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The following podcast is a Dear Media production.
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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. Hi, everybody. Happy Tuesday. You know what's so wild? I couldn't remember if I wrote down, like, what I wanted to intro this week, just in terms of what's going on and, you know, what came up in my notes. I don't even know if I want to enter it, because if I click on it, it'll. Okay, fine, I'll click on it. I'm such a freak. So this is from 2019, 112. 2019. Okay. I was going to call the podcast the Skinny. So it's supposed to be the Skinny, and I said, intro script. Welcome to the Skinny with Amanda from Not Skinny but Not Fat. And I'm going to talk about everything. And then it says Arielle cuts me off because it was with my sister. And I'm your co host, Arielle, AKA the sister. Okay, okay, that's enough. And I'm here to share. ARIELLE COUGHS we the latest in celebs, pop culture and Hollywood gossip, and so much more. Here we go. Just so special. It's just so special. Actually, my producer of almost five years is leaving, and when she told me, I cried and I got choked up because she's been part of the show for. Since I. Well, I started in, like, 2019, and I then moved to Dear Media in, like, 2020. So almost the whole time the show existed and, you know, part of our conversation and just saying thank you to each other for the time that we had my drama. I'm so dramatic. You know, one of the things she said to me was like, you know, I love how serious you are and how dedicated you are about your podcast, but you also do it in, like, a way that is chill. And, like, to me, that's like, obviously, like, such a compliment and we exchange such nice words to each other, but it was like, my podcast is my life. Okay? Like, it's just wild how. I remember when I started a pod, it was like, okay, this is the next thing, right? Like, I have this Instagram, I talk about stuff. I should talk about it on the podcast because, like, that's what you do. And it was 2019, so, like, I wasn't one of the first. First ones to have a pot, obviously, but it Wasn't as saturated as. As it is today. And it was like. I remember when I got asked about, it was like, yeah, well, my Instagram, like, this is my Instagram. Like, my podcast is like, you know, it's nice. And I'm like, and today, like, it. Not that it's shifted, but like, it feels like I love obviously sharing everything on Instagram and having our community there and chatting and. And over sharing and. But, like, my podcast is like my craft. Like, that's what it feels like to me. Like, it's just what I think about it all day. Like, whether it's going through guest pitches and seeing who's right for the show or pitching out to guests or thinking about it and timing it and preparing for it and just everything. Like, it becomes a little bit obsessive as everyone who you a passion for what they do. Like, obviously you have to like Kalma, but it's just so crazy. Just. Just that. That came up for me. The 2019 intro script of the Skinny, my producer Christiana leaving. That made me really emotional because that's how important the podcast is to me. And, you know, aside from her working on the show in terms of editing and everything like that, she also just receives so many text messages from me all day. Like, should I do this? Should I do that? What do you think about this guest? What do you think about this guest? Should we take this out? Should we include this? Should we change the intro? Should we do a new trailer? Should we, like, just bouncing off ideas all the time and just. It's so fun to get to work with people that, like, care about what they do and just, you know, I told her one of the things I told her, like, before we hung out. I was like, just so you know, like, your messages are pinned in my imessage. That's how important you've been. And she was like, oh, my God. And I feel like that's such a big thing. But that's how I sort of was like, oh, my God, am I Craig? Like, if you're watching Southern Charm. And he's like, work is my life. Like, work is everything that I care about. Like, I did look at that negative when he said that, like, okay, all you care about is your work. But to me, it's like, it. It's not like set. My life doesn't divide into separate sections. It's not like, work one, family two, this, three. It's like, it all is kind of intertwined and interwebbed, and I love it that way. You know what I Mean, so it's not like this is only work and I don't answer after, you know. No, like work is pinned. Because it's, it's not, it's almost like not work to me. I know that will sound like a lie, but it's, it's not work to me. You know what I mean? It's just not.
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I love it.
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I love it. I love you. Why was it emotional? Am I pregnant? No, I can't be. I didn't get my period yet. I didn't get my period yet. Now you all know. Now you all know. The body is just so crazy because with. No, I was breastfeeding around the clock. Got my period after two months. Okay. I was like, great, Amanda. That's so you. You get your period all the time. I'm like that girl with her period. That's what I feel like. And then with Lenny, it's like he's eight months. I'm combo feeding what they call it and I didn't get my period yet. It's like, it kind of does make sense because I have told you guys that I feel like my body did get kind of more. There were more changes after Lenny than after Noah. Could be with age. It could just be that every, like my age, I mean, that I'm older. It could be that just every pregnancy is different. I know, sounds cray cray, but it's true. Wild fact. Every pregnancy is different. I'm also going through kindergarten, like applications for Noah. Like, am I okay? Like what? Also, obviously I'm late to it because who could have thunk that by January you, like, need to have a decision, know where you're going, know what you're doing. So very like me. I started with one way, ended up flipping last minute to a completely different way. And it's just like there's so much pressure on you as a parent to like decide for your kid where they're going to go, what they're going to do. But I also try to alleviate some of that stress and say, like, I literally moved countries, moved school, schools was all over the place. And I'm fine. You know, when those people say, and I'm fine, they're not fine, but like, I actually am fine. Like, I went first of all, I went to like public schools my whole life and I bounced around my parents, you know, got divorced in the middle of it. I went to Israel. I came back, like all over the place. And I'm fine. Nobody really am. So I think it's just important to keep that in context, when you are so crazy about like, what school your kid is going to go to, just remember that, like they'll be fine, like wherever they go. You know what I mean? It's more about like us, like we're looking for like what we love. We're like, this is great for me, but no, obviously you want to see your kid thrive, but I just want to take the pressure off because I know that wherever your kid ends up going, it'll be fine. And of course, like, there's so many options nowadays and things you can do and. Anyway, Spencer just came up on my feed. Spencer. Spencer. I mean, listen, like, this also needs to be studied. I love how everyone's just really coming around and, and being part of this like, campaign to get Heidi's songs to the top of the charts and, and just support this family after this loss. And listen, gotta give it to Spencer for doing everything in his power to have his wife succeed. And it's so sweet. The only thing that I have that might be a hot take and my Spencer might murder me is like, Spencer is a star. You know what I mean? Like, he needs to be doing something. You know what I mean? Like, I love that he's like a. A hus. Husbandager. A hubbager. A husband. But like, what are you doing? Sensor, we need you. We need you out there. Like, he's has so much like star quality and has so much presence and charisma. Like he needs to be doing something like Heidi's singing. Okay, what are you doing? Because you, you are so interesting. You're so interesting to look at. February, we're in Feb. Oh my God. We're in Feb. Oh my God. Take a breath. We're in fab. So much exciting stuff going on for February in terms of television, I might be missing a few. But what I'm personally excited about. White Lot 3, the running point with Kate Hudson, Summer House. Oh my G's Louise Pregnant, Lindsay in there and Alec and hilarious show do you die? Do you die? So exciting month. Speaking of shows, one of my favorite shows recently. You know, recently I watched the season finale and I'm just obsessed with the show. I feel like I. It's one of the shows that I was most vocal about convincing you all that you need drop everything you're doing and watching it. And you guys know, like some of those shows for me, one of them is shrinking. Boop. If you know, you know, I had the pleasure of having on Bill Lawrence and Krista Miller. I, I think a couple years ago A year ago. A couple years ago. Obsessed creator of the show and his wife, who plays Liz, just the best. And I've been wanting to have on Jessica Williams, who plays Gabby. I just think she's so phenomenal in everything she does, but especially as Gabby. Just, like, watching her as Gabby. Like, I want to be best friends with Gabby. I, like, give me all the Gabby. Just Gabby puts me in a good mood. And I have to say that Jessica Williams puts me in a good mood too. So Jessica Williams is on the show today. I'm super excited. We talk all about shrinking, how she actually had one of the first pods ever. Okay. Unlike me, she started, like, way before everybody else, and she's just the best. And her energy is just so, so damn cool. Not surprising there. So enjoy my conversation with the lovely Jessica Williams.
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Oh, my God. It's happening. It's happening. Let me know. Oh, my God. This is my first time. It was crazy. I think it was because of the. The rain.
B
Oh.
A
I was, like, a little thrown off. So then I decided to lie, which is weird.
B
Oh, you want to make my podcast? Like, nice. Okay.
A
No, no. I'm just gonna move it. I don't want to just hear people talk about plastic. I just want them to talk about the interview. It's fine. I want to hear from them.
B
I had.
A
Oh, can you move. Can you, like, move it just a little bit? I can see it in a frame. This plastic that I put down.
B
Give it to me. I'll get it out.
A
Sorry, boo. Oh, my God. She has plastic. Like, I don't want to hear it. I don't want to fudgeing hear it.
B
First of all, it's very gabby of you.
