
Actor and musician Hana Mae Lee (Pitch Perfect, The Babysitter) shares a story about a dream she had which may have kept her out of harm’s way. Plus, Irene’s favorite topic, the hypnogogic state!
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C
I'm just going through the whole body.
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C
Yes, confession. My name is Rachel and I grind my teeth.
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If you've done this, they're upwards of $1,000.
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Then your dog eats one literally two weeks later. And then you go back and it's another, you know, 1500 bucks.
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Hello and welcome to Woo Woo. I'm here with Irene. Hi, Irene.
D
Hi, sweetie.
C
Hi, Irene.
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We're going to have a little chit.
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Chat before this episode so we can chat about a few items on the docket. First of all, I know this is a timely thing to bring up, but tonight is. Is my opening of the show High Spirits at City center in New York City, the Encores series. And the reason I bring it up is, well, it only runs for two weeks, so this. That's why. I mean, this is a timely announcement, but it goes February 4th through 15th. But the reason I bring it up is High Spirits is a musical that has a lot of Woo Woo involved. It involves ghosts, there's Ouija boards and just a lot of Woo Woo. And Andrea Martin, who's hilarious and one of my comedy idols, she is playing Madame Arkady, who is this goofy medium, and she even has a song about a Ouija board in it. But it's so fun to watch her. And I just thought I'd throw that in there for anyone interested in Woo Woo and Broadway. It combines both of them. But the reason I bring it up here is because our guest from last week is Philippa sue, who's the star of High Spirits and was the star of the original cast of Hamilton and Irene. As we discussed with her last week, she grew up in a haunted house.
D
Yes.
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So if you have any interest in Broadway and Woo Woo, make sure you check out last week's episode with Philippa sue. And come see High Spirits with the hilarious Andrea Martin. That's my little theater plug for this week's show. Also, Irene, we wanted to talk about for next week's episode. So Irene and I just.
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Last week, I think it was, God.
C
It seems longer than that. But anyway, Irene and I went to San Francisco Sketchfest. I've done the Sketch Fest, like, many years in a row. But we did a live broadcast of the Woo Woo pod and we had two guests on. One is a guest that we've had on before, Tom Lennon, who's a joy to be around. And the other guest is Cole Stratton, who started the San Francisco Sketch Fest with two of his pals, and they were our guests, but we had a live audience. Right, Irene?
D
Oh, it was so much fun. We got out of Dodge with the big snowstorm and we had so much fun at Sketchfest in front of a live audience. So much fun.
C
And. And you're gonna wanna listen because a Woo Woo occurrence happened right There during the podcast recording with the audience there, we had a surprise Woo Woo experience. So that's all we're going to say for now, but it was pretty crazy.
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And we.
C
We want you to listen in on that because it was. It was definitely. We could have asked for more Woo Woo than what befell us during the pod.
D
It was crazy. The only thing I can think of is, you know, mind blowing emoji really was a moment where you're like, what? So tune in for that.
C
We couldn't have asked for a better confluence of events. So, yeah, tune in to next week's our first live show. And it actually. So what was fun about it is we weren't really sure how it was gonna go, but we asked the audience if they had any Woo Woo stories.
B
And we got some great stories and so we wanna do that again.
C
So we're sort of brewing and plotting about that. We might try to do one in New York, a live Woo Woo show with audience participation.
B
Cause we got some good stories.
C
Just people raising their hands. So everyone has a story. That's the theme of Woo Woo is.
B
Everyone has a Woo Woo story.
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So in summary, what do we got here? We got high spirits through the 15th in New York City. Come see I'm a maid, but Andrea Martin is a hilarious medium and so funny. Come see high spirits. Listen to Philippa Sue's episode from last week for a Broadway Haunting. And next week, listen to San Francisco Sketch Fest. And coming up right now, from your favorite movie, Pitch Perfect, we have Hana Mei Lee.
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Welcome to Woo Woo with Rachel Dratch, the podcast that explores the unexplained with humor and curiosity.
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Hello and welcome to Woo Woo with Rachel Jatch, here with my pal Irene Bremis. Hi, Irene.
D
Hello, sweetie.
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Hi there.
C
Well, Irene, today we have a guest that you brought in. You roped in. May I say I roped her in?
D
I did.
C
You guys met, I guess, on a movie set. I'm going to hear about it in a minute, but I know that she was in the Pitch Perfect movies and that's exciting. And I was also reading about our guest today, and she's really an artist of jack of all trades, Renaissance woman from when I was reading up on. But anyway, please welcome Hannah Mae Lee to the show. Hi, Hannah.
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Hello, everyone.
C
Hi, Hannah. Hi. So you two met on a movie set of some sort?
D
We did. And the minute I saw her, I was like, look at that little vixen. She is gorgeous and talented. And then Rachel, she started spilling some serious Woo Woo.
C
Amazing.
