"Kirsten Dunst"

Summary

SmartLess: "Kirsten Dunst" – Episode Summary

Podcast: SmartLess
Hosts: Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett
Guest: Kirsten Dunst
Date: October 6, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of SmartLess features acclaimed actress Kirsten Dunst in a candid, lively conversation spanning her childhood career, parenting struggles, memorable film experiences, routines as an actor, and musings on junk food. As always, the chemistry between hosts Jason, Sean, and Will fosters a relaxed, humorous backdrop where Kirsten’s insights shine, blending stories about her Hollywood journey with honest reflections on “normal life.”

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Key Discussion Points & Highlights

1. Return from Abroad & Personal Catch-Up

Timestamps: [02:45]–[07:46]

• Sean returns from England, shares jet lag mishaps and playful banter about weight loss and diets.
• Jokes about pasta and cake for breakfast at 9:30 am.
• Will questions old sleep remedy myths—tennis balls to keep you off your back.
• Lighthearted discussion about pets, adjusting to regular life, and prepping for an upcoming Hollywood Bowl live show.

Memorable Moment

• “For breakfast, I just had a bowl of pasta and two pieces of cake because it was Scotty’s birthday yesterday.” – Sean Hayes [03:38]

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2. Introducing Kirsten Dunst

Timestamps: [07:46]–[09:47]

• Surprise reveal of Kirsten Dunst as the guest, the hosts react with genuine excitement, recalling her Golden Globe nomination at 12 for “Interview with the Vampire.”
• Will jokes about her being a secret agent for prematurely revealing her guest spot at TIFF.
• Kirsten is warmly welcomed, and the group expresses awe over her prolific career.

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3. Early Fame & Childhood in Hollywood

Timestamps: [12:19]–[20:38]

• Kirsten recalls being nominated for a Golden Globe at 12, working on “Jumanji,” learning early about the arbitrary nature of awards.
  • "Don't tell a little girl that [she'll win], 'cause I didn't win. Then I was crying... I was just crying under the table, pretty much." – Kirsten Dunst [12:40]
• Discusses the Oakwood Apartments, a hub for young actors in pilot season, and the bittersweet reality of child stardom.
• She describes balancing a “normal” school experience despite her growing fame, going to public schools and never being homeschooled.

Insightful Quote

• "Really all you have is the experience of making it. That's all you have." – Kirsten Dunst [13:32]

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4. The Modern Working Actor: Self-Tapes & Auditions

Timestamps: [14:04]–[17:28]

• Kirsten recounts recently auditioning (after years of offers), describing the vulnerability of improvising self-tapes alone.
  • Her self-tape for Ruben Östlund’s "The Entertainment System is Down" was a self-directed improv involving discovering her partner’s infidelity mid-flight.
• She compares early kid auditions with adult stakes, underscoring the shift from fun to pressure as acting became her livelihood.

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5. Family Life & Parenting Realities

Timestamps: [22:56]–[25:40]

• Kirsten opens up about “single parenting” when husband Jesse Plemons is away, the emotional weight of kids missing her, and support networks.
  • Shows a drawing her son slid under her door: "I need you. Him sad. Me with the door shut." [23:27]
• The group riffs on the challenges of homeschooling versus traditional education, landing on the value of social interactions for kids.
• Kirsten’s mom lives in her back house—a sign of her supportive, grounded family orientation.

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6. Navigating Fame as a Teen & Iconic Roles

Timestamps: [26:02]–[30:51]

• Despite blockbusters like “Jumanji” and “Bring It On,” Kirsten describes feeling embarrassed by her fame, underplaying herself at school—to avoid sticking out.
  • “I just didn’t want to be singled out at school as anything other than another student.” – Kirsten Dunst [27:35]
• Shares fun stories about the 25th anniversary of “Bring It On,” performing cheers for her sons, and being recruited to start a cheer squad at school.

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7. On-Set Experiences, Favorite Jobs, & Dream Collaborators

Timestamps: [30:51]–[41:08]

• Of all her films, “Melancholia” stands out as the closest to a “perfect” filmmaking experience—a secluded small-town shoot in Sweden that felt like a cozy play.
• Hosts probe her habits as an actor—research, routines, and the quirky “dream work” process:
  • Before sleep, she writes herself a note about the character, uses her dreams for insights, then later "signs off" from the role post-filming.
  • "You're asking your unconscious to give you something you can implement." – Kirsten Dunst [40:48]
• Expresses hope to work with Paul Thomas Anderson, recalling his recommendation for “Melancholia” and the nerves of nearly being offered a PTA role.

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8. Junk Food, Comfort Meals, and LA Eats

Timestamps: [35:41]–[38:24]

• Spirited debate about LA’s best burgers and classic junk food.
• Kirsten’s guilty pleasure: “I might do In N Out. Cheeseburger with a chocolate shake...with extra spread, no onions.” [37:31]
• Hosts reveal their favorites: pizza (Jason & Will), spaghetti (Sean), with sides of fries and shakes.
• Tangential love for Valley food landmarks—Bob’s Big Boy, Chili John’s, Apple Pan.

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9. Life at Home: TV in Bed and Parenting Boundaries

Timestamps: [46:08]–[48:49]

• Kirsten (and Amanda, Jason’s wife) prefer TV in bed over the couch; Will jokes about “gender differences” and sleep routines.
• The crew shares tips about keeping work and home balanced, revealing how they relax and decompress.

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10. Love Story & Working with Jesse Plemons

Timestamps: [50:12]–[51:57]

• Recounts meeting Jesse Plemons on “Fargo” Season 2: immediate chemistry but slow-burning, respectful beginnings.
  • “I just felt like I didn’t want to not be near him.” [51:15]
• The pair did not get together until both were out of previous relationships; first “real” hangout: South by Southwest.

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11. Spotlight on “Roofman” & Creative Fulfillment

Timestamps: [52:04]–[55:51]

• Kirsten’s new film, “Roofman” (dir. Derek Cianfrance, opposite Channing Tatum), is based on the true story of a criminal who lived in Toys R Us for months, robbing McDonalds through rooftops.
  • “He basically robbed like, 45 McDonalds through the roof. That’s why they call him the Roof man.” [52:27]
• Jason raves about the film’s tone—"high-wire act," warm but unsentimental, hard to pull off.
• She discusses what drives her to act now: craving fun, comedy, and meaningful collaborations over blockbuster size.

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12. What’s Next, Escapism & the State of the Industry

Timestamps: [55:51]–[57:00]

• All agree big, fun ensemble comedies are missing from Hollywood and overdue for a comeback.
• Hosts discuss how societal mood shifts movie tastes—scary movies thrive in dark times, while pure escapism is cyclical.

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13. Watching (and Showing) Movies as a Family

Timestamps: [57:06]–[58:20]

• Kirsten’s kids love “Venom” and want to see “Jaws”—early introductions to film classics spark parental nostalgia, for better or worse.
• “My four year old likes Venom—which I probably shouldn’t have shown him.” – Kirsten Dunst [57:44]
• Jokes about seeing the Exorcist way too young; stories of trying to soften scary movies for little ones.

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14. Final Thoughts, Warmth, & Invitations

Timestamps: [58:27]–[60:00]

• Kirsten’s openness and “no-pressure vibes” endear her to the hosts.
• The crew plans post-podcast hangouts in Toluca Lake, offering her In-N-Out as a house call.
• “You know how to make a girl happy.” – Kirsten Dunst [58:49]

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Notable Quotes

• “I just didn’t want to be singled out at school as anything other than another student.” – Kirsten Dunst [27:35]
• “Really all you have is the experience of making it. That's all you have.” – Kirsten Dunst [13:32]
• “I just felt like I didn’t want to not be near him.” – Kirsten Dunst, on Jesse Plemons [51:15]
• “My son was like, looking at me like I was a golden goddess. I didn’t know you could do this, Mom.” – Kirsten Dunst [28:44]
• “I want my kids be weird.” – Kirsten Dunst on homeschooling [25:18]
• “I know plenty of parents that have done it successfully, so who are we to judge?” – Will Arnett (on homeschooling) [25:27]
• “You continue to do it. You’re such a delight.” – Jason Bateman [59:14]

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Conclusion

This episode is a breezy, funny, and occasionally heartfelt exploration of Kirsten Dunst’s life both in and out of the spotlight. Listeners are treated to a tour of her Hollywood roots, her family philosophy, creative process, favorite foods, and next projects. Throughout, Kirsten balances self-effacing humility, deep creative reflection, and the everyday joys and struggles of parenting—all layered with the hosts’ unmistakable blend of sharp humor and genuine warmth.