A
Thank you.
B
The plastic thing.
A
But I've had guests.
B
Yeah. That they were like. I don't drink out of plastic.
A
Oh, yeah. I mean, I don't think you're supposed to. I think it's, like, micro anymore. I'm like, I have to research it.
B
Do you realize that? Like, are we recording?
A
Are we on?
B
Yeah.
A
Okay.
B
Can you tell?
A
No.
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Seamless.
A
Dude, you're so good. I'm scared of. I'm scared of you now. That was, like, too smooth.
B
As babies, we drank out of hot bottles.
A
Yeah. I don't think we're supposed to do that. I'm sure there's, like, we're dead. That can afford it. That are drinking out of. They're like, doing glass back in the diz. Yeah.
B
There weren't glass bottles.
A
I know, but maybe there was, though. You think maybe they're like really heavy glass bottles and breasts.
B
The glass bottles are heavy though.
A
Yeah, but I feel like there's like a really nice like, woo woo mom store that has like glass.
B
Back in the day, you mean?
A
No, now.
B
No, now they're glass bottles, babe.
A
So you have to preheat the milk, I would imagine. Do you have kids?
B
I do. I have two.
A
Cool. I have none. I have none. But I did do. I don't know, I did ivf, like for the first time in the last two months.
B
Not egg retrieval, the eggs freezing.
A
Just egg freezing. Oh, I did, I did the con. I mean, I was at an IVF place. It wasn't ivf, but it is. It's like a form of.
B
Yeah. Oh, I don't know about that. Wait, egg freezing? You have to do IVF to get.
A
No egg freezing. Like, you just go to the IVF place. So now we're getting into semantics. Now we're getting a semantic. But I did have to go to an IVF place.
B
Okay, but that's not freezing eggs twice, I guess.
A
But it feels bad. You do a lot of the same things.
B
Oh, yeah, you do.
A
Like, it's like, it's like, it's a.
B
Big part of it. It's a big. It's a lot. It's very to do.
A
Yeah, there's probably like women that have egg freeze, their egg freezing down. They're like, wait a minute, we're not going not call it IVF because we going to call it something. We go call it something.
B
No, but, but it is. People don't understand. It's that, first of all, people post on Instagram, like their egg freezing journey and stuff and it looks like, oh, I'm going. But it's a big thing. Like the.
A
No, dude, it's a lot. I mean, like, it's a lot. You're. You're doing a bunch of shots at the same time every day. It's, you know, a lot of hormones. This shit's expensive. It's not guaranteed that it's even going to work and you're still spending all your money on it. But.
B
But it worked. Like you got the things. The first maybe.
A
I mean, then it's maybe like I got. I did it twice. I did back to back rounds and like got eggs. Wow. Because I have something called endometriosis, which is.
B
Oh, I know about that.
A
Periods. And I'm 35, which I've been putting off freezing my eggs for a while. But when you're 35, like your IVF doctor is like your, your Eggs are dying.
B
Like you do it now.
A
Like. Yeah, yeah. They're like, you need to like this is, it's going to be like bad from here.
B
And then basically the plan is for people that do egg freezing for either to at some point make the take the egg.
A
Then you can make like an embryo. Yeah.
B
And then you make the embryo.
A
Yeah.
B
And then you can impregnate yourself.
A
Or somebody else.
B
Yeah, or somebody else.
A
That's right. And they can just carry it like for you, which is also just. Science is amazing.
B
I know.
A
It's crazy.
B
Do you picture like, would you. What appeals to you more?
A
Shit, I don't know. I just was like, oh, I guess I need to go stare off a mountaintop and think about this thing. I hadn't thought about. I want to keep working.
B
Just had to do. Yeah, yeah.
A
So to put my head down and do it. Cuz I just want to keep working. But I'm a Leo, like so I like change my mind a lot. I never know what I'm going to think. So I just wanted to like be safe for sure. Like.
B
So did you not work when you were doing that?
A
A lot of women do. They have to. I, I shrinking. We wrapped in June and we start next month filming again. So I had a break, which was really nice.
B
I love shrinking so much.
A
Thank you so much. Thank you. I, I appreciate it.
B
Do you know. Well, I'm gonna tell you something.
A
No, I don't know, but I want to know it.
B
Okay. I kind of inspired Boop.
A
Well, you. How do you. How, how, how?
B
So it sounds like I'm lying, so I. Yeah, okay. Weirdly, yeah. Very off target Brandon audience. Bill Lawrence follows me. So weird. Right?
A
Does he really? Has he been on here?
B
He has been.
A
He has been on here, yeah. Oh, that's because.
B
No, from before. That's how he came on.
A
I love it. I wonder if him and Krista listen to you all the time.
B
I don't have. They came on together.
A
Oh, cute.
B
He follows me and I say boop a lot.
A
Yeah.
B
And that's how Boop.
A
Did he tell you that?
B
He told me that.
A
That's cute.
B
I hope he's not lying.
A
Yeah, he is a writer.
B
He does make sure he does tell stories.
A
Okay, I didn't know that. Well, it's so nice to meet the, the originator of like pushing your husband off the cliff. I'm like, so nice to meet you.
B
And you were supposed to come on when you did Roadhouse with Lucas.
A
Oh, I didn't come see you.
B
And he Ended up coming on without you.
A
That's right.
B
But he's obsessed with you. I know.
A
I love him so bad.
B
And I told him that you were coming on and he was like, oh, my God. Tell her. Tell her. I'm like, okay, what should I tell her? He was like, tell her I'm obsessed with her. Tell her if she remembers that time at south by Southwest where we couldn't stop laughing.
A
Yeah, he's a lunatic. That's like, I don't know if anybody's ever gonna see this interview. But he was like, I don't know, he was just on one. Like, I don't know how to describe it. He was being so silly and he was saying the craziest shit and you. And he was just making me laugh and like. But we were. You know, it's like a day where you're just doing back to back, back to back inter. And it's got probably like 100 views or something, but it's a very, very dope.
B
Oh, it's out there.
A
Yeah, it's somewhere. But he was like, just being so crazy.
B
But I love him, like, and he said that the. He was like, that they were getting mad, like, whoever that outlet was.
A
Were they. I don't remember. I feel like he's embellishing, I think. I don't think they knew. It was like a weird situation, but I feel like, you know, I feel like he's like adding like, well, a little bit.
B
Well, I love that friendship and I love the movie. But when you came in here, because we have to tell the people, you were like, it's my first podcast ever. What is it, dude?
A
I don't know why I did that. I don't know. I'm in a weird mood, I think.
B
What's the mood?
A
It's really rainy out. It's really rainy right now.
B
It's throwing you off.
A
I then slept, you know, at the hotel, got here, you know, this, this afternoon and was like, I've never done a podcast before. And I've done lots of podcasts before.
B
You're the og. You had a podcast before people had podcasts?
A
I guess I did.
B
You did.
A
It didn't feel like that at the time because there was always like, Marc Maron's podcast, you know, that feels like og. That's like, og.
B
Yeah.
A
But yeah, I had one for about five years. Why'd you start right now do acting like it's hard to do podcasts and like. Yeah, because it's a full time job, like, you know, now podcasting. Is like, you have to really. There's so many now. You have to really, like, work on it and produce it.
B
Right.
A
But. And then also it's like when you're a Daily show correspondent, it's hard not to be seen as a correspondent. Like, it's like you'll get offered a lot of jobs to host or like comments on the red carpet or like, do stuff like that when you're like talking and it was like, okay, but I want to be an actor.
B
Like, so you knew that I was interested to know. So you knew because you were on the Daily Show.
A
Yeah.
B
Straight out of college.
A
Yeah.
B
So then you're saying you did get offered hosting gigs, red carpet gigs, and why you turned them down?
A
Yeah, well, I would do some. It's nice money doing that. But then I wanted to be an actor. Like, I didn't want to comment on Jessica Chastain's dress. I wanted to like, wear like a nice dress.
B
So you knew you wanted to be an actor even going into the Daily Shows?
A
I was always an actor. Yeah.
B
Oh, okay.
A
I was an actor, but I did more comedy and I did improv and all, like the comedy and in a performing arts high school. And I grew up in la, so, like, there's the performing arts. If you do that, it's like, it's like the whole thing.
B
It's the whole thing, yeah. And you went to college for a few years?
A
I went to Cal State Long beach for a few years and I did Upris Citizens Brigade while I was doing college. So I did. Then I did college part time and then I got the Daily show during that time. And then I left college to move here to New York. So I did that for like eight years, I think, and then I lost.
B
Did you want to get the Daily Daily show gig or was it like.
A
I just wanted jobs.
B
So you, like, were sending out auditions?
