Rachel Dratch

[00:00] This episode is brought to you by Allstate. Checking Allstate first could save you hundreds on car insurance. Not checking your pockets before putting clothes in the washer? [00:09] Oof. Enjoy your freshly cleaned and completely destroyed earbuds. Yeah, checking first is a good plan. So check Allstate first for an auto quote. It could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate. Potential savings vary subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate North American Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. [00:29] Hi everyone, welcome to another episode of Good Hang. I am so excited about this episode. It is the great Rachel Dratch, my friend for almost 30 years and 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 our love for the musical Annie. And we're going to go behind the music and do a deep dive into the [00:56] world-famous clip that kicked this podcast off and that has kept us laughing ever since. So get ready for a great interview. 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... [01:13] Talk to Kevin Cahoon today. Kevin is a dear friend of Rachel. He is an incredible actor, musical theater pro. Tony nominated for the great musical Shucked, and you can catch him in a million other things. And Kevin is zooming in to get things started. Kevin, hi.

[01:43] you'll never regret trying out those new recipes that may or may not go sideways, or putting on a spread so big that your in-laws are still talking about it years later. [01:53] Brownie points. So when it comes to the dishes, it's nice to know that there's a product that works as hard as you do. Palmolive Ultra removes up to 99.9% of grease, leaving your dishes sparkling clean. Visit palmolive.com. Shop now. [02:21] Hi! I can't tell you, fucking you. [02:24] I feel so lucky. The luckiest. I get to see you on this too. I know. I wish we were having margaritas with scratch. Hey, listen, wouldn't that be great? That's a good hang right there. That is for listeners. Um, [02:40] I've had a few margaritas with Kevin and Dratch over the years, pre-show, post-show, because both of you are 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? [02:57] I'm 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. And I'm dealing with these wild hogs. I know this is crazy. 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.

[03:27] terrifying. 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. [03:43] Well, I mean, [03:45] The thing that I was so excited to talk to you about today is that, [03:50] You, like many of us, deeply love our guest. [03:55] Rachel Hatch. [03:57] Beyond. [03:58] Tell me how you two first met. We met doing a musical called Minsky's in L.A., written by Charles Strauss and Susan Birkenhead and Bob Martin. It was coming to Broadway, a star-studded cast, and it closed in L.A., which is, you know, the great showbiz tale. But what you take away from experiences like that. [04:20] are the people and you usually have one or two from each show. And, um, I fell in love with Rach immediately. What's not fall in love with. Um, and she had told me she had gone to a psychic and I think you had bought her this psychic reading for her birthday. That's right. I should talk to her about that. Cause if she's open to it, cause her and I both went to the same psychic at the same time when we were both pregnant. Yes, that's right. And she, um, [04:46] I'd 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 did you do today? Who'd you see? Where'd you lunch? And she had said, I went to the psychic and the psychic told me that our show was going to close out of town. And we were like.

[05:00] They're crazy. That'll never happen. We're moving into the St. James Theater. Well, the psychic was right. But anyway, 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 Rach. And you know that they're a good [05:30] So it's just been the most rewarding friendship I could have ever imagined. [05:36] I hear you. I feel the same. I feel like there's a few friends that [05:41] And it's proven to be true now that Rachel and I have been friends for almost 30 years. [05:45] There's a few people that you know, [05:48] in [05:49] 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 Dratch definitely is there for both if you're lucky enough to have her as your friend. [06:19] 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 I, [06:27] 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. She'll go to bat. She's just life is a little brighter when Rach is around.

[06:48] Cahoon, let's talk about Shucked, which is the show you're talking about. [06:52] That's true. Yes. I loved you in it and loved that show so much. [06:57] You were so dear to come. So it meant the world to me. And let me tell you what, Amy Poehler, you're one of those friends, because not only did you come to Shuck, I did a production of La Caja Fall in the fall. You came to La Caja Fall. [07:12] 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 Dratch a little bit about her, her Tony nom and her show POTUS and how, I mean, because I know, [07:39] from being her friend, how [07:41] how positive an experience that was for her, like great women that she became really good friends with a Tony nom, a hilarious part. Do you remember that time and what she said about that experience when she was working on that show? [07:56] Well, here's the incredible thing, and it's so rare – [07:59] She got a Tony nomination for her Broadway movie. [08:02] debut. Damn. Whatever happens. That is like remarkable. And I've seen [08:10] Rachel on stage so many times at the public Shakespeare in the park, Manhattan theater club, um, [08:17] 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 it's the biggest embrace you could ever imagine from a community that you've always wanted to be a part of.

[08:47] you know, a lot of people probably know Rachel from television and from film, but her theater career is just as sparkling and just as dynamic and diverse as 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 can do it all. [09:16] She can do everything. That's why you hire Rachel. You know, it's so true. [09:21] It's so true. We should all be as versatile as Rachel Dratch, you know? Okay. So Kev, what do you think? I mean, I could talk to Dratch and will probably today forever about so many things, the past, the present, the future, anything you think I should ask her today? Yes. It was hard to pick one question. I have two that I think are sparkly. One is about the theater because I feel like a lot of people don't realize that Rachel Dratch was a theater kid. [09:51] And she went to theater camp and her dream and ambition was to be in plays and in musicals. And then her career. [09:58] took a brilliant detour. I would ask her, little Rachel Trash 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.

[10:28] She brought us all Debbie Downer, one of the most iconic American comedic characters ever. [10:36] When Rachel Dratch 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? [11:06] Texas, baby. [11:09] These are such good questions, Kevin. And 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 kiki yesterday, and I was zipped-lipped. Oh, my God. I'm so happy because she's going to be so happy. These are really good questions. [11:26] I think nobody loves a good question more than Dratch. Like if you ask Dratch a good question, she's like, that's such a good question. [11:36] She will say that. I guarantee you. She won't. And I had told Blake Lee, who was on, who's a dear mutual friend of ours, who was on for Dakota. Yeah. 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?

