
Loading summary
Brie Larson
This is an I Heart podcast.
Podcast Host
Degree advanced the world's number one antiperspirant provides up to 72 hours of protection against sweat and odor that comes with life. Degree is the wake up workout. Antiperspirant the dashing, darting, carpool, honking, get the kids off to school. Antiperspirant the work from home and do the laundry grocery shop on your lunch hour, never take a break. Antiperspirant so do what you need to do, work how you need to work. Sweat moves you forward. Degree is here to make sure it doesn't hold you back. Degree here for sweat Lexus is a company that believes in the importance of setting a standard. For me, a standard that matters to me is being a friend, being a person, being a coworker who shows up. The standard Lexus has set for themselves is to experience amazing. Lexis benchmarks are feelings. Things like exhilaration and joy and amazing can only be achieved by knowing people on a deeper level. It's feeling like your car was designed and built just for you. A machine that makes you feel more human. Because a car that doesn't make you feel something is a car that stops short of amazing. So experience amazing at your Lexus dealer.
Commercial Announcer
Mint is still $15 a month for premium wireless. And if you haven't made the switch yet, here are 15 reasons why you should 1.
Podcast Host
It's $15 a month. 2.
Commercial Announcer
Seriously, it's $15 a month. 3. No big contracts.
Brie Larson
4.
Commercial Announcer
I use it. 5. My mom uses it.
Podcast Host
Are you playing me off?
Brie Larson
That's what's happening, right? Okay, give it a try. @mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment of $45 for a three month plan $15 per month equivalent required. New customer offer full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra.
Commercial Announcer
C mint mobile.com@walgreens we know flu season can feel a little chaotic, so we're.
Courtney McBroom
Going to give you our flu info.
Podcast Host
In a meditation keeping you calm. Just like a certified Walgreens pharmacist will do if you're a little needle nervous. So walk in or schedule an appointment today to get up to date on all your vaccines.
Commercial Announcer
That's the the human kind of help.
Amy Brown
Walgreens vaccines subject to availability, state, age.
Commercial Announcer
And health related restrictions may apply.
Amy Brown
This is Amy Brown from Feeling Things with Amy and Kat. Isopure protein helps you focus on more of what matters, like feeling your best every day with great tasting nutrition. That's high protein and low carb. It's never been simpler. I use Isopure unflavored protein every day And I have already restocked three times since first trying it. I actually, I think I've bought it four times now because my daughter took a bag of it to her dad's house. With 25 grams of ultra filtered protein, you can add it to things like guacamole, pasta sauce, and more. It tastes great on everything. Enjoy more of what matters today@isipureprotein.com and get 20% off your order when you use code MINDS20 at checkout.
Podcast Host
Hey, everyone, it's Sophia. Welcome to work in progress. Foreign we are in the full swing of holiday season. Halloween is around the corner and you know, it's just gonna snowball into joy and memory making from there. And that is why I'm so excited to be joined today by not one, but two incredible women that are bringing fun and nostalgia and elation for a party back into our worlds. First, Brie Larson is an actress, director and producer that you likely know. Whether it's from her Academy Award winning performance in Room or her title role as Captain Marvel, she is an incredible activist and mind and an incredible host. And through her love of hosting, she met her best friend, Courtney McBroom, who is a celebrated chef, producer, and the former culinary director of Milk Bar, a famous dessert and bakery brand that used to be on my way home from work and I literally had to start going a different way. Cause I was like, I can't. I just can't, like, pull over for six chocolate chip cookies every day. This is unhinged. Courtney is really one of a kind. She's written several cookbooks and published a popular event series about dinner parties. And over a hot tub of queso, the two realized they shared a mutual love of food and gathering. And that passion has turned into a book called Party People. It is a cookbook, how to guide for hosts of all occasions. And let me tell you something. This feels like the cookbook party guide Friend hang for our generation. Party People features 100 recipes and party ideas inspired by community and celebration. So let's dive in with Bri and Courtney and talk about how to make your best memories. Well, welcome to the show, gals. I'm so excited to have you and so happy that you are giving us the gift of this book in a time when people need some joy in the realest way.
Brie Larson
Yeah, thanks. Yeah, yeah. We can't say that that was all part of a master plan, but it feels like now.
Podcast Host
Yeah, it feels like there. There's a little something kismet to it.
Courtney McBroom
Yeah.
Podcast Host
Normally I like to ask people to kind of take us and our audience back because everybody knows what you've been up to and what you are up to. But I have a little twist on the question. Not just would your adult self recognize a version of her in your 8 year old self and vice versa, but I'm actually really curious what you think your 8 year old selves would think about you grown up gals as expert party people. Were they little party persons too?
Brie Larson
Oh yes. We actually were talking last night at dinner about how we would give basically anything. There's no sum of money that would be too much to go back and be eight years old at the same time.
Courtney McBroom
Play together and like how would we get along as kids? And like what would we do? Like it would be so much fun to play pretend.
Podcast Host
Yes.
Courtney McBroom
And like make mud pies. I'm sure we would cook stuff up in the kitchen. We'd probably throw parties.
Brie Larson
Yeah, I was definitely a party person because my mother, she's an event planner at that time she wasn't getting paid to do this type of stuff. It was just how her love language is throwing elaborate parties and making really wild memories. So I grew up with my seventh birthday. She turned their chiropractic office into a casino and all of my friends wore cocktail dresses and all the parents were the cocktail waiters and waitresses and we played poker and craft and it was like lucky number seven birthday. My eighth birthday party was like a two day Indiana Jones scavenger hunt. He's just always had this really magical mind. So I grew up thinking that, you know, hearing that your grandparents spent three months paper machine, you a giant boulder that's going to chase you at your birthday party. Jones was like normal. That's like what? That's just normal, right? And now I know that that's not the case. And so I think that yeah, I was always a party person whether that was my thing or not. You know, luckily that was, I was never the type of person that was like, no, don't celebrate my birthday. Like I think celebration is everything.
Courtney McBroom
Yeah, yeah. Oh, big time. I was like, I was the kid that was in the kitchen, like waking up before my parents and like sneaking into the kitchen and just like making them breakfast in bed. That would just be a huge mess and bring it to like.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Courtney McBroom
And then I would come up with like, we're like one of the things I love to make the most. I called black pepper hot dogs, which was just getting a hot dog and like cutting it into bits, putting it into a skillet and like Pouring so much black pepper on it that you couldn't even tell they were hot dogs anymore. And then I would give that to them. And my parents were so nice. They would eat it, be like, this is.
Brie Larson
This is the best thing I've ever had.
Courtney McBroom
So that was the beginning of my culinary career in general. So, yeah, I think little me would be very stoked to know that I turned it into an actual career.
Brie Larson
Yeah, I think this has felt like one of the most natural things I've done. It's. It's also, you know, being an actor, a lot of stuff is like, you're trying to tap into universal emotions. And sometimes, like, it's nostalgia and that food is as well. Like, food is such a direct line to our hearts and to our memories and to comfort. So the two of us together is one of our inspirations was like, the gatherings that have meant so much to us in our life and also the foods. So we were able to put, like, a lot of our family recipes in there. It was super fun to, like, talk with my grandma about and try and figure out what her recipes are, because she's one of those cooks that it's by feel. She makes pies so many times every year, and it's by feel. And so trying to translate that and decode her pomegranate jelly and, like, decode my mom's peach chicken recipe was such a lovely. It was an honor to do. And the gift of our families that we're passing on and hoping to inspire.
