Dan Bucatinsky: What if Everything Works Out?

Summary

The Nikki & Brie Show (SiriusXM)

Episode: Dan Bucatinsky: What if Everything Works Out?
Date: June 25, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features Emmy-winning actor, producer, and writer Dan Bucatinsky as the special guest. Nikki & Brie guide a conversation that ranges from Dan’s childhood as a first-generation American, to his experiences in Hollywood, his perspective on coming out in the 80s, the evolution of comedy and representation, artificial intelligence in entertainment, parenthood, and the mantra that inspired the episode title. The episode is equal parts humorous, heartfelt, and illuminating—a blend of industry insights, life lessons, and personal stories.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Meeting Dan & Celebrity Wheel of Fortune ([01:08]–[03:46])

• Nikki, Brie, and Dan reminisce about meeting during their appearance on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.
  • Nikki jokes about Dan body-slamming her, leading to banter about their playful interactions on set.
  • They discuss the challenge of playing live game shows, pointing out how different it is from watching at home.

    “I couldn't believe how many obvious sentences there were. And you just don't see them...it's hard to practice for that show.” —Dan ([02:56])

2. Dan’s Childhood & Identity ([03:47]–[10:37])

• Growing Up in New York: Dan was born on the Upper West Side to Argentinian immigrant parents, feeling like an outsider both linguistically and culturally.
• Finding Theater: Discovered theater as a refuge after realizing he was not athletically inclined in the suburbs.
• Coming Out in the 80s: Dan shares deeply about coming out during a time when there were few role models and the shadow of the AIDS crisis.
  • “For me, it was this deep, dark secret. For me, it was something that I prayed wasn't true.” ([06:25])
  • He describes the transformation from self-rejection to embracing his identity, aided by supportive parents.
  • “To be an ally as a parent, as a friend...only allows that person to go find what they want, what their love is, what they're passionate about.” ([09:18])
• Nikki & Brie respond with empathy, drawing parallels to women breaking barriers, and expressing gratitude for Dan’s vulnerability.

3. Creating Comedy & Partnership with Lisa Kudrow ([13:46]–[19:39])

• Is or Isn’t Entertainment: Co-founding the company with Lisa Kudrow and producing a variety of acclaimed shows (The Comeback, Web Therapy, Who Do You Think You Are?).
  • “We just called it [Is or Isn’t Entertainment] because everything we're going to ever develop either will or won't be entertainment.” —Dan ([14:57])
  • Describes how Lisa Kudrow became a mentor and collaborator, with a friendship lasting over 30 years.
• The Comeback: Nikki shares her new-found obsession with the show.
  • Dan explains the unexpected longevity and cult status of the show, despite being canceled and later revived over decades.
  • “It's such a lesson in never letting failure define you because ... you never know when you're gonna make a comeback.” ([17:50])
• On-Set Dynamics: Reveals that The Comeback was tightly scripted and serious, but Web Therapy with Lisa Kudrow featured more improv and frequent on-camera laughter.

4. AI’s Impact on Entertainment ([19:41]–[24:18])

• A timely discussion on the integration of AI in Hollywood, which was notably addressed in the third season of The Comeback.
  • “I think it's somewhat terrifying...telling stories that come from our own brains and our own hearts. It is kind of terrifying, the idea that we can have our voices and our images...replicated by a computer.” ([20:03])
  • Dan’s metaphor: letting technology “carry you” is like atrophying your metaphorical muscles.
  • “The real thing is...people are craving real human experience.” —Dan ([23:36])
• Nikki & Brie agree, emphasizing the irreplaceability of live performance, sports, and authentic connection.

5. New Project: August — A Gay Romcom Murder Mystery ([27:00]–[29:20])

• Dan is in Brooklyn finishing filming a new movie, August, a romantic comedy with a murder-mystery twist.
  • “This is a really sweet gay...rom com, but it's also a murder mystery.” ([27:17])
  • Highlights the return to independent filmmaking 25 years after his own film, and the fulfillment found in nurturing another creator’s passion project.

