Octavia Spencer

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" Featuring Octavia Spencer

Episode Title: Octavia Spencer
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Hosts: Ted Danson & Woody Harrelson (sometimes)
Guest: Octavia Spencer

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1. Introduction and Personal Connections

Ted Danson opens the episode with heartfelt admiration for Octavia Spencer, reminiscing about their historic connection from the sitcom “Cheers” and expressing his desire to reconnect and celebrate her illustrious career.

Ted Danson ([00:45]):
"Every time I see you at some event... you put out so much light and happiness in the world that I just gotta hug you."

Octavia Spencer reciprocates the warmth, acknowledging the foundational support she received from Ted and his wife, Mary Steenburgen, during the early stages of her career.

Octavia Spencer ([02:26]):
"I have had the great fortune of working with you and Mary in the formative parts of my career... I can't say thank you enough for extending me that grace and kindness, both of you."

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2. Early Life and Overcoming Adversity

The conversation delves into Octavia’s upbringing as the sixth of seven siblings in Alabama. She shares the profound impact of losing both parents at a young age—her father at 13 and her mother at 17—and how her older siblings stepped in to fill the void.

Octavia Spencer ([09:19]):
"I'm the sixth of seven... I lost my father when I was 13, my mom when I was 17."

Ted Danson empathizes with the trauma and emphasizes the importance of being "witnessed" by loved ones, highlighting how crucial her siblings were in her journey.

Ted Danson ([11:27]):
"To be witnessed is like everything."

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3. Educational Pursuits and Career Beginnings

Initially aspiring to become a lawyer, Octavia pivoted to acting and producing following her mother's passing. She recounts her early experiences in high school, including participating in choir and discovering her passion for performing arts.

Octavia Spencer ([12:50]):
"I have to say that was the most difficult book to get... but it was an accident, but it was, I think, again, led to me being the person that I am."

She discusses her education at Auburn, majoring in English and minoring in journalism and acting, before moving to Los Angeles to hone her craft in film rather than Broadway.

Octavia Spencer ([16:24]):
"I think everyone should train through the theater. There's no better way to learn the craft."

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4. Transition to Producing and Building Industry Relationships

Octavia elaborates on her transition into producing, detailing her role in “Fruitvale Station” and her hands-on approach to securing funding and assembling the production team. She highlights the significance of cultivating relationships within the industry, mentioning key collaborations with Jonathan King and Peter Farrelly.

Octavia Spencer ([43:49]):
"I am always an active producer... putting the puzzle pieces together."

Her collaboration on "Green Book" is particularly noteworthy, where she played a pivotal role in ensuring authenticity and sensitivity in storytelling.

Octavia Spencer ([45:39]):
"I thought, we need to tell this story... I wanted to be a part of it because I thought it was an important story to tell."

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5. Launching “Family Recipe Showdown”

A major highlight of the episode is the discussion about Octavia’s new competition show, “Family Recipe Showdown.” She describes it as more than just a cooking show; it’s a homage to Southern cuisine and family heritage, emphasizing recipe lineage and the cultural significance of passing down culinary traditions.

Octavia Spencer ([29:39]):
"It is the best cooking show for me because I am the taste expert."

She shares anecdotes about filming, including humorous moments and lessons learned from collaborating with renowned Southern chef Duke Chase.

Octavia Spencer ([32:34]):
"You have to sweat the vegetables... making them moist."

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6. Insights on Acting, Producing, and Maintaining Morale

Octavia and Ted delve into the dynamics of balancing acting and producing roles on set. Octavia emphasizes the importance of preparation, adaptability, and fostering a positive environment to keep crew morale high.

Octavia Spencer ([52:22]):
"I need to be Tom Brady with the scene work... keep crew morale high."

She discusses the demanding nature of production schedules and the necessity of being "over-prepared" to handle the fast-paced environment effectively.

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7. The Role of Art in Society and Personal Philosophy

The conversation shifts to Octavia’s philosophy on the role of art and entertainment in society. She believes that artistic endeavors can provide hope, offer respite, and inspire positive change without being judgmental.

Octavia Spencer ([60:31]):
"I try to exist in a place of gratitude... Being an artist is a privilege."

She underscores the importance of expressing diverse perspectives through art to foster understanding and empathy among audiences.

Octavia Spencer ([66:57]):
"Through artistic endeavors... we can shine a light."

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8. Closing Thoughts and Mutual Respect

As the episode concludes, both Ted and Octavia express mutual respect and admiration. Octavia reflects on the significance of her work and her commitment to being a positive force in the community and the world.

Octavia Spencer ([71:32]):
"We have to appeal to our better angels... be those better angels."

Ted Danson ([73:26]):
"You are my favorite kind of actor. You're a character actor that can go anywhere."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Octavia Spencer ([12:50]):
  "I have to say that was the most difficult book to get... but it was an accident, but it was, I think, again, led to me being the person that I am."

• Ted Danson ([52:22]):
  "I need to be Tom Brady with the scene work... keep crew morale high."

• Octavia Spencer ([60:31]):
  "I try to exist in a place of gratitude... Being an artist is a privilege."

• Ted Danson ([73:26]):
  "You are my favorite kind of actor. You're a character actor that can go anywhere."

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Conclusion

This episode of "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" offers an intimate glimpse into Octavia Spencer’s remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a celebrated actress and executive producer. Through candid conversations, Octavia shares her dedication to her craft, her passion for Southern traditions, and her unwavering commitment to fostering hope and empathy through her work. The episode not only highlights her professional achievements but also her personal philosophies, making it a rich and engaging listen for fans and newcomers alike.

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Transcript

[Ted Danson]

Where everybody knows your name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson sometimes is brought to you by progressive insurance. Do you ever find yourself playing the budgeting game? Well, with the name your price tool from progressive, you can find options that fit your budget and potentially lower your bills. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and and affiliates price and coverage match limited by state law. Not available in all states.

[Octavia Spencer]

Sweat the vegetables. What if they're not athletic? I don't understand.

[Ted Danson]

Welcome back to where everybody knows your name. Today I'm joined by Octavia Spencer, a brilliant Oscar winning actor and executive producer who demands your attention no matter what project she's in. Whether it's hidden figures, the shape of water, the help or Fruitvale station, her range is extraordinary and it's just a joy to spend time with her. Octavia's the host of a new competition show combining her love of family, friends and southern food. It's called family recipe showdown. And. And it just premiered on Food network and hbo. Max, here she is, Octavia Spencer. Every time I see you at some event, because that's usually where it is, I try to jockey into a position where I can give you a big hug. And it's probably wanted or not I gotta hug you because you're one of those people. You're so incredibly talented and I'm a snob when it comes to actors and you put out so much light and happiness in the world that I just gotta hug you.

[Octavia Spencer]

Thank you for saying that.

[Ted Danson]

Yes. And before I go on, there's some people wanted to say hello. Mary. My wife, Mary Steenbergen sends all her love.

