A (2:11)

Okay. Now I'm hearing. I'm feeling the love. I might not have heard you. That's possible. That wasn't too long ago, though.

B (2:19)

No, it was like pre. Yeah. Like maybe 2019.

A (2:22)

Oh, my gosh. Okay. Okay. Well, hello. I'm sorry if I didn't fully take in the compliment, but I might have been adult at the time. Thank you.

B (2:32)

I think you took it and I think I'm just a quiet. You were very nice, but I'm like, nice. Nothing but nice.

A (2:38)

I like, fan out at people and I get very, very tongue tied. So, anyways, thank you for being here.

B (2:43)

I'm so excited to be here.

A (2:44)

And sometimes we talk a little bit of showbiz beforehand. First of all, I saw. Okay, so you went to Emerson College.

B (2:52)

I did.

A (2:53)

You spent some time in Irene and my stomping ground of the Boston area. But you're from Long Island. Is that.

B (2:59)

That's right. Yeah, I'm from Long Island.

A (3:01)

Okay.

B (3:01)

Yeah.

A (3:02)

Oh, I know. I was just gonna ask you, like, how did you get into the whole acting thing? Like, did you know when you were a kid, you wanted to be an actor? Cause Emerson's very performance art focused. And how did that all come about?

B (3:15)

Yeah, I guess when I was, like, a teenager, I took acting classes at a theater on Long island, did children's theater shows there. But I was like a teenager, so I was like a flower in Alice in Wonderland, or I rehearsed to be a flower in Alice in Wonderland, but I got chickenpox and couldn't do that show. It was like my first showbiz disappointment. But then I started doing plays in high school, and when it came time to look for college, I was like, I don't know how to do anything, and the only thing I really like doing is acting. Even though I'm not fully confident yet. Where can I get confidence? And then I went and visited Emerson, and it was just such a great school for, like, the weirdos, if that makes sense. It was a really fun, very progressive school. Like, you know, I went to Catholic school my whole life, so it was like a whole new world. Like, everybody was really liberal and exciting and different and gay. So I loved when I visited the school, and then I learned so much there and then just came back to New York and trudged along.

A (4:18)

Yeah, no, everyone seems to love Emerson. Like, I've never run into someone that's, like, it was okay. There's always wild enthusiasm about it. But I wanted to give you a little compliment the first time that I really. Whatever crossed your path or whatever was okay. I saw the movie Spotlight, and you were so good in that movie that I looked up like, who was that actor? You were so good at it.

B (4:43)

Oh, wow.

A (4:44)

So I just wanted to give you the shout out if anyone hasn't seen the movie Spotlight. First of all, it's a fantastic movie, but you're so good in it.

B (4:52)

That was a really special experience for so many reasons. But talk about a real Boston story. You know, one of the dark ones.

A (5:01)

The dark side of Boston.

B (5:03)

Yes. But that was, you know, that was. No one knew who I was at that time. I was in a play, which. I'll talk about the play a little bit later. But I was in this play, Stage Kiss. And the director, Tom McCarthy's agent saw me in it and said to the casting directors, you need to see this guy for Spotlight. And they didn't. And then she said, again, you need to see this guy for Spotlight. And they did. And it was just literally 20 minutes in the room with an assistant, a casting assistant. And then I left and I was like, I think it went as well as it could go, but I'll never get it. No one knows who I am. This movie is populated with like some of the biggest stars of in the business. And then I got it and it was incredible. But mostly because I became friends with the guy that I played and it was such a sort of. It was definitely a life changing experience becoming friends with him. He's since passed, but it was, it was a really amazing experience. And I'm still close with and I go and see theater with all the time. Sasha Pfeiffer, who Rachel McAdams played, I became friends with the real journalist and she comes to New York all the time and she loves Broadway and theater. So she'll be like, can we go see this show? I don't want to read anything about it, but let's go and see it. And so we see theater all the time together.

A (6:16)

Oh, wow. You know, I actually think it made it better that you weren't some known big star person to play that part because you just, it was just a completely neutral, like, you know, we had no association. So I just felt like you were that person. You were so good in it.

B (6:34)

Oh, I really appreciate it. I'm so proud of it and I love it. It's like the 10 year anniversary this year of that movie. I can't believe, I can't believe it.

A (6:41)

Did you know when it was being made, like we got a hit on our. I mean, I know it's like, I know it's like a dire topic, so it's not like we got a hit Hollywood, but I mean, did you have a feeling that it was going to get be so acclaimed? I guess is what I should say in a proper term.

B (6:56)

Well, I guess I didn't. I had no real frame of reference. I had never done a movie before like that and all I knew is like, oh, wow, this is very special. And the way that everybody was, you know, the care that everybody was taking with it, the way Rachel McAdams treated me. The day that we worked, I think it was one day we had that scene filmed those scenes and the care she took to take care of Me as an actor, but also as a character. And I was just, you know, a one day person there. I just felt like everybody was treating it with such care that there was no option but for it to be really special. I didn't know it was gonna be a best pict winner, but amazing. It was cool.