D
And I roped her right in, sweetie. Roped her right in.
C
That's what it's come to, huh? As soon as we're out and about, we hear anyone say a woo woo story, we're like, how would you like to come chat with us? So that's right. You fell into Irene's trap there. Anyways, thank you. Thank you for joining us.
D
Thank you.
E
Of course. How fun. What's up, everybody?
C
So wait, you're an actor and you have a band too?
E
I have a couple bands, but one just debuted called Grave Condition. And we debuted our first album called Atmospheric Paradigm, which I wrote a song called Like a Ghost, which we'll talk about the meaning behind all that soon.
B
All right.
E
But yeah, it's a goth electro band that I did with Mark Mallory, who's an amazing musician. He has two other bands, Lunar Gateway and Cortex Accelera, and he's absolutely incredible.
C
So I love hearing these band names. It makes me feel super old, but I love hearing.
D
Yes, it really does.
C
The names of the things the kids are listening to today.
D
Ditto, sweetie.
C
But also, I was just looking at your dossier, if you will. You have done all sorts of artsy things over your lifetime. You've done fashion design and jewelry design and music and acting and makeup, artistry and everything. I mean, you have more talents than, you know, six people combined, so.
D
Combined.
C
Maybe tell us a little about how you became the artsy chick that you are.
E
You know, after saying all that, you know what I really want to do? And I'm going to do a plug in here. So reach me out, everyone, if you are interested. But I really want to start a division, like a network now. Like, after doing all that, like, I have so many friends that are so talented, have a resume, have, like, huge awards, accolades and everything, but they're just, like, waiting to get stuff made. And I want to run a division where I not just collaborate with all these artists and directors, but make sure. Make sure that they get like, a pretty, like, good budget and get it seen out on a platform.
B
Wow.
F
Yeah.
E
So that's my next venture that I'm, like, trying to do where it's not just like, you know, now we gotta sell the movie, but it's like, you will have distribution. People are gonna have eyes on this film and, you know, like, get the things you need. That's my next adventure. Because, yeah, like, so I wanna, like, go somewhere where they already have that meaning, like the eyes and kind of the. The whole thing. So you're like, how. Tell me about this. I'm like, that's where I wanna be.
C
Oh, yeah. No, that's good. Put out where you're wanting to go.
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Yeah.
D
Manifest, sister.
E
Manifested, yes.
C
But you are doing some acting and some. Of course, the band.
E
Oh, yeah, yeah. I've always wanted to make people laugh, which got me into acting. And then music is just something that I wanted to try and tell a story in a shorter amount of time. And then jewelry and art just kind of has been in my nature. And I love it. I love being around it. I love making it. I love being surrounded by it.
F
Wow.
C
All right. But I was wondering, because Pitch Perfect is such, like, iconic movie, and I know you said that when you were making it, you guys didn't know what. By the way, I know Kay Cannon from back in Chicago days. Yeah, that's right. But anyway, like, could you just tell us a little bit about the experience of making Pitch Perfect? Just because so many people know it and have seen it and love the movie. Like, what was the. Well, I mean, was that, like. Was that, like. I know you've done a lot of stuff, but was that like a kind of a big hit for you, or was that just like, another day at the office kind of thing? Or, you know, were you excited about.
E
That was my first movie.
C
Okay.
E
That's my first one. Yeah. So, like, up until that point, I've been doing a lot of commercials and print and wanting to break out into TV and film, but it was, like, really hard for me to even get anything, and I wanted to do more comedic stuff. So that month, I got Workaholics, where I met Adam Devine. And he's like, I got Pitch Perfect. And I think I had gotten it, like, literally maybe a few days. I think he had booked it, like, maybe a week before me. I could be wrong, though, but we're like, we're gonna be there together. Cause I didn't know anybody. I didn't know anything. And then I did this Mike and Molly shows. Everything kind of lined up on that kind of month. But, yeah, it was really exciting for me. But because it was my first movie, my first time traveling outside of California, I was like, am I gonna get hostile? Like. Cause I didn't know what was happening. We didn't know Universals behind it. There was not a lot of details, except you're flying out to New Orleans and my parents are like, are they going to kidnap you and, like, sell you? I was like, I don't know. But anyways, that was just some personal stuff. It was great. There were so many of us and we were so young and a lot of people were hired straight out of college, straight out of, like, LSU where we went. And we did a lot of the tailgating and the football games, which is so great. It was really fun. I had. It was like, it looks so fun. I got to dance, sing and act and be around a bunch of people who love the same things. And it was great. It was a lot of fun.
C
I just wanted to know as a fan, as a fan of the movie.
E
I think it's so interesting because when we did the first movie, it was a smaller budget, so we didn't have enough in the budget to do even three takes or coverage. Oh, wow. And the lights wouldn't have enough of that either. So everything was just smog machine to make our skin look nice to like the second and third one, which we had just so many, like, visitors and like lights and takes and crane shots and all this stuff. So it was fun to kind of see the evolution of all that too. But the first one was so great, you know, it's like we're all just making a movie.