Podcast Host
That's really beautiful. And, you know, it's interesting you brought up especially the sort of unique experience of being an actor, because, you know, whether it's doing the things on camera that we do or translating recipes for people, you're. You're telling a story. And when you guys were kind of going back and forth with that part of your story, it made me realize anywhere I've ever gone on location, the first thing I want to do is dive into the food scene. That's how I feel like I get to know a place. That's how I get to know people. That's how I wind up. Making friends is like the other folks who are really excited about that. Do you feel like that tracks especially for you, having to travel so much for work that you feel a sense of home? You know, you could be in Calgary or Australia, but if you throw a party on a Saturday for your new co workers and your crew, suddenly everyone's in a really convivial, familial environment. And the. And the vibe Shifts to your point to beginning to create nostalgia.
Brie Larson
Absolutely. Well. And it also became a huge important aspect of press tours. You know, people know when actors are on press tours, usually because you're, like, wearing outfits and there's photos on the red carpet until you've done it. Like, the first time I did it, it felt like this whirlwind. And I basically only saw the hotel and the airport because every 24 hours, you're flying to a new country. And I was really disappointed with myself the first time because there was no time to enjoy the culture. So you're going to Mexico City, and they're like, what do you think of our. Where we live, of our country that we love so much? And you're like, I saw the airport. I'm so sorry. And after that first time, I was like, I'm never doing that again. Because I'm not traveling across the globe and going to the most incredible places and then spending, you know, 10 hours talking with various people and not having something to say about where I am. So my rule is, for every stop on the press tour, I have to have room to do street food, fancy restaurant, and an art museum. And there's just enough time to do that. And then you have so much to connect with people over, and you learn so much. You learn so much about cultures. And my other rule is, unless this is, like, some sort of very special situation at a hotel, no hotel food. So if it's lunch, we're gonna, like, get stuff delivered that's from, like, whoever your guide is there, like, their secret spot. And it's just a way of understanding tradition and culture, and you feel grounded to your point. It's like you suddenly, oh, I know where I am right now. And we have to figure that out for ourselves, you know, because nobody necessarily needs us to be grounded at any given moment. But I prefer it. So can't be around friends and family. Then you got to, like, pull people in and out, like, literally where you.
Podcast Host
Are, and then you get to have a human experience. You don't feel like a robot. Something that struck me going through the book. I was like, oh, man, this feels. Some of the vibe, some of the photos, it. It made me think of my own memories. It made me think of gatherings with friends. It made me think about favorite meals, and it. It really made me think a lot. And I bet you two love her book, Priya Parker's book, the Art of Gathering. The way she talks about how important it is not just for memory making, but for our being to be with people to experience tradition, to do exactly what you're saying, like, get out and get to know a place. Suddenly, then it's not this two dimensional thing. You're living in a three dimensional world. It feels like this really special universal importance. And then, like you both said, you put really specific personal stories with your family recipes and, you know, these. These tales that are important to you that then get to become important to other people. Someone might say, like, oh, I want to make that peach chicken for my family. And then it's. It goes out in the world and the ripple effect really spreads. How do you guys think about that, knowing what you've made? If you kind of do like the movie scene where everything stops and then rewinds in high speed, like to the moment you met. Because you met over food, right? You met at a party.
Courtney McBroom
You met at a party.
Podcast Host
Okay. Can you tell our friends at home that story?
Brie Larson
Yeah, of course.
Courtney McBroom
It was a friend of ours. It was like. It was like a. It was a Hillary Clinton presidential debate party. So it was years and years and years ago, and it was at a friend of ours house. And I was making queso. And. And I. It was like, still, which is like a. I'm from Texas. It's like a very. The most Texan thing you would have. It's not like queso.
Podcast Host
It's the best thing in the world.
Brie Larson
To be clear, hot, to be liquid. It stays that way.
Podcast Host
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Courtney McBroom
So I was make. I have like a real. There's a recipe, and the recipe's in the book. Anyway, so I was making it, but I wasn't done yet. And then Brie comes in and she's like, hey, everyone. And like, we hadn't met before. And, you know, she came over, introduced herself.
Brie Larson
Hey, I'm Courtney.
Courtney McBroom
And she's like, what's this? And like, just grabs a chip from the table and like sticks it into the pot and eats it. And I was like, I know we're going to get along great. And it was, you know, love at first. A bite, I think is what that says.
Podcast Host
Yeah, I love that so much. It was that it took me two years into a show from my dear friend, like, one of my best friends that I met made on that show to tell me that he hates when people eat off his plate. And I was like, what? You know, I come from a big, loud Italian family. I've never not taken a bite of food off someone else's plate. And I had been eating off my sweet coworker's plate for two years and he finally was like, I'm really proud of myself because our friendship has helped me get over that. I hate that. And I was like, what?
Commercial Announcer
Huh?
Podcast Host
And when I read that story in your book, I literally like took a picture of it and sent it to him and I said, oh my God, we were love at first bite too. It was so sweet.
Brie Larson
I perfectly linked in that way.
Courtney McBroom
Yeah, anyone who has a passion for food in that way is always a plus in my book.
Podcast Host
Yeah. We'll be back in just a minute after a few words from our favorite sponsors. Okay, Whip Smarties, Let me tell you a brand I adore. Adore Me. Whether you're looking for more comfort, more cleavage, or both, Adormi has you covered. Adormi offers tons of sizes with new, thoughtfully designed bras, panties, lingerie, shapewear, sleepwear, and swimwear to choose from each month. You can elevate your underwear drawer with high quality sets that won't break the bank. Also, it's so nice to find a silhouette for every occasion with expertly fit bras and shapewear that defy gravity and bold lingerie styles that are just as comfortable as they are sexy. Let me tell you what I'm a fan of the silhouette for every occasion idea, guys, because sometimes you want something beautiful, colorful, satiny, and sometimes you need something that goes full incognito nude simple T shirt bra. You know what I'm talking about. Whether it's bows or lace or whether it's sleek, undetectable fit and support, Ador Me has you covered. And with styles starting as low as $24.95, you can feel confident even if you're on a budget. Head to adore me.com now to shop styles from comfortable to sexy in over 67 sizes. Degree Advanced the world's number one antiperspirant provides up to 72 hours of protection against sweat and odor that comes with life. Degree is the wake up workout Antiperspirant the dashing, darting, carpool, honking, get the kids off to school Antiperspirant the work from home and do the laundry grocery shop on your lunch hour, never take a break Antiperspirant so do what you need to do, work how you need to work. Sweat moves you forward. Degree is here to make sure it doesn't hold you back degree here for sweat Lexis is a company that believes in the importance of setting a standard. For me, a standard that matters to me is being a friend, being a person, being a coworker who shows up the standard Lexus has set for themselves is to experience amazing. Lexus benchmarks are feelings things like exhilaration and joy and amazing can only be achieved by knowing people on a deeper level. It's feeling like your car was designed and built just for you. A machine that makes you feel more human. Because a car that doesn't make you feel something is a car that stops short of amazing. So experience amazing at your Lexus dealer friends. Gotta say the hype is real. This Fits Everybody collection from Skims is just amazing. The bras, the underwear. I have no lines, nothing's cutting anywhere weird. The T shirts actually hug my body perfectly. Don't ride up like I'm almost mad I didn't come up with this. And I recently tried the Fits Everybody thong from Skims and gotta say, I'm converted. It feels like nothing else I've ever tried. Truly. The fabric melts on the skin, you forget you're wearing it and like I said, no lines. Dream the bralette I also co sign. The fabric and fit are equally soft and supportive. It lifts in all the right places but I don't feel suffocated and I don't get that like above the bra back bulge. No thank you to that. So if you want better fitting unders, shop the Skims Fits everybody collection@skims.com after you place your order, be sure to let them know that the work in progress podcast sent you. Select podcast in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.
