Brian Diaries

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast – Episode: Brian Diaries

Episode Information:

• Title: Brian Diaries
• Release Date: September 16, 2024
• Hosts/Guests: Seth Meyers, Andy Samberg, Bill Hader, Keegan-Michael Key
• Description: In this episode, Seth Meyers joins forces with his fellow SNL alum and comedy-music trio The Lonely Island—comprising Andy Samberg, Bill Hader, and Keegan-Michael Key—to delve deep into their iconic SNL Digital Shorts. They reminisce about their creative processes, memorable sketches, interactions with celebrities, and the broader impact of their work both during and after their time on Saturday Night Live.

---

1. Reflecting on Musical Tastes and Cultural Moments

The conversation kicks off with a nostalgic dive into the band preferences of their youth and the cultural zeitgeist of their formative years.

• Andy Samberg mentions moving to Amsterdam in April 1997, asking, "Is that, like, height of Limp Bizkit?" ([01:46]).

• Seth Meyers clarifies, "Probably. I thought you said you miss them," to which Andy responds, "No, I missed them as a cultural moment." ([01:48]-[01:51]).

• Bill Hader reminisces about debating with Andy over whether Limp Bizkit was bigger than Oasis during his time abroad in England, highlighting the different music landscapes between the U.S. and the UK ([00:32]-[00:47]).

2. Insights into SNL’s Creative Process and Memorable Sketches

The hosts delve into specific SNL episodes and sketches, shedding light on their creative journeys and the behind-the-scenes dynamics.

• Andy Samberg discusses the significance of "Brian Williams Show" as the last episode before the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, stating, "it is the last show before the 0708 writers strike." ([04:32]-[04:37]).

• Bill Hader and Andy Samberg reflect on their productivity during the strike, mentioning projects like an issue of "Spider-Man" and Bill’s role in "Chaka" ([05:20]-[05:31]).

• The trio reminisces about writing a Halloween-themed cold open featuring Democratic candidates hosted at the Clintons' house, with Andy recounting interactions with a young Barack Obama making a cameo:

  "He was sitting and reading a very impressive book...he was holding it upside down...he said some version of, I think you'll find I can take off a Halloween mask." ([09:51]-[11:29]).

3. Celebrity Interactions and Cameos

The episode highlights memorable encounters with celebrities, emphasizing the blend of reality and fiction in their sketches.

• Andy Samberg shares his experience meeting Barack Obama during the filming of a sketch, detailing Obama's charismatic presence and the audience's reaction:

  "You're way cooler than me, Brian." ([21:24]-[21:27]).

• They discuss the inclusion of Bono in a "Brian Williams" short, critiquing how the fantasy portrayal subdued the potential excitement for a live audience:

  "He's a fantasy in the short." ([22:00]-[24:44]).

4. The Impact of the Writers’ Strike on The Lonely Island’s Trajectory

The conversation touches upon how the 2007-2008 writers' strike served as a catalyst for The Lonely Island’s transition from SNL to producing their own content.

• Keegan-Michael Key notes that the strike allowed them to pursue their first album, explaining the balance between maintaining their SNL contributions and exploring new creative avenues ([27:38]-[28:31]).

• Andy Samberg expresses a mix of nostalgia and frustration over the strike’s timing, stating:

  "Genuinely haunting to realize we were that close." ([26:22]-[26:48]).

5. Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Throughout the episode, the hosts share several standout quotes that highlight their camaraderie and comedic timing.

• Andy Samberg on dealing with the Indigo Girls:

  "They bullied the frig out of me." ([02:16]-[02:20]).

• Bill Hader on Brian Williams’ professionalism:

  "He was very funny in the monologue, but it's also all his words and all his jokes." ([13:36]-[13:43]).

• Keegan-Michael Key on building sketches:

  "It's got that classic, prepackaged." ([25:32]-[25:37]).

• Seth Meyers reflecting on Emmy nominations:

  "Just say, Emmy winning. That would be like, if I was coming out." ([32:09]-[32:16]).

6. Integrating Advertisements Seamlessly

In a humorous and organic segment, the hosts include an advertisement for Liquid Death, blending promotion with their signature comedic style.

• Keegan-Michael Key introduces the ad:

  "Liquid Death will brutally murder your thirst." ([18:08]-[19:45]).

• The advertisement is executed with the same comedic flair, maintaining the episode’s entertainment value without disrupting the flow.

7. Closing Reflections and Future Insights

As the episode wraps up, the hosts look back on their achievements and tease upcoming projects.

• Andy Samberg expresses pride in their collective Emmy nominations, noting:

  "2005 featured players on SNL... a combined 60 Emmy nominations." ([31:24]-[32:09]).

• They discuss the anticipation of future SNL shorts, hinting at innovative and diverse creative directions:

  "For the first time, any of did it. Four shows in a row that have some of my favorite shorts ever." ([34:03]-[34:09]).

---

Conclusion

The "Brian Diaries" episode of The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast offers a rich tapestry of memories, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and insightful discussions about their time on SNL and beyond. Through engaging storytelling and sharp humor, Seth Meyers and The Lonely Island revisit pivotal moments that shaped their careers, celebrate their collaborative successes, and reflect on the enduring legacy of their digital shorts. Notable interactions with celebrities like Barack Obama and Bono add an extra layer of intrigue, while their seamless integration of advertisements showcases their ability to blend comedy with promotion effortlessly. This episode serves as both a nostalgic journey for longtime fans and an informative narrative for newcomers interested in the creative processes behind some of SNL’s most memorable digital moments.

