Office Ladies: An Interview with Leanne Morgan
Hosted by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Introduction
In this special episode of Office Ladies, hosts Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey welcome comedian Leanne Morgan to the podcast. Known for her New York Times bestselling book and her engaging stand-up performances, Leanne shares her journey into comedy, her recent successes, and insights into her upcoming Netflix series.
Meet Leanne Morgan
Jenna and Angela kick off the episode by introducing Leanne Morgan, highlighting her accomplishments and her burgeoning presence in the comedy scene.
Jenna Fischer [02:42]: "Yes, we love her. It is comedian Leanne Morgan."
They mention her Netflix stand-up special, Leanne Morgan: I'm Every Woman, and tease her new television comedy show, Leigh Ann, premiering on July 31st.
Angela Kinsey [02:56]: "Or you might have seen her live because she has been touring the standup circuit for years."
Leanne’s Comedy Journey
Leanne delves into her 25-year career in stand-up comedy, recounting her humble beginnings and the perseverance required to succeed in the industry.
Leanne Morgan [10:38]: "I've been doing stand up now for 25 years. I got started when my baby was 18 months old."
She shares personal anecdotes, such as her first paid gig at a Rotary Club event in Tennessee and her passion for storytelling inherited from her family.
Leanne Morgan [12:19]: "I remember thinking, I'm going to Hollywood. And then so I went through life, you know, but scared."
Challenges and Breakthroughs
Leanne discusses the ups and downs of her career, including the impact of the writer's strike on her first development deal and the resilience needed to keep performing despite setbacks.
Leanne Morgan [19:07]: "I had a call come in from Mike Clements, the producer, and he worked with Tom Warner that did Roseanne, all those shows."
Her perseverance during times when bookings were scarce is highlighted, emphasizing her commitment to staying on stage wherever possible.
Transition to Television
The conversation shifts to Leanne's transition from stand-up to television. She explains how her comedy attracted the attention of producers and led to opportunities in TV.
Leanne Morgan [25:28]: "I did a movie with Will Ferrell. Glory."
Leanne recounts her experiences on set with notable actors like Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell, sharing humorous behind-the-scenes stories.
Leanne Morgan [26:16]: "I call that doings and man's doings or somebody's doings."
Working on the New Show
Leanne provides an in-depth look at her new Netflix series, Leigh Ann. She describes the premise, inspired by personal experiences but fictionalized for authenticity and relatability.
Leanne Morgan [39:37]: "The premise is that my husband has walked off and left me for another woman after 34 years."
She discusses character development, casting decisions, and the emotional journey of portraying a woman in her late 50s navigating life's unexpected challenges.
Leanne Morgan [43:46]: "We needed something in there with conflict. And you and Chuck have been married all these years."
Personal Insights and Advice
Leanne shares heartfelt advice for aspiring comedians and creatives, emphasizing the importance of taking risks, persevering through failures, and embracing one's unique voice.
Leanne Morgan [42:32]: "You have to take risk. You have to persevere, whatever it is that you want to do in your life."
She reflects on how her work has inspired others, particularly women in midlife, to pursue their dreams and embrace new beginnings.
Leanne Morgan [42:32]: "Women would say on social media like, this has inspired me. If you can do this, if this can happen to you after all these years, then I can go back to school."
Call Sheet Questions
To wrap up the interview, Jenna and Angela engage Leanne in their signature "Call Sheet Questions," a fun segment where guests answer personal tidbits.
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What was your first job in entertainment?
Leanne Morgan [50:35]: "Does the rotary count for that $50 when I drop my baby off?"
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Do you speak any other languages or play a musical instrument?
Leanne Morgan [51:38]: "No and no. But I am going to try to learn the drums, and Fred Armisen from Saturday Night Live is trying to help me."
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What's a place you've been to that you absolutely loved?
Leanne Morgan [53:09]: "Greece. There was Mykonos. That was pretty nifty."
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What do you like to do on the weekends?
Leanne Morgan [53:29]: "I like to have these grandbabies over and cook what they want and let them go down this Costco roller coaster that I bought them."
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What is your favorite midnight snack?
Leanne Morgan [55:23]: "I do love a chip with cheese dip and finish it off with a dark chocolate with almonds."
Closing Remarks
Jenna and Angela express their deep appreciation for Leanne, celebrating her achievements and the joy she brings through her comedy.
Angela Kinsey [57:22]: "Leanne, this was a joy. Thank you for making the time. You're so busy right now, and just know you got two gals who are just rooting for you."
Leanne reciprocates the gratitude, highlighting the supportive network that has enabled her success.
Leanne Morgan [58:13]: "You angel. We could do that."
The episode concludes with playful banter about potential future collaborations, leaving listeners excited for Leanne's upcoming projects.
Quotes Highlight
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Leanne Morgan [10:38]: "I knew stand up was going to be my thing because before Chuck and I married, we went out to LA to visit my sister."
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Leanne Morgan [19:07]: "I had a call come in from Mike Clements, the producer, and he worked with Tom Warner that did Roseanne, all those shows."
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Leanne Morgan [42:32]: "You have to take risk. You have to persevere, whatever it is that you want to do in your life."
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Angela Kinsey [22:30]: "I think what you do is harder because you have to do the whole thing. Like, how do you do that?"
Conclusion
This episode of Office Ladies offers an intimate glimpse into the life and career of Leanne Morgan. From her early days in stand-up comedy to her latest ventures in television, Leanne's story is one of resilience, passion, and the enduring power of laughter. Her insights provide valuable inspiration for anyone pursuing their creative dreams, especially those navigating life's unexpected turns.
Stay Tuned: Don't miss Leanne Morgan's new Netflix series, Leigh Ann, premiering July 31st. And be sure to catch her live stand-up show, Just Getting Started, currently touring.
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