Recommended listening for fans of industry insights, 90s/00s nostalgia, or anyone who likes their celebrity interviews with a heavy dose of real life and irreverence.

Transcript

[A]

I'm a level with you guys. I got a couple hobbies that don't seem super obvious at first, but I like having a few surprises up my sleeve. Like shocking people. Like when people think that I. I come across as a real ignoramus. But I actually read a lot. So as dumb as I seem, I might surprise you that I might know one or two things. One or two Surprising, right? Because people are rarely as simple as they appear. For marketers, that complexity makes the job even more challenging. Think about it. After all, how can you reach your customers if you don't really know them? M M. That is where TransUnion's marketing solutions come in. TransUnion brings clarity into marketing chaos by delivering a 360 degree view of your customer, helping you deepen your insights, accelerate your decision making, and better measure the impact of every marketing dollar. Visit transunion.comclarity to learn more.

[B]

The family that vacations together stays together. At least that was the plan. Except now the dastardly desk clerk is saying he can't confirm your connecting rooms. Wait, what?

[A]

That's right, ma'. Am. You have rooms 201 and 709.

[B]

No, we cannot be five floors away from our kids.

[A]

Eh, the doors have double locks. They'll be fine.

[B]

When you want connecting rooms confirmed before you arrive, it matters where you stay. Welcome to Hilton. I see your connecting rooms are already confirmed. Hilton for the stay.

[C]

Jason, Will and I mean Will. Jason and I are the only two people in glasses. Don't you usually wear glasses?

[D]

That was like a billing. That was like a billing situation. You said Jason and Will. No, no, no. Sorry, I mean Will and Jason.

[C]

No, I said Will.

[D]

Will calls you and said. Listen, next time you mention my name along with Jason, you mention my name.

[A]

First and you also say. And int.

[D]

Will and introducing with the. I prefer the.

[C]

I want to say Will and Jason. And introducing Will.

[A]

Yes.

[D]

No, say.

[A]

Yeah, you're saying you're only two in glasses.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, I was gonna say, don't you. You usually wear glasses?

[A]

I do. I wear my reading glasses, but I'm far back enough now from my screen that I don't. So I look younger than you guys.

[D]

Well, you know, you don't need to see Will today very well because he's doing an audio show called Smart, Smartless. And welcome.

[A]

Welcome to a Smart, Smart, Smart.

[D]

Let's hang on a second. Yeah, Sean Hayes is back in town. Back in town.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

No, you just got literally for yourself. Don't start the applause, Sean. We'll start it and then you can.

[C]

Join it, you know, just. Yeah, happy to have him back, by the way. I have to tell you something. I would go. I went out the stage door after a couple shows. No, after one show. And people were doing that bit. They're like, no way. Yeah.

[A]

In England. Yeah.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

You guys, the bits travel.

[A]

Sometimes the bits travel.

[D]

People are listening.

[C]

But I just got back last night and I swear to God, I weighed about 179, 180 when I left. I weigh 165. 165 pounds.

[D]

So you lost 15 pounds while you were in. Well, if you lost it and you're looking for it, I can tell you where to find it.

[A]

How long will it take to get it back?

[C]

I swear to God. For breakfast, I just had a bowl of pasta and two pieces of cake because it was Scotty's birthday yesterday.

[D]

You got a big race tomorrow or something.

[A]

Wait, wait, wait. It's 9:30 in the morning right now and you've already had.

[D]

But to him, it's din. Din time.

[A]

A bowl of pasta and two pieces of cake.

[D]

His belly is saying, feed me, it's dinner time.

[C]

That's right. That's exactly right. Yeah, it was, but. But yeah, no, I got. I got back yesterday at like 1 in the afternoon and I went to bed at 8pm and I got up at 1am and then went back to bed. I got up at 7, so I slept like 12 hours.

[A]

Yeah, you needed it.

[C]

Crazy. Yeah.

[D]

And did you have to clean the CPAP machine in between? You're not. You're on. You're still on that, are you not?

[C]

No, I lost. I lost the weight, so I don't.

[D]

Need it, do I? Truly, Truly. It was the weight that was.

[C]

Well, it's a combination of things. I try not to sleep on my back too, but yeah.

[A]

Okay. And do you have like nails on your back or something so that if you roll on your back it pokes you away?

[C]

Yeah, that would be good.

[D]

Strap on some sort of like a nail bag.

[A]

People used to do that. They'd like. They'd put like a tennis ball. They'd wrap like the tennis ball on their back.

[D]

No, they didn't.

[A]

What are you talking about?

[C]

What do you mean?

[A]

Did they look it up?

[D]

Oh, redo the research.

[C]

What do you mean? Wait, keep the research.

[A]

What do you mean? People do. I did the research.

[D]

I did the research.

[A]

What do you mean? Oh, oh, you have access to Google.

[D]

Yeah. Wait, what website told you that people used to strap a tennis ball to the smaller back?

[A]

I read that a long Time ago.

[C]

Wait, to do what? To do what?

[A]

I don't somehow like put a tennis ball on the. On the. I forget how they do it. Like, so that if they roll onto their back, it's uncomfortable and then they want to roll back.

[D]

They do it with like duct tape or something like that.

[A]

I get. Or like a tensor bandage or something. I don't know.

[D]

Don't say tensor. You know, I think your dumb lips. Stupid professional Greek.

[A]

I was doing it this morning.

[D]

Were you?

[A]

Yeah. We are professional grade.

[D]

The river doesn't damn itself.

[A]

This country wasn't built in a day.

[D]

Not a week either.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

You do Santa Claus too, Will, right? You play Santa Claus?

[D]

No, it's Batman.

[C]

Oh, Batman.

[A]

You know what?

[C]

Batman. Santa Claus.

[D]

Hey, Sean, we got to get you a nice campaign. What would you like to.

[A]

That's a great point.

[D]

What would you like to sling commercials for? Yeah, cake.

[A]

Is cake a thing?

[D]

General cake spot.

[C]

It's all cake products.

[A]

Cake makers of America.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Sean, would you like to go to a cake convention? Would that seem like.

[C]

Wouldn't that be fun? Wouldn't that be great?

[D]

How was the reintroduction to your dog? Did he give you any.

[C]

He comes back today in about three months.

[D]

Still haven't seen him. How long has it been?

[C]

Three months. Wow.

[D]

Yeah. Do you think he's going to give you a little bit of a hairy eyeball?

[C]

He welcome back. Side eye? No, he will.

[A]

Will he poop in the bed?

[C]

No, he will. I'll do that. No, he'll.

[A]

Oh, son. Still.

[D]

Welcome home.

[C]

No, he'll go, wow, it's you. And then run and just play and want to treat.

[D]

Sounds like Scotty.

[A]

Listen, Sean, we're so happy to have you back in the fold. We miss you the other night. We talk about it all the time. I'm so excited.

[C]

Are we all hanging out this Sunday?

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

What if you guys like. Sorry, that was it. Last Sunday. Was it?

[A]

We are Sunday. But in the meantime, Hollywood Bowl. Oh, well, by the way. Sorry. We are going to the Hollywood Bowl. We are going to the Hollywood Bowl.

[C]

November 15th.

[A]

November 15th. Hollywood Bowl. We got a couple of guests. We got a couple.

[D]

I got a super big guest. Will, you better bring the noise on your guest.

[A]

Yeah, I'm gonna bring the. No. To be a lot of fun. We're also going to have some special guests as well. It's going to be a lot of fun and special guests sprinkled around. Oh, yeah. We're going to have. We have a lot of. We're going to have a lot Am.

[D]

I going to be told about the special guests or they.

[A]

You've already been told. We've talked about it before, but, I mean, you just don't listen.

[D]

But anyway, tell me your name one more time.

[A]

Oh, God, I'm sorry. Unless I put it in the context of golf, he doesn't hear it.

[C]

Jason, we already talked about it.

[D]

We did.

[A]

Yeah, I know. We already talked about it, remember? Okay, we're going to welcome our guest.

[D]

Is this someone that's gonna make me nervous?

[A]

It's really. Well, I. I get nervous about this, you know, this person and you're gonna be nervous about her. Cause she's like a. She's a super wattage megaten. But I've had the pleasure of meeting this person a few times and I'm always a little starstruck. I gotta admit.

[D]

You only meet someone once.

[A]

She was nominated for her first Golden Globe when she was 12. Okay. What? Yeah. And has kept it going ever since. She's been in countless fantastic movies. Once you start naming them, it's like.

[C]

I think I know who this is.

[A]

I don't think she. It's not Jody Foster. She's been in. I. I don't even know. I can't even. But her first. Her first nomination was for Interview with a V. Temple person.

[C]

Dun.