6. Advocacy: Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services ([29:20]–[30:55])

• Dan shares his connection to Vista Del Mar, a Los Angeles agency important in his journey to fatherhood via adoption.
  • “It's thanks to them that we have a family. And so I then joined the board… I've been working to help support Vista Del Mar.” ([30:45])
  • Information for listeners on how to donate: vistadelmar.org

7. 60 Seconds with Dan — Rapid Fire Game ([33:25]–[39:28])

• A playful round of quick-answer questions, revealing Dan’s preferences and personality quirks:
  • New York or LA? “New York.”
  • Game night or dinner party? “Dinner party...and then it becomes a game night!” ([34:02])
  • Coffee or tea? “Coffee, but I drink both...”
  • Early bird or night owl? “Early bird. I fall asleep at 10.” ([35:00])
  • Dream role: “I want to play a bad guy or a cop—a messy villain in a Marvel movie.” ([37:50])
  • Favorite thing about being a dad: “Seeing the baby...still in the adult that I now am raising...the connective tissue that just is, like, goosebumps.” ([38:33])

8. The Mantra: “What If Everything Works Out?” ([39:28]–[41:51])

• Dan shares the five-word mantra that changed his perspective and inspired the episode’s title.
  • “So much anxiety in the world is caused by the words, what if? ... But when you constantly remind yourself, what if everything works out?... It's a daily mantra which I recommend to everyone.” ([39:35])
  • Nikki & Brie are both visibly moved, vowing to adopt the practice themselves.

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Notable Quotes

• On Coming Out:
  “There were no role models. There was no will and grace. There was no out celebrities...so it was like this...really felt like a death sentence.” —Dan ([07:00])

• On Acceptance:
  “We can't take those things for granted...to surround a loved one with a feeling of, like, who? We see you, we hear you, and we accept you.” —Dan ([09:18])

• On AI in Entertainment:
  “If you, even if it's harder and more tiring to walk, it's better to walk. Let your muscles continue to be the thing that carries you...what ChatGPT is threatening to do is carry all of us and think for us and express ourselves for us.” ([21:30])

• On Failure and Success:
  “Never let failure define you...you never know when you're gonna make a comeback.” —Dan ([17:50])

• Mantra:
  “What if everything works out?” —Dan ([39:35])

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Theme | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------| | 01:08 | Introduction of Dan Bucatinsky | | 03:47 | Dan’s childhood and coming out | | 13:46 | Comedy partnership and Is or Isn’t Entertainment| | 16:35 | The Comeback’s journey | | 19:41 | AI and creativity | | 27:00 | New film August | | 29:20 | Vista Del Mar and adoption | | 33:25 | Rapid fire “60 Seconds with Dan” | | 39:28 | “What if everything works out?” mantra |

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Memorable Moments

• Dan’s candid discussion of his fears as a young gay man and the “death sentence” feeling around coming out in the 1980s.
• Laughter about breaking character on set and the difference between scripted and improv comedy.
• Nikki’s impassioned response to Dan’s mantra, committing to place it on her mirror as a daily reminder.

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Final Takeaways

This episode blends humor and authenticity, offering listeners inspiration through Dan Bucatinsky’s journey—as an artist, advocate, and parent. Whether dissecting the risks and rewards of technology, the meaning of human connection, or the personal courage it takes to be oneself, the discussion is consistently relatable, practical, and heartfelt. The mantra “What if everything works out?” serves as a hopeful anchor for listeners navigating their own what-ifs.

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Follow Dan:

• The Comeback streaming on HBO Max
• Instagram: @danbucatinsky
• Learn about Vista Del Mar: vistadelmar.org

Watch for further episodes and content from The Nikki & Brie Show via SiriusXM, Instagram, TikTok, and more!

Transcript

[A]

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[C]

Today.

[B]

Foreign.

[A]

Today's guest is one of those people who somehow do it all. He's an Emmy winning actor, producer, author, game show extraordinaire, and one of Hollywood's most beloved storytellers. You know him from Scandal, hacks, the Comeback, and about a million other things we are obsessed with. He worked alongside some of the biggest names in television, built an incredible career both in front and behind the camera, and somehow still finds time to be a devoted husband and dad. Please welcome the hilarious, talented and fascinating Dan Bukatinsky to the Nikki and Bree Show. Hello.

[B]

Hi, guys. I don't know how. I don't know what a devoted mom, right?

[A]

Oh, no. I picked that up from you instantly when I met you at the celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which I loved what you said earlier when you're like. Yeah. Last time when we saw each other, we. I was picking you up. That was. That was fun. Ready for slam?

[B]

I learned so much. Just in those short, brief period of time, I learned so much about wrestling thanks to you.

[A]

Yeah, right? Awesome. I love that. Yeah.

[C]

Well, wait, so can we see on the actual episode of Wheel of Fortune, you trying to body slam him?

[A]

Well, it. It is now streaming on Hulu, so yes, you can. Wow.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

And then for some reason kicked my ass and that.