[12:06] Thank you for taking a break from fighting the hogs. And if you are eventually eaten by them, just know that our time together was so special to me. [12:17] It was, and I cherish every single minute. [12:21] All right. I can't wait to see you in New York, friend. I love you so much. Thank you so much. Thanks so much for doing this. [12:29] Rachel Dratch is here. [12:30] Are we starting? Is it official? Yeah, and we need to talk about... Wait, what... [12:37] What do you got? [12:41] Let's get started here. I'll get this. Rachel's pulling out the world famous. [12:49] You've seen it. You've seen it before. This is my new trademark, everybody. It's so weird. You're going to get this from the sodium. The Academy of TV and radio. By the way, I didn't tangle this. This is how it came out. Where I was storing it. [13:07] These are the world famous. These are in their natural state. World famous. Rachel Dratch headphones. They shot fire and heard around the world. These headphones is where it all began. The chaos beginning. Oh, wait. And now that I'm with Amy, everything's all right. Okay, we don't even use these, but I have to bring those up. Oh, my God. Dratch is a historical item. Okay. Of course Dratch brings a prop. [13:33] Brings a prop from home.

[13:37] People that didn't see our first episode of Good Hang Dratch was in the group that was talking about our guest, Tina Fey. And boy, did we have a good time. Oh, my God. That was like probably my biggest laugh of the year. I just watched it again on the way over here. And we're going to get into it today. Of course we are. People need to hear the behind the music. [13:58] 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. [14:07] It started off the entire vibe of the show. I'm so grateful for it because it started off exactly what I was hoping, which is I was hoping that this would be fun and easy and a laugh. And that was the deepest laugh drag. Oh, my gosh. It was such a good laugh. [14:25] Imagine your best laugh ever, and then it's recorded for you to watch again. That never happens because you can't plan that. No, no. [14:37] Fred and Seth and Zarna there. And there's really no better, I would say, like, partner than Seth when Dratch is Dratching. Because he's so good at keeping, like, things moving in a way or something. Yeah, he was making me laugh so much. So hard. He's like, Dratch, 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.

[15:07] foiled. Also the thing that gets me, which is such a 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. [15:25] Comedy 101. [15:27] Okay. Second prop use of this podcast is Dretia swirling her ice drink. Okay. [15:35] But it is like, [15:37] That, I have to say, when I was thinking about what to talk about today, I was like, we have had [15:42] deep laughs we have like the hot and you love you love to laugh and the way drash has many kinds of laughs and you have like i i know people have done your laugh to you oh yeah also when you go into like a level two laugh when you're going down deep yeah you go [16:12] it was happening that I didn't know that was going to be used for on camera, which 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 did you order food? Right. When I was there was a podcast. Are you still with audio? Why did you? Well, I thought it was like a half hour of time. True.

[16:42] And then my dog barked. 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 TikToker who did this, somebody posted, there were many clips of it, and then someone went and looked at your chart. Yes, my horoscope, whatever, Zodiac. Well, so I'm, what's, Pisces, I didn't know this word, stellium. [17:08] 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's like, somehow she's making it work. But I guess there's like one thing in Capricorn, and she goes, this Capricorn is holding the whole rest of it all together. It's doing the work of 10,000 men or something. She called you the Pisces final boss. Yes. [17:38] Other people were talking about ADHD, I guess. And I have wondered if I have that as an adult. I don't know. I don't know. But if you look at that clip, you're going to be like, yep. I feel like it's like – I mean, we talk about it like in, you know, the Pisces being a shorthand for – [17:55] Like, you know, it's in its best... Chaos. [18:00] I'm saying. That's what I'm saying. But we're opposite. Amy's Virgo. By the way, I don't know much about signs, but I just know about this. I don't really either. I just know about this. I don't know. I do like astrology. I think it's cool. We like astrology. We like Enneagram. We like anything that is about personality stuff. Yeah. But what's fun about talking about Pisces and Virgo is Pisces are kind of the fish that are floating through life. And Virgo is the...

[18:24] Virgin setting the rules. I don't know. And but I find like we do do. I mean, I I I feel like you do definitely have a dreamlike approach and an adventurous approach to life. [18:38] I would say that, yes. Yes, I think you are like a curious traveler. And you definitely don't... I feel shy. [18:53] Did you see what happened? A curious traveler. [19:01] I'm trying to be myself. I can't see. It was like a cloud, a shy cloud came over. [19:06] 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, we were in a public bathroom and someone was like, I saw your sister in the bathroom. Like, they think we're sisters. Yeah. But you and I do definitely have like, if life was like a rom-com, like we would be like growing up next to each other. Yes. Walking by each other in the mall, probably. Yes. Talk to people who don't know, like early dratch, where did she grow up? What was her life like? [19:36] Grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts, next town over from Amy, but we didn't know each other. Although, well, we did work in the same ice cream store, which we always have to say, called Chad Mix. And if you don't know that, why not even living under a rock? But anyway, but yeah, grew up in Lexington, and I don't know. I was shy when I was little, but I was always...

