Office Ladies – "An Interview with Wendi McLendon-Covey"

Podcast: Office Ladies
Hosts: Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey
Guest: Wendi McLendon-Covey
Date: August 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively and heartfelt episode, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey are joined by the hilarious and multi-talented Wendi McLendon-Covey. Known to The Office fans as Concierge Marie from season five’s “Business Trip,” Wendi shares her fascinating journey in Hollywood, from heartbreaks to career triumphs. The episode is full of behind-the-scenes stories from The Office, insights into her time on Reno 911 and The Goldbergs, and a peek at her latest role on NBC’s St. Denis Medical. Wendi, Jenna, and Angela dig deep into the actor’s path, women supporting women in comedy, and why loving animals will always be in style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reconnecting and Animal Rescue Bonds

[10:04–13:00]

• The trio warmly recalls their last in-person meeting at "The Fur Ball" — a cat rescue fundraiser Jenna hosted.
• Wendi, a devoted animal lover, swaps wild stories about local hawks and her Instagram-famous animals.
• Wendi: “I'm always feeding something.” (11:05)
• The hosts highlight the kinship of animal lovers and how these bonds run deep in their offscreen friendship.

2. Wendi’s Unlikely Road to The Office

[12:44–15:40]

• A candid story: Wendi was fired from a film on set after being told she wasn’t "pretty enough," only to land The Office the very next day.
• Wendi: “Sometimes you're in the wrong place, and something horrible has to happen to get you in the right place. ... Thank God I got fired, right? Because nobody saw that movie. But everybody saw this.” (13:54)
• She discusses the challenges of show business and shares her "everything happens for a reason" philosophy.
• Jenna and Angela relate, teasing a future “tell-all” podcast for their later years.

3. Shooting "Business Trip" and On-Set Memories

[15:40–18:00]

• Scenes involving Concierge Marie and Michael Scott were shot in a hotel in LA, dressed to look like Winnipeg.
• Wendi reveals: “Kate Flannery (Meredith) drove by and said hello. That was cute.” (15:05)
• She notes that she never appeared in scenes with Jenna or Angela.
• Wendi received devastating career news mid-shoot but found solace in the fun, supportive set environment—especially in scenes with Steve Carell.

4. Hospitality Gossip & Groundlings Days

[16:42–21:00]

• Wendi shares stories from her days working at Anaheim hotels, including “secret” rooms and staff shenanigans.
• She drove 35 miles to attend comedy training at The Groundlings, persevering despite fears and a long drive.
• Wendi: “Sometimes we would get so nervous that we would just drive right past and go home.” (19:12)
• Angela and Wendi swap stories about the improv world, formative years in LA theater, and their first breaks.

5. Career Milestones and Reno 911 Origins

[21:00–23:48]

• Wendi’s first big break came with Reno 911 at age 32, after being discovered subbing in a Groundlings show.
• The show remains a cult hit, with clips like her famous “dancing DUI” scene living on social media.
• Jenna (on Reno 911 clips): “How many times have I seen your bit... the dancing DUI?” (23:10)

6. Working with Steve Carell and The Art of Not Breaking

[25:08–26:43]

• Wendi reveals Steve’s legendary ability to stay in character: “He never breaks. And Oscar never breaks... Ed [Helms] will break.” (26:07)
• She recalls how determined she was not to break: “I remember thinking, don’t break, because you are lucky to be here.” (25:56)
• Angela and Jenna share strategies for avoiding Steve Carell-induced laughter: “We had to stop making eye contact with Steve.” (26:43)

7. Deep Dive Into Concierge Marie: Motivations & Backstory

[27:24–29:18]

• Fans write in to ask why Concierge Marie hooked up with Michael Scott.
• Wendi: “I think it was boredom. ... There are worse things I could be doing. ... But then I, you know, listen. She threw his shoes out into the hall. I think it didn’t go well once they got behind that door. Empty calories.” (29:00)
• She discusses her subtle attempt at a French Canadian accent inspired by real Montreal locals.
• Angela and Wendi go on a tangent about roller skating and “special skills” on acting resumes.