[A]

I just got Jim. Drop Dead Gorgeous, Spider man movie, Civil War last year and Roofman, October 10th is yourself.

[B]

Hi.

[C]

I guessed it. By the way. That's the first time I think I.

[A]

Got Academy Award nominee. You didn't even let me get to them. You robbed her. You robbed her of that. Hi. Kirsten Dunst.

[B]

Hi. I'm so happy to be on the show.

[C]

Hi.

[D]

Does anyone call you kd?

[B]

Yes.

[D]

Really?

[B]

Yes. I'm a lot of names.

[D]

Well, listen here, listen here. Katie.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

You're never gonna work for the government because. So I'm in Toronto and I'm walking by her table, you guys. And up she pops. Hey, I'm about to be on your show. I'm like, hey. Oh, that's supposed to be a secret.

[C]

Secret.

[D]

So your government job is done.

[B]

That's.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

But I was like, okay, I'll play like. I play like a big surprise.

[C]

But you never know.

[D]

You never.

[A]

You didn't know when. You never know when. You never know what's going to happen. That's the good news. And you guys were up at Tiff because she. You were up there promoting Black Rabbit and promoting.

[D]

Which I'm really excited the following day. And it was killer. I heard that movies.

[C]

I can't wait to see that movie.

[D]

It's so good. It's like a perfect, like, Christmas movie, you know, Like. I love it, love it, love it, love it.

[A]

I can't wait to see it. And we're all very excited for it, and we're really excited that you're here. It feels like finally a little bit.

[C]

Where are you? Where is this?

[B]

I'm in Toluca Lake.

[A]

Nice.

[C]

Oh, wow. You're just up there.

[D]

Will and I are about to shank a couple of balls into your backyard.

[A]

We are about to be there very. In a couple hours, but there's probably.

[D]

A better way to say that.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Don't worry. We'll scrub it. So you were supposed to be on here a couple years ago for Civil War, and I forget what happened. It was a schedule thing. Blah, blah, blah.

[B]

One of you were sick.

[A]

Yeah, jb for sure.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

Oh, yeah, for sure. Jb.

[D]

I was battling.

[C]

Wait, I love. You were so great in that movie. That movie was really.

[A]

I know. I love Civil War. It was so good. I know.

[D]

I need to see that. I'm scared to see that. I feel like it's probably super good, super accurate. It's like the same reason. You know that movie, United 93? That Paul Greengrass? Yeah.

[C]

Okay.

[D]

Sure. Yeah. I'll never see that. Because what I hear is that it's just too good. It puts you on a plane that's plummeting from the sky for two and a half minutes.

[B]

I did that movie that's coming out next year. On a plane.

[C]

No, what is it called?

[D]

Really?

[B]

The Entertainment System Is Down.

[A]

Oh, yes.

[D]

Wait, what?

[C]

What is that about?

[A]

What's the name of it? That's the guy who did Triangle of Sadness and.

[B]

Yes. And Force Majeure. Reuben Oslin's name is Ruben Aslan.

[D]

You're in a Ruben Oslin film?

[B]

Yeah. That's like. That was. Yeah.

[D]

You and your hubby are just in about every great movie you ever want to be in.

[A]

I know, I know. And your husband, Jesse Plemitz, who's also a wonderful guy. I had the pleasure of meeting both of you last year or something. Just sweet. Sweet. It's super talent. And so you did that movie, the Entertainment System is Down, which I've just read about, which looks awesome.

[C]

What is that? What is that?

[D]

Like.

[C]

Like satellites go out or something or.

[B]

Well, what is that?

[D]

Sound less perturbed about it.

[C]

No, no, I want to know because it sounds cool.

[A]

What is it, like the satellites down or something?

[D]

Do I still get Emails and stuff like that.

[A]

Can I still do Candy Crush? Does Candy Crush work, by the way? That's real.

[C]

That's all I do. Wait, what? Like, you don't have to. I know we're talking about some other movie, but tell me what that. That one's about. Just, like, briefly, because I want. I love sci fi.

[D]

So you want to prepare.

[B]

It's not sci fi.

[C]

Oh, yeah, But I mean, like, doomsday stuff.

[B]

Well, it's human doomsday, basically. On a plane?

[A]

Yes, human doomsday on.

[B]

It's called. The entertainment system is down. Cause there's no wifi. There's nothing.

[C]

Right, right.

[B]

So you have to deal with each other.

[C]

Okay. That's what I want to see.

[A]

I want to see Sean. It's like, it's like, you know, you know, like the bar. You know the bar on Tatooine in Star Wars.

[C]

Oh, got it. I'm on board.

[A]

I'm on board. Okay. Sorry. I just wanted to put it into context that you could understand. So, Kirsten, walk us through a little bit how you. I mentioned that you got your first big award nomination. It was for Golden Globe when you were 12 years old. How trippy was that? I mean, for a 12 year old.

[B]

I don't think I really realized, like, you know what? I was working on Jumanji, and everyone's like, you're gonna win, you're gonna win. And so don't tell a little girl that. Cause I didn't win. And then I was crying on Jane Seymour was next to me, like for Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. And I was just like crying under the table pretty much at the table.

[D]

On NBC in front of all. Everyone's all banged up on champagne. There's a little girl there looking for someone to hold.

[C]

Wow.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

Did you have a speech all lined up and everything?

[B]

I don't remember if I did, but.

[C]

But hey, better to kind of learn that at a young age that, you know, you can't trust the outcome of stuff, you know, later.

[A]

Yeah, I was gonna say, did it help? Kind of right size, all of that stuff eventually.

[B]

You know, it's like award stuff doesn't like, you know, we all know, like the good stuff we all love usually doesn't get nominated or doesn't win. It's like. So really all you have is the experience of making it. That's all you have.

[D]

Right. It's also. It's so odd, isn't it, that, like, people, you're not like the competition of it all. No one's playing the Same character. It's like, you know, 100 yard dash. Everyone's going the same distance. Who gets here quicker? It's pretty clear.

[B]

I had to audition for the movie on the plane for the entertainment system is down.

[A]

Oh, you weird.

[B]

Yes. And that feeling. I hadn't been that excited to get a role since Interview with the Vampire.

[C]

Wow.

[B]

So like, to me, auditioning and getting something is like. That is quite.

[D]

When was the last time you auditioned before the Ruben Aslan thing?

[B]

I auditioned for this movie with Jeff Nichols, the director. Jeff Nichols called Midnight Special.

[D]

That's great. The great Jeff Nichols. That was a great movie. Midnight Special.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

Love that movie. So. But wait, so that was like 10 years ago.

[B]

Yeah, it had been a minute, I don't think. Yeah, that was.

[D]

Oh my God. Were you nervous auditioning again? I. Terrified.

[B]

I did a self tape. I. All by myself. Yeah, it is easier.

[A]

The new world.

[B]

It was. Yeah, it was a all. It was all improv. He gave me an improv and. Yeah, I just, you know, put my iPhone. I just taped it on my iPhone and pretended.

[D]

And if you sucked, you just get to do it again?

[B]

Yeah, I did two takes. I felt I was like. And I didn't watch it and I just sent it.

[D]

Did you ask Jesse to look at it?

[B]

No, he was away. So no one.

[D]

So you were just all by yourself?

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

No way. And what. So what do you think he was looking for? Like, do you mind saying what the. What they.

[B]

No, not at all. I. My improv was a. Two people are sitting bored next to each other on a plane. He's asleep with our son, and I am bored and look at his phone and I discover that he's been cheating on me. So it's like, you know, hanging out on the plane, bored. Do the whole like face recognition thing, right?

[C]

And wait, not.

[D]

So that's all your. That's all your idea? Yeah, yeah.

[B]

No, no, this is all he wanted me to do. This vibe, basically the director. And so then I see a memory comes up on the iPhone that is like to Cotton Eyed Jo, that song. Da na na na na na na na. And it's supposed to be like him cheating with a bunch of women.

[A]

Where did you come from? Where did you go exactly? You sure?

[B]

So then I see that he's been cheating on me and I wake him up. But first I have to go through, you know, all the emotions and shit.

[D]

And since there was no one else in the improv with you, as soon as you wake him up and you start to confront him, it's over.

[B]

It's over. I was like, you need to wake up. And then I just got pissed and I got up and shut off my phone.

[D]

Oh, I love it.

[C]

I would have loved. I mean it's wild to do a self tape of an improv by yourself.

[B]

I know.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

That's so weird.

[B]

I did put Jesse's camera like that. Cause he's always shooting film of our family. So I put his camera nearby so I had like a. I don't know, a symbol. This is real actory right now of him of something.

[D]

Right?

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

That's nice.

