Rachel Dratch on Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Hi everyone. Welcome to another episode

of Good Hang. I am so excited about this

episode. It is the great Rachel Drach

my friend for almost 30 years and uh

America's favorite. And we are going to

talk about so much good stuff. We're

going to talk about growing up in

Massachusetts. We're going to talk about

the uh our love for the musical Annie.

And we're going to go behind the music

and uh do a deep dive into the world

famous clip that kicked this podcast

off. and that has kept us laughing ever

since. So, um, get ready for a great

interview. Um, before we start, we

always like to talk to someone who knows

our guest, is a fan of our guest, has a

question that they want to give me. And

I'm very excited to, um, talk to Kevin

Kahun today. Kevin is a dear friend of

Rachel. He is an incredible actor, um

musical theater pro, um, Tony nominated

for the great musical Shucked, and you

can catch him in a million other things.

And Kevin is um zooming in to get things

started. Kevin, hi.

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[Music]

>> Hi., I, feel, so, lucky.

>> I, feel, so, lucky.

>> I'm, the, luckiest.

I get to see you on this Tuesday.

>> I, know., I, wish, we, were, having, margaritas

with Dra.

>> Hey,, listen., Wouldn't, that, be, great?

That's a good hang right there.

>> That, is, for, listeners., Um, I've, had, a, few

margaritas with Kevin and Dra over the

years, pre-show, postshow, cuz both of

you were on Broadway. Well, listen.

Anytime I can hang out with you

>> how, are, you?

>> I'm, so, great., How, are, you?

>> Where, are, we, talking, to, you, from?

>> I, am, in, Texas, at, my, mom's, place,, rural

Texas, outside of Houston. It's a sunny

day. We've had four days of torrential

rain. Um, and I'm dealing with these

wild hogs. I know this is crazy, but

they're wild feral hogs that show up in

the middle of the night and they tear up

your property. They travel in packs of

30. And I've set up alarms all around

and I think they're working. But last

night we had a few come and um the

alarms went off in the middle of the

night which there's nothing more

terrifying. Um and I'm good with animals

and I grew up with a lot of animals and

I'm fine with animals. Not these

animals.

>> Not, a, fan.

>> It's, worth, a, Google, if, anyone, wants, to

Google Texas wild feral hogs.

Well, I mean the the the thing that I'm

was so excited to talk to you about

today is that you um like many of us

deeply love our guest Rachel

>> Beyond.

>> Tell, me, tell, me, how, you, two, first, met.

>> We, met, doing, a, musical, called, Minsky's

in LA written by Charles Strauss and

Susan Birkinhead and Bob Martin. It was

coming to Broadway, a star-studded cast

and it closed in LA, which is, you know

the the great showbiz tale. But what you

take away from experiences like that are

the people, and you usually have one or

two from each show. And um I fell in

love with RA immediately. What's not to

fall in love with? Um and she had told

me she had gone to a psychic that I

think you had bought her this psychic

reading for her birthday. That's right.

I should talk to her about that because

if she's open to it because her and I

both went to the same psychic at the

same time when we were both pregnant.

>> Yes,, that's, right., And, she, had, gone, to

we had before the show we would go I

would go to her dressing room and we

would have a day catch up. What'd you do

today? Who'd you see? Where'd you lunch?

Um and she had said I went to this

psychic and the psychic told me that our

show was going to close out of town. And

we were like they're crazy. That'll

never happen. We're moving into the St.

James Theater. Well, the psychic was

right. But anyway, it that was probably

15, 16, 17 years ago, and it has just

been the most nourishing, fulfilling

steadfast

friendship that I could have ever, ever

imagined. And then I've gotten to have

new friends like you that I have met

through RA. And you know that they're a

good friend when you meet their friends

and those friends become your friends as

well. So, it um it's just been the most

rewarding friendship I could have ever

imagined.

>> I, hear, you., I, feel, the, same., I, feel, like

there's a few friends that and it's

proven to be true now that Rachel and I

have been friends for almost 30 years.

There's a few people that, you know, in

in success and in quote failure, in good

times and in bad times, they're going to

weather that storm with you. And that's

not always the case with everyone.

Sometimes people are better when things

are going badly, right? They're like

they like that. And sometimes people

want to hear when you're succeeding.

That's what they when they want to be

along for the ride. But Rachel Drach

definitely is there for both if you're

lucky enough to have her as your friend.

>> That, is, so, true., And, she's, a, wonderful

giftgiver. She never forgets an occasion

where she's going to bring you a little

something. You know, I did a Broadway

show that ran nine months and she was

there opening night, she was there

closing night, she was there in between.

She came again, she brought friends.

It's just she is a cheerleader for those

that she loves. She is a champion. Um

she'll go to bat. She's just life is a

little brighter when Ra is around.

>> Cocoon,, let's, talk, about, Shucked,, which

is the show you're talking about. That's

true. Yes.

>> I, loved, you, in, it, and, loved, that, show, so

much.

>> You, were, so, dear, to, come., So,, it, meant

the world to me. And let me tell you

what, Amy Polar, you're one of those

friends because not only did you come to

Shuck, I did a production of Lasha Fall

in the fall. You came to Lasha.

>> You, are, there., I, mean,, you're,, you, know,

you birds of a feather fly together. You

guys are just exemplary friends.

>> Oh,, friend., Thank, you, for, saying, that.

That means a lot. And I love I mean

it's not hard work to go to a really fun

show and watch you. Before we get to

your question, I do want to I'm going to

talk to Drach a little bit about her her

Tony nom and her show PUS and how I mean

because I know from being her friend

how how positive an experience that was

for her like great women that she became

really good friends with. a Tony nom a

hilarious part. Um, do you remember that

time and what she said about that

experience when she was working on that

show?

>> Well,, here's, the, incredible, thing, and

it's so rare. She got a Tony nomination

for her Broadway debut.

>> Damn.

>> Ever, happens., That, is, like, remarkable.

And I've seen Rachel on stage so many

times at the public, Shakespeare in the

Park, Manhattan Theater Club.

She is always the standout. And when you

do a Broadway show, whether you want to

admit it or not, there's always a part

of you that thinks maybe, just maybe

that childhood dream would come true.

That show that I watch once a year in

June, maybe I could be a part of that

show. And then when it happens, it is

just it's the most uh it's the biggest

embrace you could ever imagine from a

community that you've always wanted to

be a part of.

And you know, a lot of people probably

um know Rachel from television and from

film, but her theater career is just as

sparkling and just as dynamic and

diverse as um her impact on TV and film.

>> Yeah,, she's, played, so, many, different

types of characters. It's actually a

good question. She's played like men and

dogs and people and like mothers and

robots and whatever. She will. She can

do it all.

>> She, can, do, everything., That's, why, you

hire Rachel D, you know.

>> It's, so, true.

>> It's, so, true., Um,, we, should, all, be, as

versatile as Rachel D, you know.

>> Okay,, so, Kev,, what, do, you, think?, I, mean,

I could talk to Drach and we'll probably

today forever about so many things, the

past, the present, the future. Anything

you think I should ask her today?

>> Yes., Um,, it, was, hard, to, pick, one

question. I have two that I think are uh

sparkly. One is about the theater

because I feel like a lot of people

don't realize that Rachel Drach was a

theater kid and she went to theater camp

and her dream and ambition was to be in

plays and in musicals and then her

career took a brilliant detour. Um, I

would ask her, little Rachel Drash going

to theater camp, what were her three

beacons of light in the American

theater? A musical, a performer. Who was

it that filled her with I want to do

that. That's what I want to be when I

grow up.

>> Such, a, good, question.

>> That, was, the, one, question., And, then, this

is something that inspires me about

Rachel.

She brought us all Debbie Downer, one of

the most iconic American comedic

characters.

When Rachel Dret is thinking about

feline AIDS and North Korean train

accidents and insurrection

what is that catalyst that gets her out

of her doom and gloom and brings her

back to reality? That would be another

question. Debbie would want me to point

out that it is good that you brought up

feline AIDS because it is the number one

killer of domestic cats.

>> Well,, that's, true., Listen,, we've, talked

about feral hogs and feline AIDS. What's

next baby?

>> Texas,, baby., Um,, these, are, such, good

questions, Kevin. And she I don't think

she knows that I'm talking to you today.

>> I, did, not, tell, her.

>> Okay,, good., I, didn't, tell, her.

>> We, had, a, little, We, had, a, little, Kiki

yesterday and I was zipped lipped. So

>> oh, my, god,, I'm, so, happy, because, she's

going to be so happy. These are really

good questions. And

I think nobody loves a a good question

more than Dr. Like if you ask Dra a good

question, she's like, "That's such a

good question."

>> She, will, say, that., I, guarantee, you

that's

>> and, I, had, told, Blake, Lee, who, was, on

who's a dear mutual friend of ours who

was on for um I told him not five days

ago, Amy, I was like, "You were so

incredible on Amy's podcast. It's so

fabulous that you were on there. It is

so chic. What a cool thing. I'm so proud

of you. And then my phone dinged and it

was you and

>> it, just, I, can't, thank, you, enough.

>> Are, you, kidding, me?

