Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson Talk Song Sung Blue and Meeting Neil Diamond

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Run-Through with Vogue

Episode: Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson Talk Song Sung Blue and Meeting Neil Diamond
Release Date: December 16, 2025
Guests: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson
Hosts: Chloe Malle (Vogue U.S.), Taylor Antrim (Vogue Deputy Editor)

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Overview

In this vibrant and heartfelt episode, hosts Chloe Malle and Taylor Antrim welcome Hollywood heavyweights Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson to discuss their new film, Song Sung Blue, opening in theaters Christmas Day. The conversation delves into the making of the film—a moving, music-driven romance based on a Milwaukee couple’s Neil Diamond tribute act—and explores the challenges and joys of interpreting real lives, singing together, and reflecting on creative evolution. Alongside movie talk, the episode is peppered with personal stories, family traditions, musical insights, and Broadway anecdotes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. About Song Sung Blue

• Not a Neil Diamond Biopic: The film tells the story of a working-class couple who create a Neil Diamond tribute band, not of Neil Diamond himself ([04:02]).
• Documentary Roots: Based on a real-life documentary, the film captures eight years of a couple’s tumultuous but inspiring journey. The adaptation, led by director Craig Brewer, transforms the gritty source material into a hopeful, uplifting film ([05:13], [06:00]).
  • Hugh Jackman: "There is no such thing as an ordinary life or a small life or a normal life. Every life is extraordinary." ([07:40])
  • Kate Hudson: "It's so pure. It is not cynical. And it just has this, like, thread of hope." ([13:30])
• Real People, Real Challenges: The film's subjects visited the set, creating emotional moments for the cast and crew ([11:00], [12:29]).

2. Portraying Real People & Impersonation

• Acting as Interpreters: Jackman and Hudson discuss the unique challenge of playing people whose lives are dedicated to impersonating someone else ([09:11]).
  • Jackman: "I remember saying to Craig, why are we recording? I don't even know Mike's voice, let alone Mike's version of Neil's voice..." ([09:12])
  • Hudson: "For me, with the Patsy Cline songs ... it was really just trying to get that sound as much as possible with a little bit of that Milwaukee accent ..." ([09:54])
• Claire and the Family On-Set: Meeting the real Claire brought "tears and gifts" and a profound sense of responsibility to their story ([11:46], [12:29]).

3. Music, Singing, and Discovery

• Hudson’s Singing Journey: Hudson credits Sia with helping her find her vocal strength, leading to her own album release and renewed musical confidence.
  • Hudson: "She really was the woman that empowered me to feel confident with my ... voice..." ([20:58])
• First Musical Moments: The pair recount learning "Holly Holy" for the film, noting the vulnerability and bond formed through singing ([16:53], [17:49]).
• Jackman & Hudson’s Neil Diamond Relationship: Jackman describes Diamond’s popularity in Australia; both found new appreciation for his extensive catalog ([15:16], [16:20]).
  • Jackman: "You couldn't ride your bike down a street in Australia in the 70s without hearing Hot August Night." ([15:22])
  • Hudson: "Neil Diamond was my great discovery, other than working with you and singing with you, but my great discovery of this movie." ([16:28])
• Karaoke and Live Singing: Hugh and Kate share stories of singing around New York, Paris, and Milwaukee, even performing with the real Neil Diamond ([25:20]–[28:46]).

4. Personal Reflection and Career Choices

• Hudson on Creative Fulfillment: The pandemic pushed her to reassess her career, embrace music, and prioritize artistic happiness ([29:21]–[31:01]).
  • Hudson: "If I do survive this time ... things are going to change. And I just ... wanted to invigorate my creative soul." ([30:20])
• Hudson's Almost Famous Legacy: Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of Almost Famous, Kate acknowledges its generational impact:
  • "It's found each generation, and now it's been two ... It holds up and it inspires a whole new generation." ([37:28])
  • Discusses the mystique of the famous Penny Lane coat ([36:42], [37:08]).

5. Theater, Broadway, and Future Projects

• Jackman on Broadway: Plans to keep singing regularly and discusses a recent Radio City Music Hall run, hinting at turning Song Sung Blue into a stage musical ([38:59], [52:08]).
• Notable Theater Picks: Jackman names Jonathan Groff’s "Just In Time" among favorites and champions Joshua Henry’s performance in "Ragtime" ([44:00]–[46:49]).
  • Jackman: "I just cried ... I couldn't even get a word out." ([46:07])

6. Family & Holiday Traditions

• Christmas Chaos: Both actors describe their Christmas routines, from watching Elf and Home Alone to snow-plunging competitions in Colorado ([32:05]–[33:43]).
• Hudson’s Daughter Rani: Amusingly focused holiday gift requests, including meeting Taylor Swift and skincare products ([34:01]).

7. Podcasting and Advice

• Kate’s Podcast: Hudson co-hosts "Sibling Revelry" with her brother, focusing on sibling dynamics.
  • Advice: "Not to talk too much ... learning how to stop talking and let other people actually express..." ([55:11])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Hugh Jackman on Universal Storytelling ([07:40]):

  • "What it makes me feel when I walk out or get on the subway is there is no such thing as an ordinary life or a small life or a normal life. Every life is extraordinary."

• Kate Hudson on Finding Hope in the Film ([13:30]):

  • "Craig did something brilliant with this movie. And he walked a line that is so honest. It's so pure. It is not cynical. And it just has this, like, thread of hope ... we don't really make movies like this anymore that, like, entertain, make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel something incredibly human."

• Hudson and Jackman on Musical Connection ([17:49]):

  • Jackman: "It's a vulnerable thing, singing with someone. It's a great way to get to know each other."
  • Hudson: "Yeah. Or to know that you don't want to know each other."

• Kate Hudson on Taking Creative Risks ([30:20]):

  • "If I do survive this time, this lockdown, things are going to change ... I wanted to invigorate my creative soul ... that's what I've been focusing on."

• Jackman Sing-Along at Neil Diamond's House ([28:32]):

  • "Not long into dinner, Neil goes, do you want to sing some karaoke?...So we did. We sang karaoke together. And yes, we sang Sweet Caroline."

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:49] – Introduction of Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson; hosts recount seeing the film
• [04:02] – Movie context: not a Diamond biopic, but a tribute-band tale
• [05:13] – Movie origins in a documentary; real-life family’s resilience
• [09:11] – Playing real people who impersonate others
• [11:00] – Claire and family’s emotional visits to set
• [15:16] – Jackman and Hudson on discovering Neil Diamond’s catalog
• [16:53] – First songs learned and performed for the movie
• [20:58] – Hudson on developing her singing voice, Sia’s mentorship
• [25:20] – Hugh & Kate’s spontaneous karaoke experiences promoting the film
• [28:32] – Singing karaoke with Neil Diamond
• [29:21]–[31:01] – Hudson reflects on choosing more creative, fulfilling projects post-pandemic
• [36:42] – Penny Lane coat and Almost Famous legacy
• [38:59] – Jackman on Radio City performances and future stage plans
• [44:00]–[46:49] – Jackman on favorite contemporary musical theater performances
• [52:08] – Considering Song Sung Blue for Broadway adaptation
• [55:11] – Kate Hudson’s podcasting advice from "Sibling Revelry"

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is candid and animated, filled with laughter, mutual respect, and a profound love for storytelling—both onscreen and in real life. Jackman and Hudson bring warmth and humor, while hosts Chloe and Taylor balance enthusiasm with thoughtful questioning. The overall tone is both sentimental and lighthearted, echoing the spirit of their new film.