[19:56] 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 wasn't like, I'm going to be an actor when I grow up at all. No. It was just for fun. I didn't even know that was a job, really. It was sort of like maybe a little dream. Like, when I saw Annie. [20:17] You know, the musical. I'm like, how are they up there? Where do I get one of those buckets? You know, like, but yeah, is there should be a documentary about women our age and how we were affected by Annie. Yeah. So, um, [20:31] 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 clown? No. Or did you guys do those stupid things? We had class clown, but I didn't get it. What? [20:46] I'd like to know who did. I was a second runner-up for most casual. [20:52] You don't know this? That's right. 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 to superlifts. Kind of casual. Class clown. But, um... [21:03] Then, let's see, I don't know, then... [21:06] Oh, and then also, well, my dad was very funny, as you know. Yeah. Paul Dratch. Paul Dratch. And so we just kind of had like, you know, he would do like kind of, oh, this is funny. I ran into someone whose dad had gone to high school with my dad back when I was in high school, you know. Yeah. 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. No way. So, like, I just sort of had the.

[21:36] in my blood. No, but I mean, it was sort of like in the atmosphere. But you did school plays. I mean, getting class clown, you gotta be... [21:45] funny in real i guess like in junior high i started kind of like pipe up one-liners in 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 like i didn't even know what improv was back then now it's like when you go to so you're in high school in lexington massachusetts which a shot heard around the world that we just mentioned um uh like the the birth [22:15] 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 that. She just bled. I don't know the first time you said it. Well, I was going to say, I exaggerated perfect. Okay, okay. I exaggerated perfect. Okay, okay. We shared them all. We shared them all. Well, I often hung out at the Burlington Mall. Yes. We probably passed each other. We did. I think we did. At the Brighams or something. Like, we definitely, I felt like we had very parallel lives, like short, blue-eyed Massachusetts [22:45] who, like, were good students but wanted to be funny. And the Lexington, I always used to joke that Lexington is, like, for Parks and Rec fans, [22:58] Lexington was the Eagleton and Burlington was the Pawnee 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 it. No, I'm just kidding.

[23:10] I'm like, how do I get Amy to see? [23:15] First of all, I worked at Caldors, which is across the Burlington line. I crossed town lines to work at Caldors 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 it. Well, now they don't anymore, but we used to call each other up on Thanksgiving. Yeah, we used to trash. Suck it, Burlington. Yeah. We used to trash talk each other on Thanksgiving. Yeah. And then you go to Dartmouth. I went to Dartmouth. Ivy League, Rachel. Yes. [23:45] what was your experience there? Did you like it? Well, great question. [23:51] I went back in the 80s and it was very conservative back then. [23:56] Um, [23:57] which I didn't even really know what that meant. But it was just like, it took me a while to find my people there. Like, you know, I had friends at the beginning and everything. But then the general ethos of it, I didn't feel like I really matched with. And then I saw the improv group. Like, some friend of mine from, like, acting class or whatever was like, come check this out. And as soon as I saw it, I was like, not like this, but I was kind of like, I feel like I could do this. This is, we have very similar stories. Because same thing. [24:27] I was trying to figure out how I fit in. Really? I didn't know that part of it. Yeah, big sports school, and lots of private school kids. Prep school people, which as much as we joke with Lexington, we didn't have that prep school vibe. No, no, we were public school kids. And I was like, what person is that? Yeah, that was a big vibe there. I can 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.

[24:57] 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 fleabag. Yes. And yours was said and done. [25:14] There's nothing like those improv group names. Our friend Brian Stack, who is a performer at Tech and City, used to love to talk about good and bad improv names. [25:27] like pun-filled, or they would be very serious and pretentious. Oh, I haven't heard this. There was one, and if anyone's listening, and as part of the group, I enjoy your work and I respect your work. But one of them, he said, was called Society's Mirror. No. [25:45] Is that real? No. [25:46] Good question. [25:48] I don't know. There's no way to check. Like I could look at it on my laptop, but I think it's out of batteries. Okay. Yeah. Okay. So you, did you do, were you in set 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. [26:08] I will. I mean... [26:10] I don't know. I just did like you did plays, right? Did you play theater camp? 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 it was just like suburban Boston like, you know.

[26:30] 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 I think like me and you, like, we didn't really know anyone that were actors or writers growing up. 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? [26:59] I mean, like every kid in third grade, I wanted to be a marine biologist. Like us all, right? But no, everyone wants to be a marine biologist. What do we think we're going to do there? I don't know, like play with dolphins and save the nature. I actually legitimately was very in, and still am, like a career in saving nature was something I actually, when I was little. Then as you know, I wanted to be a therapist. [27:29] Like, every time I'd see a movie, I was like, oh, 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, it wasn't like I had felt like I had special skill in acting or anything. But I loved, like, cracking jokes and doing comedy. You get crack sound, but yet you don't think you're skilled. But, like, because 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, like, I had a group of funny friends, too. So we would always, like, you know, I mean, legit funny friends. [27:59] That was also sort of like practice. You know what I mean? Yeah. Okay. So you get to Dartmouth.

[28:04] 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... [28:13] sophomore summer we're on campus and we took this little like trip because one of the guys from the group was from Chicago. So we went out to Chicago for a week. [28:21] just to like check out Second City ImprovOlympic 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, all you hear is like, it's so hard. You're never going to make it. Like that's all you hear. So then I was like buying into that. And then I was like, okay, I'm just going to go out and try Chicago. [28:48] 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, okay. Then like, I mean, I don't know how much it'll 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. It's, [29:02] And then I didn't get into classes. And then I was like, oh, like, what did I do? But then I just stuck it out and I took class like later. Like everything I did, I kind of didn't get the first time around sort of. Oh, interesting. Interesting. Like that. And then like touring company, I auditioned and didn't get in. And then like. [29:18] um, well, SNL edition two times, like just, but then you kind of get used to that, I guess. I don't know. But, um, [29:26] But anyway, 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.