A (7:36)

Well, I always marvel, I mean, from the bottom of my heart, I really marvel at people that can do heavy drama and do comedy. Because I like, I'm just not a dramatic actor. Like, I've done a few little things, it's fine. But it's like, I'm like, you don't need me for this, you know, So I really always, whenever I see like a comedy person that's crossing over and doing something really heavy anyway, I just, I really admire people that can do it all. So hats off to you, Michael.

C (8:05)

Hats off.

B (8:06)

Thank you, Rachel. Thank you, Irene.

C (8:08)

Yeah, I was just gonna say you have that allure, like people can't get enough of you. Like, you walk into the room and you take over like you did with season one on Only Murders in the Building. And then all of a sudden you're like a regular character. No one can ever resist you, sweetie.

B (8:25)

That's very nice. I really like the word sweetie. Remember that? No, but you, I want that to be my ringtone. No one can ever resist you, sweetie.

A (8:36)

But you started off on Only Murders and you were just supposed to be in it for like one episode or two episodes and then two episodes.

B (8:43)

And this was my second giant showbiz disappointment was. First episode I shot was a big group scene. And the second episode I got Covid.

A (8:51)

Oh.

B (8:51)

And it was like back when there was no vaccines. So they very kindly waited until I was better to film. They kept me in the episode, but I had to film my scenes separately. So they were like, you do have this scene with Selena Gomez and Steve Martin and just for safety, you are going to be in another room and they will do it with a body double. And I was like, of course, of course. But I was so, so deeply disappointed because I thought it was my only chance to ever act with them.

A (9:18)

Oh, yeah.

B (9:19)

And then, you know, now five years later, I'm there all the time. So that's really nice.

A (9:28)

Here I am getting personal with you all. But let me tell you something. I grind my teeth at night. Yes. In these times, it's just getting worse and worse. And I've done it since I was a kid. I even chipped a tooth once because of it. And that's why I wear a night Guard from time to time to protect my teeth. And also, of course, because it's so sexy. But if you grind your teeth. I'm excited to tell you about Remy because night guards from your dentist are very expensive. And to get even more personal, my dog Ruffles has destroyed more of them than I can count. She's probably racked me up thousands of dollars worth of night guard fees. Thank you, Ruffles. We're going to have a talk after this. Anyways, with Remy, you get the same professional quality and comfort as a night guard from the dentist. But remy costs you 80% less and is much more convenient than having to go into the dentist's office. And as an added cost benefit, you can use your HSAFSA benefits toward your night guard at checkout. Remy's custom night guards are clinically tested to prevent teeth grinding, reduce jaw tension and facial muscle strain, and improve improve sleep quality. Here's how it works. You receive your impression kit straight to your door. Follow Remy's step by step instructions to get your perfect impression, and Remy crafts and ships your custom fit nightguard. You get it back and you start protecting your teeth. And for the holiday season, Remy is gifting their customers with their 2 in 1 foam that both cleans your night guard and whitens your teeth. What? For free? When you order a night guard between now and December 24th, go to shopremy.com woo and use code woo to receive 55% off your new night guard plus a free foam gift. That's shop r e m I.com woo for 55% off a night guard plus free gift using code woo. Thank you, Remy, for sponsoring this episode. Every holiday shopper's got a list. But Ross shoppers, you've got a mission like a gift run that turns into a disco snow globe, throw pillows and PJs for the whole family, dog included. At Ross, holiday magic isn't about spending more. It's about giving more for less. Ross, work your magic. Well, okay, so in the world of woo woo, I don't know where you're gonna go with your woo woo stories, but we did notice right off the bat about, you know, you worked with Shirley MacLaine or she was around and only murders. I don't know how much because this is so funny. You're our third guest who's worked with Shirley MacLaine, and like, I didn't even know she was like, you know, still working everything till only murdered.

C (11:55)

But we're manifesting her.

A (11:56)

We're manifesting her. Yeah, but one of our guests would sit down and have lunch with her every day and talk about whatever. That her dog was the reincarnation of her sister, which is a real thing, she said. So we. I don't know if you have any Shirley MacLaine stories, because she's like the ultimate Wumu goddess.

B (12:15)

She is the ultimate woo goddess. I did have a dinner with her.

A (12:18)

Really? Wow.

B (12:19)

Which was absolutely. It was by showrunner wrote me John Hoffman and texted me and said, would you be available tonight to have dinner with Shirley MacLaine? And I get nervous, as I said before, and I was like, what do I do? What do I do? And my husband was like, are you kidding me? What do you do? You get on your clothes and you go right now. So we went to Joe Allen's. We both. Well, she had like, bacon cheeseburger and french fries. And I got the same thing because I was like, if she can do it, I can do it. My mother. I called my mother and I was like, mom, I'm going to dinner with the show. She goes, tell her I think I was Mary Magdalene in another life. She's like, can you tell her that I think I was Mary Magdalene in another life and just ask her if she knows anything about that? And I was like, I'm absolutely not doing that.

C (13:08)

Oh, my gosh.

B (13:09)

And it was such a blur. I almost don't remember it other than we had cheeseburgers and martinis. And she was at one point, oh, she did say, why are you married? She's like, you believe in monogamy? And I was like, I'm not getting into this in front of my boss. And with Shirley MacLaine, it was like, not on my bingo card. And then at one point, I think she thought I said I was in the closet. And I was like, no, no, no. I'm married to a man.