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This episode is a must-listen for fans of music, movies, Broadway, and sincerely told human stories.

Transcript

[A]

This episode of the Run through is brought to you by ebay. I'm Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue's beauty editor at large. Gifting is my love language. I'm scrolling ebay all year long and building up a watch list. This year I'm looking at a lot of vintage belts and designer scarves. And now, rather than just putting things on the watch list, it's my time to actually check out. It's about just like making my holiday gift shopping a little bit easier. It's always an ebay holiday.

[B]

You.

[C]

Hi, guys.

[B]

Hello.

[D]

Hi, everyone. This is the run through. I'm Chloe Mao, head of editorial content in Vogue and co host of this wonderful podcast.

[C]

And I'm Taylor Antrim, the deputy editor of Vogue. And we're so happy to have Hugh and Kate here.

[E]

Thanks for having us.

[D]

Welcome, guys. And before we start, if everyone could please sign silence their phones, that would be wonderful. Today we are live at one World Trade center. And we are so excited because we have. I was gonna say the one, the only, but it's the two, the only. Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman. And Taylor and I recently saw their new film Song Sung Blue, which will be in theaters on Christmas day. And I have to say, Taylor saw this for the first time over the summer. And I was like, well, you're older, so I can see you liking a Neil diamond movie, but we'll see. So rude. So rude.

[E]

We're all great.

[C]

I know. I thought it'd say reaction.

[D]

And then he and I went to a 9am screening and I was sobbing.

[E]

I was bopping my foot.

[D]

We were very moved. And there was a moment halfway through.

[C]

The movie where Chloe leaned over, she was like, oh, my God, is it about to get sad? And I was like, it's definitely about to get sad.

[E]

I didn't know that.

[D]

But we are so excited to be here because we were both really your biggest fans of that.

[C]

No, it's true. I had the honor of seeing this movie in June long before I think anyone. This is. This is thanks to Anna Hu. Ana follows your career very closely, as you know. So I was like, a Neil diamond movie. Sign me up. I'm in. I'm in. And I loved it. And I was really talking it up in the office to anyone who would listen. And so I'm very excited to be here to talk to you guys.

[B]

Well, you came twice, so that's awesome.

[E]

I know.

[C]

Not many movies I see twice.

[B]

And when you say Anna follows, I ask Anna. I don't think there's anything I do Where I don't check in with Anna because she's been a mentor and a guide for me since I first met her 20 years ago. Over 20 years ago.

[C]

So, yeah, she's a great champion of yours. And, Kate, congratulations on your Golden Globe nomination.

[A]

Thank you.

[E]

It's so very wonderful news.

[D]

Do you know what you're wearing yet?

[E]

I do not. I mean, I kind of have a couple ideas, but not yet. Stressful, I know.

[D]

Is there any part of it that you're like, well, I'm definitely going to wear this piece of jewelry or this color?

[E]

No, no, not yet. Not yet. I'm. I'm. I'm wait. I'm a waiting. I'm excited.

[A]

Okay.

[D]

All right. Well, we're very excited.

[C]

I think we want to show the trailer first.

[D]

Oh, yes.

[E]

Sorry.

[C]

Yeah. So before we're going to get into questions, because we do have some questions prepared, I think we wanted to give everybody a little taste of the trailer so they have a sense of what this movie is about. So that's what's up next.

[B]

Okay, cool. I'm not a songwriter. I'm not a sex symbol. I just want to entertain people.

[E]

I don't want to be a hairdresser. I want to sing.

[A]

I want to dance.

[E]

I want to garden. I want a cat.

[B]

I need something big. I need something new. What do you think?

[E]

You don't want to be a Neil diamond impersonator. You want to be a Neil diamond interpreter.

[B]

I was looking for the right way to say it, and you just came right out and said, tell your mama, girl. We can't stay long. We should call ourselves Lightning and thunder. We got things we got to catch up on.

[E]

So you be lightning and I be Thunder.

[B]

Yeah, you.

[E]

That is not very professional of me, but I've been wanting to do it.

[B]

For, like, a whole. All right.

[C]

Dramatic Christmas day, guys. Okay, A couple things about that that may not be immediately apparent from that trailer, if you guys don't know about the film already, is that it's not a Neil diamond biopic. It's about a Milwaukee couple who form a Neil diamond tribute band. And Hugh, you play interpretation. Interpretation. Thank you.

[A]

Thank you.

[E]

Interpreter.

[C]

Yes. And Hugh, you play Mike, the aforementioned Lightning of lightning and thunder. And Kate, you play his partner, becomes his wife, Claire.

[D]

Thunder.

[C]

Thunder. Yeah. And apart from these two, what's really wonderful about this movie, it's got this incredible cast of supporting actors. It's like amazing people in it from Jim Belushi, Michael Imperioli. We all love that King princess was in this movie. And Ella Anderson.

[D]

Fisher Stevens.

[C]

Fisher Stevens, yes. It goes on and on.

[D]

Dentist.

[C]

That's true. Some great dental work scenes. And it's a movie about, like, sort of working class people trying to make it. And it's a romance. And I was struck that it's based on a documentary of the same name and that the director, Craig Brewer, who I think is amazing, saw this film at like a Memphis indie film festival and decided he wanted to make a movie.

[E]

Yeah, in like 2009.

[C]

That's incredible.

[E]

Yeah. And it's a. It's a pretty. It's a pretty shocking, true story. I mean, when you see this documentary, you can't believe the things that this family went through other than their passion for music and, you know, the thing, you know, and their love of Neil diamond, like, their actual story was just, you know, small, you know, like seemingly regular people, incredibly heroic type of story.

[C]

Tell me a little bit about taking on the role. Like, did you watch the documentary? And did you think to yourself, I guess you were attached first, Hugh, and then, like, did you think to yourself, this is gonna be a big crowd pleasing Christmas movie based on this? Quite gritty, quite like, you know, so.

[B]

The documentary actually is eight years. So this documentarian, Greg Coase, heard about this couple that were kind of interesting and unique, and I think he probably thought it was a rags to riches story possibly. And then of course, the story takes this massive left turn and then he's with the family for. I don't want to give it away, but he's with them for six years, eight years, actually, during that difficult part of their life. And it becomes. I saw that story and I loved the underdog part of it. I loved the love story. The power of family that these two who had individually struggled, came together, found some magic. But then when things got hard, and let's face it, we all know what that is like right now. You know, they stuck by each other, they stood by, they rescued each other, and they believed in each other and they got each other through. And that's what I mean by being a love story. Did I think it was gonna be Christmas Day? No, but I. When Craig wrote the script, he did this brilliant, brilliant thing of telling the entire story. Everything is true. Everything came for the documentary. But the documentary dwells in a pretty dark place for a long time. And Craig just did a beautiful way of honoring that part of their life whilst leaving it uplifting and hopeful and inspiring by the end. But every, literally every studio turned it down.

[C]

Oh, really?

[B]

Only one focus said yes to It. Because I think they're just like, oh, we don't make movies like this anymore. Like, no, we're making movies about Dylan and Springsteen, not like the tribute band from Milwaukee, you know? But I love that it's real people actually living extraordinary lives. And what it makes me feel when I walk out or get on the subway is there is no such thing as an ordinary life or a small life or a normal life. Every life is extraordinary. Oh, God. I was just speaking with a guy downstairs coming up here. I don't want to. He just shared something with me. I'm like, everyone is living an extraordinary life.

