Kyle Mooney

Summary

Podcast Summary: Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim – Episode Featuring Kyle Mooney

Introduction and Guest Background

In this heartfelt and humorous episode of Thanks Dad, hosted by Ego Nwodim and produced by Headgum, Ego invites comedian, actor, and director Kyle Mooney to serve as her “Dad for the Day.” Released on November 4, 2024, the episode delves into personal narratives about fatherhood, the complexities of father-child relationships, and the nuances of parenting. Ego, who was raised by a single mother and lost her father the previous year, seeks to explore these themes through engaging conversations with Kyle, who also shares his experiences as a father.

Personal Stories About Fathers

The episode begins with Ego addressing the recent passing of her father, setting a poignant tone for the discussions to follow. Kyle expresses his condolences, acknowledging the unique dynamics of Ego’s relationship with her dad.

Kyle Mooney [01:00]: “Yeah, no, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. And I know. I would imagine it’s made more complicated by your relationship or non-relationship with him.”

Ego reflects on her uncomplicated feelings about her father’s passing, highlighting her acceptance of death as a natural part of life.

Ego Nwodim [01:44]: “I feel very like death is part of life. Yeah, I read that, I don’t know, seven years ago or something.”

Transitioning to Kyle's background, Ego and Kyle discuss his father, Brian Mooney, a successful planner from San Diego. Kyle reminisces about Brian’s professional achievements and his supportive role in Kyle’s early career endeavors.

Kyle Mooney [07:08]: “He was very proud of his sort of Cape Cod heritage.”

Kyle shares anecdotes about his father’s encouragement, such as purchasing a video camera that Kyle and his friends used to create internet shorts, demonstrating Brian’s support for his son’s interests.

Kyle Mooney [08:18]: “He purchased a video camera, the Panasonic DVX100B, for myself and my friends in college.”

Discussing SNL and Exhaustion

Ego and Kyle delve into the demanding nature of Kyle’s work on Saturday Night Live (SNL), discussing the rigorous schedule and the associated exhaustion. Ego shares her own experiences with stress and anxiety during her time at SNL, relating it to Kyle’s challenges.

Ego Nwodim [22:18]: “I feel really stressed. I went to a nutritionist because one, my stomach always hurts...”

Kyle elaborates on his struggles with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviors exacerbated by the high-pressure environment of SNL.

Kyle Mooney [24:06]: “I would be, like, sipping a very specific amount of sips of… It’s a constant state of...”

Becoming a Father: Fears and Responsibilities

The conversation shifts to fatherhood, with Kyle opening up about his own journey as a parent. He discusses the fears and responsibilities that come with raising a child, touching on practical concerns like childcare skills and emotional responsibilities.

Kyle Mooney [32:02]: “Yeah, I think I have a hard time believing you’re not gonna be some. Like, you’re not gonna be scared. It just...”

Ego relates by sharing her aspirations and uncertainties about parenting, emphasizing the desire to balance guiding her child while allowing them autonomy.

Ego Nwodim [38:14]: “I want her to figure out what she’s into. Yeah.”

Parenting Philosophies and Challenges

Ego and Kyle explore various parenting philosophies, discussing the evolution of parenting advice and the pressures of “getting it right.” They debate the merits of phrases like “good job” in parenting, considering their psychological impacts on children.

Kyle Mooney [40:39]: “It sounds like when it’s been explained to me. I get it.”

Ego expresses her struggles with the ever-changing landscape of parenting advice, highlighting the tension between striving for the perfect parenting approach and accepting imperfection.

Ego Nwodim [42:24]: “But then it’s gonna be like, oh, not that either, because that’s…”

Kyle shares his own experiences and realizations about parenting, emphasizing the importance of kindness, humor, and allowing his daughter to become her authentic self.

Kyle Mooney [37:34]: “I want her to be happy and I really want to just be there for her so that she could be the best version of who she is.”

Closing Advice and Reflections

In the final segment, Ego asks Kyle for practical advice, simulating a fatherly guidance scenario. Kyle offers thoughtful insights on finding a primary care physician, emphasizing the importance of trust and personal recommendations.

Kyle Mooney [53:08]: “So that there’s a point of reference in your visits.”

Ego raises concerns about inconsistent medical care, and Kyle advises leveraging personal networks to find reliable healthcare professionals.

Kyle Mooney [55:09]: “Ask them who they are, seeing how they feel about them.”

The episode concludes with Ego sharing a humorous and affectionate exchange with Kyle, reinforcing the episode’s blend of comedy and heartfelt discussion.

Kyle Mooney [57:29]: “I bet you’re fine, but it doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kyle Mooney [01:00]: “Yeah, no, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. And I know. I would imagine it’s made more complicated by your relationship or non-relationship with him.”
• Ego Nwodim [08:18]: “He purchased a video camera, the Panasonic DVX100B, for myself and my friends in college.”
• Kyle Mooney [24:06]: “I would be, like, sipping a very specific amount of sips of… It’s a constant state of...”
• Kyle Mooney [37:34]: “I want her to be happy and I really want to just be there for her so that she could be the best version of who she is.”
• Kyle Mooney [53:08]: “So that there’s a point of reference in your visits.”

Conclusion

This episode of Thanks Dad offers a candid exploration of fatherhood, blending humor with deep personal insights. Ego Nwodim and Kyle Mooney navigate the complexities of their relationships with their fathers, the challenges of parenting, and the balancing act between guidance and autonomy. Listeners are treated to an engaging dialogue that is both relatable and enlightening, making it a valuable listen for anyone interested in the multifaceted experience of being a parent.

Transcript

[Ego Odom]

This is a headgun podcast. Hi, guys. I'm Ego Odom, and welcome to thanks, dad. Try to look engaged while I do it, at least.

[Kyle Mooney]

Oh, I thought I was like. I'm like, not even here. Maybe.

[Ego Odom]

No, no, no. Maybe you can be.

[Kyle Mooney]

Okay.

[Ego Odom]

It just makes it more complicated. You don't have to. You don't have to. Don't do too much though, either.

[Kyle Mooney]

I got you.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. Don't do too much. Just do the right amount. Okay. E. And welcome to thanks, Dad. I was raised by a single mom and don't have a relationship with my dad. I'm not going to have a relationship with my dad because he actually did go ahead and pass away last year. That sucker. So on this pod, huh?

[Kyle Mooney]

Sorry about that. That's not.

[Ego Odom]

Were you not sure if you should. Why was it. Why was it whispered? Was it because you weren't sure if you should offer condolences at all or you were concerned about interrupting the intro?

[Kyle Mooney]

The latter.

[Ego Odom]

You were concerned about interrupting the intro, but you did want to offer your condolences. Do you want to take the time now to say sorry to me about not interrupting but the loss of my father?

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah, no, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. And I'm. And I know. I would imagine it's made more complicated by your relationship or non relationship with him.

[Ego Odom]

Thank you. You know, it's actually. The truth is it's so uncomplicated that sometimes I'm like, oh, people are probably concerned about how uncomplicated it is. So that makes sense where I, you know, I feel. I'm like. I don't, you know, I feel very like death is part of life. Yeah, I read that, I don't know, seven years ago or something. I go, oh, yeah. And why are we. Yeah, so it's okay. But it's okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

I do.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

How. How did you become aware that he passed?

