Transcript

Kerry Washington (0:00)

So good, so good, so good. Just in thousands of winter arrivals at your Nordstrom rack store, save up to 70% on coats, slippers, and cashmere from Kate Spade New York, Vince Ugg, Levi's and more. Check out these boots.

Jake (0:14)

They've got the best gifts.

Kerry Washington (0:15)

My holiday shopping hack. Join the NordicLub. Get an extra 5% off every rack purchase with your Nordstrom credit card. Plus buy it online and pick it up in store the same day for free. Big gifts, big perks. That's why you wreck.

Jake (0:39)

Hi, pussies, and welcome to the 100th episode of Therapist. It's actually so crazy that we are at 100 sessions. You know, when I started this podcast, I felt like it was going to be so difficult to, like, make my own name in this industry that has been so crowded over these past few years. But I'm so. I feel so, like, grateful and lucky that because of literally you guys, it's all you guys, that I've been able to make therapists or we have been able to make therapists into what it is. And I can sit here in this room and interview people I've looked up to since I was a kid and talk to my best friends and read questions from you guys and call you guys and just. It's become this thing that I never, ever thought it would be. With this 100th episode, I'm just, like, feeling very grateful, especially for you guys for watching every week, giving me feedback and helping me be better at this really is what I'm feeling grateful for. For the 100th episode, we have the one and only Kerry Washington, aka Ms. Olivia Pope. If you know me, you know, Scandal is literally one of my favorite shows of all time. And it was kind of a no brainer when we were talking with Kerry Washington about doing therapists, that it just the 100th episode felt so right for her because Scandal has been such a huge part of my life. It has, like, joined me on so many different eras of my life, from when I was in eighth grade to when I rewatched it during COVID to when I'm rewatching it now. Like, it's just been with me throughout my life. So to have her be here for the 100th episode just felt very full circle for me. She is here to not only talk about Scandal, which we do, but also talk about her new movie, Wake Up Dead man, which is out December 12th on Netflix. I'm very, very excited to see it. I love the Knives out series. Just. I cannot believe we're at 100 episodes. I've been able to do so many things I never thought possible because of this show. I was able to tour and meet you guys. I never thought I'd be comfortable enough to get on a stage for an hour or two hours and just talk. And this show, like, talking to you guys through this show every single week has made me comfortable. And the community that you guys really helped create was so, like, welcoming of, like, all of, like, my accomplishments and even flounders and, like, flounders.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Therapuss with Jake Shane

Session 100: Kerry Washington
Date: October 16, 2025

Overview

This milestone 100th episode of Therapuss with Jake Shane features acclaimed actress Kerry Washington. The conversation is an energetic, heartfelt blend of nostalgia, behind-the-scenes revelations from Scandal, reflections on acting, insights into personal growth, and a look ahead at Kerry’s new projects. Kerry and Jake's chemistry radiates throughout, making for an episode that’s both funny and profoundly introspective—a true celebration of the show's journey and its thriving community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflecting on 100 Episodes & Community Impact

[03:19–09:00]

Jake opens with deep gratitude, sharing how unexpectedly the podcast has transformed his life and forged a vibrant, supportive community (“It’s all you guys, that I’ve been able to make Therapuss…”).
The team and close friends join in, reminiscing about favorite moments from past episodes and highlighting the collaborative, familial spirit that built the show.
A playful segment features team members (Louise, Nolan, Manny, Will), and a call to Tucker for their top Therapuss memories.

2. Kerry Washington’s Scandal Stories & Career Highlights

Shooting "Scandal"

[10:01–28:00]

Kerry reveals the behind-the-scenes logistics of iconic Scandal episodes, including a secret trip to the Bahamas while on maternity leave, and how the show pioneered Twitter-based fan engagement.
Memorable fact: The first hospital scenes were shot on the Grey’s Anatomy sets (“All the hospital scenes in the Scandal pilot were Grey’s Anatomy sets!” [28:48, Kerry]).
The rise of “TGIT” and Scandal as an appointment-viewing, social media-driven phenomenon.

Cast Camaraderie & Working Culture

[15:15–22:00]

Kerry reminisces about the close-knit nature of the Scandal cast: “We go through a rocket ship like that with someone... you just have a different kind of trust.” [19:17, Kerry]
Last day of shooting was surreal; no one took off their costumes as if to delay the goodbye.

Memorizing the Monologues

[22:14–25:49]

No improvisation was allowed; Shonda Rhimes demanded word-perfect delivery.
Kerry's techniques: recording her lines to listen on repeat, and writing them by hand.
Joe Morton (“Rowan Pope”) is cited as having a photographic memory.

Groundbreaking Representation & The Real Olivia Pope

[29:51–34:45]

The importance of Olivia Pope’s Black female lead status and eventual willingness to explicitly address race in episodes like “The Lawn Chair.”
Judy Smith, the real-life inspiration for Olivia Pope, still works and is a sounding board for Kerry.
Notable quote: “A person is not defined by their worst choice on their worst day.” [31:11, Kerry]

The Emotional Complexity of the Characters

[34:45–45:30]

Kerry discusses moral complexity in crisis management, the white hat metaphor, and real-life implications of political storytelling.
Jake and Kerry agree even the Scandal administration felt preferable to present-day American politics.
Social impact: after 2016 election, people tweeted for “Olivia Pope to fix this”; Kerry highlights the real-world power of engaged citizens.