A
Yeah, I was auditioning, doing bit things here and there and putting stuff up on stage. And I just wanted a job. And, you know, there's always like the Saturday Night Live of it all and there's always like the Daily Show. Those are like two separate things you can do where you're like a day player on something, really cutting your teeth. And I got the Daily show and so it was just kind of a no brainer. But I was 22 then, which was crazy.
B
That is on there.
A
Yeah, Yeah, I think I was there for five years, maybe 22 to 27, I think.
B
And you moved to New York like by yourself?
A
I did, yeah. I was really scary. It was really scary. Like, it was really. It was intense. Like, I'm a real, real LA girl. It's like here, they're like, as soon as you land, they're like, watch out. And you're like, oh, yeah, you're right. You're like, oh, damn. Like, it's crazy here. But I learned a lot. I learned a lot about myself. I can, like. I feel like I can take care of myself because I lived here for 10 years, so.
B
Oh, 10 years?
A
Yeah. Yeah.
B
Cuz you stayed?
A
Yeah. Yeah, just about.
B
Oh, wow.
A
Yeah.
B
So you have love for New York when you come here and it's gross and rainy.
A
I do, yeah. It's like, I like all the weather. I mean, actually, I don't. I hate the weather. Why am I doing that? This is like when Dakota Johnson was like, I like limes. And then she, like, was like, I don't know why I did that. I don't like limes.
B
You know that she said that she's allergic to limes.
A
Is it really?
B
I feel like that's another lie.
A
That's too far.
B
No, that's.
A
Yeah, that's too far.
B
No, but she said that.
A
Yeah.
B
Now we can't believe her.
A
Yeah. No, I wouldn't.
B
So what did you just lie about?
A
I said I love the weather, but I don't like it that much. I hate it.
B
It's good, like, when it's hot all the time.
A
I do. Yeah. I don't mind being hot.
B
You don't like wearing that blazer and not sweating?
A
No, I could do without it. What if I just wore this and then just shorts and then just, like, you know, just walked outside and it was.
B
Speaking of your shorts, Like, I love Gabby's style so much.
A
Thank you.
B
Like, how did you guys, like, decide on that together? Like, how, like, the costume designer just knew that's who Gabby was.
A
Yeah. I think when I was hired for the show, they didn't really know who Gabby was. They were like, we want to tailor her to the actress that plays her. And they were like, you know, we want her to be someone that people, like, are like, ooh, where did she get that? That was like, the directive was, where did she get that? And so Alison Fanger, who is our, you know, costume designer for the show, like, we did a lot of fittings, and we always do a lot of fittings for Gabby and, like, try and make things fit just right. But the key is, you know, our bodies are, like, so many different sizes and proportions. And for me, I'm Like a six foot tall curvy lady. But it's like, if you buy clothes big, bigger. If you spend the money to tailor it, you can always take it down. So for Gabby, we buy clothes, like, big, and then we just tailor it all.
B
Well, tailoring is not so fun for the normal.
A
I know. I just want to tell you guys that that's what people do show. So it doesn't seem like Gabby's just getting these. These off the rack.
B
And not only on the show, but celebs that we see in even like cool street wear, where you're like, how are those sweatpants falling exactly on her hip, but also big on her on the butt.
A
And like, like.
B
Yeah.
A
It's like weird. Sizes are like just suggestions. It's like a weird force.
B
But you do you have some. Like, like a lot of things that Gabby wears are like, okay. Like.
A
Yeah. I just never want people to think, like, when they're looking at my page or anything, that you can just like, go out and buy it if you, like, kind of can't. I want you to know that it.
B
Was like, created tailored. Like, those bike shorts were like the floral bike shorts.
A
Yeah, that's like the. Yeah, we like a bunch of different.
B
Do you ever take anything home?
A
Yeah, yeah, it's nice, you know, because clothes, like, they're meant to be worn, but a lot of times when you shoot something, I think they take it all and put it in a vault somewhere, which seems.
B
Or like, use it for some. Something else.
A
No, they just keep it in case they want to do reshoots or something. But, like, clothes should be worn so.
B
You take them off.
A
I do. I have too many clothes. Like, I have a. This. My guest bedroom is just like clothes that I've gotten, which is like, it's like too much. But if I find something that's my size, I'm six feet. Like, I want it.
B
It. It's hard for you to shop on it.
A
Hell yeah. If you're tall, dude, it's.
B
Yeah.
A
Ass out there. Really?
B
Yeah.
A
I got no love for the tall girl. So what do you.
B
Where do you find? Like. Well, they have like, the long option, right? Sometimes.
A
Yeah, sometimes.
B
And that works for you?
A
Yes.
B
You're 6ft 6 out. Yeah.
A
Yeah. Solid 6 today because of my heels. I'm like 6, 2, 6, 3. But yeah, like, sometimes. But a lot of times, no, I'm a size 11 shoe. So I've got like, you know what?
B
Is everyone in the show tall?
A
Yeah, yeah, everybody's tall.
B
Okay.
A
That's the Thing.
B
Nobody's short, so you don't look mega tall.
A
No, because like, I think they say it a lot. Like, I think they wrote it in. Like, I think Chris's character Liz calls me a tall, slutty coward.
B
I love your friendship with her.
A
Yeah.
B
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A
It was really cool. It was really quick. Like, it's one of those things like, you know, you audition. Like, most of acting is just people telling you no. That's like 95% of it. And then the other part is like acting. It's such a small part. Especially, like if you were at the place that I am and that I was in my career, you know, six foot tall, black lady looking for a job. More of a comedic bent. There's like not a lot of jobs. And so for that one, like, it was a really easy meeting. It was like an hour long. It was a zoom. It was with like Bill Lawrence, you know, Brett Goldstein, Jason Siegel, and Neil, our head writer. And, you know, it was just really easy.
B
That was the first meeting was with all them.
A
Yeah, yeah, it was a Real sausage fest. Yeah, a lovely one. A very, very kind one. But I remember talking to him for a long time, and I just really got along with them. There was no, like. Like, forced thing. Then I got off the call and was like, well, it felt really good to me. Like, you know, whatever happens, like, good luck, you know, with the project in my head, I was like, it was cool. And then the next day, I got an offer pretty quickly, which was really nice. So it was. It was really easy.
B
And the role, like, itself of Gabby, did it, like, spark interest in you for a certain reason? Were you like, oh, I just love.
A
That I got to. I just love that I got to, like, we got to work together to make up Gabby. Like, that felt really cool.
B
That is cool.
A
Cause sometimes people tell you, yeah. On a job, and then they want you to fit into this mold or they want to cap your performance. But Bill was very clear that, like, they wanted me to add as much as I wanted to the character. You know, of course, always in service of the story and in service of the writing, because we have great writers on the show, but, like, to really, like, you know, put myself into it. And that's like. Like, it's nice when people trust you enough to give you yes. And they're not giving you a bullshit yes, which is like, yes, but under these. Because you can give them the best performance ever, but they can still cut you out of it. They can, you know, not put the funny, weird stuff in there. Everyone has to be on the same page. So Gabby is the product of, like, good, great writing, great directing, you know, great editing, really nice people at the top being like.
B
And great acting.
A
Oh, thank you. But being like, oh, we want to make. We want to make the show sing. We want to have this actress.
B
So you improv. You improv doll.
A
Yeah, a lot.
B
That's so fun because that's, like, what.
A
You came up doing. Yeah, a lot of sketch, a lot of improv, and I like comedy, so they let me improvise a lot. Like, they're always like, you know, do the script. And I'm like, yeah, of course the script's great, and the. The show would be great if we just did the script. But, yeah, I always want people to feel like they're watching something that's, like, alive. Like, I want people to feel when they're looking at me that something's happening and that I'm there and they don't know what I'm gonna say. I feel like if people know what I'm gonna say, that's not quite what I want for Gabby. Cause she's very, like, alive.
B
Yeah.
A
And on the show, like, we're like a band. You know, everybody's playing their own instruments. Well, you know, when it's going well and everybody's your favorite character, hopefully. And so for her, I want you to feel like things are happening in real time and, like, there's, like, a vibrant. Like. Like, she's alive. She has an aliveness, if that makes sense.
B
She's so alive.
A
Oh, thank you. I love her, but podcasting really helped with that.
B
Like, yeah, yeah.
A
It's like trying to keep the same. You know, we were talking before, and I was just kind of lying for no reason, which was weird. I. Like, I think I need a nap, dude. I think I need a nap.
B
You need that 6:00 martini. Yeah.
A
And I was. But, like, I think, you know, we transition, like, seamlessly from talking to doing the podcast. That's the sweet spot. It's like, if you're like. You don't want it to be like, action. And you're like. And then.
B
Right.