[C]

How long have you guys been married?

[B]

Oh God, I don't even know.

[A]

We've been together.

[D]

Feels like forever.

[B]

Feels like 10 years. We got married after kids.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Really?

[B]

Three years maybe.

[C]

Okay, got it.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

That's great.

[A]

Wait, talk a little bit. A little bit about. So doing that audition for that movie by yourself. The nightmare self tape improv. Which is bizarre. But it probably been a minute since you said you auditioned for another film. But how different was when you first started auditioning? Were a kid basically. And jb, you had that experience too. Auditioning a lot when you were a kid, right?

[D]

Yeah, yeah. Y.

[A]

And. And what that. And what that process was like back then, what it meant to you back then. Did you feel were the stakes high or was it just kind of like after school, go do it and then go do your thing?

[C]

Yeah. What? Yeah. What is that? Like do you put it. Do you put a big thing on it?

[D]

What do you think, Kirsten?

[B]

I did. I did because. Well, like. Okay, for. For. We were at the Oakwood Apartments.

[D]

Oh my God.

[B]

And I was going to normal schools for my sister.

[C]

Oakwood apart for Tracy. Oakwood Apartments is a. Is a complex where a lot of actors would stay while they.

[D]

Because you can rent it monthly. You can come out for pilot.

[A]

I'd come out for pilot season a bunch of years in a row and stayed there.

[B]

Same.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, same.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

Where were you? Where were you coming from?

[B]

I'm from New Jersey.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

All right. You guys could have car for me. Yeah.

[B]

So we would come out.

[A]

Yeah, we probably remember you used to have that sign on the. When you. When you left to the back, the one in Barham, right?

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

So in the back, that gate one had a. As you were waiting for the gate to open, there's a little sign on the gate as it moved that said smile at showtime.

[B]

Oh God, I don't even know.

[A]

And I remember thinking like, how soon do you want me to Take my own life. So depressing not getting any jobs.

[D]

Go get em.

[A]

Oh God. Anyway, anyway, so you come out.

[C]

So you're Oakwood.

[A]

You're at Oakwood with your.

[B]

I'm in Oakwood. My mom, my brother and my grandma.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

But I would go to normal school. I went to Laurel hall in the Valley.

[D]

Sure.

[B]

Where I met my best friend. So. So I had like a normal ish life because I never was home tutored or anything.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But yeah, auditioning was when it was a big role. Like I remember this. It was like I auditioned for Interview with the Vampire, audition for the Secret Garden and I didn't get the Secret Garden. And I remember sobbing about that.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Wow.

[D]

But now. But was it. Did it get more stressful as you got older?

[B]

No, because I think because I got success from Interview, I didn't have to audition for a long time. Like I auditioned for Little Women, but it wasn't frequent enough to traumatize me. I auditioned for Spider man was the big next one that I auditioned for.

[C]

Uh huh. Did you get it?

[B]

I did.

[C]

That.

[A]

So he's jet lagged. Forget us that. He's just cheeky. Even though he's not in England anymore, he's still cheeky. Jb, did you ever. Did you ever. I mean this honestly, did you ever sob or have that thing, that pressure? I remember you talking about the pressure of getting a job because it was the family business.

[D]

I never cried. But what was worse was that I'd be so paralyzed with fear on the way to auditions when I got to be in my 20s. Because I, I need, I literally, I needed the employment I needed, you know, it wasn't just like fun when I was like a little kid and I get to skip school and all that stuff. And then it became like, you, well, this is how. This is my occupation is how I.

[B]

Did you support your family, Jason?

[D]

I contributed for sure. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Did you, Kirsten?

[B]

I didn't have to. It started out as like, ah, fun, college, money, whatever. And then my parents got divorced and then it was a little like, well, you're making the most money, so my mom lives in my back house.

[C]

Okay, sweet.

[B]

Yeah, I'm a good daughter.

[C]

That's good. That is really good. I love that.

[D]

Very, very cute.

[C]

We'll be right back. Well, the future of hiring looks much brighter, guys, because ZipRecruiter's latest tools and features help speed up finding the right people for your roles. So you save valuable time with ZipRecruiter's latest innovations. Finding top talent has never been faster or easier. In just minutes, you can search, match, and connect with highly qualified candidates. No endless scrolling, no waiting around. And here's the best part. When you spot someone who's perfect for the role, you don't have to jump through hoops. You can instantly unlock their contact information and reach out right away. Over 320,000 new resumes are added to ZipRecruiter monthly, which means you can reach more potential hires and fill roles sooner. Use ZipRecruiter and save time hiring 4 out of 5 employers who post on ZipRecruiter. Get a quality candidate within the first day. And if you go to ziprecruiter.com smartless right now, you can try it for free again. That's ziprecruiter.com smartless ziprecruiter. The smartest way to hire.

[B]

The family that vacations together stays together. At least that was the plan. Except now the dastardly desk clerk is saying he can't confirm your connecting rooms. Wait, what?

[A]

That's right, ma'. Am. You have rooms 201 and 709.

[B]

No, we cannot be five floors away from our kids. Eh, the doors have double locks.

[A]

They'll be be fine.

[B]

When you want connecting rooms confirmed before you arrive, it matters where you stay. Welcome to Hilton. I see your connecting rooms are already confirmed. Hilton for this day.

[E]

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[C]

And now back to the show.

[D]

All right, so you're in Toluca Lake. What's going on? Is. Is Jesse in town or are you? You guys must take. Take. Take turns. Single parents.

[A]

I was gonna get into that. Yeah, it's tough.

[B]

Yeah. It's so hard. I had a real moment last night. I just went to my friend's house. I was like, I can't parent alone tonight. I just can't do it.

[D]

Just leave a bunch of milk and crackers out and.

[B]

Well, I took them with me. No, no, no. I just brought them.

[A]

What do you think she's doing over there, man?

[D]

That's how I grew up.

[C]

Wait, how. How many kids? How many kids and how Old.

[B]

I have two boys. But, like, literally, I'm getting ready for this, and I get this sign, I need you. Him sad. Me with the door shut.

[C]

Oh, look at that drawing. That's so.

[A]

Sean's dog drew a similar picture.

[D]

Wait, did he make that? So. So listener. This is. This is a picture of Kirsten inside one room with the door closed. And then her son on the outside, upset. Upset. And so did he slide that under the door?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

No. Mommy come out.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

No.

[B]

And I am. I let them sleep in bed with me when Jesse's not here. Like, I am, like. Actually, you know who we watch, Will, is the Lego Masters show. Because.

[A]

Nice.

[D]

Oh, it puts you right out. Right?

[C]

Yeah, No, I.

[D]

That's like.

[C]

Yeah, it's like a sugar crash.

[A]

It's calming. It's a fun thing to watch with kids, isn't it? It's a very fun family show.

[C]

So. So are you guys always. So one of you is pretty much. Is it safe to say, always working? And that's why you have to just.

[B]

We had the summer together. No, we had the summer together. It's like, whoever's up next, like, whatever happened, like, we're still trying to figure it out, you know, but it's really hard. It's really hard. So, yeah, they're four and seven, so it's like. And they're two boys. It's a lot.

[A]

Yeah, It's a lot. Yeah. I've been there. Been there.

[D]

Have you thought about. And you can shut us up anytime we're getting too personal. Have you thought about the. The.

[A]

Shut up. Sort of the con.

[D]

The.

[A]

I didn't know that was an option. Fucking shut up. This is the fucking greatest day on the podcast. Shut the fuck up.

[C]

Shut the fuck up.

[D]

About the possible convenience of homeschooling. You know, you guys get just drag.

[B]

I want my kids be weird.

[D]

I know. Yeah, exactly. I'm with you. They need that social interaction, probably, Right?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

No.

[D]

I know plenty of parents that have done it successfully, so who. Who are we to judge? But it. I definitely benefited from getting. Getting away from adults and into school and being with kids when I wasn't working. It was great.

[A]

Yeah. And they would just. You pick up. The great news was the bus that picked you up was the school.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

Turns out Jason went to school on a bus. And he didn't drop out of high school. He was dropped off from high school.

[D]

It is true. It's going to be a fun chapter in the book one day. Oh, God, here comes.

[A]

Don't you cry. Don't you cry? No, I'm not crying.

[D]

You're crying.

[A]

So you. But. But so. And you kind of mentioned you didn't really have to audition anymore. Again, you did. You kind of did for Little Women, but then you just started doing. And you mentioned you get nominated, I guess when you're doing Jumanji, which was a huge massive.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And you just. You kind of went on this run of like, just being in these big, massive movies. And you're young.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So you're like, oh, well, this is my reality.

[B]

It wasn't, though. Like, I was almost embarrassed.