[Octavia Spencer]

I love Mary.

[Ted Danson]

And I just got off the phone with David Stanwell.

[Octavia Spencer]

I love Dave. You know, Dave's my glam guy.

[Ted Danson]

I know, I know. And Mary's too. And he doesn't gossip, but he does fill his in on where you are and all of that. So he sends much love.

[Octavia Spencer]

Well, can I say something before we. Since we're loving each other on air?

[Ted Danson]

I was waiting for this, but go ahead, please.

[Octavia Spencer]

You know, I have had the great fortune of working with you and Mary in the formative parts of my career. That's great. And you were both people that I revered and the fact that I got to work with you and learn from you is something that I hold very dear. So you were always kind. Always. I just remember being on two of your sets and just. I can't say thank you enough for extending me that grace and kindness, both of you.

[Ted Danson]

Wow. Well, thank you for saying that.

[Octavia Spencer]

There's my hug. There's.

[Ted Danson]

My gosh. It's awkward to get hugged, isn't it? Sorry, sorry. I'm sorry. I've been hugging you so much.

[Octavia Spencer]

No, it's not. No, I'll take it.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah. We worked together on Becker. I tried to find the clip, but it doesn't seem to be out there in the world. But Mary remembers you. She. What was the name?

[Octavia Spencer]

The Grass Harp.

[Ted Danson]

Oh, my God. That was the first.

[Octavia Spencer]

That was the first time in my hometown.

[Ted Danson]

Marilyn Hotchkiss.

[Octavia Spencer]

Marilyn Hotchkiss. Exactly.

[Ted Danson]

It was before that. It was before.

[Octavia Spencer]

It was way, way, way when I. Back when I was still living in Alabama.

[Ted Danson]

Wow. I don't even know what year that was, but it was.

[Octavia Spencer]

I don't even trying to forget. I'm gonna say. I'm gonna say 2000. But it was in the 19s.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah. The grass Harp.

[Octavia Spencer]

The Grass Harp. With Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon and directed by Walter, Walter's son. Yes. Yes.

[Ted Danson]

That was the first time Mary picked up an accordion.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yes.

[Ted Danson]

Stuck with her. She's still doing it.

[Octavia Spencer]

Oh, my God.

[Ted Danson]

Oh, wow.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yeah, we go way, way back.

[Ted Danson]

Well, I remember her telling me, and I came to the set once and I think I may have met you. Let me get the full name. Yeah. Marion Marilyn Hotchkiss. Ballroom dancing and charm school. A long mouthful, but really a charming film. But she said she couldn't take. You had a smaller part and she couldn't take her eyes off you. And she said, if there's a God in heaven, this person will be a big, huge star. And looky, looky, there's a God in heaven.

[Octavia Spencer]

Thank you, God.

[Ted Danson]

I'll leave you alone in a second. But then the Help. Mary had played the part of the publisher in New York, but it was only like two days. But we came down and I got to meet you and that amazing cast. And that was a seriously.

[Octavia Spencer]

I mean, talk about the God in heaven working with all to get Sissy Spacek, Mary and Cicely Tyson all on one set with me, Viola, Jessica, Jani. I mean, Emma. I just think back and I'm so grateful because, again, formative years as an.

[Ted Danson]

Actor, you know, and it was brilliant. And your performance is iconic and brilliant and also pretty cool. That it was. Isn't Tate?

[Octavia Spencer]

Yeah. Tate was the director of the Help Is a Friend.

[Ted Danson]

Tell me about that. We're going to meander all over the place because we are going to talk about your cooking show that's coming up. It's more than a cooking show.

[Octavia Spencer]

It's more than a cooking show because I don't cook.

[Ted Danson]

So it's about South. It's about the South. It's about great food and family, and I can't wait to talk to you about that. But staying with this, how did Tate come into your life? Because he was also the man who said, go to la, right? He was a big part of your life.

[Octavia Spencer]

Well, what happened was we were both production assistants on A Time to Kill.

[Ted Danson]

Your first on screen.

[Octavia Spencer]

My first on screen role. And it was. I still remember my lines. Innocent. Innocent. We won. We won. I played Sandra Bullock's nurse, but he worked in the production office as a production office pa and I worked in extras casting as an extras casting pa, which is where I worked the department. I worked in on the Grass Harp with Mary. Excuse me. And so we became friends. I'm trying to think. There are other people that were on that set as well. Tate got a house sitting gig after we wrapped that project, and I thought, well, he's gonna go live in Hollywood for free just watching somebody's house. I bet I could get a gig like that. So I said, I'm going too, and I've got a house sitting gig. And we became friends with. I think he actually met Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone in the Groundlings. The people who were in my life largely then are still in my life now. And we just came up through the ranks together. He was pursuing acting and writing and then kind of dropped the acting and focused on directing. And Melissa and Ben were doing it all. So you kind of strike out on your own. But I think this industry is also about the relationships that you foster. Because Ben and Melissa also, we did all of their short films. I did every short film Tate did. And so I won in the end, you know, by getting a paying gig from both of them.

[Ted Danson]

Right. Melissa is another one of those big hearted, huge, talented people I just adore.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yeah, I love, love them.

[Ted Danson]

Both of them.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yes.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah.

[Octavia Spencer]

So I've been very fortunate with the relationships in my life that also helped me work wise. I mean, Tate, with the help Melissa and Ben and I, we finally work together on Thunder Force. And we're constantly. Even now we're still coming up with ideas that we want to do together. Because you want to go to work and enjoy the people that you work with. Right.

[Ted Danson]

Because they're huge. Long, hard, fun, but hard days. And if they're not fun, you're a silly person.

[Octavia Spencer]

Exactly. Why do it? I do it.

[Ted Danson]

All right, Start in the beginning. You're one of Seven.

[Octavia Spencer]

I am the sixth of seven kids. Yeah. Well, I can't say that I'm a kid anymore. I just turned 55. I can't believe it. But I'm the sixth of seven.

[Ted Danson]

And this is a terrible question to ask out of the blue, but how is everybody?

[Octavia Spencer]

Everybody's great.

[Ted Danson]

Oh, good.

[Octavia Spencer]

I'm very fortunate to. Still. There's still seven of us, and so still. It's kind of funny because whenever you go home, the hierarchy is there. And my siblings still treat me as if I'm the sixth of seven. You know, I'm like, I'm a grownup.

[Ted Danson]

You sit over there. Fancy pants, Little Miss Hollywood.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yeah, yeah. No, no, you're the sixth of seven.

[Ted Danson]

Because you lost both your parents. All of you did. Fairly early on.

[Octavia Spencer]

Fairly early on. And my older siblings really took on the role of taking care of me and my younger sister.

[Ted Danson]

How much older were they?

[Octavia Spencer]

We're all like two years apart from the oldest to the youngest. So my youngest sister is two years younger than me. My sister that's immediately above me is two years and then two years.

[Ted Danson]

So one of them was 30 years old. When you lost your mother or your father?