Commercial Announcer
Tired of spills and stains on your sofa? WashablesOfAs.com has your back featuring the Annabe collection, the only designer sofa that's machine washable inside and out. Where designer quality meets budget friendly prices. That's right, sofas start at just $699. Enjoy a no risk experience with pet friendly stain resistant and changeable slipcovers made with performance fabrics. Experience cloud like comfort with high resilience foam that's hypoallergenic and never needs fluffing. The sturdy steel frame ensures longevity and the modular pieces can be rearranged anytime. Check out washablesofas.com and get up to 60% off your Anna Bay sofa backed by a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not absolutely in love, send it back for a full refund. No return shipping or restocking fees. Every penny back Upgrade now@washablesofas.com Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.
Podcast Host
When you two decided to do this book, I mean how did you know that your love of you know, first of all, your friendship, so your love of each other, but then your love of hosting and food and all these things was meant to be packaged up and put out into the world for other people to bring into their homes. Like, how do you. How does it hit you?
Brie Larson
Well, it kind of hit in a roundabout way, which is that I did this show, Lessons in Chemistry, that is very food centric, and the food is another character in this. You know, normally when I think about a character, you think about how they're dressing and maybe their home that they live in, their hair, makeup, all of that. But this was like, food was another element of how Elizabeth expresses herself and shows who she is. And I just knew that Courtney was the right person to do it. And even though that wasn't something that you had ever done, specifically, you had all of the pieces of the skill set, you basically had done it. Yeah. But it was really the first time that I've ever worked closely with a close friend. Like, at work. I've done podcasts with friends, I've done ventures. Right. But, like, the thing about being on set I've always held very sacred is that, like, I don't usually want people that I know around because I feel like it shines a spotlight on the fact that, like, I'm playing pretend. And so I usually just, like. Like, nothing around. Like, heaven forbid my mom was ever there, I'd be like, oh, my God, she knows I'm lying. So it's like, I usually keep that private. But when I was there, it was so much fun, and we got so much delight in seeing each other work. Like, I got to see a side of her that I never get to see. She got to see a side of me. And then also, like, she was my hand double. So sometimes we'd be wearing, like, the same outfit, and it was just very charming. It made me feel very. That whole set was very cozy. And, like, having her there was very cozy and fun and collaborative. And so once that came to a close, we were like, well, geez, like, I want to keep working with you. I want to keep figuring this out. And the natural thing was like, well, what if we did a book? And when you think about, you know, just the big, wide world of books, how many there are in the world, and for both of us, neither of us feel the need to say anything unless we feel like you really ought to say it. You know, we don't need to clog up the world with just talking. And so when we got into it of, like, well, how if we put these recipes. We knew we wanted family recipes in it, but how do you organize it? And as we reduced it, we realized that. That who we are is party people. Like, we are the ones that are like, come over it. This day we're doing Game of Thrones viewing parties. Or. Yes, we the other day were like, we're doing a spelling bee. Come on over, and I'm gonna figure out how to run a spelling bee.
Podcast Host
Oh, my God, I love it.
Courtney McBroom
An adult spelling.
Brie Larson
It was called the average adult. It was called the first, first ever, and possibly last average adult spelling bee 2025.
Podcast Host
Incredible.
Brie Larson
It was incredible. So we are those people. And so because we've done it so much, the main thing that we talked about was, like, you can make the most amazing thing in the world, but if it stops you from being present and, like, your best friend comes over and starts saying, like, oh, my God, I'm having such a hard time right now. And you're like, realize, yeah, it's not a party anymore. That's you being of service to everybody, which is a lovely thing. But, like, the memories are for everybody, including the host.
Courtney McBroom
Yeah.
Brie Larson
So we then spend a bunch of time talking through. Okay, so if we broke it down to type of party, what would be the things that you could do to make this kind of hackable and still be beautiful, still be impressive, but the focus being on interaction with your guests versus.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Courtney McBroom
And giving people permission to, like, again, hack it, you know, and not. Not take it so seriously. Not feel like you have to make every single thing from scratch. Maybe you just take one recipe from the book and you order pizza. Or like, you do. Or you tell your friend to make something and bring or get compostable plates.
Brie Larson
Yeah. You don't have to big on that. And, like, if you can. If part of it is like, I really want to throw a dinner party, but I just. It really drives me crazy to then spend two hours after everybody cleaning up. Figure it out. Like, there are people who like to clean.
Podcast Host
I love. I love a compostable plate. Why not? And that's what's really nice. Like, going through the book, it feels kind of like a shift that I. I think is reflected in society at the moment, where women in our peer group are like, look, our moms are great. They crushed, but also, they never had fun when they were hosting. You know, you. You realize, like, our moms were those women who couldn't get their own credit cards until 1974. The. The generational shift. The divide is big. And the idea that you can be your own modern Martha Stewart, but you don't have to miss the party you're throwing. You actually get to be in. Sounds obvious, but it hasn't been for so long. There aren't many books that teach you to do that. And in reading yours, I was like, this is exactly what our friends need. We deserve this.
Courtney McBroom
Yes, we do deserve it.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Brie Larson
Yeah. It's basically like you're gonna make a mess and. And something's gonna burn. And like, I actually think all of these are like, interesting psychological opportunities to get to know ourselves and our loved ones. Like, we're saying it's not actually about trying to hold it all together for Christmas. It's like having a laugh because you spilled something or, you know, relaxing a little bit into it and allowing the party to be the place where you can explore where you're a little rough around the edges.
Courtney McBroom
And we talk about in the book, like, parties are like liminal spaces that you have space for grace. And like, I think such a shame based culture now that, like, it's important to have these parties and to give people grace. If someone, like, messes up and says the wrong thing or puts their foot in their mouth or like, whatever, like, that's okay. Like, if you have any drinks and you kind of like danced on the table and fell off, that's okay. You don't have to be ashamed about it. You know, like, that's living. We all make mistakes. We all do stuff. We burn the souffle. We have one drink.
Brie Larson
Yeah.
Courtney McBroom
Whatever it is, it's okay.
Podcast Host
Yeah. It's a reminder to not be so afraid of being, to use the Gen Z kids term, like, don't be afraid of being cringe. Just let the mess be part of the magic.