A (13:37)

Okay, okay.

B (13:38)

But she was. She was so funny and brash and, like, told me stories about, you know. My showrunner was like, you know, ask her questions about herself. She loves putting on a show, like a show business person.

A (13:53)

But. So you didn't talk about anything? Like, she didn't bring up. Cause. And the other person said she, like, talked all the woo woo stuff, but I mean, whatever. I'm sure she doesn't talk about that all the time, but I bet she did.

B (14:06)

And I bet I didn't retain too much of it because I was so overwhelmed by the whole experience. It was very fun.

A (14:12)

That makes sense. That makes sense.

C (14:13)

She's amazing. Cheeseburgers and martinis at her age. I mean, she is a goddess, let's be honest.

B (14:17)

Right? That's the secret to having many, many lives.

A (14:21)

I guess so. So, Michael, how woo woo are you in general and what have been your brushes with woo woo? Over time?

B (14:33)

I feel like I'm pretty woo woo, but not all in on anything. Like, I grew up Catholic, which I feel like is like the most woo woo thing you could be. Like, just. It's basically like making wishes all the time. I'm not practicing anymore, but I do remember, like those prayers felt like wishes and that feels very woo woo to me. Yeah, I do believe in astrology, but I only know a little bit about it. Like I know about my sign.

A (14:58)

Wait, don't tell your sign yet because Irene likes to guess.

C (15:01)

I will guess, but keep going.

A (15:02)

I didn't want to interrupt you, but I just didn't want you to blurt out yourself.

B (15:05)

Oh, no.

A (15:05)

But keep going though. So you know about your sign?

B (15:08)

I know about my sign. I know about my husband's sign. I know about my enemy's signs. And I know I do have a friend who is. His mother is an astrologer. And I said, this is my sun, moon and rising. What does that mean? And he just went, ooh, baby. I was like, what does that mean? What does that mean? He goes, you feel a lot. You feel a lot. And it's all in conflict a lot.

A (15:35)

Okay.

B (15:36)

Which I thought was interesting. I definitely believe in the concept of Mercury in retrograde. And I sometimes don't know if I like, will things to happen because I believe it so much. I have started signing contracts during that time and I'll think of a way to rationalize it. Like, oh, I worked with this person's co worker and you know, if you worked with the person, you could sign the contract.

A (16:01)

Okay. Yeah.

B (16:02)

Like, I got married during Mercury in retrograde and I was like, well, we have been working together as partners for so long, it's not a problem. But then the music didn't work at our reception. Like technology breaking down.

A (16:13)

That's right.

C (16:14)

That's right.

B (16:15)

But also I completely am hyper aware of like communication breakdown during that time. I feel like it happens all the time and sometimes I don't know if I'm willing it or if I'm just like, Well, I can say stupid shit now because it's Mercury in retrograde.

A (16:28)

Okay, I have a question. Now this is interesting because we have never talked about Mercury in retrograde on this show ever. And so it's something. Now, Anna Gastrius, very into Saying Mercury is in retrograde. So that's my main tie to Mercury retrograde. Is Anna talking about. But I don't really know for me and our listeners, like, what does that really mean? Or do we know?

C (16:49)

We know.

B (16:50)

Yeah, Irene, what do you know? Because I know it's like a planetary shift and I know the things you're supposed to avoid during it.

A (16:56)

But what does it actually mean that it's in retro, like planetary wise? I'm not saying what it does, I'm saying what is like the astronomy of it, not the astrology, do we know? Or whatever.

C (17:06)

I'm just curious. But you know what Mercury is retrograding, but I don't know the planetary aspects.

A (17:15)

Oh, screw the science. Let's get to the sucks.

C (17:17)

Okay, when you do plan anything during.

A (17:19)

So tell me, what is supposed to. Oh, wait, let's see. It's a three to four week optical illusion when the planet Mercury appears to move backward in the sky. Okay. Which leads to.

B (17:31)

And I think it happens like three times a year. It seems to always be in retrograde.

A (17:35)

Yes, you're right. Three to four times a year, each lasting for roughly three weeks. I didn't realize it lasts that long.

C (17:41)

Yes, it lasts for a while, but.

B (17:43)

I believe personally that I experience it a few weeks earlier than when it comes. Like I get early retrograde stuff. Like I'll have. I'll feel it early and it'll go out early for me. I guess I'm pretty woo woo. Now that I'm talking about this.

A (17:58)

That's what happens.

B (17:59)

I do feel like the communication starts like breaking down with me a week or two early. There's like always some sort of tension or miscommunication or, you know, the things are like, there's miscommunication. You should not buy technology. Technology breaks down during that time, which it totally does. Like if I'm gonna spill water on my computer, it's gonna be during Mercury in retrograde. If my iPhone stops working, it's during Mercury in retrograde. That's why the only thing that happened during our wedding was like we couldn't get the sound to work for the dance part. And that's a technological thing.

A (18:34)

I didn't know any of this. I didn't do the deep dive.