F
Fun.
E
It was fun.
F
Yeah. Yeah.
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C
Well, Irene, tell me about when you guys started chatting and the woo woo beginnings of your conversation. Or you can take it away, Irene, I guess is what I'm saying.
D
I will take it. I will pick up the ball and run. So the minute I met Hannah, I just immediately thought, I've got to get to know this girl. And we started to chat. I mentioned that I was doing a podcast with you, sweetie, and it was all about the supernatur. And all of a sudden, the FL to the other universe opened and she had all these stories, but the one that I do remember that you were talking about, correct me if I'm wrong, Hannah, was it the hotel ghost story that you were telling me about?
E
Yep.
D
And you can take it from there? Yeah, sure.
E
It was like, first of all, you were amazing in Pound Cake by owner Takel, who I just listened to your guys episode, which was so fun. Oh, yeah, thank you. You were absolutely great. So I think we're talking about haunted hotels, which led me to. It was like, one night that I thought I was having, like, a ghost thing, which I haven't had in so long. But it was in winter of 2012 when I was shooting Pitch Perfect in Baton Rouge. And at that time it was really little. Nobody kind of really cared too much. So we're in the hotel and like, we were all like. Everyone was always hanging out and going out. And there was this night for Halloween, actually, like, we were all supposed to go to New Orleans. We were shooting in Baton Rouge. We stayed in Baton Rouge as well. And there was. I mean, should I just dive right in?
C
Yeah, sure. Why?
F
Let's see.
C
Spin the tail.
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Spin the tail.
D
Spin the tail, girl, you can do this.
E
So that night we were all supposed to go out, and many people did, but, like, I took this long nap that turned into like a three hour sleep, and I woke up just sweating. It was a nightmare I had that there was like, I was at like, some kind of coliseum in New Orleans, and there were a ton of people. And then there was like a mass shooting and chaos, and it was like, really bad. And I woke up covered in sweat and just really frightened. And then I was telling one of my castmates about it, and she's like, I fell asleep too. And I had a similar dream. And I'm like, what? And I was like, well, I don't want to go. I know that kind of might be dumb, but I don't want to go tonight. And she's like, oh, I'm not going. And then it turns out that there was a shooting very close to where everybody was hanging out. Yeah, it was pretty crazy. It was intense, right?
C
Oh, my gosh.
F
Yeah.
E
We're like, what the fuck? But let me rewind a little bit. So when I first get to this hotel, everyone's so nice, and, you know, like, we're all staying at the same place, and, like, I'm sleeping there. And we've been there for. We're, like, scheduled to be there for three months, so for, like, the first week, it's fine. And then, like, around the maybe sixth, seventh day, like, there's this, like, presence in my room that is making me feel very uncomfortable. Like, I'll wake up and it's like, why is it always a dark figure, by the way? Like, why. Why is it not, like, pink or green? Like, why is it always just dark and you can't see it?
C
Yeah.
D
And the dog barks.
E
And the dog barks. She's like, the dark figure. So there's this dark figure, and it's like. It feels like it's watching me. And they're always watching. What else are they gonna do? They're just like, oh, here this person is sleeping again. So they're. They. This presence is there. And I'm telling, like, my castmates, and, like, they're like, why did you ask for another room? And I'm like, I don't know. I feel like it's there, and it's really intense, but I feel like if I go somewhere else, I'm gonna have to deal with something else, and I'm kind of curious what's gonna happen. So it was, like, very strong, and, like, this presence was, like, very angry, but nothing would happen to me. I would just feel like that was happening. And then it gradually started to fade. So by, like, two, three weeks later, it was gone. Like, I never had that presence in the room again.
C
When you said question, Strange, quick question. When you say presence, was it, like, a vibe or was it like you were actually seeing a figure?
E
It was a figure, but it was just, like, black and, like, a big, shadowy. Like, it was probably, like, shadowy. I was lying. It was always in the bedroom. And it was, like, just staring at least. Like, it wasn't, like, right close. It was, like the foot of the bed, but a little bit to the right, so. And it was always standing there. It was probably like, if you're lying down, it probably looked like it was, like, 6ft tall, but it was just like, you know, like, you couldn't even make out a face. It was just, like, a thing. But I never felt like you know, I heard you talking about, like, feeling like, you know, someone's holding you down and you can't breathe. It wasn't one of those kinds of things. It was different. I never felt this kind of thing before, but for some reason, I'm just like, no, I'm gonna just stick with it, see what happens. And then it just left. But not, like, immediately. Like, it was just. It felt. Found peace or whatever, and then it was gone. And then, like, Halloween came along, and then I had that weird. I don't know if it was a vision or nightmare or whatever it was, but the fact that my other castmate had that was really strange. And then when they came back, they're like, there was a shooter. We're like, what the fuck? So that was crazy. But then it doesn't end there. So I come home after the shoot. At the time, I was living in Santa Monica, and, like, one night I had, like, a crazy dream again. Woke up in insane sweat and had similar feelings and vibes that I did that night that I had that whatever that was at the vision or nightmare. And it was like, something happened on Magazine street in New Orleans or like, something happened again. And, like, I looked it up that morning, I woke up and lo and behold, there was, like, a shooting. But, like, that one happened previous to the dream. So maybe I was just there. Like, my spirit was still there. Because I really loved Baton Rouge in New Orleans. Like, I generally felt, like, super connected, as I'm sure a lot of people do, but it was strange.