[29:56] sunshiny. Like, it's not, 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... [30:04] Like you are. You were very friendly and smiley and... [30:07] you know, [30:09] Cute little blondie. I remember meeting you, but I didn't meet 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 Kaz, 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 know. 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. [30:38] 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 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, I saw you on stage and I just remember, you know. [31:00] I think like when you see someone on stage for the first time, it's very, it's a very interesting dynamic. 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 funny. [31:13] Like watching you perform, like just, and, um, yeah, [31:17] And, you know, [31:19] Subsequently, we got to know each other in Chicago, and I was your understudy for a touring company. Touring company, for sure. 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 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. I mean, you get paid minimal sums. You're like, it's your first, like, I'm a working actor, you know?

[31:49] there yeah so we didn't get to tour together because 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 do 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 [32:12] Known to be good improvisers, whatever. But then you definitely would have moved up the ranks at Second City, but you guys had this pioneer spirit of moving here and starting on things. Well, this is kind of like if the Draction Polar rom-com is happening, this is where we kind of separate for a little bit to go find our own. Right. Because I moved to New York. You're on main stage in a very famous show at Second City, and then you meet Tina Nguyen. Oh, so then Tina joined. [32:42] Then they changed it to three men, three women, which was like revolutionary. Everyone was like, what? I know. Three women together? I know. But then Tina came in for the next show, my second show on main stage called Citizen Gates. And she was, of course, hilarious from the get go. And then we did two shows together. And then I started to get more comfortable up there and like. [33:05] being better at creating characters and all that. And then Tina went off to write for SNL after the second season. [33:11] Her second show. And then I stayed there. How many more years did you stay there? Well, I was four years on the main stage. And it was such a fun job. I mean, it might have been my favorite job ever. Yeah, take us back to what it was like a day when you were on the main stage in Chicago. Oh, my gosh. What was that day like?

[33:30] Well, I mean, I remember like you'd sleep really late, much later than I do now. 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. But you never wrote like how we did at SNL where you were like at a typewriter. What a typewriter. Okay. Word processor. [33:49] I think I got a good one here. Give me more paper. I'm out of paper, Schultz. [33:57] Okay. [34:00] 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 yeah 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 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 [34:30] But the show is like sketch, like for those that don't know, like SNL. And then afterwards you'd improvise every night pretty much. And that's how you get really good at improvising by just night after night after night. Because if I had to improvise right now, I'd be like, I'd wait, linger in the back line. If you keep doing it like well-oiled machine. [34:53] This episode is brought to you by Burlington. Here's a question for you. When was the last time you stopped by a Burlington? Oh, they just do coats? That's what you're going with? Well, they got way more going on. Sure, you can pick up a coat, but you're probably going to leave with a dress, sneakers, brand name beauty, something for your dog, and a candle you didn't know you needed. At Burlington's prices, you can just get it all. You don't need to sacrifice style for savings. Plus, their store has got a glow up.

[35:23] should pop by. It's better than you remember. Find a store near you at Burlington.com. This episode is brought to you by K18. So you've tried a million different hair masks only to watch your results literally wash down the drain? Well, you should know that K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask actually reverses damage. Thanks to the patented K18 peptide, you'll get strong, soft, bouncy hair in just four [35:53] it from the inside out. Shop at Sephora or get 10% off your first purchase at k18hair.com with the code Amy. [36:02] This episode is brought to you by the Container Store. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. The Container Store? It's not really about the containers. It's the lifestyle. Less chaos, more calm. I just love how their experts design systems that actually work for you, whether that's your closet, your kitchen, or the drawer you've been avoiding. Yeah, you know the one. And trust me, when everything has a place, it's amazing how much calmer you feel. [36:32] to get organized today. [36:33] So you're saying with Hilton Honors, I can use points for a three-night stay anywhere? Anywhere. What about fancy places like the Canopy in Paris? Yeah, Hilton Honors, baby. Or relaxing sanctuaries like the Conrad in Tulum? Hilton Honors, baby. What about the five-star Waldorf Astoria in the Maldives? Are you going to do this for all 9,000 properties?

[36:56] When you want points that can take you anywhere, anytime, it matters where you stay. Hilton for the stay. [37:03] so talk to us about your honor you get to SNL what year? 99 right yeah fall of 99 and uh I was the only new person that year [37:15] Well, the only new actor. Ali was a new writer. But yeah, so you just get like... Who's on the cast when you get in there? When you just said SNL, 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... [37:32] a new way to [37:34] That changed Tuesdays for me because 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 so tired. And I'm going to let the host down. I'm going to let myself down. Now that there's like this show comes on Tuesdays, I don't know. There's just something like. But, yes, I think people are aware of the dread. But what just came up for you? [38:04] Which particular type of drag? 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. Rachel. [38:23] I can sell the office. I can feel your feet on the ground. Here comes Lauren down the hallway. Okay.

[38:31] So you're there? That's hard being the only new cast member. That was hard. Yeah. I cannot tell a lie. That was hard because that place is like, well, I think, you know, 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. [38:53] in here. And it's just, you're kind of just like, [38:56] Hey, guys. What's, you know, wandering the halls kind of? It definitely feels like the high school version of, like, your tray in the lunchroom. Like, where do I sit? Yeah, for sure. [39:07] I mean, Tina was there, so that was good because she... [39:10] knew how already she knew the system obviously but like i had someone to write with yeah because some people come in there and they're great but if they if they don't know how to write like also the writing for snl is very different writing for second city yeah like a scene that killed a second city you couldn't get it on snl because it's just 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 wouldn't it work just [39:40] need to have like laugh, 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 it had to be like, you need laughs like off the bat. We need to know what this is right away. And I don't know, just this one thing. Do you remember the first scene on SNL that like you got, we're getting laughs and you thought like, it's working. Like that felt like, no.