B (18:37)

And you're not supposed to sign contracts, right? There's a contract, but then there's outs. Like, they're like, okay, but if you worked with a person before, it's okay. And then you can't make big decisions. You can't buy houses, you can't make big plans. It's really difficult to do when you're like a person whose life is at the whim of everybody else. But I definitely try to not do stuff during it.

A (19:00)

Wow, interesting. Now, Irene, have you paid attention in your life to Mercury in retrograde? Yes.

C (19:05)

I also, I agree, like, I will not, like, plan a road trip or a flight or really buy any technology during Mercury retrograde because it'll break down or you'll have glitches or get on a computer or even. Yeah, definitely. I avoid.

A (19:25)

Yes.

B (19:26)

Oh, another weird thing. Another crazy thing is just take note of this. If people from your past that you haven't heard from in a long time start being like, hey, how are you? I haven't heard from you in a long time. Or like, weird, random people start reaching out, like on Facebook or I don't have Facebook, but like, you know, texting, Instagram, wherever. It's almost definitely Mercury in retrograde when you're like, wow, Carol from college just messaged me. I haven't seen her in 20 something years and just wanted to say hi. Oh, Mercury's in retrograde.

A (19:56)

Oh my gosh.

C (19:57)

Retrograde now. Michael, do you think that's because the planet is going backwards? So you're going into your past and drawing people from your past? Because I didn't know this about Mercury retrograde.

B (20:05)

You didn't know that people reach out. I don't know if it's because that makes sense that it would be because it's going in the past, but it really does happen. My husband and I will be like, did someone just reach out to you? And he'd be like, yeah, is Mercury in retrograde? And it always is.

A (20:21)

Okay, this is a whole new woo woo for me to add to my pile that is now a mile long. When we started out, we were like, we're not really. And now we believe everything. But now this Mercury retrograde thing is another thing Foreign. You've heard of GLP1 drugs, right? Everyone seems to be doing them. GLP1s are all the rage, but not quite the all natural solution you might be looking for. This podcast is sponsored by Veracity. Welcome to an all natural way to slim down, get energized and sharpen your focus. Veracity is revolutionizing health by tackling the root cause of so many issues, metabolism. With Verasity's drug free, clinically proven and doctor formulated solutions, you can support your body's needs to live your healthiest life. Does this sound amazing? I know it is. So if your goal is weight Loss. You need to try metabolism ignite. The one doctor recommended GLP1 booster and GLP1 alternative. No side effects, no allergens. Metabolism Ignite is a natural, safe plant based aid that results in an 85% reduction in hunger and is clinically proven to lose on average nine pounds in 90 days. Okay, so here's my deal. I started taking this Veracity cause you know I'm doing the pod and I have to try out what's coming my way. And this is kind of funny but you know they really make you get personal in these ads. And I'm about to tell you I live in an apartment building and I had like three random neighbors say to me like have you lost weight? Have you lost? And I was like, nah, I don't think so. And then it clicked to me. Wait a minute. I started taking this veracity like 3 weeks ago and people are asking me if I lost weight. I don't know, I'm just throwing that out there. Seems to be working. So what's Inveracity? Here's the great part. It's a unique blend of lemon, verbena and hibiscus extracts, green coffee bean extract and magnesium. Plus, even if you are on GLP1 medications, Veracity is safe to take along with GLP1 medications to aid in boosting your metabolism and appetite control. And Veracity isn't just for weight loss. They have a wide variety of supplements for managing stress, gut health, burnout and more. You know we talk all about plant based natural health remedies on the pod from time to time. So we are all over Veracity. So make the switch to GLP1s the natural way. Head to veracityselfcare.com and use code woo for up to 45% off your order. Once again, that's veracityselfcare.com for up to 45% off. And make sure you use my promo code Woo so they know I sent you. This episode is brought to you by.

C (22:54)

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A (22:59)

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B (23:05)

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And celebrate the season with Nespresso's limited edition coffee flavors. Sweet almond and hibiscus, cinnamon and candied tamarind and festive double espresso Magic in the mate shop. The holiday gift collection exclusively@nespresso.com I thought it was funny that you said will you follow the astrology? And then I like that you threw in your enemies. Because I like that. You like. That's something I don't really think about, but maybe I should think of, like, who are my enemies? But that's funny that you notice their signs, too.

B (23:41)

Yeah, it's just like, oh, that makes sense why we don't, like, mesh that well. I don't really have a lot of enemies, but, you know, people that I don't like.

A (23:48)

If I don't.

B (23:49)

If I don't have. Yeah. If I have trouble with someone.

C (23:52)

Yeah.

B (23:53)

It's generally a certain sign.

C (23:55)

Right, Michael? You know, like, think about it, Rachel. If you. If I don't get along with a certain sign, I like that sign, and I were incompatible, and I have an issue with. Anyway, the point is you. You know that it's not you. It's that damn sign.

A (24:10)

Okay, now. Okay, Irene, do you want to try to guess Michael's sign now, this early in the proceedings?

C (24:17)

Okay, I have a couple I'm gonna give. I'm gonna go for two guesses.

A (24:21)

Okay, I'm gonna go for two. I'm gonna go for one. Only because of one thing. You said. I'm not good at this, and I don't know all the signs. You said one thing that made me think of something. But, Irene, you go first, by the way. We're not good at this, but continue.