[Ego Odom]

My mom told me. And then his cousin who's my uncle, who I know and have known since I was a kid, called me like, I would say a month after my mom told me. But she also out late. So he was probably had been passed at that point for at least I'm going to guess a month is my guess. I don't know. And then my uncle was like, oh, you may not feel anything. And I was like, yeah, I don't really. Thank you for offering that as a. I don't know why I feel like thank you. I'm like, sort of like, thanks because you make me not feel weird for not feeling anything. And and not like. I'm like associo, you know, Because I'm like, yeah. He was like, you may also not feel anything. I go, yeah. I was at a spa in qc. Spa on Randall's Island. Randall. Randall's island in New York.

[Kyle Mooney]

What is qc?

[Ego Odom]

It's. I don't know what it stands for. Oh, that's. I feel like queen something. I don't know. But I made that up. I don't actually even. I don't know. You could Google while I do the rest of the intro if you.

[Kyle Mooney]

If you want quality control.

[Ego Odom]

Quality control.

[Kyle Mooney]

Spa in other circumstances.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. QC is quality control.

[Kyle Mooney]

You're killing it, by the way.

[Ego Odom]

Que. Thank you. Thanks. King again. A king. So on this podcast, I'm sitting down with father figures who are old enough to be my dad. How does it feel to be one of the oldest guys ever cast in Saturday Night?

[Kyle Mooney]

There's no way that's true.

[Ego Odom]

We were in college at the same time. I think we overlapped at usc. We didn't know each other.

[Kyle Mooney]

What year did you finish?

[Ego Odom]

I finished 2010. How about you? 2008.

[Kyle Mooney]

Seven.

[Ego Odom]

Oh, seven. Okay. Yeah, yeah. Overlapped. But I wasn't in the comedy space world. I didn't do any of the things I know.

[Kyle Mooney]

You've always come from, like, a different angle, and I've always respected that.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. Is that Ernest? No. Okay. Sitting down with father figures who are old enough to be my dad or are just dads themselves. Kyle. I'll get to ask questions I've always wanted to ask a dad. Like, hey, dad, how do I know if this guy's the one for me? Or, hey, dad, what should I look out for when buying a car? Will you come with me? Or hey, dad, teach me how to change my oil? I think that's something I should know. Or change a tire. Do you know how to change a tire? You looked at me like. You looked at me. You nodded so affirmatively. But it that I was like, he.

[Kyle Mooney]

Doesn'T know I'm supporting you.

[Ego Odom]

Okay, but do you know how to change a tire?

[Kyle Mooney]

I can't.

[Ego Odom]

Do you know how to change oil?

[Kyle Mooney]

I have.

[Ego Odom]

Okay, but you don't feel confident in your ability.

[Kyle Mooney]

I would maybe need, like, a YouTube tutorial reminder.

[Ego Odom]

Okay, fair enough.

[Kyle Mooney]

It's pretty, pretty easy. I remember the dipstick.

[Ego Odom]

Everyone knows the dipstick. Okay, Everyone knows, but I don't know what it means. I don't know how to gauge any. Yeah, okay. Anyway, today's guest guys is a comedian, actor, and director. How's everybody doing? He's shimmying a little bit. For those just listening, you can check out his new movie, Y2K, later this year. Please welcome my dad for the day, Kyle Mooney.

[Kyle Mooney]

Oh. So excited to be here.

[Ego Odom]

I'm so happy you're here, Kyle.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah. Hey, Dad's in the house. Kyle, do people do stuff like that.

[Ego Odom]

When they come on? No, you're a first. You're first and excited the most. Excited to be my dad for the day. I'm a goofy dad today.

[Kyle Mooney]

Oh, yeah. Sorry, I need my spectacles. Okay. I'm good.

[Ego Odom]

All right. Imagine me with a dad like that.

[Kyle Mooney]

Let me change that oil.

[Ego Odom]

Whoa.

[Kyle Mooney]

I'm messing with you. Go ahead, let's start.

[Ego Odom]

Shut up, Kyle. Okay, Kyle, what was your dad like? We made a video for your dad once to celebrate he was being honored at work.

[Kyle Mooney]

He won a very prestigious award for planning.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

And could have been the apa, The American Planning Association.

[Ego Odom]

Is that a real association?

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah, but there are other ones.

[Ego Odom]

That's just the one planning what, by the way, just for the audience.

[Kyle Mooney]

Cities, neighborhoods, communities.

[Ego Odom]

Okay, great, great, great. Yeah, yeah. Okay. Sorry.

[Kyle Mooney]

So, yes, we made a video, but, like, he. I was asked to, along with, I think, some other of his colleagues and my brothers, to make a video to congratulate him. And I made it in the studio and tried to get as many of our castmates in it as well, to say congratulations to him. He's from Massachusetts and he's very proud of his sort of Cape Cod heritage.

[Ego Odom]

Is he. Would he call himself a Masshole?

[Kyle Mooney]

I don't think so. I don't know that he would, like, Loves that term.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

Term. Okay. But I'll ask him.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

He. Yeah, he works as a planner, and he for a long time owned his own planning firm.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

I grew up. It was Mooney and Associates.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

Sort of a big deal where your father has a company, like, with their name, for sure.

[Ego Odom]

I always think about people who are like, you know, Carney and Sons, and I'm like, do the sons feel so proud? Like, earnestly. I'm like, do the sons feel so proud? They're sort of like, acknowledged in the title of their father's business, but it's Mooney and Associates. So that. Did you feel proud?

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah, yeah. It was cool to just see mine. Last name.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

In a somewhat prominent way.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

But, yeah. How would I describe? Describe? I would say he's very. He's almost like mayoral. Like a mayor. Like, he loves to, like, talk to people. Oh. How you doing? Brian Mooney. Wonderful. You Know.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

And he loves to talk about his work. He loves to talk about the city of San Diego where his done most of his work. He's gregarious. He's a proud man.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah. And I wouldn't say he's been incredibly supportive of me in my career. Notably, he purchased a video camera, the Panasonic DVX100B, for myself and my friends in college. And. And that was like the video camera we used to make all of our Internet shorts. So very. Yeah. Very supportive in that regard. I wouldn't say. And he might listen to this, so I feel a little bad, a little nervous saying this.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

I wouldn't say he. He, like, is the funniest person on the planet. Like, I don't. I don't know that, like, our senses of humor are the exact same. Yeah, he's fully. Again, yeah. Fully cool with my. And supportive. Sometimes I think maybe in the past my humor has been a little too awkward. My. My mother, on the other hand, was a very wacky person, and so it's likely that I got more of that from her.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

But I think those are the main bullet points.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

On Brian.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. On Brian Mooney. That is a very memorable name. Even the way you, like, reenacted that. Brian Mooney. Good to meet you.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah, that is Brian Mo. How are you? Oh, well, that's. We thought Ego's podcast was just outstanding in relationship to learning about her family and where she's come from. And we thought the audition stories were fantastic. We really enjoyed it.

[Ego Odom]

Oh, wow. See, that's also. That's a very truly. I've never met your dad, and I do feel like I'm like, ah, yes, I understand. I think I've met this.

[Kyle Mooney]

I bet you have, though.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. Met him at 30 Rock.

[Kyle Mooney]

Probably at an after party or something.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah, we do meet. We do meet a lot of people. Would. Would you say that you feel you guys have anything in common? Really? Because if you're like, senses of humor don't necessarily intersect. Are there things that you go like. I definitely got that from my dad.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah, we definitely have stuff. Well, we love the Padres.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. San Diego, stand up.

[Kyle Mooney]

Which is the dads.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. Okay, Dads. Oh, my gosh. This fits the podcast. Okay, Daddy.