[B]

Well, kind of. I mean, you could have thrown me over your shoulder very easily and. And then I picked you up for reasons I can't even explain, but I guess I was trying to make up for.

[A]

Yeah. No, I loved it. It made me feel very feminine.

[C]

So, Dan, something I was wondering is, why is my sister so bad at Jeopardy?

[A]

You mean will of fortune? I mean will of fortune.

[B]

No, she wasn't. Listen, that came. I swear to God, if you don't see the letters or pick the letters or see the word. I mean, I couldn't believe how many obvious sentences there were. And you just don't see them. I mean, it's. That's a tricky game. Nikki did great ever. We all were just, like, struggling to pick the right letters and see, you know, it's hard to practice for that show.

[A]

It really is. I agree. When you have the time, you have to look up at the board. It's just. It's when, like, someone else can ask you, hey, what's your favorite book? Your favorite song? You're like, oh, my gosh, I don't know. It's when you get put on the spot, but then you're being timed. It's just. Your mind just plays with you. But it was. We had a lot of fun, so that was great. And we all played for great causes, which. Dan, we're going to get into yours a little bit later because yours was beautiful.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

So, yeah, we want to take it back a little bit before we get into career and the comeback. We want to talk a little bit about your childhood. So you were born and raised in New York. What was like, childhood and family life like?

[B]

I. I was born on the Upper west side of Manhattan. My parents were Argentinian immigrants. So it was a very interesting time to be a kid and in Manhattan in the 70s and, you know, speaking Spanish in the house, never quite feeling like an American because everything in the house was a little bit new. Everything felt new to them, so it was new to us. And I went to public school in. On 95th and West End Avenue until I was 8. And then we moved to the suburbs, and suddenly I realized how bad at sports I was. And that really shaped me. When you're bad, when you grow up a kid knowing that you're bad at something, you work really hard to get good at something else. So I think I was driven at a very young age to, like, prove that I could find worth in something else. And in a lot of ways, I owe it to all my bullies because it motivated me.

[C]

That's incredible. So then, is that how you found theater?

[B]

Yeah, I sort of. You know, the thing about being a kid who doesn't play sports well, or obviously I was a young Gay kid and didn't really realize that that's what was going on. But you look for your people, you try to find your people. And I found my people doing plays. And I sort of did that through high school. I did. Did that when I went to college. And slowly but surely I was able to admit to myself lots of different things, including that I wanted to try to try a career as a. As a performer, as an entertainer, as a storyteller. And so in my 20s, I moved back to. After college, I moved back to New York. Came out of the closet for the, you know, it was the 80s. It was a tricky time to be saying those things to the world, to yourself, to my family. But I was pushing through because I really wanted to make a name for myself. And so it was a tricky time, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[A]

Yeah, I love that. And so when you are coming out that, like, how do you prep for that? Like before you come to your family and like, how. How is all that or how was all that for you?

[B]

Well, you know, I'm. I'm older, so like the younger generation these days, it's like they tell. They. I don't know. Luckily, we're living in a time where young people can sort of announce their pronouns and their sexuality in most cities, like they're announcing which flavor of. Of cereal they want that morning. For me, it was this deep, dark secret. For me, it was something that I prayed wasn't true. I went through a period in my teens where I promised myself that if I turned out to be gay at the age of 18, I would kill myself. Like, I had a lot of pressure on myself to. To not be what I knew I was sort of was. And so. And it was just a different time. And obviously I turned 18 and didn't. Obviously didn't wanna. Didn't wanna do that. And I. And I found my people. I found other people. There were no role models. There was no will and grace. There was no out celebrities. It wasn't as commonplace. So it was like this. And the AIDS crisis had. Was just ending. I mean, if you could say that it ended at all, you know, and so it really felt like, like, like a death sentence, you know, so it wasn't as joyous and prideful as we all are now. Thankfully, I really am aware of the shoulders on whose, you know, on the people whose shoulders we stand on now who fought the big fight and pushed through and create and made visibility a reality because it really changed the course for a lot of other Young people. So for me, it was a little tricky, but my parents were very accept. And by the time I was 25, I was living in New York as an actor and a waiter and gay. And I wasn't the only one, believe me.

[A]

Yeah, I love that. That's beautiful. I mean, I had chills and I think. And thank you for sharing your story and also happy pride as well. Yes. But I think it's good for, you know, people to hear that, our listeners to hear that, because I think of, like, our stories as women and the barriers we broke and how we tell the generation now that, because it's different for them. But I also think it's important how it was to come out at that time. And I was watching some of your other interviews that I thought were so beautiful. And I just love how your parents took it so well. And you've, you know, when you find your tribe, there's nothing better.

