The Nikki Glaser Podcast – Episode #493: Golden Globes Prep, Wicked Reactions & Nikki Wants To Break This Habit...

Release Date: December 5, 2024
Host: Nikki Glaser
Co-Hosts: Emily Litchardi, Sean O'Connor, Bowen Yang, Matt Rogers
Produced By: Big Money Players Network and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In Episode #493 of The Nikki Glaser Podcast, host Nikki Glaser welcomes back co-hosts Emily Litchardi, Sean O'Connor, Bowen Yang, and Matt Rogers for a lively discussion filled with personal anecdotes, pop culture insights, and candid conversations about anxiety and performance. This episode delves deep into preparations for the Golden Globes, reactions to the musical Wicked, and Nikki’s personal journey to break a persistent habit.

1. Wicked Musical Reactions

[24:07] Bowen Yang:
Bowen opens the discussion by sharing his recent experience watching Wicked in IMAX, expressing mixed feelings about the adaptation. He remarks, “I really knew nothing going in except I have been kind of in preparation of it getting into the Defying Gravity song… And so I knew those lines. I was like, I want to go to the song that has those. And that song is awesome.” His enthusiasm for the “Defying Gravity” performance sets the stage for an in-depth analysis.

[24:14] Emily Litchardi:
Emily chimes in, praising the visual spectacle of Wicked but expressing concerns about some narrative choices. She states, “I felt like I was in a ride at the beginning and doing a disservice.” The co-hosts dissect various elements of the musical, including character development and plot twists, highlighting both strengths and areas they believe could be improved.

[29:03] Matt Rogers:
Matt shares his surprise at discovering a subplot about animal rights within Wicked, noting, “I was shocked watching Wicked to find out there was an animal subplot.” This sparks a conversation about the integration of secondary themes in major productions and how they enhance or detract from the main storyline.

[37:43] Sean O'Connor:
Sean provides additional insights into character dynamics, particularly focusing on Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship. He reflects, “I thought Glinda was good, and then it's like, no, she might just be a shitty person.” This leads to a nuanced discussion about character motivations and the complexities of their friendship.

2. Personal Stories on Anxiety and Performance

[02:54] Introduction to Main Content: After a series of advertisements, Nikki Glaser officially kicks off the main content of the podcast, introducing the co-hosts and setting a candid, conversational tone for the episode.

[22:26] Bowen Yang:
Bowen shares a heartfelt story about his nephew attempting to set a world record, illustrating the support system within families. He narrates, “He keeps showing up in my phone as World… It was amazing. He did such a good job on it.” This segue leads into broader discussions about childhood motivations and the desire for recognition.

[46:36] Matt Rogers:
Matt discusses experiences with the “yips” and performance anxiety, stating, “Have you ever guys ever gotten the yips in any way of your life where you, like, froze or had a bed?” The conversation becomes a shared exploration of the challenges performers face, emphasizing the universal nature of anxiety.

[51:05] Emily Litchardi:
Emily opens up about her own struggles with anxiety stemming from a medical procedure. She shares, “I have something going on because of the MRI that I took…” This vulnerability fosters a supportive environment among the co-hosts, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health openly.

[61:07] Bowen Yang:
Bowen delves into his reluctance to watch his own performances, revealing, “I hate watching myself for me. And the only way to…” His candid admission underscores the complexities of self-perception and the pressure of maintaining a public persona.

3. Coping Mechanisms and Personal Growth

[51:18] Emily Litchardi:
Emily discusses her upcoming consultation with a hypnotherapist to address subconscious habits, expressing hope, “I'm gonna get hypnosis for what? To try to stop clenching my jaw.” This leads to a conversation about various methods to combat anxiety, including meditation and therapy.

[62:25] Bowen Yang:
Bowen shares insights into his relationship with self-criticism and the fear of losing success, stating, “I don't want to tie any of my happiness to numbers and fame…” This introspection highlights the delicate balance between professional achievements and personal well-being.

[64:27] Bowen Yang:
Bowen touches on the fear of tying happiness to external validation, noting, “That's why I don't spend a lot of money on big things, because I'm always scared it's gonna go away and I'm gonna be on the streets.” This confession reveals the deep-seated anxieties that can accompany success and public recognition.