[Octavia Spencer]

I lost my father when I was 13, my mom when I was 17. Right, so.

[Ted Danson]

So that you were able. No one else came into the household. It was just.

[Octavia Spencer]

It was just the siblings. The siblings. It was just. And we had to figure it out. We are. We are really tight. You know, the people that you love the most will also, you know, tap dance on that last nerve. But. But they also are the ones that you, you know, you race to give good news or you call. You know, they are your counsel, you know, so it's. I can't imagine not having them and. Or going through life without them, you know, especially then, because they helped me grow as a woman. You know, to lose your mom, to lose your parents early on as quite traumatic.

[Ted Danson]

Quite. Yeah. And to have people who witness you, even though your parents aren't there, they've witnessed you. Some of them, from the very beginning is so important. To be witnessed is like everything.

[Octavia Spencer]

Everything.

[Ted Danson]

So how did you go? All right. High school.

[Octavia Spencer]

High school. Well, the high school. It was kind of funny. I had always wanted. I remember watching the Emmys. It was either the Emmys or the Academy Awards. I would watch with my mom. My mom was really funny. We had a television that didn't have a remote, so she used one of the six of seven to stand next to the television and change the channels, and it was my turn to change to be the remote that day. And I was flipping through the channels, and everybody's all dressed up and glittery, and they were getting prizes. And I thought, well, what are they? Because I loved. They were just glamorous. And how old were you? I would have to say I was.

[Ted Danson]

About seven, which is very impressionable.

[Octavia Spencer]

Very, very impressionable age. And I knew then that I wanted to do whatever it was that they were doing where they got prizes and they got to dress up and be beautiful. But you are a girl.

[Ted Danson]

Girl, girl.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yeah. And it was because I was remote for the day.

[Ted Danson]

That's amazing.

[Octavia Spencer]

And my mom never discouraged us because she wanted us to have big dreams and goals for ourselves. But she perhaps wanted me to be a doctor or a lawyer. And I am too much of a germaphobe to be a doctor. I mean, can you imagine looking through a microscope and you let me hug you?

[Ted Danson]

I don't know.

[Octavia Spencer]

No, no. Well, no, no. That's crazy. No, germaphobe. You know, to the extent of. Is it catching? Are you sick? Is it catching? But not so afraid that, you know, you can't interact with people. And so I did get to perform a lot in high school, but I decided that I was actually going to be a lawyer because my mother was still alive. And when she passed away, I then had to determine how I was going to live my life, whether I was going to pursue my own dreams, which I still love, the law. And I decided that I was going to. I don't know how I got here, Ted, but pursue acting and producing. I actually wanted to be a producer before, actually.

[Ted Danson]

Wow.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yeah.

[Ted Danson]

And at what age did you. Because I looked at your credits again, and you have executive producer, producer all over the place.

[Octavia Spencer]

I didn't even realize what they did, but I always thought I liked putting people together and problem solving and coming up with ideas. And I didn't know at the time that that was called a producer.

[Ted Danson]

Right.

[Octavia Spencer]

And I always liked working. You know, it's like working in the mailroom. You learn every job and you appreciate things, you know, so it was everything that happened to me, it was an accident, but it was, I think, again, led to me being the person that I am. I really love producing, and it was all by accident.

[Ted Danson]

What about the acting training? Cause you didn't just want to be famous.

[Octavia Spencer]

I didn't want to be.

[Ted Danson]

You did something about it by.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yes. Well, it takes being cut completely out of a film to realize you might need to be trained. But it was kind of funny. My mom. It was one of the things that she instilled in us. For every job you do, no matter what it is, you're going to have to train for it. If you're gonna be a fry cook, somebody's gonna have to teach you how to, you know, cook the fries. And I thought about that and when I came to. And I think everyone should train through the theater. I mean, there is just. There's no better way to learn the craft. So I took acting classes at Auburn. I was a minor. Well, I was going to be a lawyer, so I was an English major, but journalism and acting were my minors. And then I moved to LA and actually started studying technique. And I didn't go the route of New York, I went the way of film.

[Ted Danson]

Film?

[Octavia Spencer]

Yeah.

[Ted Danson]

I dabbled in New York till it was very clear that I wasn't gonna be on Broadway singing and dancing.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yeah, I can't sing or dance, nor.

[Ted Danson]

I should've dragged on a lot sooner than it did. But, you know, it's interesting because a lot of people who want to be actors, you know, the best thing to learning how to be an actor before you actually start taking classes is to have a great education. Because all you have to draw on later in life is you.

[Octavia Spencer]

Exactly.

[Ted Danson]

You know, so the more educated, the more curious, the more all of that that you are, the better the chances are, the better the actor you'll be.

[Octavia Spencer]

I agree, I agree. And because, you know, what I've learned in my ripe old age is we're just as actors, we are detectives, you know, we are observers of people. And when you're playing a character, you have to get to the root of why people act the way they do. And you know, so that's.

[Ted Danson]

And do it in a non judgmental.

[Octavia Spencer]

Way because you cannot effectively play a character that you judge.

[Ted Danson]

Right.

[Octavia Spencer]

And so that was the thing for me. But learning all of that, just putting it all in the kitchen sink, learning the technique, but. But then actually executing it on, you know, whether it's stage or film every day or television was truly, it was, you know, hit or miss, but it was a culmination of all of those things.

[Ted Danson]

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[Octavia Spencer]

We definitely were part of a church. It was a very small church and me and my other siblings were the choir members. Those poor people who had to listen to us sing. Oh God.

[Ted Danson]

Please get to the sermon. Get to the sermon.

[Octavia Spencer]

That choir, they're all related. And somebody should tell their mom that they cannot sing. It was pretty funny. My mom was the mistress of ceremony. She did all of. So I've always been a performer, but you know what I mean? But it was for church. So now I know that I can't carry a tune too far.

[Ted Danson]

But I've always known we're not jumping ahead. But tell me, was cooking and food and kitchen a big, huge part of your life?

[Octavia Spencer]

Yes, it was.

[Ted Danson]

I mean, who cooked in the.

[Octavia Spencer]

My mom and my sisters. I was too young to be a part of the cooking for the family. But, you know, I wasn't too young to clean. So my sisters, I would be in the kitchen. And it's still one of my favorite things to do, watch people prepare meals. And I still watch. Cause I still have that mentality. You're too young to deal with the knife. So, you know, I like to be in the kitchen.

[Ted Danson]

I love, I also love to clean. I'm happy to clean.

[Octavia Spencer]

I'm happy to clean because I also know that I can't eat anything that I've prepared for myself after it's cooled down. So I'm happy to have other people cook. I'm happy to clean and be that guest who is always invited back because I'm happy to clean.

[Ted Danson]

And you're a grand appreciator.

[Octavia Spencer]

Grand. I'm the best, most appreciative guest.