>> Thank, you, for, taking, a, break, from

fighting the hogs and

and if you know if you are eventually

eaten by them, just know that our time

together was so special to me. It was

and I cher it every single minute.

>> All right,, I, can't, wait, to, see, you, in

New York, friend.

>> I, love, you, so, much.

>> Thanks, so, much, for, doing, this.

>> This, episode, is, brought, to, you, by, Voco

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>> Rachel, Dra, is, here.

>> Are, we, starting?, Is, it, official?

>> Yeah., And, we, need, to, talk, about, Wait,

what?

>> I, want, to, do, a, podcast., I, just, need

>> What, do, you, got?, What, I, have, all, done?

Let's get started here. I'll get this

pulling out the world famous.

>> You've, seen, it., You've, seen, them, before.

>> This, is, my, new, trademark,, everybody.

>> Smithsonian.

The Smithsonian.

>> Academy, of, TV.

>> This, is, my, By, the, way,, I, didn't, I, didn't

tangle this. This is how it came out

where I was storing it. This is the

>> These, are, the, world.

>> This, is, in, their, natural, state., World

famous Rachel DR headphones. They shot

fired her around the world. These

headphones is where it all began.

>> The, chaos

beginning.

>> Oh, man., Now,

>> now, that, I'm, with, Amy,, everything's, all

right.

>> Okay,, we, don't, even, use, these,, but, I, had

to bring those.

>> Dra, historical, item., Okay.

>> Of, course,, Dash, brings, a, prop.

>> Brings, the, prop, from, home.

For people that didn't see our first

episode of Good Hang Dra was in the

group that was talking about our guest

Tina Fay and boy did we have a good

laugh.

>> Oh, my, god,, that, was, like, probably, my

biggest laugh of the year.

>> I, just, watched, it, again, on, the, way, over

here and um we're going to get into it

today that

>> of, course, we, are., People, need, to, hear

the behind the music.

Where were you?

>> Where, were, you, when, you, saw, the, clip?

>> I, mean, I, owe, you, money, for, that, clip., I

owe you money for that clip. But it

really was like it started off the

entire vibe of this show. Like I'm so

grateful for it cuz it started off

exactly what I was hoping which is I was

hoping that this would be like fun and

easy and a laugh and that was the

deepest laugh.

It was such a good laugh.

>> Like, I, mean, imagine, like, your, best, laugh

ever and then it's and then it's like

recorded for you to watch again. like

that that never happens because you

can't plan that.

>> No., No., And, also, having, Fred, and, Seth

and Zarna there and there's really no

better I would say like partner than

Seth when Drach is draing because he's

so good at keeping like like things

moving in a way or something like

>> he, was, making, me, laugh, so, much, so, hard

>> when, he's, like, Dret., We're, probably

going to cut all this out. And then when

I was like, I'm holding everything up

and he's like, no, this is how she

wanted to start. Like

he was the perfect foil

the comedy foil.

>> Also,, the, thing, that, gets, me,, which, is

such a like improv and such a good

example of what a good listener you are

is that at the very end you clap, which

is what we asked you to do 15 minutes

before to get started. God, that clap.

>> End, it, with, the, beginning,, people.

Let's just

>> Comedy, 101.

Okay.

>> Second, prop, use, of, this, podcast, is

stretch is swirling her ice drink.

>> Okay.

No, but it is like that I I have to say

when I was thinking about what to talk

about today, I was like we have had

deep laughs.

>> We, have.

>> It's, like, the, heart, and, you, love, you

love to laugh and the way Dr. Dash has

many kinds of laughs

and you have like I I know people have

done your laugh to you. Oh yeah. You go.

>> Also,, when, you, go, into, like, a, level, two

laugh, when you're going down deep, you

go

like you get very old school.

>> Oh, my, gosh.

>> Wait,, I, just, need, to, say, though, that

when that was happening that I didn't

know that was going to be used for on

camera,

>> which, I, didn't, tell, you.

>> You, did, not, tell, me., I, looked, back, at

the text and

>> I'm, very, sorry., No,, no., I, don't, mean

that. I mean it was the best thing ever.

But I just mean for people wondering

like why'd she order food right when I

was there was my podcast like we could

argue still with audio. Why did you

>> Well,, cuz, I, thought, it, was, like, a, half

hour of time.

>> True.

>> And, then, it, came, very, quickly

>> and, then, my, dog, barked

>> and, then, and, your, dog's, name, and, then, my

dog's name is Ruffles

>> and, Ruffles, started, barking., Anyway,

sorry. Go ahead.

>> Do, you, remember, I, think, we, talked, about

it. There was a hilarious whoever is the

Tik Tocker who did this. Somebody

posted. There were many clips of it and

then someone went and looked at your

chart.

>> Yes., My, my, horoscope., Whatever., Zodiac.

Well, so I'm What's a Pisces? I I didn't

know this word. Stellium means all your

things are in the same sign like every

single thing. But I guess there's one

little thing. But this woman, she did my

chart on TikTok and she was laughing

really hard. She's like, "How is this

woman surviving with everything in

Pisces?" She like she's she's somehow

she's making it work. But then I guess

there's like one thing in Capricorn. She

goes this Capricorn is holding the whole

rest of it all together. It's doing the

work of you know 10,000 men or

something. And that kind of

>> Pisces, final, boss.

>> Yes., And, I, have, wondered, if, I, other

people were talking about a ADHD I guess

and I have wondered if I have that as an

adult. I don't know.

>> But, that, if, you, look, at, that, clip, you're

going to be like yep. I feel like it's

like pis I mean we we talk about it like

in you know the Pisces being a

shortorthhand for

>> like, you, know, it's, in, its, best

>> chaos

I'm saying that's what I'm saying but

we're opposite

signs

>> Amy's, Virgo, by, the, way, I, don't, know, much

about signs but I just know about this I

just know about this

>> I, don't, know, I, I, do, like, astrology, I

think it's cool we like astrology we

like an enagram we like anything that

like is about personality stuff but

what's fun about talking about

>> Pisces, in, Virgo, is, Pisces, are, kind, of

the fish that are floating through life

and Virgo is the virgin setting the

rules. I don't know. And um but I find

like we do do I mean I I I feel like you

do definitely have a dreamlike approach

and a adventurous approach to life.

>> I, would, say, that., Yes.

>> Yes., I, think, you, are, like, a, curious

traveler

>> and, and, you, definitely, don't, um

>> feel, shy.

>> Shy

shy.

>> She, got, shy.

>> Did, you, see, what, happened?, The, curious

traveler.

>> I'm, trying, to, be, myself.

>> I, can't, see., Dash, just, It, was, like, a

cloud. A shy cloud came over.

>> But, you, are, kind, of, shy.

>> I, am, shy., Yes., It, goes, without, saying,

we've been friends for 30 years. We are

often mistaken for being the same person

or like just the other day someone we

were in the a public bathroom and

someone was like "I saw your sister in

the bathroom." Like they think we're

sisters.

>> But, you, and, I, did, do, definitely, have

like if if life was like a romcom like

we would be like growing up next to each

other.

>> So

>> walking, by, each, other, in, the, mall

probably.

>> So, talk, to, people, who, don't, know, your

like early Drach. Where did she grow up?

What was her life?

>> Early, Dr., uh, grew, up, in, Lexon,

Massachusetts, next town over from Amy

but we didn't know each other. Although

if well we did work in the same ice

cream store, which we always have to say

called Chadwick. And if you don't know

that, you've been living under a rock.

But anyway, um but yeah, grew up in

Lexon and uh I don't know. I was I was

shy when I was little, but I was always

I mean I watched SNL when I was in third

grade at someone else's house at a

sleepover like their older brother was

watching it and I was immediately like

what is this? But I definitely was I

mean I don't know about you either. I

don't I wasn't like I'm gonna be an

actor when I grow at all. Like it was

just for fun.

>> I, didn't, knew, that, was, a, job, really.

Yeah.

>> It, was, sort, of, like, maybe, a, little, dream

with like when I saw Annie, you know

the musical. I'm like how are they up

there? Where where do I get one of those

buckets? You know, like

>> Annie, Annie, is, there, should, be, a

documentary about women our age and how

we were affected by Annie.

>> Yeah., So,, um,, but, yeah,, and, then, I, did

school plays, but I definitely was not

like the queen of the drama club, you

know? I just did it for fun.

>> You, did, get, a, superlative,, though,, and

it was

>> I, did, I, got, class, clown.

>> Did, you, get, class, or, did, you, guys, do

those two?

>> We, had, class, clown,, but, I, didn't, get, it.

>> What?, I'd, like, to, know, who, did

>> I, I, was, the, second, runner, up, for, most

casual.

>> You, don't, know, this.

>> I, thought, I, most, casual., It's, like,, what

did that even mean?

>> I, don't, know if, it's, in, manner, or, dress,

but didn't even get close. up super

>> kind, of, casual

>> class, clown, but, um, then, let's, see, I

don't know I then

>> uh, oh, and, then, also, well, my, dad, was, very

funny as you know Paul D

>> Paul, D, um, and, uh, so, we, just, kind, of, had

like you know he would do like kind of

oh this is funny I I ran into someone um

whose dad had gone to high school with

my dad back when I was in high school

you know we were at the house and then

she said oh my dad said your dad used to

always do impressions of the teachers

when they left the room and have

everyone laughing cuz he was doing Yeah.