C (24:33)

We're really bad, but I've been nailing it lately. Okay, but you're. You're like a real sweetheart. I mean, that there's something very lovable. In fact, Rachel, didn't I text you and say she said so? Damn. Now I feel like my dad was a real sweetheart. Okay, So I would go with, like, there's two. I'm gonna go with two, though.

A (24:57)

Okay.

C (24:57)

I'm gonna go with two guesses. The one would be. And don't tell me which one it is after we're done. The one. My dad was an Aries, and he was the sweetest guy. And then the other one that I think that you might be, which is also very sweet, is Scorpio male. But stay away from the ladies, sweeties.

A (25:18)

All right, all right. Irene is really feeling very randy today. Okay? Now, I'm gonna go enlighten you guesses, but I'm not good at this. Irene knows more than I. I'm gonna say Pisces and Sagittarius.

B (25:32)

Now do I tell you?

A (25:33)

Yes. All right.

B (25:34)

Okay. Well, this is. No, no. Very interesting. You say Pisces and Sagittarius. Those are my two favorite signs. My husband's A Sagittarius. My mom is. Those are my favorite signs. So you sort of were connected in some way there. But I have a question for you, Irene. Did your dad also have a temper at all? Like, what was his temper?

C (25:57)

Like, he did have a temper when he was pushed to the limit by my Aries mother. They're not easy to deal with.

A (26:06)

Oh.

C (26:06)

She's also an Aries, and the women are very, you know, they're firecrackers.

B (26:10)

Yeah.

C (26:10)

And then he was always very sweet until you pushed him. You pushed him. And he did have a temper, but, like, his temper was not like, you know, it was like, all right. You know what I mean? And that's it. He wasn't punching wolves. Not at all. Yeah.

B (26:25)

I am an Aries. I am an Aries.

A (26:28)

I knew it.

B (26:31)

You got it. It's so funny that you, like, describe Aries as sweetheart, because I've always heard that we're, like, really fiery.

C (26:40)

The women.

B (26:41)

The women. Well, I feel like I'm halfway there. Like, I mixed. Like, I. Like. I have a lot of very Aries qualities, and I do have, like, this, which I go to therapy, so it's, you know, under control and it's worked on. But I do have, like, a sharp temper that comes out of nowhere, and I think that's a very Aries thing, where it's like, easy, easy, easy. Whoa, whoa. You know?

C (27:10)

Yeah. Oh, My dad was April 1st.

B (27:13)

Oh, my gosh. On March 31st.

A (27:15)

Okay. Irene. Irene. This is a banner day. Okay. Also, Michael, we need to reveal to you, I'm Pisces, and Irene is Sagittarius.

B (27:24)

Get out of here.

A (27:25)

For reals?

B (27:27)

This is why this is so fun. I honestly, podcasts make me so nervous to, like, to be interviewed and talk. This is so easy and fun. And that's why, because we're just a perfect mix of three great songs.

A (27:37)

There you go. I said Pisces because you said you feel things deeply. And then I said Sagittarius because you seem very bubbly and optimistic, at least in my scanty dealings with you. I guess I didn't know about that Aries temper.

B (27:51)

When you're not throwing around, Michael, when I'm punching walls. I did punch a wall. I punched a wall when I quit smoking.

A (27:59)

Oh, that's.

B (28:01)

Yeah, I did punch a wall. I don't make a habit of it, though. Oh. But the interesting thing is I was born three months early, so I actually was technically supposed to be my least favorite sign, which is a Taurus.

C (28:13)

Oh, thank you. My husband is A Taurus. Now you know my pain, sweetie. I'm just kidding.

B (28:20)

They're hard. I mean, I love a lot of Tauruses, but they're hard for me. So, yeah, I'm an Aries sun, a Taurus moon, a cancer rising. And I don't know what that means. I just know it means a lot.

A (28:31)

I don't know either. Irene knows more than I.

C (28:34)

Wait, wait, you said you're a cancer?

B (28:36)

Rising cancer, rising Taurus moon, Aries sun.

C (28:41)

Well, here we go. So your Taurus moon means you're very ambitious and you're also business savvy to some degree. You get the work done. You get work done. And also the fact that you're Taurus moons. That explains a lot. That adds to the Aries temper. It's. It doesn't help. It's like throwing gasoline on the fire. And then of course, the rising cancer. Very intelligent sign. Not that any. I mean, I read this once and I thought it was a little sexist that it said the male cancer is the smartest sign on the. On the zodiac.

A (29:16)

Oh, really?

C (29:17)

Yeah.

A (29:17)

That seems weird that like a certain month would be the smartest.

C (29:21)

I know in a male. Yeah, it's crazy. But whatever, let's just cut that.

A (29:30)

In. We're keeping it so those male cancers can feel really superior.

C (29:33)

They can feel superior, but also they're nurturing. Are you nurturing? And also thin skinned sometimes. And also go inward. Inward. They like to. Like a little hermit crab they go in with. So given the fact that sometimes you go inward and you're an Aries with the occasional, you know, firecracker and then also Taurus that they have, I think they. They're the ones that really have the tempers, especially the males. Those things, you know? Yeah. But you're. You're in the.

