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.”