F
Wow.
A
Wow.
D
It's very strange. Especially that you. This is like two woo woos wrapped up in one. The premonition in itself, and then having synchronized dreams with someone else. And then that event actually occurred. This ominous event that actually occurred.
C
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D
What about your castmate? Was she like freaking out? Was her dream in a coliseum also with the shooting, like, what was her dream?
E
It wasn't in a coliseum, I don't think. But it had to do with extreme violence and something that had to do with like someone dying or something. But it was pretty bad on her end too. But it wasn't like mine was at a coliseum. But it was like, it was super violent and like very shocking and like we were there, like our castmates were there. So that was kind of the similarity of the dream more than the exact details of it.
D
Right.
E
But it was strange because I never had like a similar dream, I guess, like that before.
D
I have a question. With the dark figure that you saw at the foot of your bed, were you like in the. And you know what I'm gonna say, Rachel? I do the hypno.
C
Here it comes, people.
D
This is Irene's favorite word, hypnogic stage.
C
Which means like in between.
D
Oh, my God.
C
That scared me.
F
Didn't.
C
That gave me a chill.
F
Hannah.
C
Oh my God. That actually scared the shit out of me. It scared her.
D
If our listeners could see what Rachel's face did. She literally got scared to death.
C
It was like right in my headphones. It got me, like, I got instant fear feelings.
D
Like fear. Like that sounded demonic, sister. But Hannah, like when you were. When you were. When you saw it in that, in between. Now the hypnagogic stage, you know what it is? It's in between and being lucid. And you can. I feel like the veil is very thin. Okay. A lot of people say, well, you know, you could be sleepy sleeping and dreaming and you're actually in a dream state. But we've also had guests that, you know, swear that they actually like the veil is thin and they could see certain things. So for me, I guess my question to you is you felt this oppression when that, that figure was at the foot of the bed. Right. And you were frightened, but did you feel like any, any point in time you were in danger? And what do you mean? Like it started to kind of go away? Like, did it show up every night and then eventually just show up less frequently? I mean, what did you mean by that?
E
Well, you know, I've had certain times where those kind of figures have happened before, but they're all always kind of similar. Like they're always like, I'm like freaked out and I'm like, get out of here. And like it's. It just happens like once in a while. And I think not in a long time. But I used to always kind of get those. And then, but then this was, you guys know, not really. Nobody else gets them.
C
I mean, you've seen these figures like many times.
E
Yeah, but this one, like, I think the energy was different. Yes, but I have seen those figures many times and it always kind of freaked me out. But they never change. Except one time it was like really violent. So I'd see the figure and then I like hallucinate and it has a chainsaw and it's like fucking going crazy. But that hasn't happened since college. No drugs. But anyway, we were gonna ask, we.
D
Were gonna ask if it was an acid induced alcohol.
E
But with this one it was different. Cause it wasn't violent or like it was intense and angry, but not directed at me. I guess it felt like it was like a weird energy that I'd never experienced. And I think that's why I was scared, because I didn't know it, but I wasn't frightened. Like, I need to get the fuck out of here. Because I was very curious back then. So I'm always like, well, what would happen if I just sat here and like it came again? And what would happen to me? Like, would something happen? And I'm like, kind of curious if it would. And I'm kind of like, I'm not trying to fight with it or trying to dominate it or telling it to get out. Like I just wanted to see what was going to happen. So when I would see It. And like, you were saying, it's like sleeping, but then you're kind of awake. So you could kind of see a little bit. It would just kind of be very angry. And then that happened, like, maybe twice. And then that's when I told you people about it. They told me to get out. And I said, no, I kind of want to just stay and see what's up and why is it so angry? And then I would. When I would see it again, I would. Don't think I would talk to it, but I was very, like, calm about it, even though, like, I was really kind of freaked out still. And then, like, a few weeks, I think, into that, like, it just started to still show up, but I didn't feel it so angry anymore. And then it would just not show up at all. And I was there for three months in the same room. So I kind of was like, aw, well, I hope it's fine now, whatever that was. But it was strange.