[Kyle Mooney]

I think. I think we're both social people. I think we both like people a lot and we like to, you know, throw them back.

[Ego Odom]

Like a little brewski, is it?

[Kyle Mooney]

Well, he doesn't drink beer anymore because I think it gives him gas.

[Ego Odom]

Way to put his business out, you're not worried he'll hear that and think.

[Kyle Mooney]

I didn't like it when it came out of my mouth?

[Ego Odom]

Yeah, you've embarrassed the mayor. You've embarrassed the mayor telling people there.

[Kyle Mooney]

Was somebody recently who, like, works in his field, who's a younger person, who's. Who I know through a friend and was like, oh, my gosh, my name came up in a conversation. He's like, oh, is that Brian Mooney? Is his dad. Right. He's a legend in San Diego planning.

[Ego Odom]

Wow.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah.

[Ego Odom]

How did that feel?

[Kyle Mooney]

Good. Especially because I think my father feels that way about himself. So to know that no people are really saying this, I think it's. Is special and bringing truth to that.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. Yeah, did. Okay. So you do feel like you're both gregarious and something you enjoy at least talking to people, engaging with people he was supportive of. So you want to say something? Do you have a thought? You look like you were Gary.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yes, I am gregarious. But I also. I think you said, like, I'm also shy, too, so I'm probably. Maybe not in certain social instances. I think we are similar. But then I think also at times, I can be sort of quiet.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah, I know both. Kai. I feel like I've seen in.

[Kyle Mooney]

So that's fair to say. Is that fair to say?

[Ego Odom]

Yeah, totally. Because I feel like I've seen both. When you. You know, he bought you this camera and your friends and you shot a lot of your stuff on it, and he was supportive of what you wanted to do and have done. Do you get the sense that at any point he, like, maybe would have loved for you to get into planning or something? In something more serious or. No.

[Kyle Mooney]

I think when we were growing up. I am the youngest of three boys. I have two older brothers. I think there probably was a hope for him that he could pass the business down to one of his children. But no, I think one of my dad's big things was getting us into sports. It was very important to him that we learn that which comes with playing in an organized sport, like team, working as a team. And that lasted through high school. We were sort of. He was kind of constantly. He's like, you gotta play a sport.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. You had to get involved in a sport.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah.

[Ego Odom]

Did you. How did you feel about it? Were you like. I don't really feel like I'm.

[Kyle Mooney]

There were. There was one specific. Maybe more, but at least one specific instance where, like, I signed up for Pop Warner football. I had a couple friends who did it, and I thought, like, okay, this could be my thing. Maybe I could be good at this. I was, like, a little bit of a bigger kid and felt like, okay, I don't know. A ton of people doing this. Maybe this is something I can be decent at. When I played Pop warnerfoot when I went through the sort of. Whatever you call that, several practices, the building up towards whenever we'd get our first scrimmage right, I was so awful that. And. And, like, it was in, like, the neighboring community where I think the kids were, like, a little tougher.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

There I played. I believe they were trying to put me in, like, defensive line or something like that. There was a. A drill that was like, essentially just two football players run at each other and maybe try to get past each other. And you're like. And everybody was knocking me over to a point that one of the kids came over like, hey, man, just so you know, all those guys are making fun of you because you're, like, the easiest guy to take down.

[Ego Odom]

I gathered as much. You also didn't need to know that. And the kids are so fascinating. You didn't need to know that.

[Kyle Mooney]

And that didn't make me feel good.

[Ego Odom]

Sure.

[Kyle Mooney]

And, like, I think, yeah, he implied that they were not only making fun of me, but also they, like, liked beating the shit out of me. And so after that practice, I was pretty bent out of shape, and I was. I was. I told my mom. I was like, I don't think I want to do this anymore. And dad did still want me to stick it out because he felt like I made a commitment.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

Which is very fair.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

But I ultimately was able to get out of it. And then in high school, I played a year. I did a year of wrestling. No, hey, I did okay at that. Then I did a year of JV volleyball.

[Ego Odom]

Oh, okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

Again, fine at that.

[Ego Odom]

Oh, okay. Sure.

[Kyle Mooney]

But my junior year, it was cool with my dad that I take drama and do sort of. And ultimately, I, like, auditioned for the. There was a new improv troupe on campus.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

He was cool with that sort of being a replacement for the sports. And one could argue that that sort of set forth the rest of my life and career.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. In your trajectory, when you said you went to your mom to be like, I don't really want to play this popcorn or football anymore, and not. Did you even think to go to your dad to tell him that, or did you kind of know, like, he's been pushing me?

[Kyle Mooney]

So I think it probably could have been. I think, yes. I think, like, I probably Would have led with asking my mom, though. I also think she was also like, he was. It was a scenario where, like, when I got home, she was there.

[Ego Odom]

She was the one who was there. Okay, got you. Okay, got it. And then your dad being kind of, like, okay with improv, like, replacing whatever sports you were doing, from wrestling to volleyball, replacing whatever sports you were doing your junior year, did he have, like, any sense or knowledge of what improv was, or was it just, like, okay, as long as you're doing something? Honestly, I'm not sure.

[Kyle Mooney]

I mean, I think we, like, you know, whose Line is It Anyway? Was on tv. Yeah. I think it's also, like, pretty obvious once you see a show what it is.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

But, yeah, drama. He definitely got. It's like, oh, I'm gonna be trying to do a Shakespeare play or something.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. And did he seem excited? Like, as excited about that and the fact that you just had something that you were excited about and passionate about, or was it sort of like a. Okay, yeah, fine.

[Kyle Mooney]

I think it was like, okay, that sounds good. You know, like. Yeah, I think, like. I think it's all. With the. Like, if you stick to it.

[Ego Odom]

Sure.

[Kyle Mooney]

And then I think also added to that, like, when he saw that I arguably excelled at it, or, like, it was like, I liked it and I seemingly did well at it. I think that absolutely, like, worked for him in terms of what he was hoping for.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah, that makes sense. That makes sense. That's cool. I mean, even that he would come around and be supportive when he was like, sports is his thing. You know, we've seen all the movies where it's like, the star football player is gonna be in the school play, and, like, everyone's like, yeah, the fish out of water. So the fact that sports was his thing, and he's like, yeah, if you wanna do drama, if you're gonna commit to it, then fine. That's a value of his that he tried to instill in you. Were there any other values you felt like he was trying to, or even, in retrospect, feel like he was instilling in you at the time?

[Kyle Mooney]

Let's see. He was. It was very kind of classic good grades. Like, he really. He definitely encouraged us to go to college and specifically to go to a college outside of San Diego, where I was from. So it was very important to him. He felt like you need that time away from home to learn about, you know, life outside of, you know, not within the perimeter of the family and what, you know.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. Did he do that by the way go to college away from home. So from Cape Cod, but where do you.

[Kyle Mooney]

He ended up going to? First to Orange Coast Community College, I believe it's called, which I believe is in Orange county, and then ultimately to San Diego State University.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. How do you find himself east to west?

[Kyle Mooney]

You know, this is something I should.

[Ego Odom]

Know, but you don't really. Totally.

[Kyle Mooney]

I know that he. There was a time when his sister lived out west. He also was a surfer.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

So I would imagine that was something that pulled him to the west coast. And there's a whole nother lane that like, I get mixed up in terms of how much it overlaps with him. Pursuing anthropology is what he studied, but he also for a time wanted to be a cartoonist, an artist.

[Ego Odom]

Oh, cool.

