Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)

Episode: Andy Richter
Release Date: June 18, 2025

Summary:

In this heartfelt and humorous episode of Where Everybody Knows Your Name, hosts Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson engage in an in-depth conversation with comedian, actor, and writer Andy Richter. Spanning personal anecdotes, career insights, and philosophical musings on comedy, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive look into Andy's life and mindset.

1. Reconnecting and Guest Introduction

[01:37 - 03:05]

Ted Danson warmly welcomes Andy Richter to the podcast, highlighting their longstanding friendship and mutual respect forged through their time at Team Coco. Ted expresses excitement about delving deeper into Andy's experiences beyond superficial chats.

Notable Quote:
Ted Danson: “But after that show wrapped, life took them in different directions. This podcast is a chance to reconnect, both with each other and the amazing friends they’ve each met over the decades—that is, when Ted can get a hold of Woody!”
[01:37]

2. Personal Life and Marriage

[03:05 - 08:57]

The conversation shifts to Andy's personal life, specifically his marriage to Jennifer. Andy shares how he met Jennifer through dating apps after a 25-year marriage ended. He discusses the challenges and eventual success of finding a meaningful relationship where both partners are already fulfilled independently.

Notable Quotes:
Andy Richter: “I just added value to her life. I did not, I was not like filling in holes, you know what I mean?”
[07:03]

Ted Danson: “Was that one of the first times that you were with a woman like that? Because I did the same thing...”
[07:12]

Andy Richter: “I was feeling very happy and really loved the feeling that she didn't really need me...”
[07:05]

3. Comedy Philosophy and Ensemble Work

[08:10 - 21:04]

Andy and Ted dive into their philosophies on comedy, emphasizing the importance of ensemble work. Andy reflects on his preference for being part of a team rather than seeking individual stardom, highlighting the satisfaction derived from contributing to a collective effort.

Notable Quotes:
Andy Richter: “The shit that makes us laugh is not the good stuff. It is rank. It is bad.”
[21:04]

Ted Danson: “You wait for the person to go smack so you can. You're often running in the world of real reality...”
[19:42]

Andy Richter: “I never felt like that I had to kind of lower my standards to meet the audience's expectations.”
[63:06]

4. Early Career and Meeting Conan O'Brien

[26:43 - 63:03]

Andy recounts his journey from the Midwest to the entertainment industry, detailing his time at Columbia College in Chicago and his initial work in film production. He explains how he met Conan O'Brien through mutual friends at a party hosted by Bob Odenkirk, leading to their collaboration on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. They discuss the challenges faced during the show's inception, including network resistance and creative differences, and how their perseverance led to eventual success.

Notable Quotes:
Andy Richter: “We hit it off right away and we just were silly and funny together the way we have been for 30 plus years.”
[48:19]

Andy Richter: “I was very easy to fool. I, you know, I take things at face value...”
[50:42]

Ted Danson: “You start not looking for that completely...”
[21:21]

5. Podcast Insights and The Andy Richter Call In Show

[66:15 - 69:11]

Andy discusses his ventures into podcasting, particularly focusing on The Three Questions with Andy Richter and The Andy Richter Call In Show on SiriusXM. He explains the format of his call-in show, which centers around humorous disaster stories from listeners, preferring these over positive anecdotes for their comedic potential. Andy emphasizes the importance of guest hosts to keep the show dynamic and engaging.

Notable Quotes:
Andy Richter: “Tell me about, you know, when your brother fell down the stairs at your bar mitzvah. You know, that's the good stuff.”
[68:13]

Ted Danson: “Tell me about Andy Richter call in show.”
[66:41]

Andy Richter: “I have a guest host because, you know, I know well enough that you gotta have somebody that's there to plug something.”
[68:18]

6. Conclusion and Final Encouragements

[69:03 - 72:15]

As the conversation wraps up, Ted praises Andy's kindness and humor, reflecting on the privilege of sharing personal stories through the podcast. They encourage listeners to explore Andy's other projects, subscribe, and support the podcast by sharing and leaving reviews.

Notable Quotes:
Ted Danson: “And it is a privilege to sit down with people and get to know them. And it is a privilege to get to know you I will never bump into. Because we're in the same building a lot. I will never bump into you again without going, give me a hug.”
[69:11]

Andy Richter: “I was so happy to have you here.”
[66:15]

Ted Danson: “Tell a friend about us and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. If you're on Apple Podcasts, maybe give us a great rating and review.”
[70:08]

Key Takeaways:

• Mutual Respect and Value in Relationships: Andy emphasizes the importance of relationships where both parties add value without filling voids.

• Ensemble Over Solo Stardom: Both Ted and Andy advocate for the strength and satisfaction found in ensemble work within comedy and entertainment.

• Resilience in the Entertainment Industry: Andy shares his journey of perseverance through early career challenges and network resistance to achieve success.

• Innovative Approach to Comedy: The discussion highlights Andy's commitment to maintaining high comedic standards and his preference for humor rooted in real-life chaos and disasters.

• The Power of Personal Connections: The episode underscores the value of genuine connections and the privilege of sharing personal stories through platforms like podcasts.

This episode offers an intimate glimpse into Andy Richter's life, his approach to comedy, and his experiences in the entertainment world. Ted and Andy's candid conversation provides listeners with valuable insights and heartfelt moments, making it a memorable addition to the Where Everybody Knows Your Name series.