[C]

Exactly. And accepting and being open and, you know, allowing people to be who they are, it just makes it better for everyone to have the confidence and feel comfortable to shine their light of who they are. So I love that you're also like that. And I hope.

[B]

I totally agree. I think we can't take those things for granted. I mean, to be an ally as a parent, as a friend, as an aunt, as an uncle, to be someone who can make the road for your loved one smoother with acceptance and with unconditional love. I mean, it only allows that person to go find what they want, what their love is, what they're passionate about, what they want to do in their lives. You know, a real stumbling block to finding your passion in the world or in work or in love is a feeling of lack of acceptance or rejection. And so it really, we. We really can't take for granted how powerful it is to surround a loved one with a feeling of, like, who? We see you, we hear you, and we accept you. And I, you know, I certainly advocate for that and I certainly know that this feeling of pride that is used, I mean, pride has become a thing now every June, but it's something I feel 12 months out of the year because we have to. We can't just feel prideful for one month out of every year. We have to feel the pride and acceptance and then pay it forward to those who don't have it. So lucky.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

That's beautiful.

[A]

It's so true. It's like. Makes my eyes water.

[C]

So true.

[A]

It is. Well, and, you know, we always talk about purpose on here, and it's like you were praying for it not to be and then it's like God being like no, no, no. Because you are going to have such a beautiful path and show people how it is going to be. And you know, so I just. There's so much. There's a lot of beauty in that.

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[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, my gosh, of course. Yes. You co founded a production company called is or isn't it entertainment back in 2003 and have been creating notable shows ever since.

[C]

Were you always.

[A]

Well, one. Were you always funny? Which I feel like, yes. And always a fan of comedy?

[B]

Yes, I always was a fan of comedy. I. I kind of. I studied at the Groundlings in New York. I joined an improv group. I wrote a sketch comedy show, which is what brought me out to Los Angeles. I wrote a play that was a comedic rom com that I then adapted into a movie. And my husband is also a director and a writer, and he wrote a movie called the Opposite of Sex. And he cast Lisa Kudrow, who happened to go to college with. At the same place I went to college. And so I met Lisa 10 years after college and we decided to start a company together. Is or isn't entertainment? We just called it that because we figured everything we're going to ever develop either will or won't be entertainment. And so we started.

[A]

I love it.

[B]

We started developing television pilots and producing. And over the years, we. We had our company for about 15 years. Like 2003 to 2000, maybe around 20, 20, 20. We, we. We. We both started going in different directions in terms of our work, but we've been friends ever since. We've been friends for 30 years. And we, you know, raised our kids together and we still see each other all the time. But Lisa was a real mentor to me, as was my spouse. And Lisa and I together produced comedy pilots for the network. Rom com TV movies, unscripted documentary series about history, which we did 10 seasons of who do youo Think youk Are? We produced the comeback season 1, 2, and 3. And we produced a show called Web Therapy, which was an improvisational comedy series that was on Showtime. So, yeah, comedy has always been a part of my life, both as a writer and as a performer. But my relationship with Lisa and my partnership with Lisa really put comedy Front and center.

[C]

Wow, that's amazing.

[A]

That's. And you. I mean, like, speaking of the Comeback, you two not only have incredible chemistry and like, you know, for comedy, it's all about that comedic timing. And she's obviously an icon in that comedy world as well as you. But after we did Celebrity Wheel of Fortune together, I had never watched the Comeback, so I was like, wait, I need to watch it. So I started season one. I'm currently on season two.

[B]

Oh.

[A]

But I'm obsessed. And I'm so bummed that season three is the last because I feel like it's one of those shows that I just always want to have on.

[C]

I know. I feel like you can write endless content for it.

[A]

Endless.

[B]

We certainly wanted to. We wanted to write endless content in season one, but we were canceled. And when HBO canceled us, I don't think we ever had. We never thought that 10 years later we would make a second season, but lo and behold, you never know. I mean, really, you never know. And we got to make a second season and then we really thought it was over. And then 10 years later, we got to make another one. So the show started to take on kind of a great life of its own as a trilogy, 22 years apart. That was sort of a time capsule about what's happened and what is happening in our industry. And all told by this really funny character of alright, Cherish. So it wound up being a blessing, really. I mean, it's so funny. It's such a lesson in never letting failure define you because, well, you think you've been canceled, you think you failed, but the lessons learned or the path that that drives you towards, you never know when you're gonna make a comeback.