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Notable Quotes:

1. Andy Samberg on Cultural Moments:

   "I missed them as a cultural moment." ([01:48])

2. Bill Hader on Brian Williams:

   "He was very funny in the monologue, but it's also all his words and all his jokes." ([13:36])

3. Seth Meyers on Emmy Nominations:

   "Just say, Emmy winning. That would be like, if I was coming out." ([32:09])

4. Liquid Death Advertisement:

   "Liquid Death will brutally murder your thirst." ([18:08])

5. Andy Samberg on Meeting Barack Obama:

   "You are way cooler than me, Brian." ([21:24])

6. Keegan-Michael Key on Classic Sketches:

   "It's got that classic, prepackaged." ([25:32])

These quotes encapsulate the humor, camaraderie, and insightful reflections that define this episode, offering listeners both laughs and thoughtful commentary on their shared experiences.

Transcript

[Seth Meyers]

Yhorm just told me he's going to an Indigo Girls concert, Seth.

[Andy Samberg]

Yeah, I heard.

[Bill Hader]

That's why I gotta go.

[Seth Meyers]

I had an interesting conversation with our friend Kate McKinnon. We were shooting together in foggy London town, and I was talking about how growing up in Berkeley, it was crazy to me when I found out that Indigo Girls weren't, like, the biggest stars in the universe. Yeah, that's very Berkeley and summer camp in Berkeley and, like. But we'd be like, yeah, you know, like that Indigo Girls starring or that Anita DeFranco song. And people would be like, what? Like, uh. Are you fucking from planet Earth?

[Bill Hader]

On that same tip. Andy, do you remember when I came back from my junior year abroad in England and I had an argument with you guys about if Limp Bizkit was bigger than Oasis? And I was like, oasis is the biggest band on the planet.

[Seth Meyers]

Oh, right.

[Bill Hader]

They're the biggest. Like, they're massive, dude. And you guys were like, no. Like, you don't understand. You've been in England.

[Seth Meyers]

They were like, no, they are very popular. But you are seeing it through the lens of England.

[Bill Hader]

Yeah, they're the biggest bar, like, singing along to it. And then there's, like, the Biscuit. It sold, like, 10 times more than.

[Seth Meyers]

When I was shooting that show Cuckoo with Greg Davis in England. We would talk about this because their Dizzy Rascal was, like, huge. Like, Dizzy Rascal was, like, the closing song. Doing the song Bonkers at the opening ceremonies of the Olympics or the closing ceremonies or something. And everyone in UK was like.

[Andy Samberg]

And then he did fucking Bonkers.

[Seth Meyers]

It's the biggest song in the world. And I was like, I've literally never heard this song.

[Bill Hader]

I heard it once. I heard it once and I don't know why.

[Andy Samberg]

Yeah, I feel like I completely missed Limp Bizkit as a thing.

[Bill Hader]

Oh, they're so good.

[Andy Samberg]

So tell me if this timeline is right. I moved to Amsterdam April of 97, and I did not return for two full years. Is that, like, height of Limp Bizkit?

[Seth Meyers]

Probably. I thought you said you miss them.

[Andy Samberg]

Oh, no, I missed them as a cultural moment.

[Seth Meyers]

Got it. Got it.

[Bill Hader]

I clearly did as well. Yeah, I think it was in there.

[Andy Samberg]

I did not miss the Indigo Girls. And I would like to say I had the Indigo Girls on my show and chatted with them and. And they were good times.

[Seth Meyers]

I would love it if you were like. And they such assholes.

[Andy Samberg]

They were really hard people to deal with.

[Seth Meyers]

They bullied the frig out of me.

[Andy Samberg]

It was very out of line with the way their music makes me feel. And that's what I didn't like, which.

[Seth Meyers]

Is inspired and floating on the wings of eagles.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

I just was downstairs and my wife Liz is on a zoom with Poehler.

[Andy Samberg]

Ah.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

That's why it took me a little longer to jump on here, but it was delightful. I got carried away talking to Poehler, and she was being very kind about this podcast.

[Bill Hader]

Poehler likes this podcast.

[Seth Meyers]

Did she tell you to say anything on that she can then hear later if she listens to it?

[Keegan-Michael Key]

She didn't give me an Easter egg to herself.

[Bill Hader]

What about this? Like what we're saying right now? Yeah, like this could be for Amy.

[Andy Samberg]

I will say, for those not watching, Keev is yanking on his earlobe super hard. So I think that might be his special message.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah, now she knows.

[Andy Samberg]

I'll name drop since we're doing it. Since Keeves all like, guess who I just saw. I saw Wiig last night.

[Bill Hader]

Oh, nice.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Oh, in real. In real life.

[Andy Samberg]

In real life. And Wiig showed me a trailer to a movie I'm very excited to see. I'm curious if anybody here has seen it, which is the documentary Will and Harper.

[Bill Hader]

Oh, I still haven't seen it.

[Seth Meyers]

And I keep hearing how great it is.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

I can't wait to see it. I saw the trailer myself last night. Once again, not to name drop, but Liz, my wife, has seen it and she loved it. She came home raving about it.

[Andy Samberg]

We've talked about Harper Steele was a writer who wrote Young Chuck Norris. Her name is going to come up again over the course of this podcast. This is a documentary that's coming out in September. Will Ferrell and Harper were incredibly close friends and wrote together. Started, I think, at the same time at snl. Harper transitioned a couple years ago. And this is a movie, a documentary about their road trip. And Harper sort of explaining that journey to one of her oldest friends. And I've just heard amazing things about it.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

I think it comes out on the 13th of September. So by the time this is airing, it might be out.

[Andy Samberg]

It might.

[Bill Hader]

And Wiig sings a song in it, apparently, I believe.

[Andy Samberg]

Yeah, I've heard that. Wiig sings the closing song and it's great.

[Seth Meyers]

That might be a spoiler. That might be a spoiler or just.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Something and to get people to tune in.

[Andy Samberg]

It could be.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

It's gonna be on Netflix as well if we're promoting it.

[Seth Meyers]

Yeah, that's also a spoiler.

[Andy Samberg]

I'm gonna have Will and Harper on my show. Spoiler, spoiler.

[Seth Meyers]

They're gonna be on your show. Spoiler. It's on Netflix.