[Ted Danson]

You're like, mary grew up in Arkansas, which is south, which is Southern cooking, which is. I grew up in Arizona and bless my mother's heart, we had grate, we had beef, you know, because there was cattle everywhere. There were sheep, so there was lamb and roast beef. And then frozen. Everything else. Frozen peas, frozen lima beans, frozen, you know, so cooking was not a leg of lamb. Definitely. She was wonderful at that, and she was a great entertainer. But food. I'm very jealous of Mary's upbringing and yours, because food in the south, even in the 50s, 60s, was really good.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yes. And my mother was an exquisite cook. And a couple of my siblings know how to. They're not as good as. Well, let me not say that, because then I won't be invited back to dinner. One of my sisters is amazing. The others each have their own. Like one of my sisters we go to for all the barbecuing and all the smoking. She is that person. Another sister is great with the baking. They each learned something from my mom. I didn't. I would always say, you know what? I'll call home if I want to figure that out. So now I live in the world of frozen vegetables and bagged salads and, you know, all those things that I really shouldn't be doing, which is why having a cooking show is. Is the most hilarious idea. But also, I get to benefit, as I do in life by having other people cook, and I get to sample.

[Ted Danson]

Okay, let's go there. I was enchanted with the trailer, and I watched, I think, half of the first episode before you got here. It's called what Family Recipe Showdown. Which, first off, right away, the title, I think says something about the show in that it's not who's the best cook. No, it's show us your recipe from your family that just kicked ass and let us. So you get to examine. I think it's gonna stay Southern for a while.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yeah, I love Southern cuisine. I love it, and I think it should stay Southern for a while. And then I might want to, you know, go to New England. But right now, I'm happy to say give me something Southern, because that might mean a crust of some sort or fried in some way.

[Ted Danson]

How about a fried peach pie?

[Octavia Spencer]

You hear me?

[Ted Danson]

You hear me? And the fact that it's recipe that is oriented because recipes like a family lineage, just like, you know, it's like Skip Gates going back and tracing your ancestry. You can go back and trace recipes back to your great grandparents, especially if you're from the South.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yes, you can. And then the other thing that is very big in the south is passing on the cookware, you know, skillets. Yeah. It's a big deal, cooking, because when you think about how important meals are in our lives, you fall in love over meals. You. You make big business deals over Meals. And then you create lifetime memories with family over meals, and so they better be delicious.

[Ted Danson]

Helps.

[Octavia Spencer]

It does help. It does help. And again, some of my fondest memories growing up just being in the kitchen, watching my mom and sisters prepare dinner.

[Ted Danson]

So tell me about your partnership with Duke.

[Octavia Spencer]

Duke.

[Ted Danson]

Duck. Sorry. Oh, my God.

[Octavia Spencer]

Book. It's book and duck.

[Ted Danson]

Duck, yeah.

[Octavia Spencer]

Duke Chase.

[Ted Danson]

Yes, yes. Who is hugely famous in New Orleans.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yes.

[Ted Danson]

And owns many restaurants. And is the guy in town.

[Octavia Spencer]

He is the guy in town and couldn't be a nicer man.

[Ted Danson]

But.

[Octavia Spencer]

But I tell you, an amazing. Talk about the most amazing Southern chef going into that restaurant, and it's. Oh, man. At least 100 years old and tasting their family recipes. Oh. And it's just consistent. But to get your heart broken by duck, you know, this is delicious.

[Ted Danson]

But.

[Octavia Spencer]

But, you know, I think in the contest. In the contest, it's like, you know what? I'm not so sad, you know, because I got to cook for, you know, Duck Chase. And, you know, I'm the person that. I mean, if it tastes good, I'm going to be your biggest champion and be sad to see you go. But duck is the expert of technique and what. How things should taste and procedure. Not me. I don't even know.

[Ted Danson]

Are there always three couples? Always three that are somehow related. Family. Because it's family recipe, and they win. Whoever wins at the end of that episode wins $10,000, which ain't too shabby. Is that a day, by the way? Is that take place in a day?

[Octavia Spencer]

In a day.

[Ted Danson]

So that's actually really good money. That's very cool. How did it come to be? Whose idea?

[Octavia Spencer]

Well, Reese Witherspoon and I, there's a powerhouse. Powerhouse, wonderful producer. And Lauren Neustadter, who works with Reese. Lauren and Reese and I, we had a show on Apple tv. And it was during the pandemic that Lauren and I would call each other. We're not really cooks. And so imagine it was before any of the restaurants were opening back up. One who cannot cook. I was eating sandwiches all the time. And Lauren would say, hey, I bought this rice cooker and I made rice. And we would just laugh at any sort of triumph in the kitchen that was that we made it through, and she has a family. And one day we decided we got together for lunch, and we were laughing and thinking about how horrible we were getting through on the eating end because we both enjoy eating other people's cooking. And we just started talking about how fundamental cooking is and how much fun we each had growing up about, you know, watching cooking and participating and cooking with family. And we just came up with the idea, like, at lunch one day, like, we should do this. Because, Octavia, wouldn't it be funny if you had a cooking show and you don't know how to cook? And I was like, I don't understand what we would be doing. Nobody would believe it. And it is the best cooking show for me because I am the taste expert. You know, if it doesn't pass my taste buds, it's not gonna pass.

[Ted Danson]

And you're way in for the audience.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yes.

[Ted Danson]

You know. Cause most of the audience, most of us out there are you, you know, in relationship to food.

[Octavia Spencer]

And there are so many of us who really don't know how to cook. And, you know, Duke is so amazing. He was talking, you know, to some of the contestants about giving them real instruction, you know, after they go through their family recipe. And then when they're on to the final round, which none of them knew, it was always a surprise. They never knew that there was going to be a celebrity guest at the end of the. No one ever knew. So it was always the biggest surprise. And so Duck would always give instruction. And I remember him saying things like, well, you have to sweat the vegetables. And, you know, cooking 101. Sweat the vegetables. What if they're not athletic? I don't understand. What do you mean? Like, for those of us who don't know cooking terminology. What does that mean?

[Ted Danson]

It sounds like, don't worry about it. Don't sweat the vegetables.

[Octavia Spencer]

Don't sweat the vegetables. No, no, you have to sweat them. You're gonna put a little olive oil and a little stock, and you're just gonna. Oh, so you're sweating them, making them moist. Okay. So I learned a lot being in the kitchen with him.

[Ted Danson]

It sounded like you learned a lot. Yes.

[Octavia Spencer]

I haven't applied it yet, because my thing. Well, after we did the show, I immediately went to Prague, and I didn't really understand the stuff. The ovens, like, they were the. You have to have the metal bottoms that were magnetic. I can't think of it. Only because I. Oh, the ones that.

[Ted Danson]

You can put your hand on, it won't get burned.

[Octavia Spencer]

I did not understand it. I was just standing there like, this thing is broken for, like, weeks. He put the pot on, and I finally just said, you know what? I'm not going to cook here. I'm just not gonna cook, you know, and what will I cook anyway? So I'm excited now to be back in my own kitchen. To try and utilize some of the things that I learned from Duke.