Brie Larson
Exactly.
Podcast Host
Because if you're so measured that you're afraid to make a mess, are you really having fun in the first place?
Brie Larson
No. I would argue no, you're not.
Podcast Host
Yeah. Yeah. What do you think you two learned about yourselves from cooking with each other so much to collaborate on the book?
Courtney McBroom
I learned. What a control freak. I really, truly.
Brie Larson
I learned that too.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Brie Larson
Yeah.
Courtney McBroom
Like that. Yeah.
Brie Larson
I think. You know, the thing about going on this book journey is it's different than just writing a manuscript. So there's like, there's the words, which. Then there's the recipe words, then there's all of the photos and the photo styling, and then there's all stories in it and all of that together. It's like a multifaceted art piece. And I realized that we Care a lot about what we're really trying to say underneath all of this. Like, that there's, like, ethos in this. It's not just. It's a book you can actually read, too. That's the other part. It's not just like, you're gonna flip it open and look at some recipes. There's, like, a lot of archival photos from our actual parties over the years and essays and all of these things. But I think that we care a lot, and we both care a lot in the same kind of way, which is really helpful.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Brie Larson
We put everything we had into this. And I also learned that I really like working with Courtney still.
Courtney McBroom
Yeah.
Brie Larson
You know, I think it's a really rare thing to be like, we are great, you know, And I think part of anybody who's out there that's, like, interested in having, like, a functional relationship with a loved one or best friend. I think that one of the best things that we established at the beginning was that we would talk through everything, and also that we do check ins.
Podcast Host
You do.
Brie Larson
Which I got from another friend who was like, do, like, whatever you want. Once a week, every two weeks, once a month. You do a How's our friendship going? Conversation.
Courtney McBroom
We're both terrified. We're like, hey, is this, like, the most important thing to me? And to Bri is like, hey, our friendship is the most important thing. Yeah. Yes. This book is awesome together. But, like, you know, it's so easy for things to get messy when you start, like, working, you know, contracts, money. And so. Yeah. And so, like, we were, like, straight up, the very beginning, like, both recognized we're how terrified we were, like, that it was going to do something weird to our friendship, but totally.
Brie Larson
Yeah, it's so good.
Courtney McBroom
I would say even strong. I would say even stronger than before.
Podcast Host
Yeah, I love that. I work with my best friend, too. And it's really interesting because we had a lot of that similar experience. And I think when you figure out all of your skill sets, not only as individual people, but the skill sets of your partnership, there's like, the you and the her and the we, you know, and when the we has its own skill set, and you figure out how to communicate around, you know, what might be lacking and then bolster what authentically or instinctively does so well. I mean, I don't know about you two, but it's like sometimes we look at each other and we're like, oh, my God, we're best friends and we're crushing. We're cute. Like, we're so Lucky, like, you two are so cute. I love it.
Brie Larson
We finished our day yesterday, taking ourselves out to dinner, and we played Monopoly. Deal. And ate dinner.
Podcast Host
Oh, my God, I love it.
Brie Larson
We're laughing so hard and, like, we're both so tired. I made the biggest mess at our table. I, like, knocked over the soy sauce. I flung a lime across the room.
Podcast Host
For some reason.
Courtney McBroom
She, like, had her water, like, on the.
Brie Larson
Oh, yeah, I left my. I left water on the booth. I don't know why I did that.
Podcast Host
I'm out of my mouth.
Brie Larson
But, you know, it's just an amazing thing that also, like, at the end of a long workday, we're like, let's play games. And we're going to do that again tonight.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Brie Larson
It's a very special thing. And I think part of it is you have to have the courage to say that you're not going to be afraid of any conversation that's going to come up that might make you uncomfortable and that that all has to go out of the window because those conversations are more important than, like, having secret resentments. That.
Courtney McBroom
Secret resentments will totally kill the vibe. They kill the party. Yeah.
Brie Larson
Yeah.
Courtney McBroom
That's one hell of a party pooper.
Podcast Host
A secret resentment almost feels like a ghastly happening with your stove. Like you don't really know what's happening until it might blow up your house, and then it's very, very bad. There's just no reason to let it start.
Courtney McBroom
Yeah.
Podcast Host
I'm also really curious and Bri, especially for you. And I think the question came to me because I thought about how we know each other. Like activism spaces, standing up for women, supporting equal pay, these things that are so incredibly important. And I realized when I got into a relationship with my partner, we'd known. Known each other for a long time, but not, you know, in the everyday. And she was like, you. I used to think you were the most serious person.
Brie Larson
You're nuts.
Podcast Host
You're, like, so fun. You're so quirky. You're a weirdo. Like, why aren't you more weird in the world? And I was like, aren't I? I think I'm weird all the time.
Courtney McBroom
And I.
Podcast Host
And I started to realize, you know, as so many of us are, when you're running around and doing the work and you have a moment, you're going to say the important thing, you're going to try to elevate, you know, the serious thing. And there's nothing wrong with that. I mean, obviously it's a gift and it's such A privilege of, you know, the spectrum of our industry. But does it kind of feel really fun for you to be not just, you know, Brie Larson and Academy Award winner and a superhero and a, and an activist, but like to look around and be like, you guys? I'm really fun. My world is cool. I spelling bees. Like, I'm quirky because I love it for you. And I'm, I've been watching you being like, I need to text her and just be like this, this feels like a new kind of permission slip.
Brie Larson
Yeah, I think that's a good point. I mean, I think what you're talking about, if I'm understanding your point of view on it, is, is that I just feel like there's a lot of chatter in the world and isn't something I need to say. I don't need to inject myself into things. I'm not somebody that like needs to be on the Internet and be like, remember me? Like, I'm living, I'm doing my thing and I, my life. And so I think because from an artistic standpoint and my life has become so blurred with what that really means when you become like a public person, it's sort of like, what do you. What is that exactly? But like it, it's like, of course, if I'm promoting a movie, then you're doing that. And that comes with its own, let's be real, it comes with its own layer of protection that you have to put on yourself because yes, you have no idea what's going to get taken out of context. And then you're like, oh, fun. Something got taken out of context. And I'm mid press tour and now I have to try and avoid adding fuel to this non existent fire for the next three weeks. So play this game where you're just like trying to edge around and still desperately dying to be yourself always. I don't think anybody is trying to not be themselves. It's just really hard and vulnerable.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Brie Larson
And so I think with this book, it gave me the way to feel like this was something worth saying that like this part of me that has been with me this whole time, I think together we were able to find what that means. And so it's not just me trying to be a goofball online. It's like, it feels, it feels like it's for something. And I maybe I'm also just getting older and I just, I don't care as much about that. I'm like, I've just enough being misunderstood things where I'm like, Well, I don't know, you know, it's just totally fizz and whatever, you know? But I think I believe what I'm saying more than the fear of being misunderstood.