[C]

Were you familiar with Craig Brewer's other movies like Hustle and Flow?

[B]

Hustle and Flow. Dolomite is my name.

[C]

Such amazing movies, right?

[B]

Yeah. And I was a big, big fan. I mean, K was.

[E]

Yeah, I remember seeing Hustle and Flow and I was like 21 or something and I was like, I have to meet Craig Brewer. And we had one of the great meetings and we've been wanting to work with each other ever since. And this was like the first opportunity we had to do it, so it was so great.

[C]

Hustle and flow remains my 81 year old mother's favorite movie of all time.

[E]

Stop.

[C]

Yeah, she's got the poster in her room signed by Craig Brewer. It says, keep hustlin'.

[E]

Oh, that's.

[C]

It's amazing. No, I know. He's a hero of mine.

[E]

It's hard out here for a pimp.

[C]

Totally.

[E]

That was her favorite song.

[B]

What post is on your wall? I'm really interested by your family now, Taylor.

[C]

We'll hold that for after the podcast. I got a lot of stories.

[B]

Texas chains.

[C]

It's definitely not what you think. Richmond, Virginia. Yeah, it's something else.

[B]

I'm gonna find out by the end of this interview.

[D]

I was sort of fascinated by the idea that you two are playing characters who are based on real people who make their life impersonating another real person. What is that approach to impersonating the impersonator?

[A]

More or less?

[B]

It's a great question. Luckily for us, we went into the recording studio first, so everything was recorded and we did everything live. So in the movie, it's a mixture of both. And Craig just decided on what to use. But we going in there, I remember saying to Craig, why are we recording? I don't even know Mike's voice, let alone Mike's version of Neil's voice, you know, and he said, no, no, no, let's use it as rehearsal. And he said, I promise you, we'll come back to it, which we never did. But it was really awesome to be able to do that, actually, in the recording studio, to kind of. For me to lose my voice and to sort of work out who this guy was and him finding Neil. How about you?

[E]

I mean, for me, with the Patsy Cline songs. Cause she was a Patsy Cline impersonator. It was really just trying to get that sound as much as possible with a little bit of that Milwaukee accent that, you know, bleeds through a little bit, but. And so it was just like anything, you know, when you're in the studio, too, you can craft it a little bit differently. And like Hugh was saying, it was. Craig was like, let's just get it down, and then we can always come back to it. And, of course, I kept going, are we ever gonna go back into the recording studio to perfect these things? He's like, no, we got it. I was like, oh, saw the movie. And he used. What he did is he'd mic us, and he'd have the mic mic'd, and. And then they. In post, they did both. So they mixed some of our live with actual recording.

[C]

It feels like you're performing in the film itself. It's really incredible. I mean, it's so, like, you feel like you're watching these people perform in real time. So whatever he did, like, has that feeling of authenticity. Really. It's great.

[D]

What was the experience like of having Claire come to set? And how did you meet her before you started filming?

[E]

No.

[D]

Interesting.

[E]

No, no. Craig really wanted me to not get too attached to Claire and things, even, like, things in the documentary that weren't in the script. He's like, you know, let's stick to the script, and we can meet Claire sort of during filming. And when she came, the entire crew came out and cheered her to her. And she was crying, but she had that, like. She has this light and this joy. She, like, smiles with her whole body, and she just, like, walks through life with gratitude. She's pretty incredible after everything she's been through. You know, I. I. Meeting her has been so wonderful. And then just the other day, we got to sing on stage. I got to sing on stage with her at the premiere, which was really fun.

[D]

Oh, my God. She sang.

[E]

Crunchy Granola Sweet Forever in Blue Jeans. Forever in Blue Jeans. And Sweet Caroline Goddess sang Sweet Caroline.

[B]

But she was. She was. She. She just was so. She was so proud of you. She was like. She would just look at you and cry. I would always look across. She was just crying she would give me gifts every day she came. Little items of mics.

[E]

Oh, wow.

[B]

Yeah. Necklaces and badges. His hat pins, his stars and stripes sequined waistcoat, you know.

[D]

Did you wear any of them in the film?

[B]

I. Absolutely. Yeah.

[E]

He gave me one of his vests, too.

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

Wow. A different one.

[B]

The daughter, Rachel, was there a lot. And I remember when she came, Craig was showing her the footage. We just shot the finale, which is a big number that they sing. Sulaiman with the choir, with the timpani, all the things. And I came into the tent and I stood behind her, and I could tell she was weeping, watching the monitor and all. She kept saying she was crying, said, craig, you gave Mike what he always wanted. You gave him the choir, you gave him the timpani. You gave him. This is exactly what he wanted. And I put my arms on her, and she must have known it was me. And she just goes, papa, Papa. She just helped. I was just, like, weeping. It was sort of beautiful to have them on set. They were so trusting. And I think it's easy to think, oh, cool, someone's gonna tell you you've got movie stars playing, you know? But actually, it's a real exercise in trust, giving your life story over to someone to make. And they were just really. They were fantastic. And having them. Yeah.

[E]

And also, when you see the documentary, it's interesting. Cause you could go in a direction of this, you could go in a different way. You know, these are people that you could easily have made fun of or looked at their career and their life. Like, look what they dedicated their life to. But Craig did something brilliant with this movie. And he walked a line that is so honest. It's so pure. It is not cynical. And it just has this, like, thread of hope. And it reminded me. I remember the first time I saw it, I was like, oh, this reminds me of the movies, like, those old touchstone movies that, like, when I would watch as a young girl, I was like, oh, I want to be an actress. You know what I mean? It was like. And we don't really make movies like this anymore that, like, entertain, make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel something incredibly human.

[D]

It's almost was like a Frank Capra type. I mean, it was a very traditional emotive.

[E]

Yeah, it's like Terms of Endearment or Moonstruck or those movies that like you. That. That make you go like, oh, I want to go home, and I want to be with my family, and I want to have a big dream, and I want to Go after it. You know, it's like, it's a shame we don't make movies like that as much anymore. But somehow Craig was able to craft this and it just like hits all those sweet spots and I just, I feel so lucky to be in it.

[C]

You know, the characters have a lot of dignity and it seems to take the feelings that it elicits seriously. You know, it's definitely not a dry eye kind of movie. I think all of us felt something. But we need to move to the Neil diamond section of this conversation because, Hugh, tell me, did you, were you familiar with the work of Mr. Diamond before taking on this film? So was he big in Australia?

[B]

He was huge in Australia. In fact, Neil told me Australia is one of his biggest territories.

[E]

Wow.

[B]

You couldn't ride your bike down a street in Australia in the 70s without hearing hot August night. Every third house it would be playing.

[C]

So that record remains one of the top selling records of all time in Australia. I looked this up. Yes, Hot August Night, which was my dad, you were hearing a lot about my family today, was my dad's favorite Neil diamond record. And I looked it up and it was like, fun fact about this album, one of the best selling albums of Australia all time.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

Incredible, right?

[B]

Well, and I completely, I told him, I said, I want to use your opening of Hot August Night for my Radio City show. So I had that whole three minute orchestral piece as a beginning and it's just incredible. But I, I look, I knew six songs maybe. I really, if, if I was on a quiz show, I would have been able to name six of the famous ones. So going into the catalog, I didn't know Play Me I am. I said, sulaiman. There were so many songs I didn't know.