[Kyle Mooney]

And he did drawings for the school yearbook and his football team and basketball team. And he apparently went to Disney. Whether it's. It's unclear whether he went to Disney Studios, which would be in Burbank, or he went to Disneyland. But he brought with him a portfolio of drawings.

[Ego Odom]

Right.

[Kyle Mooney]

And was able to speak to somebody of note who looked at the drawings and said, you know what, you gotta.

[Ego Odom]

Go to school, like for drawing or just do something at like a. I.

[Kyle Mooney]

Think the implication was like, if you want to work here, you gotta go to art school.

[Ego Odom]

Okay, got it. Okay. And when that happened. That's really. That's cool as hell. When that happened. Was art school like an option to him? Do you know? Like. Cause I know sometimes it's hard to piece together our parents stories too, because I feel.

[Kyle Mooney]

I know.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. But don't feel bad even when you like. I should be.

[Kyle Mooney]

I would imagine his father was not super encouraging of him, like pursuing an art degree.

[Ego Odom]

Right, okay, got it. Yeah. And by the way, don't feel bad about not knowing the details. In my opinion, you shouldn't feel bad because my mom can be a woman a few words too. And I'm like, she's. I just said to someone recently, I was like, she's not going to ever sit me down and be like, let me tell you how I got from here to here. I sort of have to piece together whenever we have little conversations and I'm like trying to. Trying to do the timeline.

[Kyle Mooney]

I'm. But I actually know. I'm sure my father told me so many times.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

I think that my brain scratch.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah, it's okay. That's all right. You have dad brain now. That's the truth.

[Kyle Mooney]

That's true.

[Ego Odom]

You do. You can. You can blame that. You can. If you forget anything about me. Anything I say today, whatever, just blame your dad.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah. There is a. I'm working on, like, some sort of level of constant exhaustion.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. I feel like. But then didn't SNL prime you for that?

[Kyle Mooney]

It's. It's different.

[Ego Odom]

It's different. Do you know how could you explain the difference? Because I'm like, I want to be a parent one day. What's the deal?

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah. Well. Yeah. I'm curious about your.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

How you. How exhausted you feel over the course of an SNL week? Because Monday is chill.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

Monday to going into Tuesday is not that bad.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

Tuesday's tough because Tuesday we're typically writing. And you could be writing until 4 or 5 in the morning.

[Ego Odom]

Yep.

[Kyle Mooney]

And then sometimes you need to wake up Wednesday morning to, like, finish off the piece. It's due at noon. So you're writing at, like, what, you're.

[Ego Odom]

Like, sometimes 7, 8am, 9am I'm waking up at 7, getting in the document, sometimes at 7.

[Kyle Mooney]

And then you need to do the table read, which is like. Oh, my God.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. Then the whole. And you got to perform, though, and be energized.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yes.

[Ego Odom]

And, like. And bring it and try to sell a piece.

[Kyle Mooney]

What now? What is your. When you. When your piece is about to come up.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

Is it clear enough what we're talking about? The table read? Like, we read 40 pieces. And like, Kyle, my piece might be, like, 17th in the first half or something like that.

[Ego Odom]

Yes. And first half is the first 20. Yes. And we get a little break between halftime.

[Kyle Mooney]

But it's like the piece that I wrote with some other writer. This is the thing that means so much to me. I think this is really funny. And, like, I'm gonna. There's an angle. I have something interesting to say. And, like, I've got this new character. What is your, like, anticipation like as, like, your piece is about to come up?

[Ego Odom]

I get a little nervous still and just a little anxious. And I'm like, all the work you spent hours and hours doing last night that made you forego sleep. And even when you were sleeping, it wasn't good sleep because you're thinking about how you can make that piece better or finish it, whatever. I'm like, it's all hinging on this moment. My Saturday is kind of hinging on this moment.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah.

[Ego Odom]

I feel really stressed. I went to a nutritionist because one, my stomach always hurts, but also my. My faul. I eat things that I know my body can't process, but I was like, my stomach always hurts, and I Shouldn't. And she. We did, like, hormonal tests, and she's like, your cortisol levels are all out of whack, and that's the stress hormone. And so I just feel like it's a constant state of. And I don't even know if it's exhaustion. It probably is, but I don't recognize it in real time. The SNL week. It's like, anxiety and angst and stress on a thousand. What about you before your piece at table?

[Kyle Mooney]

Well, I want to tell you, but I also want to know, but, like, are you, like, minutes before, seconds before, or like, 15 minutes? Are you ever, like, you know, sort of doing the character, like, wow.

[Ego Odom]

Yes.

[Kyle Mooney]

Greetings, Mr. Anderson.

[Ego Odom]

Meanwhile, we're reading another piece. Yes, Meanwhile, we are reading another piece. And if you look up at Table Read sometimes, like, I'll look up at Table Read, and I, like, sit across from Heidi and I'm like, oh, she's. She's gearing up to. She's got a piece coming up.

[Kyle Mooney]

Like, yeah, you're, like, flipped. You're flipped. Like, nine sketches that like, Greetings, Mr. Anderson. Yeah, greetings, Mr. Anderson.

[Ego Odom]

You're like, what's the difference? Hey, I'm all out of cash. Remember that sketch? Really funny, really fun.

[Kyle Mooney]

Classic.

[Ego Odom]

Classic. Yes. Very stressed. So you don't think the exhaustion is the same, though, for you? Like, SNL exhaustion and being a dad exhaustion.

[Kyle Mooney]

And to answer your question, yes, I got very anxious before my pieces.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

And I think the show actually, like, I think I already had some of these issues, but really sort of exaggerated ocd, like, kind of rituals that did not exist prior to me working there. And so, like, I would be, like, sipping a very specific amount of sips of. From the bottle of water, cleaning my glasses in a very specific way. And that would be, like, you know, a sketch before. I would be going nuts.

[Ego Odom]

These are the things. These are all the things I have to do. You actually have ocd, I diagnosed.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yes, though I've worked through it.

[Ego Odom]

Sure. Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

I mean, yeah.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. If you couldn't get through your ritual by the time your sketch started, would you feel like, oh, shit, this is doomed. Oh, God, I didn't get to do it.

[Kyle Mooney]

I would almost force myself to, like, get through the ritual, even if it was, like, a moment before. Greetings, Mr. Anderson.

[Ego Odom]

I got you. It is its own beast, like snl. And I feel like no matter where, like, I saw Beck at your birthday party recently. I haven't seen Beck in so long. And it was like, we have to Talk about the show. You gotta talk about the show a little bit. And it's the show. You know, we all. We know the one. But you feel like parenting is like you. It's just different. It's apples and oranges.

[Kyle Mooney]

Well, the big. Okay, so the big. So, yeah, so we're saying Wednesday's tough because you're going off minimal sleep on Tuesday, right?

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. Mm.

[Kyle Mooney]

Thursday can be okay.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

Friday if you have to shoot a pre tape in the morning or late at night. Yeah, yeah, that is tough.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

Saturday you actually kind of get. In theory, if you're not up too late, you get to sleep in a little bit, but you're going to have butterflies.

[Ego Odom]

Yes, yes. Because you got to see how this works in front of a live audience.

[Kyle Mooney]

And then Sunday, Sunday, we all have a different Sunday. Like, I would go hard on Sunday.

[Ego Odom]

Like, have a full day and get up and like, we need to. I need to live life.

[Kyle Mooney]

Oh, yeah.

[Ego Odom]

I. I'm somewhere in the middle there. I don't like doing nothing and just resting and lay bedrotting all day. But I also am like, you do need to like, recoup some of that lost sleep. You can't really repay sleep debt. I read I Learned that in AP Psych. Shout out to Mr. Bressler.