A
We became. It's like. No. Like, you want to feel like. Like, the better I get, the more it just feels like I'm talking and we're, like, recording it. Like, you just kind of ignore the cameras.
B
That's so nice, probably to feel that way, because I can imagine. Like, you're like, okay, I have to stick to the script. Like, when can I improvise? Like, yeah, I always try.
A
Know, Like, I. You know, I memorize the script ahead of time, and then I try and know places that I can pull over. Like, I like to have alternative lines for different things. And I'm also not afraid to fail in that medium. Like, I'm afraid to fail in a lot of other things. Like, like. But when I'm acting, I'm. I'm not as afraid because, like, who cares? You know, Just don't use it. So it's like being willing to make an ass of myself is the thing.
B
And they're all obsessed with you. Oh, I mean, Jason. That's nice. Jason Siegel said you're his. Paul Rudd.
A
Yeah.
B
That's crazy.
A
That's crazy.
B
Harrison Ford. Did you see what Harrison Ford.
A
The Yoda. Yoda. The Yoda thing.
B
Yes.
A
Yeah, that's crazy, too. I don't know why he did that. It's really weird. He said it was so nice.
B
She's completely unrestrained in her imagination, her capacity to improvise. She gets where the jokes are, and she doesn't require a lot of talk about it with her. I think of Yoda. There's no talk. Only do.
A
Why would he do that? That's so nice. You know, it makes me blush. Like, black people. I mean, I can.
B
Yeah.
A
Why is he. He never wants to talk about Star Wars. Why did he bring up Yoda, like, on the Sunday, like, LA Times paper? Like, he didn't have to do that. So weird.
B
Wait, did you have to tell him that they were gonna call him?
A
No, they don't ask me that stuff. Like, my team does it. Could you imagine if I had to text him and be like, dude, they're gonna. He'll be like, what the.
B
Like, what if he's gonna be like.
A
Hey, I would never waste having his phone number for that.
B
Is he saved as Harrison Ford?
A
Yeah, for sure.
B
Just like that.
A
I don't know what I'm supposed to put in there. Like, Pookie. Like, would you. Do you put alternative names?
B
No, it would just feel weird.
A
It would confuse me also.
B
It would just feel weird.
A
It's like, Mr. Ford. That's too much.
B
But was working with him, like, what was the most insane? Because Bill Lawrence, like, created such amazing shows. I'm sure we've all seen them. Scrubs, et cetera, et cetera. Jason Seagull, like, such great people. Brett Goldstein, Ted Lasso.
A
Yeah.
B
Like, it's an exciting group.
A
Yeah, it's really special. Like, I can't believe all of it has come together. And, like, especially between the first season and second season, we had a writer's strike, and we had a long break. Cause we were supposed to go, like, as soon as the writer strike happened. So for people to finally see the second season and for people to love it as much as they do, like, it's really, like, tight.
B
And you're saying you're starting to film third?
A
Yeah, yeah. Next month we should start. Like, hopefully everything goes well.
B
Did you read this script?
A
Like, I know I'm, like, the last to know. I'm like, really just out here.
B
Like, wait, what do you mean the lot? Like, you get sentence.
A
Like, we're last on the line. Like, we are the ones that, at the end of the day, like, I know why we're so nuts. Like, we're nuts because we have. Like, everything feels out of our control. So when you hear actors are like, divas and pulling, like. Like, weird stunts, it's because they just feel bad. Like, we're the last in line. There's always someone hotter than you. Like, they're always, like, you know, we have to audition for stuff, and it feels bad. Like, you're fully replaceable, and you don't know if you're gonna be in the damn thing, you know? You don't know until you see it. You really can't tell people you're gonna be in something because sometimes you just ain't. Like, sometimes you're just not in it, you know what you mean?
B
You can.
A
You can. You get cut out of shit all the time. Like, have you been cut out of something? Yeah, everybody has. So you learn really early on, like, don't tell people you're on stuff until you watch it on tv. Like, stop. We don't know. And then. And then when stuff comes out and it's bad, like, people are just gonna tweet at you, like, they're not gonna find the producers.
B
Right.
A
They're gonna be like, hey, like, they're gonna find you wherever you are. And they're like, well, it seems like you.
B
Are you picky with stuff that you choose, though?
A
I am, yeah.
B
Is it because of that? Because of the tweeting?
A
Yeah, the tweeting, Dude. Everyone hurts my feelings. Every day is an exercise in how I can get through earth without people hurting my feelings.
B
But really, do you. How do you. Because it. Like you said, it's such a hard industry.
A
Yeah.
B
But you still, like, say no if things are shit.
A
I have to. Yeah. I feel really embarrassed if I. I don't want to, like, make people cringe. I want people to trust me when they watch something that I at least thought something, and it was good. That smart. I don't want to tell a story. Thank you. I don't want to tell stories about perfect characters. I don't know why people get mad when characters make choices they don't like. So you want to watch stories. Like, you want to watch stories about people that, like, like, aren't just out here doing some wild shit that you don't agree with. Like, you want to watch a character that's just going to do stuff that you agree with. That's weird. It's like, just live your life. Then, you know, it's. Stories are about, like, conflict, and it's about, you know, putting yourself in other, like, other people's shoes and watching stuff that you didn't think of but being taken on a journey, you know? I want to play women that are complicated and really interesting.
B
I love that Gabby gets more complicated this season, even. You know what I mean?
A
Give her some. Give her. Give her some stuff like that.
B
She was, like, dealing with Shit. And her mom. Mom and, like, her sister and that's good. And all this stuff. What about. Because, like, would you want her to end up with Jimmy? Like, why is no one shipping that on the show?
A
No.
B
Why is no one shipping it?
A
There's no, like, build up. Like, the Jimmy thing was just such a, like, smash of, you know, like, when you watch, like, Gabby with, like, Damien jr's character or, like, Jason and Colby Smulders, and you're, like, watching, like, romance happen and, like, percolate. Right. You can tell the story where that's happening, and you're like, oh, there's, like. There's, like. You're building warmth, you know, with Gabby and Jimmy, like, they, like, didn't build any. There's no warmth, you know, for a reason. It's like.
B
But maybe it's because I love them separately.
A
Yeah. Yeah.
B
Like, I'm like, oh, but. And she loves the daughter. Yeah.
A
You know, she's the God mom. But it's, like, also just, like, up a lot. Yeah. It's like, you know, a lot of times you would see two white people together. It's like, all right, I guess let's do those white people together. I guess. You know, let's see.
B
You know, so there's no world in which that ship and I don't know.
A
I'm not in charge, you know, I don't. You know. You know, I do. Anybody, like, ask if you have Bill on already? Like, could you imagine if I was just, like, talking about the plot? You know, how, like, bad that would be for me?
B
It's like, imagine, like, they actually write you in. It's getting together next season.
A
They're like, oh, we listen to the podcast. Like, Bill's like, yeah, like, that freaking.
B
Guy'S gonna be like, he's actually in love with. With Jimmy, and he's now with. Well, not. I don't know if everyone watched that episode, but seeing Robin all of a sudden, I know.
A
They're so great together.
B
That's so smart.
A
I know.
B
And that was so fun. I loved it.
A
They're gorge. But again, it's like, my only job is to show up and do my lines, like, every day. You know, actors, we don't. Again, like, it's so out of our control, you know? But we're the ones that. People are like, it should be this. You're like, yeah, okay. Like, all right, I need this. I need this money.
B
Well, you were nominated for an Emmy.
A
I was, yeah.
B
Which is huge.
A
Yeah.
B
And the show. Well, Jason and Harrison are Nominated for.
A
Golden Globes, Michael Urie got nominated for a Critics Choice Award this year.
B
I know the only thing that I. Because I'm like, I'm not a happy, half glass full. I'm like, half glass, empty kind of guy.
A
Yeah.
B
So I'm like. But the show wasn't nominated.
A
Show wasn't nominated. Yeah. I don't know. I feel like people are, like, catching on to shrinking. Like, it's still like, they are under the radar show, you know?
B
They are. And that's why I was, like, shook and then we were all kind of like. It's. It's. It's annoying. It's annoying that I wasn't nominated this year.
A
It's okay. It's not, you know, it's all like, it's good if you get nominated, but it's also just. Just. Nah, it doesn't matter. It's, like, so external. That praise is so external.
B
Yeah.
A
It you. It's, like, very easy to get caught in a trap, and I have to work on. I do therapy every week, you know, and I.
B
It's a trap.
A
Yeah. Yeah. For a long time. Really?
B
Yeah.
A
This freaking society.
B
Yeah.
A
It's crazy. Can we run around here?
B
No, but keeping up with it.
A
Not working on the mental health, but.
B
Keeping up with it is hard.