B (30:04)

Interesting. I think it'd be like. That makes sense. Like I'm someone who, like, thrives around people. I like need to be around people. But I also definitely want to go inside myself. Like, I want to be alone a lot of times, or like I go small even though I want to be big. You know, being around people.

A (30:21)

Well, I can't believe that Irene got it first try. That's amazing.

B (30:26)

Yeah. And I'm like, I have such a bad poker face that I was giggling.

C (30:31)

Oh, I didn't see it at all.

B (30:32)

Oh, good.

A (30:37)

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B (32:55)

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A (33:01)

So what other woo? Not that we even need any, but what what are your other woo woo dabblings or tales or whatever?

B (33:09)

Well, one thing briefly is like I'm either I do believe I'm either like slightly psychic or very, very intuitive. Like, I will reach out to friends and it'll be on a day where they really need someone. You know, like where something big happened and they need to talk about it. And it'll just be a random. Like I'll think about someone and then reach out at the right time. I think that happens more often than not. I'll be able to predict things sometimes. I've guessed almost every birthday present for 20 years. Like, I ruin every surprise.

A (33:41)

That's cool.

B (33:41)

But I used to, when I was young, I used to think like I was like, carry level psychic abilities. Like, I would, like, if I were sitting in a car, I would like close my eyes and be like, I'm gonna will the light to turn green. And it did not. I'm not that level. Yeah, but I'm superstitious. I'm like extremely superstitious in like, again, it could be more like OCD or it could be superstition. But there's certain things, like, once I find a pattern of something, I'll do it because I believe if I break the pattern, it will break the spell of what's happening. So, like, I did this play, Stage Kiss, which I was talking about before, is the play that someone saw me in and is the reason why I got Spotlight. So I was doing this play and it all clicked for our dress rehearsal and I felt so great about the performance and it felt so real. And I ate green curry that day. So I ate green curry. This sounds so crazy. And it is. And I like probably gained about 20 pounds during the run of the show. I ate green curry before every performance because I thought it was giving me luck.

A (34:48)

Okay. What's striking me about this is green curry does not seem like a good pre stage food. It seems like.

B (34:54)

No, I was like about to shit myself. I was also like. The show is called Stage Kiss. I was kissing Jessica Hecht the whole play and I'm eating like Thai curry.

A (35:08)

Oh my gosh.

B (35:09)

Every day. But also during that show, I had a. There's a thing I do before a show. I don't know when it started. It's just like a little ritual that I made up. Like my drama teacher at Emerson. Her name was Amelia. She was so lovely and had a big heart. And she used to do this thing where she would like clap outward from her heart, from her chest when you'd come off stage as a way to just like open her heart to you. It was very sweet. So I sometimes do that. Before a show. And then I will blow a kiss to my Aunt Gracie, who is my. She's not related to me, but she took care of me when I was young. She was like my grandma's best friend, who was my babysitter.

A (35:46)

Aw.

B (35:47)

And I always thought. And she always loved watching me perform, and she always came to see me in my school plays. So I at one point thought, like, if I blow her a kiss, that'll be good luck. So I do it. But if I forget, sometimes I forget. And if I forget to do these things, things go wrong. Things go really wrong. So there was one day I definitely forgot to do it. And it was this play, Stage Kiss, which had qualities of a, you know, a theatrical farce.

A (36:15)

Was this in New York, by the way? I'm sorry.

B (36:17)

Yeah, it was in New York. It was at Playwrights Horizons. And so I didn't do my little ritual that day. I did eat the green curry, but I didn't do the ritual. Okay, thank God. And so first thing happens, I come in, I make this entrance. I'm like, playing my character, playing a character. I have a gun. I'm supposed to be a gangster, but I'm supposed to be doing it badly. But I start stuttering and can't finish the line. I've never stuttered in my entire life. And I literally, truly start stuttering and can't stop. Okay, so that happens. Then there's this big scene where Patrick Kerr, who is the other actor who plays the director in the play, and I are showing someone stage combat. And it's a very funny scene, and we could never do it without laughing. Like, I broke more on stage during this play than ever. Not professional, but I couldn't help it. So it's a scene where I come in the door and Jessica Hecht is there, and Patrick Kerr and I do this little sort of dance like thing that is showing her stage combat. That day that I forgot to do my ritual, Patrick walked into a light and cut his head and was just gushing, gushing, gushing blood. But I didn't know this because I come in from a different part of the stage. So I open the door and Jessica, who's in a kimono or like a silky robe, swings around and goes. Patrick's bleeding and really quiet in my ear. And I look over and Patrick is. His whole face is covered in blood. So then we're supposed to do this thing, and he's supposed to be, like, over me. I'm, like, laying down and he's shaking me. And all I'm thinking is, is his blood gonna drip on my face? Is his blood gonna drip on my face? And we both start laughing hysterically. And so that I felt like was my fault cause I didn't do the little ritual. But also because I grew up, I'm a recovering Catholic, of course I think it's my fault. So there's that. I'm superstitious about that. Or like, if another superstition thing is, like, if I accidentally throw recycling into the garbage, I'll be like, if I do that, something bad's gonna happen and I'll have to take it and put it in the recycling. And is that OCD or is that.

