Podcast Summary: Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (Sometimes)
Episode: Jimmy Kimmel
Date: October 22, 2025
Host(s): Ted Danson (Woody Harrelson not present in this episode)
Guest: Jimmy Kimmel
Overview
This episode features an in-depth, wide-ranging conversation between Ted Danson and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, recorded a few days before Kimmel was briefly suspended from his show for outspoken political remarks (a topic both reflect on during the episode). The conversation navigates Kimmel’s personal life, family, comedic roots, the risks and responsibilities of being a public voice, behind-the-scenes stories from late-night TV, and the deep bonds of friendship, work, and community. The tone is comedic but heartfelt, moving seamlessly from laughs to vulnerability.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Opening Reflection on Speaking Out [00:32]
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Kimmel’s Perspective on Outspokenness:
- “I don't think of it as courage. I think of it as just obvious. I think of it as having really no choice but to talk about these things.” (Jimmy Kimmel, 00:32)
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Ted’s Intro Contextualizes the Episode:
- The episode was taped six days before Kimmel’s recent TV suspension for political commentary.
- Danson expresses gratitude for Kimmel’s return and lauds his broadcast talent.
2. Food, Family, and Domestic Life [01:53 - 04:43]
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Kimmel’s Love of Cooking:
- Describes his role as chief cook in the house, even making eggs for the dog each morning.
- “I make breakfast. I'm like a short order cook. ...I make the dog eggs every morning.” (Kimmel, 02:03)
- Enjoys late-night kitchen improvisation, especially Italian and grilled dishes.
- Shares a detailed process of throwing together soup and pasta late at night for his wife.
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Danson’s Take:
- Loves breakfast and lunch prep, but not much of a dinner chef.
- Emphasizes the satisfaction of making something out of “whatever’s in the refrigerator.”
3. Career Risks & 'Something About Amelia' [04:05 - 08:17]
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Kimmel on Ted’s Dramatic Role:
- Brings up Danson’s performance in the 1984 TV movie Something About Amelia, where Danson played a father committing incest—a sharp contrast to his “Cheers” persona.
- “You're Sam Malone, everybody's favorite guy, and somebody comes to you and says, we'd like you to play a man who rapes his daughter.” (Kimmel, 05:05)
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Danson’s Process and Motivation:
- Was drawn by the script, Glenn Close’s involvement, and director Randa Haines.
- Did not see it as risky at the time, emphasizing authenticity and “telling the truth” in the portrayal.
- Proud the film led to legislative changes: “...laws were changed around the world as a result of the show... literally, one Scandinavian country reconvened parliament the next day.” (Danson, 06:12)
- A personal anecdote years later, feeling “shame” and a new understanding after unexpectedly meeting the then-teen actress he’d worked with.
4. A Day in the Life of Jimmy Kimmel [08:30 - 10:40]
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Regimented Routine:
- Wakes at 6:45am, prepares breakfast, exercises, reads through 30 pages of jokes/scripts emailed by writers, rewrites and edits.
- Timeline:
- Kids off to school → gym → segment meetings over Zoom → arrives at work by 11:15am → rehearsal at 11:30am → further writing and editing → taping the show.
- “My day is regimented and every 15 minute period is accounted for.” (Kimmel, 08:36)
- Enjoys the “race against time” when breaking news changes the show’s comedy last minute.
- Notes competitive advantage as his show tapes later than rivals, allowing more current jokes.
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Family at Work:
- Molly (Kimmel’s wife) is head writer and executive producer; she leaves work slightly earlier than Jimmy.
- Danson praises Molly’s creativity and role in the Oscars’ 2023 show for fostering a sense of community among nominees.
5. Authenticity in Comedy & The Importance of Community [12:35 - 14:44]
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On Comedy Roasts:
- Kimmel laments how classic roasts lost authenticity when comedians roasted people they didn’t know, losing the special chemistry and permission that comes from real relationships.
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On Community and Friendship:
- Danson reflects that, despite deep affection for friends, he prefers going home to his wife over typical “guy time.”
- Kimmel echoes the sentiment, cherishing genuine conversation and connection, noting that podcasts create rare opportunities for heartfelt exchanges.