A
It is hard. Sometimes I don't feel like it. Like, last last week, I got on and I was like, oh, you're doing Zoom.
B
You're doing Zoom?
A
Yeah. After Covid. Yeah.
B
No one's going there.
A
Like, we ain't got. We ain't got to do this person. I mean, the craziest one is when they do Reiki, like, over a call. Have you ever done that? Or body work? It's nuts. It's. That's a different conversation.
B
Over Zoom.
A
Yeah. Yeah. Over the phone.
B
Wait, is that not, like, stuff on your body?
A
It is.
B
So who's doing it?
A
It's the lady on the phone. I. Well, now I want you to do it because I want to see, like, what it feels. Yeah. You can feel it. I can feel it. Yeah. It's weird.
B
Well, I would probably do it over the phone more than not over the phone.
A
I know.
B
Like, I would do it. Not going more than I'd go.
A
I know. I mean, I'm easily suggestible, though. Like, I want to believe, like, yes. X Files. Like, I want to believe. Like, I want. Like, I want a fitness trend. Like, I want to do it. Like. Like, I want to do. I, like, want to do stuff. I want to go to, like, a new Experience. Like, I want to go to Disneyland. I want to go to, like. Wait, no, but, like, I always want to go. Like, I want to go to.
B
You're down to go.
A
Yeah, I want to go to a Guy Fieri restaurant. Like, I want to do everything. Like, I don't. I don't really discriminate.
B
Really.
A
Yeah.
B
But are you going to keep doing it as a question?
A
No, but I want to try it once. You know, if I like it. Okay, I'll do any. I'll do, like, nonsense.
B
But the therapy every week, so you show up to the zoom even when you're not in a meeting. My question is, even when you're not in the mood, I mean.
A
Oh, yeah, I got on and I was like, look, I forgot this was happening. I'll pay for it, but I don't feel like talking.
B
Stop.
A
And she was like, okay, well, how was your week? And I was like, oh, my God, I had the crazy. And I. Like, she had to tell me, this is our time at the end of it. So it's like. Even when I don't feel like it.
B
How rude when they say that. Like.
A
Yeah, she wraps up really nicely. She's not abrupt.
B
That's an art, by the way, the wrapping up, like mine used to do, because I don't go anywhere. She used to do, like, let's say I'd be like. And then my sister was so annoying, and she went. She'd be like, no. And listen, we'll talk about how she's very annoying. We have to go. But I'll just say that, like, nice. She'll. Yeah, she'll put it in and then she'll keep going. Yeah, keep going for a second.
A
Yeah, she's patted it.
B
Did you get any inspo from her for Gabby? No, no.
A
I just know therapy because I. I, again, I've been doing it. But also, like, a lot of the jobs that I get, I get cast as teachers a lot. Like, it's weird. Weird. I always play a teacher. Like, people want me to give them advice. So I. I just.
B
In Roadhouse, you were like, the manager.
A
Yeah, I'm, like, in charge, you know, I'm like, I gotta. I gotta handle it. Like, I guess. But meanwhile, like, I need a nap, I think.
B
Is that crazy? Well, you do have this, like, this vibe.
A
What is it like?
B
Like, you're not an idiot, you know?
A
Oh, that's nice.
B
Yeah.
A
Oh, thank God.
B
Yeah.
A
I would hope.
B
Yeah, you have that vibe. Like, you know. You know, what's up, you know?
A
I hope so.
B
Yeah. Yeah, Yeah.
A
I just want to, like, I don't, I don't, like, I don't want. I don't want, like, smoke. And then I think when you get in your 30s, like, it's just the wisdom of getting older, you know, you just get. You're. You're tired more for a reason, so you have to like, trim the fat of like. Nonsense.
B
Do you like being in your 30s? I do, yeah. Tight, right?
A
In your 30s?
B
I. Okay. I don't know, were you thinking 40s or 20s?
A
I was thinking 30s.
B
Okay. Yeah, I'm in my 30s. I'm older than you.
A
Yeah. Okay. In what way? Like how much older?
B
Like in one year away.
A
One year. Way to 40. No, 36.
B
You're 35.
A
I'm 35.
B
I'm 36.
A
Oh, great. Yeah, you seem perfectly 36.
B
Okay. I don't. Okay. I'd like 23.
A
Why?
B
Just love. Just love, dude.
A
No way.
B
That's true. I might be hotter.
A
Okay.
B
It might be hotter.
A
When's the last time you Talked to a 20? You are way hotter now. Are you kidding me? When's the last time you Talked to a 23 year old? They're stressed. They're stressed. Like, they are stressed. Like, the one 23 year old I talk to all the time is Lita Maxwell, who plays Alice. And she lives by me and she's my, my baby woman. Like, she's your baby. She's my baby woman. Like, she lives by me. I see her. She's always down to come outside. She has the energy to come outside.
B
Come outside. She like goes outside shrinking. What do you mean come outside?
A
Like if we're in the neighborhood, if I'm out, I'm always out in my neighborhood. I'm like, girl, pull up. I'm having like, you know, you know, I'm having a martini. Come pull up. Like she's a last minute pull up. Yeah. It's my favorite kind of person as a pull up.
B
Right. Okay, so she's 23 in strength.
A
Yeah, she's like, you know, she's also. They're all, they're all like, who am I? Like, I'm 23. Which they should be. That's the beauty of being 23. But like, dude, being in your 30s is so tight.
B
Yeah, it is.
A
It's sick.
B
Like, you know who you are more. Yeah.
A
You're like, not gonna hang out with anybody you don't like at all, really. Hopefully you're done with that, you know?
B
Yeah, you.
A
No, nonsense. You, you do. Hopefully you get paid A little more at your job. A little more. I mean, we're millennials, so, you know, there's not a lot of jobs and it's hard buying a house, but hopefully in your career, you kind of have more of a sense of what you will and will not do because you already did all the bullshit of, like, you know, in your 20s.
B
So you're giving her Lukita. Are you giving her advice?
A
I try to, but, you know, wisdom is like, you get advice from everybody. Really? Like, really? Like, I learned so much.
B
Like, I'm picturing you on the bench with her, like Harrison Ford.
A
No.
B
Okay.
A
I'm just. You said come outside. I'm more auntie vibes. Like, you know, I'm like, full time auntie. Like, no.
B
Are you an on for real, though? You have like, four for nieces and nephews? Yeah. Are you good on kids?
A
Probably not. My sister says probably I don't come over enough, but I think so. I'm like, I'll play fight with them. And they're funny to me. I talk to them like they're adults. You know, I give them gifts.
B
You know, talking to them like they're adults is the shit.
A
I know. It's like, we're gonna. You know, everybody's gonna. I know you need to. Yeah, I know you need to talk about, you know, paw Patrol. Like an adult. You're gonna tell me about Paw Patrol.
B
We'll be right back after the break. Okay. This is a PSA for anyone who rent. If you haven't heard of bilt, you're about to thank me. Earning points on rent can now be a reality for you. When you pay your rent through bilt, you don't even have to check with your landlord to start earning points that you can use towards flights, hotel stays, fitness classes, and even your next rent payment. So if you're a renter, I'd start taking advantage of Built if I were you. Because you can earn earn points on groceries, travel, practically everything you buy. BILT really changed the game, allowing renters to earn points. Because we're so used to earning points just when we fly, and then it's like, oh, we can earn points when we eat. Now you can earn points when you pay rent. So let me break it down for you. There's no cost to join BILT as a member. You're going to earn valuable points on rent and your everyday spending. Built points can be transferred to your favorite hotels and airlines and also ones that you haven't heard of. There are over 500 airlines and 700 hotels and properties around the world where you can redeem your Built points. Points can also be redeemed towards a future rent payment and unique experiences that only Built members can access. So if you're not earning points on rent, my question is why not start earning points on rent you're already paying by going to join built.com, not skinny. That's J O I N b I l t dot com, not skinny. Make sure to use my URL so that you know we sent ya. Join built.com not skinny to start earning points on your rent payments today. And we're back. And you and Krista, your friendship on the show, I love that it like went from frenemies to like.
A
Yeah. Seeing people be enemies is boring.
B
You as friends is just gold.
A
Yeah, it's nice.
B
And the vibes are all so fun.
A
Yeah, you kind of don't. I mean maybe you see that, that relationship more on tv, but you definitely don't see like Gabby and Paul a lot on tv. Like I don't know if Harrison's ever had that many scenes with like a millennial black lady before, you know, in his whole career.
B
And he's obviously obsessed. Do you feel that he loves you or were you shocked by the L A Times thing?
A
Both. I was only shocked by the Yoda thing. It was actually really weird that he, he, this guy literally talked about yoga like in his own free will. I Yoda.
B
That's you. Did you give him shit for it after?
A
No, I'm never going to talk about that.