C (38:24)

Yeah, it might be ocd.

B (38:26)

I don't know.

A (38:26)

I don't know. I haven't recyc. I can understand that one.

B (38:29)

Yeah.

A (38:30)

Yes. Oh, wow.

B (38:31)

So those are like the major woo woo things I would say.

A (38:39)

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B (40:15)

That means 10 tender, juicy McNuggets and medium fries and a drink, $8 only at McDonald's for a limited time only. Prices and participation may vary. Prices may be higher in Hawaii, Alaska, and California. And for delivery.

A (40:31)

I like that you have those stage rituals, because that's a question you get asked a lot as an actor. I really don't have any, but I like that you have those and that they seem to.

B (40:39)

You know. You should try the green curry one.

A (40:42)

I'm going for the heart opening, but green curry was my second choice. Right?

B (40:47)

Yeah. Heart opening. Sweet. But green curry is really gonna put some meat on you.

A (40:52)

Oh, my gosh. That was hilarious.

C (40:54)

The heart opening and the kiss to Gracie. Remember Tina Fey said that she had a little bit of a stage ritual that she used to do?

A (41:01)

Well, she just said that when she was walking off the subway to snl and it was like the day of the read through, she would tell herself, like, I have to walk through. Like, if I don't walk through these two subway poles, like, I'm gonna have a bad read through. Which I never knew that she even thinks like that. But she's Greek, too. Irene's Greek. And she says they're very superstitious.

B (41:19)

Superstition, huh?

C (41:20)

Maybe it's rooted in the Catholic and the Greek Orthodox superstition.

A (41:25)

Who knows?

B (41:26)

I also used to do this thing, like, when I was struggling and I wasn't getting jobs or whatever. By the way, Tina Fey gave me My first TV job ever.

A (41:32)

Saw that? You did?

B (41:33)

My first TV audition was for 30 Rock. My first real TV audition ever. And then that was my first job. And suddenly I was on set with her and I was such a fan. So sort of, like baptized by fire in that way where I was like, oh. But I was also weird to her once. Now we're normal. Cause I've seen her. But like, how I was weird to you at that opening. I was weird to her once at the Writers Guild Awards, and I was like, hi. You really changed my life. Like, I became a little seal. And she's like, she was very nice.

A (42:00)

But no, I'm saying you might as well say the positives. I think.

B (42:03)

I think so, too. I think so too. But I feel like I wish I could say them confidently as opposed to turn into a baby seal.

A (42:10)

I feel like we all. Everyone has their baby seal moment. So I don't think, like, you're the only one who would and who doesn't.

C (42:17)

Love a baby seal. Come on, let's be honest.

A (42:19)

That's true. They're lovable.

B (42:21)

Oh, so when I was struggling and I'd have an audition for good luck, I would rip up the sides and spit on them and throw them out. I'm deeply woo woo. I think I am. I just think I am. I haven't done that in a while. But like it was also a way of like get the scripts out of my house. Like, I don't want to come across something for like, you know, csi, you know, Hawaii when I'm cleaning my apartment, being like, oh, I didn't get that. So just like rip it up, spit on and throw it out.

A (42:48)

And now wait, a question about that.

C (42:50)

I like it.

A (42:51)

Is that when you're still waiting to hear if you got the part?

B (42:53)

Yeah, it's like when I know I won't have to print them again for a callback. Wow.

C (42:59)

And spitting with the Greeks. We spit a lot. It's. You remember that scene Rachel in My Big Fat Greek Wedding where everybody was spitting as she was walking down the aisle? That wards off the evil, the bad juju.

A (43:12)

Okay, yeah. I didn't know. I've got so many things to add to my list of ritualistic behavior and plus throwing Mercury in retrograde. I'm gonna be very busy avoiding.

B (43:24)

Do you have any theater rituals, Rachel?

A (43:26)

No, I don't have any. And I'm more of like the like throw your costume on and like I should be doing warm ups and stuff like, like a professional, but I'm usually just shoot out of a cannon more type. So.

B (43:42)

Yeah, but it works, I guess so.

A (43:44)

Knock on wood. Eat green curry. Well, we do do this pendulum reading. I don't know if you saw that part where we. If you ask.

B (43:57)

Yeah, I think I watched the Murray Hill one. Right.

A (44:00)

So if you ask a yes. If you think of a yes or no question and then you think of it, then we will give your answer of a yes or no.

B (44:06)

Okay, let me think for a second.

A (44:10)

Okay, you're thinking.

B (44:12)

I'm ready.

A (44:12)

Okay, here we go.

B (44:13)

Okay.

A (44:15)

Okay.

C (44:15)

Absolutely resounding.

A (44:17)

I got an instant.

C (44:18)

Instant.

A (44:19)

Did you get a yes? Okay, we both got a yes.

B (44:22)

Yay.

A (44:22)

What was it?

B (44:24)

I thought when the time comes for me to have another dog, will it have the same sort of temperament as my wonderful dog Sharon, who I have now? And that's a really lovely yes because I was really convinced I was gonna have just my next dog was gonna be a monster.