[Andy Samberg]

It's the Lonely island and Seth Meyers podcast. This is a historically significant show. The Brian Williams show. I should start by saying you guys did not off the bat remember if you'd even made a short for the show.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

I remembered this.

[Andy Samberg]

No, we didn't.

[Bill Hader]

I also want to know why it's historically significant.

[Andy Samberg]

Why it is the last show before the 0708 writers strike.

[Seth Meyers]

Oh, before the strike, right?

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Andy Samberg]

We found out at the party the strike was official.

[Seth Meyers]

I didn't know that.

[Andy Samberg]

And I remember it was a really fun show. And again, the season had just started, right. We're in the basking in the glow of Iran so far. And people getting punched before eating MacGruber just before everybody's.

[Bill Hader]

Yeah, we're all killing it.

[Andy Samberg]

Everybody's on cloud nine. It's in and golden era. You don't want to mess with those. But at the same time, you know, it was the time of a strike and it was 100 day. We took a 100 day break. I will say I believe Bill Hader and I cranked out an issue of Spider Man.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Oh, yeah.

[Andy Samberg]

Which was allowed and that still exists.

[Seth Meyers]

I also did a comic book during the most recent one.

[Bill Hader]

Oh, nice. And I believe that the strike also allowed me to play Chaka and land a little lost.

[Andy Samberg]

Wow. Oh, it was the most depressing hundred days because my entire life was the job and I loved it so much. I hated it also. We partied so fucking hard.

[Seth Meyers]

It was a good time for me. I'm just going to say it. Yeah, I really enjoyed the strike time.

[Bill Hader]

Much needed break.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

I felt guilty about how much we were happy to have a break. I remember us being like, ooh, we get a break. And everybody being like, this sucks. And it's being like, yeah, yeah, yeah, it sucks. And then privately being like, hehe, we get a break.

[Seth Meyers]

Like it's nice to relax. Anyway, Seth walked away. But I'll just tell you guys, finally during the strike, I started playing soccer again at Chelsea Piers on an indoor soccer team with Julian Casablancas of the Strokes.

[Bill Hader]

Yeah.

[Seth Meyers]

And some other rad dudes. And we won the fucking league.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Whoa. I didn't remember. You won. That's pretty exciting.

[Bill Hader]

I remember you being super excited about this. How good is Julian at soccer? Is he pretty dope?

[Seth Meyers]

He's pretty good.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

He's tall. I bet you he can kind of move fast.

[Andy Samberg]

Who's that?

[Seth Meyers]

Oh, sorry. Seth, are you back?

[Andy Samberg]

Yeah, sorry. Who's tall?

[Seth Meyers]

Julian at soccer.

[Andy Samberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

So during the strike, there was the one thing we all did which was the thing Amy put together. Amy, who's on the zoom downstairs. Not to name drop, but anyways, it was the strike show, which was okay with the WGA and okay with NBC, and it was at ucb.

[Seth Meyers]

Oh, the UCB Strike Show.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah. Was there a doc recently or something? Where did I see people?

[Andy Samberg]

I talked about it with Michael Cera on my show.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Got it. But that was.

[Andy Samberg]

And I hadn't talked about it for a long time because Michael Cera was the host.

[Bill Hader]

Oh, right, right, right.

[Andy Samberg]

I also want to say the musical guest. Do you guys remember the musical guest.

[Bill Hader]

For the Brian Williams show?

[Andy Samberg]

Yeah.

[Bill Hader]

Spoon. No, no.

[Andy Samberg]

Feist.

[Bill Hader]

Feist.

[Seth Meyers]

Ah. We like the Feist.

[Andy Samberg]

I love the Feist. And both those songs really hold up for me.

[Bill Hader]

Did she do 1, 2, 3, 4?

[Andy Samberg]

Yeah, yeah.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

And I feel it all. I'm looking at it now.

[Seth Meyers]

Feist fucking Rules. And her most recent album, also Fucking Rules.

[Andy Samberg]

And you know what else Fucking rules? NPR Tiny Desk concerts. And she just did one of those.

[Seth Meyers]

Yeah.

[Andy Samberg]

And if you've never seen an NPR Tiny Desk concert, it is one of the best things on YouTube. Feist just did one off the new album, and it's great.

[Bill Hader]

Oh, nice.

[Andy Samberg]

Well, great plug.

[Seth Meyers]

What's up, Feist?

[Andy Samberg]

What's up, Feist? We miss you, Feist.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Definitely a listener.

[Andy Samberg]

It is November 6, 2007. It is a year away from the 2008 election. The opening sketch is a Halloween sketch that I wrote, and I think it is technically the Halloween show because it's so much closer to Halloween than whatever, October 13th, when you guys did your zombie thing.

[Bill Hader]

He won't give this a.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

The fact that it starts with the Halloween cold open does make it seem like this is the Halloween episode.

[Andy Samberg]

This is the Halloween show.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Luckily, when we talked about that last week, on last week's episode, we kind of closed the book on that.

[Andy Samberg]

And, no, I'm reopening it because I feel like you guys were pretty hard on me for saying it wasn't the Halloween show. So I just want to say, like, the very next episode was, in fact, a Halloween themed show.

[Seth Meyers]

Seth, now that you're mentioning it, I remember us being hard on you about that.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah. We were like, why are you doing Halloween?

[Andy Samberg]

I know it's been a week.

[Seth Meyers]

Yeah. Now I'm like, hmm, maybe we were a little harsh.

[Andy Samberg]

So this is a very special memory because I remember, obviously, Klein was new. Now Klein is such a big part of my memory of snl. It's hard to remember he was new. Do you remember our first nickname for Klein?

[Bill Hader]

Harvard maybe Flip Flop.

[Andy Samberg]

Oh, you know why I called him Flip Flop? Because he wore flip flop.

[Seth Meyers]

Because he wore flip flops to work.

[Andy Samberg]

He wore flip flops to his first day of work.

[Bill Hader]

Oh, that's right. That's a strong choice.

[Seth Meyers]

This is writer Rob Klein. Our dear Bud.