[D]

Really?

[A]

Really?

[B]

I think so. And I didn't really. I, like, had a blocker up, I think. That didn't compute. What. What I was doing. Plus, what am I doing? I'm going to school. I have my best friend. We're in our own world. Like, I really lived in a very little, like, school bubble, you know, So I would do my thing.

[D]

But didn't it get weird, like, on the weekends and you go to your school parties and all the kids at the party and you're just trying to. You just feel like you're just one of the kids at the weekend party. And then like, oh, hey, that's that girl from the movie I saw last week. Like, did.

[B]

They didn't do that to me.

[A]

No.

[D]

Really? Come on. You were pretty famous, though.

[B]

Yeah, but I don't know.

[D]

At a very early age, they didn't.

[B]

Do that to me at school.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

I don't. Maybe it was like a. I. I was very normal. I didn't come into school like, hey, look at me. You know, I was embarrassed, so.

[D]

Right.

[C]

Yeah. Like, talk to me about that. What do you mean, embarrassed? Like, embarrassed because of the attention that you got that was a byproduct of the movie that you weren't looking for.

[B]

I think I just didn't want to be singled out at school as anything other than another student there in high school, too. Like, I didn't want anyone to call me out or be like. Like. So I underplayed myself.

[A]

Were you already through high school when you did bring it on?

[B]

It was senior year, the summer before senior year.

[A]

I love ultimate, like, the ultimate cheerleading, like, high school movie, too, of all time, and where people.

[B]

But we didn't know that at the time. It was like a little San Diego, who cares Movie that universal, you know, it wasn't like, no one knew that that would.

[D]

You still remember some of the cheers, you know?

[B]

I do.

[D]

Do you ever do it sometimes ironically, on set when it's you're trying to ramp up the crew in the cast. It's a night shoot, and it's time to keep going. Cut. Ready? Okay.

[B]

I did it for my sons yesterday because we went to this 25th anniversary. Well, we went to this 25th anniversary bring it on thing on Sunday night.

[A]

No way.

[B]

And they had good pom poms, so I brought some pom poms home and I was like, like, doing cheers for them and spelling their names. That's the only show that's. Those are the only people that are going to get that.

[A]

Did they like it?

[B]

Yes. My son was, like, looking at me like. I was like, whoa. Like a golden goddess. I didn't know you could do this, Mom.

[C]

You don't want him to like it too much.

[D]

Cheer squad?

[B]

Yeah. I actually, a mom recruited me to start a cheer squad at the school.

[D]

Really?

[C]

Oh, wow.

[B]

Yes. Yes. Yes. Oh, I'm gonna do it. I'll do it.

[C]

Yeah. I love that you're gonna do that.

[D]

I do love that show. That show. Cheer on.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Until it got dark.

[C]

I know, I know.

[A]

Is it. Is it dark? What is it?

[B]

Well, it got dark.

[C]

A guy got arrested for bad things.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

Oh, God. Wait, I didn't see that one. Well, no, no, that happened on the show or away from off the show?

[C]

Off the show.

[D]

Wait, Shawnee, did you. Did you ever experiment with cheer squad? What?

[C]

No. But my sister was a cheater. Her name is Tracy.

[A]

Okay.

[D]

With an ey, or is it just one?

[C]

The ey? Yeah. And she.

[D]

Where she lives?

[C]

She lives in Wisconsin.

[D]

Does she know much about the biz?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

No.

[A]

Do you have to explain stuff to her ever?

[C]

Yeah. Anytime you guys can think about it, just make sure.

[D]

Continuing.

[C]

And so she would. She would have. She would do cheerleading things and she would do pompous. She would do batons. Oh, wait, do I have the photo? No. And I thought you were going to grab. There's a picture of me and her.

[A]

I'm so excited.

[C]

So I learned how to do the baton at a young age.

[D]

What is the. What is the little thing? The dude in front of the band, the marching band. It's not stick. Yeah. So it's got a. It's got a pointy stick and then a little ball at the top. Is that also a baton or just a band? Band leader Stick or staff?

[A]

Yeah, staff.

[C]

Yeah, something like that. Anyway, Kirsten, so.

[B]

I'm happy. Chilling.

[D]

Yeah. You don't have to talk on this show.

[C]

I love it. Wait, so tell me. Wait. Because like Will said, you've done so many gigantic movies. Is there. I know you don't want to. They're all important to you and all of your work is important.

[A]

But they're all different, like sort of different styles that you, you really bounce around. You can't be pegged to one thing. Like you've did, you've had these like, it almost feels like different phases. Well, they're just different roles. I guess that's what it is.

[C]

Yeah, but is there one where you're just like, you know what? That was the greatest experience of my whole career so far. And you just thought like there's no way it can get better than that.

[A]

Not result necessarily, but just react.

[C]

No. Yeah, no. The experience. The experience.

[B]

Huh? I don't know. Cause like movies aren't fun to make. You know what I mean?

[D]

Right, right.

[B]

So. But God, I.

[D]

He'Ll take the worst experience.

[B]

I, I liked making Melancholia. I don't. It was like, it was like this little isolated. It felt like we were doing a play. We all lived in this small town in Sweden in this hotel slash housing place. And it was, it was just like cozy and yeah. Really calm and so when I'm like comforting. I don't know, it was just, just, I just felt like, oh, this is what it could be like.

[D]

Lars von Trier.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[C]

Now then you have a fam. Go ahead.

[D]

Well, I, I, I'm going to ask a dumb question. Surprise. When you. I'm not sure about going to Sweden. To Norway.

[C]

Why?

[D]

Because of the light. I feel like I'm getting very sad because if I, if I'm there during the time of the year when the sun only comes up for a couple of hours, I'm going to feel like.

[A]

They call it winter.

[D]

Is it winter? I'm sure I can do it.

[B]

No, it's very. We were there in the summer, so we had a beautiful, sweeter summer.

[D]

Almost worse. Right? Because there's. Because the sun never goes down.

[B]

It did for a long time.

[A]

It's weird. I went one time, I went one time early July and I flew from here and I landed there that had crazy jet lag and then Woke up at 4am for phone. A phone call came through and it was. And I step outside and it's blaring sun and it's like 5 to 4am and it felt like it was noon and I was like, what the fuck? Where am I? It was so discombobulating.

[D]

I feel bad.

[C]

I would feel bad. I mean, because of that Kirsten and because you have A family now. And Jesse works and it's this very artistic. You know, you're just around it all the time and the schedules. Do you still enjoy going to another country for three, four, five, six months, whatever it is to work? I mean, is that those experiences, do they still fill you up?

[B]

Well, I didn't enjoy Budapest, let's just put it that way. I really did not. Well, our son, we all went as a family. We enrolled them in the international school there.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

And then my son had appendicitis and emergency surgery and then recovered for a week and then had a blockage. So basically my time in Budapest was horrible. It was horrible.

[D]

God, that's horrible. That's so young to have an appendicitis. Usually it's years to fill that thing up.

[B]

I don't know. I was like, everyone's like, drink the water there. So I was like, yeah, the water's great. So now I'm freaking out. Like, was it the water? I don't know.

[A]

Wait, what movie was that on?

[B]

That was on the airplane movie that you just did.

[A]

Oh, no shit.

[B]

No shit.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[B]

So this first part, I mean, everyone's had a shit year, it seems like. But like the first part of. The first part of our year was pretty, so.

[D]

But. But to Sean's question, like, do you. Are you a. Are you a big nester? Like, what, like, now that you're back home, do you love just like, not going anywhere?

[B]

Yeah, I don't go anywhere.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

I stay in my radius of school drop off and neighborhood restaurants. I don't. I don't leave the Valley.

[C]

It's nice, isn't it?

[D]

You go in there to that Bob's Big Boy. You get in there.

[C]

Oh, I love that place.

[B]

I like the car nights, but I never want to eat there.

[C]

Bob's Big Boy.

[D]

I love it.

[A]

Sean, cool it, man.

[D]

Yeah, okay.

[A]

It's not going anywhere.

[D]

We're not gonna be done with this for another 20 minutes.

[A]

Start the car.

[C]

I was in London just yesterday, actually. What's today? Tuesday? Yeah. And I just did my last show. I did a play there, Kirsten. And it was.

[A]

Finally a final good night. A final good night for Oscar.

[C]

And every Sunday we would go to Five Guys, right? The burger place. And so will FaceTimed, me and Scotty on our walk to Five Guys. And he goes, where are you going? I go. He goes, are you on your way to Five Guys to get a burger? I go, yeah. He goes, by the look of you both, you're gonna walk out of there you're gonna walk out of there looking like 10 guys or something.