D
Well, what about other cast members? Did they experience any sort of, like.
E
It's funny. Cause that's where me and Irene were talking about it was. I was staying in New York, and the next morning, I woke up and I couldn't find my shirt that I had, like, folded and put in the drawer. And whenever I stay at hotels, I don't like cleaning people coming in. So it's always like, do not disturb. So I knew nobody was in my room and, like, misplacing my shirts, you know? So I'm, like, looking and looking everywhere, and I'm like, is a fucking ghost fucking with me right now? But I haven't, like, had that thought, like, for years, because it's just like, oh, it's me misplacing stuff. But it was so, like, I knew I put it there, and there's not that many drawers in this room. And then the person who was managing it, he's like, yeah, you know that place? People say it's haunted. I was like, what?
F
Cool.
D
I want to say this. You know where she was staying? Correct me if I'm wrong. She was staying at the Bowery Hotel. Is that where you were staying?
E
I was exactly staying at the Bowery Hotel.
C
Ah, well, you did remind me, though, that we had Leah DeLaria on here, and she fully believes in ghosts. And she was at a hotel. This wasn't her son. San Francisco. She had a very similar story where she, like, folded her clothes neatly and left them on a thing, and then, like, they weren't there. And now in that hotel, there was, like, rumors that A ghost would, like, mess with people and then.
E
Same thing.
C
Like, she's very meticulous and she. I guess they found it like three days later, like, folded up. I don't know. I don't understand. But similar.
E
Irene's like, are you sure it wasn't you, like, misplacing? I was like, irene, no, I totally get that because, like, you know, jet lag, whatever. But I'm like, no. And I check. And I went home that night or to the hotel. That room, it was exactly where I put it. Like in that drawer. I'm like, what the fuck? On the top, I'm like, that's. You're fucking with me. You're fucking with me.
D
I know. It's not that I didn't believe you, sweetie. Know this.
A
Okay?
D
I had to do my due diligence and do some cross examination.
E
Well, I do that with myself too, but that's where I was. She's like, wait. And I was like, but I do have this other story that was, like, freaking crazy.
C
I wish I could.
E
I know. I totally agree.
C
I wish I could blame ghosts for all the things I misplace. Irene knows this. Irene knows this. Unfortunately, it's just me, a mere mortal, forgetting where I put things.
B
I love to cook, but I don't have the time or the will to do it. Every single day, there's gathering the ingredients, cleanup, and yes, the occasional fail where it all goes in the trash. What a waste. And also, takeout can get really pricey right now.
C
Have you noticed this?
B
Well, that's why I'm really excited to talk about Tovala. This podcast is sponsored by Tovala. Tovala is a smart meal, delivery service, fresh meals, and a smart oven that does the cooking for you. Tovala makes it so easy. I signed up for it in spite of the fact that I do like to cook.
C
And I had this thing in my.
B
Head, like, I should be doing all these meals myself from scratch. But Tovala has bailed me out of so many meals per week. Not only that, I do have a.
C
Teenage son who has taken to eating two dinners. One after school and one later on at dinner time. And it makes it so easy to.
B
Have one of those meals be Tovala. At least one. Tovala's meals are chef crafted and taste just like homemade meals. I can vouch for this myself. And all of Tovala's meals are made with real fresh ingredients. And it's like, does anyone remember the Jetsons? Is anyone remembering that cartoon? It's kind of like the Jetsons. You just scan the meal's QR code, pop it in the oven and it cooks everything perfectly. Steams, bakes, broils automatically. Also, Tavala's Smart Oven isn't just for their meals. The toaster function is perfect for doing garlic bread or bagels to perfection. And you can also use the oven to scan store bought groceries like Eggo Waffles, Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, Amy's Frozen Meals, just to name a few.
C
Yep, you just scan that code and boom, that's it. With Tovala, you can finally remove dinner.
B
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C
Now onto your song. Your ghost song, right?
E
Yeah.
C
Tell us about this.
E
So I don't know how you guys feel about this. I'm really curious because I haven't had a lot of feedback except that people have been saying they really love it, this song. But I created this song because, you know, as we get older, we try to see things with a lot of perspective which we don't have so much when we're younger. And a lot of events that happen in our lives, whether they're chosen or something we've done are there. So this song was based upon letting the past go and letting certain memories that don't serve you well go. But I think what a lot of people don't talk about is like, once you let that go, who are you? You've let that pain and time sink into your life for so long that it's become you or become part of who you are, become part of the decisions you start to make and the friends you surround yourself with, the things you like to do, it all becomes sourced from that experience and memory. So once you let that go, is it this freedom that everyone's like, oh, I'm so happy. I went to therapy and I let it go and I moved on. But it's kind of like that part was so much part of you that it is still part of you. But it is like a ghost, because sometimes they'll just come up out of nowhere and make you feel all the feels and then leave you. Like, it was never there. And you're just like, it's stuck there. So it's. It's playful in a way where it says, it's like a love song, but, like, the past is in a love song. But it's really like, who am I after I let this ghost go away? So that was what the whole like a ghost was about. Whether it's, you know, letting go of someone you lost or, you know, like, I feel like that's my new ghosts more than supernatural things. It's kind of like, wow. Like, it kind of. You're just stuck with that, you know?
