you shoot something and I knew I really liked it. And then it had come out. The first season, it was really cool. It's like, it came out, but it was like a month or two later. It felt like, you know, it's just like a show needs, like, to spread a little. And like, all these people were like, I really love shrinking. I. I started getting recognized as much for shrinking as snl. And I was like, oh, people really like that.

[B]

Yeah, it's such a good show. And we were waiting for season two. Season two is here. And you're also on season two, which is so fun. When did you have time to shoot that?

[A]

That was last year. I'm like, when was it?

[B]

Like, during the summer?

[A]

No, because there had been the strike. They would have shot so much season two over the strike. But, yeah, last year, a little bit during the SNL season and a little during the summer, too.

[B]

So you had to, like, travel to la, because they were shooting in. Actually in Pasadena now.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So cool. And probably working with all those people. Everyone seems like. I mean, did you. You didn't have scenes with Harrison Ford.

[A]

But I did make a very valiant effort to meet him The. The last day of my shooting on season one, I, like, tracked down his trailer and was like, hello.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. Was he nice?

[A]

Yes, it was like, he was so funny, so charming. And there was a golf cart on set to drive from, like, the trailers to set. And they told Me that all the wardrobe women loved riding with him because he kind of drove fast and it was, like, bumpy. And they're like. It's like being on the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland with Indiana Jones.

[B]

Oh, my God. Wait, he drives that golf cart, like, on the show at some point.

[A]

Yeah. It's like, really?

[B]

So Krista Miller was on my show for last season with Bill, her husband, and she literally was like, harrison Ford has major bge.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So since then, whenever I see him on, I'm like, he just does.

[A]

He does. He's so charming and funny and, like. And the voice.

[B]

He hosted snl, I'm sure.

[A]

I don't think he ever has, really. I asked him. I was just like, oh, my God. And he said he hadn't. I was like, well, now can you.

[B]

Do, like, if you do. So you asked him?

[A]

Well, I. I imagine you ask, and.

[B]

Then you come back, you're like, we got Harrison.

[A]

Or like, no, the biggest swing I ever did in that department. And it work. But it. It took a couple years. Was Travis Kelsey like, oh, that was you? Yeah, I was. Well, I mean, I don't want to take full credit the show and the talent department, but I just. Obviously a big Chiefs fan, and I had seen him do, like, other little acting gigs or just appearances, and I was like, he's funny. He's charming. I had done the ESPYs with him, like, announcing something together, and. And, yeah, I just kept on going to the show, and at a certain point, Lauren, it was in 2022 or.

[B]

Just so before Taylor.

[A]

It was pre Taylor. Yeah.

[B]

So see you guys. All the haters are saying that Travis, like, leveled up just because of Taylor.

[A]

No, he was.

[B]

He was doing stuff.

[A]

He was. His talents were already on their way. But, yeah, Lauren was like, well, he has to win the Super Bowl. And I was like, well, that is, like, so much pressure to ask. And then he won the super bowl, so.

[B]

So he got it. And he was. Was it fun to work with him?

[A]

So fun.

[B]

And he knows you're a major chief scalp.

[A]

Yeah, he came back. I, like, all my family came in for the show, all my friends. I got barbecue. We tailgated in the dressing room before the show, and he came back with his brother Jason, and they had barbecue before he hosted snl.

[B]

And, I mean, they had barbecue.

[A]

They. They came back. Like, I had been telling him all week, I was like, I'm going to have a tailgate in my room. Because at Arrowhead Stadium, it's, like, famous for tailgating.

[B]

So when you Say tailgate in my room. It just means, like, pregaming kind of vibes.

[A]

Pregaming with barbecue, for sure. Like, that's. That's what we do at the stadium in Kansas City. Like, people show up early and they tailgate. They, like, smoke barbecue all morning. They share their food.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And you just tailgate. So I had been telling him all week, I'm like, I'm doing a tailgate in my room. Obviously, you're hosting the show. Like, you're probably not going to come. But I just wanted him to know, like, you're gonna have love, you're gonna have support. Like, you know, my sister in law wrote me, and she was like, is it okay to wear my chief's jersey to the show? And I was like. I showed him the text. He was like, hell, yeah. You know, I was like, yeah, Travis approves. And so that morning, he was so nice. Jeff, one of our guys in the talent department, like, knocked on my dressing room, and I opened it, and he had these cans of, like, tequila sodas. He's like, these are from Travis for the tailgate. I was like, that's so nice. And. But I was like, he. He's not coming to the tailgate. Because, like, in between dress rehearsal and air, you know, there's like 30 minutes you need to prepare for the show. Like, you're just finding out what sketches made it, everything.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

And I had run to go get my makeup done before the live show, and that's when, like, your guests that'll be in your dressing room start arriving. So my brothers are getting there. They're texting me, like, we're in, you know, my best friend Michelle. People are getting there. I'm just like, oh, cool. You know, I was like, it's gonna be a great show. I'm just getting my makeup, and then I get another text. I open it. It's a picture of Travis and Jason Kelsey in my dressing room eating barbecue. I'm like, they're tailgating. They're like, they're here. They were like, we didn't even have all the barbecue set up.