[A]

More like 10 guys. Am I right? Am I right? Is this thing.

[C]

It's so stupid, but I love. I love the. I love those old burger joints. Like Big, Big, like Bob's Big Boy and stuff. And there's a lot of them in the Valley. Like old, like pizza places in the Valley that are really great.

[A]

I'm gonna say something.

[B]

Chili John's too. Have you been to Chili John's? That place is a real relic.

[D]

It's on right across the street.

[A]

Riverside and Coldwater. Is that the place?

[B]

No, Chili John's is on. Is it Magnolia or Burbank? I think it's Burbank and it's very cool. Old school.

[D]

Have you guys done Apple Pan? You must have done.

[B]

Yes, but that's over the hill.

[C]

Yeah, Apple Pan is the best.

[A]

I'm gonna say something controversial. There are burger places that everybody talks about that are only that I just think are really overrated.

[B]

Like.

[C]

Like.

[A]

Well, I don't wanna. I don't wanna name it. I wanna In n Out. I wanna raise people's boats, but I'm not gonna name people things that I.

[D]

Don'T like by names. Super, super courageous. Well, I will. You know, I will say our friend on Sunday makes a burger very much on par with In n Out.

[A]

Oh my God.

[D]

It is.

[A]

I would say better. Yeah, I would say better.

[D]

I could be with you.

[A]

I would say better. Wow, it's really delicious.

[D]

If you could. Let's go around the horn here. If you could have only one classic junk food as your final meal, would it be like a burger? Would it be a pizza? Would it be grilled cheese?

[A]

That's a great question.

[D]

I will go first. I think it's going to be pizza and I'm going to have a side of well done fries.

[C]

Okay. Oh, yeah, I would do.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, you go. No, you go, Sean.

[C]

I was spaghetti.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

Really?

[B]

That's not junk food.

[C]

Well, it's not.

[D]

It's so Sean Hayes. You know this guy? Can I have some ice cream? Yeah. What flavor? Vanilla. That's it. That's his goat. He loves it so much. Well, you know what?

[C]

Mother's milk. It's mother's milk.

[A]

Kirsten, what would you have? What would you be your ultimate junk food?

[B]

Well, junk food, like comfort food.

[A]

Burger.

[D]

Could be grilled cheese.

[B]

I think I'm. I honestly, I might do In N Out.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Cheeseburger with a chocolate shake.

[D]

Just a single.

[B]

Well, cheeseburger, extra spread, no onions. Is my Vibe.

[D]

So not the double double. No extra spread, though. I like your style. You're not doing the spread on the side. You want them to slather it right on.

[B]

Yes.

[D]

Good for you. You gotta eat it quick before the bun gets soggy.

[B]

Yeah, that's why I. I turn the air conditioning off when I get takeout for home. I'm like, AC off. This better be rolled up in the bag real tight. I hate when people come home with an open box of In N Out.

[A]

I do too.

[C]

I do too. What's the point? Take it back.

[D]

Because you want to keep your burger hot.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

God, I love you.

[D]

That is extra.

[C]

That is really interesting.

[A]

I'm with you on that.

[C]

Wait, can I go back to work for a while?

[D]

No, wait. Arnett hasn't declared.

[C]

Oh, yeah, sorry.

[A]

I. I'd go. I'd go pizza too. I'd go pizza and chocolate shake and.

[D]

What kind of pizza is.

[A]

Would probably be just a. More than likely just a cheese pizza.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

May.

[A]

Maybe. Maybe with some meat on it. May. Sausage. Sausage.

[D]

Some nice meat. Onions. Is that a crispy or is that kind of a soft. I'm.

[A]

No, it's got to have. It's got to have a sort of a crispy. Crispy undercarriage, as they say.

[D]

Black bottom.

[A]

Not necessarily. Not necessarily black bottom, but. But, but, but it's got to have some crisp to it and I. And I.

[D]

Some snap.

[A]

When I see people eat pizza and put the crust to the side and they don't eat the crust, I'm like, are you communist? What are you doing?

[C]

You know, in college we used. I used to eat the pizza and then. And then save the crust and dip it in peanut butter after.

[A]

Ew.

[C]

Oh, God.

[D]

You shit pig.

[B]

Peanut butter?

[C]

Yeah. Like. Cause it was just.

[B]

I mean, ranches.

[A]

Sean. I mean this with all respect, you fat fuck.

[C]

Wait, I wanna ask more work stuff. It's Kirsten Dunson.

[A]

I know, I know. Me too. I wanna ask.

[C]

I wanna know, do you have any kind of routine things that you do before a shoot, after a shoot, during a shoot or something that you're consistent about that like, you know, I'm about to start a job, so this is how this is gonna go. I'm gonna make sure I do blanket.

[D]

Singer faces or.

[B]

In the mirror.

[C]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

Anything I do.

[D]

Are you big on research? Are you big on, like, getting in, studying your character and figuring out what they have in their pockets and all that actor stuff?

[A]

They have a secret. My characters have a secret.

[C]

I.

[B]

What do I do? I do dream work. That's my main thing I do.

[D]

Ooh.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[C]

What's that?

[A]

I like that.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

What is dream work?

[A]

I just did the first time.

[B]

You did? Yeah, yeah.

[D]

Is that the company that was started by David Geffner?

[C]

Come on, man.

[A]

You're on the right.

[C]

No, no, no, wait, Kirsten, what is. I don't know what dream work is.

[B]

So there's a couple acting coaches you could call them, but they're more than that. But my lady is someone who's done it. Her mom did it, too. And you basically ask yourself questions and write yourself a note at night of what you want to find out about your character. And then whatever you dream, you write it down and you discuss it with her and implement it into.

[C]

Oh, that's cool.

[B]

The script.

[C]

And that's really cool.

[D]

I love that. But regardless of whether the dream had anything to do with the question or your character, it's just whatever your dream scenario was you kind of incorporated into your character's backstory.

[B]

Well, you're writing yourself a specific note at night, so you're asking your unconscious to give you something that you can implement.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, that's cool.

[B]

And then when you're done with the movie, you write yourself a note. I'm done with this character. Blah, blah, blah, and sign out.

[C]

There's your routine. There's your thing that you do.

[D]

Yeah, that's pretty rad.

[C]

That is pretty cool.

[D]

We'll be right back.

[F]

The afternoon light is becoming as golden as aspen leaves. The air is growing more crisp, and the silence just seems to say more. Absorb it and let the rest go like that first misty breath on a cool morning. Autumn is arriving. The days are growing shorter. Make the most of them. Park City, Utah. For the mountain kind, plan your trip at, visit parkcity.com now is your time.

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[C]

And now back to the show.

[D]

Are you good at remembering lines?

[B]

I'm getting worse.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm so bad.

[D]

It's coming for all of us.

[C]

Really.

[B]

I'm getting so bad that if I read a script and the person talks a lot, I'm like, I don't know if I can do this.

[D]

So if somebody brought you a one woman show on Broadway.

[B]

Oh, hell no. Hell no. No.

[D]

Our buddy John Krasinski just did one. He knocked me out. My God, is that awesome? Just fucking unreal. It looks like. And Billy Crudup's done it a bunch of times.

[B]

And yeah, they're both men. See, women multi.

[D]

No, Laura Linney's done it a few times. She's nailed it. It. You can do it.

[B]

I don't know, it's weird to me. I don't like the idea of doing a play.

[A]

It's a lot of work, let's be honest. It's a lot of work. Right, Sean? I mean, I know Sean just came off basically. Two and a half years of doing.

[B]

This play sounds so tiring to me.

[C]

It's. I did it over 200 times.

[B]

Are you okay?

[D]

You got a Tony out of it. Got a Tony. I mean, at least you got the Tony.

[C]

I mean. I know what you mean, Kirsten, is, you know, you don't do it for the financial because theater doesn't pay, but you do it because of a thing inside as an actor that you just wouldn't otherwise get the opportunity maybe, or you get that character that you've always wanted to play out of you. So you're like, great, I did that. And now that's done. And now I can go do maybe another character.

[B]

Do you ever think about the audience judging you though? Like, oh, that person's just coming to see the girl from Spider Man. You know what I mean? I feel a little weird.

[C]

The Girl from Spider man, that's the name of the play.

[B]

I just, I just, I don't know. It's just maybe when I'm older, I'll like it. Listen, one of the only live things I did was Saturday Night Live once and I had the best time of my life. But I grew up watching that show. Like, literally one of the best times of my life.

[A]

How, how was that experience?

[B]

I, I had one about Saturday Night.

[A]

Live just said, no, no, but I mean, like specifically like, what was the. What was.

