Podcast Summary: Not Skinny But Not Fat – Kyle MacLachlan: The Internet's Dad

Host: Amanda Hirsch
Guest: Kyle MacLachlan
Original Release: November 25, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features beloved actor Kyle MacLachlan, affectionately dubbed "The Internet's Dad," in a lively and candid conversation with Amanda Hirsch. The two discuss Kyle’s recent virality on TikTok, his podcast What Are We Even Doing?, generational differences, memorable roles in Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives, family life, and Gen Z slang. Through stories and anecdotes, Kyle shares insights about his career, adapting to new media trends, and the genuine curiosity that drives his ongoing work.

1. Kyle MacLachlan’s Internet Fame & Social Media Journey

• Embracing Social Media (02:47–05:08):

  • Amanda highlights Kyle’s unexpected TikTok stardom and asks if he saw this digital evolution coming.
  • Kyle: "I'm letting the freak flag fly a little bit and I'm getting more comfortable with the idea. I'm basically a silly person at heart." (03:12)
  • Credits his creative team for helping develop ideas and trends but emphasizes his natural inclination toward playfulness and Monty Python-esque humor.

• Creative Decision to Go Online (03:45–05:08):

  • Social engagement began with early Twitter due to its creative constraints.
  • Podcast promo work, particularly for Varnum Town, kicked off more inventive and shareable content.
  • Kyle praises his collaborators, Nora and Ben, for their creative input.

2. Podcasting with Gen Z and His Curiosity About Younger Generations

• About the Podcast (What Are We Even Doing?) (05:48–07:25):

  • Focuses on conversations with Gen Z and young millennials from diverse creative disciplines.
  • Kyle: “I do a deep dive into their creative process...I learn every time.” (06:19)
  • Inspired by his own son’s generation and a desire to remain engaged and understanding.

• Parenting and Modern Generations (07:25–09:44):

  • Kyle’s teenage son is supportive and even participates in content.
  • Shares that his son is passionate about sewing, creating clothing for himself and his friends, and may pursue creative or entrepreneurial paths.

3. Generational Shifts & Misconceptions

• Work Ethic & Social Change (09:44–12:12):

  • Counters the misconception that Gen Z are “slackers.” Highlights their adaptability and comfort with chaos.
  • Gen Z guests include Kaia Gerber, Caleb Herron, Benny Skinner, and Noah Beck, all displaying strong work ethics and multifaceted ambitions.
  • Kyle: "Having an internet presence... to do social and really do it and present yourself consistently, authentically... it takes a lot of work." (11:23)

• Instant vs. Sustained Success (12:12–13:52):

  • Discusses the perception that younger generations attain fame more quickly but notes that the challenge is sustaining and managing one’s public persona.

• Kyle’s Dream Podcast Guest (14:05–14:48):

  • Hopes to have Timothée Chalamet on the show to discuss their shared role as Paul Atreides in Dune.

4. Revisiting Iconic Roles and On-Set Stories

• Sex and the City (15:21–30:44):

  • Reminisces about working with Kristin Davis (Charlotte York), recounting humorous and personal moments from filming, table reads, and fan-favorite episodes.
  • Quote: “I was on the tennis court at night playing tennis... in my boxer shorts and my tennis shoes... they had this baby oil, and they're like, rubbing it all over my chest. I said, I think this is a little excessive. And they were like, oh, no, it's not.” – Kyle (15:34)
  • Addresses the “cardboard baby” storyline and eventual character exit.
  • Explores differences between 90s TV production and modern transparency around filming intimate scenes.

• Desperate Housewives (31:02–33:17):

  • Describes the transition from Sex and the City to Desperate Housewives.
  • Stayed on for six seasons—originally only planned for one.
  • Managed family life by balancing work in LA and home in New York.

• Behind the Scenes & Industry Changes (33:18–36:32):

  • Kyle notes privacy and media were quite different pre-social media.
  • Compares how productions like Fallout maintain secrecy today.
  • Celebrates colleague Walton Goggins’ recent acclaim in White Lotus:
    Kyle: "The work is the work, but to have it watched and recognized and people saying, hey, great work... that's really a lovely feeling." (36:01)

5. Personal Life and Reflections

• Marriage & Family (37:21–40:59):

  • Married 23 years; met his wife at a chiropractor’s office and reconnected at a Hollywood party.
  • Kyle: "It's so easy. I married the most amazing person in the world... I listen to her, what she says, her ideas... She's always right, honestly." (37:34, 40:56)
  • Wife is a highly accomplished businesswoman and producer, involved in the creation of his earlier podcast.

• Wine Business (49:00–51:48):

  • Started Washington-based label “Pursued by Bear,” referencing a Shakespeare stage direction from The Winter’s Tale.
  • Discusses preferences for red and dry white wines, sommelier etiquette, and the evolving Washington wine scene.

6. From Theater Kid to Screen Star

• Path to Acting (52:28–55:19):

  • Encouraged by his mother’s involvement in community theater.
  • Initially resisted acting career due to uncertainty about its viability.
  • Landed his first role in Dune shortly after college through a David Lynch connection.
  • Kyle: “I wasn't out of school a year... and I got the job.” (54:57)

• Thoughts on Contemporary Dune Films:

  • Enjoyed seeing the remake; found it nostalgic and meaningful as an original cast alum.

7. Gen Z Slang Challenge & Generational Fun

• Testing Kyle’s Knowledge (58:38–62:38):
  • Amanda quizzes Kyle on current Gen Z slang (“glazing,” “goaded,” “chopped,” “aura farming,” and more).
  • Kyle admits: “Everything that I know and expressions and things that I've heard are probably already done. And they moved on to a whole new thing.” (60:36)
  • Playfully admits to adapting style choices like no more ankle socks at the behest of his young team.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Generational Curiosity:
  • “I'm more curious, I think, than my parents were about my generation. And I said, I'm not going to do that. I'm definitely going to look back and see what is happening.” (06:47)
• On Changing Media:
  • “You really have to be true to yourself, I think.” (13:52)
• On His Wife’s Influence:
  • “She's got a great take on things... and usually she's—well, not usually, she's always right.” (40:56)
• On Parenting and Empty Nesting:
  • “Very mixed on it... he is such a joy. His presence in the house and in our life brings so much joy... he just won’t be present as much all the time.” (57:59)
• On Embracing New Trends:
  • “My team said, no more ankle socks... and I took it to heart and now I wear socks.” (62:08)

Key Timestamps

• [02:47] Kyle discusses his viral TikTok presence and creative process.
• [05:48] Launching What Are We Even Doing? and interviewing Gen Z.
• [09:44] Debunking myths about Gen Z’s work ethic.
• [15:21] Stories from Sex and the City.
• [31:02] Transition to Desperate Housewives.
• [37:21] Reflections on marriage and family life.
• [49:00] Kyle’s wine label, Pursued by Bear.
• [52:28] Early years and accidental start in acting.
• [58:38] Gen Z slang challenge.

Tone & Atmosphere

Warm, humorous, and open. The episode balances nostalgia with curiosity, blending industry stories with personal anecdotes and down-to-earth observations. Kyle is genial and witty; Amanda keeps the mood lively and relatable.

For New Listeners

This episode is not just for fans of Kyle MacLachlan’s acting—it's also a charming look at modern celebrity, evolving media, and bridging generational gaps with humor, humility, and willingness to learn new things (even if socks are involved).