[Andy Samberg]

Dear Bud. And he wore flip flops to his first day of work. And I had a real. Yeah, I mean, I know it's not a regular job.

[Seth Meyers]

First day is not a good call. He's like, I'm gonna set the tone right out the gate. It's the flip flops.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

That means he like probably went on the subway and flip flops with his toes out.

[Andy Samberg]

Although knowing Klein Orey was like, yeah, no, I just walked in. He would be a guy who would just as believably walk three hours if it was a nice day. Very chill guy. Very good match for Sandberg. Later, creatively, we'll get into. This was a late in the game either a Friday. I think it was a Friday night, you guys. We wrote in my dressing room, Myself and Jost and Klein wrote a Halloween cold open where was all the Democratic candidates. And it was being hosted at the Clintons house. Oh, and it was Amy as Hillary, Daryl as Bill. Simon Rich played Dennis Kucinich.

[Bill Hader]

Oh, that's pretty good.

[Andy Samberg]

Just on a cutaway. But do you remember who came in wearing a Barack Obama Halloween mask?

[Seth Meyers]

Barack Obama himself.

[Andy Samberg]

Barack Obama did a cameo in this show. Hello, Hillary.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Hello, Bill.

[Andy Samberg]

Nice to see you. Yes, nice to see you, Barack.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

So you dressed as yourself. Well, you know, Hillary, I have nothing to hide. I enjoy being myself. I'm not gonna change who I am just because it's Halloween.

[Andy Samberg]

Well, that's, that's. It was the first time I met Barack Obama and I've told his story a lot, but it bears repeating. Two very funny things about Barack Obama that he did. I walked into his room to explain the sketch that we'd written and he was sitting and reading a very impressive book. I don't remember the book, but I just remember thinking, oh. And he was holding it upside down. No, he was reading a very impressive book. And I came in, I'm like, hey, it's great to meet you. And I said, I'm from New Hampshire. And he went, oh, New Hampshire. And he stood up, which was really funny. Like being the first primary state. I hope it was very funny. But also I did think this was a good thing to tell him. Looking back, it wasn't Until I said it, that I realized it wasn't. He comes in wearing a Barack Obama Halloween mask and takes it off to reveal he's Barack Obama. And I said to him, so that's the idea, and if it's too hard to get off the mask, we'll come up with something easier. And he said some version of, I think you'll find I can take off a Halloween mask. And I was like, right.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

And sure enough.

[Andy Samberg]

And then when I watched the sketch, really, no problem at all.

[Seth Meyers]

No difficulty.

[Andy Samberg]

Takes it right off.

[Seth Meyers]

Yeah. Like he was a Ethan Hunt.

[Andy Samberg]

Real Ethan Hunt.

[Seth Meyers]

Yeah.

[Bill Hader]

Good reference. I would say that about Barack being there. That was one of the greatest things about being at the show, because I remember just being in the hallway on adh. I came what day where he was rehearsing and just being like, oh. And it's just Barack Obama coming down. I was like, put out my hand, like, hey, how's it going, man? And he was like, hey, how's it going?

[Seth Meyers]

I do vividly remember him being there and everyone meeting him, and someone was like, did you meet Obama? And I remember being like, nah, man, I don't care about that. I don't care about politics. I don't want to. Whatever. And then he became president, and I was like, fuck, I should have met him.

[Andy Samberg]

The thing I remember is the way the audience reacted when he was there. It was the first time I thought.

[Seth Meyers]

Oh, right, they're super hyped. Yeah, he could win. Yeah.

[Andy Samberg]

Because again, I think the conventional wisdom back then was it was Hillary's, and I would have been very happy with that, but there was a real magnetic energy in the room when he showed up.

[Bill Hader]

Yeah, that guy sweats charisma.

[Seth Meyers]

Seth, how many presidents have you met?

[Andy Samberg]

Biden, Trump. Mm. Obama. Mm. I guess that's it.

[Bill Hader]

No, Bill, not Clinton.

[Andy Samberg]

Sorry. Wait, no, wait. You saw. No. Oh, yeah, Bill. Sorry. Of course, Bill. That's four.

[Seth Meyers]

Cool.

[Bill Hader]

Pretty good. Better than most Americans.

[Andy Samberg]

Yeah, it's good. Brian Williams, a very good host. He was everything you want a host outside of the realm of actor to be. He was LeBron y good. And I think we all knew, having met him around, I certainly knew by the time he hosted that he would be very good as a host. And he had done ascat, which was the UCB Sunday night show. We had invited him to be the monologist, but it had been a surprise that his wife Jane and his kids had planned to surprise him. So it was actually a birthday party for him, and I could tell he was a little bummed he was like, ah, kind of wanted to do monologues, but he gave a monologue that night that basically I then transcribed for his monologue. So he's very funny in the monologue, but it's also all his words and all his jokes.

[Bill Hader]

Is it fair to call Brian a comedy nerd? Because I kind of would.

[Andy Samberg]

Oh, 100%.

[Bill Hader]

It's just weird to call a man of that stature a comedy nerd.

[Andy Samberg]

But he definitely watched the show and was a fan of the show and knew exactly what he was doing and was very. Knew how to be a straight man when it was called for. And I really enjoyed watching him.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Gravitas is such a key tool for some hosts in the Alec Baldwin, Jon Hammer category. And a newsacre needs a lot of.

[Andy Samberg]

Gravitas, and he's got it.

[Bill Hader]

He was also respectful of his position as a newscaster because I do remember him being like certain things I cannot do.

[Andy Samberg]

An interesting sketch that got cut was him and Will Forte a two hander. Do you remember who they played? No, no memory. The opening Don Pardo voiceover was now a couple minutes in the van with Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesia.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Oh, I was right about to guess that.

[Andy Samberg]

It starts with the two of them singing to all the girls I've loved before. We've loved before who've traveled in and out. And I will say that's like a impression Forte thinks he has. And Julio Iglesias was an impression that Brian Williams definitely didn't have. But it was fun to watch him do it. I don't remember it going well enough to even be in the conversation between dress and air, but I do remember how it looked. And it was one of those things that made me happy to think back.