[Kyle Mooney]

Oh, I took AP Psych too.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

That's actually.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

Where I saw the footage of. I was at. That's where the.

[Ego Odom]

The what footage?

[Kyle Mooney]

9 11.

[Ego Odom]

You were an AP psych. I was in. I was in seventh grade government class. Not too unlike psych to me. I don't know.

[Kyle Mooney]

I guess both could be considered, like, could have something to say about the events that day.

[Ego Odom]

Are you being earnest government?

[Kyle Mooney]

I feel like.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

And the psychology.

[Ego Odom]

I mean, I think they could.

[Kyle Mooney]

I'm not trying to take it there.

[Ego Odom]

Let's take it there.

[Kyle Mooney]

I don't. I don't really don't want.

[Ego Odom]

I feel like I've said more. I've said as much as I can actually say.

[Kyle Mooney]

When you have a baby, you cannot sleep.

[Ego Odom]

But it's different though.

[Kyle Mooney]

It's just like one. I think the main. The main difference is like, at the end of the day, you are still looking out for pre baby. I was looking out for me, dude. I mean, yeah, I could go out to dinner, go grab a drink with a friend, you know. Now. Now it's just like there's this human being that you're kind of constantly thinking about, conscious of wanting to make sure that they're okay. And that does. Sometimes that's Obviously, waking up in the middle of the night to help them, you're just. It's just a different level of attachment and responsibility.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

So like, I would say, like, the tough thing about a baby, and it's a different type of endurance. Cause it's just like, how can I keep on entertaining you? I've used all of my moves.

[Ego Odom]

Mm.

[Kyle Mooney]

Whereas, like, if you're tired at an SNL day, you sort of know what the routine is gonna be.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah, yeah, I understand that. Again, without having like, walked in your shoes, I'm like, that makes sense. Did becoming a father yourself make you reflect on who your dad is, how he is, how he did as a dad, differently than maybe you were reflecting on it before you became a dad?

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah, I think I thought about it pretty immediately. Like, I think it's incredibly impressive. Cause it's so frightening to know that I am in charge of this person along. See, I have my wife who does more, if not, you know, who is doing a big load of the work. But to raise a person from 0 to 18 years or even, if you want to say to 40 years, I think you could make an argument for that, that he is still there for me and I. He was at my birthday party.

[Ego Odom]

Did I. I wish I could have seen him, Brian.

[Kyle Mooney]

But yeah, I think it's just like, it was definitely trippy to think about, like, oh, he was doing this thing. I've never thought about him putting me in a swaddle or like feeding a bottle to me or changing my diaper. Like, it's like there's a whole component of parenting and my parents that like, I never got to appreciate or think about. You know what I mean?

[Ego Odom]

Mm. Yeah. That's what I imagine becoming a parent does. Really? Like. Yeah. You see your parents one way and one. I think, like, going to college, going away to college for me was a moment where I go, oh, my mom. Oh. This is what she was trying to do. She was trying to instill these values in me. And I didn't see it that way. I just was like, dumb, thoughtless kid, just being like, my mom. And I want my mom to do this and be this way. And like, I'm butting heads with my mom.

[Kyle Mooney]

Right.

[Ego Odom]

And then you go and have your worldview expanded and you go, oh. While I was under her roof and under her direct supervision, this is what she was trying to do. Like fully just shape a human and make me decent and in some ways self sufficient and such and just, yeah, again, instill the values she finds important.

[Kyle Mooney]

In Me and you ended up. You studied what you were like, pre medical.

[Ego Odom]

I was pre med. I was a bio major in college, which I'm sure part of why we didn't overlap. Cause I was just, like, in that world of people.

[Kyle Mooney]

And don't you feel like. I mean, she must have done incredible. I mean, that is such a. I would imagine, difficult school place to get into. And now you're a Hollywood star. Like, what I mean, like.

[Ego Odom]

Well, thanks, Kyle.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah, she must have done some pretty good work.

[Ego Odom]

I think so, actually. Thank you. Because I also think my siblings. I just feel like our whole trajectory could look different. Like, on paper, single mom of four and what she did with that, I just go, wow, I'm so grateful because this all could have just looked really different, you know, if. If someone else had been my single mom or if not by the grace of God, all these things worked out the way they did. But I always felt like even having this, like, insane dream of, like, I want to be an actor. No one in my family has ever done it. And I'm going to move to Los Angeles, across the country, where we know no one. Everyone in my family is in Nigeria, London, and, like, Maryland, and so. Oh, and Jersey. And so I'm like, all east coast. But I'm like, I'm gonna go over there and I'm gonna do this thing. Now that I'm older, I'm. I'm like, you know, when you're younger, it's just like, I want to do that thing, and I have the one track mind about it. But now that I'm older, I'm like, oh, the fact that I thought I could do that thing, I mean, partially maybe means I'm crazy, but I'm like. I just thought if I put in the work and if I'm diligent and I'm strategic about it, I could do it. And I think that is a testament to the way my mom raised me.

[Kyle Mooney]

In a space where that sort of thinking was maybe encouraged.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. And cultivated. Yeah, exactly. But as a dad now, yourself, what? Well, one, I wanna know. Were you at all scared about becoming a father?

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah. I think I have a hard time believing you're not gonna be some. Like, you're not gonna be scared. It just.

[Ego Odom]

It's too heavy to be responsible, like, fully responsible for another.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah. Like, do what do I actually know? You know? And the thing is, I can't change a tire, and I probably can't change oil. Like, very, very simple things that I cannot do. And you would probably be Impressed, like, how, How. How many abilities I, like, lack.

[Ego Odom]

But I. Yes, yes and yes and no. Like, if I heard the list and it was like this crazy, extensive list, which maybe it is because it's also an extensive list for me. Cause there's things I like to be like, oh, I know a little bit about a lot of things I think is true of me, but there's a lot of shit I know nothing I don't know anything about. Like, your dad taught you sports. I don't really know much about sports, but I can, like, have intelligent enough of a conversation. Remember how we were, like, going down the 911 path, and you're like, that's about all I've got on that. That's how I feel about sports, where I can be like, I know who that player is. I think I know who they play for. But I'm like, there's a long list of shit for most of us that we don't know anything about. But then, like, you're allowed to create a human and then be responsible for that human and be like, I'm gonna raise that human.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah. And you know what I think is what was said to me, maybe by my brother who has two children. I don't know where I first heard it, but, like, there are so many people are having children constantly, right? And there are some, forgive me, stupid people out there having children, and they are able to do it.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

So, like, I probably have some of the building blocks that, like, give me an advantage to so many other folks out there.

[Ego Odom]

Yes, I agree with that. And that might sound. I don't hear it in an arrogant way at all. And you seem like, maybe even reticent to say to me, like, forgive me, but here's the thing. I was taking DJing lessons, and I could not fucking figure it out to save my life. But I'm like, there are some dumbass DJs out there. I'm sure the fact that I can't figure this out, I'm like, I think I need to actually devote the proper time. I was like, I. I don't understand. And. Because I really love music, but I'm like, I don't understand how to use this system. I just. It's not. I can't process. But I'm like, I know anytime I have. I'm facing a hard thing, I think I will be like, but there are dumb people.

[Kyle Mooney]

Well, that's. I mean, like, yeah, I think actors are the. Are like, such a great example of, like, some actors. I'm like, I Feel like you see them on screen. You're like, damn, that is such an incredible performance. You're able to, like, hit these emotions. Like, it's like I'm watching, like, real people on screen. And then you interact with these people. You're like, whoa, Exactly.