[40:06] Gosh, I don't remember the first, because I remember the first few times I got on. [40:10] Like, [40:11] 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, yeah. [40:19] Well, the first, very first show... [40:22] I wasn't in, like the season premiere, whatever. And you've told all your friends, like, I'm on a set. And 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, I should know this. Oh, my God. Well, I know the first one was Jerry Seinfeld. Then it was Norm MacDonald. And then it was... [40:44] Bye. [40:45] And does not compute. Oh, my God. Well, it's funny. The brain remembers trauma. So you remember the two shows that you were on? Yeah. [40:56] Dana Carvey? I'm going to have to go look. They're going to do those three guys in a row? What year was it, Drachi? It was 1999, third episode. Okay, this will be a fun game. Dana Carvey? Okay, and I'm going to have you guess the musical guest, because that's always fun, too. Oh, my God. See? 1999. I don't remember anything. No. 1999, SNL. Hosts. And don't worry, we're going to keep all those things. Oh, but let me tell you one cool thing, though. Let me tell you. I just heard that. Wait, let me tell you one cool thing, though. Please. [41:26] please. Um, [41:28] The very first musical guest... [41:31] 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,

[41:38] Like it was on the stage, you know, like in... [41:42] 8H. And David Bowie, it was Thursday, he was rehearsing with the band. So I'm getting my picture again. And he's right over there singing Rebel Rebel. I mean, I've chilled every time I think about that, because that was just like... [41:55] Mm-hmm. [41:56] I mean, I don't even have words for like... [41:58] the surrealness and like very that's yeah like you 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 okay so one time so i don't do drugs at all so and then one time the black crows were the musical [42:28] that's my drug offer voice hey do you want um whatever you call it not a joint but just like a hit off a joint I see and I was I don't know I've I've 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 [42:58] I took a hit off the black crow's pot. I took a hit off the black crow's pot. And my cousin was visiting me, my cousin Zach. And I came back to the table and I was like, oh, I guess I'm really high right now. And I was so embarrassed because it was my little cousin.

[43:20] And I never, ever, ever got high. And then I came back and I was kind of like, I don't really remember if I told him or not. [43:28] Oh, he didn't. He might not even know. I don't even know. But 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. That you were kind of stuck. I was just like... [43:40] really like [43:41] Anyway, and that's why I don't do drugs. [43:45] I mean, no, I'm just not into that feeling, I guess. No, you're not into that feeling. Only if it's from the Black Crowes. And then, yes, Chris, Chris Robinson, call me. Call me. [44:00] I just love that that was the particular strand. Also, it wasn't like I was like partying with the Black Crowes. It was like secondhand, made it down to the music guy. [44:11] But it's so interesting that you took the hit. I know. I was feeling a little jaunty that night. I don't know. I don't know. No, but drugs is not your thing. It's still not my thing. No. You know, I like a margarita. [44:27] I know you. Or perhaps you like to sail to the Pinot Grigio Islands. Amy and I will occasionally sail to the Pinot Grigios. We'll text each other and say, shall we take a trip? To the Grigios. [44:41] Yeah. And then when you were at SNL, like, I feel like we got it.

[44:50] 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. Oh my gosh. And. [44:58] But – [44:58] You know, and I was thinking it was like, I mean, [45:01] In many ways, I wish we had more time together when I was more experienced there because I was new and kind of stressed. And you were, again, the junior to my senior. And I felt like I loosened up more and figured out how to just have more fun as I got older there. [45:20] But we did get to do some fun stuff together. Well, 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... [45:31] 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 building this podcast with me. But Debbie Downer, I've said it many times before, was and is the thing that I go to – [45:50] also maybe now replaced by the clip. The clip. The clip of this podcast. I watch the clip a lot of times. And I just want to clarify, I don't go watch my work. I don't go watch a movie I did, because I just like to have it in my head. But that, it's like I said, it was like seeing your biggest crack up. Yes. And it's just like, 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, [46:17] us all having fun.

[46:20] You... [46:20] Your... [46:23] Like the way in which you were physically trying to hold it together, like the way like the laugh was like something you were trying to hold in combined with the zoom in and the sound effect. And we've watched it so many times. Like Emily Spivey knows everything. It's like this is the part where your lip starts quivering because there's one part at the very beginning. I'm going get it. [46:48] And then there's the part where something falls backstage. I look away. [46:53] there like we know every single moment it is it's like the pruder film like frame by frame yeah 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 oh like the origin yes the origin okay people will want to know so um [47:15] Well, it really started because I went on a vacation by myself. [47:21] So it 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 said it like once or twice, but usually I leave that part out for the masses. But no, not like this. This number one podcast, masses. [47:45] by yourself and I was like why like I don't want to do that I can go with friends like I don't want and I just kind of took it as like

[47:51] doctor's orders. I'm doing this. And I self-propelled myself to the jungles of Costa Rica. [48:02] No, but I wanted to pick somewhere that I wasn't going to be like... [48:05] honeymooners. I wanted to pick somewhere that was just like, I don't know, somewhere kind of remote, I guess. So it was very remote. It was in the Osa Peninsula. You had to take the big plane, then you take the smaller plane, then you take the two-hour Jeep drive. I mean, I was going deep out of society. [48:24] And each time, they were like, it was like Barbara Potty 1. Well, no, so I picked this, it was like this Eco Lodge thing. So I went there, and um, [48:34] And then it was just like a, it was, so there was like these commune, it wasn't like a lot of people there. And it was actually really cool. Like, and I did meet really cool people. [48:42] And I met these two sisters that like, like they were older, but they're like my age right now. But, um, [48:48] I mean, the age I am now. And they were sort of like, they sort of told me like the rudimentary fundamentals of what is later known as the secret. Like, did I tell you? When I was on this trip. People should know, Dratch knew the secret before anyone knew the secret. And I learned it from the jungles of Costa Rica, from two white ladies that were from Colorado. But anyway, so they were just weird, you know, because you're like chatting.