A (44:42)

Now wait, are you getting a dog in addition to Sharon or this is planning for.

B (44:47)

It's like, it's just like, you know, at one point I'm Planning so far ahead, because I can't think of not having a dog.

A (44:56)

I can't think of.

B (44:57)

I can't think of not having her, obviously. But I always wonder. I won't have her forever. What will the next dog be like? Will it be very different? I love her so much. What will that be like? So I'm happy to know they'll have a similar temperament.

C (45:08)

Well, it might be Sharon all over again. She might be reincarnated.

A (45:12)

Shirley MacLaine's sister. That's right.

B (45:14)

That would be lovely.

A (45:16)

That would be great, Rachel. But we do. We do get a lot of animal questions for that. A lot of pet questions. Yeah, go ahead, Irene.

C (45:24)

I have one. What sign is your dog? Do you believe. Do you extend the astrology to the dog?

B (45:29)

She's a Pisces. She's a Pisces.

A (45:31)

My dog's a Pisces, too. Now we've hit rock bottom of Woo woo. What sign is your dog is going to be on our merch. What sign is your dog?

B (45:41)

What is your birthday? Rachel? What's your birthday?

A (45:43)

It's February 22nd.

B (45:45)

Oh, nice. And what about you, Irene?

C (45:47)

December 13th. Sorry, December 13th.

B (45:49)

December 13th.

A (45:50)

But my dog is March 20th. I think that's still in Pisces. Unless she's a fiery Aries. When is your dog's birthday?

B (45:57)

March 5th. And my mom's birthday is March 4th. So, like, if I ever do a post about, like, Sharon's birthday, I have to be really careful how I be. Like, my favorite person was born today. Her name is Sharon. Like, I have to be really careful how much I love my dog publicly.

A (46:15)

Wait, what kind of dog?

B (46:16)

I don't get in trouble.

A (46:17)

What kind of.

B (46:18)

She's a random rescue. She's a Jack Russell. Jack Russell. Lhasa apso mix. Apparently we got her DNA tested. My husband does want to take her to a pet psychic to find out why she doesn't like walking up the stairs. And I was like, because she's older than they told us she was and her legs hurt and she knows we're going to pick her up.

A (46:39)

Yeah, we did have an animal communicator on here once, and it was kind of interesting. I don't know.

B (46:46)

Did you bring your ruffles on?

A (46:48)

Well, she did. She did read ruffles. She said a couple things. She said a couple things that I've. I've tried and they seem to work with ruffles. So I don't know. I was. I always thought that was also like, the last bastion of stuff. I don't believe. But I don't. Like I said, we're, we're full. We're hooked on everything now. So yeah, we're equal opportunity.

B (47:07)

Woo woo.

A (47:08)

Right now. So including what, what's your dog for?

B (47:11)

Alien abduction.

A (47:12)

Except maybe alien abduction, but. But still waiting for that one. Yeah. Oh, and Michael, is there anything like you want to plug or anything?

B (47:18)

No, I would say for the people that watch Only Murders in the Building this season, I'm executive producing and hosting the official podcast, which is so fun. I've never. I have so much admiration for anybody who does this because it's so hard to like keep conversation going and, you know, making people comfortable. But it's so fun. I get to talk to all of these great actors from the show. But also. So I talked to one of our favorite PAs. A lot of people on the crew. It's just a lot of fun. And so I hope people are either listening or watching that. Cause I think it's a great deep dive into stuff.

A (47:53)

Okay. And sorry I should know this, but what is it called?

B (47:55)

It's called the Only Murders in the Building Official podcast.

A (47:59)

Okay, I bet I should have figured that out myself. Okay.

B (48:03)

You can watch it or listen to it. Hulu and Hulu, Disney, Disney Plus, Apple, Spotify, all that stuff.

A (48:10)

Okay, good.

B (48:11)

YouTube.

C (48:12)

Wow, great.

A (48:13)

All right. The Only Murders in the Building Official podcast.

B (48:16)

Yeah.

A (48:16)

Hosted by Michael Cyril Creighton.

B (48:19)

Yeah.

A (48:19)

All right.

B (48:19)

I love that you say my name right. Thank you.

A (48:21)

I was really trying to nail that. I really wanted to stick the landing on it. All right, well, Michael, thank you so much.

C (48:28)

Thank you.

B (48:29)

This is so great. I hope we all cross paths in real life someday.

A (48:32)

And next time when I see you, I to want a full throated. I love you. No, but I'm gonna say it to you when I see you. So.

B (48:42)

Can't wait. Can't wait. And same for you. Irene Live.

C (48:45)

Yes. It's so lovely meeting you and doing this with you. You're just the sweetest.

B (48:50)

Oh, thanks.

A (48:51)

All right, thank you so much, Michael.

B (48:53)

Thank you, Rachel. It was so fun.

A (48:55)

Bye. And you can find me on Instagram at Raydratsch. That's R A E Dratch. And you can find Irene at Irenebremis. That's B R E M I S Bremes. And thanks for listening. Thanks for joining me on this journey 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 cue code production executive produced by David Henning. And Steve Wilson Produced by Alexa Gabriel Ramirez Edited BY Will Tendi.

B (49:40)

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