[Ego Odom]

Yes, I agree with that sentiment totally. But that's why I'm like, when people. When we're scared about beheming parents and then your brother says that thing to you, right, that you go, there's some dumb people doing it. People are having kids all the time. I'm certain you're going to be okay. You can figure it out. Could you elaborate on, like, what the fear was? Like, I can assume what the fear was, but, like, what if you were to articulate it yourself?

[Kyle Mooney]

I think one, keeping the human alive, keeping baby alive to an entirely new set of skills that I have just don't know anything about. Like, as simple as changing a diaper, you know, any of or, like, kind of, how do I. How do I hold the baby?

[Ego Odom]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

And then I think, like, the way more massive pressure of like, yeah, this hu. This person I'm gonna raise and, like, can I, like, kind of help to mold them in any way so that they have a good life? And also being conscious of, like, I think one scary thing is like, my own sort of what I consider my faults or neuroses or what I consider my mental issues. Like, the idea that, like, oh, I want, like, I don't want to, like, I don't really want to pass some of this stuff on.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. Yeah. I have a very good friend who I think would be an incredible parent. And they have expressed to me, like, I just off the bat, just how wonderful they are. I'm like, you would be a fantastic parent. And to hear them express to me, like, there are things I just wouldn't want to pass on to a kid that I just. I feel like I came up in this environment and this is inevitably inside of me and part of me. But then there's a part of me that goes, but even the way that you think about that and articulate that and the way you just did just now, I go, that, I think already sets you ahead of the pack in terms of parenting. That level of thoughtfulness about and awareness that, like, hey, as this person's parent, I am going to pass things onto them that might not even be in my control or might not be in the, like, forefront of my. But just by virtue of growing up alongside of me or with my DNA, this is gonna Be a part of the. I feel like some people are not even thinking about that again. Sure.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah. Yeah, I think that's right. Yeah.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. When you talk about feeling responsible for, like, molding the person. Your daughter. How old is your daughter now, by the way?

[Kyle Mooney]

14 months.

[Ego Odom]

Oh, fun. Aw, sweetie. I've seen pictures of her. She's so cute. She is. She's precious. What are values you want to instill in her? Your dad instilled in you the importance of committing to a thing, finishing it, education, going away for school. What are some things you want to instill in your daughter?

[Kyle Mooney]

Well, be kind. I get bothered by people who aren't kind. And I think, yeah, I'm probably pretty big on having a laugh and a sense of humor about the world at large.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

While also, you know, not taking the piss out of moments that deserve that. But I want her to be able to pursue and do whatever she'd like. I want her to be happy and I really want to just be there for her so that she could be the best version of who she is. I know that's very vague.

[Ego Odom]

Yes. But not to, like, keep gassing you as a dad or anything, but I'm like, I think in a correct way because I think, again, I say this all the time on the podcast and people are probably like, ega, we know you don't have kids, you're not a parent. But I wanna say, I'm not a parent. I don't know what it's like to be a parent. I think that part of being a good one might be recognizing that, yes, I'm going to bring this offspring into the world, but I'm not gonna really be able to control who this person becomes. And so for me to have all these parameters and such in mind for them is maybe, like. Is like a function of wishful thinking or something, and then creates a tension that doesn't need to be there.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah. I think it's like, in an ideal scenario, maybe I can expose her to so many wonderful things and ways of perceiving the world and activities and art and music and literature. But, like, yeah, ultimately I would. I want it to be. I want her to figure out what.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

What she's into. Yeah.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. How do you feel about discipline? And I don't mean, like, spanking versus not spanking, but in terms of, like, how.

[Kyle Mooney]

Spank me.

[Ego Odom]

Shut up. Well, that's not discipline. That's something else, Kyle. Oh, at your age, that's something else.

[Kyle Mooney]

Greetings, Mr. Anderson. No.

[Ego Odom]

How do you feel about being the disciplinarian, like, and what does it look like to you? Are you, like, a timeout person?

[Kyle Mooney]

And, like, yeah, we've, like, yet to get to that. But, like, this morning, she reached into, like, a little sort of garbage area, and there was a loose lacroix can. And, you know, that little. The mouth. Yeah, yeah. And like, I was like, no, no, no. And, like, I felt even I didn't love saying no loudly. And I will say there are a lot of, you know, parenting philosophies and sort of like, I think parenting has evolved over several years, and there are ideas that I'm still hearing and learning that I'm still trying to make sense of. For instance, and this is not something I am great at doing, but there's a whole movement to not use the phrase good job.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. News to me, I guess. Why would have made its way to me? Because I don't. I just have a puppy.

[Kyle Mooney]

Do you know about this?

[Ego Odom]

And what's the philosophy behind not saying good job? It is ever changing, I think. Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

It's something about how it implies, like, you picked up the toy ball and you put it in the hole. Good job.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

I guess the implication is sort of like, this is something you're supposed to accomplish and you did it right. Versus, like, that was such a cool thing you did with the ball. I don't know. I actually don't think that's why I'm not good at it, because I don't have a grasp.

[Ego Odom]

And you also don't subscribe. Subscribe to what?

[Kyle Mooney]

It sounds like when it's been explained to me. I get it. But unfortunately, and I am not a child psychologist, so I can't claim to be an expert on any of this. It's one of those things where I'm like, and this is the pessimist in me, and you might have some listeners who can sort of set me straight.

[Ego Odom]

Because I want my listeners to be sweeties, personally, if I was allowed to pick. But I also know, again, parenting, you can't pick your kid. Can't pick my listeners. I want my listeners to be sweeties.

[Kyle Mooney]

For me, it's just like, I guess I kind of have a hard time believing that sort of thing is gonna fully set her off on the wrong direction somehow.

[Ego Odom]

Right. Well, also, the fact that it's. Here's my thing. I'm also not a child psychologist, but it's ever changing, and that's fine, because everything's evolving. We're ever changing. Everything's always changing. Whatever. People are changing. But the philosophies. Cause then the implication is that, like, everybody at every stage is getting it wrong. So that's the implication that as we go on this, we will continue to never, ever, ever get it right or have a sense of what is even right or the right way to do it with parenting. Because that's absolutely. Yes.

[Kyle Mooney]

And, like, a great example of that to me is. Which I do agree with, but is, like, you know, no screen time until I feel like maybe now it's, like, 2 years old. I'm not sure what, like, the recommendation is.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

The thing is, I watched so much TV same. And film growing up, and it is why I do what I do. So it's like, I definitely can understand how it's unhealthy, and I agree with that. And I also think that, like, screens have evolved. You know, it's not necessary. It's maybe different, but there's a lot more of it.

[Ego Odom]

I would argue.

[Kyle Mooney]

I built most of my career out of, like, TV shows I watched in 1990.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah, I. I was walking yesterday. I've never thought about this because I feel like I don't watch a lot now, which kind of sucks. And I don't know if it's like, because we do what we do and then free. When I think about my free time, maybe, like, oh, I don't necessarily want to watch a thing in my free time because it's, like, my world now, but I was on a walk yesterday, and I go. I would literally, Saturday morning, my mom wasn't even up, like, and I'd go turn on Saturday morning cartoons and sit with my Pop Tart in front of the TV for hours. And I think I'm fine. I don't know. I think it's okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

Dude, you're kill it with the podcast.

[Ego Odom]

I got a freaking podcast now.