[49:18] I was with friends. Right. You know? Right. 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. But then it almost like the whole thing got like sealed because then we were on this like, you know, you could see like nature walks or whatever. And we're 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 do this thing. [49:48] And this woman was saying, like, there were these, like, beautiful birds overhead, these, like, scarlet macaws. And it's, like, way up in the sky. And this woman goes, 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 bloop, bloop, bloop. And it falls down. We all, like, kind of see it, like, bloop, bloop, bloop. And it lands, like, right at her feet. Whoa. Whoa. [50:18] Amy doesn't believe in any of this stuff. I do. That's cool. But I believe in manifesting. That was cool, though. So then I was just like... [50:26] sold. I'll join your cult. But then, 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 I'm [50:42] people just making chit chat and someone said like where are you from and i said new york and then they said like oh were you there for 9-11 and it was like three years after 9-11 it wasn't like it just happened it was kind of and then i was kind of like uh yeah and then

[51:01] Like it's kind of like just like in Debbie Downing, you had to like get the conversation back because it was like vacation times. Right. [51:07] And then like about a week later after I got home, [51:11] I was like out... [51:12] listening to some band, which isn't something I usually do. But I think that's kind of interesting because like doing something you don't usually do, [51:18] And then your brain is kind of like... [51:20] I don't know. You're not on your usual channels, I guess. Yeah. But then I just had that idea of this... [51:25] Kind of based on that, like a Debbie Downer popped into my head. I'm like... Yes. And then... [51:31] Which this is kind of just... [51:33] 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, [51:42] And to me, that only happened like once or twice a year, which is why like you might sit there at home and be like, why isn't there like SNL? But it's like thinking of really original characters that kind of hit on something. It's not something you can... [51:56] like steer the ship on. To me, like it has to like... [52:01] vibe out with you i don't know yes you have to be like you have to to your point you have to like keep the channel open and yeah like find the muse and like yeah find you it just can't be like yeah turned out exactly and how but then so then i said i took it to paula pell who we wrote with often and is hilarious and everyone knows paula now because i love paula's like [52:20] out there more in front of the camera. 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. It just wasn't really jiving, and then

[52:31] 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 while we were writing it, like, of course, Paula was cracking me up with these one-liners and everything. And then we started just going, like, just for ourselves. And then we were like, what if we put that in the scene with the 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 because sometimes something can kill at the table. [53:01] And then... [53:02] 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. Sure. Yeah. [53:17] But thankfully, you just like... [53:22] like the good Pisces fish. You just went along for the... [53:27] It was it's so joyous watching it because it is just the it's like what real live TV is supposed to feel like. Like it just felt like a special moment in time. [53:40] Also, I mean, you are such a good performer that you are able you are able to like. [53:47] 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 i feel yeah i mean but you don't seem stressed in that moment well i love watching performers but like this is what like you know i feel like i've had so much time now that i'm older like think of like what makes a good comedian everything like that and like i love watching people like you can tell that underneath it they're also like

[54:14] laughing inside like I mean better to keep it inside but I mean like like yeah [54:19] And I feel like you have that. I was just talking about you... [54:22] I forget in what... [54:25] context, but you are always like, you can see the joy of performing. There's two levels happening. There's what you're performing and then [54:33] this sort of joyful, like under bubbling that's also happening. Like I just like Steve Carell just popped into my mind as like someone that like you can see the fun. Will Ferrell is another one. Will Ferrell. Oh my gosh. Like the mischievous 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, [54:55] This brings up the person that I spoke to earlier before this podcast. Oh. So, you know, we always like to talk well behind people's backs. I talked to the great Kevin Cahoon about you today. You did? [55:07] Oh, my God. I was wondering who my person was going to be. And because I want him to lead us into Broadway, which we're going to next. OK, yeah. This Virgo has a plan. OK. [55:19] I'm taking you there. I got no. OK, I'm aware of the time. I'm aware of the time. I could hang all day. But I talked to Kevin and. [55:29] He, he had a couple of 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 w what? [55:39] When you're feeling that 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 your blues, as we like to call it, how do you get up out of it? What makes you laugh? You know.

[55:58] For me, it is a lot of Debbie Downer and clips. I mean, it is a lot of you, Rachel. [56:03] That's so nice. It is you. Like, you really get me out of the dumps. [56:08] You really do. You're like an elevator that helps me get up out of there. [56:12] uh oh tears tears but you really get you shoot me way up and it's because of the laughter you do that for me [56:22] is there anything else that like you like to go to to just like the bottom of a tequila bottle that was such an 80s thing like she i know i know now there's no worms anymore no there's no worms um [56:46] Let's see. I forgot that you asked this. And, like, I feel like I don't have, like, healthy. I'm serious. I mean, honestly, the real thing that I love is, like, meeting with friends out in New York. Like, that's my honest answer. Yes. You like to socialize. The Margs nights and, like, meeting with my lady friends. Yes. Because, like, I feel like I have this great, you know, group, various groups of people. [57:16] I love a friend who is really fun and sees the joy in life and can laugh through the foibles and all that, but also has the side that's like,

[57:29] 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, because like there's certain friends where you can just do that. You can come in and you'd be like, you know, I'm not going to be bringing my A game. And like, that's fine. And I like not having to exert extra energy. [57:51] to pretend I'm like somewhere I'm not. And I hope that like, I'm not for other people too. But 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 this isn't like a joy thing. This is more like a [58:18] like mind-free [58:20] set thing. Like a settling. I like doing those word puzzles in the New York Times. That's my ritual as I do all those because it sort of makes me forget all the [58:33] You can't be 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, our kids are friends. We are in a lot of different ways in life together. Those kind of quiet, puzzly moments is a drach recharge. Yeah, that is a recharge, yeah. Because you are a very interesting combo of introvert-extrovert. [58:55] Like you are very extroverted and especially on stage, but your everyday, like you definitely need quiet time.