[Ted Danson]

You gotta have your sisters on, don't you?

[Octavia Spencer]

Well, that will be in some part of the near future. Because you know, the one that thinks they know you know everything. Remember I told you there's a hierarchy?

[Ted Danson]

Yeah, yeah.

[Octavia Spencer]

You know, it's my show. But then they'll say I'm the one who knows how to cook. I can't believe you have the cooking show.

[Ted Danson]

I'm assuming they don't listen to this podcast.

[Octavia Spencer]

I'm going to make sure that they don't listen to this episode because.

[Ted Danson]

Oh, great.

[Octavia Spencer]

This episode. I'm gonna get in a lot of trouble, Ted. A lot of trouble. But no, I will eventually have them on because, you know, it was just so much fun to witness and participate in because, again, I get so much joy being in a kitchen.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah. As a plug. I really enjoyed watching it.

[Octavia Spencer]

Thank you.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah. And I love southern cooking and the little I know about it through Mary and her family's recipes, one of which is hysterical. It's called Corn spoon Puddin, and it's a box of this, a tube of that. It's like you hide the recipes from anyone, you know, the ingredients. I mean, you just don't want them to see it. But. Oh, my God, yes. Butter. Oh, my God. Is it delicious? You know, it's just amazing. But yeah. So thumbs up. Good for you.

[Octavia Spencer]

Thank you.

[Ted Danson]

And will you do it again if asked?

[Octavia Spencer]

If asked. Absolutely. Absolutely.

[Ted Danson]

It is fun.

[Octavia Spencer]

It was the most hilarious thing. It was hilarious because I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew that I was having a good time. And all the contestants were just so much fun to watch. And they made really good meals.

[Ted Danson]

Are you a little jump around here? Black eyed peas on New Year's Day?

[Octavia Spencer]

Absolutely.

[Ted Danson]

With collard greens.

[Octavia Spencer]

With collard greens. And I like a little ham hock because each thing represents something. Good luck. Money. Well, it's good luck and money and health. So each of those. I forget which. The color greens. Leafy greens is leafy money. The black eyed peas is the luck. I can't think of what the health is.

[Ted Danson]

Ironically. It's probably the ham hock.

[Octavia Spencer]

Exactly. I like a little ham hock.

[Ted Danson]

If you're really healthy, you can deal with this ham. That's funny. So I was listening to your Oscar accepted speech. How many Oscars do you have? Two. No, I have three nominations.

[Octavia Spencer]

I have three nominations and one win.

[Ted Danson]

Right. I used to look at you and think, well, we're kind of similar, our careers. I started off small. And I was, I'm not saying this was you, but I would be, you know, background in a commercial and be thrilled in New York any, any time to get in front of a camera anyhow. And then guest stars here and there. There wasn't a gu. You know, and then. And I looked at you. Oh, you did that too. You did a lot of tv. And then you went and ruined it by winning, you know, an Oscar. And it's like, okay, no, we're not alike. She's different.

[Octavia Spencer]

No. Hello, Mr. Multiple Emmys. Come on.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah, Emmys. Emmys are wonderful. But I've put two or three of my Emmys around Mary's Oscar and trying to hide her Oscar and it just doesn't work. It doesn't work. There's something about an Oscar. Pretty magnificent.

[Octavia Spencer]

Well, listen, they're all beautiful.

[Ted Danson]

All of the children are beautiful. All God's awards are beautiful.

[Octavia Spencer]

They're beautiful.

[Ted Danson]

But somewhere, I think maybe it wasn't in your speech, but you. Maybe somewhere else. Sorry. That you acknowledge Steven Spielberg. Tell me how that came about.

[Octavia Spencer]

Steven Spielberg, it was his production company that produced it with Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan. But it was Amblin that produced it. That produced it. Yeah.

[Ted Danson]

I didn't know that, so.

[Octavia Spencer]

And it was with Participant Media. I mean, talk about meeting your heroes. Two of my favorite Stevens were key players in one of my favorite shows of all time, Columbo, Steven Bochko and Steven Spielberg. Steven Spielberg directed it. Steven Bochko wrote the pilot of Columbo. You know, some extraneous information here. And Steven Bochko kept me working all throughout the years, you know, giving me little parts on a lot of his shows. And so then to meet Steven Spielberg during the help was also, you know, getting to meet one of my all time favorites because I seen everything he's done.

[Ted Danson]

I had the pleasure of working with him for two days in Saving Private Ryan. And it was joy. I said, don't pay me. Use the money to go to the Shoah foundation. Because basically I had begged just to be in anything, and they granted me that. And just to watch how fast and certain he was. One little Steven Spielberg story is they finished D Day shooting in Ireland with the Irish Army, I think something like two weeks ahead of time. And I went, only Spielberg could shoot Normandy D day and be through with it. He's so fast and efficient. Two weeks early. And I told that story forever. And then several months after it came out, I said, stephen, pardon me, I'm still telling that story about how fast you work. And he went, what? No. We used all the black powder up in Europe and there was no more powder to blow anything up, so they had to stop. But nevertheless, I do believe he's one of the fastest I've ever seen work. He was so certain. It was such a pleasure. And the other one is. Stephen Bochko was my daughter Kate's father in law for many years and a dear, dear, dear, dear friend. I miss him.

[Octavia Spencer]

I miss him too. I love Mr. Bochko. Big, big place in my heart.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah, me too. Tell me, when did you start being a producer? An executive producer.

[Octavia Spencer]

I started getting credit as an executive producer on Fruitvale Station. But prior to that I was optioning books. I started Smart.

[Ted Danson]

You're so smart.

[Octavia Spencer]

I just start. And the thing is, before anybody knows your name, you can get em for very cheap. You can get books for.

[Ted Danson]

What's an example of one of those that went on to be?

[Octavia Spencer]

Well, it's one that hasn't gone on to be, but it was the most difficult book to get. Jonestown, Raven about the Jonestown. And I remember just trying to get the rights and everybody tried to get the rights from Tim Reiterman, who actually, you know, was shot on the tarmac. You know, he went through it all and he has the most definitive book, the Raven, about everything, Jonestown. And I remember, you know, talking to him and just having extensive conversations because that's one of the things that I knew a lot about. And my agents every. You're not gonna get the rights. Octavia, everybody and their mother has been trying to get the rights. I said, well, you know, let's just see. And it took a minute, but I got them. But prior to then, I mean, I just. I optioned a lot of books and it was on Fruitvale Station. That movie was made for under a million dollars, I think it was $900,000 was the budget. And we lost $150,000, which is like millions when you have such a tight budget. And I.

[Ted Danson]

What do you mean you lost?