So like I I just sort of had that it was

in my blood. No, but I mean it was sort

of like in the atmosphere. And then

>> but, you, did, school, plays., I, mean, getting

class clown you got to be funny in real

>> I, guess, like, in, junior, high, I, started, to

kind of like pipe up oneliners from the

back of the room kind of thing. But um

much to the chagrin of teachers I'm

sure. But um but then when I got to

college then there was an improv group

there and then I was cut like I didn't

even know what improv was back then. Now

it's like

>> when, when, you, go, to, So, you're, in, high

school in Lexington, Massachusetts which

a shot heard around the world like we

just mentioned. Um uh like the the

birthplace of democracy. Um right next

to it was Burlington, Massachusetts

where I was from. And let's be honest

they were not different at all. There

was maybe Right. Oh my god. Look at She

just blast time. She said it. Well, I

was, gonna, say, I, exaggerated, for, a fact.

>> Okay., Okay.

>> I, exaggerated, for, shared, them, all.

>> We, shared, them, all.

>> Well,, we, I, often, hung, out, at, the

Burlington Mall. We probably passed each

other.

>> We, did., I, think, we, did

>> at, the, Bighgams, or, something.

>> Like, we, definitely, I, felt, like, we, had

very parallel lives, like short

blue-eyed Massachusetts girls who um

like were good students but wanted to be

funny. And um and the the Lexington I

always used to joke that Lexington is

like for Parks and Rex fan like Parks

and Rec fans Lexington was the Eagleton

and Burlington was the Ponty is how it

felt like we thought Lexington was where

the rich people were. And what did you

think of Burlington?

>> Burlington., Oh,, I, didn't, think, about, No,

I'm just kidding.

I'm like, how do I how do I get Amy to

see? Um no, first of all, I worked at

Cowdors. Yes.

>> Which, is, in, across, the, Burlington., I

crossed town lines during Cowdors with

the Burlington Bad Girls and our teams

played each other.

>> Our, teams, played, each, other, on

Thanksgiving Day. And so since then we

always call Well, now they don't

anymore, but we used to call each other

up on Thanksgiving.

>> Yeah,, we, used, to, Burlington., Yeah,

>> we, used, to, try, trash, talk, each, other, on

on Thanksgiving. And then you go to

Dartmouth.

>> I, went, to, Dartmouth, Ivy, League, Rachel.

>> Yes.

>> And, very, very, like, uh, what, was, your

experience there? Like did you like it?

Well, great question. Um, it was, but I

went back in the 80s and it was it was

very conservative back then. Um, which I

didn't even really know what that meant

but it was just like um it took me a

while to find my people there. Like, you

know, I had friends at the beginning and

everything, but then the the general

ethos of it, I didn't feel like I really

matched with, right? Um, and then I saw

the improv group, like I've some friend

of mine from like acting class or

whatever is like, come check this out.

And as soon as I saw it, I was like, not

like this is, but I was kind of like, I

feel like I could do this, you know.

>> This, is, exact., This, is, We, have, very

similar stories because same thing. I

went to Boston College. I was trying to

figure out how I fit in. Big

>> I, didn't, know, that, part.

>> Big, sports, school, like, and, lots, of, um

like uh uh private school kids, which as

much as we joke with Lex like we didn't

have like that prep school vibe of like

>> No,, we, were, kids.

>> What, person, is, the, Yeah,, that, was, a, big

vibe. I remember going into people's

dorm rooms and being like, "How do you

know how to get your dorm room so ready

so fast?"

>> And, they're, like,, "I, was, living, in

Deerfield.

I spent three years at Deerfield." And

that's how. But I didn't know that you

felt that way, too.

>> Yeah., And, so, I, saw, an, improv, group, my

freshman year.

>> My, mother's, flea, bag.

>> Yes., And, yours, was

>> said, and, done.

Oh my, god., This, looks, nothing, like, those

improv

>> improv, group, names., Yeah., Um,, our, friend

Brian Stack, who is a performer at

Tekken City, used to like love to talk

about good and bad improv names and like

how they would either be really goofy

right, like punfilled, or they would be

very like serious and pretentious.

>> Oh,, I, haven't, heard, this.

>> There, was, one, and, and, if, if, anyone's

listening and I as part of the group, I

I enjoy your work and I respect your

work,

>> but, um, one, of, them, he, said, was, called

Society's Mirror. No.

>> Is, that, real?

>> Good, question.

>> I, don't, know., I, There's, no, way, to, check.

>> Like, I, could, look, at, it, on, my, laptop,

but

>> it, I, think, it's, out, of, batteries.

>> Okay.

>> Yeah., Okay., So,, you, did, you, do, Were, you

in S and Done?

>> So,, then, Yeah., So,, then, I, got, into, Set

and Done and then I was like, "Oh, like

these are the fun people, you know."

>> But, you, were, a, theater, kid.

>> I, Well,, I, mean,, I, don't, know., No,, I, just

did like you did plays, right? Did you

do plays

>> theater, camp?

>> I, I, did, go, to, theater, summer, theater

camp. Yes. But not like one of those

like I'm not saying this to be like it

wasn't like those ones like the real

ones. It wasn't like professional like

you know kids that were really it was

just like suburban Boston like you know

whatever. But um but yeah then I that's

where I met our pal Alec. But um

>> but, yeah,, I, wasn't, like, like, the, star, of

anything like I wasn't like rolling in

and then like the lead and everything. I

started out like everything I started

out like the chorus and then you move up

a little bit the next year. Yeah. That

kind of thing.

>> Yeah., And, and, I, think, like, me, and, you

like we didn't really know anyone that

were actors or writers growing up. So I

just never thought that would be a job.

>> Right., Right., Right.

>> Did, you, have, like, an, idea, as, a, kid, what

your job would be?

>> I, mean, like, every, kid, in, third, grade, I

wanted to be a marine biologist. like

like like us all, right? Um but no, they

like I mean I don't everyone wants to be

a marine biologist.

>> What, do, we, think, we're, going, to, do, here?

>> Like, play, with, dolphins, and, save, the

nature. I I actually legitimately was

like very in and still am like nature

like a a career for in saving nature was

like something I actually when I was

little like then when I go then as you

know I wanted to be a therapist. Um, but

I also like every time I'd see a movie I

was like, "Oo." Like I was just really

intrigued, but I had no idea how you

ever did that. And I also to be really

like not self-deprecating, but it wasn't

like I had felt like I had special skill

in acting or anything, but I loved like

cracking jokes

but yet you don't think you're

>> like, cuz, it's, like, not, like,, "Well,, I'm

an actor." Like, not like that, but just

like I like comedy and I like watching

it and and like I had a group of funny

friends, too. So we would always like

you know, I legit funny friends. So that

was also sort of like practice, you know

what I mean?

>> Yeah., Okay., So, you, get, to, Dartmouth,, you

graduate and what was your degree in?

>> It, was, drama, and, then, I, minored, in

psychology,

>> right?

>> And, then, Oh,, so, my, improv, group

sophomore summer we're on campus. We

took this little like trip cuz one of

the guys from the group was from

Chicago. So, we went out to Chicago for

a week just to like check out Second

City Improv Olympic and just like, you

know, go to all the little sites there.

And then I was like, "Okay, maybe when I

graduate, I'll come back here and like

try this, you know." And I sort of just

wanted to try it more to know that I'd

given, it, a, shot., I, don't, know how, you

were about this, but I was kind of you

all you hear is like it's so hard you're

never going to make it. like that's all

you hear when so then I was like buying

into that and then I was like okay I'm

just going to go out and try Chicago and

then I won't make it and then I'll come

back and be a therapist in suburban

Boston and um but then like very then

like I mean I don't know how much

detaile go but right when I got there I

did not get into classes at Second City

like I heard like everyone auditions

gets into classes and then I didn't get

into classes and then I was like oh like

what did I do you know but then I just

stuck it out and then I took class like

later like everything I did I kind of

didn't get the first time around sort

of. Um

>> Oh,, interesting., Interesting.

>> Well,, like, that, and, then, like, touring

company I auditioned and didn't get in

and then like

>> um, well, SNL, I, auditioned, two, times, like

just but then you kind of get used to

that I guess. I don't know but um but

anyway uh yeah so then I eventually got

into the classes and then did like

little theater things there and

eventually got into the touring company.

>> So, you, get, to, Chicago, and, do, you

remember when we first met?

>> I, do., Well,, in, my, memory,, we, were, in, the

lobby of Second City and you had just

moved there and you were in the touring

company,, I, guess., I, don't, know if, you

were in it yet or just coming around to

check it out or something, but anyway, I

remember meeting you and I remember you

being really friendly and like I would

just say like sunshiny like it's not you

you don't always remember meeting

someone for the first time, but I do

remember, at least, in, my, mind, this, was

the first time. And I just remember you

were like very like like you are you

were very friendly and smiley and you

know cute little blondie.

>> I, remember, meeting, you, but, I, didn't, see

you. I saw you. So

>> I, arrived, and, you, were, kind, of, the

junior to my freshman in Chicago I would

say. And I saw you on stage. You were in

Lois Cass an improv show very like kind

of famous improv show named after

>> a, woman

>> the, woman, that, worked, in, the, office, or

something. I don't.