[B]

Oh, my God. Wait, did you make it before?

[A]

Like, no, I did order it, but, you know, we had, like, the, like, big pans of it, you know, and all the sides. And I'm like, I bet you. I just know for a fact that's the only host in SNL history that's ever tailgated before hosting the show.

[B]

But did you make it back to the dressing room? Like, did you have time?

[A]

I came back there, yeah. And was just. I drink or something, like filling up a plate. Yeah.

[B]

Well, you. Oh, you didn't have time to like, be in the tailgate.

[A]

I don't think I had time to eat the barbecue, but I could come back during the show and have it. Oh, but I'm sure I took a drink or something.

[B]

That's so cool.

[A]

It was special.

[B]

So what? So who would you want to host that hasn't yet?

[A]

I mean, I'm such a sports fan, so. Patrick Mahomes, I would love for him to host. I'd love for LeBron James to host. But then on like the acting comedian side, Catherine O'Hara, I think would be such a good host.

[B]

She hasn't done it.

[A]

No. I would love to work with her.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I. I think Nicholas Cage would be super interesting.

[B]

Like, he hasn't done it ever either.

[A]

I think maybe he had, but Nicholas. Not when I'm there. Like, just character wise. I think he would just be like, unpredictable.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, that would be a good one.

[B]

That would be. Do cast members pitch hosts? Yeah.

[A]

You do get asked every so often. I mean, I feel like I got a chief, so I'm like, I'm good for a while.

[B]

No, your obsession. Wait, does your current boyfriend like the Chiefs?

[A]

Yeah. So he. When we went on our second date, the Chiefs had actually just lost. I had like, come downstairs. I was excited to go on the date, but I was sad about the game. And he greeted me and he was like, how are you? And I was like, oh, you know that she's just lost, so. And he was like, what does that feel like? And he said it in such a way where I was like, nobody who likes sports, like, has ever asked me just like, what does that feel like? They would get it. Yeah. I was like, I don't think, you know, you watch football. And then I was like, well, you know, I was like our quarterback, Mahomes. I didn't even say Mahomes. I was just like, oh, our quarterback, like, he had the flu. So also it was like kind of stacked against us because he was sick and he had to take IVs before the game, you know, and he just was like. Looked a little dumbfounded. I was like, patrick Mahomes. And like, his eyes were still kind of just dead, you know. And I was like, gina, who? Patrick Mahomes.

[B]

Is that worry? Is that a red flag for you? No, it wasn't.

[A]

I was just so interesting because everyone in my orbit knows who Patrick Mahomes is. Yeah. And this person that I was like, you know, it just began courting me. Didn't. And I was. It wasn't a red flag, but I. I was just wondering, like, if this goes any further, like, are you going to accept this part of me?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And now it's like, he's in it with you. He's in it and he wears. He's got a chief's.

[B]

How could you not? I feel like I'm in it after sitting with you. Like, I feel like it's easy to be drawn into it. So that wasn't like a one of your, like, must. Haves. Like, must be a football fan.

[A]

No, it's neat. He's like the type where I think all the must haves I thought would have been my must. Haves. Like, he's kind of opposite of those must haves. And I'm learning that that is neat.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, that's cool.

[B]

What would be worse? If someone like, is there a team you, like, hate?

[A]

I mean, I don't hate any teams. Yesterday we played Buffalo and they beat us. And when I'm watching the game, I hate them. And their quarterback is so good and makes me mad. It's. It's so weird.

[B]

Can I guess who it is?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Is it that Josh Allen guy?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Can't believe I knew that. Only because he's dating Haley Steinfeld. Yes.

[A]

So when I'm watching a game and he's performing well, I'm like, Like, he scored a touchdown yesterday. Like, he ran it in and like, you know, that's awesome for a quarterback. And he. But I was like, oh, he's being so annoying. I was like, oh, and I hate it. Like, he's feeling himself right now and that makes like, he had amazing moment. I'm like, so mad at him. But this summer, and that's. So when we play them, that's how I act. And I'm just like, I'm. I'm always just saying he's being annoying because he's being good.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Last summer he was next to me on a flight and I was so starstruck. It was probably a three and a half hour flight.

[B]

And he was what, the seat next to you?