[Octavia Spencer]

They lost, you know, some of the funding. It was Forest Whitaker's company and Nina Yang Bon Jovi, his producing partner. They lost a little of funding. And I started calling some of my nouveau riche friends from the help, saying, hey, guys, can you put $25,000? You know, just calling people. I put money in. I got Katherine Stockett, who wrote the Help, to donate some money. I called a lot of people and then we made up the money. Nina also got some people to help. And the same thing you did with Donating your money that you made on Saving Private Ryan. They had me in this really nice hotel and I thought, guys, I can pay for my own hotel. I'll pay for my own per diem. Let's use this money to get more actors. And, you know, because I think I was like maybe a week on that and with helping behind the scenes in the way that I had, Nina and Forrest offered me an executive producer role. And I said, absolutely.

[Ted Danson]

Boy, and so deserved. Because what you just described is what a lot of producers that get credits don't do. I mean, it's one of those weird things in Hollywood. There's a billion different definitions of producer. But that finding the money to make sure you can shoot something, giving up certain things so you can shoot something, is a well earned executive producer ship.

[Octavia Spencer]

And I don't want to get vanity credits as a producer. I am always an active producer. You know, I'm always calling actors, you know, trying to get the role, just putting the puzzle pieces together. And the. One of the other jobs that I, Peter, I. I credit Jonathan King and Peter Farrelly for the firm position that I now acquired as a producer because Jonathan King was doing Green Book and he looked around the room. He was one of the Participant Media was also the other studio that produced the Help. And Jonathan, when they were putting the team together for Green Book, looked around the room and said, you know, we're doing a movie about the south and there aren't any people from the south and no black people in the executive branch other than Mahershala. And we had just worked together on the Help. He called me up and said, do you mind executive producing this? Of course, it was a way for me to learn. And I got in there and rolled my sleeves up, you know, to be of service to Peter. And I admire him as a reality check, as a. Well, there were things that he was going through in the post production of, you know, with a film that he would call and ask me things and I would advise him on, you know.

[Ted Danson]

How do you mean other people's points of view of other people's points of view? This was a black story told by a white.

[Octavia Spencer]

Well. And the thing is, with Green Book, I had already been through with Madam C.J. when you're dealing with people, real people, there's so much difference that you need to take when there are family members alive. And so I was trying to, you know, help him navigate those waters because, you know, the writer, the co writer, it was his father. But then the subject matter involved two people's families. And so it was really trying to show deference to both and just being, you know, a person who was from the south, giving him input on what I thought, you know, and he really listened. And I tell you, when we. When the film was out there, people loved it or they hated it or loved.

[Ted Danson]

Loved it or hated that it was made the way it was made.

[Octavia Spencer]

That it was made. Right. Because they thought. Because I think people thought the fact that this Italian white guy was making this film that's supposedly about a black guy was going to be problematic. And what I had to remind everybody of Don Shirley, I wanted to be a part of that. Because Don Shirley was this magical man. He embodied everything that was, you know, beautifully articulate, educated, world renowned pianist. And instead of just playing metropolitan cities, he drove across the south so that he could be seen. And I thought, well, we need to tell this story. I need to be a part of this. And I wanted to be a part of it because I thought it was an important story to tell. And Don Shirley had given so many interviews and all of this was all. I mean, you could just find a tape and it could be transcribed of how he felt about. Only because I haven't slept. Viggo's character is escaping my brain. But it was about, you know, showing deference to Mr. Shirley and leaving it open for him to tell his own story. Because the story was really about the Italian guy.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah.

[Octavia Spencer]

And there was a. You know, so it was this whole thing that it could have gone a certain way, but when people watched the movie, they all felt something because it was beautifully told. And I just had so much respect for Pete because it wasn't easy telling that story. And he literally professed to the world how grateful he was having me in his corner. And I can't tell you how much I learned throughout that process.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah, he's a friend. I have huge respect for him.

[Octavia Spencer]

Me too. Me too.

[Ted Danson]

And you, because I can't imagine that it was easy.

[Octavia Spencer]

No. And then you have Jonathan King, one of the most amazing producers in the business, who has such good taste in the projects that he produces. The fact that he was cognizant enough to say, you know what? I think we need somebody else with a different perspective in the room with us as we're doing this. And, you know, my hat's off to all of them for actually saying, we need another voice in here, one that. From a different perspective.

[Ted Danson]

Yep. So little steps.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yeah, baby steps. And so those baby steps led to a development deal with Fox, and then that Turned when Fox Disney merged, it became an ABC deal. And then now I'm producing television with Skydance. Fantastic. And I'm learning a lot from some of the best producers in the business.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah. What is this? Ride.

[Octavia Spencer]

Ride or Die.

[Ted Danson]

Ride or die. It hasn't come out yet.

[Octavia Spencer]

That's what I filmed in Prague.

[Ted Danson]

Oh, my God. And can you tell a little bit? Because Bill is one of my. Bill Nigh.

[Octavia Spencer]

Bill Nighy.

[Ted Danson]

Nighy.

[Octavia Spencer]

I fucking love him. I love him so much.

[Ted Danson]

Amazing.

[Octavia Spencer]

Well, this is the television show that I was filming in Prague.

[Ted Danson]

Limited series.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yes. Starring myself and Hannah Waddingham.

[Ted Danson]

Oh, wow.

[Octavia Spencer]

And Hannah and I are best friends in the show. And I find out that she is an assassin.

[Ted Danson]

Never good.

[Octavia Spencer]

So it's, you know, never good. And so we just go on this little. I don't want to say road trip because it's out of necessity that we're on the run.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah.

[Octavia Spencer]

And it's.

[Ted Danson]

I don't want you to ruin it.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yeah.

[Ted Danson]

But I can't wait to see it.

[Octavia Spencer]

It's going to be a lot of fun. But my production company is producing it with Skydance and Barbara and Andy Muschietti. Their company, Double Dream, so.

[Ted Danson]

Right.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yeah.

[Ted Danson]

But can you put your producer hat to the side when you start acting or are you capable of doing both?

[Octavia Spencer]

I have to do when I'm number one or number two on the call sheet. I now understand. See, I didn't understand this back in the day when I was the PA running around, you know, chasing the actors like where are supposed to be. I don't understand why we can't find them. You know. Now I understand what their role is, especially the ones who are the leads and are producers. I understand that my job is to be completely prepared because we worked French hours. You only had 10 hour days. So I.

[Ted Danson]

Straight through.

[Octavia Spencer]

Straight through. And you have to get the work, but you also have to keep morale high.

[Ted Danson]

Yep. You're a host.

[Octavia Spencer]

You're a host. Exactly. You're a host. So I see my role as when I'm number one or number two on a call sheet and on this show, number one, I'm Ms. Hospitality. But also all business, fun and business at the same time. I need to be Tom Brady with the scene work. We gotta keep the production moving, but at the same time keep crew morale high.

[Ted Danson]

Yep. That is your job.

[Octavia Spencer]

You get the trucks, you know, you celebrate birthdays because they are literally working.

[Ted Danson]

Physically working harder than anyone, Anybody, Anybody.

[Octavia Spencer]

Exactly.

[Ted Danson]

There before us, there after we leave.

