wavePod

Laura Dern (Re-Release) - Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes) | Wave AI Podcast Notes

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

Laura Dern (Re-Release)

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

Wed May 07 2025

Laura Dern is an all-time favorite guest, so we had to revisit her episode! She spoke to her buddies Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson about how she fell in love with acting, her joint memoir with her mom Diane Ladd, and why she dropped out of school to be in “Blue Velvet.” Stay tuned for all-new episodes, coming later this month! To help those affected by the Southern California wildfires, make a donation to World Central Kitchen today. Like watching your podcasts? Visit http://youtube.com/teamcoco to see full episodes.

Summary

**Summary of "Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)"
Episode: Laura Dern (Re-Release)
Release Date: May 7, 2025

Introduction and Reunion

In this heartfelt episode of "Where Everybody Knows Your Name", hosts Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson reunite with their longtime friend, acclaimed actress Laura Dern. Joined by Mary Steenburgen, the trio delves deep into their enduring friendships, shared histories, and the personal journeys that have shaped their lives since their days on the beloved sitcom "Cheers".

Laura Dern's Book: Honey Baby Mine

Mary Steenburgen opens the conversation by highlighting Laura Dern's latest literary work, "Honey Baby Mine". The book chronicles profound conversations between Laura and her mother, legendary actress Diane Ladd, offering insights into life, death, love, and personal growth.

Mary Steenburgen ([00:46]):
"Laura's a gem. I met her through my wife, Mary Steenburgen, and over the years, she's really been a true friend to not just me, but Woody as well."

Friendship and Unbreakable Bonds

The hosts reflect on their long-standing friendships, emphasizing the unique connections they've maintained over the decades. Laura expresses immense gratitude for Ted and Mary's unwavering support, especially during challenging times.

Laura Dern ([02:22]):
"You and Mary were the people who were literally dropping food off mom's door and always there, just incredible, extraordinary lovers of support and life and living."

Early Acting Experiences and Inspirations

Laura shares her formative experiences in the acting world, recounting her first encounter with director Martin Scorsese on "Blue Velvet". This pivotal moment ignited her passion for acting, illustrating the collaborative magic behind filmmaking.

Laura Dern ([05:30]):
"I watched two things. I watched 120 people, all with different passions, all with different crafts, come together to make one thing."

Navigating Mother-Daughter Relationships

A significant portion of the episode delves into Laura's relationship with her mother, Diane Ladd. They discuss the courage it took to have open and honest conversations about difficult topics, especially amidst Diane's severe health challenges.

Laura Dern ([29:47]):
"We decided to talk about everything. Anything we haven't talked about together, we're going to."

Lessons from Collaboration and Empathy

The conversation shifts to the invaluable lessons Laura has learned from working with industry titans like David Lynch and her acting teacher, Sondra Seacat. Emphasizing empathy and teamwork, Laura highlights how these experiences have enriched her craft and personal life.

Laura Dern ([08:06]):
"She was an incredible listener. We did a very well. Everything became an opportunity."

Personal Anecdotes and Growth

Laura shares personal stories that shed light on her upbringing and the challenges she faced as a young actress. Notably, she recounts a poignant moment when her mother prepared her for the real world by equipping her with contraception before embarking on her acting career.

Laura Dern ([35:18]):
"I was like, mom, I'm not having sex yet... you sent me with a suitcase full of birth control."

Using Celebrity for Positive Impact

The trio discusses the responsibilities that come with their fame. Laura acknowledges the influence of Ted and Woody in her philanthropic efforts, particularly her work with Oceanic conservation initiatives inspired by Ted Danson's activism.

Laura Dern ([40:38]):
"I just learned about Oceana because of Ted Danson."

Future Projects and Inspirations

Laura touches upon her recent projects, including "Wild" and "Big Little Lies", highlighting her collaborations with esteemed filmmakers and actors. She emphasizes her commitment to storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences.

Laura Dern ([48:14]):
"I had the privilege of knowing and working with Jean Marc Valet... same group as Big Little Lies."

Notable Quotes

Mary Steenburgen ([00:46]):
"Laura's a gem... it's a place to be known."
Woody Harrelson ([05:35]):
"She's the two greatest empaths I've ever met."
Laura Dern ([41:51]):
"They haven't had the conversations."

Final Reflections

As the episode draws to a close, Laura expresses her gratitude for the platform that allows such meaningful dialogues. Ted and Woody reciprocate her sentiments, celebrating their collective mission to foster connections and make a positive impact on the world.

Laura Dern ([52:29]):
"I'm super grateful that I learn from you guys every day about how to do it... care for this planet."

Conclusion

This episode serves as a poignant exploration of Laura Dern's personal and professional journey, her relationship with her mother, and the enduring friendships with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson. Through candid conversations and shared memories, listeners gain an intimate glimpse into the lives of these beloved actors, celebrating the power of vulnerability, support, and artistic collaboration.

Loading summary...

Transcript

Ted Danson (0:00)

Firehouse subs have teamed up with hot ones to bring bold, garlicky flavor to firehouse subs iconic hook and ladder sub. Introducing the zesty garlic hook and ladder loaded with crispy garlic chips, marinated onions, and hot ones. Garlic Fresno sauce piled high with signature hook and ladder smoked turkey and honey ham on a freshly toasted sub roll. Try the new zesty garlic hook and ladder today only for a limited time at firehouse subs at participating firehouse subs restaurants.

Woody Harrelson (0:27)

I want to call you wild angel.

Laura Dern (0:29)

Please do. I mean, that would be the most amazing nickname ever.