B
But I know it was like a.
A
Big deal to me and then I just never read it again. But it's definitely in my head.
B
Yeah.
A
That he spoke about it. You know, I don't know if you ever seen him do an interview where people ask about Star Wars. He's like, he's, he get, he, he like can't. He like can't even.
B
Oh, so it's a really big deal.
A
Why would he want to talk about it? Why would he want to? It's like, it's like the thing that everyone asks him about every single day of his life.
B
I know he's over it.
A
Why would he ever want to talk about that?
B
He's over it.
A
I don't like when people ask me about what.
B
Oh my God. I want to ask you, tell me.
A
Being tall.
B
Who asks you about.
A
That's like everybody. Like, you know, okay, it gets boring.
B
But you brought it up like three times. I'm just thing I'm allowed to talk about it.
A
It's like saying the N word. Like, I can say it, but not everybody else can say it, so.
B
But you're saying people are like, high or tall. What's that?
A
Most times? Yeah. And it's like, I'll talk about it, but it's like, all right. I know, I know.
B
Do you love being tall now?
A
I do. I guess. Now, I guess.
B
I mean, I brought it up first. No, you did.
A
You know, it's fine.
B
But how okay for the tall thing, since we're on it.
A
Yeah.
B
Dating and stuff.
A
Yeah.
B
Do you care?
A
I do. A lot to me.
B
So, like, they need to be taller.
A
Six and over. I'm six and over, baby.
B
They can match you then.
A
Ye. I guess you don't loving it. You don't love it. I like my enemy, baby. Like, when I get in a chair, dude, when I get in a chair and, like, my feet are swinging, I'm like, I am so cute right now. I want my feet swinging, girl.
B
Like, there's a world in which you'd want to be short.
A
Yeah, it's cute.
B
Really?
A
More clothes.
B
Yeah, more clothes.
A
How tall are you?
B
I'm five four.
A
My God. How nice do you feel? Do you feel as boopy? Do you feel boopy?
B
I do feel booby sometimes. Yeah, I do. Like next door, like, when we take a pic, I'll feel probably cute.
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's nice. I'll be like, I feel, you know, when I. On my great days, which is most.
B
Days, but I also want to be tall.
A
That's nice. It's nice. I feel statuesque. Like, I feel like. And I didn't. I didn't understand poise in my. Like, when I was like a teenager and I was tall. Felt more like olive oil. Like, I felt like, you know, like. And then in my 20s, you're figuring it out. And then my 30s when I. Now when I see a tall woman and I'm sitting, I go, wow, she's tall. And she looks so, like, elegant. Like, it looks like, you know. And then I stand and I'm the same height as her, or she's only 5 11, and I'm 6. And I go, that's what it's like when you see me.
B
Oh, wow.
A
But I only know it. And I'm sure tall women do this, but I only know it. Cause I'm sitting down and I'll see a tall woman walk by. Or I go to basketball games a lot, and I go to Sparks games. And, like, what are Sparks? The Sparks are our LA women's team. And I like the liberty. I love the Liberty, too, which is the New York team. But when I go, I'll look and be like, oh, these are. I'll feel so cozy. Like, I'm like, oh, these are my people. So when I see tall women, they can talk to me about being tall.
B
Did they?
A
But it feels really cozy.
B
It's because you were tall. Were you ever inclined to play basketball because of it?
A
I tried, but it wasn't for me. Like, I didn't like the yelling. There's a lot of screaming in sports, actually. And I'm a really sensitive person. And so when there's, like, screaming.
B
Yell at each other.
A
Well, no, the audience is like, yeah.
B
No, Boom.
A
Like that. It's loud. It's really loud. And so for me, like, I'm so sensitive. Like, I can't drown that out. So I'm, like, more scared. Like, I remember trying it when I was in the second grade and just being like.
B
Cause you were already tall.
A
Well, just doing basketball, like, yeah. And I was already a bit taller than everybody in my age group, but, you know, second, third grade, you know, giving it a try. I just remember being so scared because I remember screaming.
B
That is overwhelming.
A
And I felt really bad.
B
But what if you're doing a comedy show? Go.
A
It's different. It's like they're laughing. They're, like, laughing, and I'm like, yeah, cool. That's like. I'm like. That's like, crack. I'm like, like, give it to me. Like, that's like. That's my high. Is like, people laughing.
B
Wait, so you're saying you were doing in second grade and you remember feeling what?
A
Scared? Like, I was, like, really scared of the yelling and the screaming. If I'm supposed to focus on all these people moving, like, that's like, a really amazing skill to have. Right. But with doing live shows, I'm in control. I feel like I'm in control. And then our podcast, our format was we would record them live, you know, in a. In a venue.
B
Oh, all of your podcasts were live?
A
Yeah, we would do it at.
B
Oh, so that's a huge production we.
A
Would do at the Bell House. And then our comedy specials we did at the King's Theater in Brooklyn. So that's like. That's like a big, insane house.
B
Yes.
A
But, yeah, it's like. But you do it. You know, you do it so much, people are like, I don't know how you podcast. You know, you just. Whatever your craft is, you know, you hone in on it.
B
No, but the fact that you have to do it it live with the whole production. Yeah, yeah. And an audience.
A
Yeah, yeah. We would shoot some of the headers and bumpers, like in studio. We did a wnyc, so we would shoot that in studio. But yeah, we would always do it live. Our guests were live. We would have our standups and stuff. Were live. We were talking and figuring it out live.
B
You know, it's like, was your co host bummed? When did, did you kind of leave because of acting?
A
No, I was very mutual. I don't think she. I think she was fine. Like, I think we're both doing like our own things. It's like a full time job. And that show is a full time job because it's live. It's not like a studio thing where you could just kind of patch in.
B
Right. Exactly.
A
Yeah. And we. And I think our last, last thing was in 2019, so, you know, the pandemic happened right after that. I don't know how that would have.
B
Gone, but it's so cool that you can say that. You were like a huge. You had a huge pod.
A
I guess I forget about it.
B
You forget about it too? Yeah. It's like a past life. Yeah.
A
Well, wait, it was Daily show too, like. Yeah, it was concurrent with the Daily show halfway through, and then after the Daily show for a little bit. And then, then I just started focusing. Then I took some time off for like a year. And then.
B
Do you pop in at the Daily Show? You did a pop in? I just started.
A
Yeah. And then John's gonna stay, so I'm, I'm. I plan on doing a lot of pop in. I never thought there'd be a world where I. Where I could be like an actor and do corresponding at the same time. But now that I'm on because, remember I told you, like, you know, kind of quitting that correspondence stuff so I could be taken seriously as an actor. But, you know, maybe there's a world where I'm acting and still playing Gabby and being a correspondent, you know, would be really cool.
B
I don't see why not. Yeah.
A
Especially now. It's like people can see the work.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, something you can turn on and be like, oh, okay, she's an actor. Oh, she's a correspondent. And then that's for me. And I just love working with John anyways.
B
And you love doing it. Did you stay in touch with him all these years?
A
Hell no. No. It's like Harrison Ford. It's like, you don't need to talk to Me, Me. I don't need to talk to. I don't need it. You know, I don't need it. I don't need anything.
B
Like, no check ins. Like, no.
A
Like, no, I don't need it. I'll see him on a Nick, I'll see you at a Knicks game. I'll see you, you know, watching it. But it's like, no, I have my friends. Like, I have friends that I talk to. I don't need to talk to either of them. I have my friends, they have their life. Like, they need to go do that. I feel like so many people want stuff from them, you know, it's like I don't want to be a part of anything.
B
Like, you love each other.
A
Of course. And. Yeah.
B
And coming back and doing this together is probably going to be a lot of fun.
A
Yeah, I love both of them. I saw, I hadn't seen Harrison in a long. I saw him last.
B
I love how you're, you're lumping them together. Harrison.
A
Yeah, they're just these guys that. No, really, they're just these guys that are like big stars, but they're kind of inaccessible to the general public. Like they don't do interviews a lot and they, they, they have lives and they have hobbies and they like keep to themselves. It's a certain kind of actor. It's not someone that's trying to like.
B
It's not celebby maybe.
A
Yeah, that's like trying to get papped or something. Like, I like actors like that. I want to be one day an actor like that. They try, like, like, you know, they try and have balance in their lives. And I feel really lucky to be able to work with actors like that. Really, that's like the dream, really. It's like, you know, a sweet spot, I feel like. So with those guys especially, I try and be very like, you know, cognizant of not trying to seem like I want something from them.
B
Yeah.