C
Anyways.
E
Like a ghost. Check it out. It's streaming everywhere.
C
Like a ghost.
E
Let me know what you think. Like a ghost.
D
I thought it was like a ghost.
E
You're gone.
D
I loved it. I loved it, Hannah. I heard it. It's really great. And, yeah, you know, like, your ghosts cause you to grow and learn and evolve. So without your ghosts, think about it. You can't. There's no evolution. So, yeah.
C
And as an artist, both musically, visually, everything. This is such a cliche question, but I was gonna ask, like, do you ever get ideas from sort of, you know, surreal places? Such as, like, a dream or. The way that I get ideas sometimes is just like a burst of an idea. It just comes from, like, the muses. And you can't really control when you're gonna get an idea, but when you sit down to write a song, is it just. Is it like, sitting down to write or is it like, oh, my gosh, I just had this idea. This ghost thing just came into my head.
E
Like, it kind of depends. So, like, for this debut album, I wanted to write about my feelings in my relationships, and I wanted to get them out kind of quick, like stories. So this one kind of started off where I'm like, I'm gonna just let go of all this baggage and, like, family stuff and all these bad memories. And then as I was talking about it, I was like, oh, my God. But this has been part of me for so long. Who am I without all these memories and baggage? And I kind of feel really vulnerable instead of free. And not that I want to just still have it, because I really do want to move on because it takes so much of my time and energy. So then I'll just kind of, like, sit there and think about it all and then try to make it more poetic. So it's not like, and then this happened, and then this happened and then this. So you pretty much only. You have, like, a little time constraint of when you can tell the song.
C
Right, Right.
E
So that's where the song music has been really fun for films. When I write some screenplays and things, I really kind of just like, let it kind of simmer and just really kind of go there. I have this paranoia. I get paranoid, and then I get really, like, well, what if they're doing this? Oh, my God. And what if they're doing this and it just like, spirals and I'll get stuck there. But I like living there, too. So I try to do my ideas from there, and then I try to also not make it so me, me, me based. But I don't know. We'll see if that happens. But, like, so try to make it.
C
More kind of on top, like, poetic. Okay. Okay.
D
Oh, I have a question, Hannah, now. So you do a lot of different things, you know, and when you were younger, did you feel like you had all these gifts that were kind of swirling around? And was there anything that maybe, like, you have a predisposition for, like, from your mother, or was your mother an impetus? Or did you know that you were going to be doing all these things when you were a kid? Like, some premonition, you know?
E
Thank you. Those really nice compliments. But I had the opposite. I think my mom is very talented. She's not just an A type, which means she can get anything done, but she's very, like, meticulous, and she's very artistic. And she used to own her own, like, fashion one of a kind store in Korea and had her own beauty, like, salon here where she would also do makeup. And she's really talented and has an eye for everything and really key to detail. But they wanted me to, like, pursue other things that I'm terrible at when I was growing up, so it was just like, you know, I would always get in trouble for talking too much and goofing around and being too enthusiastic about things and not doing my homework and not being good at piano and not being good at any, like, academic things. So I was always kind of like, you're not doing well. Instead of like, oh, you're funny. Let's push you to do more this and that. It was kind of more like the standard way of what, you know, an immigrant parent feels their children should be like, so like, the best education of this and violin and piano. And, like, it wasn't like, oh, well, she doesn't like this, she talks a lot and jokes around. Why don't we like make that her performance thing? It was more like stop goofing around and take life seriously. So it wasn't really.
C
So it's like from Noah, it was like from you. Like some seed in you just kept pushing you to be your own thing.
E
Like it sounds like I think so, like, like you were saying, like, you know, my mom is very charismatic and I think I got that from her too. But I just always liked making people laugh. That's what made me want to be an actor. And it was just never pushed as a real thing for me because my parents didn't have any background or help or anything like that. So that wasn't really like something they thought I should pursue per se. But whenever I'd watch anything, I love how movies and tv, like how it would make me feel and laughing and feeling great or crying or being scared. It was just such a powerful feeling that that brought. So that's why I always wanted to do acting and art wise, I just always kind of felt like my mom did give me art lessons. So I was more skilled in that, which was helpful. But I just love it. I love. I love kind of going there and like exploring and being surrounded by other people who are making things and other creators and painters. And it's just really inspiring to hear where their vision was and technique and all that.
C
That's cool because it's such a testament to your inner spirit fighting its way to get out. Like, this is what I'm gonna be. Cause some people might not follow that.