Podcast Host
Yeah, I love that for you, it. I guess for me, I had this kind of aha moment where very similarly to what you just said, I was like, I'm just. I'm living my life and when I'm having a good time, I usually don't have a phone out. And then. Oh, I. I guess maybe the. The heavier stuff might feel more weighted in the public space. But what I'm realizing is the. The sort of freedom I'm observing as a reader of your book with. With both of you, and then thinking about it in the ways I know you specifically is that, yeah, you got to do exactly what you wanted and say exactly what you wanted, but you got to put it in print. You didn't have to worry about how someone was going to clip an interview or nab a sound bite or any of the crazy part that you're talking about. You got to lean into something that is totally artistic, totally free, rooted in the friendship between the two of you that jumps off the page in the most special way. Like, I called my best friend and I was like, oh, my God, we're going to do this party and we're going to do this party, you know? And I don't know, it's like, I'm so overjoyed for you with the project and then all the stuff that feels really apparent about the freedom underneath it. I'm just really happy for you both. It's very cool.
Brie Larson
Thank you.
Podcast Host
And now a word from our wonderful sponsors. Okay, Whip smarties, let me tell you a brand I adore. Adore me. Whether you're looking for more comfort, more cleavage, or both. Adore me has you covered. Adormi offers tons of sizes with new, thoughtfully designed bras, panties, lingerie, shapewear, sleepwear, and swimwear to choose from each month. You can elevate your underwear drawer with high quality sets that won't break the bank. Also, it's so nice to find a silhouette for every occasion with expertly fit bras and shapewear that defy gravity and bold lingerie styles that are just as comfortable as they are sexy. Let me tell you what, I'm a fan of the silhouette for every occasion idea, guys, because sometimes you want something beautiful, colorful, satiny, and sometimes you need something that goes full, incognito, nude, simple T shirt, bra. You know what I'm talking about? Whether it's bows or lace or whether it's sleek, undetectable, fit and support. Adormi has you covered, and with styles starting as low as $24.95, you can feel confident even if you're on a budget. Head to adore me.com now to shop styles from comfortable to sexy in over 67 sizes. Degree Advanced the world's number one antiperspirant provides up to 72 hours of protection against sweat and odor that comes with life. Degree is the wake up workout. Antiperspirant the dashing, darting, carpool, honking, get the kids off to school Antiperspirant the work from home and do the laundry grocery shop on your lunch hour, never take a break Antiperspirant so do what you need to do. Work how you need to work. Sweat moves you forward. Degree is here to make sure it doesn't hold you back. Degree here for Sweat Lexus is a company that believes in the importance of setting a standard. For me, a standard that matters to me is being a friend, being a person, being a coworker who shows up. The standard Lexus has set for themselves is to experience amazing Lexis benchmarks are feelings. Things like exhilaration and joy and amazing can only be achieved by knowing people on a deeper level. It's feeling like your car was designed and built just for you. A machine that makes you feel more human. Because a car that doesn't make you feel something is a car that stops short of amazing. So experience amazing at your Lexus dealer friends. Gotta say the hype is real. This Fits Everybody collection from Skims is just amazing. I the bras, the underwear. I have no lines, nothing's cutting anywhere weird. The T shirts actually hug my body perfectly. Don't ride up like I'm almost mad I didn't come up with this. And I recently tried the Fits Everybody thong from Skims and gotta say I'm converted. It feels like nothing else I've ever tried. Truly. The fabric melts on the skin. You forget you're wearing it and like I said, no lines. Dream the bralette I also co sign the fabric and fit are equally soft and supportive. It lifts in all the right places but I don't feel suffocated and I don't get that like above the bra back bulge. No thank you to that. So if you want better fitting unders shop the Skims Fits everybody collection@skims.com after you place your order, be sure to let them know that the work in progress podcast sent you select podcast in the survey and Be sure to select our show in the drop down menu that follows.
Commercial Announcer
Tired of spills and stains on your sofa? WashablesOfAs.com has your back. Featuring the Annabe collection, the only designer sofa that's machine washable inside and out. Where designer quality meets budget friendly prices. That's right, sofas start at just $699. Enjoy a no risk experience with pet friendly stain resistant and changeable slipcovers made with performance fabrics. Experience cloud like comfort with high resilience foam that's hypoallergenic and never needs fluffing. The sturdy steel frame ensures longevity and the modular pieces can be rearranged anytime. Check out washablesofas.com and get up to 60% off your Anna Bay sofa backed by a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not absolutely in love, send it back for a full refund. No return, shipping or restocking fees. Every penny back Upgrade now@washablesofas.com Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.
Podcast Host
Okay, I have a couple of like quick, not exactly lightning round, but like you're the hostesses with the mostest. So I have a few specific party questions for you. In your opinion, what do you think is the ideal party size?
Courtney McBroom
Well, I think it very much depends on the party.
Podcast Host
Okay.
Courtney McBroom
But I think for like an intimate like dinner party at home vibes or like casual party, I like to say like eight to ten people.
Podcast Host
Me too. Okay. And what about a big party? If you were gonna throw a 40th birthday for someone or something.
Brie Larson
Or a hot dog festival. Yeah.
Podcast Host
Or a spelling bee, whatever.
Brie Larson
No limits.
Courtney McBroom
The sky's the limit.
Brie Larson
I mean then it depends on your venue. And by venue, I mean how many people do you want in your house at one time?
Podcast Host
Right.
Brie Larson
How much can. Can the center hold? Is my.
Courtney McBroom
Yeah.
Brie Larson
And how much are you willing to spend? Because more people is more expensive.
Podcast Host
It's more expensive, more mess.
Brie Larson
It's true. All of that stuff is true. But you also, I think that doing. We do like bigger parties. Like what we're Talking about like 70 people like twice a year.
Courtney McBroom
Yeah.
Brie Larson
So I feel like you have to mentally get your mind around. Like I was saying to Courtney yesterday, I was like, people need to understand that there's a reason why Thanksgiving happens once a year.
Podcast Host
That is not.
Brie Larson
And so I think when people go, oh, I just, it seems so overwhelming to have a dinner party. I'm like, dinner parties are not Thanksgiving. That is not fine china. It is not like you're roasting a turkey and like, stressing about it all day. It is not like people who maybe bring you stress, like, it's not meant to be that this is like, do what you can kind of thing. And then if you are the type of person that really wants to experience or enjoys being like, we talked with someone yesterday who's like, oh, I cut a turkey in fours and 1/4. Each goes to a different country and they're prepared different ways. And I'm like, that's fantastic. I can't imagine doing that monthly, but once a year, that works, you know? Yeah, we do, like, our. Twice a year we do a murder mystery party and we have a hot dog festival. These are twice a year or once. These. These are my. Our two events for the year. Truly couldn't do them more than that. But then you're doing like a backyard party where you're making pizzas and doing a spelling beat.
Courtney McBroom
What do you have bandwidth for?
Podcast Host
Right. Okay. So that leans into my next question, which is, what would you each say is the best reason to throw a party? But maybe that's bandwidth specific.
Brie Larson
I think that there's no idea. Too small for a party.
Courtney McBroom
Yeah. Literally any reason. And it's fun. Like, I think you were mentioning yesterday, like, like, you can just throw a dinner party. It's like the thing that you can make that's so easy for you to make. Invite your people over and be like, hey, wear something that, like, you've always wanted to wear but never get to wear. And like, that's. And that's so easy. And people will jump on that because everyone has a closet that they want.