[Octavia Spencer]

So I know that I have to be over prepared. When I'm on production, I don't have a day off because when I'm physically working on the set, I'm executing the work that, you know, learning the lines on the weekends and getting the. I try to be seven days ahead so that I can give myself a little time off on one of the days down to not have to do anything. But I work. That's how I work.

[Ted Danson]

All right, so you're seven days ahead. That scene that you learned on the first day and is now the eighth day shooting that scene, do you retain it? I find that what I do is I end up going, yes, this is learnable. And I got the gist of it. And if I put myself to it in a half an hour, I could lock it down, but I'm not gonna right now. I'll do it the night before.

[Octavia Spencer]

I wish I were that quick of a learner.

[Ted Danson]

Oh, no, that's not quick. I just mean I've learned it enough.

[Octavia Spencer]

You've learned enough. And then you review it. See, this is what I do. I learn it. I learned the line, I read the scripts, I map out all the emotional stuff so I know exactly where we are. Because we shot things in blocks. We did two episodes at a time. So you could be in episode one today, but you're in episode two tomorrow. Episode one the day after episode. So it was like crazy town. So it was preparing it, but then running it every night running. So that by the time I actually had to. And it really only was about learning the lines. Because I don't make the choices about what I'm going to do until I'm actually on the set and try to be open and ready to facile on the spot, make changes and hear direction. But I have to tell you, in order to be malleable as an actor, for me, I have to work every day.

[Ted Danson]

And it's like I did a show called Damages and it was being rewritten and written and rewritten and shot out of order and everything. And I was playing basically a sociopath. No, I mean totally a sociopath. And sometimes it worked to my benefit because I'm your basic actor who will fall into every bad acting trap. You know, I'll want people to know me too. Here's the ending. I'll give you a little flash in this moment of what I'm really like, you know, terrible. But I would find out I did some of my best work because this sociopath, one day, you know, I would have a scene with. I'm kind of making this up. But it was a good metaphor with a little a child, a young child and I'm just charming as all get out and just really delightful to this child. Then a week later I shoot the scene where I just destroy their father. Absolutely destroy the father. But I'm capable at least when you see him put together edited to be this total sociopath.

[Octavia Spencer]

And that's the other thing I love about the job that I just finished is I kind of have a similar trajectory. I'm not the sociopath in this or psychopath but I, you know, learning, watching, peeling the onion, let's just say of all of our characters and every character gets their day in the sun on this show. One day I'm completely sane and the next day I'm not. And it was kind of wonderful being able to play that. But let me just tell you, it's hard. It's hard, but I love it. I love it so much.

[Ted Danson]

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[Octavia Spencer]

You really are.

[Ted Danson]

Thank you.

[Octavia Spencer]

I appreciate you saying that.

[Ted Danson]

You are my favorite kind of actor. You're a character actor that can go anywhere. You're nimble, and at the same time, you don't lose that incredible light you have when you act. Some people diminish, I think, when they act, other people. Anyway, much admiration. But let's go big picture for a second. So what's kind of your guiding light in life with your position where you are and all of that? What is your moral compass? Is it a person? Is it a philosophy? Is what is your.

[Octavia Spencer]

You know, what I always draw, you know, excuse me. I realize just how fortunate I am to be doing a job that I love. It doesn't feel. Well, some, you know, it can feel like a job. Yeah, it can feel like a job. But if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. And I realize that that is a privilege that a lot of people don't have. And so sometimes I can get caught up in the trap of woe is me. I'm working every day and buh, buh, you know, but then I think you're working every day doing what you love. And I try to exists in a place of gratitude. And now sometimes I'm a human being. I'm not always grateful. But then when I realize that I'm off the mark, I get right back to the gratitude. And that's one of the things that I love about being a lead actor and a producer at the same time. Because when you look out on a set where people, you have 350 people working to make this show because there are a lot of people who don't understand how our business works and that it's not just the people in front of the camera. It's a village. It's an entire village of artisans. Of artisans. And you need Those artisans to make the people in front of the camera right, look as though it's effortless, but it's not, you know, And I feel grateful when I look out and see how many people are not only working because they enjoy it, but getting to provide for their families, building dreams not just for themselves, but for their families. I'm very family oriented because I'm from a big family. And again, I am living my dream every single day because I thought my dream was that I would be a lawyer. And actually this is the one time in my life that I am regretting not going to law school, but the one time, all the other times been great. But I am truly grateful that I am an artist and that in these dark and desperate times, people can look to what we do to find respite from whatever is going on in their day to day lives.

[Ted Danson]

Yes. And this is something I'm wrestling with. We all are. If you're awake and have blood, you know, streaming through your body, you are aware of, before we jump to that a little bit, it does matter that you're putting out light. And not in an airy fairy way, but you're putting out, you're reflecting human nature, quality, the human condition, the good, the bad and the ugly. And you're doing it without judging also, which is I think, a really something that actors, good actors have learned to do and it's obviously necessary but very hard to then take into life because we judge, I judge. And if you're judging, you're not going to be able to have a real conversation anyway. But what you put out, the laughter, the consciousness is, you know, is the same kind of. It's different than being a lawyer who changes law and policy for the good. But it's just as important, right, you know, to give an example of what human nature could be or condition could.

[Octavia Spencer]

Be, what it could be. And I think that's where I find hope is that through artistic endeavors. Because sometimes if you are living in an echo chamber, sometimes the only way that you will see someone else's perspective is through a book or through a film or some piece of art or music. So I love that this is my field because we do get to have sort of a commentary without being judgmental. You know, you put it out there and you hope that it affects people the same way, that it affects you in some way. And if people are honest with themselves, sometimes what we do can affect change. And that's why I like doing it. I like being a part of something that you can step away from whatever it is you're going through for that one hour. Sit with me for one hour. Sit with me for 30 minutes. And you don't have to think about how the bills are going to be paid. You don't have to think about a sick family member. You don't have to think about. Just for that peace of mind. I love the idea that for that short period of time that I can somehow transport you from whatever your reality is. And then maybe when you go back out into the real world, it will impart some wisdom. Maybe it will affect you in a way that you. We can become better citizens of the world. I don't know. It's interesting, but I'm also very. I feel very fortunate to be an artist right now. I really do.

[Ted Danson]

Me, too. Because it is a. What's the right word? It's. I keep wanting to say. What I'm trying not to say is you have not a weapon, but you have a. Something to push back or to say, no, no, I'm not going to necessarily malign you or call you names, but no, no, this is human kindness. This is what Joy looks like. This is not that exactly. Yeah, me too. I'm grateful. Then I go. I mean, I'm not Jane Fonda. I keep saying that on this podcast for some reason, who I admire hugely. But she's once more under the ramparts. She's leaping up and doing and being incredibly courageous. And I'm looking around going, is what we just said about being an artist enough? Am I being a coward? Am I being smart?

