SmartLess Podcast Episode: "RE-RELEASE: Tina Fey"

Release Date: May 15, 2025

In this special re-release episode of SmartLess, hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett welcome the iconic Tina Fey as their mystery guest. The conversation delves deep into Tina's illustrious career, creative processes, work-life balance, and her perspectives on the evolving landscape of comedy. Filled with candid anecdotes, insightful discussions, and the trademark humor that SmartLess is known for, this episode offers fans a comprehensive look into the mind of one of comedy’s brightest stars.

1. Career Journey: From Second City to SNL and Beyond

The episode kicks off with Tina Fey sharing her transition from performing to writing and back to performing, highlighting the pivotal moments in her career.

• Starting at Second City: Tina recounts her early days in Chicago, emphasizing the importance of improvisational theater in shaping her comedic style.

  “I started at Second City and met Amy Poehler and a bunch of other incredible talents.” [08:27]

• Landing on SNL: Tina discusses her initial challenges and eventual success at Saturday Night Live, thanks to her strong writing skills and perseverance.

  “I submitted my writer's packet to Adam McKay, and it paid off.” [10:17]

• Transition to Mean Girls and 30 Rock: The conversation moves to her breakout role in Mean Girls and the creation of 30 Rock, where Tina balanced multiple responsibilities as a writer, producer, and star.

  “Being the head writer and showrunner was insane but rewarding.” [07:50]

2. New Endeavors: "Girls5Eva" and Future Projects

Tina introduces her latest project, Girls5Eva, a comedy series about a girl group trying to make a comeback.

• About the Show:

  “Girls5Eva is about women in their 40s reuniting their girl group. It’s really funny.” [05:39]

• Cast and Creative Team:

  “The show stars Sara Bareilles and Renee Elise Goldsberry, both incredible talents.” [06:04]

• Creative Process:

  “Writing is only fun after it’s over, but performing is fun in the moment.” [14:57]

3. Balancing Work and Family

A significant portion of the discussion centers around managing a demanding career while maintaining a healthy family life.

• Pandemic Adjustments:

  “The pandemic was tough, but it was nice to be together as a family.” [40:54]

• Children’s Interests:

  “My daughter Alice might be interested in directing, but she’s not into performing.” [27:25]

• Exhaustion from 30 Rock:

  “30 Rock involved 18-hour days and was incredibly exhausting.” [40:06]

4. Insights on Comedy and Writing

Tina shares her thoughts on the current state of comedy, the challenges of writing, and the differences between performing and writing.

• Writing vs. Performing:

  “Writing is more work, while performing is enjoyable in the moment.” [12:19]

• Current Comedy Landscape:

  “It feels like comedy films are scarce, and the landscape has shifted towards streaming platforms.” [45:19]

• Influence of the Internet:

  “The Internet has become the great equalizer for discovering comedic talent.” [08:52]

5. Personal Anecdotes and Stories

The conversation is peppered with entertaining stories from Tina’s personal and professional life.

• High School Theater Horror Story:

  “In high school, our set caught on fire during a Dracula performance. My dad, a firefighter, saved the day.” [30:14]

• Casting Her Daughter:

  “I let my daughter audition for a role on Girls5Eva, and eventually, she got to be part of the show.” [28:12]

• Comedy Influences:

  “I’m a huge fan of Chris Redd and always admire his comedic talent.” [20:10]

6. Future Plans and Retirement Thoughts

Tina reflects on her desire to possibly retire or shift her focus, expressing readiness for a change after years of intense work.

• Considering Retirement:

  “I’m ready to retire, but writing is something I never want to stop.” [43:27]

• Interest in Travel:

  “I want to see a couple of places, but I’m increasingly just a homebody.” [44:27]

7. Final Thoughts and Farewell

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express their admiration and gratitude towards Tina, highlighting her impact on comedy and their personal appreciation.

• Hosts’ Admiration:

  “Tina is the funniest and most brilliant writer I know.” [47:47]

• Closing Remarks:

  “Thank you so much for taking your time to do this, Tina.” [46:53]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tina Fey on Writing:

  “Writing is like, it’s only fun to have written something. Like writing’s only fun after it’s over.” [14:57]

• Sean Hayes on Tina’s Leadership:

  “Tina, you’re such a great leader. Incredible leader.” [47:55]

• Tina Fey on SNL Casting:

  “Lorne is gloriously lazy about casting. He looks inside his own eyelids for who’s available.” [14:03]

• Tina on High School Theater Disaster:

  “The set caught on fire, and my dad, a fireman, saved the day.” [30:20]

• Jason Bateman on Social Media Influencers:

  “Is there still a way to make a bunch of money on social media? Influencers, right.” [25:19]

Conclusion

This SmartLess episode provides an intimate glimpse into Tina Fey’s multifaceted career and personal life. From her beginnings at Second City to her pivotal role at SNL, and now her latest endeavor with Girls5Eva, Tina offers valuable insights into the world of comedy and the intricacies of balancing professional success with personal fulfillment. Her candid storytelling and reflective thoughts make this episode a must-listen for fans and aspiring comedians alike.