The Bert Show - Vault: Interview With Leah Remini

Date: October 31, 2025
Podcast Host: Pionaire Podcasting
Cast in Episode: Jeff, Leah Remini (guest), Kevin James (surprise appearance), Hannah Burner (cameos)

Episode Overview

This special “vault” episode features a lively, unscripted interview with actress Leah Remini, best known for her role as Carrie Heffernan on King of Queens. A “surprise guest” element brings Kevin James, her longtime co-star, into the playful, nostalgic mix. The conversation touches on sitcom life, Hollywood relationships, cultural authenticity on TV, living in LA versus New York, and Leah’s behind-the-scenes career anecdotes. The hosts keep the vibe light, mixing humor with sincere curiosity about life off the soundstage.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Surprise Guest Setup & Immediate Chemistry

• [01:29-02:08] Jeff reveals he secretly organized the Leah Remini interview for an unsuspecting Kevin James superfan on staff.
• Leah’s signature wit is front and center as she banters with the Bert Show cast, immediately referencing their “King of Queens” dynamic with playful sarcasm.

2. The “King of Queens” Appeal & Realism

• [02:13-03:13] The cast and Leah reflect on why the sitcom resonates so widely.
  • Leah: “We are everybody's relationship, you know, we're just a normal couple… there’s no crazy concept. It’s just a couple.” (02:54)
  • Kevin James highlights the relatable, imperfect couples they represent, which fans often see reflected in their own lives.
• Leah probes the fan phenomenon of couples comparing themselves to Doug and Carrie.

3. Sitcom Realism: Can a “Hottie” Fall for a “Big Guy”?

• [03:13-03:41] The hosts challenge the plausibility of their on-screen romance.
  • Kevin James: “Especially being from the east coast… a petite girl would be with a bigger guy. It’s very, very normal.” (03:24)
  • Jeff jokes about Atlanta’s cultural differences: “In Atlanta, we're so pretentious. It makes no sense to us at all, you know?” (03:41)

4. Leah’s Accent and New York Roots

• [03:47-04:26] Leah and Kevin have fun comparing their Queens and Brooklyn accents.
  • Leah teases: “The Brooklyn accent or the Queen's accent is a lot stronger.” (04:04)
• Leah confirms she’s originally from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn and now lives in LA.

5. Feeling “At Home” in Los Angeles

• [04:34-05:26] Leah talks about adapting to LA without losing her New York roots.
  • Leah: “I don't really get involved with [Hollywood pretentiousness]… my mother could care less what I do. She makes me bus tables at a restaurant here.” (04:44)
  • On LA vs. NY: “In New York you have to walk everywhere… now 10 blocks, I thought, I could cry.” (04:56)

6. Love Lives & Relationship Pressure in Hollywood

• [05:26-06:19] Leah shares details about her long-term relationship:
  • She’s been with boyfriend Angelo for eight years, but they’re not married.
  • “Because we’re actors… I really want him to be focused on his career… not that I won’t take a ring.” (06:19)
  • Leah apologizes for asking about marriage pressure, sharing that she got tired of being on the receiving end herself.

7. Angelo’s Acting Credits

• [06:21-06:40] Leah describes her partner, Angelo’s, lesser-known acting roles:
  • “He was in Swordfish… Don Cheadle’s sidekick. And he was in a movie called Dance With Me. I’m sure you’ve all seen that. That was a joke.” (06:36-06:40)

8. Who’s Funnier: Kevin James or Jerry Stiller?

• [06:47-07:13] Leah on the comedic energy on set:
  • “Kevin’s raunchier. And Jerry can come out with some zingers… If I’m not in a scene with Kevin, I get depressed. Cause he makes me pee.” (06:52-07:13)

9. Teasing the Next “King of Queens” Episode

• [07:13-07:34] Preview: Carrie starts praying to get what she wants, Doug is skeptical until he wants the Jets to win.

10. Leah Remini as Monica from “Friends”?

• [07:36-07:53] Leah confirms she auditioned for the role of Monica but isn’t bitter:
  • “I'm really quite proud of them that they've stuck together as a group… it's really like a beautiful thing.” (07:53)

11. Sitcom Longevity & Family On Set

• [08:09-08:54] Hosts and Leah discuss whether shows should end; Leah empathizes with “Friends” cast and relates the show to a second family:
  • “If people still like the show, they should stay as long as people will have them.” (08:16-08:54)

12. Flattery & Farewells

• [08:57-09:12] Jeff (host): “You are by far and away the coolest chick in Hollywood.”
  • Leah: “Thank you, sweetie.” (08:59-09:02)
• Leah jokes about being hotter than Alyssa Milano.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On authenticity:

  • “We are everybody's relationship… we’re just a normal couple… there's no crazy concept.”
    — Leah Remini, (02:54)

• On the NYC dating scene:

  • “A petite girl would be with a bigger guy. It's very, very normal.”
    — Kevin James, (03:24)

• On Hollywood pressure:

  • “I really want him to be focused on his career… not that I won't take a ring.”
    — Leah Remini, (06:19)

• On show business families:

  • “It's like your family. It's like your second family. So I say, God bless them if they go another 10 years. Let them go, you know?”
    — Leah Remini, (08:48)

• Funniest candid:

  • “If I’m not in a scene with Kevin, I get depressed. Cause he makes me pee.”
    — Leah Remini, (07:13)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:29] — Interview introduction begins, Leah greets the team.
• [02:13] — Discussion on why King of Queens resonates.
• [03:24] — Is the “unlikely couple” dynamic realistic?
• [04:44] — Leah on keeping it real in LA.
• [05:26] — Leah’s relationship status & philosophy.
• [06:36] — Angelo’s acting credits.
• [06:52] — Who is funnier: Kevin or Jerry Stiller?
• [07:36] — Did Leah almost play Monica on “Friends”?
• [08:16] — On ending (or keeping) long-running sitcoms.
• [08:57] — Heartfelt closing remarks and mutual appreciation.

Overall Tone and Takeaways

The episode is light, rapid-fire, and loaded with the real-life chemistry that made King of Queens iconic. Both Leah Remini and the hosts poke fun at Hollywood’s quirks while expressing real affection for working-class, east-coast values. The conversation is full of playful teasing, nostalgic reminiscence, and honest insights about relationships on- and off-screen. For fans and non-listeners alike, this tight, entertaining segment demonstrates why Leah Remini is so beloved: authentic, sharp, and unafraid to laugh at herself and the industry.