Brie Larson
To wear that they're. We're going to wear this.
Podcast Host
I am obsessed with that.
Courtney McBroom
Yeah.
Podcast Host
I have a good one for you. My friends did this two years ago and it crushed. They threw a Halloween party where you were supposed to dress up as what you wanted to be when you were a kid.
Brie Larson
Love that. Oh, I love that.
Podcast Host
It was such a good theme.
Brie Larson
I love, even I love a specific themed event during a normal holiday so much. Like, I'm just going to say now, the holiday. The holiday party. I want to do a Santa party where everyone dresses as a different Santa. So you're like, be like, you can be Santa on vacation, Santana. Santa. Just like, be Santa, but a different kind of Santa. And like, that's so funny because it's like, whatever. And also, I'm the type of person. And we're doing it in July, you know, like, yes. I don't care about any of that. I feel like live when you want to live. I think, because I come from a world where, like, I'm usually working in another country on my birthday. So, like, what, am I just supposed to never acknowledge that time is passing for me? Because in Canada, no, it's like, you do it. You have to do it when you can and the way that you want. And, like, I just think I've heard people before be like, oh, I've always wanted to go to blah, blah, blah on my birthday. I've always wanted to go to whatever country on my birthday, but that's not the good season for it. I'm like, then celebrate your birthday when it is like, yeah, doesn't have to be when you think there's no rules.
Courtney McBroom
There's basically literally zero rules. It turns out.
Brie Larson
Yeah.
Podcast Host
Yeah. Okay, maybe not a rule, but what about a tip? What would you say, particularly because you two host so often is a good tip for being a better party guest?
Courtney McBroom
I think. I mean, I love it when a party guest is like, can I help you clean? And like, like, even if it's just a little bit, like, I'm not saying, like, put all your guests to work, but, like, even it's just like, hey, I'm gonna take this plate that I just ate off of, and if it's compostable, put it in the compost bin. Or if it's. If it's not compostable, like, give it a rinse and put it in the dishwasher. Like, it's little things like that that are, I find to be very nice.
Brie Larson
We love. We love a guest who maybe like two hours before the party says, can I bring anything? Because sure. Forgot something. Yeah, you can. You can bet that we've already run out of ice.
Podcast Host
I was just gonna say extra ice. Always a hit.
Brie Larson
Ice is. Is like, when in doubt, bring ice. And I like to bring, like, a dusty old bottle of wine, which is also like, that's fine. But I really feel like bubbly water and ice is like, no one's ever had that. You brought that. And I agree with Courtney. Like, figure out. I'd say the other tip is find the friend who really enjoys cleaning or doing the dishes, because they exist. They. Oh, yeah, totally exist. And I usually monthly dinner. And I had a friend who was always invited to that dinner party because loved doing the dishes at the end of the night.
Courtney McBroom
Yeah, I really appreciate too is like, I have. I'm thinking of Erin. Like, we have a friend who's like, very much into wine. She always brings really great natural wines and she. And I love to see her. She also loves to clean. This is a 2 hitter. Also, like, she'll go around and like be like, hey. Like, she'll come to me like, do you want a glass of wine? I'm like, yeah, I do.
Podcast Host
And she'll just, of course I do.
Courtney McBroom
My glass is always full. It's like, as a host, I like, I love being like hosting, but also being hosted for care for. You know what I mean?
Podcast Host
That's so nice.
Courtney McBroom
I know we're in your house, but can I get you something?
Podcast Host
Yeah, yeah.
Brie Larson
Also, the thing, the thing that Aaron did the other day that was just blew my mind is like I had ruffles and French onion dip. And she like knew what was happening. Like, she knew we're having pizza, she were having ruffles and all this stuff. And she brought a sparkling that was paired. That was supposed to be paired with. So I was like, yeah, bring a wine, sure. But like, ask maybe what it is that. Because, I mean, that was like such a gift to me. I was like, wow, what a magical moment.
Podcast Host
Yeah. Also what a chic person to be. Like, ruffles and onion dip. Gotcha. With a wine. I know that is my kind of thing.
Brie Larson
No, it really knocked my socks off. She was like, oh, yeah, Italian. And I was like, okay. I don't know what that means. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for humbling me.
Podcast Host
Like, okay. Aaron sounds like a person I would also like to invite to parties. What, what, what is her party person archetype. And what are yours?
Brie Larson
I'm the nostalgic one. I love talking about the good old days in the past with my friends. I love like shedding a tear over 10 years ago. Yeah.
Courtney McBroom
I would say Erin is the one with interesting booze.
Podcast Host
Yep.
Brie Larson
Right.
Podcast Host
She's in there.
Courtney McBroom
I would say I'm a combo of depending on my mood of party animal and the know it all. I'm sorry to say, the know it.
Brie Larson
All, she's a party animal with rising.
Podcast Host
Perfect. I like a party zodiac.
Brie Larson
You know which one you are?
Courtney McBroom
Yeah.
Brie Larson
Have you thought about it?
Podcast Host
I have in going through it. And for our friends at home, there's a really fun section in the the book where the gals identify the party person archetypes which include the party animal, which often is me. I'm like, turn up the music. Let's have a time. Because by the way, that's how we get to the nostalgia. I'm like, if we make a memory tonight, then we get to talk about it all.
Brie Larson
The nostalgic ones. Thank you.
Podcast Host
I like this little trifecta we have going here. I don't think I know anyone who's a party pooper. There's a shy one. There's a helper.
Courtney McBroom
A classic party archetype.
Brie Larson
Someone who has to top every story.
Courtney McBroom
It's like, oh, I've been there. But this place.
Brie Larson
Oh, you've been there? Oh, I went there seven times already.
Courtney McBroom
You know, so and so from there.
Podcast Host
That'S usually the person I go, so glad you're here. I'm gonna run into the kitchen. I'm like, you don't have to go. I just don't need to hear the story now. Halloween is right around the corner. What are you guys planning? Because you've just launched a book about parties, so I feel like you're gonna have a lot of eyeballs on you this Halloween.
Brie Larson
Yes. Well, I will say not to brag, but I didn't. Did win the Golden Skull, which is, like, in my neighborhood, which is the award that the house gets. Who has the best decoration.
Podcast Host
Oh, my God.
Brie Larson
I love this right there. I have it next to. Next to my Emmy and my award from the murder mystery party.
Podcast Host
I love that so much.
Brie Larson
They all have to live together all the same thing.
Podcast Host
They're all quite meaningful.
Courtney McBroom
For a Halloween party based on everyone shows up as pop stars.
Brie Larson
Oh, yeah. Planning a pop star Halloween. I have our friends already that I was like, because I like to do it not on the busy. Our other close friend has, like, a really special day, Halloween day thing. Her house is the best place for trick or treaters. It's super cute. And so it's like, I never want to take away fear. I want more, not less. I don't want to have people. So I was thinking that I would do something earlier and it would be specifically pop stars. Everybody has to dress as.
Podcast Host
Yes.
Brie Larson
As a pop star.
Courtney McBroom
She's trying to make me be Taylor Swift.
Brie Larson
Yeah.
Podcast Host
Yeah. That's a yes.