B
Some people.
C
You hear plenty of stories of people that just like went to med school cause they had just wanted them to be. But you just knew in your heart this, you know, you wanted to follow this more creative path.
E
But let's be real here. I would have flunked out of med school. I know they had those dreams, but it's like it wasn't gonna happen. Everybody in our family is doing that.
C
Speaking of. Good point.
E
So it's just, you know, set up for failure I feel then. Right?
G
Yep.
D
Well, you have to.
C
You fought through to be your own creative lady and creative.
D
Yes.
E
Yeah. But it was great. What about you guys? Did you guys just kind of fall into making people laugh and happier or like, you know, tell me your stories?
C
Well, we always. I don't know, I mean, I was always into like watching comedy and kind of like class clown type. And then I started doing improv in college and then I was like. And I still Was doing, like, the school plays and stuff, and. And I just was gravitating towards comedy. So I decided to move out to Chicago to do Second City, which is how I know Kay. And then just sort of, like, give it a shot kind of thing. And then this is the nutshell version, but just, like, pursue it that way. Yeah, I was just, like, goofing around, I guess. But, Irene, what about you? How did you.
D
Yeah, you know, I also. My mother had me in, like, commercial acting schools. Piano. I also come from immigrant parents. They had me in all this stuff. But, you know, I think that the. I just. I love writing, and I got open mouth, insert foot in high school, as we know Rachel. And I thought fusing those two things together.
C
Open foot.
D
You're so cute.
B
Open mouth. And so open mouth, insert foot.
D
It was a superlative, and it was very hurtful when you think about as. Bianca Del Rio reminded me that people actually agreed on this as a group. But I got open mouth, insert foot, which is kind of like how I am as a comic. A little bit inappropriate. A lot of bit inappropriate. And also, I always used humor to diffuse all of life's negativity. So it was like a. It was like the natural course for me to take. Big mouth. Using humor to just bring in some joy and diffuse, you know, negative situations or heartless.
E
You're really good at it.
C
Yes, you are, Irene.
E
You're very magnetic, and you're so charming.
B
This little storefront place here in New York City that always has a big line in front of it and a big crowd around.
C
And when I first saw it, I.
B
Was like, what is this? What's all the fuss about? Well, it was Brodo bone broth. This podcast is sponsored by Brodo. Welcome to the hottest trend in nutrition for the last 2000 years.
C
Bone broth.
B
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C
So now you don't have to be in the city.
B
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C
I don't know about you, but I'm.
B
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C
Just like I said. Now, whether you want a quick warm.
B
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C
It just makes the whole soup so.
B
Much better than just a simple store bought broth. But like I said, a lot of people just drink it on its own as a super healthy snack. And Brodo comes in eight delicious flavors from classic chicken to more creative blends like ginger, turmeric, herb infused or veggie based broths. I recommend trying their sampler pack so you can figure out for yourself which flavor is best for you. Shop the best broth on the planet with brodo. Head to brodo.com woo for 20% off your first subscription order and use code woo for an additional $10 off. Once again, that's brodo.com woo for 20 percent off your first subscription order and an additional $10 off if you use my promo code woo.
C
Did they tell you about the Pengi reading?
E
Hannah, I wanted to ask you about the Pengi reading, but maybe it's just gonna happen and my questions will be answered.
C
Oh, so you think of a yes or no question, one that you don't mind revealing. And we tell people, don't ask something that's gonna make you too sad if it doesn't give you the answer you want.
E
Oh, okay. You know, it's kind of hard because I'm always like, what are you guys feeling? And what do you wanna tell me?
C
Oh, right.
D
Oh, okay. Let me think of a question.
B
Yes.
D
How about this? All right. I'm thinking of a question for you.
C
Okay. I love it.
F
Okay.
B
Okay.
E
All right.
D
I got it right here.
E
Okay.
D
All right, let's go.
C
Okay.
D
Let's go.
C
Okay, I'm gonna do it too. Okay, here we go.
D
Okay.
C
Okay. I got a yes right away.
D
Me too. Will she be coming back to New York in the next three weeks?
C
Three weeks? That's three weeks. That's a short time.
E
Oh, I love it.
C
Is it?
E
Yes.
C
Wait.
E
Yes.
C
Wait, Irene, why did you pick the time frame of three weeks?
E
I love it. Because she's all about specificity.
C
Oh, I didn't know if something big was happening with this kid.
D
No, I Just threw it out there.
C
What?
D
I just. No, I didn't. I picked it. It was just like something. I just. Like spaghetti against the wall.
C
With three weeks, do you have any plans? Do you have plans to be out here in the next.
E
I don't have any plans right now. Pack your bags. Exciting.
C
Pack your bags. You're bound. You're coming right back here. Now, this one, this is risky because we can test this one in a very short amount of time. People often ask, like, was the Pendulum right? I mean, you really swung for the fences with putting only three. You could have made it six months and a much better.