Mary Steenburgen (0:33)

Wild angel.

Woody Harrelson (0:34)

Yeah. I don't know how you shorten it. That's a lot of yeah. Wayne Gel.

Mary Steenburgen (0:46)

Welcome back to where everybody knows your name. This week we're going down memory lane and revisiting our conversation with the lovely Laura Dern. We'll have all new episodes for you later this month, which I'm super excited about, so keep on the lookout. Anyway, Laura's a gem. I met her through my wife, Mary Steenburgen, and over the years, she's really been a true friend to not just me, but Woody as well. In addition to her Oscars and Emmy winning roles, she is an author. Her book is called Honey baby mine, and it's a deep and soulful conversation with her mother, the the legendary actor Diane Ladd. We get into that. And even the time when she had to drop out of college to work on Blue Velvet. Can you imagine? Well, here she is, our dear friend, Laura Dern. I'm not pitching your book, even though I will tell you I've read about 100 pages and it is so beautiful. And the fact that you took your mom and wanted to extend her life by, you know, the doctors telling you that if she walked, she would expand her lungs and she'd get better, and it was the last thing she wanted to do. And you decided, let's just talk. We'll have fun talking. And then you realized it was a great thing and recorded it. But it was the most loving thing. I've grown to love you even more as a result of reading this book. It was such a generous act of child to mom. Really, really love it.

Laura Dern (2:22)

Well, first of all, thank you, Ted. But I have to say, as the shout out to my children's godfather, during that time, you and Mary were the people who were literally dropping food off mom's door and always there, just incredible, extraordinary lovers of support and life and living.

Mary Steenburgen (2:44)

Laura Dern (13:15)

But one of the things. I mean, speaking of acting or the opportunities to be creative people and storytellers that moved me so much about the scene Woody referred to is we were working in an active prison and we were standing outside. They, you know, walked us around the back to an entrance where we could access this visitor's room that we were gonna use for this scene. And if you remember, we were in the parking lot and trying to find this very emotional scene and moment that also has to find super scary and funny things in it. But it's heartbreaking. And right before we walked in, what was beautiful is instead of being busy knowing how to act and knowing what we were about to do in the scene, we both came with complete innocence and, like, we don't know what's gonna happen. And it was a new scene. And so we agreed to allow ourselves to have the experience of honoring where we were. We didn't need anything but the walk itself and all the people we came in contact with and the pain in that building and the longing in that building and the loneliness in that building and all the stories, all the lies, you know, like, in the story, right there's my truth, your truth, and then the truth. And obviously, in the brokenness of the justice system in this country, like, we have no idea what people are carrying in that space or what's been projected onto them. So by the time we got to that visitor's room, we were both ready because it's always all around you. And I'm so lucky that I worked with David lynch. I've worked with him my whole life. But I started working with him at 17 because he is open to everything. And everything is kind of a miracle to David. Like, if there's a thunderstorm, so you can't shoot the scene where you're meant to, and you have to run and race around and find another location, it's because that location is the perfect location. We were meant to be at this new location, you know, and so I woke up to like, oh, it's all here for us. It's not, you know, and hopefully, like the book with my mom or anything else in life, we're here for each other in this moment. We have this opportunity. That's the high art of life, you know? But we often don't tell each other the truth, don't talk to each other, Block out the noise. We think it's noise on a movie set so we can do our job that we've decided we're supposed to do when it's. There is no plan. I mean, in a way, I think.

Laura Dern (32:09)

Gender and old fashioned models and everything. So I went insane and I brought it up. And she was like, yeah, I'm still hurt that you and Ben were so upset. You got so angry at me and all I was trying to do. And I was like. And the more we talked about it, the angrier I got. And the fight got bigger. And now we're doing press about the book and the fight's even bigger. So what's amazing is it's about having the courage to have the conversations. It's about speaking what has been unsaid. It's about listening to each other. It's not about agreeing, it's not even about forgiving. Because maybe in your family, the hope isn't even forgiveness. Maybe the wounds are too great. But hearing each other, especially at such a radically divisive time in this country where families can't get together for Thanksgiving, they won't speak because of political, radical, different opinions. But to listen to each other, to listen to another point of view and have heard each other's experience and certainly the biggest healing for mom. And I was talking about being working mothers and I confronted my mom about how lonely I felt when she would leave. And she had no choice and she loved her work. And you made very little money as an actor and specifically an actress in my mom's generation, early on, and we were living in a small apartment and she had to do her job whenever she had the chance, but it still hurt. And as a kid, I never wanted her to feel bad. I didn't think I had room to share my experience. But I did hear. And the minute I said, I just gotta let you know, it hurt. She was like, what are you talking about? Are you kidding? You Met incredible people because of my career. And you got to travel the world. And when I would leave, you were so happy I was gone. You got to be with your grandma, who would spoil you. I'm like, mom, you're not hearing me. You're justifying the leaving instead of hearing how hard it was. And she was like, you're right, Laura. Oh, my God. I love hearing your point of view. We had this beautiful walk and talk, and then I went home, and Jai was like, oh, mom, tomorrow night's the rehearsal for the play, and parents can come. And I was like, oh, babe, I'm leaving to start the movie. She was crushed. She was like, mom, you can't leave. I was like, you're gonna be so happy I'm gone, Jaya. Are you kidding me? And I stopped myself in the middle of it. I was like, oh, my God, Jaya. I'm my mother. I'm so sorry. What does that feel like? And so by our honest conversations, it has really shifted my relationship with the kids.