[E]

I didn't even know he wrote Red Red Wine, I'm a Believer. Like it's extensive, his songwriting.

[C]

Did you grow up with his music at all, Kate?

[E]

No. I mean, I was like Madonna, you know, I was like 80s. I knew was born in the 80s.

[D]

Sweet Caroline was it?

[E]

Yeah, like Sweet Caroline. And then, and then for me, you know, I was such a big Pulp Fiction that was like right in my sweet spot. So, girl, you'll be a woman soon. But other than that, I really had no. Neil diamond was my great discovery, other than working with you and singing with you, but like my great discovery of this movie.

[C]

And what was the first song that you learned together that you were singing for the recording session?

[E]

Was it Holly Holy?

[B]

I think. Well, that's the one I remember. I'M not sure. I think we might have done Sweet Caroline first. Did we just like to break the ice or something?

[A]

Maybe.

[B]

But the one I really remember is Holly Holy, which is. That's. It's a beautiful scene in the Thai restaurant. If you haven't seen it yet. These guys perform in Thai restaurants and bar mitzvahs and weddings and. And it's a beautiful, beautiful song. And it's really at a tender moment in their relationship and also in their performance. And we just sat down on a couch, and I thought we were gonna just rehearse it, and Mike's literally like this. Mike's came up, and we were holding the lyrics, and that's.

[E]

It was kind of great. Cause they put us side by side and not like in front of each other, staring at each other so we could get a little more comfortable. Side eyeing. Yeah. And, yeah, Holly Holy was the one where we definitely were like, ooh, that sound. It sounded so nice.

[B]

You know, it's a vulnerable thing, singing with someone. It's a great way to get to know each other.

[E]

Yeah. Or to know that you don't want to know each other.

[C]

I think we do have another clip, actually, of you two singing together from the film. So maybe now's the right time to run that.

[B]

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Tell your mama, girl. We can't stay long. We got things we gotta catch up on, you know? You know what I'm saying?

[D]

Excuse me.

[E]

Much too late for anyone to be singing that loud. Ma, this is the man I was telling you about. Mike Sardina, this is. Is Lightning.

[B]

How you doing tonight? Not good.

[D]

Sing softer.

[B]

That was live.

[E]

That was live. And then we. We actually go into them playing another song there, which is really the song that. I mean, not. Not spoiler alert, but a good spoiler, which is where we really fall in love. And that's one of the things I love about the movie is, like, the way that Craig Brewer, writer, director, you know, incorporated the music to tell the story. You know, it's like we actually fall in love singing with each other through music.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

The run through will be back in a moment.

[A]

It's my favorite time of the year because I love gifting, but I also love getting gifts. And, I mean, who doesn't at this point? Everyone knows that I actually do want something found on ebay, and my husband really cracked that code last year. He did a scavenger hunt around our house. And at the end of each hint was an ebay gift card. And I'm still using them. I Got some vintage Guess jeans. I got a white Margiela jumpsuit, a YSL blazer, this really cool Vogue magazine Paris tee with shoulder pads, and then some Mew Meo crystal jeweled heels. I really needed those. So. Treasure Hunt, Part 2, 2025. My eBay watch list at the ready. And it's time to check out.

[D]

Kate. I never really realized what an amazing singer you are.

[C]

Yeah, same.

[E]

Incredible.

[D]

I feel like I think of you such a star of an actress, but I never. I didn't know that you. I mean, when you opened your mouth, I was like, oh, my God. It's incredible.

[A]

Thanks.

[D]

It's really exciting. And I wonder, do you feel like. I know that you released your own album last year and you sang in nine and on Glee, but do you feel like this is. Does it bring you as much joy as acting? Do you want to be doing more singing?

[C]

Did you think you could do it? Like, were you sure? Like, there's some really. There's some moments where you. Your singing is holding the entire frame, and it's the entire. You know, particularly towards the end of the film.

[E]

And, I mean, honestly, I made this movie with Sia, and she really opened up my voice to, like, she. She really was like the woman that empowered me to feel confident with my. The power that I had in my voice and was like, really was. The person was like, you can sing, and you should be singing. And so, you know, I felt like that I needed. That I needed someone in my life to push me, and she was. She was really that person.

[B]

Did she coach?

[E]

You know, she. I mean, in a way, you know, she really, like. She writes these huge songs, and they're big and they're powerful, and if you hide behind them in any way, you're not gonna. They're not gonna work, you know? And so she was like, the one who was like, you know, sing it. It was like opening my throat chakra, you know? Wow. Yeah. See it just with the key. But, yeah, I mean, I love to sing. I think my happiest place has always been at my piano singing, but I think they're all in the same. I don't know what happened. I feel like a lot of performers want to sing, dance, and act, you know? And I know when I was a little girl, that was when I thought about performing. It incorporated all of it, Right. And then somewhere along the line, I think people like to box you into what they like you in and where they want you. So you sort of somehow. Actors weren't supposed to sing, and singers Weren't supposed to act and. But I think that's all starting to change.

[D]

Well, you don't have many musicals anymore, so you don't always see movies that are combined.

[E]

Yeah, they're scared. They're definitely scared of musicals.

[B]

Can I. There is a bit of feeling, I think, what you're scratching it to. Of destiny about this. Can you tell the Quincy Story?

[E]

Oh, gosh, I love that.

[B]

Oh, you were.

[D]

Yes, but you were.

[B]

So sorry.

[E]

You, like, really outed me on this story. I would have never told this story if it wasn't for Hugh.

[D]

And now you're gonna have to tell it over and over again.

[E]

So. My mom, Quincy Jones is the most amazing man. He was amazing, and I've known him my whole life. He's one of my mom's oldest friends. We miss him a lot. But when I was a little girl, my mom made me sing at my 16th birthday, which was, like, the worst possible thing on the planet.

[D]

Okay, but set the scene. How many people are there? What are you wearing?

[E]

Did you think my Nepo Baby Story. Okay, here we go. So I was 16. I had my own birthday. My mom loved to throw her own parties when I had my party. So basically my party was outside, and my mom threw her own party inside. And my mom called me into the room, and she was like, you want me to sing?

[B]

What were you wearing?

[E]

What was I wearing?

[B]

Yeah, for my sweet 16th.

[E]

What was I wearing? You know, what I might have been wearing? Okay, are you ready for this? I think I was wearing a Stella McCartney Chloe slip dress.

[B]

Wow.

[E]

And I remember that because I have all of them.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[E]

Ronnie Rose is going to be a really happy girl when she gets older. Saved everything. But. But no, I went and I. My mom wanted me to sing, and I was like, what am I going to sing? She's like, sing. That's what friends are for. And Carol Bear Sayre, who's an amazing songwriter, was also in the audience, which I didn't realize. And I sang it, and I forgot the words, and Carol was giving me the words. And then I left, and I felt so embarrassed. And Quincy came up to me, and I was outside, and he just looked at me and he goes, you need to get in the studio. He's like, you need to get in the studio. When you're ready, you get in there.

[D]

And did you take a break?

[E]

Oh, absolutely not. I was terrified. But he always was that for me. And there's certain people that always, like, if I sang at something, he'd always come up and be like, you gotta. When are you doing that? You gotta do it. And there's always like those certain people in my life that were always so encouraging. And he was my number. He was my number one for sure.