[Seth Meyers]

On when he hosted Is this before or after yhorm was on Girls?

[Andy Samberg]

Before.

[Bill Hader]

This is before.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

This is definitely before.

[Andy Samberg]

I do think there's a value sometimes in me dryly reading a Forte sketch. And that's what I'd like to do now for Willie and Julio.

[Seth Meyers]

Wonderful.

[Andy Samberg]

It opens with the two of them in the van and they're singing to all the girls we've loved before, which is a famous song they sang together. And Will says as Willie Nelson, whoa, Julio, that was two coats of wonderful. This is Brian Williams. This is NBC news anchor Brian Williams. Gracias, Willie, you are a true amigo. And I could sing this cancion, this song every day for the rest of mi vida. Well, I might hold you to that. And then Will starts singing again. And then Brian says, no, no, Willie oh, no. Do not sing. Let's just enjoy the landscape of Nebraska for a while. Will. So, Jewel, you're probably wondering why I asked you here today. No, actually, I was not. You ever heard of biodiesel? Biodiesel? Sure, of course, Willie. I run my television and dishwasher on biodiesel. Well, now, juul. See, appliances like that usually run on electricity. Willie, you've caught me in a lie. I've never heard of biodiesel. And I would love to hear all about it. Will. Will, biodiesel is a clean, burning, renewable diesel fuel replacement made from. Willie, I'm afraid you've caught me in another lie. I have no interest whatsoever in this biodiesel. What I do have interest in is a very slender woman I just saw on the side of the road. So if you could just pull over, Will. Now hang on there, amigo. I think this biodiesel could really change the world for the better. I mean, guess what? This van runs on biodiesel. Close. Biodiesel. I just said that, Willie. Now you're getting it. So I was thinking we could put together a duet that could get the word out on, you know what. Biodiesel.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

What? Jesus.

[Andy Samberg]

I mean, I'm gonna stop now. But it's really funny to think of the two. So that's very novel casting by fortune.

[Bill Hader]

Very.

[Andy Samberg]

And then it's. The theme of the sketch is.

[Seth Meyers]

And Solomon.

[Andy Samberg]

John Solomon's name on this as well.

[Seth Meyers]

He should also down with the ship.

[Andy Samberg]

Also. We're going to get to it a year from now. One of the great sketches in our time at the show is Jeff Montgomery. Would you agree?

[Bill Hader]

Yeah, I love it.

[Andy Samberg]

It was originally written for this week. And Brian Williams, I had no memory of that.

[Seth Meyers]

Oh, did it go to dress?

[Andy Samberg]

Went to dress. And I think maybe Brian Williams is like, I don't know. I don't think I can do this one.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Is he a bit of a sex offender in it? I'm trying to remember what that one is.

[Andy Samberg]

No, Will is a Jeff Montgomery registered sex offender, but he's trying to pass it off as Halloween costume.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I actually do have a little memory of him, like drawing the line there to Yorm's point of like, hey, there's some things that I don't want to be close to.

[Andy Samberg]

He was smart.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

And there was one in our. In the short that we did too, that was just a small thing about his anchor desk, if we're ready to segue into it.

[Andy Samberg]

Yeah, segue on in.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

There was some joke in it that I can't remember, but we were like, will you say it behind the anchor desk? And he's like, I don't want to sit. He's like, I think there's something kind of. I forget what word he used, but. Meaning that there's a value to the desk. Meaning it's a place for, like, the truth. And so I don't want to besmirch it by sitting behind it and doing a goof off.

[Bill Hader]

Yes, he could stand. Right? But he just couldn't do it from the desk.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah, he just didn't want to do it from the actual spot. And I was like, yeah, I respect that.

[Seth Meyers]

It was like an inverted Seth.

[Andy Samberg]

Yeah. Whereas I'll do fucking whatever you want.

[Seth Meyers]

It's like, I need this to be behind the desk.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yes. Support comes from Liquid Death. Hey, it's Kiva here. You know, I haven't done an ad for the podcast yet, but I had to step up for this one because it means so much to me. It's something I care a lot about, and it's called Liquid Death. What is Liquid Death? Well, it may look like a beer or some crazy energy drink, but it's not. Liquid Death is actually a healthy beverage brand that makes mountain spring water, low sugar flavored sparkling water, and low sugar iced teas too. Okay, but why would a healthy beverage ever be called Liquid Death? Because Liquid Death will brutally murder your thirst. And their infinitely recyclable cans are helping to bring death to single use plastic bottles. Sometimes I'll just grab a Liquid Death just to freak out Andy and Yharm, and I'll just like walk into a meeting at like 8am and I'm just drinking one. And they're like, keith, oh my God, what are you doing? And I'm like, I'm getting so messed up. And then I'm like, guys, it's just water. And they're like, you lied to us. It's pretty good.

[Andy Samberg]

Ahem.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

You can get free shipping of Liquid Death's mountain water flavored sparkling and iced tea. Eight packs with Amazon Prime. Or grab a can or a case at your local 7 11, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, or on Instacart. Go to liquiddeath.com island to check out all their healthy, infinitely recyclable beverages and find your closest retailer. That's liquiddeath.com island liquiddeath.com Island Brian Diaries.

[Andy Samberg]

It is Brian Williams talking us through his day. Some very nice jokes. I've got a favorite. Do you want to lay it out for us, Keef?

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah, I Remember us just always somewhere. It was one of those ideas that I just had. Always wanted to do one like it or all of us did. That was just they in the life. Like little Doc, I guess, kind of vaguely in the spirit of even the old Eddie Murphy white like me sketch.

[Seth Meyers]

And some of the Albert Brooks stuff, too, honestly.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah, exactly. There's just the tone of this kind of thing we hadn't touched yet. And we had been kind of looking to do something like this. And I don't know how he came to it that week, but I remember being happy we did. I'm pulling it up right now to remember it a little better.