[A]

The seat next to me. And he's supposed to be my enemy. I took entire three and a half hours because I also wanted to respect him. He was like watching a movie and I could tell, like, he wanted to just watch this movie in peace. So I was like, I'm not gonna say anything. But I said at the end of the flight, I am gonna say something. So it took me three and a half hours to come up to something to say. And, like, as I'm like, getting my bag down, you know, I was just like, thank you for everything you do on Sundays to just put your body and yourself on the line for us and for our entertainment.

[B]

And no, you did not. Did you say, hi, I'm Heidi Garner. You might know me? Okay.

[A]

No, I just. Because I also like, to me, that is like a mega. I was like, he does not know who I am. Like, I. I was so nervous.

[B]

Can't believe that.

[A]

Cut to yesterday, six months later, and I'm like, you are so annoying for scoring.

[B]

What did he say when you said that to him?

[A]

He was so polite and, like, he was like, thank you. He said, thank you so much. You know? And then the other thing I thought was so cool was like, I think he, like, ordered a Coke. And I. I did. I told my boyfriend. I was like, josh Allen.

[B]

Who?

[A]

He's familiar with that name now. Yeah, Because I was like, ordered a.

[B]

Coke, like, with sugar. Like, like naughty Josh Allen.

[A]

Yeah, this is so cool. And then later, my boyfriend, like, ordered a Diet Coke at dinner, which I'd never seen him do.

[B]

Red flag again.

[A]

I was like, diet Coke, you know, and he was like, oh. Because didn't that quarterback order a Diet Coke?

[B]

And I was like, it was a Coke.

[A]

And I was like, I don't have a crush on him. You don't have to order Coke.

[B]

Oh, my God. He wants to do the thing that, like, turned you on. That's so cute. But you're like, actually, though, it's a regular Coke because he doesn't care about the sugar.

[A]

And a Diet Coke to turn on.

[B]

Yeah, the Diet Coke. Like, what are you. Yeah, that's so funny. Oh, my God, I love that. So we're also here to talk about your new show that you're judging.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

This is a new thing. Second chance stage, you guys. The trailer alone will make you really tear up. It's such a special concept.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. Sometimes again, like, just. It's really cool when, like, I'll think that I know what I want to do in my career and my life and. And then just things pop up. Like I was saying, shrinking, you know, comes out of nowhere and. And then this show came out of nowhere to judge, you know, a reality based competition show. And it was actually shooting in Kansas City during a hiatus where I was going to be there. And I was like, that's really cool.

[B]

That is kismet. Af. Yeah.

[A]

And then the contestants are People that are taking a second chance at their dreams. So maybe earlier in life, they were on the right trajectory and something in life got in the way, and now they're going for their second chance. So very vulnerable. Doing it, like, a bit later in life or whatever, timing wise. But. And so I was like, this is cool and heartwarming. I like all that. But I was. As far as judging goes, I was like, I. I know that I'd be a nice judge, but I guess I just so have American Idol Simon Cowell stuck in my head that beforehand, I talked to the producers, and I said that I was like, I know I'll be nice, but I was like, I'm not gonna be Simon Cowell.

[B]

Especially to people that, like, yes. Are coming for a second chance.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Definitely not going to be in there. Like, that's not why we hired you. We. We know that you're not Simon Cowell.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I. I just told them a little bit of my reservations, but they were like, we'd still like you to do the job. And then once the show we started shooting the episodes, it's like, yeah, it's so easy to love everyone that goes and puts themselves out there for you and performs for you and takes that shot. I'm like, you're entertaining me. I already love you. But then the vulnerability and then also having to critique them, I. I think where I found my way in was like, oh, I have been here before. I've known maybe that I was talented, like, secretly, you know, like, I'm like, oh, I. I think I could do this. But it's hard to get it out publicly. But I had so many people, like, I told you along the way, like, my brother and my friends being like, no, you're funny. Like, you should be, like, pushing me a little bit. So I was able to, I think, tap into, like, the vulnerability and, like, the inner voice, but be their outer voice being, like, just like, give it a little bit more here or here or, like, I can see that you have it. I can see when you're doing this in your room at home, like, I bet you go, like, 10 times harder, and I bet it rules. And I bet you're feeling yourself.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I get how hard that is to give us here. And, like, again, I keep saying vulnerable, but it is, you know, but, like, the second that we, like, feel comfortable watching you, like, you put us at ease, and then you've got us, you know?

[B]

Are there people that, like, like, don't pass, or is it just a critique? Sort of thing?

[A]

Yeah, no, there's definitely no X's or.

[B]

And no exes. Okay.

[A]

It's just. It's just us, like, kind of breaking down a performance, you know, And. And that's really cool, too, because. And sometimes I felt like, you know, a winner, huh?