[65:13] Matt Rogers:
Matt brings up the topic of resilience and the necessity of continuous effort in maintaining a career, comparing it to Dane Cook's journey. He observes, “The only way to keep doing it is to just never stop doing it.” This statement underscores the relentless nature of the entertainment industry and the personal toll it can take.

4. Reflections on Fame and Self-Image

[58:45] Bowen Yang:
Bowen shares his discomfort with watching himself perform, saying, “I can't let it in because I'm scared it will go away.” This leads to a broader discussion about the impact of fame on self-image and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the public eye.

[60:22] Matt Rogers:
Matt echoes Bowen’s sentiments, expressing disdain for self-viewing, “I hate hearing my voice. I hate seeing.” The co-hosts collectively explore the psychological effects of constant public scrutiny and the struggle to separate personal identity from public persona.

[62:46] Sean O'Connor:
Sean discusses the validation aspects of social media, highlighting the addictive nature of likes and views, “When you have 10 million views on everything, you can't pull out.” This commentary sheds light on the dependency on external validation for self-worth in the digital age.

5. Anecdotes and Comedic Insights

[24:07] Bowen Yang:
Bowen reminisces about his interaction with a Munchkin from The Wizard of Oz, sharing a touching story, “He was like, you're gonna make it. He was Jerry McGinnis and he kind of had a southern accent…” This anecdote serves as a metaphor for unexpected support and encouragement in unexpected places.

[41:08] Bowen Yang:
Bowen recounts a challenging moment during a commercial shoot, revealing, “I start freaking out and I cried. It was so awkward.” This vulnerable moment provides a glimpse into the pressures of maintaining composure in professional settings.

[43:02] Emily Litchardi:
Emily shares her experience with the “Kia Hamsters” commercial, detailing the stress of memorizing long lines and the emotional fallout from a poorly timed joke about Melissa Etheridge, “I felt dumb because I got upset that she was dead.” This story highlights the unpredictable nature of live performances and the thin line between humor and insensitivity.

6. Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

As the episode progresses towards its conclusion, the co-hosts reflect on their personal growth, coping strategies, and the importance of empathy in both personal and professional realms. They discuss the value of continuous practice, resilience in the face of setbacks, and the significance of supportive relationships in overcoming anxiety.

[66:35] Matt Rogers:
Matt draws parallels between past and present comedic influences, comparing Dane Cook to contemporary comedians, “It was the first comedy album for our generation. Yeah, you define born for that.” This reflection emphasizes the enduring impact of influential figures in shaping comedic landscapes.

[70:04] Nikki Glaser:
Nikki wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to watch full episodes on YouTube and follow the podcast on social media, ensuring that the conversation remains accessible and continues beyond the audio format.

Notable Quotes

• Bowen Yang [24:07]:
  “I really knew nothing going in except I have been kind of in preparation of it getting into the Defying Gravity song… And so I knew those lines. I was like, I want to go to the song that has those. And that song is awesome.”

• Emily Litchardi [24:14]:
  “I felt like I was in a ride at the beginning and doing a disservice.”

• Bowen Yang [46:36]:
  “Have you ever guys ever gotten the yips in any way of your life where you, like, froze or had a bed?”

• Bowen Yang [51:18]:
  “I hate watching myself for me. And the only way to…”

• Matt Rogers [62:25]:
  “The only way to keep doing it is to just never stop doing it.”

• Bowen Yang [58:45]:
  “I can't let it in because I'm scared it will go away.”

Conclusion

Episode #493 of The Nikki Glaser Podcast offers a rich tapestry of conversations that intertwine personal experiences with broader cultural discussions. From dissecting the nuances of Wicked to addressing the pervasive challenges of anxiety and self-image in the performing arts, Nikki and her co-hosts provide listeners with a blend of humor, vulnerability, and insightful commentary. This episode serves as both an entertaining and relatable exploration of the pressures inherent in the entertainment industry and the universal quest for personal growth and mental well-being.