Woo Woo with Rachel Dratch | QCODE
Episode: Michael Cyril Creighton: Mercury in Retrograde and Pre-Show Rituals
Date: November 19, 2025
Host: Rachel Dratch
Co-host: Irene Bremis
Guest: Michael Cyril Creighton (Actor, Only Murders in the Building)
Episode Overview
In this lively episode, Rachel Dratch and Irene Bremis welcome actor Michael Cyril Creighton to explore all things “woo woo”—from astrology and Mercury in retrograde to psychic inklings and theater superstitions. With a blend of humor and sincerity, Michael reflects on brushes with the uncanny, superstitious pre-show rituals, and stories of meeting legendary Shirley MacLaine. The conversation flows from showbiz tales to metaphysical musings, with plenty of laughs and memorable moments.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Early Encounters & Michael’s Career Journey
- Meet-cute with Rachel: Michael shares a hilarious story about awkwardly meeting Rachel Dratch at Jacqueline Novak's show; he shyly professed his love before slipping away.
“I just, like, weirdly, tentatively touched your back, and you turned to me and I said, I love you. ...But that was our big moment.” —Michael (01:49)
- Acting Beginnings: Growing up on Long Island, Michael performed in children’s theater before high school led to a love for acting. Emerson College, with its “fun, progressive, all-the-weirdos” vibe, was a natural fit after his Catholic education. (03:15–04:18)
- Breakout in ‘Spotlight’: Michael recounts his unexpected casting in the film and the impact of getting to know the real person he portrayed, plus maintaining friendships from that experience.
“I became friends with the guy that I played and it was such a sort of... definitely a life changing experience.” —Michael (05:03)
Show Business Superstitions & Shirley MacLaine
- Only Murders in the Building: Initially cast for just two episodes, Michael details catching COVID during filming, the disappointment of isolating, and the surprise of becoming a regular cast member.
(08:43–09:19) - Dinner with Shirley MacLaine: Michael hilariously describes being invited (with his husband) to dinner with the “ultimate woo goddess,” highlighting Shirley’s brash humor and esoteric interests.
“She goes, tell her I think I was Mary Magdalene in another life...I was like, I’m absolutely not doing that.” —Michael, recounting his mother’s request (12:02) “She was so funny and brash…told me stories about...you know, she loves putting on a show, like a show business person.” (13:38)
Astrology & Mercury in Retrograde
- How Woo Woo is Michael? Raised Catholic (“the most woo woo thing you could be”), Michael considers himself pretty woo, dabbling in astrology but not buying all metaphysical beliefs wholesale.
- Astrological Guessing Game: Michael reveals he's an Aries (sun), with a Taurus moon and Cancer rising; Irene successfully guesses his sign, sparking laughter and bonding among all participants.
“I am an Aries.” —Michael (26:25)
- Mercury in Retrograde: Michael and Irene discuss how Mercury retrograde affects technology, contracts, and communication in their lives. They emphasize not making major decisions or buying tech during these periods.
“I believe personally that I experience it a few weeks earlier than when it comes. Like I get early retrograde stuff.” —Michael (17:43)
- Past Resurfacing: Notably, Michael talks about how Mercury retrograde tends to bring people from his past back into his life (old friends, random messages).
“If people from your past that you haven’t heard from...start reaching out, it’s almost definitely Mercury in retrograde.” (19:26)
- Friendly banter: The hosts compare notes on how astrology factors into their lives and even their relationships with others—and their dogs!
Intuition, Superstitions & Pre-Show Rituals
- Slightly Psychic? Michael claims to have a knack for reaching out to people exactly when needed, sometimes predicting events, and always guessing his birthday presents.
(33:09–33:41) - Pre-Show Rituals:
- Eating green curry before every performance of “Stage Kiss” (even though it’s a poor food choice pre-stage!).
- Blowing a kiss to his “Aunt Gracie” and doing a heart-opening motion from his college drama teacher before going on stage.
- When he skipped the ritual, things went awry on stage—missed lines, on-stage mishaps (a colleague cut his head and bled on stage).
“If I forget to do these things, things go wrong. Things go really wrong.” —Michael (35:47)
- Superstitious Behaviors: Includes things like religiously recycling, and a ritual for audition sides—ripping up, spitting on, and tossing out scripts after auditions to banish bad luck or disappointment.
Wu Wu Pet Parenting & Audience Q&A
- Dog Astrology: Michael’s dog, Sharon, is a Pisces (so is Rachel’s!); Michael wonders if future pets will carry the same temperament, to which the hosts offer a resounding pendulum “yes.”
(44:24–45:08) - Animal Communication: The group giggles about pet psychics and pet signs, and whether animals’ astrology influences their personalities.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Michael’s Mom, on Shirley MacLaine:
“Tell her I think I was Mary Magdalene in another life, and just ask her if she knows anything about that...” (12:02)
- On pre-show luck:
“I ate green curry before every performance because I thought it was giving me luck.” —Michael (34:17)
- On rituals gone wrong:
“Patrick walked into a light and cut his head and was just gushing, gushing, gushing blood...that I felt like was my fault cause I didn’t do the little ritual.” —Michael (37:30)
- On the astrology trio:
“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 suns.” —Michael (27:27)
- On Mercury retrograde:
“If I'm gonna spill water on my computer, it's gonna be during Mercury in retrograde.” —Michael (17:59)
- On slightly psychic talents:
“I ruin every surprise.” —Michael (33:41)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Introduction and Guest Welcome: 00:54–02:43
- Michael’s Career Origins & ‘Spotlight’ Story: 03:01–06:16
- Shirley MacLaine Dinner Story: 11:55–14:12
- Astrology Talk (Guessing Signs & Temperaments): 14:33–27:10
- Mercury in Retrograde Explained & Experiences: 16:28–20:21
- Woo Woo and Superstitions (Intuition, Rituals): 33:01–38:31
- Pre-show Ritual Mishap Story: 35:46–38:31
- Animal Astrology & Pet Psychic Banter: 44:24–47:08
- Promoting Michael’s Podcast: 47:18–48:19
Episode Tone & Style
The conversation is playful, candid, and packed with self-deprecating humor. Michael’s warmth and storytelling blend seamlessly with Rachel and Irene’s banter, making complex “woo woo” topics feel relatable and inviting—whether discussing astrology, superstitions, or absurd showbiz run-ins.
Takeaways
- Mercury in retrograde remains a staple superstition in showbiz and personal life, blamed for tech mishaps, miscommunication, and surprise blasts from the past.
- Rituals, however odd (like green curry), provide comfort and a sense of control before performances.
- Even skeptical comedians and actors find themselves swept up in woo woo beliefs—especially when they work (or at least when they’re fun).
- Astrology, for people and pets alike, is a favorite lens for self-reflection and connection in the community.
Closing
Michael Cyril Creighton encourages listeners to tune into his “Only Murders in the Building Official Podcast” for insider conversations from the show. The episode ends with mutual appreciation and hopes for real-life meetups, bringing the warmth and whimsy of “Woo Woo with Rachel Dratch” full circle.