3. Personal Growth, Memoir, and Family Revelations

[54:59–61:00]

Kerry opens up about learning as an adult that she was conceived via sperm donor—sparked by an invitation to appear on Finding Your Roots.
The revelation transformed her relationships with her parents and inspired her memoir, Thicker than Water.
Notable quote: “After playing Olivia Pope, I was finally ready to be number one on the call sheet of my life.” [61:02, Kerry]

4. On Saying Goodbye to Olivia Pope

[61:46–63:28]

Kerry was “ready” to finish the show: “I wanted to go out before people—before other people were done with her.”
Scandal taught her about leadership, family, producing, hiring, and firing—life skills gained from being at the center of a creative machine.

5. Deep Dive: Scandal Fandom and Memorable Moments

[63:28–74:06]

Jake recounts his repeated Scandal rewatches and “living” at OPA.
They laugh about the show's wild storylines (Tom and Cyrus!) and music choices (“The Light” is especially moving—“I'm going to walk down the aisle to The Light,” Jake, [68:05]).
Kerry talks about on-set secrets (like hiding her pregnancy) and her early days at Spence school, where Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez both played roles in her youth.

6. New Projects: Wake Up Dead Man & The Prophecy

[74:06–77:20]

Kerry teases the third Knives Out film, Wake Up Dead Man: “A little bit darker... gothic... smarter and funnier... there's no way in hell you will guess the ending.” [74:06, Kerry]
Discusses her audio series, The Prophecy (Season 2), and producing Imperfect Women (Apple) and Animals (with Ben Affleck).
Calls for more LA-based productions to support local creative communities.

7. Advice Segment: “Tell Me What’s Wrong”

[77:54–85:55]

Kerry and Jake field audience-submitted dilemmas about friendship breakups, peaking in your 20s, social media comparisons, and reconnecting with exes.
Kerry’s wisdom: “You always have room to peak again, but it might mean shifting your perspective on what you’re chasing.” [78:15]
Practical tips for making new friends: lean into your interests and passions.

8. Bonus: Scandal Script Fun & Improv

[97:53–101:21]

Jake asks Kerry to read Sabrina Carpenter lyrics as Olivia Pope (in character, to Fitz!)—a playful, memorable moment that delights both host and audience.
Closing catchphrase: “It’s handled.”

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

“When I started this podcast, I felt like it was going to be so difficult to make my own name in this industry... The community you guys helped create was so welcoming.” – Jake [00:39]
“We didn’t bring a lot of people... our line producer was steaming clothes!” – Kerry, on the secret Bahamas shoot [10:54]
“The reason [Oprah] started watching Scandal was because it’s the only thing anybody was talking about on Thursday on Twitter.” – Kerry [14:19]
“A person is not defined by their worst choice on their worst day.” – Kerry, on Judy Smith [31:11]
“I want people to embrace their inner Olivia Pope.” – Kerry [35:24]
“When you go through a rocket ship like that with someone, you just really... have a different kind of trust.” – Kerry [19:17]
“No improv allowed at all. Shonda has a few rules... you have to say what is written.” – Kerry [22:58]
“After playing Olivia Pope, I was finally ready to be number one on the call sheet of my life.” – Kerry [61:02]
“You always have room to peak again, but it just might mean shifting your perspective on what you’re chasing.” – Kerry [78:15]
“Do you ever think down the line you guys would do some type of reunion?” – Jake
“I feel like there’s a universe where there could be a Scandal movie...” – Kerry [77:20]
“Would you read something as Olivia Pope?” – Jake
Kerry reads Sabrina Carpenter’s “man child” lyrics as Olivia, culminating in laughter and applause. [98:03–101:21]

Segment Timestamps

00:39: Jake’s heartfelt introduction; 100th-episode gratitude
03:55–06:32: Favorite moments from team members
09:01: Kerry arrives; mutual admiration and fun “Puss University” riff
10:01–28:00: Scandal deep dive—production anecdotes, Twitter impact, cast closeness
22:14–25:49: Memorizing the dialogue—Shonda’s non-negotiable scripts
31:11–34:45: Real-life Olivia Pope; Judy Smith’s influence and moral lessons
61:46–63:28: Letting go of Olivia Pope
74:06–77:20: Kerry’s new projects—Wake Up Dead Man, The Prophecy
77:54–85:55: Advice segment—audience “Tell Me What’s Wrong” dilemmas
97:53–101:21: Olivia Pope reads Sabrina Carpenter lyrics

Tone & Language

Jake and Kerry’s banter is warm, fast-paced, and peppered with inside jokes and self-deprecation. Kerry is open, wise, and playful, while Jake’s enthusiasm and fandom add authenticity. The episode’s language is energetic, intimate, and genuine—making listeners feel part of the Therapuss family.

Final Thoughts

This 100th episode is both a nostalgic Scandal masterclass and a candid exploration of what it means to show up for yourself, as an artist and as a person. Kerry Washington shares not just secrets from her most iconic role, but personal insights about family, honesty, and embracing your own agency. The episode is a gift to fans of both Scandal and Therapuss, distilling a decade of iconic television and podcasting into one celebratory, laughter-filled, and moving conversation.
“It’s handled.”