[B]

Yeah, well, I grew up watching the show, as do my kids now. They'll call out people and be like, you know, will you put on the Bill Hader puppet sketch for me? You know, like, I show them Chris Farley with the Colombian coffee. You know, the decaf Colombian coffee freak.

[D]

I gotta see that.

[B]

It's one of the funniest sketches ever. We used to call our youngest. Well, he's Baby Chris Farley, but I don't know where I'm going with this.

[D]

You were talking about the specifics of what you loved about the week on snl.

[B]

Oh, yeah. So I was. When I was younger, I. I played Data Carvey's grandchild when he was George Bush on the couch, like, eating popcorn as an extra. And I was.

[D]

No way.

[B]

Victor. Victoria Jackson. Yeah. Thank you. In one of her spoof commercials, too. So it's, like, such a legacy thing for my family.

[C]

Yeah, it felt.

[D]

Did they show that clip when you hosted?

[B]

Yeah, they did.

[D]

No way.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Oh, that's cool.

[B]

Yeah. And it's in the. When you walk, like, in the main hallway, when you get there, little me is in with Dana Carvey on the couch. It was one of the. Yeah, it. It was. So. I loved it so much. I love it. So. Yes.

[C]

What do you do when you're. When you're not working on films and stuff and momming, you know, do you. What do you want? What do you love to do? What do you fill your time with? You're just, like, nothing. Shopping, walking around Toluca Lake.

[B]

I. Honestly, the other day, I dropped the box. I went to Pilates. I did do that.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And then I just watched tv. I want to lay in bed and watch tv. That's not.

[D]

Yeah. I don't want to make a generalization here, a sexist.

[A]

But you're gonna. But you're gonna.

[D]

But I'm gonna. No, here. This would be a good bailout. Somebody told me the other day they noticed that I'll just talk about my own house. Amanda watches all of her TV in bed. I watch all of my TV on the couch. Yeah. And I find that that is not uncommon. Wait, I said that pretty, pretty well, didn't I?

[B]

Viewer back.

[A]

You did a really good job.

[D]

Why do you think that is an uncommon thing as.

[C]

As it relates to gender, you mean?

[D]

Okay, Sean said it.

[C]

No, I mean, I didn't know. Or is it.

[A]

Or just.

[C]

Just people. Or just, like, pe. Some people like to watch.

[D]

I've tried to watch TV in bed, and I get I feel like I'm getting, like, bed sores.

[C]

Like, I feel that way.

[D]

You need to be able to shift around a lot.

[A]

I always think the bed is for sleeping and so that if I start watching something in bed, then it's going to mess with my sleep.

[C]

Yeah. And Scotty can't sleep unless he. The TV's on. He cannot fall asleep unless the TV's on.

[A]

Scotty can.

[D]

Yeah, K. We're going to be right with you. Hold on.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. Do you fall asleep with the tv? Do you fall asleep with the TV on, Kirsten?

[B]

No.

[A]

No.

[D]

You got a TV in the. In the bedroom, though?

[B]

Hell yeah.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Hell yeah.

[D]

Some people don't. We got one.

[C]

Does Jesse watch it?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

To go to sleep?

[B]

No, not to go to sleep, just to enjoy.

[D]

But what about. Will you. Because Amanda and I often fall asleep where she's watching her iPad and then I'm watching the tv. But she's got to have the fucking headphones.

[C]

I want a photo of that.

[D]

She can. So that she can hear her iPad and not hear what I'm listening to on the TV. But it really only lasts about 10 minutes.

[A]

But that's on the couch. She's down in your room with you and she's on the couch.

[D]

No, no. This is when I. When I eventually go upstairs and I get bed.

[A]

And you turn the TV on when you're in bed.

[D]

Yeah, she's got the iPad already going. I got to bring her her headphones. She puts those on, and then I turn on the TV and. And let it rock me out.

[A]

Do you guys should try something called talking to each other?

[D]

Well, what do you mean?

[A]

Relating. Jason, can I. Let me come over and help your marriage. Just give me 10 minutes to help your marriage.

[C]

Karen, is there somebody that. That you dreamed of working with, that you have him with? Because it seems like you worked with all the great, like, great, great, great people.

[B]

I mean, the one is Paul Thomas Anderson.

[D]

I feel like that's every that new movie is going to be.

[B]

Yeah. Looks sick. But he did recommend me for Melancholia, so that was.

[D]

Oh, he did.

[C]

Oh, that's cool.

[D]

Well, Jesse could put in a good word for you. He's word with them at least once.

[B]

I mean, I have his phone number. He randomly emails me sometimes, so I have those saved.

[D]

Just starts sending him just random head shots of you from over the years.

[B]

He did. He. He called me once and he was like, I need to talk to you about something. And I was like, God, like, this is gonna happen. And then we played phone tag forever, and then we finally got in touch and he was like, ask me about what it was like working with this other actor.

[A]

No.

[D]

Cause he's thinking about giving them a name.

[B]

I was like, you know how mean that was of you.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

That was not cool to do that.

[D]

I can't imagine the pressure. He must feel so much pressure. Like, every actor that he ever talks to, they're just hitting on, is this my moment?

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

What can I do to make a good impression on him?

[A]

Yeah, I know. Well, it'll come. Listen, it'll happen, too. You can manifest anything. I mean, of course it's going to happen.

[D]

Is that right? Well, what does the universe say about.

[A]

By the way? It's true.

[D]

You don't need to raise your eyebrows up. You're talking about manifest.

[A]

You want to fight me on this?

[D]

Give me your pitch on manifestation.

[A]

Put it out there.

[D]

Put it out there. You're saying, ask the universe.

[A]

You know what I always want.

[D]

It's going to happen.

[A]

Yeah. You know what I always say? Why not me? Why not me? Well, why don't you just.

[D]

Just let me. Them. You know, I could.

[A]

Mel Robinson. And we'll be right back.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

We've been doing this lately where we.

[B]

Try to go to commercial and we'll be right back.

[A]

Wait, how did you. Did you. How did you and Jesse meet?

[B]

We met on Fargo season two.

[D]

Oh.

[B]

Yep. And we. I. It's so funny. I remember seeing him at the airport, like, us meeting at LAX for the first time. So clearly.

[C]

I.

[B]

We just were.

[A]

He doesn't remember it that way. You said that. It's almost like he doesn't remember it.

[B]

No, no. I just, like, you don't often remember meeting the first meeting with someone. You could picture it in your brain really clearly.

[D]

Yeah, well. But can you say why? It's. It. It. It. You remember it so clearly.

[B]

I don't know why. It's like one of those things that, like, while I remember that moment, even though I didn't know this was my future husband. Yeah.

[D]

When did the flirt start? Can you tell us?

[B]

The flirt? Like, I think we were so, like, soulmate enmeshed kind of in our characters, too, like, but also the way we worked, and I just felt like I didn't want to not be near him is what I thought.

[C]

I love that.

[B]

Yeah. Even at lunchtime, like, I'd be like, what are you doing for lunch? You know? Yeah, whatever. Let's make a sandwich at Crafty. Cause whatever.

[D]

Who asked who first? Whether they were involved In a relationship.

[B]

We both kind of knew, oh, we could. We were both in relationships. Right.

[D]

So then it was respectful all the way through.

[B]

Yeah, totally respectful. And then we just kept in touch and then both were out of our relationships. We didn't get together till a year after.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. South by Southwest was our first hang out.

[A]

Copy that.

[D]

Hot Austin summer nights back to one.

[B]

You know, still rolling.

[A]

We'd be remiss if we didn't talk a little bit about Roofman. So, jb, you saw this movie. It's amazing.

[D]

Roofman saw this movie. I give it a huge, huge thumbs up. Huge thumbs up.

[A]

Directed by the great Derek San France.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And co starring Channing Taylor. Hate him. Yeah, it's a. It's a. It's a based on a true story about a dude who lives inside of Toys R Us for a couple months.

[B]

Yes, he does. He. He basically robbed like, 45 McDonald's through the roof. That's why they call him the Roof man. Yeah, this is all true.

[C]

Really?

[B]

Yeah. And he hid out in a mix in a Toys R Us for six months.

[D]

Yeah. Yeah. It's like, it's. And it's, you know, like, you know me, I'm a dark idiot. And so I keep waiting for this film to get, like, kind of scary and bleak and dark and crime and. But it's so this. This film has such a great spirit and warmth about it, even though it's centralized around a character that's, you know, breaking the law left and right. And it's not like an overtly sort of Robin Hood thing where they kind of earn it all, but it kind of is. But there's just such great, like, there's like a tone throughout it that Derek Cianfrance just like, pulls through it. That is just like such a high wire act. That's so cool. And Kirsten, you and Channing do such a great job of maintaining that too. It's like. I don't know. I think it's just one of the hardest things in the world to keep something winning and watchable all the way through.