Brie Larson
Yeah. And I want to explain it. Obviously.
Podcast Host
Yes.
Brie Larson
No, it's all kind of planned out. It's figured out.
Courtney McBroom
Well, I said I wanted to be Madonna from the 80s, though.
Podcast Host
But I was saying it's good, too.
Brie Larson
Oh, she could. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to open it up. I was trying to say it was just this year's girlies. Right.
Courtney McBroom
Which makes sense.
Brie Larson
That's funny. It's good. It is.
Podcast Host
It's good.
Brie Larson
I don't know exactly. We honestly have so many parties we're throwing before Halloween that it's kind of like. Like, right now we're really planning. We do a hot dog festival. So that's like.
Podcast Host
Yeah. By the way, can you tell me a little bit about this? I. I have a. I have a video I need to send to you.
Brie Larson
I don't know what.
Podcast Host
I had the travel day from hell, and after 14 hours at the airport, wound up on a red eye. And I had a hot dog before I got on my red eye. And then I landed for work and walked outside at lunchtime to get some sunshine. And there was a hot dog stand. And I was like, it's meant to be. Like, this is the universe apologizing to me for this day. So I had gone to bed with a hot dog and then woken up essentially with a hot dog.
Courtney McBroom
That sounds like a dream.
Podcast Host
It feels as though perhaps that happened to me so we could talk about hot dogs.
Brie Larson
That's right. I think so. It was to remind you that the hot dogs are unsung heros.
Courtney McBroom
They're the best food, everyone.
Podcast Host
The best food.
Courtney McBroom
Hot dogs.
Brie Larson
I've never met a person. It's true. It's true.
Courtney McBroom
Even the vegetarians and vegans dogs.
Podcast Host
Yeah. They like an impossible dog.
Brie Larson
Yeah. So this is the fourth annual hot dog festival, and we just get a.
Courtney McBroom
Bunch of hot dogs.
Podcast Host
But is there. Is there a dress code? Is there. Is there any. Is there any theme past love a hot dog show up.
Brie Larson
My stepdad dresses as a hot dog. Yeah. There's hot dog trivia. We're also this year doing a hot dog dressing contest. So you dress up a dog and we vote on which one's the best.
Courtney McBroom
Which is the hottest dog.
Brie Larson
Yeah, obviously. And we also, of course, have a tally of who eats the most. Who eats the most hot dogs. Which I'm pretty sure is going to be my dog.
Courtney McBroom
Yeah.
Brie Larson
But we'll see.
Podcast Host
Great.
Brie Larson
I love it. Yeah. My dog stealing off of people's plates.
Courtney McBroom
But the only main thing on the agenda is to just hang out and eat hot dogs.
Podcast Host
Feels like a perfect excuse to throw a party.
Courtney McBroom
Isn't it beautiful?
Brie Larson
Yeah, it's wonderful. But it's sort of gotten out of control. I mean, I think next year we'll have to, like, move it outside of a backyard and, like, you'll need a venue. Yeah. Because it's, like, really grown. We have sponsors.
Courtney McBroom
It's.
Brie Larson
Because it's the whole top. We've been corn dogs, too. Yes. We've been sponsored by Martin's Potato Rolls for two years now. And Walters, stop.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Courtney McBroom
If you had Walters. They're so good.
Podcast Host
Can we get to Hot Dog on a Stick?
Brie Larson
Yeah, we have actually. We've been working on it. We thought it was going to work out last year.
Courtney McBroom
There's a lot of. There's a lot of.
Brie Larson
A lot of red tape. Gotta. Gotta work on the chain also. Basically, my connections go as far as an Instagram dm, and if I can't get through, it's gonna take a while.
Podcast Host
Yeah, we're also totally.
Courtney McBroom
What's the hot dog champion's name? Oh, my God. Joey Chestnut. We're trying to get. Joey Chestnut.
Brie Larson
Joey, if you're listening to this, we really would love to have you.
Podcast Host
Just. I have no guarantee of this, but I do feel that somewhere in the massive media umbrella of iHeartRadio, somebody has to know Joey Chestnut.
Brie Larson
This is. This is our plea. Please. Yeah, get us.
Courtney McBroom
Yeah.
Brie Larson
You know, my publicity team's info.
Podcast Host
We'll send some text messages around, support us. It feels. It feels close.
Brie Larson
Yeah, it does. I kind of feel his spirit. I feel his energy nearby. Joey's that you? He's coming for us. Yeah.
Podcast Host
Incredible. Well, gals, I want to be mindful of time. I know we're close to the top of the hour and you've got more of these to do, so I will skip to the end and ask you, with the book, complete, what feels like your work in progress as best friends and a working pair.
Brie Larson
Very good question. Very good question. My work in progress, I'd say, is being. Finding value in myself. Slowed down. I have a very earnest adoration for this planet and the people in it. And so it pushes me every day to be like, I want this place to be the best for everybody.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Brie Larson
And so I work really hard in all these different ways for that. And it feels impossible to slow down when that's your quest.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Brie Larson
But there is, of course, a part of me that is like, am I allowed to just rest for a moment? Is that okay, too? And I'll be 36 this year, and I feel like that's a big part of the years to come for me is like, getting better at. In a world where there's so much I want to do and I feel like I have such limited time on this planet. Yeah. Where can I still find value in the being and not the doing?
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Brie Larson
So just a little thing.
Podcast Host
Just a wee philosophical thing I'm working on, but.
Brie Larson
Oh, I'm just. I'm sure that breakthrough's just around the corner. Dissolved by Tuesday. One more. Couple more jobs.
Podcast Host
I got this. It'll be fine.
Courtney McBroom
I think for me it's work in progress is just continuing to, like. I think my dream is to just, like, be able to inspire people, doing what I do best, whatever that means. And just like. And continuing to, like, be myself in the world and carving my own path and creating something tangible that I can inspire people, that can be inspiring to people. And I think this book is obviously one of those things. So, like, continuing on like that journey.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Courtney McBroom
And it's hard, like carving a path out of nothing, you know, Totally.
Brie Larson
You know, like forging a new path, forging a real thing. It's important aspect to like, see what the path is that's been walked before and go, gosh, I wish that I could just do that, but I gotta go the rougher way.
Podcast Host
Well, and I think it's a. It's scary and really courageous to decide you're gonna walk a path while you're laying the bricks for yourself. And, you know, we. We're not always going to get it right. We might have to edit and make. Make a left turn at some point. But to do it and, and to have that kind of audaciousness about your own dreams feels really inspiring. And it's. It's cool to watch both of you walk these paths together and like, you know, not to be the cheesiest person in the world. Shocking. I'm fired up about something about the world. I really, I really feel like, to remind people that they deserve beauty and joy while they are, as you said, earnestly standing up for people around them is so important. Like, this is fuel for us and it's part of the whole human experience. And even though a party takes a lot of effort, it is, I think, in a way, part of the slowdown to put your phone down and make memories with your friends for a night. Like, that's everything. So it's the most gorgeous, beautiful, fun book, but it also has all the deeper messaging in it that makes me feel very excited to have a copy.
Brie Larson
Thank you.
Podcast Host
Thank you so much.
Brie Larson
Thanks for seeing that.