[Kyle Mooney]

I actually want to. I don't know how much time we have, but can we look up the. The good job thing?

[Ego Odom]

Yes.

[Kyle Mooney]

Okay.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. Okay. Anya. Yes. Please tell us.

[C]

I guess you want to focus on what they're doing and not just that they did it and you're praising them for having done it correctly. But you want to be like, I saw that you did that all by yourself, or I saw that you worked really hard at this. So it's like, there's no good job, bad job. It's like, you. You tried your best.

[Ego Odom]

You did it.

[C]

I guess. I mean, who knows? I don't have kids, but I'm like, yeah, sometimes you. You did it, and you did a good job. Even if you didn't do it all the way.

[Kyle Mooney]

Right.

[Ego Odom]

I guess this begs the question that. That deeply philosophical point of view. I'm like, when you say good job, good job is not a complete sentence. Are you saying, good job? I think it's good. Good job for trying. Good job. Because the ball went in the hole. Good job. Like, it's not a complete sentence. So to be like, let's. Let's keep shy away from saying good jobs is like, I think things are getting out of hand here. I just, like, let's all relax. I think you can. You can decide for yourself. But I. The child psychologists, at the very least, I do.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah. I. I think there's something to be said about, like, find other ways to say the same thing. You know what I mean?

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. But then it's gonna be. I don't know. In my mind, I'm like, yes, we'll find other ways to say the same thing. And. But then it's gonna be like, oh, not that either, because that's. Man, you're gonna raise a serial killer. Yeah. I just feel like that's a lot of stress. When I think about parenting books, I'm like, there's so many philosophies and schools of thought that I. If. If I were a parent, I could just imagine feeling a little overwhelmed by that. If I was trying to be like, I really want to get this right. I want to really nail this parent thing, I'd be like, there's. Because if I read this book that was published within three years of this book, these two are totally contradicting each other. So it is up to you, in a way. And how do you feel about the thought that, like, you're gonna kind of mess your kid up in some way? Do you agree with that or feel that's. I kind of sometimes think like, I'm a little bit of the mind because.

[Kyle Mooney]

I think it feels inevitable.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. Because I'm like, oh, well, we have therapy now, and we. Well, therapy, I guess, was available for a long time, but now it's not. The stigma around therapy is not the same as it was when we were coming up. And now we're doing our own deep dives on ourselves and our histories and finding a way to use our language and excavate our own feelings, et cetera, et cetera. Yes, all of that is true. And because I'm an imperfect human who is going to raise another person, it's also gonna be imperfect no matter how much research I do and how much work I do on myself.

[Kyle Mooney]

Of course.

[Ego Odom]

You know, do you want your daughter to count you a friend? Just because I'm like, comedians. Do we want our kids to be, like, the homie, or do you.

[Kyle Mooney]

Well, yeah, I was gonna. While you were saying that, it made me think about, like. Yeah. How many folks do you know who are, like. Who are very close friends with their parents? Cause I know a couple people that it's like.

[Ego Odom]

Like.

[Kyle Mooney]

Like they are homies, you know?

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

And I feel very close with my father. My mother's no longer with me. Us. But her as well. Like, I felt like she was. We were definitely buddies.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

But not in the way that it's like, hey, picking up some parm this weekend?

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. You want to roll over? Yeah, exactly. It's funny because that's. I feel very close to my mom, too. But, like, as my mom.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah.

[Ego Odom]

And so that's. Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

But I think there are other people who are like, no, we're buddies.

[Ego Odom]

And I'm. I'm fascinated by that. I think if it works for people, great. And I'm always curious, like, when did that begin? Was it like you turned. You graduated college and then you became the homie? Or was it always sort of like. I don't know. My parents didn't really shield me from too. Too much, and I've always just kind of been their homie. I was their little homie at five. Now I'm the big homie.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah. Like, so I. Yeah, I would like to be friends with my dad.

[Ego Odom]

So you like that, like, you want your daughter to be like, my dad's my homie?

[Kyle Mooney]

I definitely. I would like it to be, you know. Oh, he's cool. Yeah, we have fun.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. Like. Okay. So homie, like, can tell you. Would you want her to be able to tell you, like, anything? Everything.

[Kyle Mooney]

My brother has a very good relationship with his kids, where I think they do tell him, like, you know, Mark was being weird to me today. Like, do you think he likes, like, kind of, like, getting into, like, kind of crushes and that sort of stuff? And I would like to be there for her if that's what she wants. I don't. I don't feel like I need to necessarily know the ins and outs of, like, when she's, like, 17 to 19 years old. Like, I feel like, yeah, there's some information that I might be, like, okay, it's cool.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. I feel inclined to ask you, even though I feel I fully understand it. Yeah, I feel I do. Why that you're like. I would like her to feel like she could. But I also feel like there's something that I don't need to know. What do you think that is for you?

[Kyle Mooney]

For me? Well, growing up, I think I was private in that way. I didn't want to, like, I kind of didn't want to talk to my parents about it because they did feel far away from it, though. Like now being on the other side of it, it's like, you know, my brother, for instance, his kids are. I think one's going to be a sophomore in high school, one, the other maybe an eighth grader. And it's like, that doesn't feel that far away from me right now. I can remember seventh and eighth grade. It actually feels almost recent. So, like, that's maybe not a fair thought that I had when I was in seventh grade to think that, like, my parents wouldn't get what I was like.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

Going through. But I. But I, like, I don't know, I guess I thought that's what my, like, other similar aged friends were for. I don't know that I've spent enough time thinking about this to know that I have like, a hard and fast.

[Ego Odom]

She's a baby.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah, she's a baby.

[Ego Odom]

She's 14 months ago. Relax.

[Kyle Mooney]

But like, I also, I. I think, like, I guess I feel like it's also okay for her to have secrets. Do you know what I mean? As long as they're not dangerous, she's in danger.

[Ego Odom]

Sure. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I just remember being like even early 20s, talking with friends, and all of them were women at the time with whom I was having these conversations, but I would be like, oh, yeah, I don't know, even at 20 something, I was like, when I do have a daughter, I don't know that I need her to tell me all that we're talking about right now.

[Kyle Mooney]

Right.

[Ego Odom]

I don't need to hear it.

[Kyle Mooney]

If anything, like, I actually kind of. Yeah, I'll like it. I don't need to hear it. When she's 16, I would probably get more kick out of it, like when she's like 30 years old and Tell me about it. I was like, you did that. You stinker.

[Ego Odom]

You as an old dad, iconic guy. Okay, I can see it because you do the voice already. Do you think that'll be your voice for real?

[Kyle Mooney]

The one I just did?

[Ego Odom]

The one you just did. I also feel like when you get old, I don't mean to put this on you, that you'll just lean so hard into being like an old man character.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah. Kyle, thank you for being my dad for the day. I end every episode asking my dad for the day for a piece of advice. So may I ask you. I have a thing I want to tell you about for my life, and then maybe you can advise me as my dad.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Ego Odom]

Okay, so can I interrupt you? Yeah, interrupt me, please.

[Kyle Mooney]

You've. You've done at least one of these today.

[Ego Odom]

I've done at least one.

[Kyle Mooney]

And so you had to come up with a list of, like, different things you're going through right now.

[Ego Odom]

What a thoughtful fucking dad. Yes. Yes. Some of the things I'm asking the dads, I will say though, too, do not pertain to my present life and may not even. I try not to ask my dads anything. Cause I'm like, this is a huge opportunity to be able to ask a dad for this advice. Honestly, to me, I'm. I try not to ask the dads anything that's like, so far fetched, does not pertain to my life at all or anything that, like, really will never pertain to my life and the person I am and whatever. But some of the things I'm asking are like, ooh, this is something that'll be good for down the line. I might not be dealing with it right now, but I maybe either will be or I have, and it would have been nice to ask advice.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah.