[Andy Samberg]

I watched it, but it leans into the idea, which is fun for him to play, that he's very arrogant.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yes.

[Andy Samberg]

Which is delightful to watch. He says he likes to eat in the commissary with all the staff.

[Seth Meyers]

He has like his own table.

[Andy Samberg]

Like a velvet rope around a dining cloth table and a security guard.

[Bill Hader]

It's a sweet kind of sad arrogance, though. Oh, yeah. It's like sort of a pathetic arrogance.

[Andy Samberg]

Right.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Is the voicemail joke he leaves for himself. Is that yours?

[Andy Samberg]

I don't know if it is or not. Again, my memory for these things is soft. He likes to stand outside the building to get recognized. Somebody calls him Stone Phillips. He does a very nice move where he's sort of clapping his hands while he's waiting. He comes off as very vulnerable.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

I think that's our wardrobe guy, Brian, that just walked by and said, Stone Phillips.

[Andy Samberg]

Yeah.

[Bill Hader]

And then in vo, after he's called Stone Phillips, he says closing up.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yes does not dissuade him. Very cocky, very sad. I think he had a lot of good jokes for this, if I recall.

[Andy Samberg]

I really like this. He goes to the gym and he's wearing Rollerblades on the treadmill, which is just a fun visual joke that works.

[Seth Meyers]

Keith, was it? Dina Moles behind the desk.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah. At the real SNL reception desk, we have Deana Moles, who helped produce every short ever.

[Andy Samberg]

Yep.

[Seth Meyers]

Shout out, Dina.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yep.

[Bill Hader]

So much work. She still works there and she still is producing films.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah, Produces all the short stuff.

[Andy Samberg]

He leaves a message on his phone to somebody, or he leaves a message on someone else's phone that they're the best at what they do.

[Seth Meyers]

When it's all over, I pack up.

[Andy Samberg]

My stuff, check my voicemail one last time and head home. First new voice message. Hey, you.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

I know you had a tough day.

[Seth Meyers]

But you got through it because you're the best there is.

[Andy Samberg]

You're a winner. And I love you. I love you too. I got a favorite bit in this, which is he just throws pennies out the window.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Oh, yeah, we did a little Today show came. Yeah.

[Bill Hader]

He wouldn't do anything behind the news desk, but he would show himself chucking pennies out of Rockefeller Center.

[Andy Samberg]

And then you got a very good shot of Roker and Lauer getting hit with pennies. And they're both very funny.

[Seth Meyers]

So much of what we do in.

[Andy Samberg]

The news business is serious. Sometimes I find it's healthy to take a break and have a little fun.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Ah, the morning duo. New book out. It's called Fun with Eggs.

[Andy Samberg]

I mean, it's.

[Bill Hader]

What is that?

[Seth Meyers]

What kind of an throws pennies from a building?

[Keegan-Michael Key]

I remember being so pleased. Cause they did it in front of the real Today show audience and everything. So it just looks real. Cause it is.

[Andy Samberg]

He's watching. He likes to watch old episodes of his own show. Also very fun. He's also just got good comedy gravitas face.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Oh, here's something I remember. So there's a bit in this thing where he then is doing meditation for a while and he was like, yo, I was on the phone with Bono. He's willing to do a cameo, but he can't be there for the real show. Could we work him into this? And it's like, oh my God, Bono. So we made it that Bono's the vision he's having.

[Andy Samberg]

I also like to calm my nerves by practicing the ancient art of meditation.

[Bill Hader]

Oh, yeah. Looking good, Brian.

[Andy Samberg]

You're way cooler than me. I'd do anything to be you.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Thanks, Bono. I just remember having a lovely time with him when we recorded. And I was like, this is huge. I got Bono in this short. And then it was the first time I realized that for a live audience. Like we talked about a couple weeks ago, explaining how the live audience watches these on TVs. So it's not like being in a movie theater where it's rocking the house. It's kind of small on a tv. And then Bono's even smaller on that tv and you realize it didn't. Like, if Bono had walked out on that stage, it would get a huge applause break and it would be so exciting. But seeing him there, I was like expecting that to happen. And the. The audience does not do any of that because it's too far removed. It's just like you wouldn't applaud to see Bono on a tv. He's just on a tv.

[Andy Samberg]

Right?

[Bill Hader]

But it was pretty cool that you got to hang out with him, though.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

It was lovely for me. But I was expecting this, like, moment, and then the moment just kind of brushes right past. Because he's not even really in the short. He's a fantasy in the short.

[Seth Meyers]

Exactly. If it had been like, Brian bumps into him backstage or, like, something at where he works, and they had, like, a scene together, like in extras or something, it would have been a bigger deal.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Something about him being in a fantasy, in a dream makes it that he's not even really there. It makes it not a cameo somehow.

[Bill Hader]

Yeah, he kind of is just a fantasy.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Exactly. He's not even on the rundown under special guest.

[Andy Samberg]

And let me say, this is the same show where people already lost their minds at an Obama cameo. So they're the kind of audience that will get excited to see a celebrity. But you're right. This is just not a way that is exciting for them.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah.

[Bill Hader]

Bono also does a great job selling this fantasy, too. Yeah, you're way cooler than me, Brian.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Andy, what was your takeaway when you watched it a couple days ago or whenever you watched it? Was it funnier than you thought?

[Seth Meyers]

I thought it was, like, a really solid one that felt perfect for the show and reminded me of, like, classic older SNL episodes we grew up watching. I liked it more than I remembered. Cause I remember at the time, I was like, I'm not in it. No, I'm just kidding. I was like, at the time being like, yeah, it's good. It's not like, super crazy hard laughs. But then watching it now and the flow of all of them, I'm like, it was better than it needed to be.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

It reminded me of a nice daily showpiece, too. Cause it's just got that classic, prepackaged.

[Andy Samberg]

It was host service.