>> Yeah., Sketch, and, improv, and, comedy,, it's

just like music, right? Like it's like

"Oh, go check out this cool band." Like

"Oh, these two people are singing

together." Um, you know, you just were

like watching groups and trying to

figure out what was good. What did you

like? And Lois, the show that you were

in, um, was just like, "Oh, these are

the cool good improvisers. Go see them."

And I remember so the first time I saw

you before we met um I saw you on stage

and I just remember you know

I think like when you see someone on

stage for the first time it's very it's

a very interesting dynamic like you're

just like forever looking up to them

like it feels like and I just was like

oh she's so funny like just loved being

like watching you perform like just and

um and you know subsequently like we got

to know each other in Chicago and I was

your understudy for uh

>> touring, company, for, sure., Yeah.

>> So,, what, is, touring, company, for, people

who don't know?

>> Well,, it's, like, your, first, step, to

getting into Second City and you're not

out on the road like for big long times.

You're just like you're going to Indiana

for the weekend like that kind of thing.

Yeah. And it's just sort of like cutting

your teeth and I mean you get paid a

minimal sums. You're like it's your

first like I'm a working actor, you

know? And it's sort of your first step

to moving up the little ladder there.

>> Yeah., So,, we, didn't, get, to, tour, together

cuz I was only filling in when you were

>> and, then, Amy, struck, out, and, moved, to, New

York and started UCB, which I told you

before that I was always just like, what

are you guys? Like, I didn't know you

guys that well, but I was just like

what are they doing? Like, they're on

track to, you know, you were already

very successful in Chicago or like

successful like

>> known, to, be, good, improvisers,, whatever.

But um but then like you definitely

would have moved up the ranks at Second

City, but you guys had this like pioneer

spirit of moving here and started

>> this, kind, of, like, if, if, we're, if, the

Drach and Polar romcom is happening

this is where the we kind of separate

for a little bit to go find our own

right? because I moved to New York.

You're on mainstage in a very famous

show at Second City and then you meet

Tina when

>> Oh,, so, then, Tina, joined, then, the, next

show then they changed it to three men

three women which was like

revolutionary.

>> I, was, like, what?

>> I, know, but, um

>> three, women, together., I, know., But, then

Tina came in for the next show, my

second show on Mainstage called Citizen

Gates. And uh she was of course

hilarious from the get-go. And then we

did two shows together. And then and

then I started to get more comfortable

up there and like being better at

creating characters and all that. And

then Tina went off to write for SNL

after the second her second show. And

then I stayed there.

>> How, many, more, years, did, you, stay, there?

>> I, was, um, well, I, was, four, years, on, the

main stage

>> and, uh, and, it, was, such, a, fun, job., I, mean

it might have been like my favorite job

ever.

>> Yeah., Like, take, us, back, to, what, it, was

like a day when you were on the main

station. What was that day like?

>> Well,, I, mean,, I, remember, like, you'd

sleep really late, much later than I do

now. But I just Well, but then you're

writing the show. If you're rehearsing

you're writing the show by day. So

you're in rehearsal all day. So, and

that but you never wrote like how we did

at SNL where you were like at a

typewriter. What? A typewriter. Okay.

>> Word, processor.

>> When, you, were, at, a

>> I, think, I, got, a, good, one, here.

>> Give, me, more, paper.

>> I'm, on, a, paper., Schultzy.

Okay. Computer is what they're called

now. But um

but no, like you it's not like SNL when

you're like, "Oh, let's think of

something." We're in an office. It was

all on its feet and like just someone

had an idea and you just and then you

try it out in front of the audience or

the audience would give a suggestion and

then a scene would really hit from an

audience suggestion. Let's try that

again, but let's change this. So that's

how we wrote the thing. Um, and then

eventually like the show would be done

and it'd be set and then you just do the

show night after night. But um, but the

show was like sketch like for those that

don't know like and then afterwards

you'd improvise every night pretty much.

And um that's how you get really good at

improvising by just night after night

after night. Cuz if I had improvised

right now, I'd be like uh like I'd wait

linger in the backline. You know, if you

keep doing it like welloiled machine.

>> So, talk, to, us, about, you're, on, you, get, to

SNL what year?

>> 99,

>> right?

>> Yeah., Fall, of, 99., And, uh, I, was, the, only

new person that year. Well, the only new

actor, Ali, was a new writer. But um but

yeah, so you just get like

>> who's, on, the, cast, when, you

>> when, you, just, said, us, and, I, just, got, a

little tense. You know, this show comes

out on Tuesdays. And to me, I just

realized I was like, "Oh, this is like a

a new way to

change Tuesdays for me, cuz Tuesdays

used to be writing night at SNL where it

was like the dread of Tuesdays. Like, oh

no, this is the night where I have to

try to get on the show because you

audition basically every week and I

haven't written anything yet and I'm I'm

so tired and uh I'm going to let the

host down. I'm going to let every myself

down." now that there's like this show

comes on she says I don't know there's

just something like but yes

I think people are aware of the dread

but what what just came up for you

which particular type of dread

>> I, don't, know, I, just, thought, of, like

walking in there

and like picturing the hallway

>> and, I, think, I, thought, you, were, going, to

like go to the audition but no then I'm

like right in that hallway I'm in the

hallway Amy I'm in the hallway stay in

the hallway stay in the hallway stay

there Rachel

I can still I can

>> feel, your, feet, on, the, ground.

>> Here, comes, Lauren, down, the, hallway., Um

okay. Um

>> so, you're, there, by, that's, hard, being, the

only new cast.

>> That, was, hard., I, can't, I, cannot, tell, a

lie. That was hard because

>> that, place, is, like, Well,, I, think, you

know some like when Will Ferrell came in

I think is the year that like a whole

bunch of new people they were like the

freshman class and then you're all like

in it together. But when you come in

new, like no one's like, you know

here's how this works in here. So, and

it's just you're kind of just like, "Hey

guys, what's you know

>> wandering, the, halls, kind, of."

>> It, definitely, feels, like, the, the, high

school version of like your tray in the

lunchroom, like where do I sit?

>> Yeah,, for, sure., Um,, I, mean, Tina, was

there, so that was good because she knew

how already she knew the system

obviously, but like I had someone to

write with because some people come in

there and they're great, but if they if

they don't know how to write for like

also the writing for SNL is very

different from writing for Second City.

Like a scene that killed a Second City

you couldn't get it on SNL cuz it's just

this different like and at the time

you're like but this is awesome and why

don't you? But now, like with more

wisdom, I'm like, why theater? Why

wouldn't it work?

>> Just, cuz, like, a, a, scene, in, the, theater

like could take longer to get going, you

didn't need to have like laugh laugh.

Like it's like people in the theater are

just like into seeing this character

kind of

>> do, their, thing., But, at, SNL, had, to, be

like you need laughs like off the bat.

You need to know what this is right

away. And um

>> I, don't, know, just, one, thing, that

>> Do, you, remember, the, first, scene, on, SNL

that like you got were getting laughs

and you thought like it's working? Like

that felt like

>> No., Um

um gosh, I don't remember the first cuz

I remember the first few times I got on

>> like, I, wasn't, even, I, like, left, my, body.

So I don't remember like this is going

really well. I was just like I'm on like

that kind of thing. Yeah. Um

well the first very first show I wasn't

in like the you know season premiere

whatever right and like you've told all

your friends like I'm on a and like

everyone's watching it your scene gets

cut like it does and then the next week

the same thing happened scene got cut so

it was like the third week

>> who, was, the, host, do, you, remember

>> the, one, that, I, got, on, was, uh, I, should

know this oh my god well I know the

first one was Jerry Seinfeld then it was

Nor McDonald and then it was

and does not compute. Oh my god. I don't

>> know., It's, funny., The, brain, remembers

trauma. So, you remember the two shows

that you weren't on.

>> Dana, Carvey., I, don't, going, to, have, to

go.

>> They're, going to, do, those, three, guys, in

a row. Let's What year was it, Drachie?

>> It, was, 1999., Third, episode.

>> Okay., This, will, be, a, fun, game.

>> Dana, Carvey.

>> Okay., I'm, going, to, And, I'm, going, to, have

you guess the musical guest because

that's always fun, too.

>> Oh, my, god.

>> 1999., I, don't, remember, anything., 1999

SNL

hosts. And don't worry, we're gonna keep

all

>> Let, me, tell, you, one, cool, thing,, though.

Let me I just heard that. Wait, let me

tell you one cool thing, though.

>> Please.

>> The

Please. Um, the very first musical guest

was David Bowie. And when I was I've

told this before, but when I was getting

my photo taken for like the very first

opening credits, like it was on the

stage, you know, like in 8H and David

Bowie was it was Thursday. He was

rehearsing with the band. So like I'm

getting my picture taken and he's right

over there singing Rebel Rebel. I mean

I have chills every time I think about

that because that was just like

I mean I don't even have words for like

the surrealness.

That's a very that's a to have a

soundtrack of that moment for your life

and it's David Bowie playing

>> David, Bowie, icon., Yeah., So, I, remember

that.

