Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky: Episode Featuring Andrew Rannells
Released on July 15, 2025, by Wondery
In this engaging episode of Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, Monica sits down with acclaimed actor Andrew Rannells—known for his roles in Broadway's Book of Mormon and HBO's Girls. Their conversation traverses Andrew's multifaceted life, delving deep into his formative experiences, professional journey, and personal reclamation of joy amidst adversity.
1. Introduction and Mutual Love for Theater
Monica kicks off the conversation by reminiscing about their last encounter backstage after the Gutenberg musical, highlighting their shared passion for the theater. Andrew appreciates Monica's theatrical background, prompting a light-hearted discussion about her time in musical theater.
Monica Lewinsky [01:33]: "I was a drama geek. So in high school."
2. Navigating Broadway Success
The duo explores Andrew's pivotal role in Book of Mormon, discussing initial expectations and the surprising longevity of the show's success.
Andrew Rannells [05:05]: "We thought maybe we would get those South Park fans that would come and see the show, but it's still running on Broadway nearly 15 years later."
Monica shares a touching anecdote about a friend who, formerly Mormon, found humor and perhaps solace in the musical, underscoring the show's broader commentary on religion.
3. Growing Up Catholic and Confronting Trauma
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Andrew's upbringing in an all-boys Catholic school. He candidly recounts both the nurturing and abusive experiences he faced, particularly interactions with priests.
Andrew Rannells [11:07]: "There are adults in those situations who can spot a kid who's maybe going through a hard time and take advantage of that rather than help them."
Monica empathizes, drawing parallels to her own experiences with inappropriate authority figures during her youth.
4. The Power and Pitfalls of Coming Out
Andrew delves into his journey of coming out as gay during his first year of college in the 1990s—a time and place unaccommodating for LGBTQ+ identities. He reflects on the challenges of reconciling his identity with his religious upbringing and the subsequent impact on his personal relationships.
Andrew Rannells [47:18]: "It was the choosing language, right. It was that he said, 'I love you. I don't think you need to be this way, but if you would like to be this way, I love you.'"
Monica adds depth to this narrative by sharing her own story of imposed sexual experiences in high school, highlighting the universal struggle of navigating consent and power dynamics in adolescence.
5. Balancing Family and Career During the Pandemic
The conversation shifts to Andrew's role as a stepfather and the unforeseen challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the emotional toll of homeschooling and living apart from his partner in Los Angeles, emphasizing the identity crisis that ensued when he couldn't engage in his passion for acting.
Andrew Rannells [33:36]: "I was teaching them math, and I felt completely out of my body and didn't know who I was at all."
Monica resonates with this sentiment, acknowledging the widespread impact of the pandemic on personal identities and mental health.
6. Representation of LGBTQ+ Narratives in Media
Both Monica and Andrew reflect on the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment. Andrew highlights the transition from harmful stereotypes to more nuanced and diverse storytelling.
Andrew Rannells [43:37]: "I think that people are always gonna love telling stories about being sad and pain and, you know, depressing things. But I'm more drawn now to things that feel a little more unexpected."
He cites his upcoming project, I Don't Understand You with Nick Kroll, which blends a heartfelt story of a gay couple attempting to start a family with unexpected comedic twists, as an example of innovative LGBTQ+ narratives.
7. Familial Acceptance and Personal Growth
Andrew shares a heartfelt account of his father's journey from seeing his son's sexuality as a choice to unconditional acceptance.
Andrew Rannells [47:18]: "And then by December when I came home for Christmas, he said, 'I've been thinking about it and I've always... you've always been gay and I think that you were definitely born gay. I'm sorry that I said that.'"
Monica draws parallels to her own experiences, emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships in the reclamation process.
8. Embracing Joy and Reclaiming Passions
Towards the end of the episode, Andrew discusses his recent introspection on his love for acting and his journey to reclaim the simple joy it brings him.
Andrew Rannells [56:15]: "What I'm trying to reclaim is a level of joy, is simple of just saying, like, I like what I get to do, and I'm not... I can't stop apologizing about that."
Monica underscores the cultural challenge of openly expressing happiness, resonating with Andrew's pursuit of reclaiming his authentic self.
9. Future Projects and Continued Reclamation
Andrew concludes by sharing his aspirations to write a novel, aiming to maintain his personal voice while exploring new creative avenues.
Andrew Rannells [58:26]: "I'm working on that—trying to rip off what Bill Clegg did... Could I figure out a way to do that and have it still seem personal and like me?"
Monica encourages this endeavor, reinforcing the episode's overarching theme of reclaiming one's narrative and joy.
Conclusion
This episode of Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky offers a profound exploration of Andrew Rannells' life—from his traumatic youth and journey of self-acceptance to his triumphant return to the stage and ongoing personal growth. Through candid dialogue and shared experiences, Monica and Andrew illuminate the intricate path of reclaiming one's identity and happiness amidst life's adversities.
Notable Quotes:
- Andrew Rannells [11:07]: "There are adults in those situations who can spot a kid who's maybe going through a hard time and take advantage of that rather than help them."
- Andrew Rannells [47:18]: "I've been living in New York... I should just go back to the sort of teenage version of myself that just wanted to do that because it was really fun and made me happy."
- Monica Lewinsky [56:15]: "That's okay. Maybe it's okay to be like, things are good."
Listeners who appreciate honest and wide-ranging conversations about personal reclamation, identity, and navigating complex life experiences will find this episode both insightful and inspiring.
Key Producers and Contributors:
- Host: Monica Lewinsky
- Executive Producers: Dave Easton, Erin O'Flaherty, Marshall Louie
- Production Services: WTF Media Studios
- Theme Song: Ben Benjamin
- Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez
- Story Producer: Elna Baker
- Senior Producer: Megan Donis
- Development Producer: Eliza Mills
- Managing Producer: Taylor Sniffin
- Senior Managing Producer: Nick Ryan
- Senior Producers: Candace Manriquez, Ren, Emily Feldbrake
Tune in to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify to explore more uncharted and heartfelt conversations.