[A]

Oh, it's so true. Yeah, well, and it's funny because Brie and I being from the reality world, so then me watching season one was like, I was nailed. And I was like, dying laughing. How? Because it's such a different way of filming. And I know, like from season one, it's been a long time, but how, like, would you guys just like, break character all the time or just be like dying laughing behind the scenes? Because I was like, I mean, it's just so funny.

[B]

We. Did I crack up at Lisa all the time? We, I think we, you know, this. The subject matter each season, certainly in the middle of two, it's a little bit more of a darker comedy. We would crack up. She would always crack me up. Other people who joined the show would always crack us up. But. But, you know, the show is completely Scripted. So we were pretty prepared. And on the Comeback, we did less horsing around. A series I did with Lisa that we created with my husband Don Ruse was called Web therapy. We did 45 episodes on Showtime, which is, and they're now, I don't know where they are now, but we're hoping to get them out there. But that show was completely improv and we would crack up all the time. And we had Meryl Streep on and Meg Ryan on and Steve Carell and Conan o' Brien and Julia Louis Dreyfus. And if you, if you go to YouTube and you look for Web Therapy bloopers, you find some of the funny moments where we just break. And Lisa, it would crack up, and she cracked me up. So that show, because we were improvising and we were always surprising each other, we would crack, we would break more often. The comeb, for some reason, we were all as funny as the content was. We, we all took it pretty seriously.

[A]

Yeah, I love that though, and I like hearing that.

[C]

In the final season, you guys explore AI and television. What are your thoughts of AI and entertainment? Is it exciting to you? Is it terrifying?

[B]

It is not. I mean, I, I, it is terrifying.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Let me check, let me check chat GPT to see what a good answer would be. No.

[A]

No, right?

[B]

No, I think it's, I, I think it's somewhat terrifying. I, you know, I'm a big, I'm a big fan of the human experience. I'm a big fan of, you know, telling stories that come from our own brains and our own hearts. It is kind of terrifying, the idea that we can have our voices and our images and stories replicated by a computer, extracting the what's already existed in the years behind us to sort of forge a new narrative. That's a very scary idea. But I also realized, I think our season three of the Comeback was trying to say that it's not something that we necessarily can vote for or against. It is here. It is happening technology like the industrial revolution was 200 years ago. It is a thing that was a reality and we have to sort of learn to live with it, work with it, and maintain the integrity of the actual live human experience while navigating the dangers of letting a computer tell your story. So I think we have to be really careful. I think we need to have guardrails up and I think we have to self regulate how much we let the impulse to do the easier thing not be the way we go. Sometimes it's harder to write a letter Yourself from your heart. It's easier to let chat do it for you, but it's more authentic and it's more dangerous to your brain and your heart to just let it be done for you. It's like walking. Eventually, if you're being carried all the time, your muscles atrophy. So if you, even if it's harder and more tiring to walk, it's better to walk. Let your muscles continue to be the thing that carries you from this moment to this moment. And what ChatGPT is threatening to do is carry all of us and think for us and express ourselves for us. And I think that's a dangerous, slippery slope.

[C]

Yes, I agree completely. I don't even have the app because I, I just feel it's nonsense and. But it's like we, our brains can do it. We don't need the answer within five minutes, right? Like, go eat a snack, go have some lunch and just think about, digest like your brain is going to come up with something. Think of the situations like it like, kills me. Kills me.

[B]

Yeah. But you know what? Bravo to you guys because. Bravo to you guys because here's something that technology cannot do for you. Get in the ring and entertain and physically wrestle. Like the notion of letting people enjoy what you guys do and the fact that two real human beings have to engage in an actual duel, whether it's comedic, whether it's for entertainment, whether it's about physical strength, it's all a real human experience. You know, AI is not going to take that over. And I. The more we embrace the real, true live experiences, even if we've. They're being filmed, right? Of course you can animate wrestling, but the real thing is that's why concerts and theater and wrestling and sporting events are. Are on the uptick, because people are craving real human experience.

[A]

I completely agree. I mean, we can. We take him everywhere we go. Brie, how you say things are so beautiful. You're like about a. Like, guys, don't let it carry you, you know, but it's true.

[C]

But I think even like right now with the World cup, everyone's into it. But I think it's what you said, it's a life experience. We are, you know, like, even if

[A]

someone doesn't do emotions, you're into it because it's live. Like you said, it's human experience. Experience.