8. St. Denis Medical & The Joys of Ensemble Work

[36:06–41:23]

• Wendi talks glowingly about Justin Spitzer (creator of Superstore and Office alum) and her new workplace sitcom.
• Cartwheels on set: Wendi improv’d her cheerleader moment in the pilot, “I used to be a cheerleader, so that’s what I’ll do.” (37:13)
• She praises the emotional depth and humor of St. Denis Medical, “There are real stakes, but then it’s so incredibly funny.” (39:24)

9. The Realities of Hollywood: On-Screen Kisses & Set Culture

[41:23–44:22]

• Wendi dishes on kissing Steve Carell (“He is a good kisser... it was quick and dirty and not uncomfortable at all.” 41:37) and the unspoken rules of stage kissing.
• Jenna describes an awkward kiss with a famous actor and the surprising “science” of movie kissing.
• The trio relates these stories to Bridesmaids outtakes and Paul Feig’s signature directorial style.

10. Career, Resilience & Advice for Artists

[47:35–65:12]

• Wendi shares her gratitude for working on The Goldbergs, especially with George Segal: “Having George Siegel, the legend, be my dad... I will be eternally grateful.” (48:49)
• She stresses how TV cast and crew become family, sharing in real-life highs and lows.
• Her closing advice for aspiring performers: “You’re gonna get fired. ... None of this stuff is true unless you think it’s true... If the answer is yes, buck up and just keep going. ... The good times are really, really good.” (64:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On resilience:
  “Sometimes you're in the wrong place, and something horrible has to happen to get you in the right place.”
  — Wendi McLendon-Covey (13:54)

• On the downside of Hollywood:
  “So, yeah, you're gonna get fired. Check it off the list. Someone's gonna tell you you're ugly. Check it off the list... None of this stuff is true unless you think it’s true.”
  — Wendi McLendon-Covey (64:28)

• Why Concierge Marie hooked up with Michael:
  “I think it was boredom. ... Empty calories.”
  — Wendi McLendon-Covey (29:00)

• On navigating laughter on set:
  "I’m a giggler, but damn it, I’m not gonna do it. I’m not gonna ruin a take.”
  — Wendi McLendon-Covey (26:28)

• On Paul Feig’s style:
  “Paul dresses so well that you feel like, well, I have to listen to you. I know you’re the best dressed person here.”
  — Wendi McLendon-Covey (47:08)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [10:04] – Start of the Wendi interview.
• [12:44] – Wendi explains how being fired led to getting The Office.
• [18:15] – Memories of working at a hotel and attending The Groundlings.
• [21:00] – Breaking into TV with Reno 911.
• [25:08] – Handling Steve Carell's improv.
• [27:24] – Fan questions: Concierge Marie’s decisions.
• [36:06] – St. Denis Medical: behind-the-scenes and ensemble culture.
• [41:23] – Kissing scenes, etiquette, and BTS awkward moments.
• [47:35] – Favorite memories from The Goldbergs and working on sitcoms.
• [64:18] – Advice for aspiring artists.

Call Sheet Questions (“Lightning Round”)

[50:17–65:12]

• First entertainment job: Extra in a Carmen Electra music video, $100 cash (50:36)
• Languages: Some German and French, can read but not fluent (51:36)
• Favorite place: New Orleans, so much so she bought a tiny condo there (52:09)
• Weekend routine: “I love to putter around at home. I love my animals. I got seven rescue cats.” (55:40)
• Dream: Sew a red carpet-ready outfit herself; the hosts challenge her to do it for St. Denis Medical’s next events (59:28)
• Midnight snack: None—she stops eating after 7pm, but recommends a berry-flavored magnesium drink for sleep (60:12)

Engagement, Tone & Final Thoughts

This episode blends laughter, honesty, and nostalgia in classic Office Ladies style. Wendi’s candor about career setbacks and triumphs will resonate with aspiring and working artists alike. The warmth and quick rapport among the trio make the conversation a joy to follow, while stories about the realities of comedy and TV work provide unique insight for fans. The love for animals, improv roots, and the value of work “families” is a touching throughline.

Recommendation:
If you love The Office, behind-the-scenes stories, or are curious about the winding path to comedy success, this episode is a must-listen—equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply human. Don't miss Wendi's takes on Steve Carell, comedy improv, and why rejection can be a blessing in disguise.