[B]

Like, one winner of the whole season.

[A]

I'm. I. I don't know.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

But.

[B]

Okay. You'll have to tune in, you guys. It's gonna be on Max November 28th.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And what is your. So it's already on Max when this comes out, so you can stream it there. Is it one episode a week or is it two? Two episodes a week. And is there, like, a glimpse of one of the stories that was your favorite that you can kind of share with us, like, so we get a sense.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, there's definitely one that there. So there's so many stories. My biggest takeaway was I always say this in life where I'm like, you want something so bad, but, like, nothing is ever on your timeline. I've found out in life, it's like, the more I try to force something and push something through, honestly, the less I get it. So it was really cool to see. Was like, I get how heartbreaking it is to not get the thing you want right away that you are, like, going so hard for, but to see these people two years later, five years, 25 years later, be the people they are today, going for it and having, like, all the gratitude for the moment and having become the person that they were meant to become and actually having a lens on the world and being like, oh, this is cool. And I appreciate this moment. Rather than being, like, 18, 19, and being like, I should get this. I deserve, like, just cocky as all hell.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Was so cool to see. So that alone, big deal. And then I did feel like there was a comedian on the show who shared a very personal story about her life and what had kind of, like, gotten in the way of her trajectory that I was able to really empathize with and have so much respect for. And, like, I definitely had a moment, like, with her and. Yeah.

[B]

Did you, like, relate in a way? Because you were almost gonna stay on a couple other trajectories, like yourself, like, you were just gonna be a hairdresser until people pushed you kind of thing.

[A]

Yeah. She had, like, a similar comedic journey and then had a loved one who was diagnosed with dementia and went to take care of them. And I have experience with that and actually know how important it is for that the person who has dementia to feel safe and, like, with the people around her. So the fact that she would, like, put her passion aside for that safety and that love while being, like, so freaking talented.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

It's just the ultimate. It's the ultimate love. And I was able to relate with her in that way and. And make, I hope, make her feel like. I think what her decision is incredible, like, and a winner in its own way, you know? And, like, and try to talk to her about ways, like, to do both, which helped me in my life figure out ways to do both, you know? Yeah.

[B]

That's so special. And what I love about the show is that it's not only a singing competition. Just, like, we see a lot of it's dancers, like you said, comedians, magicians, and so much more. So you have fun doing this?

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

Judging it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That's so cool. So you guys tune in to Second chance stage. I'm telling you, watch the trailer. You're gonna be hooked and want to watch it.

[A]

It's really special. And just, like, I think it's cool it's coming out on Thanksgiving because you're gonna be with your family anyway. And, like, yeah, it's a family show. Yeah, I love that. Yeah.

[B]

Okay, before you go, we're gonna do a quick snl. Superlatives, Vibes.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Okay. Most likely from, like, your cast.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Most likely to host an award show.

[A]

Host an award show. Well, Che and Colin did it, so. Yeah.

[B]

Okay. Most likely to prank call you.

[A]

Most likely to prank call me. Ego. She's really good at characters. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

Oh, I loved her on that show with Adam Pally.

[A]

Oh, my God. Mr. Throwback.

[B]

So good.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay. Most likely to be late. Used to be maybe Pete Davidson, but.

[A]

Needs to be late. I don't think Che would care if.

[B]

I said he kills me on Instagram. Most likely to be down for anything at any time.

[A]

Down for anything at any time. Marcel is pretty down. Oh, yeah.

[B]

Oh, cool. Most likely to Irish exit.

[A]

Egg is good at that. Yeah. But also me.

[B]

And who gets the most lit at the after parties?

[A]

I don't think Che would mind if.

[B]

I said just everything, Jay.

[A]

Everything.

[B]

J. Most likely to get a late night show.

[A]

A late night show. Oh, my gosh. James would be a really good late night.

[B]

Is that a dream of yours?

[A]

A late night shot. And I've never had that dream.

[B]

No.

[A]

But I would do it with you.

[B]

It's like, maybe you'll sprinkle it out there. Maybe it'll come out on that field one day. Yeah. Thank you, Heidi. Thank you for coming on. It was so fun talking to you.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

And you guys, everyone tune in on Max to your new show.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Thank you. Thank you guys so much for listening to this episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat. Follow me on Instagram at Not Skinny but Not Fat. Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any episodes. Rate the podcast that you love so much on Apple Podcasts and write a little review. If you tell me you did, I'll give you a big virtual smoocharoo. Thank you guys so much for listening and I'll see you next Tuesday.

[A]

Please note that this episode may contain.

[B]

Paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services.

[A]

Individuals on the show may have a.

[B]

Direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.