[B]

Those guys are really playing. There's a real ball, they're really kicking. It's like this has not been created by a computer. And there's something very exciting about knowing that real beating hearts and real sweat and real heart is going into something.

[A]

Yes. Are you a Messi fan because your parents are from Argentina?

[B]

Yeah, I. I don't have a choice, do I?

[A]

I love it. No, you have no choice. Well, you guys are looking good. That's a good thing. I. I feel like we've been in the era for a very long time about online shopping, right? And sometimes it's just really hard to remember all of the passwords and the emails of all the different sites that you shop on. Sometimes I'm like, how many times have I been back here and how can I not remember my password? So picture this. It's late at night and you're scrolling through your feeds when all of a sudden you see it. That one product that you've been looking for. So as you're filling in your address, you realize you don't have your card anywhere near you. We've all been guilty of this, right? That's when you see it. That purple shop pay button that has all of your information saved, making checking out as simple as a simple tap on your screen. Shopify's iconic purple shop pay button is used by millions of businesses around the world. And it's why Shopify has the best converting checkout on the planet. Look, as a business owner and entrepreneur, I feel Shopify gives us the opportunity to really know our customers and our consumers so well. The iconic purple shop pay button is definitely my favorite feature. It's helped our consumer checkout easier. And when checkouts are easier, as you all know, that's more sales. It's time to turn those what ifs into sales with Shopify today. Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com twins go to shopify.com twins that's shopify.com twins.

[C]

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Oh, yes. And they make non dairy, which is a plus for me. And me, you know, try the new great tasting muscle milk today, available in stores nationwide.

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Muscle milk protein for all. So you're currently filming a romcom right now called August. Are you excited about.

[C]

Oh, no, you're.

[A]

Yeah. Or Mike. Wait, it's called August, not in August. You're filming right now?

[B]

Yes, yes. We're in the, we're in the second to last day of shooting. I mean, I'm here right now in Brooklyn at one of the locations and Lauren Graham is upstairs shooting. And we had Scott Foley last Friday and Patti LuPone. And this is a really sweet. It's a really sweet gay. It's a rom com, but it's also a murder mystery. And you know, I made my own movie when I was a long time ago when I was the same age as, as the writer star of this movie. And so. And this is the 25th anniversary of my movie all over the Guy. So there's something very poetic about now being back 25 years later in a very different capacity producing this film, being in this film as somebody who has spent the last 20 years fortunate enough to have so many experiences as a writer, as a producer, as an actor, to be able to bring something to someone else's dream passion project is very poetic for me. And I, I. So August is. Will be wrapped tomorrow and then we'll take it out into the world like we did with mine 25 years ago. But this has been a really a real passion project.

[C]

Oh, congrats.

[B]

Congrats.

[A]

I can't read to watch.

[C]

Gosh, I love me a rom com. It's like all I watch.

[A]

I know.

[C]

And we don't have enough of them.

[A]

We need more rom coms and those are great people.

[B]

I agree. Yeah. Yeah. So this is a really fun. It's a really fun story about a guy whose therapist dies, but he's convinced she's been murdered. So while he's trying to date this guy, he's trying to solve the murder of his therapist. And it's just a fun. It's a fun romp in New York.

[A]

I love that. I actually love the murder mysteries, especially with like New York, but I know all for a good, like a light hearted murder mystery for sure. Like.

[B]

That's right.

[A]

The ones in the building. Murders in a building. Like, I don't. Yeah, I want to laugh and not be terrified, but also try to figure it out. Yeah, you know.

[B]

Yeah, exactly. Yeah, that's what this is.

[A]

So, Dan, I want to get into before, we would love for you to play a quick game with us about parenthood. And when we did Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, you played for Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. For listeners, could you tell us why that was so important to you?

[B]

Yeah, absolutely. You know, my husband and I became parents. I was already 40 when we started that process. And adoption was the way that we chose to become a family. And Vista Del Mar has been an organization in south in Los angeles for over 100 years, helping families in need of different kinds and different kinds of services, both for kids who come from at risk families, neurodiversity rehabilitation, but they also have an adoption and foster agency. And so Don and I went to Vista Del Mar and took classes and had a social worker that helped us make the adoption plan with a birth mom. And it's thanks to them that we have a family. And so I then joined the board. And for the last 10, 15 years, I have been working to help support Vista Del Mar. And so I was really proud to be able to play and, and, and raise some money for such a worthy cause and personal.

[A]

Oh, I love that.

[C]

Gosh, I love that too. That's amazing. And if people wanted to donate, where could they go to donate or learn more about the cause?