[D]

Well, as we were talking about seeing this movie and preparing for this interview, a former colleague of ours texted some other college artists and said, guess what? I just went to do karaoke. And right as we arrived, Hugh and Kate had just left and they had been singing at the bar. Have you guys been going around New York City?

[E]

Was it at Old Mates?

[D]

That's right, yeah.

[E]

I mean, the Aussie bar.

[B]

The Aussie bar.

[E]

The financial district.

[B]

That's right.

[E]

By the way, you walk in there and you're in Australia. It was like, wow, everybody. I didn't hear one. Any accent other than an Australian.

[B]

Yeah, we've sung. And Paris and Berlin all over the place. I sang in Milwaukee with Claire.

[C]

Amazing.

[B]

Which was cool.

[E]

I literally walked into. We walked. We were gonna do this thing and I walked into a bar and there was a live band. And I was like, I will pay you to leave. Because the second Hugh gets here, we're gonna be singing.

[C]

And what are you singing? What's in the repertoire?

[B]

We were singing. We were singing some Neil diamond stuff. Just getting up. It was sort of. I don't know, we were talking about, how do we get the word out about this movie? How do we live? And I was like, let's just get like, Mike and Claire, they nowhere happier than when they're at the bar at their wedding. They did a show at their wedding. You know, they sink.

[D]

Yeah, I don't wanna ruin it.

[B]

Nevermind.

[E]

Yeah.

[B]

In their wedding dress and a whole thing. Cause that's what they love to do the most. So when in promoting the movie, we're like, let's just find a place. But we like to just turn up.

[E]

And it's so funny cause like, you know, and it's so funny. Cause all of a sudden someone will just hand me a. And I'll be like, okay. I don't know what we're singing. I don't know where we're going, but I'll do it one time.

[B]

And most of the time it's been great. But there was that time in Paris, we went in and there were two guys there playing. And I could just see their eyes. Look at me.

[D]

The French must have been so confused.

[B]

They were. And it's just a million phones like this. I'm like, bonjour, bon soir, Paris. A little Neil diamond, like And I.

[C]

Just look at these.

[B]

There was a guitarist and a drummer, and they're just looking at me like, what is happening?

[C]

What are we doing?

[D]

I feel like the French do like Neil diamond, though. I feel like it's like Jerry Lee Lewis, where it's sort of an unexpected niche.

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It pops up everywhere.

[E]

Neil diamond is so global, it's wild. Yeah. I mean, when you think about where Sweet Caroline is played, like, it's played in football matches. It's played at the Red Sox. Red Sox.

[D]

Yeah. That's what I always think of.

[C]

And did you sing with Neil Diamond? I think you were talking about this. Yeah. So tell us that story.

[B]

All right. So Kate is neighbors in Colorado with Neil, although had never met, weirdly.

[E]

Yeah.

[B]

So super years you've been neighbors.

[E]

Yeah.

[B]

And. And that's because Kate never talks to anyone unless it's an interview. Famous recluse never goes out.

[C]

So relatable.

[B]

Yeah. But anyway, she went and sent a photo. And not long after getting that photo, I was like, how awesome. I got a phone call from Neil, who had just seen the movie, and his wife Katie. And he was crying. He was really moved. He loved it so much. So I just did a very Australian thing and invited myself over. I said, I'd love to come over, maybe have a cup of tea. And it was a bit of an awkward pause, and Neil goes, okay. Yeah. All right. And then Katie gets on the phone, like, you want to have what? I said, ah, you know, just come over for a cup of tea. She goes, we're in Colorado. And I said, yep, no problem. She goes, so you want to stay the night? That'd be great. So we had dinner, and not long into dinner, Neil goes, do you want to sing some karaoke?

[D]

And I'm like, oh, my God.

[B]

Oh, yeah, I do. So we did. We sang karaoke together.

[C]

Incredible.

[B]

And yes, we sang Sweet Caroline.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Can't help falling in love with you. And he started off by singing I Dreamed a Dream from Les Mis. Wow. Solo, so.

[E]

And I would give anything to hear Neil diamond sing that song I dreamed a Dream.

[B]

I might have the video in my pocket. Sorry, Neil.

[C]

Yeah, Maybe I was videoing the whole time. Kate, it seems to me that you're having a lot of fun with the roles that you've been in recently.

[E]

Yeah.

[C]

There's this movie I was. You were absolutely hilarious in. The Glass. The Glass Onion.

[E]

Knives out.

[C]

Knives out.

[B]

Movie.

[C]

Thank you. Yeah, thank you. I saw the Max Mingella Indy. You were in Shell. You were so over the top. Are you like taking more chances, having more fun with roles. Now, what's.

[E]

What.

[C]

What's your take on?

[E]

Yeah, I had a weird, like, Covid moment in my life where I was like, am I dying? Is this Ariel dying? Like, am I going to die? Is. Am I happy with my creative output? I've been very involved in, like, business and trying to be home with my kids and trying to be, like, the center of our unit because it's an extensive unit. And. And then something happened in Covid. I just was like, I'm not happy with my creative output. I should be doing number one was music. Cause I've always. I wanted to. I've been so afraid to release my writing and in my music. And I was just like, I can't die without putting something out there. And so that kind of started my reflection of, like, if I do survive this time, this lockdown, it's going to. Things are going to change. And I just. Yeah, I make different choices. I kind of stopped being more operational in my life and business focused. And I wanted to invigorate my creative. My soul, my where my soul's happiest. And so that's what I've been focusing on. And it's been really incredibly rewarding. And I think important. I think we need the arts, and we need arts that make people feel good. And I love what that feels like when you do it right. And it's really hard to get right. And so I just think for me, that's like a very purposeful, drive, driving force. And so that's what I've been doing.

[C]

Yeah, it seems like you're having fun, too.

[E]

Yeah, I'm having a blast.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, it's great.

[C]

I mean, this may be.

[E]

Thanks for that observation.

[C]

No, no, I've been paying attention.

[D]

We are going to take a short break.

[E]

We'll be back in a moment.

[A]

A trend that I'm noticing this season, which is also perfect for this weather, is layering. And so you can truly wear five shirts at once if you want. Like, that's fashion right now. People are wearing skirts over pants and button downs on top of button downs on top of button downs with a sweater on top of that and the scarf on top of that. And if you know that someone already has a favorite item, then ask yourself, like, do they need it in another collar at this point? They do. And so just get them two of something that they already like and already wear and go back to that ebay search bar and get as specific as possible. And I know that you'll find it because you can find everything on ebay.

[C]

So the movie comes out on Christmas Day, and we were wondering. It strikes me as a perfect Christmas Day movie because, you know, you're with your family and you need a. This is the perfect movie to see with your family. But what is your Christmas Day tradition? Do you guys like to go to movies with your family? What do you like to do?

[B]

We watch Elf is always. That's Number One. And Home Alone. And I don't know. I don't know why, but Singing in the Rain is one for me. Because I was given the VHS when I was 18 by my dad, and I'd never seen Singing in the Rain. And I think it's a perfect movie. And so I associate it with Christmas, even though no one else does. But that. There's. That.

[E]

That feels like Christmas.

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

Yeah. Oh, my. I mean, it's so chaotic. Christmas is so chaotic. But we just eat, we drink, we watch football, drown in garlands, we drown ourselves in Christmas decorations. And the one thing we do do that's really fun is we always have. We're in Colorado. We always. We do like, an ice. Like a snow. Like, whoever can sit in the snow the longest in their baby seat.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

That's my favorite. I'm pretty good.