[59:02] I guess so. Would you say no? I don't know. I think I used to need... [59:07] Less of it. I think now I'm a little more like I just need like the the recharge moment. Yeah. OK, Kevin also had a question, too, that leads us into Broadway. OK. And you were in an incredible show called POTUS. Tell us about that experience, what it was like working with those women and what it was like being nominated. Well, I mean, it was a lot like. [59:29] The mindset of – so it was this comedy with all women, and I just got called up to do this show with Susan Stroman, who I had done a few readings for. And the part was very much like the clown in the show, so I got to do a lot of physical, just make up your own bits and all this stuff. And it felt very much like being back at Second City in the best way. [59:59] person will tell you, but... [1:00:01] Because, you know, you have to kind of, like, sign your life with it. You're not going out on the weekends, all that stuff. But the thing that I love about theater, it's just you in the audience. Like, there's no one saying, like, we think this should go this way. 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 in the audience. Like... [1:00:20] And that was like, harkens 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 it was just very freeing and fun. Yeah. And you loved the women you did it with. Yeah, yeah. You guys became really good friends. It was a very disparate group that was all, like, meshed really well together. And where were you when you got your Tony nom for your Broadway debut? Well, you know, the nominations come out, like, in the morning, and you can just, like, watch it online. I was just like...

[1:00:50] 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, and I mean, that was something, like, you know, as a comedian, like, comedy often doesn't get, like, [1:01:00] award stuff. But all that to say, I didn't expect... Getting nominated was never anything that I thought [1:01:08] would be happening. Because when you're in comedy, you just don't really think like that. But the Tonys are an exception, I think. The Tonys often do give it up for good comedic performances. Yeah, that's true, yeah. I think they really are like, they really respect... [1:01:20] The craft. They do. The craft, yes. So Kevin had a question about you being like young Rachel. Like what were some theater people, [1:01:31] some performers, some musicals, some shows that like, I think his question was like, what are the top three shows [1:01:40] pieces of theater that you, like, really inspired you when you were young? Ooh. You know, like, maybe scratch some little sparkly... Well, I guess, as mentioned, Annie. Can we just for one second talk more about Annie? Okay. Because Annie... [1:01:55] so many female parts so many parts for girls right like that alone like a lot of shows just don't have a lot of parts it's like there was you know i were both in once upon a mattress amy had the lead and i had the boring part but we were 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 school yeah and amy if you know once upon a mattress amy played winifred the princess the clown the clown yeah carol burnett originated yes broadway and i played

[1:02:25] 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 she's pregnant, and so they're in a hurry to get married because they're in the castle. So they need Winifred 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. [1:02:55] And I wasn't pregnant. By the way, I don't even think I knew that the original characters, but they changed the lyrics because the real lyrics were in a little in a little while you and I will be one, two, three, four like kids. And they just 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. [1:03:19] So, OK, OK, so OK, OK, Annie, of course. Or also orphans, you know, orphans like. [1:03:25] One other thing is, with Annie, everyone's like your age. Like, literally, you're 10 and they're 10. She's like, how do I get in this? Like, that kind of thing, right? And also, a dog. [1:03:37] A dog. A dog. We love a dog. Did you have the album? Oh, my God. I knew every single song. I wanted to play every part, and I loved it so much. Okay, so Annie was one. Okay, so Annie. Then also, well, of course, this is probably the same, too.

[1:03:55] yes I mean just those and they were on stage like they were I mean I only saw them like I saw them like I mean when I was really little my parents watched Laugh-In and I remember Lily Tomlin [1:04:07] being Edith Ann in the giant chair. And that's the truth. Sorry. And then... [1:04:15] Carol Burnett, of course. Yes. And, like, oftentimes we get asked till we're blue in the face about women and comedy. Yes. And, like, I just think growing up seeing them. [1:04:25] you're not thinking like, oh, these are women in comedy. 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 like, you know, Gilda Radner making all her faces and everything. Yeah, yeah. Like, so... [1:04:49] I just think you're just seeing that and you're not delineating. [1:04:54] And then, like, I mean, the first season of SNL, that cast, like, I did watch, like, you know, John Belushi, Steve Martin. That's why, like, when Steve Martin hosted SNL, it's like, oh, my God, Steve Martin. Like, I still have that when I see Steve Martin. I'm like, when I'm hanging out with Steve Martin. No, that never happens. Not true. I've seen it. But anyway, I think, like... [1:05:12] seeing them, um, [1:05:14] was influenced but [1:05:16] Not knowing it at the time, of course. [1:05:19] Fame. Fame. Which, of course, we all had played that on the piano. Well, you can play the piano. No, but I was like plunking it out, but out here on my own. Oh, Coco. When I'm down and feeling blue. 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...

[1:05:42] Hair. Hair! [1:05:45] Hair. [1:05:47] I don't think enough people are talking about hair these days. No. The musical. No. [1:05:53] Hair. Hair was so big. [1:05:56] Like the music and the, I think like, [1:05:59] The movie. The movie. Because that was the first, like... [1:06:04] I mean, I just remember, like, excuse me. That had, like... [1:06:08] major like tragedy in it and sadness and, and, [1:06:13] But also like, yes, I remember seeing that. [1:06:16] the Lexington movie theater. Must have been nice. It was nice. We had plush seats. We ate gold. We ate gold-covered popcorn. Each dude had a chandelier. We ate golden popcorn, and we drank champagne. We showed our movies on the side of a barn. Side of the mall. [1:06:36] Side of the dress barn. At the mall. That's where we showed our movies. On the dress barn. Oh, my God. [1:06:46] I was like... [1:06:47] 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 [1:06:58] But there's no parts in it for us. Like, it's all new, vile, young. There's going to be some, like, old lady who tells the kids to quiet down. Get out of my lawn. Quiet down. Get out of the park.