[B]

Yeah. Vistadelmar.org is online and all of the child services and family services and a place to donate and the fundraisers and all of that is on vistadelmar.org

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They even have sunrise yoga on the rocks.

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I mean, think hundreds of people on their mats with an unbeatable view of Denver's famous red rocks.

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Take a stroll through one of Denver's vibrant arts districts where you can explore street art, purchase unique art at a gallery, or just soak in the artsy vibes.

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Or if you're more of a foodie, Denver's dining scene has over 30 Michelin rated restaurants.

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And for your girls night out, there are tons of rooftop bars, wineries and cocktail lounges to choose from.

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Ready to see it for yourself?

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[A]

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[C]

I have to say the great thing about Muscle Milk is when you're so busy on the go, especially Nicole, with you and I traveling so much, going to work out to the tasting room, I feel like sometimes we forget about eating. And muscle milk, it's the one thing that's satisfying, holds me over until my next meal. And I also feel like I get

[A]

all the nutrients I need and hello, the delicious flavors. Obviously I'm always a chocolate girl, love me chocolate, but that cookies and cream, oh yes.

[C]

And they make non dairy, which is a plus for me.

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[C]

Well, we would love to play a game with you and this game is called 60 seconds with Dan. So we have questions to help us get to know you better. No overthinking. It has to be a quick answer like rapid fire and. All right, let's have some fun. You ready, Dan?

[B]

All right. I hope so. I. I can't think very fast.

[A]

No, but you can explain. If you need an explanation, you could do an explanation.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

Nikki and I are not good at one answers, so.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Okay, Nick, you got it?

[A]

Yes. New York or Los Angeles?

[B]

New York.

[A]

Game night or dinner party?

[B]

Oh, damn. I think dinner party. Yeah, I like a game night too though. Wait, by the way, game night, dinner party. That becomes a game night heaven. All right. Coffee or tea?

[C]

That is the best.

[B]

Coffee or tea? I drink both so much, but I think I'm gonna say coffee.

[A]

I love a good cup of coffee.

[C]

Me too. And really quick, before we go to the next question, have you ever played catan?

[B]

No. What's catan?

[C]

It's an amazing board game. I think you would like it. My husband and I are addicted to it right now. You need to check it out. That's like a good dinner party board game.

[B]

Yeah. Well, 25 words or less was a dinner party board game that I used to play with Mary McCormick and Lisa. And then we turned it into a game show, and it's been on for eight seasons. So I love a fan. Like a party game.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[C]

That's amazing.

[B]

Yeah, it's crazy.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. I love that. Early bird or night owl?

[B]

I think I'm early bird. I fall asleep at 10.

[C]

Guilty.

[A]

Guilty. Beach vacation or European city?

[B]

Beach vacation or European city? I think your European city. I mean, listen, a European city that's near the coast is heaven. So you get both. I'm definitely. Just so you know, I'm going to just tell you something about myself. I don't like having to pick between two things. If you see me in a restaurant at breakfast, I'm the guy who orders one pancake, Bacon, eggs, and hash browns and one piece of French toast. Because I can't pick, and I want one of all of them. So if I have a chance to go on vacation.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I want. I want a European city. And then a weekend at the beach while I'm at the European city. Yes.

[A]

No. And I love it because that's how you've been answering all yours. And. But I'm like. So the same. Like, no dinner party and then we play a game. And that's right after I have my coffee. I'm gonna have my tea during the day. So, like, you know, don't make me pick.

[B]

Don't make me pick.

[A]

Exactly. Text or phone call?

[B]

Text.

[A]

Okay. I don't know why I would have thought you were maybe a phone call. You know what? I could see you actually as a voice note because it's kind of both.

[B]

Both. Yes. Yes. And you know what I'm addicted to now these days is. Is a thing called Marco Polo. It's a video. It is basically messaging with somebody, but video. So you leave them a long video message, and then they. And that's Marco. And then they Polo back by sending you a response. And it's, you know, it's lame because it's better to have a real conversation with someone in real time. But this lets somebody listen to what's up in your life and then respond when they have time. So I do that with a bunch of people.

[C]

I love that.

[A]

That's cool.

[C]

That is.

[A]

I know. We're always on FaceTime, binge watch or one episode at a time.

[B]

One episode at a time. Because of the earlier question about night owl or early bird, I fall asleep after the first episode. So I have To I can't binge.

[C]

Yep. Yeah, I'm the same.

[A]

I'm kind of binger. I'm not gonna lie. Okay. Will of fortune or 25 words or less.