6. Woody Stories & The Domino’s Mix-Up [16:13 - 18:05]
- Classic Woody Harrelson Antics:
- Kimmel recounts having Woody and Owen Wilson over for pizza, misunderstanding their request to order “Domino’s” (the game, not the pizza chain), leading to much confusion and laughter.
- A tangent on how Woody’s dietary habits outstrip mere veganism.
7. Pranks & Work Culture at Jimmy’s Show [21:35 - 23:58]
- Current Prank at Work:
- Kimmel details an elaborate prank on his writers, Danny (snappy dresser) and Josh (less so): Josh wears the exact same outfit as Danny every day, using advance tips and a wardrobe assembled in secret.
- “Danny has lost his mind. …He knows he’s been pranked, but not how. He is certain that I’m behind this somehow.” (Kimmel, 22:59-23:03)
- The prank’s success roots in psychological warfare and office camaraderie.
8. On Celebrities and Fame: The George Clooney Story [24:21 - 26:49]
- Wild Fan Story:
- Danson retells a story from John Krasinski about a woman who, upon seeing George Clooney, leapt out of her moving car (with her child inside) just to approach him.
- Both hosts agree: their level of fame doesn’t inspire that kind of wild devotion.
9. Kimmel’s Approach to Political Commentary [26:59 - 34:50]
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Danson Praises Kimmel's Courage:
- Commends Kimmel’s authenticity, humor, and willingness to speak his mind even when controversial.
- “The courage you have to take on things that are just wrong—...that courage is really admirable. I really admire you.” (Danson, 26:59)
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Kimmel Pushes Back:
- Sees no choice but to discuss societal cruelty and injustice, especially regarding immigration and the co-opting of Christianity in politics.
- “It especially bothers me … that Christianity … has been co-opted and perverted... I think about what Jesus would think of this stuff... it seems pretty plain that he wouldn't approve...” (Kimmel, 27:39)
- Explains that speaking on these issues is a moral imperative, not an act of “courage.”
- Stresses the importance of humanizing issues (e.g., how exposure to Ellen DeGeneres changed perceptions of LGBTQ+ people).
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On Immigration:
- Decries anti-immigrant sentiment as cruel, illogical, and hypocritical; celebrates immigrants’ positive impact in California.
- “Even if you look at this issue selfishly... it does not make sense to kick these people out... it’s heartless. It’s cruel more than anything.” (Kimmel, 32:21)
- Danson and Kimmel reflect on the emotional toll of seeing injustice and the pressure, as public figures, to do more.
10. Late-Night Industry Stories — Transparency on Stephen Colbert's Exit [35:57 - 37:25]
- Danson asks about the departure of Stephen Colbert:
- Kimmel explains that official explanations (“losing $40 million a year”) are not credible.
- “When you hear things that are obviously lies, you have to assume that there are more lies behind it.” (Kimmel, 36:27)
11. Kimmel’s Career Arc: From Radio to Late Night [40:05 - 51:57]
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Early Influences and Radio:
- Childhood in Arizona; love for radio began in high school after encouragement by a friend.
- Idolized Howard Stern and David Letterman, deeply influenced by Letterman’s weird and subversive brand of late-night.
- Progressed from pranking local Las Vegas personalities to gaining real on-air presence and eventually radio gigs in Seattle and LA.
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Transition to TV:
- Landed TV opportunities because producers enjoyed his radio presence.
- First major TV job: "Win Ben Stein’s Money" (Comedy Central), leading to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
- How He Got the Late-Night Gig:
- ABC originally targeted Jon Stewart; ultimately chose Kimmel after executives liked his tape and personality—a decision he attributes to being “cheaper” (Kimmel, 48:18).
- Early days were chaotic, with frequent guest shortages and learning on the job, but persistence and authentic personality carried him through.
12. Family as the Heart of the Show [54:49 - 63:33]
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Uncle Frank & Guillermo:
- Uncle Frank (real title: security guard) became an on-air favorite for his lovable curmudgeon persona.
- Remarkable for his extreme gentleness as a policeman ("Never give a ticket to…"), generosity, and central role in the show's culture.
- Guillermo started as a parking lot security guard; his natural comedic presence became invaluable.