[B]

Who wins?

[C]

Wait, wait, explain this more. Is this like a pagan?

[E]

It's like an Japanese. I feel like I have a leg up because I do cold plunge.

[D]

So what?

[E]

I'm pretty good. Oliver's pretty good, too.

[D]

Like, how many minutes?

[E]

Oh, like, we've gotten up to, like, three or four. I would say four. Three and a half. Yeah. It's cold and it's fun. But we're. We're also, like, warm inside because we've been usually drinking, like. No, no. We got our bathing suits on.

[B]

Okay.

[D]

Do the kids do.

[E]

We're not that. Our whole family is, like, naked people. Like, what's going on on this ranch?

[D]

Like, I wonder why I've never met Neil diamond before.

[B]

Do not go over there.

[E]

Cut to Neil Diamond's, like, like, plunging with us this Christmas. I'm like, what?

[C]

Wow.

[D]

Wait. And you have one daughter, Rani, who I feel like is still in Santa's own. What is she asking Santa for?

[E]

Oh, well, she wants to meet Taylor Swift. That was her first thing on her list.

[D]

Good luck to Santa.

[E]

Yeah. Yeah. She wanted, like, this insane skincare thing that I don't even even. Like, it has, like. She wrote in there. Like, it has, like, niacin, like, awful thing. Ingredients in it. Yeah. It was Something she probably just saw on Amazon and was like, that. I need that. It was probably pink. It was probably pink packaging. But she's very, like. She's very specific. She loves. She's a Girls, girls, girls. I mean, it's nails, it's nail polish, it's makeup, it's clothes.

[D]

She is gonna go crazy when she gets that. Isabelle Morrel by Chloe. She is slip dressed.

[E]

She is gonna go. She's gonna go crazy. She already has, like, very. It's almost like I need to bring it down a little bit. She's very high end, very vogue.

[D]

Wow.

[E]

Very focused.

[D]

Well, speaking of things that are gonna make Rani happy, I want to know if you have a Penny Lane coat.

[E]

So. No. And it's. Cameron Crowe has this book out called the Uncool.

[D]

I know.

[E]

I really want to read it because.

[D]

I'm such a fan of his.

[E]

It's so good. I know. I love it. You're gonna love it. You're gonna love it.

[D]

Just for people who aren't fully following or up to speed, you should be, but it is the 25th anniversary of almost Famous, which was a huge, hugely important film for me when I was a teenager. And Cameron Crowe, the director, I think, is a genius, and he has a memoir that came out this fall, and it's. I might read it over the holidays.

[F]

You should.

[E]

It's a quick read. I read it, like, in two days. Cause it was just like, you know, and it's sort of. It's like watching Almost Famous, but it's the real story. You know what I mean? It's pretty amazing. It was great.

[D]

I mean, I also. I wrote a review of Almost Famous when I was 15.

[B]

You did?

[D]

For the Harbor Westlake Chronicle. And Stop. I sent it to Cameron Crowe with a fan letter, and he replied, stop. It, wrote it back. And what my mom noted was he addressed the envelope.

[E]

I love.

[D]

Most people don't address the envelope.

[E]

The Harvard Westlake Chronicle is.

[B]

Have you reread that review?

[D]

Yeah. It's not very good, but he was very nice.

[E]

It's so cute. But anyway, we don't know where the code is.

[B]

He addressed it.

[D]

Didn't have an assistant address the envelope. That was. That was a notable point for. In my household. [e-mail], we've been writing a lot about the Penny Lane coat because people love it. Many women on our team and men are wearing the Penny Lane coat. Do you ever wear a version of one? Do you think Ronnie's.

[E]

I see one. I sometimes. Sometimes I look in. I Have, like, a couple in my closet, like, pre. From pre Penny Lane. And I'm like, every time I go to put it on, I'm like, I can't do that. It just feels like I'm bringing a weird attention to.

[D]

Yeah.

[E]

They're like. But we talk about the coat a lot because we lost one of them. We have no idea where there was three of them. Oh, wow. We know where one is. We know where. You know, I think Cameron has one, and then one is. One is out in the world somewhere.

[D]

It's like the Louvre heist.

[E]

Yeah, exactly. Oh, God. Yeah. But I love when I see it. It's like, I feel like the penny link coat comes around every, like, seven years.

[D]

It really does. How has that movie. How does it still impact your life?

[E]

Oh, God.

[D]

Now that I've told you how it impacts my life, how's it impact your life?

[E]

It's one of those movies that has a generational. Like, it's found each generation, and now it's been two, and it's like my son's generation, and then now my middle son's generation, 14, 15, they discover it and it holds up, and it inspires, like, a whole new generation of young people. That is so great. What a cool movie to be a part of, you know, that continues to do that. And the weird thing is, so does how to Lose a guy in 10 days. It just keeps having a new life.

[D]

People love that movie.

[E]

Yeah, new life.

[D]

And we were just talking about that as we were discussing our devil wears Prada 2 coverage. And we were talking about movies, about working at magazines, and it really was. I mean, I remember watching that movie. I remember it was. I was a senior in high school, and every girl got that dress for their. Or a copy of that dress for their promotion. But I was like, oh, like, Andy, I want to write about Tajikistan, and I'm going to end up not doing it.

[E]

I get that a lot, too. It's like, I never thought that movie would inspire so many young female journalists, but it really has. And I have a lot of women that sit down and they're like, I'm a journalist because of that movie. And I was like, wow, that's the best feeling.

[C]

Sometimes it leads to the very pinnacle of journalism, too. Hugh, you recently completed a run at Radio City. It was called Hugh Jackman from New York With Love at Radio City. And tell us a little bit about that and how meaningful that was to you. I mean, it seems like it was an incredible run.

[D]

It's hard to compete with the Rockettes?

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. Well, you don't compete with the Rockettes. You just join them. I did have them come on one night.

[D]

Did you?

[B]

I had two of them come on one night.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[D]

How did you pick which team?

[B]

Well, it's a bit of a segue, but my trainer, Beth, who helped me get through that, taught me this jump rope routine, and she's into jump rope. And I was watching her do it. I said, oh, I've got an idea. Let's do her thing. And she would come on. She goes, I don't believe you're asking me to do Radio City. My dream as a little girl was to be a Rockette, and she's been like, a weightlifter, a professional bodybuilder, a dancer. And I said, really? So on the night that her mom was in from Atlanta, I surprised her. I said, stay on stage. And I told the story. And then I brought out some Rockettes, and she had to do an impromptu kick line. Poor Beth had to, like, she could. And. But it was. It was so awesome. They just came to me and said, would you be interested in doing this? And I was like, absolutely. Like, I'd ride my city bike up to Radio City and just pass it and go in and do three shows over a weekend. And I had an incredible guest, including Kate Hudson, who was on your bucket list to be at Radio City.

[E]

Oh, my gosh. That was a. That was like. I couldn't believe it.

[C]

What did you guys sing together?

[D]

Sweet Caroline.

[E]

It's the only song we sing anymore. And Cherry.

[B]

Cherry. And Cherry. Cherry, yeah, we sing. Exactly. But it was just so cool. And I loved it. I loved the crew there. I. I'd hosted the Tonys three years in a row back in the early 2000s, and a lot of the same crew still there. I had singers, dancers, and, you know, my orchestra. I just. It was heaven. It was great.

[C]

Are you gonna do more of it?