[Ego Odom]

I was on FaceTime with my mom and she's like, what's that, like, bump in your neck? You should go get that checked out. Okay, so go get it checked out. It's nothing, according to whatever doctor I went to on the Upper west side.

[Kyle Mooney]

What's their name?

[Ego Odom]

I should out them. I don't know. I feel like I see every doctor one time, like, when they're like, who's your primary care? Yeah, maybe that should be my question for you.

[Kyle Mooney]

Maybe.

[Ego Odom]

I'm gonna ask you two questions about health today.

[Kyle Mooney]

Oh, good.

[Ego Odom]

Every time. But this is the thing about it. You seem like you made a sound to suggest you're. You're not equipped to answer those questions. But this is the fascinating thing, because if you were my dad and I came to you, would you say to me, I'm not the right person to ask, or would you pretend?

[Kyle Mooney]

Let me hear it. Yeah, let's see.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah, put your arm up and act confident. Come on, papa bear. Okay, so, okay, question number one. I always bounce around from doctor to doctor. I'm not loyal to any of them. Should I try to find a primary care? Would you say I should? And if so, if yes, how do you go about finding a primary care for real. A good one, two part question. And there's another coming.

[Kyle Mooney]

I think it would probably be good to find somebody who can know your history.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

So that there's a point of reference in your visits.

[Ego Odom]

Yeah.

[Kyle Mooney]

With that being said, if you are feeling safe sort of going doctor to doctor, how are you finding your doctors currently?

[Ego Odom]

So I'll go on the insurance website and I will sag. SAG Insurance screen.

[Kyle Mooney]

Sag.

[Ego Odom]

I'm still on sag. I'm a SAG mama. And I. I go through and I see who in my. I try to. Actually, I don't do my radius, but, like, who in New York? I think Upper west side, in my mind, Upper west side has good doctors because those are like family people. I feel like people who live in the Upper west side are family oriented.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah.

[Ego Odom]

Maybe Upper east side. I'll go on there and I'll put in the zip code and then I'll be like, okay. I don't know. And then I'll go look at reviews of that doctor and then be like, okay, People seem to like them.

[Kyle Mooney]

And when you see a doctor like this, do you. Are you rating the experience in your head as you're going through it? Are you ever like, okay, possibly I could come back to this person? Or are you thinking of it as a one and done thing?

[Ego Odom]

I'm thinking, possibly I could come back to this person, but I feel like I've been burned too many times in that anytime. Am I allowed to tell you I see an obgyn, or does that feel like a boundary thing?

[Kyle Mooney]

You can't tell me that.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yes, of course.

[Ego Odom]

OB gyn. And I kept being like, I should find one.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yes.

[Ego Odom]

Because I'll be in New York for at least seven years on this job, so I should find one at snl. I should find one. And I go to them going, okay, this. I could possibly come back to this person.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah.

[Ego Odom]

And I feel like the three times I've been like, I'll come back to this person. I've gotten burned in that. That person is like, I try to make another appointment a year later, and they're like, I moved to Northern California. I'm out of here. I'm only operating out of Long island anymore, moving forward. And so that sucks. And so now I feel like, why bother trying to find a primary care if they're all just gonna leave?

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah. To me, as your father, but also hopefully as your friend.

[Ego Odom]

Yes.

[Kyle Mooney]

My recommendation.

[Ego Odom]

Yes.

[Kyle Mooney]

Would be to utilize those resources around you, persons that you Know and trust.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

Ask them.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

Who they are, seeing how they feel about them.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. Okay, that's great. That's great advice.

[Kyle Mooney]

Sorry, I mean, that's pretty, like, obvious to some degree.

[Ego Odom]

Sure. But it's not what I'm doing though, really either. And I think, like, I've asked once I asked someone about an OB gyn, my agent, actually, I'm close to my agent. And she was like, I can get you, like, I can tell you a person, but I don't think that they're like, you're gonna go in the office and be like, what's up here? This is what's going on. I've been transported to another time and not necessarily a good way. So then I'm like, okay, well, it seems like, is anyone into their doctors? Do you like your doctor?

[Kyle Mooney]

I don't have a proper primary care position. I have somebody.

[Ego Odom]

So this is a classic, do as I say and not as I do dad. Well, because you told me I should try to.

[Kyle Mooney]

Had we started there, I would have been open with you about my situation. But I'm also trying to help you. But you know what? I do do.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

In any regard. I almost always try to reach out to persons who I think might have the answer that I need.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

And like, as your father, I gotta say, I'm not always gonna have the answer.

[Ego Odom]

Okay.

[Kyle Mooney]

But one thing I've learned over time is that often there is somebody out there who can help you, who has something that can maybe lead you in the right direction. And this is, you know, not even just with doctors in raising you. And my other child, my baby daughter, you know, finding babies.

[Ego Odom]

By the way, what happened? Was I the mistake or was she the mistake?

[Kyle Mooney]

There are no mistakes.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. Thanks, dad. Thanks, dad. Usually when there's a gap, a 35 year gap, someone's a mistake, someone's an.

[Kyle Mooney]

You're 35.

[Ego Odom]

I'm 36 and she's 14 months.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah, and I'm 40.

[Ego Odom]

And you're 40. I think I was a mistake.

[Kyle Mooney]

I was a rock hard. For you.

[Ego Odom]

You were a rock hard. Guys, this has been Kyle Mooney. We actually do need another piece of advice. Do I need to get a second opinion about the lump? The one doctor says, it's nothing. And I was like, that's what I like to hear. I'm not gonna go see anyone else. Should I get a second opinion?

[Kyle Mooney]

I bet you're fine, but it doesn't hurt to get a second opinion.

[Ego Odom]

Okay, cool. Okay, guys. Kyle Mooney has been my dad for the day. Kyle, is there anything you want to plug? We know Y2K is coming out later this year. We're very excited.

[Kyle Mooney]

I do think this rock hard four year old could be something.

[Ego Odom]

I'll try to pitch it at the show.

[Kyle Mooney]

Yeah. Y2K December 6th.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. Rock hard four year old as well. Well, you want Kyle Mooney. That's his pitch.

[Kyle Mooney]

Okay.

[Ego Odom]

Okay. Thank you so much Kyle. Thanks. Stat is a Headgum podcast created and hosted by me, Ego Wodom. The show is produced and edited by Anita Flores and engineered by Anita Flores and Anya Konobskaya with executive producer Emma Foley. Katie Moose is our VP of Content at Headgum. Thanks to Jason Matheny for our show art and Faris Monchi for our theme. For more podcasts by headgum, visit headgum.com or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and maybe, just maybe, we'll read it on a future episode. That was a Headgum Podcast.

[D]

Hi, I'm Caleb Herron, host of the so True podcast now on Headgum. Every week me and my guests get into it and we get down to what's really going on. I asked them what's so true to them, how they got to where they are in life, a bunch of other questions, and we also may or may not test their general trivia knowledge. Whether it's one of my sworn enemies like Brittany Broski or Drew Fualo or my actual biological mother Kelly, my guests and I are just after the truth, and if we find it, great. And if not, no worries. So subscribe to so True on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and watch video episodes on the so True with Caleb Heron YouTube channel. New episodes drop every Thursday. Love ya.