E
I love it. I love the three weeks. That's even better. That's more exciting.
C
All right, now we can test Penji's powers.
D
We can really test. I hate putting the squeeze on Pen, but.
E
Okay, well, maybe it wasn't. Maybe they just wanted to, you know, be like, absolutely yes. Because, you know, Rachel was like, it's a definite.
C
I know.
E
It was, you know, so it wasn't like us. Maybe it was like.
F
Yes.
C
Yes.
E
All right, well, I. Amazing.
C
I've never been so scared as when you did that devil voice into my ear. So there's that. That was. Now, wait, tell us the name of your band again so people can go listen to this song.
E
Yes, it's called Grave Condition.
C
Grave Condition. Grave, Perfect title for this. Grave condition. And the song is Like a Ghost.
B
Like a Ghost.
D
Like a Ghost. And you can find it everywhere. It's on Spotify. Yeah.
C
Yes.
E
Our album is called Atmospheric Paradigm, but like a Ghost. Grave Condition.
B
Tell me what you think.
E
Tell me what you think of ghosts. Follow us on Instagram, raveconditionband and me, Hanamielee, and Mark Mallory at Ritual Communications and let us know what you think. I'm curious, you know?
F
Yeah.
C
Uh huh. All right, cool. And are you in any other acting things coming up that we can look for you in or.
E
I'm in a movie. I'm not sure when the release dates are on three of these. One of these will be a movie with me and Irene when I'm very excited about.
B
Yeah.
E
One is called Boris is Dead. James. Colin Bursack directed it. Dane Cook, Thomas Decker, Jamie Jim's James Duvall, Tracy Lords. Love her. A lot of amazing people in that one. So that should be coming out soon.
F
Soon.
C
Okay.
E
And then another movie called Swipe, which is a horror movie.
F
And I might.
D
I knew it.
C
You do?
E
Yes.
D
I knew it. I knew it.
F
Ooh.
D
I could tell. I could tell by the name. Swipe. Sweetie, I knew her.
B
Ooh.
E
All right, so that should be coming out soon, too, so.
B
Okay.
C
All right, well, thank you for. Thank you for joining us and sharing your creation, Creepy tails.
F
Thank you.
B
Yeah.
D
Thank you, Hannah.
E
Thank you, Guysoma.
B
No.
C
She did it again. Irene. Oh, now I'm gonna have nightmares.
E
Thank you guys so much.
C
Irene, I'm never gonna forgive you for this.
D
Thank you.
F
Sweet girl.
D
You are amazing. Thank you.
F
Thank you.
E
I love being on here. And thank you so much. Thank you.
C
I have to go sage my ears now. All right. Thank you, Hannah.
F
Thank you.
C
And you can find me on Instagram at Ray Dratch. That's R a e Dratch. And you can find Irene at irenebremis. That's B r e m I s bremis. And thanks for listening. Thanks for joining me on this journey.
B
Into the world of Woo woo. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Woo woo with Rachel Dratch is a Q code production executive produced by David Henning and Steve Wilson. Produced by Alexa Gabriel Ramirez Edited by Will Tende and here to take us.
C
Out is Hannah's song Like a Ghost with her band Grave Condition. Please enjoy. Like a ghost.
E
Piece of me you're gone piece of what's wrong?
F
And now you're back you're so nice. Now you're back.
B
So long.
F
Like a ghost to he Like a ghost you go. About the friends you left you years ago. The past is. I can't escape it I can't forget it. If I let you go I will stand Becoming a beast. Buried inside emotion no way. Want you to leave me ghost that.
E
Was you here in my ar.
F
Like a ghost you Like a ghost you. Like a friend you left you here.
February 4, 2026
In this episode of Woo Woo with Rachel Dratch, Rachel and her co-host Irene Bremis welcome actress, musician, and all-around creative force Hana Mae Lee (best known for her role in Pitch Perfect). The conversation dives into Hana’s most chilling unexplained experiences, including shared dreams and encounters with shadowy figures, the artistic process behind her new goth electro band Grave Condition, and musings on creativity, intuition, and ghosts—both literal and metaphorical. The trio brings humor, curiosity, and sincerity to their stories of the supernatural and synchronicity.
The episode concludes with Hana and the hosts playing with a “Pengi” yes/no pendulum game, some good-natured teasing, and a little scare courtesy of Hana’s creepy voice. The song “Like a Ghost” is played in full as a musical outro.
Playful, funny, genuinely “woo woo,” and supportive— the conversation balances skepticism with curiosity and heartfelt artistic reflection, perfect for fans of the unexplained and personal storytelling.
Anyone interested in ghost stories, the creative process, shared dreams, music, and the ways superstition overlays with lived experience—all delivered through the wit and relatability of Rachel Dratch, Irene Bremis, and their guests.