[B]

I hope so. Yeah. Yeah, I hope so. I mean, I. I. Next year, I would like to do more singing, keep it regular, because it's sort of been part of my life. And I'll do a musical or a movie like this. And then in the old days, I used to then not sing for six months, and then I, oh, how do you do that again? I'm like, I don't want to do that anymore. So I want to keep it going.

[D]

Hugh, I want to ask about what musical theater you've loved this season, because I know that you go a lot, but it also reminded me that we skipped over My favorite question, which was about getting the lightning bolt on your tooth in the movie, what symbol would you get put on your tooth that would represent you?

[E]

Oh, this is a great question.

[B]

That's a really good question. I'm really into sort of animal totems. This whole idea, this indigenous idea of totems, and I'm playing around with it. I don't know how it would fit on a tooth. But I'm really into this idea of the kangaroo, and not just because he's an Aussie. A kangaroo.

[D]

You're very marsupial.

[B]

Kangaroos never go backwards. They can't go backwards because their feet are so big. Yeah. The way they're designed, they must. So if they want to go over there, they have to go around in.

[E]

A circle, and neither can Hugh.

[B]

Right. And their tails. This is an indigenous sort of totem, but their tails are about being grounded in what really matters. So I sort of love that idea of moving forward whilst being grounded. So if I could put a kangaroo on my tooth, I can't wait to.

[D]

Find a dentist for that.

[E]

And that. Would that be at the top of your totem?

[B]

I have other ideas.

[E]

As another totem person, I also like the buffalo.

[C]

Oh, tell us why.

[E]

Two strands. They also can't see cows.

[B]

Yes. Cows see a storm and they go away from it and the storm chases them, but the buffalo goes straight into it. Whenever they see a storm coming, they turn right at it and go straight into it. And I love that.

[E]

And then when you walk through.

[B]

So I don't know how either of these things are gonna fit on a tooth, but there you go.

[D]

Okay. Kate, what would be on your tooth?

[E]

A hummingbird.

[D]

Oh, that's nice.

[E]

That's at the top of my totem.

[A]

Okay, that's a good one.

[C]

We have to work on our animal totems.

[E]

Clearly, it's a really fun thing to do because they kind of, like, find you, you know, these, like. Also a dragonfly. I love a dragonfly.

[B]

What about you, Chloe?

[D]

Probably a Jack Russell. I'm very annoying.

[B]

Jack Russell on your tooth? Yeah.

[E]

Do you have a Jack Russell?

[D]

No, but I have an enormous mutt who sort of looks like Jack Russell on steroids.

[B]

Taylor, what's the poster on your wall of? Which film?

[C]

My mom has Hustle and Flow. I don't have a film poster on my wall. When I was, like, a pretentious college kid, I had contempt on my wall. That was my, like, bid.

[E]

Oh, my God. Why'd you have contempt for me?

[C]

I know, I know. Chloe's I was going to make. That's a hard eye roll from Chloe in that story.

[E]

I love that my mom is much cooler. Probably Brigitte Bardot following back on this later. That's the best.

[D]

What theater have you loved this season? Hugh, tell us what we should be seeing.

[B]

Well, there's a lot I am yet to see and really exciting things, but I loved Just In Time with Jonathan Groff. I think there's no one like him, absolutely no one like him on the planet. I think he's just a singular talent.

[D]

I couldn't believe how, like, physically exhausting that performance. He was dripping with sweat, you know.

[B]

He really inspired me. I went backstage and I said, dude, how you doing? Like, vocally, how you. Eight shows a week and. And physically and all that. And he said, well, he was inspired by Adele. He heard Adele say, as we all are. Yeah, I'm dropping more names in this little answer than. But Adele said, I want to finish my world tour stronger, healthier, more energetic, and a better mother than when I left. Because there's often this feeling that you go and do eight shows a week on Broadway. Everything else has to suffer, including your health, family life, whatever. And so he was doing that, and he was doing great. And I loved maybe happy ending. I just thought it was so original, it was surprising. I loved the inventiveness of it. I loved that Broadway was still doing that. They're my top two things of late.

[D]

Kate, have you seen anything?

[E]

Oh, nothing. I've been filming my show, and so I've been in. I've just been filming, filming, you know, and so literally have not seen a play in, like, six months, which is awful.

[D]

Hugh has an addition.

[E]

Oh.

[B]

Ooh, ooh, ooh. What reference, anyone?

[E]

Ooh, ooh, ooh.

[D]

Jeopardy.

[B]

No Jeopardy, anyone? Yeah. Welcome back, Connor. Yes. Rag time.

[E]

Oh, God.

[B]

I actually. I came straight out and I texted Anna and I said, run, run. If you haven't. I'm. And I think this is the first time in history I saw something before you. But it was before it opened, and I think across the board, that cast is incredible. But Joshua Henry. I went backstage, I just cried. I couldn't even get a word out.

[D]

Wow.

[B]

Yep.

[D]

Must be overwhelming to finish a performance. And then Hugh Jackman just comes back sobbing.

[B]

I don't know. Cause about three seconds in, he goes, I really gotta go, man. But I was like, please. He had someone really take him out, because I don't know how he does it vocally once, let alone eight times a week. What he does is astonishing. But I don't want to. Josh is again, like Jonathan Groff. These people are alive now and they will be remembered as some of the greats of all time. See them, don't run to see them. But I say that about Joshua, but it's across the board, that whole cast, and it's such an important show for right now.

[D]

Kate, I was very excited when I realized that you, Danny Fujikawa, who you were engaged to, he co wrote your album together.

[E]

I did, we did.

[D]

So you're like real life Mike and Claire?

[E]

We kind of are, yeah.

[D]

What is it like collaborating with your partner?

[E]

Well, it's great if you set the boundary of, like, who's in charge.

[C]

Okay.

[E]

Which in this case was me. Okay, great. How did he say that? Honey, he was great. I think he had spent so much time with his own music and I think separating, it was very. It was actually very healing for both of us because he hadn't been doing music for a long time. He's a wonderful songwriter and musician and producer and he had been.

[D]

And just for the room, when I was laboring away at my love letter to Cameron Crowe in the early aughts, Danny Fujikawa was the heartthrob of Private School Los Angeles. Everyone just, just swooned for him. So now it's coming full circle.

[E]

I love. I can't wait to tell him this.

[D]

I was like, dear Cameron Crow.

[E]

Oh, that's so funny. Yeah, I mean, so, you know, it was actually amazing for both of us. And then it sort of got him back into doing what he loves to do, which is make music. He's making tons of music and writing with a ton of people.

[D]

And is there a follow up album coming?

[E]

Yeah, we're writing a lot right now. Oh, that's exciting. It's great.

[D]

Do you write? Do it at home? Do you go together to a studio?

[B]

Both.

[E]

And I'm writing with different people and I'm kind of branching out and I've been writing with a bunch of different people, which has been really exciting and fun and just kind of seeing where it lands right now. You know, I'm in that mode.

[B]

Can I get back on something, please? Danny was famously hot as a high school.

[D]

Oh, yes. You mean like they were like these two.

[E]

They have three Fujikawa boys.

[D]

Yes.

[E]

And they're all like these different types, but they're all hands.

[D]

There's something for everyone.

[E]

Yeah.

[B]

It was like, Michael, were you at the same school?

[D]

No, he went pan school.

[B]

That's. That's unheard of.

[D]

He was very famous.

