Podcast Summary: The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast – "Strike Episode!"

Release Date: September 30, 2024
Episode Title: Strike Episode!
Hosts: The Lonely Island (Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone) & Seth Meyers
Duration: Approximately 54 minutes

1. Introduction and Recent Updates

The episode kicks off with Seth Meyers and The Lonely Island catching up on recent events and upcoming appearances. They humorously discuss Andy Samberg's recent win on "Late Night," highlighting the playful rivalry between Seth and Andy.

• Andy Samberg: “That was always your goal.” [00:42]
• Seth Meyers: “New York magazine, vulture.com every week does. Who won Late Night? And I'm happy to say that Andy Samberg won Late Night this week.” [00:23-00:40]

2. Creation and Impact of SNL Digital Shorts

The conversation delves into the genesis of their groundbreaking SNL Digital Shorts, exploring how these innovative sketches were conceived, received, and their lasting impact on both SNL and online comedy content.

• Jorma Taccone: “I think Simon was one of the great cutters of all time.” [27:43]
• Andy Samberg: “We maybe even helped launch YouTube to do it.” [Contextual Reference]

3. Personal Anecdotes and Behind-the-Scenes Stories

The hosts share amusing and heartfelt stories from their time at SNL, including the challenges and triumphs of producing digital content in the early days of internet video.

• Seth Meyers: “We definitely would have done it on Update with Andy as that dude.” [01:16]
• Akiva Schaffer: “I think Sean's going to talk big. He has a louder personality now.” [Contextual Reference]

4. Akiva's Finnish Sauna Experience

Akiva Schaffer recounts a humorous and slightly awkward experience arguing about American politics in a Finnish sauna with two fellow Finnish gentlemen. The story highlights cultural differences and the unique dynamics of such an encounter.

• Akiva Schaffer: “They were drinking beers pretty heavily and listening to like, kind of loud EDM music, which not too many people in the sauna do.” [10:22]
• Andy Samberg: “And it's just like a cedar planked room with steam in it or like hot air.” [11:01]

5. Reflections on the 2007-2008 Writer's Strike

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to reminiscing about the 2007-2008 SNL writer's strike. The hosts discuss how the strike affected the show, their personal feelings during that period, and the spirited efforts to keep comedy alive through impromptu performances.

• Seth Meyers: “It was a tough time to be one of the brown hairs. Yeah, it was a tough time.” [41:06]
• Jorma Taccone: “It was super bizarre to do the table read on eight in the main studio for me.” [09:02]

6. Stories from the Strike Show

The hosts share detailed memories of the UCB Live Strike Show, including challenges like writing and holding cue cards without the usual support structures. They highlight the camaraderie among writers and the creative solutions they employed to keep the sketches engaging.

• Jorma Taccone: “I remember sitting on the floor at UCB with a big marker writing these cue cards, and it just felt like it was never going to end.” [32:10]
• Seth Meyers: “We all hung out a ton. And looking back, I kind of think it was fun.” [15:12-15:48]

7. Guest Voice Messages and Recollections

The episode features heartfelt voice messages from past collaborators and guests, including Michael Cera, Amy Poehler, Nora Jones, and Jack McBrayer. These messages offer personal insights and fond memories of working together during the strike.

• Michael Cera: “I had the best night ever. I remember Seth holding the two cards for me and how much someone yelled, shut up. Incredible, that scene.” [29:28-30:35]
• Amy Poehler: “I was stressed during the strike, like you, Seth. But then I also had some awesome, amazing times during the strike, too, like you, Lonely Island.” [18:34-19:05]
• Nora Jones: “I was so excited to be there, and I just remember it being really fun.” [35:39-36:24]
• Jack McBrayer: “I thought that was very special. I was honored that I got to be a part of that.” [38:03-39:50]

8. Reflections on SNL Sketches and Digital Shorts

The hosts reflect on specific SNL sketches and digital shorts, discussing their creative processes, the decision-making behind what made it onto the show, and the enduring popularity of certain bits.

• Seth Meyers: “Only one turned out to be good enough to be in the show.” [27:28]
• Jorma Taccone: “Maybe I could say that and like, rule of twos gets it across.” [32:39]

9. Humor and Banter

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in playful banter, jokes, and humorous exchanges that showcase their chemistry and comedic timing. They poke fun at each other’s quirks and share laughs over shared experiences.

• Jorma Taccone: “I think your question was wrong.” [Various Points]
• Andy Samberg: “I love you guys.” [Throughout]

10. Closing Remarks and Future Plans

In their closing remarks, Seth Meyers and The Lonely Island express their excitement for future collaborations, upcoming episodes, and continuing their journey in comedy and podcasting.

• Seth Meyers: “We are going to come back and we do four shows in a row and they're four very different digital shorts. Show the breadth of what you guys do.” [54:15]
• The Lonely Island: “Love you guys.” [54:29]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Seth Meyers: “I think Andy Shoemaker and I started a text chain about how had the French pole vaulter who knocked the bar over with his dong happen when we were all at SNL together.” [01:16]

• Akiva Schaffer: “They were drinking beers pretty heavily and listening to like, kind of loud EDM music, which not too many people in the sauna do.” [10:22]

• Michael Cera: “I had the best night ever. I remember Seth holding the two cards for me and how much someone yelled, shut up. Incredible, that scene.” [29:28-30:35]

• Amy Poehler: “I was stressed during the strike, like you, Seth. But then I also had some awesome, amazing times during the strike, too, like you, Lonely Island.” [18:34-19:05]

• Nora Jones: “I really bummed I missed the goodnights, that's all. At least I think I did.” [35:08]

• Jack McBrayer: “It was really just so fun to see y'all doing your phenomenal job.” [38:03-39:50]

Conclusion

"Strike Episode!" offers an engaging blend of nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt reflections as The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers revisit their shared history at SNL. The episode provides valuable insights into the creative process behind iconic digital shorts, the resilience during the writer's strike, and the enduring friendships forged in the world of comedy. Through candid conversations and amusing anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the collaborative spirit and innovation that The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers bring to the comedic landscape.