>> Should, we, tell, the, Black, Crow, story?

>> So, one, time, So, I, don't, do, drugs, at, all.

So So and then one time the Black Crows

were the musical guest and um someone in

the department came up to me. He's like

"Hey, do you want

That's my drug offer voice. Hey, do you

want

um whatever you call it? Joint.

>> Not, a, joint,, but, just, like, a, hit, off, a

joint. I see.

>> And, I, was, I, don't know., I', I, tried, it, a

couple times. It's never really worked.

I've never really dug it. And then I was

like, "Okay, sure." So, I took like one

puff off of this Black Crows. Am I going

to get sued? The Black Crows pot. And

took a hit off the black crow's pot. I

took a hit off the black crow's pot and

my my cousin was visiting me, my cousin

Zach, and um I came back to the table

and I was like, "Oh, I guess this is

like I'm really high right now." And I

was so embarrassed cuz like it was my

little cousin

and I never ever ever get high. And then

I came back and I was kind of like

I don't really remember if I told him or

not.

>> You, Oh,, he, didn't., He, might, not, even

know.

>> I, don't, even, know., But, um, that, was, my

one like

>> I, remember, you, telling, me, you, couldn't

get up from your chair.

>> Oh,, I, don't, remember, that., But, it's

possible. It's possible.

>> You, were, kind, of, stuck.

>> I, was, just, like, really, like, anyway., And

that's why I don't do drugs.

>> I, mean,

>> no,, I'm, just, not, into, that, feeling,, I

guess. But

>> no,, you're, not, into, that.

>> Only, if, it's, from, the, Black, Crows., and

Ben. Yes. Chris Chris Robinson. Call me.

Call me.

I just love that. That was the

>> By, the, way,

>> Also,, it, wasn't, it, wasn't, like, I, was

like partying with the Black Cross. It

was like secondhanded made it down to

the music guy and I was told it was from

the Black Cross.

>> But, it's, so, interesting, that, you, took

the hit that you at least

I was feeling a little jaunty that

night. I don't know. I don't know. No

but drugs is not your thing. Never

like a margarita.

>> Like, a, margarita.

>> I, know, you., But, look, at, Yes.

>> Or, perhaps, you, like, to, sail, to, the, Pogio

Islands.

>> Amy, and, I, will, occasionally, sail, to, the

Pog Grigios.

>> We'll, text, each, other, and, say,, "Shall, we

take a trip

>> to, the, to, the, Grigios?"

>> Yeah.

Yeah.

Um, and then when you were at SNL, like

I feel like we got it I was thinking

today about all the stuff we got to do

together and we got to do a lot of dumb

>> so, fun.

>> So, fun, stuff.

>> Oh, my, gosh., And, but, you, know, and, I, was

thinking it was like I I mean in many

ways I wish we had I I wish we had more

time together when I was more

experienced there because I was new and

kind of stressed and you were the again

the junior to my senior and I felt like

I loosened up more and figured out how

to like just have more fun as as I got

older there.

>> Um

>> but, we, did, get, to, do, some, fun, stuff

together. First of all, you were in the

original Debbie Downer and that was so

fun. I mean, just to be laughing there

with you.

>> Well,, you, bring, this, up, and, you, know,, I

ask this question to people on this

podcast and I truly feel like it is

because of Debbie Downer that I ask this

question. Again, I owe you a lot of

money and thank you for thank you for

building this podcast with me. Um, but

Debbie Downer, I've said it many times

before, was and is the thing that I go

to, um, uh, also maybe now replaced by

the clip, the clip of this podcast.

>> I, watch, the, clip, a, lot, of, times., And, I

just wanted to clarify, I don't go like

watch my work like I don't go watch like

a movie I did cuz like I just like to

have it in my head. But that it's like I

said, it was like

>> seeing, your, biggest, crackup.

>> Yes.

>> And, just, like, I, I, have, to, laugh, every

time I watch it.

>> Me, too., And, Debbie, Downer, was, like, that

for me during very dark times because it

was the combination of

>> us, all, having, fun., you

your

like the way in which you were

physically trying to hold it together

like the way like the laugh was like um

something you were trying to hold in

combined with the zoom zoom in

>> and, the, sound, effect

>> and, we've, watched, it, so, many, times, like

Emily's knows every single like this is

the part where your lip starts quivering

because there's one part where at the

very beginning I'm going g

and Then there's the part where you

something falls backstage and I look

away my eyes start over there like we

know every single moment.

>> It, is, it's, like, the, Zruder, film, like

frame by frame and it proves it just it

got me. It's such a serotonin boost.

>> Before, we, move, on, talk, to, us, about, the

like who did you write Debbie Downer

with and how did it start?

>> Like, the, origin, of

>> Yes., The, origin, of, people, will, want, to

know. So, um, well, it really started

because I went on a vacation by myself

that had been suggested to me by a

therapist,

and I often leave that detail out, but

since I'm on this one-on-one Amy

interview, no, I've said it like once or

twice, but usually I leave that part out

for the masses. But, um, no, uh, not

like this. This number one podcast

masses. Um, but no, she was she just

like she kept saying like take a trip by

yourself and I was like why? Like I

don't want to do that. I could go with

friends. Like I don't want and I just

kind of took it as like doctor's orders.

Like I just sort of like I'm doing this

and I like self-propelled myself to the

jungles of Costa Rica.

No, but I wanted to pick somewhere that

it wasn't going to be like honeymooners

and like I wanted to pick somewhere that

was like just like I don't know

somewhere kind of remote I guess. So it

was like very remote. It was in the Osa

Peninsula. You had to take like the big

plane then you take the smaller plane

then you take the 2hour jeep drive. I

mean I was going deep out of society

and each time they were like it was like

Barbara Potty one. Well no. So I picked

this. It was like this eco lodge thing.

So, I went there and um and then it was

just like a it was so there was like

these communal it wasn't like a lot of

people there and it was actually really

cool like and I did meet really cool

people and um I met these two sisters

that like at like they were older but

they're like my age right now but um I

mean the age I'm now and they were sort

of like they sort of told me like the

rudimentary

u fundamentals of what is later known as

the secret like did you did I tell you

when I was on this

>> people, should, know, Dr., knew, the, secret

before anyone knew.

>> So, when, I, from, and, I, learned, it, from, the

jungles of Costa Rica from two white

ladies that were from Colorado. But

anyway, so so so they like they were

just weird, you know, cuz you're like

chatting and and I got to say like hats

off to the suggestion cuz I never would

have talked to strangers if I was with a

friend, right? You know, so I'm like

having this conversation and these women

were telling me about like, you know

basically like what's the law of

attraction, I guess. But they put it

like you know if you if you think on

positive things positive and if you're

if you're focusing on lack you'll

attract lack basically. But then it

almost like the whole thing got like

sealed because then we were on this like

you know you could do like nature walks

or whatever and we were on this like

walk on the beach like with the little

like it wasn't like a group. It was like

whoever's here and wants to go on this

thing. And um this woman was saying like

there were these like beautiful birds

overhead these like scarlet macaus and

this like way up in the sky and this

woman goes I I want a feather to bring

home for my daughter and I swear like 20

seconds later from like way way up high

this feather starts to just go and it

falls down. We all like kind of see it

like and it lands like right at her

feet.

>> Whoa.

>> Amy, doesn't, believe, in, any, of, this

stuff.

>> I, do., I

>> Okay., No,, that, that's, cool., That's, cool.

But I believe in manifesting.

>> That, was, cool, though., So, then, I, was, just

like sold. I'll join your cult. No, but

>> No,, but, then, that, Okay,, this, isn't

anything about Debbie Donner. This is

just other stuff on that trip. But

anyway, but then the Debbie Donner story

is that when later it was like sitting

at dinner like you're with randos that

are there and um people just making

chitchat and someone said like where are

you from and I said New York and then

they said like oh were you there for 911

and it was like 3 years after 911. It

wasn't like it just happened. It was

kind of out of and then I was kind of

like uh yeah and then like it's kind of

like just like in Debbie D you had to

like get the conversation back because

it was like vacation times

>> right

>> and, then, like, about, a, week, later, after, I

got home I was like out listening to

some band which isn't something I

usually do but I think that's kind of

interesting cuz like doing something you

don't usually do and then your brain is

kind, of, like, I, don't know, you're, not, on

your usual channels I guess but then I

just had that idea of is kind of based

on that like some like that a Debbie

Downer popped into my head of like

>> yes

>> and, then, which, this, is, kind, of, just

talking creativity I found at SNL you

couldn't just go in there and like okay

let's think of a scene like it had to be

like moments like that like

>> and, to, me, that, only, happened, like, once

or twice a year which is why like you

might sit there at home be like why

isn't there like like SNL man but it's

like thinking of really original

characters that kind of like hit on

something. It's not something you can

like steer the ship on. It like to me

like it has to like vibe out with you.

>> Yes., You, have, to, be, like, you, have, to, to

your point, you have to like keep the

channel open and be like find the muse

and like let it find you. It just can't

be like turned out.

>> Exactly.

>> And, how, then, I, took, it, to, Paula, Pel, who

we wrote with often and is hilarious and

everyone knows Paula now because I love

Paula's like out there more in front of

the camera. But um but anyway, and then

we were on writing night, we were trying

to write it. We set it in an office and

it just kind of wasn't really flowing.