- “God sent him to me.” (Kimmel, 59:29)
- Multiple stories about placing Guillermo in physically and comedically challenging situations.
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Workplace as Family:
- Kimmel says the show is “literally a family” – involving cousins, siblings, and life-long friends.
- Emphasizes that meaningful relationships underpin both the spirit and ongoing success of the show.
13. Family, Fatherhood, and Meaning [67:23 - 70:22]
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Billy’s Health & Family Expansion:
- Kimmel shares updates on his son Billy, who is thriving after multiple heart surgeries, and on being a new grandfather.
- Also speaks to the affectionate dynamic among his children (ranging from toddler to adult).
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Danson & Family Traditions:
- Recent family trips, the joys of gathering kids and grandkids.
- Kimmel describes upcoming family journeys to Ireland to connect with long-lost relatives.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (by Timestamp)
- On Activism & Honesty:
- “I don't think of it as courage. I think of it as just obvious. I think of it as having really no choice but to talk about these things...” [Kimmel, 00:32]
- Ted on ‘Something About Amelia’
- “He was very loving. Sorry yes.” (Danson, 05:16) —Dark humor, but demonstrates Ted’s comfort with difficult material.
- On the Show’s Early Years:
- “My vision of hell ... is being forced to watch my first year of shows.” [Kimmel, 50:23]
- Kimmel’s On-air Family:
- “[Uncle Frank] only arrested six people in 20 years... Never gave a ticket to a woman. Never gave a ticket to a parent... Never gave a ticket to anybody. ... He was a character and he was loved immediately by everyone.” (Kimmel, 57:39-57:56)
- On Immigrants:
- “...these people … are just trying to improve their lives for their families, for themselves. ... Not only are they not a drain on our society, they're contributing a great deal to our society...” (Kimmel, 31:18-32:21)
- On Difficult Conversations:
- “Sometimes I hope, and maybe foolishly, that it will resonate with at least those people who don't have their minds completely made up.” (Kimmel, 29:18)
- On Family in Show Business:
- “They always say this show's like a family owner. Our show is. Yes, literally a family. ... And when my Uncle Frank died, there were so many stories about how involved he was in almost everyone at our show's lives.” (Kimmel, 63:00)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Opening reflections & introductory remarks: 00:32–01:55
- Cooking, routines, and breakfast rituals: 01:53–04:43
- Risk & legacy: ‘Something About Amelia’: 04:05–08:17
- Jimmy’s workday & Molly’s contributions: 08:30–12:35
- Comedy roasts, podcasting, friendship: 12:35–16:15
- Woody story: Domino’s confusion: 16:15–18:05
- Work pranks & psychology at the show: 21:41–23:58
- Fame: George Clooney story: 24:21–26:49
- Political courage, faith, and immigration: 26:59–34:50
- Late night industry insights (Colbert’s exit): 35:57–37:25
- Radio to late night: Kimmel’s journey: 40:05–51:57
- Family, Uncle Frank, Guillermo: 54:49–63:33
- Fatherhood & family connections: 67:23–70:22
- Endings & mutual admiration: 70:50–71:58
Overall Themes and Takeaways
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Authenticity & Courage:
- Both men embrace honesty, even when difficult or uncomfortable. Kimmel, especially, insists his TV platform obliges him to speak up about injustice—not out of bravery but necessity.
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Power of Community and Family:
- From how comedy works when rooted in real friendships, to forming a literal and figurative family at work, both Kimmel and Danson find strength, humor, and meaning in genuine connection.
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Impact Beyond Entertainment:
- Both hosts reflect on their roles in cultural shifts—Danson’s in shifting laws through acting, Kimmel’s in normalizing empathy for immigrants and the marginalized.
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Joy and Silliness:
- Despite heavy topics, the episode abounds with warmth, practical jokes, family tales, and camaraderie—showcasing how humor and humanity can thrive side-by-side.
Final Note
Deeply human and often moving, the episode offers a rare, behind-the-curtain view of two major public figures simply being themselves—flawed, earnest, and very funny. For Kimmel fans, late-night devotees, and those interested in the intersection of comedy, conscience, and community, this conversation is rich and revealing.