Podcast Host
Yeah, of course. Thank you ladies so much for joining us today. This was great.
Brie Larson
Yeah. And we'll connect and let's have a party.
Podcast Host
Yeah, we must. It's like, it's been too long. And I'm like, not that it's a bad thing, but I'm like, every time I see you, it's like, there's a crisis and we've got to fix it. And I'm like, I just kind of want to get drunk. Can, like, find out how you are?
Brie Larson
Oh, no, totally. It makes Perfect sense. Like, just like, come to our murder mystery party. It's fun. Like it's a big drama, but it's not a real one. So it's kind of fun to get dressed up and care about something that isn't really going to affect the world.
Podcast Host
Yeah, that feels wonderful. And for you gals, as you think about your calendar, we do. I host every year potluck Friendsgiving the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It's an all day hang. Sometimes people are asleep by 10. Sometimes it turns into a rager that goes to karaoke. It's a real ball. Please come.
Brie Larson
Okay, great.
Courtney McBroom
That sounds lovely.
Brie Larson
See you there.
Podcast Host
Congratulations on this, you guys. It's so cool.
Courtney McBroom
So nice to meet you.
Podcast Host
Lexus is a company that believes in the importance of setting a standard. For me, a standard that matters to me is being a friend, being a person, being a co worker who shows up. The standard Lexus has set for themselves is to experience amazing. Lexus's benchmarks are feelings, things like exhilaration and joy. And amazing can only be achieved by knowing people on a deeper level. It's feeling like your car was designed and built just for you. A machine that makes you feel more human. Because a car that doesn't make you feel something is a car that stops short of amazing. So experience amazing at your Lexus dealer.
Commercial Announcer
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through November 4th. Shop the annual beauty event and save $5 when you spend $25 on select beauty products. Shop in store or online for items like Dove Body Wash Native Body Wash, Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, Dr. Squatch body wash, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, Dial Liquid Hand Soap and Olay Body wash. And save $5 when you spend $25 or more. Offer ends November 4th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.
Amy Brown
This is Amy Brown from Feeling Things with Amy and Kat. Isopure protein helps you focus on more of what matters. Like feeling your best every day with great tasting nutrition. That's high protein and low carb. It's never been simpler. I use Isopure unflavored protein every day and I have already restocked three times since first trying it. Actually, I think I've bought it four times now because my daughter took a bag of it to her dad's house. With 25 grams of ultra filtered protein, you can add it to things like guacamole, pasta sauce and more. It tastes great on everything. Enjoy more of what matters today. @isopureprotein.com and get 20% off your order when you use code MINDS20 at checkout.
Commercial Announcer
And Doug here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual.
Podcast Host
Fascinating.
Commercial Announcer
It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.
Podcast Host
Uh, limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.
Brie Larson
Cut the camera.
Commercial Announcer
They see us. Only pay for what you need@liberty mutual.com Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Ferry Unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates excludes Massachusetts.
Podcast Host
Degree advanced the world's number one antiperspirant provides up to 72 hours of protection against sweat and odor that comes with life. Degree is the wake up workout. Antiperspirant the dashing, darting, carpool, honking, get the kids off to school. Antiperspirant the work from home and do the laundry grocery shop on your lunch hour, never take a break. Antiperspirant so do what you need to do, work how you need to work. Sweat moves you forward. Degree is here to make sure it doesn't hold you back. Degree here for sweat.
Brie Larson
This is an I Heart podcast.
Episode: Brie Larson & Courtney McBroom
Release Date: October 22, 2025
Host: Sophia Bush
Guests: Brie Larson (actress, director, producer) & Courtney McBroom (chef, producer, former culinary director of Milk Bar)
Topic: Friendship, the art of gathering, and their collaborative cookbook "Party People"
This episode celebrates joy, nostalgia, and community through the lens of food and hosting. Sophia Bush sits down with Brie Larson and Courtney McBroom to discuss their friendship, shared love for parties and food, and their joint project: the cookbook/party guidebook "Party People." Together, they explore the connective power of gatherings and how to reclaim fun and togetherness in an age when people need it most.
[06:13–09:49]
“She turned their chiropractic office into a casino… it was like lucky number seven birthday.” — Brie Larson [07:09]
[09:49–12:55]
“Food is such a direct line to our hearts and to our memories and to comfort.” — Brie Larson [08:41]
“No hotel food… it’s a way of understanding tradition and culture… you feel grounded.” — Brie Larson [11:43]
[12:55–16:21]
“Love at first… bite, I think is what that says.” — Courtney McBroom [15:29]
[21:25–27:54]
“The memories are for everybody, including the host.” — Brie Larson [24:56]
[26:48–29:13]
“We all make mistakes. We all do stuff. We burn the souffle…” — Courtney McBroom [27:54]
“Don’t be afraid of being cringe. Just let the mess be part of the magic.” — Podcast Host [27:57]
[28:14–32:33]
“Secret resentments will totally kill the vibe. They kill the party.” — Courtney McBroom [32:25]
[32:49–37:47]
“I believe what I’m saying more than the fear of being misunderstood.” — Brie Larson [36:27]
Lightning Round – [42:46–50:58]
“There’s no idea too small for a party.” — Brie Larson [45:15]
[53:10–56:34]
“I have it next to my Emmy and my award from the murder mystery party.” — Brie Larson [52:14]
[57:32–61:19]
Brie’s WIP: Learning to value rest and simply “being”, despite her drive to help others and the world.
“Where can I still find value in the being and not the doing?” — Brie Larson [58:40]
Courtney’s WIP: Continuing to inspire people through her authentic self, carving her own unique path.
Sophia wraps up with thoughts on how parties, joy, and memory-making are vital for our sense of presence and community.
On food and nostalgia:
“Food is such a direct line to our hearts and to our memories and to comfort.” — Brie Larson [08:41]
On being present at your own party:
“The memories are for everybody, including the host.” — Brie Larson [24:56]
On embracing mess and imperfection:
“Don’t be afraid of being cringe. Just let the mess be part of the magic.” — Podcast Host [27:57]
On party tricks:
“No limits… how much are you willing to spend? Because more people is more expensive.” — Brie Larson [43:27]
On recurring joys:
“We do a murder mystery party and we have a hot dog festival. These are my. Our two events for the year. Truly couldn’t do them more than that.” — Brie Larson [44:04]
On friendship and collaboration:
"Secret resentments will totally kill the vibe. They kill the party.” — Courtney McBroom [32:25]
On joy and being multifaceted:
“I believe what I’m saying more than the fear of being misunderstood.” — Brie Larson [36:27]
On the value of being:
“Where can I still find value in the being and not the doing?” — Brie Larson [58:40]
Frank, warm, and full of laughter—this conversation invites listeners to think of gathering not as a chore, but as an act of joy, connection, and presence. Brie and Courtney embody the idea that perfection isn’t the goal: real memories, shared vulnerabilities, and fun are. “Party People” isn't just for seasoned hosts—it’s for anyone who craves camaraderie, nostalgia, and a little magic in everyday life.
The deep wisdom that you can (and should) be a masterpiece and a work in progress—at your table, in your friendships, and in your own skin.