We it just wasn't really jing. And then

we were like maybe we need to put her

somewhere really happy. So then we

thought of Disney World, of course

happiest place on earth. And then and

then while we were writing it, like when

like of course Paula was cracking me up

with these oneliners and everything and

then we started just going like like

just for ourselves and then we're like

what if we put that in the scene with

actual trombone sound. So then for read

through we had I don't remember if we

had like the live person or someone just

had done it but then at read through

like it killed but then you never know

cuz sometimes something can kill at the

table and then when we were in dress

rehearsal Jimmy and Horatio were kind of

laughing and I was thinking like you

guys like I feel like this could work

like

>> keep, it, together, guys, and, then, like, on

air I just flubbed one of the lines and

then I don't even know I guess I was

like so nervous

>> and, then, on, you, but, thankfully, you, just

like like the good Pisces fish like you

just like you went along for the like it

was it's so joyous watching it because

it is just the com it's like what real

live TV is supposed to feel like like it

just felt like a a special moment in

time and also um I mean you are such a

good performer that you you're able you

were able to like do it and have and

enjoy doing it at the same time. It was

like just it's very sometimes when

people are stressed it's stressful to

watch like it's not good to watch.

>> That's, how, I, feel., But, you, don't, seem

stressed in that moment.

>> Well,, I, love, watching, performers, that

like this is what like you know I feel

like I've had so much time now that I'm

older to like think of like what makes a

good comed and everything like that. And

like I love watching people like you can

tell that underneath it they're also

like laughing inside. Like I mean better

to keep it inside but I mean like like

>> and, I, feel, like, you, have, that, like, I, was

just talking about you um I forget like

in what context but like you are always

like you can see the joy of perform like

there's two levels happening. There's

like what you're performing and then the

sort of joyful like under bubbling

that's also happening

>> like, I, just, like, Steve, Krill, just, popped

into my mind as like someone that

>> like, you, can, see, the, fun, happening

behind the Feral go the mischievous like

dance underneath it where they're having

fun. Circling all the way back to Debbie

Downer and all the way back to the

question that I ask my guests.

>> This, brings, up, the, person, that, I, spoke

to earlier before this podcast.

>> So,, you, know,, we, always, like, to, talk

well behind people's backs.

>> I, talked, to, the, great, Kevin, Kahun, about

you today.

>> You, did?, Oh, my, god., I, was, wondering, who

my person was going to be. And um

because I want him to lead us into

Broadway, which we're going to next um

this Virgo has a plan. Okay. And I'm

taking you there, babe. I'm taking you

there. I got no Okay. I'm aware of the

time. I'm aware of the time.

>> Okay., I, could, hang, all, day,, but

>> No,, I'm, just, kidding., Um, but, but, I

talked to Kevin uh and uh he he had a

couple really good questions for you.

And one was what what and it's and it's

this it's a similar question to what we

ask on the podcast. is like if uh like

when you're feeling that when when

Rachel is feeling like that Debbie

Downer feeling, what do you do to get

yourself up out of it? And that's a

question we ask here, which is

>> what, do, you, watch,, listen, to?, How, when

when you've got Der Blues, as we like to

call it, how do you get up out of it?

What makes you laugh? You know, for me

it is it is a lot of Debbie Downer and

clips. I mean, it is a lot of you

Rachel.

>> That's, so, nice.

>> It, is, you., Like,, you, really, get, me, out

of the dumps. You really do. You're like

an elevator that helps me get up out of

there. Uh-oh.

Tears.

Tears. But you really get me way up and

it's because of the laughter.

>> You, do, that, for, me.

[Laughter]

>> Is, there, anything, else, that, like, you

like to go to to just like

>> the, bottom, of, a, tequila, bottle?

I go to the worm.

>> The, worm.

>> I, ate, the, worm.

>> I, ate, the, worm.

>> That, was, such, an, 80s, thing., Like,, she

ate the worms.

>> I, know., Now, there's, no, worms, anymore.

>> No,, there's, no, worms.

>> Um,, let's, see., I, forgot, that, you, asked

this and like I feel like I don't have

like healthy um

serious

honestly the real thing that elevates me

is like meeting like meeting with

friends out in New York. Like that's

like that's my honest answer.

>> Yes., you, like

>> Mars, nights, and, um, and, like, meeting, with

my lady friends that's like

>> because, like, I, feel, like, I, have, this

great you know group various groups of

people but they're all like fun but then

like I love a friend who is really fun

and like sees the joy in life and like

can laugh through like the foibless and

all that but also has the side that's

like you know the amateur psychologist

like you know that we can help each

other out. And if you're if you like I

like if you show up to a friend and you

don't have to be anything other than

what you're feeling cuz like there's

certain friends where you can just do

that. You can come in and you be like

you know, I'm not going to be bringing

my aame and like that's fine. And I like

not having to ex exert extra energy to

pretend I'm like somewhere I'm not. And

I hope that like

>> I'm, that, for, other, people, too., But, um

>> that's, exactly, how, I, described, you, by

the way to Kevin. Exactly that. which is

you are a friend like in good times and

bad in sunny weather and stormy weather

and you just can always show up as the

version of yourself. That's exactly how

I described you.

>> Well,, that's, what, I, like, in, others, too.

So,

>> um

>> this, isn't, like, a, joy, thing., This, is

more like a like mind set thing.

>> No,, like, a, settle, your, mind., Like, I, like

doing, those, word, puzzles, in, the, New York

Times. Like I like that's my like my

like ritual is I do all those cuz it

sort of makes me like forget all the you

can't be like emotional when you're

trying to think of the word.

>> Well,, I, would, say, as, a, person, that, has

now known you for 30 years has

vacationed with you has you know our

kids are friends like we are in a lot of

different ways in life together that

those kind of like quiet puzzly moments

is a dr recharge.

>> Yeah, that, is, a, recharge., Yeah,

>> because, you, are, a, very, interesting, combo

of introvert, extrovert. Like you are

very extroverted and especially on

stage, but your everyday like you

definitely need quiet time.

>> I, guess, so.

>> Would, you, say, no?

>> Yeah., I, don't, know., I, think, I, used, to

need um less of it. I think now I'm a

little more like I just need like the

the recharge moment. Yeah.

>> Um, Okay., Kevin, also, had, a, question, too

that leads us into Broadway.

>> Okay.

>> And, um, you, were, in, an, incredible, show

called PUS. tell us about that

experience, what it was like working

with those women and what it was like

being nominated.

>> Um,, well,, I, mean, it, was, a, lot, like, it

the mindset of doing it was so it was

this comedy with all women and um I just

got like called up to do this show with

Susan Strowman who I had done a few

readings for and um the part was very

much like the clown in the show. So, I

got to do a lot of like physical just

like make up your own bits and all this

stuff. And um it felt very much like

being back at Second City like in the

best way. And also I love like just I

mean the theater schedule is no joke as

any Broadway person will tell you. But

um cuz you know you have to kind of like

sign your life well like you're not

going out on the weekends all that

stuff. But um the thing that I love

about theater, it's just you and the

audience. Like there's no one saying

like um we think this should go this way

or like like of course there's a

director in developing this part, but

once you're up and running it's just

like that feeling that connection of you

and the audience like and that was like

hearkens back to Second City like oh how

long am I holding this slap or oh if I

do this little tiny thing it gets left

like you don't even I love all that

stuff. So um it was just very freeing

and fun.

>> Yeah.

>> And, and, you, loved, the, women, you, did, it

with.

>> Yeah., Yeah., You, guys, became, a, very

desperate group that was all like meshed

really well together. Yeah, it was

>> And, where, were, you, when, you, got, your

Tony nom for your Broadway debut?

>> Well,, um, you, know, the, the, nominations

come out like in the morning and you can

just like watch it online. I was just

like,

>> "Okay,, I'll, check, this, out.", You, know,

and then like they said my name and then

you know your phone starts going off the

hook. I mean that was something like you

know as a comedian like comedy often

doesn't get like award stuff but all

that to say like I didn't expect like

getting nominated was never anything

that I thought would be happening when

when you're in comedy you just don't

really think like

>> but, the, Tony's, are, an, exception, I, think

the Tony's often do give it up for good

comedic performances that's true I think

they really are like they really respect

the craft

>> they, do, the, craft., Yes., So, Kevin, had, a

question about you um uh being like

young Rachel like what were some theater

performers, some musical some shows that

like what were I think his question was

like what are the top three

um pieces of theater uh that you like

really inspired you when you were young

>> you, know,, like, maybe, scratch, some, little

spark. Well, I guess as mentioned

Annie,

>> can, we, just, for, one, second, talk, more

about Annie? Because Annie

>> so, many, female, parts,, so, many, parts, for

girls. Like that alone, like a lot of

shows just don't have a lot of parts.

It's like there was you Rachel and I

were both in Once Upon a Mattress.

>> We, were, Amy, had, the, lead, and, I, had, the

boring part, but we weren't in the same

production.

>> We, weren't, in, the, same

>> both, of, our, schools., I, was, in, the, sixth

grade production. Oh, this is funny

though. And Amy was in the high school.