[Octavia Spencer]

I think people have to do what they can in their own way. And some people can and want to be in the trenches and on the front lines, but other, you know, we find different ways to express ourselves. And I'm not one of those people who can be totally quiet, but I also know that it's not something that. That I can constantly live in because it's not a good state of mind for anyone. But you can't bury your head in the sand either. So I think that we have to appeal to our better angels, and we have to be those better angels. And we also have to have those difficult conversations and away from the public, in your homes, with your friends, because that's how you change hearts and minds. When people don't feel as if they are being talked down to about the.

[Ted Danson]

Which we do. We're very good at talking down to.

[Octavia Spencer]

So it's a very interesting time to be alive. And again, it's one that I. Ooh, it was easier to be in Europe. It was easier to be in Europe because, you know, my focus was my job every day. And so now, coming home, I know that I'm not a person who can just be completely quiet about things, but I also know, again, that it's just not you. You can't exist.

[Ted Danson]

No. And you can't fight anger with anger.

[Octavia Spencer]

No. You cannot.

[Ted Danson]

You cannot. And dark. Dark. You can't.

[Octavia Spencer]

So, yeah, you. We have to still be the people who love and show kindness and love and the way that we love and allow the.

[Ted Danson]

Allow the fact that there's a lot of fear and sorrow in this city or this country. But I'll talk about this city. There is. There's a lot. And allow it. Don't pretend it's not there.

[Octavia Spencer]

Exactly. We can't pretend that it's not there because, you know, it's other people today, but it could very well be you and me tomorrow. And then there are so many other factors. I mean, the fires when I left to go.

[Ted Danson]

Oh, my God.

[Octavia Spencer]

It was the.

[Ted Danson]

You left right before.

[Octavia Spencer]

Literally, it was right before. And then when I started to get the phone calls and, you know, friends were staying at my house because, you know, and we're all on these big group chats, and then it's like, oh, my God, what's happening? So there's so many different things happening, you know, that we're. The strikes. You know, there's so many different things that are happening in our society that as artists, the one thing that we can provide is a little hope.

[Ted Danson]

Hope, hope, hope.

[Octavia Spencer]

Hope.

[Ted Danson]

Don't you dare reflect hopelessness.

[Octavia Spencer]

Exactly.

[Ted Danson]

Because that ain't fair to your kids or your grandkids.

[Octavia Spencer]

Exactly.

[Ted Danson]

That ain't right. Whatever you have to do to stay hopeful.

[Octavia Spencer]

Exactly.

[Ted Danson]

And I do love la.

[Octavia Spencer]

Me, too.

[Ted Danson]

And I do have faith.

[Octavia Spencer]

Me, too.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah. I can't tell you how much I respect you and I'm so grateful you came in to talk with me.

[Octavia Spencer]

Me, too. I respect you so much, and I. This has been so much fun. I literally think I'm going to come hang out and see if I can get the dog in love.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah. There's a dog outside.

[Octavia Spencer]

This has been so fun.

[Ted Danson]

Yeah.

[Octavia Spencer]

And illuminating on so many levels. And it's these kinds of conversations, I think, that shed a light that keeps hope alive within all of us. You know, we talk about things, we talk about our artistic journeys, but also we hopefully provide again, in order for people to stay sane, you have to talk about other things. You have to be good citizens of your world. And right now my world is Los Angeles, California, and what can I do in this community right now? But then on a broader scale, what can I do that's not just writing a check for this cause or showing up for that cause? What can I do to provide a moment of respite from all that is going on in the world? And if all I can do is get you to forget for just a fraction of time a day, just for a fraction, forget what's going on.

[Ted Danson]

And you're talking about people who don't always agree with you.

[Octavia Spencer]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Ted Danson]

Maybe even especially those people.

[Octavia Spencer]

Exactly. And here's the thing. When we provide examples of. Because if you're living in an echo chamber, you are never going to hear another person's side. Sometimes you have to show and we learn by doing. We learn by the examples that we see. And sometimes you have to see different examples. And that's, I think, where our jobs with these conversations, with film, with poetry, with music, with art, that's how we can shine a light.

[Ted Danson]

I agree. Because I always use this example of tuning on the news and seeing fires or floods or people in little rowboats going out and picking somebody up out of the water and saving their lives. You know, that they may not be on the same side of a, of a philosophical political discussion, but they are so. They're so ready to put their lives on the line to save another human being who may have nothing to do with their belief system. Exactly. Because you let me. Sorry, I've said it. But let me turn around to how wonderful that you're doing family recipe. Because recipes are what we're talking about too.

[Octavia Spencer]

Exactly.

[Ted Danson]

You know, family recipes. Family recipes are for everybody.

[Octavia Spencer]

And I am going to have to talk to Mary about that. What is it? Spoon corn.

[Ted Danson]

Corn spoon pudding.

[Octavia Spencer]

I mean, a box of this, a tube of this. Sounds so delicious. Oh, the southern recipes are the best.

[Ted Danson]

That was Octavia Spencer. I highly recommend tuning in for family Recipe showdown. It airs at 9pm Eastern and Pacific on Food Network and streams the next day on hbo. Max. That's all for our show this week. Special thanks to Team Coco. If you like this episode, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts. If you like watching your podcasts, these full length episodes are also on YouTube. Visit YouTube.comteamcoco More for you next time. Where everybody knows your name.

[Octavia Spencer]

You've been listening to where everybody knows your name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson Sometimes. The show is produced by me, Nick Leow. Our executive producers are Adam Sachs, Jeff Ross and myself, Sara Fedorovich is our supervising producer. Engineering and mixing by Joanna Samuel with support from Eduardo Perez. Research by Alyssa Grohl. Talent booking by Paula Davis and Gina Bautista. Our theme music is by Woody Harrelson, Antony Genny, Mary Steenbergen and John Osborne. Hey, I'm Paul Scheer. I'm June Diane Rayfield. And I'm Jason Mantzoukas. And we're the hosts of how did this Get Made?

[Ted Danson]

A comedy podcast where we deconstruct, make fun of and celebrate the best worst movies ever made. Have you ever seen a movie that's.

[Octavia Spencer]

So bad that it's actually good?

[Ted Danson]

That's what we're talking about.

[Octavia Spencer]

From blockbuster franchises and made for TV.

[Ted Danson]

Romances to bonkers 80s action flicks and obscure sci fi musicals, we cover it all. You can find. How did this Get Made?

[Octavia Spencer]

Wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.

[Ted Danson]

Idiot.

[Octavia Spencer]

Imagine relying on a dozen different software.

[Ted Danson]

Programs to run your business, none of which are connected, and each one more expensive and more complicated than the last.

[Octavia Spencer]

It can be pretty stressful. Now imagine Odoo. Odoo has all the programs you'll ever.

[Ted Danson]

Need and are all connected on one platform. Doesn't Odoo sound amazing?

[Octavia Spencer]

Let Odoo harmonize your business with simple, efficient software that can handle everything for a fraction of the price. Sign up [e-mail] that's o d o o dot com.