[Seth Meyers]

Exactly.

[Andy Samberg]

It was a very important piece in the puzzle of having a news anchor host the show.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah.

[Seth Meyers]

It was like, this is what his comedic Persona is going to be in this.

[Andy Samberg]

Because it also showed both a collaboration and that he was down.

[Seth Meyers]

This is interesting. Just totally by chance, John Solomon texted me while we were recording.

[Bill Hader]

Okay.

[Seth Meyers]

And I was like, we just totally ripped on your Willie Nelson and Iglesias sketch. And he said, eight. Shit. So hard. And I said, any other info you can impart? And he said, in my recollection, all we had was that he says, biodiesel a bunch.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Accurate.

[Bill Hader]

Right on the money.

[Andy Samberg]

Pretty fair memory.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah.

[Andy Samberg]

God, it did. That's good to know. Cause I did have a moment today where I thought, oh, I wonder why that didn't go in. That's all he said, which to be.

[Seth Meyers]

Fair, is more than enough for a four minute sketch.

[Andy Samberg]

There's something. I'm being genuine here. There's something haunting about watching this episode because I sort of skipped ahead through the whole episode because it has a card for who was supposed to be on the next week. And obviously that week did not happen because of the writers strike.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Oh, right.

[Andy Samberg]

And it was the Rock and Amy Winehouse.

[Bill Hader]

Oh, wow.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

I want to see that episode real bad.

[Andy Samberg]

I know. Genuinely haunting to realize we were that close.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

What could have happened? Would we have made a song with Amy that would have been so incredible.

[Andy Samberg]

The other one, the next week was supposed to be Jonah Hill, who obviously the Rock host again. Jonah Hill host again. It was Jonah Hill and Kid Rock.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Oh, wow. Classic pairing.

[Seth Meyers]

Insane that they didn't pair the Rock with Kid Rock.

[Bill Hader]

Yeah, it seems like a no brainer.

[Seth Meyers]

Just like a father son duo.

[Andy Samberg]

Just makes you so mad. I mean, if it had been the Rock and Kid Rock, would you have written a father son sketch, Andy? Yes. What would you have played in it?

[Seth Meyers]

Mama Rock, probably.

[Bill Hader]

Or like Rock Dog.

[Seth Meyers]

I don't know.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Chris Rock. Yeah.

[Seth Meyers]

Chris Rock could have come on for sure.

[Andy Samberg]

We're going to talk about. Because it was, you know, it was a bad time, but it was a formative time. The old writer's strike of 07.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

The writer's strike allowed us to go make our first album.

[Andy Samberg]

Right.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

I wonder when we made the choice to make a record deal and make an album.

[Bill Hader]

Our listeners know how that is, right? When you just decide to make a record deal. You know what I mean?

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah. Why didn't you make a record deal, Seth?

[Andy Samberg]

Yeah. You guys talking about it now and saying, oh, so fun. I played soccer, we made a record deal. I'm definitely low key. Mad.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

We were being courted by record labels. Seth, to answer your query, you were being courted.

[Bill Hader]

Kinda, yeah.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

After Lazy Sunday, we had had a couple different meetings and we were just like, I don't know when we'd even have time to do a record deal to make a record, but we knew it was wa and they had taken us out to like a lunch here or there. And one time when we were in la, us and the ladies of the band, the Donnas, went to a party at the Playboy Mansion, courtesy of a record label.

[Seth Meyers]

That's right. The only time we ever went.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah, exactly. And Yorm didn't go. And Bill came as the third member of Lonely Island.

[Bill Hader]

Yeah, I wasn't allowed to go.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah.

[Andy Samberg]

I have a few very small comments and questions. Just to round out this episode, I shouldn't jump ahead, but question for the boys. What is yhorm saying at the end of the second verse of Jack Sparrow where Bolton comes in and interrupts. I know I make you feel crazy with the.

[Seth Meyers]

That's me.

[Bill Hader]

That's Andy, isn't it?

[Seth Meyers]

Okay, I did say a full line.

[Andy Samberg]

Yeah. Is it.

[Bill Hader]

What is it? I don't know what this is because.

[Andy Samberg]

He jumps in with. Now back to the good part.

[Seth Meyers]

I know I make you feel crazy with the boom boom boom because there's these three big bass hits in it. And I remember us being like, just record the whole line and then we'll cut it off and have Bolton interrupt it, which is what happens.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

This is after the More like to meet you, take you home and fuck you twice guy.

[Seth Meyers]

Yes, exactly. All dressed up with nowhere to run I know I make you feel crazy with the boom boom boom.

[Bill Hader]

Oh, right. That's a decent line.

[Seth Meyers]

Yeah, it's fine. It was intentionally like garbage filler y Because we knew it was gonna get interrupted.

[Bill Hader]

Regular club garbage.

[Andy Samberg]

Yeah.

[Seth Meyers]

Yes, exactly.

[Andy Samberg]

That's ok. I'm very happy that you had a specific answer. Ready to go. Question for the Lonely Island. I showed my 7 year old daughter Hot Rod and now she won't stop doing the Richardson dance and sing like, what you. How do I make it stop?

[Seth Meyers]

That's great, Chester Tam.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

That sounds very funny.

[Seth Meyers]

Sounds like a great kid.

[Bill Hader]

Did Chester used to do that when you guys lived together in the dorms at nyu? Did he do that for you or when you guys were roommates, Andy?

[Seth Meyers]

Yes.

[Bill Hader]

Good.

[Seth Meyers]

By the way, we never lived in the dorms together. We shared a really terrible apartment.

[Bill Hader]

Right.

[Seth Meyers]

But yes. And Chester, when the second Chronic album came out, the I just want to fuck you song, every time that beat would start, he would come out of his room. When we were all roommates. When we were all roommates too, in la. And it became a bit where no matter what was happening in the house, you could put on that song, the. And Jester would just start coming out of his room. He was just here doing the dance. Yeah. And it made me laugh so hard.