[B]

Yeah. And not be, like, sappy or corny or feel manipulative.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[D]

It never gets earnest. Although it's a very warm movie. It's. I don't know, it's very hard to describe, but I highly recommend it. It's really.

[C]

Yeah. And Kirsten, I love that. I can't wait to see it. Do you find yourself, as long as you've worked, kind of integrating yourself towards whether you get credit for it? Or not a producerial kind of role when you choose your acting gigs. Meaning, I like this part. I want to meet with the director or whatever it is, but I have these things to say about how to improve my role in it so that it works for me or whatever the thing is.

[B]

I mean, I did that on a TV show, but I feel like it's. Both those movies that I did, Roofman and this and the Plane movie, were so developed that it's not really, you know.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

You're just like, great. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. I mean, I would have done anything with Derek.

[C]

Right.

[B]

So this isn't a part personally that I was. Would naturally maybe gravitate towards, but I. But I wanted to again, work with him for the experience. Like, I just. Yeah, that's.

[A]

Was it everything you hoped it would be, working with him?

[B]

Yes, yes, yes.

[C]

How about that?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That's so cool when that happens.

[B]

I want to work with him again.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Here.

[D]

He's a great guy. I've never met him. And Channing is just like the greatest.

[B]

I love him.

[D]

Right.

[B]

Such a good dude. Yes. He's a real. One of the real ones. Yeah.

[A]

So, I mean, honestly, and. And obviously Derek is such a great filmmaker and his movies are kind of little movies. And when I say that, I don't mean just in terms of like the. Compared to some of these huge movies that get made these days that are all like, based on IP and whatever, he has these really great little story driven movies that he makes with great characters. Do you. And you've done all of. As we mentioned before.

[D]

That's amazing. You've done great stance in both.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. Now when you look to do stuff, so as you sit here and you're at home and Jesse's off working and you're thinking, okay, I'm gonna do something my next. Do you have a plan? Do you go like, I want to kind of hit this note next, or do you just kind of wait?

[B]

I kind of wait. But also I'd like to do something fun. Like, I just want to have fun and I. Yeah, I want to do like a comedy or do something big.

[D]

And fun and what and why. And you know that, like, that's the thing we talk about in the show sometimes. Like, where are those movies? Why do they not make those big, fun studio ensemble comedies anymore?

[C]

I think they will soon. I think we have to.

[D]

Really.

[C]

Yeah. Because the world around us is too dark.

[D]

Yeah, it sure is.

[C]

I think people just have to. I think people are going to want to crave or gonna start Craving that. I don't know when, but I think.

[D]

I know I wanna do actor comedy next.

[A]

I think it, you know, sometimes. Who was I talking about? This, like, this idea that when we're in times that are dark, people don't have as much of a appetite for these big sort of actiony, fun, pithy movies because they, because it's not where they're at. And it's often a reflection of. If everything sort of feels calm in our culture, then we can just kind of go and do these big goofy things. And when it's not calm, it's hard for people to let go. It's weird because you'd think that they'd want to have the escapism, but they actually don't.

[D]

Yeah, like, scary movies are actually doing really well.

[A]

There you go.

[D]

Like Weapons. Oh, my God, that movie's good.

[A]

You love that. Weapons.

[D]

I do love that. Weapons.

[A]

I know.

[C]

Have you seen that, Kirsten? Wait, Weapons.

[B]

I haven't seen it yet. No.

[C]

Do you, do you watch movies?

[A]

Go to Jason's house. He's showing it about every two hours. Yeah.

[C]

Do you watch movies, though, at home or, like, do you like movies by yourself or with your kids or whatever?

[B]

I like going to the movie theater. I, yeah. And I'll take them to the movie theater. I, I, yeah, I, I'd rather I. If I watch a movie at home, I fall asleep.

[D]

Right?

[C]

Yeah. Have they, have they. Have your kids seen all the classics, like E.T. star wars, all those things?

[A]

Things.

[B]

You know, they're four and seven. Yeah. It's not like. But you know what? My lady?

[C]

Seven, when Star wars came out.

[A]

Hey, Sean, she hasn't shown them Star Wars. Don't be Atlantic.

[C]

Okay, go ahead. Sorry.

[B]

No, I. My four year old likes Venom. The first Venom, which I probably shouldn't have shown him.

[A]

That's so weird. That's so weird. So does my little guy.

[D]

Oh, my God.

[A]

My 5 year old likes Venom, too.

[B]

I mean, we're probably not good parents for showing them, but whatever.

[C]

I saw the Exorcist and I was like eight or nine.

[B]

Like, yeah, I saw it that young too.

[C]

I should not be seeing that.

[B]

Also, my child was begging me, my 4 year old, to watch Jaws. I was like, okay, Jesse. And I showed him the first 10 minutes and tried to explain that the girl is being pulled around on a rope.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

And now he won't go near the ocean.

[B]

Alive in the shark. No, he went. He went.

[D]

He did.

[A]

He still went. Yeah.

[D]

Nowhere near Santa Monica Pier, though, that.

[A]

Well, listen, Kirsten, we're taking away too much of your time. This is. We're. You're such a delight.

[B]

I mean, I could talk to you guys for a while.

[A]

I know we could.

[B]

No, zero pressure vibes.

[C]

I'm coming over. I'm coming over later this afternoon.

[B]

Come have coffee with me.

[D]

You know, sometimes those interviews, they feel like they were. That they're like 10 minutes long. You just.

[B]

Very easy breezy.

[A]

I know. Jason and I are coming to Tula. We're going to stop by the house and we'll drop off some Internet out for you on our way.

[B]

Yeah, thanks.

[D]

It's going to be hot as, too.

[B]

You know how to make a girl happy.

[A]

Yeah. All right. So. So Roofman is out October 10th. We're really excited about it.

[B]

October 10th.

[A]

Also with the, as you called it, the airplane movie. I forget what it's called.

[D]

You're going to come back for that. I want you to.

[A]

Entertainment system. So many amazing things you've done, so many great roles. You continue to do it. You're such a delight. So happy to have you here. Yeah.

[D]

What an incredible, great person and a great person, a great wife and like you're just doing it all.

[B]

Thanks, guys. Thanks, kd.

[A]

Thank you for joining us. Kd.

[B]

Thank you for having me.

[C]

Such a pleasure to meet you, Kirsten.

[B]

Bye, guys.

[D]

I mean, that was real special. Real special listener. You didn't see the. The bonus moment there with the. With the two young boys and she finally opened up the door and let them in and they came in and said hi. And Will did his Lego Batman voice and they. Yeah, it blew their minds.

[A]

It was funny. Really cute. Really fun. I love that.

[D]

So cute.

[A]

So cute. So, so cute.

[D]

What a nice lady.

[A]

You guys are cute. You guys are cute. You got a couple cutie pies out there.

[D]

Great career. She's not even halfway done.

[C]

I know.

[A]

Oh, my God. She's just getting warmed up.

[D]

Yep.

[A]

She's just getting warmed up. She's so. I'm so excited for Roofman. Jb, You've already seen it. But I can't wait to see it. It's gonna be so good.

[C]

Yeah, I want to see it.

[A]

And then the entertainment system. I know, I know.

[C]

Entertainment system is down because what. What would we do?

[A]

She's always good. She's one of those people. Always good.

[D]

Everything she does, Sean, you get that all the time.

[A]

Yeah. I mean. And JB, hey, man, you know. No, no, no, no. 50, 50, 50, 50, 50. Yeah. Sometimes you're on and sometimes you're on. Stand by.

[C]

Oh, that was so fast. Bye buddy.

[A]

Smart Smart less Smartless is 100% organic and artisanally handcrafted by Michael Grant, Terry, Rob Armjarv and Bennett Barbico. Smart Less.

[F]

The afternoon light is becoming as golden as aspen leaves. The air is growing more crisp, and the silence just seems to say more. Absorb it and let the rest go like that first misty breath on a cool morning. Autumn is arriving. The days are growing shorter. Make the most of them. Park City, Utah for the mountain kind, plan your trip at Visit ParkCity.com now.

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Is your time to get into a new Dr. Horton home by taking advantage of its national Red Tag Sales event going on right now through October 19th. Stop by any of its participating communities and find select Red Tag homes at incredible Pricing. So whether you're buying your first home or looking for an upgrade, you don't want to miss the Red Tag Sales Event event going on right now. Discover the Dr. Horton Difference at Dr. Horton.com Dr. Horton America's Builder and Equal Housing Opportunity Builder.