A
And that means not forcing a relationship and just loving them when I work with them. And I saw Harrison last week and I hadn't seen him in like five months. And when I saw him, he was wackadoo. Cause we were like, we were doing a panel and like for some reason sat me in between Ted McGinley and Harrison and both of them were just being wackady. Like they were like on one, both of them. And I had just missed him. It was so I got a little misty, especially since I had so much estrogen from this damn egg retrieval IVF stuff. And like I was like, oh, I really missed him a lot, and it was really nice. And so I turned, and I was like, I really missed you. And he was like, I missed you too, you know? And that was that. And that's, like, that was just enough, you know? I don't need anything from him. You know, you don't have to be.
B
Like, you are getting missy.
A
Yeah. Yeah. Stay out of my eyes. They weren't gonna see that from wherever they are.
B
Stay out of my eyes.
A
It's really. I'm a crier, though. I'm a crybaby.
B
Stop.
A
Yeah. That's why I don't be going outside that much. I don't try to. Everything hurts my feelings. Like, it's crazy.
B
Is that a Leo thing? Because you mentioned your Leo.
A
Really Get a little thing in their paw, like a little thorn in their paw, and they're like. Like, we're babies. Fire signs are babies. So, like, Leos, Sages, and, like, Aries.
B
We're like, what's your rising, Aries?
A
So I'm a Leo sun. Leo moon, Aries rising.
B
So it's all Fire, sun, Leo moon, Aries rising. I'm a Gemini sun.
A
Yeah.
B
I just found out my moon and rising.
A
What are they? These are critical. Ooh, cool. Sag, Sag, I'm a Sagittarius is crazy.
B
Because I just learned it.
A
Yeah. Okay.
B
I'm not in the world, Sag.
A
But to be, like, sad is, like, that's kind of like. That's a little, like, ignorant. Like, I want to know everything about. It's a little egg. Like, that's a little.
B
Okay. Sag.
A
Yeah. There you go.
B
And cancer.
A
Okay. You got a lot going on in there, huh?
B
So, Sag, are they the, like, Sages are nuts, dude.
A
My best friends to two of my best friends in the whole world are Sagittariuses, and it's a really good match with Leo's. Like, fire signs are great together.
B
Would you want to, like, romantically be with us, Sag?
A
Yeah. They're, like, good for that. Like, you Leos are good with Aries and Sages, I think. But, like, it's like, who? Like, who? What's your husband?
B
Taurus.
A
Okay. My dog's a Taurus.
B
He's kind of like a dog.
A
Is he?
B
Yeah.
A
In what way?
B
Like, loyal and patient. And I heard that Tauruses can go both ways depending on the date, but he's a match. Like, I would tell someone, like, if you're a Gemini, like, maybe me go with a Taurus like that, because it works. But if people have told me Taurus stories that are crazy, that's why you.
A
Don'T know Taurus too. Like, it's crazy that I brought on my dog first before my dad.
B
Yeah, no, yeah, it's crazy that you're talking about your dog's sign. Like, I've never heard someone do it.
A
I needed to. I needed to know. I need to know. And he is. He's very, like, laid back. Yeah, he's like, very laid back.
B
Oh, see, so Tauruses are laid back.
A
They are.
B
Okay, so it's a thing.
A
Tauruses.
B
Wait, so you grew up where in California?
A
I grew up in, like, outside of la. So it would be like, not Manhattan or Brooklyn. Like here would be like Staten island or something like. Or Jersey.
B
Oh, stop.
A
Yeah, the area is like 20 miles out of LA. That's where I grew up. It's the South Bay area. It's called south of the 10.
B
Wow. Yeah.
A
Yeah, it's great.
B
So you're California girl.
A
Yeah.
B
Wait, shrinking or shooting in Pasadena. For realsies.
A
Other end of the 110. So where I grew up is one the. The south end. Shrinking the other end. So, yeah.
B
Is cool. It seems cool.
A
Yeah, it's nice. It's not cool. It's like. It's nice, right?
B
It's nice.
A
It's not cool, though. Yeah, it's like, cooler areas are more like Highland Park.
B
Wait, so what's cool? Los Feliz, kind of.
A
I mean, I guess it's not cool anymore. It depends on what kind of cool you want. Right? Like, so there's like, cool, like, there's Williamsburg, I guess, which isn't that cool to me. Like, it's not cool. I mean, it was on the way of Williamsburg in that there's like, oh, Silver Lake, right? There's now like an Apple store or know where you're like, that's weird. Like, and I lived in Williamsburg a long time ago.
B
Oh, you did?
A
It wasn't like that. Yeah, but Williamsburg now is a completely different place. Silver Lake is now similar to that, I would say, but like, cool to me is like, like, I like malls. Like, I like malls. I like going to them. I like going to the movies at a mall. But I still want to go, like, you know, I want to see, like, people of color still. I mean, my people, like. And I still also want to, like, go to an art gallery, you know, I still want to do that. I want to be close to things, but I don't need to be in the middle mix. I Don't need to be in Silver Lake. I want to be able to drive this over. But I still like want to go to the Americana at Glendale. Like, I still want to go to the mall.
B
Still want to go.
A
Like, I want resources.
B
Like, you want to go to the mall shop?
A
Yeah, damn. No. And go to the movies. Like, and that's where you go to amc. You can get like laser, laser seats and stuff. Like I wanted. Like, I want to go see the fountains shoot up in the air. Like that's cool to me. Like, I want to have access to stuff, but I don't want to be in the, like, I want to be like off.
B
So New York isn't really for you because you're in the shed kind of everywhere you go kinda.
A
But there's parts like I like Brooklyn. Like I lived in Brooklyn for a while before I left left and there was like pockets of like I lived in Clinton Hill for a while. Clinton Hill's really different.
B
Oh yeah, yeah, you're right.
A
Like bed sty, like where you could still go to stuff and there's still great bars at that time and there's still people of color. But now it's really different. It's always changing.
B
It's just wild when I meet people that are like in the industry and they're actually from like la, you know what I mean? Because everyone kind of like moves. Moves there.
A
Yeah, that's why it makes me mad when people are like, I hate la. Like, it's like everyone's so fake and it's like. Yeah, because you're like going and dropping in West Hollywood, you weirdo. Like, that's not laughing. La. LA is big. It's really big. You know, I'd like. Where I grew up, it's like so many people are not in the industry. It's like very multicultural.
B
Like not everyone's trying to be an actor.
A
No, it's like laid back and cool. You go to the beach every day, you got bomb ass food. Like everyone's really laid back, you know, it's. It's like beach culture. It's like.
B
And where you live now, it's beach culture.
A
No, Eagle Rock's not by the water, but where I grew up, like the South Bay, it's like kind of like middle class, like working class by the water. Which is a really nice way to grow up.
B
That is a nice way to grow up.
A
Yeah. Yeah.
B
Did you always know that you wanted to do comedy?
A
Yeah, I knew when I was really young. Like my grandma was like my favorite person and she would. When she'd babysit me. She lived in the Valley. She watched, like, Saturday Night Live, and she'd watch MAD TV. She'd watch MAD TV. She'd Watch Adult Swim. I do remember Ms. Swan. Stewie, the big baby. What was it? Stewart wild.
B
Like, Ms. Juan, would that, like. That would not happen today.
A
No way, dude. No way. A lot of that MADtv stuff was.
B
Like, a canceled veggie.
A
I know. It's so funny. Like, context matters. Like, when you have, like, you know, it's up to. It's not up to me, you know, to say culturally what's okay. You know, I could only say what I saw.
B
Yeah.
A
And what I was watching. And I like all kinds of comedy, as long as it's not, like, punching down. So, yeah, Ms. Swan. Could not happen today. It's like, I don't think that that's a woman of that race doing that race, you know, that's, like, not good.
B
That's not good, you know, But I.
A
Watched everything, and my grandma watched everything, for better or for worse, and. And, like, you know, she just had a really good sense of humor, and she had, like, a really, like, kind of, like, bad. She wasn't like someone who grabbed her pearls. She was more like a Vegas, like, lived a hard life, like, drinking, swearing kind of lady. So she was, like, my favorite person. I thought she was really cool growing up, and so I knew I always wanted to do comedy, and I auditioned for, like, you know, high school, middle school comedy stuff, and I got it, and it just made sense to me.
B
And that's how you got, like, gigs.
A
No, I would get parts, like, in the. In musicals and in comedies, and we would go do drama festivals. And she would come with you? Yeah, she did in the beginning. She passed when I was in 10th grade, maybe, but, you know, I knew that was sort of always what I wanted. I knew my brain was really quick. It's really sensitive, and it's really quick. So I knew, like, that was kind of what I wanted to do, like, think on my feet. There's kind of a thrill of it. I mean, you do it, too. It's. It's like thinking on your feet when you do podcasts, and you really have to, like, focus on the other person and, like, be there with them for an hour, you know, And I like the thrill of that, you know, I like the thrill of maybe we're gonna fail, you know, maybe, you know, the joke's not gonna work. It's not gonna land, and there's something really Exciting about that to me.