[Andy Samberg]

That's a really good bit. Aw. That's a really good bit. To have a roommate you can summon. Will we ever get a proper ending for the Boo. I've been hanging on that cliff edge for years. My forearms are so beefy.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Definitely.

[Bill Hader]

Well, I will say this. There was an ending that we wanted to do, which was at one point, we wanted to have it be that I'm about to save Sarah Chalk's character. I come in, you know, I'm the fucking hero of the thing. And then the tables turn. Bad guy has a gun on me, and I immediately go, oh, no, man.

[Seth Meyers]

Fucking kill her instead, man.

[Andy Samberg]

Oh, I fucking piss my fucking pants.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Oh, shit.

[Andy Samberg]

I'll kill her, man.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

I didn't remember that at all.

[Seth Meyers]

God, Yorm, you were so destined to work with Forte. It's crazy.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah, exactly.

[Seth Meyers]

Just tell me what you want me to.

[Bill Hader]

Fuck. I don't know what I'm doing.

[Andy Samberg]

This is just a fun fact I'd like to end on. Somebody pointed out that the 2005 and I have done no research. Okay, 2005 featured players on SNL. Sandberg, Wiig, Hayter, Sudeikis. A combined 60 Emmy nominations.

[Bill Hader]

Is that right?

[Andy Samberg]

I mean, pretty amazing.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Are they all wigs? Oh, and Ted Lassos.

[Bill Hader]

No, we have a bunch.

[Andy Samberg]

Well, no, Andy has a bunch. Barry has a bunch. Andy has a bunch.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

You're right. You're right, you're right. We do have a bunch. I forgot.

[Andy Samberg]

It is very spread out between you guys.

[Seth Meyers]

Mine are just not for acting. They're all for writing.

[Bill Hader]

We have at least six that were.

[Seth Meyers]

I think so I have to look it up.

[Bill Hader]

Do that research. I'm not gonna do it.

[Seth Meyers]

I think at least five.

[Andy Samberg]

One, two.

[Seth Meyers]

Cause one year was three, and then I know there were at least two others, but maybe six, I don't know.

[Andy Samberg]

You have 10, Andy.

[Bill Hader]

10, Amy.

[Andy Samberg]

I'm looking now.

[Seth Meyers]

Yeah, but for writing stuff.

[Bill Hader]

Well, I think you're great.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Oh, you're me.

[Seth Meyers]

Thank you.

[Bill Hader]

Yeah, you're welcome.

[Andy Samberg]

I've had a lot of mine from just, like, writing on snl. Sometimes I'll do charity events where they don't run my intro by, and they'll say something like, he's been nominated for 29 Emmy Awards and won once. I'm like, don't do that. So, you know, just say, emmy winning. Emmy winning writer.

[Seth Meyers]

Yeah, yeah, just say Emmy winning. That would be like, if I was coming out. And they're like, he's been nominated for 10 Emmys. None for acting.

[Andy Samberg]

All writing. But he's promised us. He's written what he's about to say. One of my great, though. I mean, look, sometimes life puts you in incredible situation. Andy won a Golden Globe for acting, and I fucking got to hand it to him.

[Bill Hader]

Wow.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

That's amazing.

[Bill Hader]

That's pretty good.

[Seth Meyers]

It was so nice.

[Andy Samberg]

What were the best moments of my life? I have that picture in my office.

[Seth Meyers]

It was the best.

[Bill Hader]

Yeah, that's Best bud.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Shit, that's really cool.

[Andy Samberg]

I want to say one other thing. I remember it was Julie Bowen's job to read the name, and when she saw what it was, she let me read it.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Oh, that's cool.

[Andy Samberg]

I liked how quickly she processed. Oh, you should read this.

[Seth Meyers]

That's nice.

[Bill Hader]

That's like. You're real comfortable at an award show to think that fast. I would be too nervous to, like, think that fast.

[Andy Samberg]

Oh, amazing.

[Seth Meyers]

Thank you, Julie Bowen. Thanks for giving us that moment, by the way. I would have been excited even if she had said it.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Yeah, you wouldn't have been like, oh, sure.

[Seth Meyers]

Yeah. I would have gone up there and be like, I mean, this is awesome. But should have fucking let Seth say it.

[Andy Samberg]

You're like, he's my buddy for like a long time.

[Bill Hader]

Fucking think fast.

[Andy Samberg]

I don't even know you.

[Seth Meyers]

I don't even know you, man.

[Andy Samberg]

All right, well, I'm gonna say just to whet the appetite, we had a strike. Then we came back, and for the first time, any of did it. Four shows in a row that have some of my favorite shorts ever.

[Bill Hader]

Okay. I'm intrigued.

[Andy Samberg]

Like, eventually you're gonna get to this run of four where I was blown away because they were so different.

[Seth Meyers]

I'm curious now what they were, but.

[Andy Samberg]

I remember the moment thinking, Cause you did one each week. All right, well, you guys, that's the end of this episode. And, you know, can't say enough about you as a trio.

[Bill Hader]

Oh, wow, Seth.

[Keegan-Michael Key]

Well, that's good. Cause we have more episodes.

[Andy Samberg]

I would love to say. I feel like I was making yhorm.

[Seth Meyers]

Laugh a lot today, but he was quietly laughing, and I could see him laughing, and I'm frustrated that people couldn't hear.

[Bill Hader]

Do you want me to be more vocal with my.

[Seth Meyers]

Yeah, I want to get my vocal laughs. I want my credit.

[Andy Samberg]

He can't laugh because he's based on his cherries, obviously, in an old age home. And like, they're like, keep it down.

[Bill Hader]

Andy loves a high ypm Yucks for a minute from me.

[Seth Meyers]

Oh, I love that. Good ypm.

[Andy Samberg]

This episode is still over, is it? Yeah, it's been over.

[Bill Hader]

Well, anyway, we love you. Bye.

[Seth Meyers]

All right, love you.

[Andy Samberg]

Love.