>> Yes., High, schoolction., And, Amy,, if, you

know Once on Mattress, Amy played

Wifford, the princess, the clown.

>> The, clown., Yeah., Carol, Bernett

originated on Broadway.

>> Clown., And, I, played, this, character,, Lady

Larkin, who's the boring part. But let

me also say this that because it was in

sixth grade, the only comedic hook that

Lady Larkin has is that, well, she's

pregnant and so they're in a hurry to

get married, you know, cuz they're in

the castle. So they need Winterfred to

get married. Well, in sixth grade, they

take out the pregnancy, of course. So, I

had nothing to play. There's no there

there. I'm just a lady in waiting.

>> And, I, wasn't, pregnant., By, the, way,, I

don't even think I knew that the

original characters, but they changed

the lyrics cuz the real lyrics were in a

little in a little while you you and I

will be one, two, three, four, like

kids. And they just like you and I will

be together. That's what they changed it

to. And you're like, I got nothing to

play.

>> I, got, nothing, to, play.

>> So,, okay., So,, okay., Annie,, of, course., Um

or also orphans, you know, orphans. One

other thing is with Annie, everyone's

like your age. Like literally, if you're

10 and they're 10, you're like, "How do

I how do I get in this?" Like that kind

of thing, right?

>> And, and, also, a, dog.

>> A, dog., We, love, a, dog.

>> Did, you, have, the, album?, Oh, my, god., Yeah.

Okay. knew every single song and I

wanted to play every part and I loved it

so much. Okay, so Annie

>> Okay,, so, Annie, um, then, also, well, of

course this is probably the same too um

like Gild D Rner, Carol Bernett, Lily

Tomlin. Yes.

>> I, mean,

>> just, those, and, they, were, on, stage, like

they were they were on

>> I, mean, I, only, saw, them, obviously, like, I

saw them like I mean when I was really

little my parents watched Laughing and I

remember Lily Tomlin being Edith Anne in

the giant chair

>> and, that's, the, truth.

Sorry. Um and then um

>> Carol, Bernett, of, course.

>> Yes.

>> And, like, often, times, we, get, asked, till

we're blue in the face about women in

comedy, right? And like I just think

growing up seeing them, you're not

thinking like, "Oh, these are women in

com." You're just like, "This person's

really funny and they're being really

brash and bold and they're, you know

not afraid to look weird and here she is

with the curtains as a dress and just

like, you know, she's like the center of

it all." and um like you know Gilda Rner

making all her faces and everything like

>> so, I, just, think, you're, just, seeing, that

and you're not delineating you know and

then like

>> I, mean, the, first, season, of, SNL, that, cast

like I did watch like you know John

Blushi Steve Martin that's why like when

Steve Martin hosted SNL it's like oh my

god Steve like I still have that when

I'm when I see Steve Martin I'm like

when I'm hanging out with Steve Martin

no that never happens um not true I've

seen it but anyway I think like seeing

them um was an influence but not knowing

it at the time of course.

>> Um, fame

>> fame, which, of, course, we, all, had, played

that on the piano out here on my own.

>> You, can, play, the, piano.

>> No,, but, I, was, like, plunking, it, out, but

out here on my own

>> when, I'm, down

everyone wants to hear this. I close my

eyes so I can be with you.

>> And, then, what, was, the, third, one?, And

then I would say hair.

>> Hair.

>> Hair.

>> I, don't, think, enough, people, are, talking

about hair these days.

>> No.

>> The, the, musical.

>> No.

>> Hair, was, so, big.

like the music and the I think like the

movie

>> the, movie, cuz, that, was, the, first, like, I

mean I just remember like excuse me that

had like major like tragedy in it and

sadness and

>> but, also, like, yes, I, remember, seeing, that

the Lex in a movie theater and um

>> must, have, been, nice

we ate gold we ate gold covered popcorn

HC had a chandelier here at your own

bar.

>> We, ate, golden, popcorn, and, we, drank

champagne. We We showed our movies on

the side of a barn

side of the mall.

Side of the dress barn at the mall.

That's where we showed our movies.

>> The, dress, band., Oh, my, god.

>> No,, but, I, remember, hair, was, like, like

emotional and but also just the music so

good.

>> So, good., I, And, yeah., Anyway,, I, think

they like they should do a new

production of hair, but there's no parts

in it for us. Like it's all new, young.

Is there's going to be some like old

lady who tells the kids on Get out of

Get out of my lawn. No, no. Get out. Get

out of the park.

>> I'm, walking, my, dog.

>> You, should, cut, your, hair.

>> That, could, be, us.

>> Yeah,, that, could, be, us., Or, like, a, a

business woman who comes in and goes

"Listen people."

>> Yeah., this, this, bunch, of, hippies, could

really make us some money. And they go

"Get out of here, lady." That's what I

would play. Like a New Yorker who comes

in to ruin the vibe

>> right?, But, you, have, played, so, many

different things on on on in like you

have played like like you played a man.

You played a uh you were we love a Marco

Polo cuz we are women of a certain age

and we love to marco Polo each other.

>> You, were, Marco, Poloing, me, one, time

wearing a having a mustache. um a

mustache

>> in, a, production, of

>> was, it, anything, goes, or, um, No,, you, were

playing Guys and Dolls. Guys and Dolls.

>> You, play?

>> Yes,, I, played, a, dude., Yes.

>> Yeah.

>> But, you've, played, a, lot, of, different

things. I have on stage.

>> Um, well,, I, mean,, as, have, you.

>> We, are, but, the, makers, of, Mary., Um,

we are but clowns for your pleasure.

>> We, are, here.

>> We, don't, win, Oscars,, but, we, shall, make

you laugh. No, we are here but to be the

fool.

>> We, are, but, we, are, but, fools.

>> Dash, and, I, always, say, if, we, were, back, in

those times, we would definitely be not

only gestures, but we'd be the

>> Oh,, we'd, be, the, maid.

>> We'd, be, the, maids., Yeah,, we, be, the, maids

at the bottom of the castle.

>> Maid, scrubbing, things.

>> I, think, that's, the, role, that, I, think, I'm

born to play is like some cuz I would

love to do I'm going to put this out

there a Broadway thing like a really

secret like like a really really funny

Broadway thing and maybe I'm playing

this person

>> scrubbing.

>> This, is, my, aspiration

>> for, listen, just, face, scrubbing

>> scrub, on, Broadway., Yeah., I, scrub, my, way

to a Tony.

You listen?

You listen, you big mucky mucks.

>> I, had, the, Jonas, Brothers, on, and, we, were

singing Lay Miz and they were like, "You

would be really good uh in Master of the

House." I was like "I know. I was 20

years old. I'd be the old lady of the

house."

>> Oh,, by, the, way,, you, can, cut, this,, but, um

but um but I got to audition got to I

made the mistake of auditioning for

Lamez on Broadway for that part. And I'm

like, you know, I can't sing, right? And

they're like, just go in. And then I

like I even went to like a voice lesson.

But like that part is like you really

have to sing.

>> You, really, It's, It's, an, incredible, part

and incredible female actors have played

it. Incredible um singers, but it and

it's definitely the most comedic part of

>> But, you, have, to, have, a, good, voice,, which

I like just realized when I was in front

of these people in the room just like I

mean because they they didn't just give

me the master of the house song. There's

another song that's like very

complicated.

>> Yeah.

>> And, I, just, like

>> like, I, sculpt, out

>> I, will, stick, to, making, Mary, without, song

if it please you

>> if, it, pleases, you.

>> I, can't, be, singing, for, the, king, again

for me to not sing.

>> Yes., Ku, is, like, how, do, you, like, your

potatoes?

>> We, could, do, a, duo., We, we, could, do, a, we

could do maids.

>> By, the, way,, that, would, be, a, very, funny

idea for shows like you know upstairs

downstairs. It just be like called

downstairs

>> and, it's, just, us., Yeah., Yeah., We're, just

like

>> we're, just, washing, clothes

>> and, we, have, dirt, on, our, faces, for, sure.

>> 100%, having, grooves, this, morning.

>> Okay., And, the, last, thing, I, just, wanted

to talk about because we talked about it

a little bit is

>> your, wooonness

>> because, we're, going, to, talk, about, your

podcast, your great podcast, Woo Woo

which

>> and, Amy, was, a, guest, on, it., One, of, my

favorite episodes. You need to listen to

Amy on Woo, my podcast.

>> So, many, great, stories, on, there, and, you

have you are very open to psychic uh

experiences. You are not judgmental in

any way. I would say that.

>> Oh,, that, I'm, not, judgmental., Okay., Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. And you have um I would say

you are also a little bit psychic but or

you and like you have that channel open.

Speaking of channels um what is that woo

woo world? So I started this podcast

called woo woo and the like I'm not I

always say like I'm not really woo woo

cuz I don't like I don't live my life

like I got to ask my psychic guy. I

don't have a second. But but anyway, I

always feel the need to say I know, but

I always feel the need to say like I'm

not like super woo. But then I started

doing this and it's making me definitely

making me more woo woo with the stories

I'm hearing. But the reason I thought of

doing this cuz I just had sort of

collected these stories from friends

over the years. And I was like, "Oh

these stories are really cool. Would you

come on and tell this?" So that's kind

of how it started. Um and then you came

on, which was really fun. And you're not

like a huge woo believer, but you're not

like totally shut down. But Amy came on

and talked about the anagram, which she

lives her life by.