B
So were you doing, like, clubs? Were you doing standup ever? No, I never did stand up.
A
I did something called comedy sports in high school and in college. And it's like, whose line it is? Is it. Anyway, it's like theater games. It's very dorky when I did it.
B
Were you dor, though?
A
Yeah, I'm very earnest. I'm a very earnest person. Like, I'm not like a cool person. I'm like, very sweet. I am. I'm very sweet. Like, I'm sure I seem like I'm. I'm like, kind of like always in charge, you know, in scenes. Because I'm like a very sweet person. It's like a defense mechanism. And from living in New York, it's like it changes you. I feel like. So I did that and. And then I did Upright Citizens, Citizens Brigade. Yeah, And I did that. And I did sketch there, there. And then I got the Daily show from there. And that's.
B
That was a trajectory.
A
Yeah. Yeah.
B
And now you're back. I mean, 10 years, right? 22, 35. You're about to be back.
A
Crazy. Yeah.
B
And the Way the World Turns. Yeah, I love that.
A
Thank you.
B
And I think you could do it all, by the way.
A
Appreciate it.
B
Okay. We talked about everything. I can't believe it.
A
I can, you know. You know I was podcasting.
B
No, but I want to know. Thank you.
A
You're welcome.
B
I want to know what else you want to do next. Could you see yourself, like, directing, now that you're saying even that you're like in charge in a scene and stuff? Could you see yourself, like, taking more of that role?
A
Definitely. One day I could see myself directing. Yeah. I think a lot of directing is about knowing how to speak to actors and having like a point of view and framing. I mean, yeah, one day I want to do that. I like being like a multi hyphenate and not locking myself into anything. But yeah, I mean, the main thing is I want to have a really nice, full life. Like, I want to work and. But I don't want to live to work, you know, I want, like to work to live my life like. Or, I don't know, is it reverse? I don't know. I need a nap.
B
Is it the same?
A
I don't know. Is it symbiotic? Dude, I don't know. But I think I want to have really good work. Life balance. That's like, really important.
B
You know what I think?
A
What?
B
That you're such an intentional person.
A
Oh, really? That's A really nice compliment.
B
Like, I feel like you have so many intentions. Like, you know what you're doing, you know what you want, you know how you want it. You know where, like, I feel. Feel like I'm kind of jowl. I'm kind of jowl.
A
What are you talking about? You have a really successful podcast.
B
No, but, like, stop right now.
A
This takes a lot of work.
B
No, but I want, like, the intention.
A
It feels. Can I just tell you something? I feel like you're, like, doing the thing where you're, like, doing. You're in it, and you don't realize it, but you're, like, in it. You're like. You're like. You have a very specific voice, and you have a really successful, great podcast.
B
Thank you so much. Doing it, you know, gonna get me misty.
A
Yeah. No, I'm not.
B
No.
A
Are you a crier?
B
I am.
A
Are you?
B
I am a nice. I am.
A
I like it. It's nice. Especially after the pandemic. The pandemic. It's like, why? Who cares?
B
But you're so cool.
A
Really.
B
Thank you so much. And I was telling your publicist, because she came in and I was like, oh, my God. Yeah, we did it through. Because so many times with the podcast. I don't know if you remember you had one, but, like, the way things happen, they happen differently.
A
Right.
B
Can come to you or. And this was like, me being like, I want Jessica Williams on my podcast. So we, like, reached out to your publicist and we made it happen.
A
Yeah. Thank you.
B
I appreciate it. So I'm so happy.
A
Thank you so much. That's really nice. I'm happy. I did it.
B
Thank you. Well, everybody, if you're not obsessed with drinking, you know it's my favorite show on tv, so go catch up now because season three is about to start filming, and you don't want to be late on that. So thanking. And thank you for your time.
A
I appreciate it.
B
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. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Podcast Summary: Not Skinny But Not Fat
Episode: JESSICA WILLIAMS: SHRINKING, HARRISON FORD & BEING A TALL GIRL
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Host: Amanda Hirsch
Guest: Jessica Williams
In this engaging episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat, host Amanda Hirsch welcomes actress Jessica Williams to discuss her role in the acclaimed TV show Shrinking, her experiences in Hollywood, personal life insights, and more. The conversation is candid, humorous, and offers listeners a deep dive into Jessica's journey both on and off the screen.
Amanda begins by reflecting on the evolution of her podcast, sharing emotional moments such as her producer Christiana's departure. She emphasizes the podcast's significance in her life, stating,
“…the podcast is my life. Okay? It’s just wild how.” ([02:30])
Amanda discusses her early days in podcasting, balancing it with her passion for sharing content on Instagram. She highlights the obsessive dedication required to produce quality content, which her former producer aptly described as “serious... but chill” ([04:15]).
Shifting to her personal life, Amanda opens up about her ongoing pregnancy with Lenny, her challenges with postpartum recovery, and the complexities of kindergarten applications for her son Noah. She offers relatable advice to parents feeling pressured about their children's educational paths, reassuring them that,
“… wherever your kid ends up going, it'll be fine.” ([06:20]).
Amanda also shares her experience with egg freezing, detailing the emotional and physical toll it takes.
“You're doing a bunch of shots at the same time every day... it's not guaranteed that it's even going to work.” ([12:00])
Amanda praises Spencer for his unwavering support of his wife Heidi’s musical endeavors, commending his dedication:
“You are so interesting to look at. February, we're in Feb. Oh my God. We're in Feb.” ([08:45]).
She also previews exciting television releases slated for February, including White Lotus 3, Summer House, and her favorite, Shrinking. She expresses particular enthusiasm for Jessica Williams’ portrayal of Gabby, highlighting Jessica's energy and the character’s positive impact.
The core of the episode focuses on Jessica Williams’ role as Gabby in Shrinking. Jessica describes landing the role as a smooth process, praising the supportive and collaborative environment created by the show's creators:
“… it felt really good to me.” ([27:14]).
She elaborates on the character development, emphasizing the freedom given to her to infuse life into Gabby through improvisation and personal input.
“I always want people to feel like they're watching something that's alive.” ([29:20]).
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the challenges Jessica faces as a tall woman in the fashion and acting industries. Jessica explains the meticulous process of tailoring costumes to fit her six-foot frame, ensuring that her wardrobe reflects her character accurately:
“… if you spend the money to tailor it, you can always take it down.” ([20:40]).
She shares her personal experiences with finding clothing that fits her stature, humorously lamenting the struggles:
“Ass out there. Really?” ([22:00]).
Jessica recounts her interactions with Hollywood legends like Harrison Ford, sharing amusing anecdotes and the surreal experience of being part of such illustrious circles. She mentions a memorable moment during a panel where Harrison Ford expressed his fondness for her character:
“I just missed you a lot, and he was like, I missed you too.” ([53:24]).
The conversation delves into the unpredictable nature of acting, with Jessica discussing the emotional challenges of auditions and the constant threat of rejection. She advises aspiring actors to maintain resilience and authenticity:
“...you learn really early on, like, don't tell people you're on stuff until you watch it on tv.” ([33:19]).
Jessica also touches on the importance of meaningful storytelling in her performances, striving to portray complex, relatable women rather than one-dimensional characters:
“I want to play women that are complicated and really interesting.” ([34:40]).
Looking ahead, Jessica expresses her ambition to venture into directing, aiming to combine her acting experience with a behind-the-scenes perspective. She emphasizes the importance of balancing a fulfilling career with personal well-being:
“I want to have a really nice, full life. Like, I want to work and... work to live my life.” ([62:09]).
The episode wraps up with heartfelt reflections on friendship, personal growth, and the continuous journey of balancing professional aspirations with personal life. Amanda and Jessica share moments of levity and warmth, reinforcing the podcast’s theme of feeling like conversing with best friends in a relaxed living room setting.
Notable Quotes:
Amanda on podcast dedication:
“The podcast is my life. Okay? It’s just wild how.” ([02:30])
Amanda on parenting pressure:
“... wherever your kid ends up going, it'll be fine.” ([06:20])
Jessica on character improvisation:
“I always want people to feel like they're watching something that's alive.” ([29:20])
Jessica on tailoring costumes:
“If you spend the money to tailor it, you can always take it down.” ([20:40])
Jessica on industry resilience:
“Don't tell people you're on stuff until you watch it on tv.” ([33:19])
This episode offers a comprehensive look into Jessica Williams’ professional endeavors and personal experiences, intertwined with Amanda Hirsch’s candid insights. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on the multifaceted nature of life in Hollywood, the dedication behind podcasting, and the importance of authenticity in both personal and professional realms.