[E]

It's a whole thing. It's a whole thing. There's also a whole New York contingency as well with the fugees because they all went to nyu. Yeah. It's really a funny thing.

[B]

Nationally, famously fraternally hot.

[E]

It's, you know, it's a vibe. They're all very different. One is an executive, one's like a model art teacher. And Danny is like the elusive. It is a musician, like, quiet guy.

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

It's different Kens.

[B]

So that was the. What's your type? Would be. Which.

[E]

Which Fuji are you? And by the way, I remember because back in the day it was something you would say, like, which type Fujikawa are you? And I was always a Danny. I was always a Danny.

[B]

Oh, thank goodness.

[D]

I was more of a Michael.

[E]

But you and a lot of girls.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

Kate, I want to know about watching the movie with your parents because I hear you all ended up crying.

[E]

Oh, yeah. I feel like. I feel like it's going to happen with every family.

[D]

Sure.

[E]

But I think for my parents, it was. I was thinking, and this isn't their words, these are my words, that it must have been wild for them to watch their middle aged daughter because I'm very middle aged in this movie. You know, it's like. I think it sort of is a completely. It's a different. They don't ever see me like this. And I think it hit them in a different way. And then seeing me do Kurt said something. It's like seeing my little Katie and all the things that I always wanted to do and honestly worked very hard to do and then have it all be in one experience for them was very emotional for them, which was really nice to see and heartwarming and, you know, a lot of tears. It was a lot of tears.

[C]

I think we want to open it up to a couple of questions, but.

[D]

I do just want to know what your tribute band would be.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

Fleetwood Mac. Yeah.

[E]

Ooh.

[C]

Oh, really?

[B]

I feel like I stole that from Kade. Said that in another interview. And I was like 100%.

[E]

Because there's so many great. I mean, obviously variations. Right. But there's so many different things. And you could do a little Stevie in the 80s. You could do a little Don Henley and Stevie Nicks. You could do 70s Fleetwood. Combinations are endless, by the way. By the way. You could get. You could do a. Well, like old school Fleetwood Mac, like Peter Green. Fleetwood Mac. There's a lot. There's a lot there.

[B]

Yeah. That's why I said it. You heard it here. Let's Go there.

[D]

Anna has a question.

[B]

Hi.

[F]

Well, first of all, congratulations on the movie. It was magical and your hair alone was a work of art. But thinking a lot about the film over the few months since I saw it and hearing you say how much you wanted to go back to singing, I was curious to know if you would ever take this wonderful film and put it on Broadway as a musical. And if not, what are you going to do next on Broadway?

[B]

That absolutely is an idea that I've had. For me, it felt in many ways like a no brainer. I'm a huge fan of the movie once. And then of course, that just translated so beautifully and I was like, this feels like it could be something very fresh. There's something about the earthiness of the working class Milwaukee family playing their own instruments, cobbling together. I think it could be wonderful. So that's absolutely something I'm thinking about. And the next thing I want to do theatrically is actually going to be off Broadway. So I started a theatre company last year called Together with Sonja Friedman and Ian Rickson and we put on two plays at the Minetta Lane, the Audible Theatre down there. And we just did it in a very sort of. I didn't say down and dirty. It wasn't dirty. It wasn't down, actually. No, it was small, it was smaller, but it was affordable. It was. A quarter of the tickets were free, a quarter of them were $35. And people were coming that don't normally get to see theatre. And you've been in many of these rooms, Anna. But. But one of my favourite things when you're doing a Broadway show or any show is that final run through in the rehearsal room and there'll be 80 people. It's usually not much bigger than this. And you get to see something without the set, without the lights, without the costume. It's usually daytime and you're just. But you see actors with the word or the song and just doing it raw. And I was like, I want to recreate that. So that's what we're doing. We're going to do that again in the spring. That's next.

[D]

I think. I don't know. We have time for so many questions because I talked so much about Danny in high school, but I do. There's a lot of discussion with people younger than me before this about. There's a man on TikTok. Do you know about this? Who everyone's obsessed with? Oh, is he who does impersonations of you singing songs?

[B]

Yes.

[D]

Have you watched him? Have you collaborated with him.

[B]

I haven't watched it yet because I'm afraid that I will never sing again. And I'm not joking. I'm sort of half joking. Is that okay? Should I watch it?

[D]

It was great. I was inspiring.

[B]

All right.

[D]

I mean, flattery is the sincere. Or no. What's it called?

[E]

Imitation.

[D]

Imitation is the serious form of flattery.

[B]

Yeah. Okay. Yeah, I want to check it out. I'll check it out. Have you seen a caveman?

[D]

If you're doing Mike doing Neil diamond, he's doing you doing Mike doing Neil Diamond.

[C]

I mean, to be clear, we just saw the clips of this, like, 10 seconds before the show, so this is not like a deep dive into these TikTok videos.

[B]

Okay, got it.

[D]

Yes.

[C]

We were legitimately charmed.

[B]

Okay, good. I'll check it out.

[D]

Time for one more.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

There was a.

[C]

There was a question for Kate about your podcast. So you do a podcast with your brother, right?

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

So I love it. We love it.

[C]

And the question was, do you have a dream guest? But I also want to know if you have any. Just podcasting advice. Oh, what have you learned?

[E]

Not to talk too much. I think the first thing that happened. I think the first thing that happened for me in the beginning was learning how to stop talking and let the other people actually express, not interject so much. I found myself cutting everything I was saying out of our podcast. And. But. But it's been one of the great experiences for me because it's with my brother, and so it's sibling revelry. And we. We interview whether people that you might know with their siblings or really interesting stories that. That highlight the sibling dynamic. And. And we have a blast. And people love doing it because you're talking about something completely different than what normally you'd be talking about. I'm super curious. I love talking to people. I love connecting. And so it's just a great outlet to be able to do it. I just didn't realize how many you have to do. Right. The next thing you know, I'm doing, like, 57 of them a year, and you're like, whoa, that's. That's a lot.

[C]

Well, we enjoyed this so much, you guys. Thank you guys so much for coming on.

[E]

So much fun.

[C]

Thank you, everyone.

[D]

Thank you.

[C]

And go see Song Sung Blue on Christmas Day. You're gonna love it.

[B]

And make sure you go to the company meeting, get there early.

[E]

Thank you.

[C]

Thanks, everyone.

[D]

The run through is produced by chelsea daniel, alex depalma and stephanie kariuki. It's engineered by pran bandy and james yost. It is mixed by mike kutchman. Chris bannon is conde nast head of global audience.

[B]

Go.

[A]

I love coming up with personalized gifts for people, and I'm often taking note of what other people are wearing. And I'll keep that in the back of my mind. And then when I'm scrolling on ebay, I'll type in things that make me think of them. Instead of a secret Santa, like a little secret personal stylist, maybe it's a fabric or a color or a designer and just see what comes up. And that's a good evening for me. I've got some examples for my husband. I typed in wool, cashmere, vintage Italian tuxedo, and the next thing you know we're off to a holiday party looking like the ambassadors to New York City. It has come in handy so many times and now I wear it too, and people love it. Another friend who I studied fashion design with, and actually she designed denim for years. Get something really specific and cool, like white wide leg dead stock skater jeans, which was a real hit. There's so many distinctive and like, really unique options on ebay. These are high quality items, but can often be just one of one. I think of it like finding pieces that'll like, really stand out in a room and then you're giving them the people that are really standing out in your life.

[E]

From PRX.