>> I, mean,

>> for, those, who, care,, Rachel, is, an, inagram

nine, if you haven't noticed.

>> Yeah,

>> the, ultimate, nine.

>> The, ultimate, nine,

>> peacekeeper,

>> peacemaker.

>> Um,, but, uh, but, yeah,, so, I, guess, what

else do I say about it?

>> Well,, I, was, going, to, say, that, there's, a

couple woo woo things that have happened

with us. I feel like a little tiny woo.

Most of my woo woo things have happened

with you. Ooh.

>> And, we, were, pregnant, at, the, same, time.

Our sons are close in age and I'm happy

to say like real friends, which is so

great. And we I can remember a very like

hot summer where you and I were waddling

around the city like both really

pregnant. And you can tell from our

height like we didn't we carried out

front, you know, there's not a lot of.

So, I just remember us being like going

to movies, like

watching movies because it was so hot

out and going to a psychic to talk about

um our our our kids. And you brought me

to this really cool psychic um who um

you know, like just you just have

introduced me to a lot of just like give

this version of life a try, I guess, is

the best way to say it.

Yes. It's kind of like why not believe

>> Yes.

>> that, that, thing, was, not, a, coincidence., I

don't know.

>> Yes.

>> Um, I, think, once, you're, It's, almost, like

what we're saying about the writing

sketches. I think once you're kind of

open to it, then you start to

>> see, like, you, just, I, don't, know., I, don't

want to say like you get messages or

whatever, but I just think the more open

you are, the more woo woo you might

become. Do you think that like that has

anything happened lately that has felt a

little like in the woo woo world for

you?

>> Um,, well,, first, of, all,, as, Amy, said, with

the pregnancy thing that a a psychic

told me that I was going to have a kid

when I was 43 and I wasn't even with

anybody and then that happened. So, that

was so that was my first like little

like this is really strange. But, um

>> yeah,, you, write, about, it, really, well, in

your memoir. Um, walks into a bar.

>> Um,, and, uh,, let's, see., I, don't know

something lately. I just like to hear

your like like is there any vibe you're

getting right now? Like what's the vibe

of this room? The vibe of this room is

great.

>> It's, good., Okay., Any, ghost, in, this, room?

Outside this room. Not good.

>> Things, are, not, good, once, you, leave, this

room.

>> The, vibes, are, not, good.

>> So, true., But, this, room, is, a, good, hang

and it's fun and bright and cheery. But

you but I feel like you do that. I mean

like you're really fast at being like

this isn't a good vibe. This isn't a

good hang. This isn't a good like you're

really good at reading people fast or or

experience in like rooms or people.

>> Yeah., Yeah., Yeah.

>> You're, like, I, don't, like, that., I, don't

get a good feeling from that.

>> Yeah., And, and, I, started, to, like, again

older I get like listen to that like if

you're if you're if you get that feeling

of like h like you're allowed to not

hang, there, or, whatever., I, don't know.

>> And, last, question., Uh,, are, you, afraid, of

zombies? Would you in a zombie movie?

What? How would you This is my new

question. I'm just I'm just thinking

about it right now, but maybe I'll ask

people moving forward because Dr. always

inspiring me.

>> I, might, just, freeze., Is, that, what, you're

about I think you're about to say.

>> Well,, I, was, going, to, say, it, kind, of, gets

into like conflict styles.

>> Oh, gosh., Yeah.

>> But, it, is

>> sometimes, I, think, I, think, with, conflict

I freeze.

>> Mhm.

>> Which, isn't, always, the, bad, choice., You

don't like you're not fanning the

>> I, just, noticed, it, about, myself, though.

M.

>> So, if, zombies, were, coming,, I', I, guess

I'd freeze.

>> You'd, turn, into, a, statue.

>> Yes.

>> And, you'd, hope, that, they, went, by.

>> We, can't, end, on, this, note., We, can't.

We're going to cut this.

>> We, can't.

Let's sing the song from Chadwicks.

>> Oh,, okay., The, chant.

>> So, Chadwick, was, an, ice, cream, place, that

Dret and I worked at.

>> Not, at, the, same, time.

>> Not, at, the, same, time., But, I, I, have, to

say probably the highest percentage of

SNL people from any ice cream place.

>> Probably, two., Yeah., And, um

>> it, was a, purple, building.

>> Okay., I'm, going, to, put, I'm, going to, do, a

lip balm break before we sing. Do you

want Do you need any?

>> No,, I, think, I'm, okay.

>> Okay., Um, so, it, was, a, purple, building.

>> Purple, building, ice, cream.

>> You, had, to, wear, styrofoam, barber, shop

quartet hat.

>> You, had, to, we, alt, often, had, a, kazoo.

>> We, often, had, a, kazoo., And, I, feel, like, we

were both attracted to the drama and the

showmanship.

>> The, show, not, drama., The, showmanship, of

Chadwicks because when it was someone's

birthday, you got a free Sunday.

>> Yeah.

>> And, um, they, did, not, check., So, people

came in a lot with birthday Sundays. But

then there was a

>> a, little, chant, birthday, chant, they, did

and it went something like this.

>> Ladies, and, gentlemen,, we're, happy, to

have you here at Chadwick today, but

we're especially happy to have Amy

because she came here to celebrate her

birthday. So, at the sound of the drum

please join in singing Amy a loud

embarrassing

happy birthday.

>> Then, they, would, order, a, giant, ice, cream.

And it was called the belly buster.

>> And, it, was, carried, out, by, two, two, men

holding a stretcher thing with a big

bowl in the middle of it that had Oh

and then this was a separate thing. If

you ordered the belly buster, there was

an announcement for the belly buster and

it went something like this. Ladies and

gentlemen, we're happy to have you here

at Chadwick today

to introduce you to the Belly Buster.

>> 10, scoops, of, ice, cream,, five, different

toppings, mounds and mounds of whipped

cream, cherries and nuts, Chadwick's own

belly buster, and then we'd like do like

drum drum.

And then the two guys would come up, the

thing in the stretch are like pretending

to struggle under its weight. And then

it would land at the table. And if you

ate, rumor had it, the lore was that if

you ate the belly buster by yourself

you got it for free.

>> That's, right., Do, you, remember, that?

>> Yep., And, there, used, to, be, like, teen, boys

>> vomiting.

>> Vomiting, and, drinking, the, ice, cream

juice

>> in, an, attempt, to, get, it, done, in, time.

>> Yeah., The, vomit, was, separate, from, the

ice cream juice.

>> Yeah., Yeah., Yeah., The, teen, boys, were

trying to get it done and I I don't

think I ever saw it happen.

>> I, don't, think, I, did, either,

>> Laura., But, Laura, says, it, happened.

>> Now, Chadwick, no, longer, exists.

>> Nope., It's, uh, just, a, in, a, landfill

filled with ghosts.

>> We, just, did, an, interview, for, my, podcast.

>> The, ghost, of, Chad, Wix.

>> But, that's, a, good, ending., That's, a, good

ending.

>> That, is, okay., Okay.

>> Love, you,, Drewie.

>> Love, you., This, was, fun.

>> So, fun., Thanks, for, doing, it,, buddy., And

thank you again. I really do owe you a

lot. Always in my life and in on this

show. So come back anytime and bring

your headphones always.

>> Hold, on., Well,, we're, going, to, wrap, it

up.

>> Okay,, there., Well,, now, they're, clean.

>> Oh,, well,, we, still, can't, get, them.

>> This, isn't, a, good, ending., Okay.

>> Well,, it's, It, is, still, hard, for, you, to

get them on, though.

>> Okay,

>> here, we, go., And

>> what, the, Oh,, here, we, go.

Nailed it. Dra out.

Thank you, Dr. You are the best. My baby

Droo, my little Ray Ray. Um, thank you

for coming on. And, um

you know, we talked a lot about a lot of

things. You know, the idea that, you

know, life can be a a series of

interesting and unexplainable events

and, uh, it can be really woowoo if you

let it. And so, um, as part of this

polar plunge, I do want to just remind

everyone to check out Rachel Drach's

podcast, Woo Woo. Um, her and her

co-host, Irene, um, they, uh, listen to

people's

interesting ghosty spooky stories. They

get into uh that that um those chills

that you get when something weird or

unexplainable happens. And so uh check

out that podcast. I um have gone on the

podcast and I have said um that I've

never seen a ghost and um I'd like to

keep it that way. So I'm fine with that.

Um but if you have seen a ghost, contact

Woo Woo and not me, okay? Um, but good

for you and um it's not a competition

but um I am glad I uh I didn't. Um okay

thanks for listening. Bye.

You've been listening to Good Hang. The

executive producers for this show are

Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss Berman, and me

Amy Polar. The show is produced by The

Ringer and Paperkite. For The Ringer

production by Jack Wilson, Cat Spelain

Kaia McMullen, and Aia Xanerys. for

Paperkite. Production by Sam Green, Joel

Levelvel, and Jenna Weiss Berman.

Original music by Amy Miles.

>> Really, good.