[C]

S.

[B]

25 wor. S that game.

[A]

Of course, it better be.

[B]

It's not just because I produce the show, but I genuinely love playing that game. And, in fact, I'm. If you guys give me. Send me your address, I will send you a copy of the game because you will love it. And it's on five days a week. Meredith Vieira is the host. We've done over a thousand episodes, but it's totally addictive.

[C]

Day. Okay. I'm definitely.

[A]

Sounds like my jam for sure. Okay. And then just a few questions, short answers. Dream role you haven't played yet.

[B]

I want to play a bad guy or a cop. I just love the idea because I've always played the gay dad or the guy with a headset or the guy who's someone's manager or producer. You know, like the smart guy in a business suit. I would love to play a messy villain. A villain in. In a Marvel movie. Oh, my God. It would be heaven.

[A]

That'd be so epic.

[C]

You would be great at that, by the way. So good as a messy villain.

[B]

It's like what you wouldn't expect. I come in looking like an accountant, and then I, you know, kill you.

[A]

Yes. I love it. Yeah, Sounds great. Let's put out. Put it out there. Manifest favorite thing about being a dad.

[B]

Dad that's really hard. I think my favorite thing about being a dad is watching is seeing the baby, the infant that I fell in love with in my arms, still in the adult that I now am raising. Like, when I. When I have. When I have the experience of 20 years with this thing that I've raised since they were in the delivery room, and I see in their eyes or in a smile or in a laugh, the connective tissue that. That just is, like goosebumps.

[A]

It's so true how, like, as they get older, and I know mine's almost six, but I could still see that baby in him. Like, there's certain looks he does. And I'm like, that was the baby I held. Like, I could just.

[C]

It's these.

[A]

Just still. Always will have that forever and ever and ever. It's so special. I love that.

[C]

All right, Dan. Well, we always like to end our episodes with a little inspiration and affirmation. Is there a quote or a mantra you can leave our listeners?

[B]

Yeah, there's something that I heard a couple of Years ago that I. I thought it was so silly at first, and then it changed my life because I'm a worrier. I don't know if you knew that. You can tell because I'm, like, trying to fix the satellite dish, you know? But a couple of years ago, I heard. I don't remember where I heard it. I heard five words that have become my mantra all the time now. And it's what if everything works out? And so much anxiety in the world is caused by the words, what if? What if my kids get sick? What if I don't get this job? What if I don't make it to my dinner on time? What if? So many of our anxieties as human beings start with the words what if? And we don't realize how much power there is in reminding ourselves that the more likely outcome is that things will work out in one way or another. Not always, but more times than not. And I have to remind myself that every day, like a mantra. And I put it on a T shirt. I had T shirts made that say, what if everything works out? And every day when I start to worry, I stop and I look at my. I look at my five fingers and I remind myself, what if everything works out? And I gotta tell you, it's a game changer.

[C]

Gosh, I. I just wrote it down because I'm literally gonna put that on my mirror.

[A]

I'm gonna start to do that.

[C]

That is incredible. I've never even thought about that.

[B]

It's so simple. It seems so simple. Like, it's like, well, well, what if it doesn't work out? We already know that we can imagine things not working out. It's how we live our lives. We walk through and what if the subway never comes and I make. And I don't make it to my meeting? But those what ifs only create a physical response in your body that is anxiety and depression and worry. But when you constantly remind yourself, what if everything works out? What if I just imagine the scenario where I don't miss my subway and I don't miss the interview, and if I do miss the interview, it gets rescheduled and it's on a. Like, I literally. It's a daily mantra which I recommend to everyone. Try for at least 30 days.

[A]

That is great.

[C]

That's amazing.

[A]

Thank you for that. I love it. Yes. Well, everyone watch the Comeback on HBO Max and follow Dan at. At Dan Bukatinsky on Instagram. And also make sure to look out for videos of the Nikki and Brie show on the IG page, Tick Tock, Facebook, and the Nicki Brie show is also on SiriusXM Stars 109. Dan, again, thank you so much for everything. You truly are just such an incredible human being. Yes.

[C]

So many things about you, of course. Oh, thank you.

[A]

Thank you, Dan.

[C]

And enjoy your last day on set.

[A]

Yes, thank you.

[B]

Thank you. It's smart to always have a few financial goals and a really smart one. You can set earning cash back on what you buy every day. And with Discover you can get this. Discover automatically matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. Seriously, all of it. And we trust you to make smart decisions. After all, you listen to this show. See termsiscover.com Credit Card oh my gosh.

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