[1:07:12] I'm walking my dog. You should cut your hair. That could be us. Yeah, that could be us. Or, like, a businesswoman who comes in and goes, listen, people. Yeah. [1:07:21] This bunch of hippies could really make us some money. And they go, get out of here, lady. That's what I would put a New Yorker who comes in to ruin the vibe. Right. But you have played so many different things on, on, on. And like you have played like. [1:07:37] You played a man. We love a Marco Polo because we are women of a certain age. We love to Marco Polo each other. You were Marco Polo-ing me one time having a mustache. A mustache. In a production of? Was it Anything Goes? No, you were playing Guys and Dolls. Guys and Dolls. You played a gentleman. Yes, I played a dude. Yes. Yes. Yeah. But you've played a lot of different things on stage. Yes. [1:08:05] Well, I mean, as have you. We are but the makers of Mary. [1:08:14] We are but clowns for your pleasure. [1:08:18] We don't win Oscars, but we shall make you laugh. We are here but to be the fool. [1:08:25] We are but fools. Drash and I always say if we were back in those times, we would definitely be... [1:08:34] Not only jesters, but we'd be the maids. We'd be the maids. We'd be the maids at the bottom of the castle. We'd be the scullery maids at like... Scrubbing things. I think that's the role that I think I'm born to play. Is like some... Because I would love to do... I'm going to put this out there. A Broadway thing. The secret. I'm doing the secret. Like a really, really funny Broadway thing. And maybe I'm playing this person. Scrubbing. This is my aspiration. I just want to scrub.

[1:09:04] Scrub on Broadway. Yeah. Yeah. I want to scrub my way to a Tony. [1:09:09] You listen? You listen, you big muckety-mucks. I had the Jonas Brothers on, and we were singing Les Mis. Oh. And they were like, you would be really good in Master of the House. I was like, I know. Ever since I was 20 years old, I'd be the old lady in Master of the House. Oh, by the way, you can cut this. We will. But I got to audition. Got to. I made the mistake of auditioning for... [1:09:32] Les Mis 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 even went to a voice lesson. But that part is like, you really have to sing. And it's an incredible part. An incredible female actress have played it. Incredible singers. And it's definitely the most comedic part of Les Mis. But you have to have a good voice. Which I just realized when I was in front of these people in the room. [1:10:02] Monster of the House song. There's another song that's very complicated. Yeah. And I just like... [1:10:08] like i skulked out i will stick to making merry without song if it please you if it please i can't be singing for the king again for me to not sing yes how do you like your potatoes we could do a duo we do we could do it we could we could play maids by the way that would be a

[1:10:38] It's called Downstairs. And it's just us. [1:10:42] We're just washing clothes. And we have dirt on our faces, for sure. [1:10:49] We've been having grueled this morning. [1:10:54] Okay, and the last thing I just wanted to talk about, because we talked about it a little bit, is your woo-woo-ness. Because we're going to talk about your podcast, your great podcast, Woo-woo. And Amy was a guest on it. Absolutely. One of my favorite episodes. [1:11:08] There's so many great stories on there. And you are very open to psychic... [1:11:14] uh, experiences, you are not judgmental in any way. I would say that. Oh, that I'm not just, okay. 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 like, I'm not, I always say like, I'm not really woo woo. Cause I don't, [1:11:38] I don't live my life like, I've got to ask my psychic. I don't have a psychic. But anyway, I was feeling the need to say, I'm not super woo. But then I started doing this. [1:11:48] It's definitely making me more woo-woo with the stories I'm hearing. But the reason I thought of doing it is because 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. And then you came on, which was really fun. And you're not like a huge woo-woo believer. You're not like totally shut down. No, of course. But Amy came on and talked about the Enneagram, which she lives her life by. I mean, for those who care, Rachel is an Enneagram 9 if you haven't noticed. Yeah.

[1:12:16] Yeah. The ultimate nine. The ultimate nine. Peacekeeper. Peacemaker. But, but yeah, so I guess what else should I say about it? Well, I was going to say that. [1:12:28] There's a couple of things that have happened with us. I feel like a little tiny with most of my things have happened with you. 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. [1:12:50] 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. 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. [1:13:14] You know, like just... [1:13:16] You just have introduced me to a lot of just like give this. [1:13:21] version of life a try, I guess is the best way to say it. [1:13:25] Yes. It's kind of like, why not believe that that thing was... [1:13:32] Not a coincidence. I don't know. Yes. [1:13:35] I think once you're... It's almost like what we're saying about writing sketches. I think once you're kind of open to it, then you start to... [1:13:42] I don't know. I don't want to say you get messages or whatever, but I just think...

[1:13:48] 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? Well, first of all, as Amy said with the pregnancy thing, that – [1:14:02] a psychic told me that I was going to have a kid when I was 43 and I wasn't even with anybody. Yeah, that's a cool story. And then that happened. So that was my first little, like, this is really strange. And you write about it really well in your memoir, A Girl Walks in Your Bar. And let's see, I don't know, something lately? I'd just like to hear your, 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. Outside this room, not good. [1:14:32] things are not good once you leave this room the vibes are not good but this room is a good hang and it's fun and bright and cheery but I feel like you do that I mean like you're really fast at being like [1:14:52] this isn't a good vibe. This isn't a good hang. That's true. This isn't a good, you're really good at reading people fast or experience other 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 I started to like, again, older I get like, listen to that. Like if you're, if you get that feeling of like, eh, like you're allowed to, [1:15:14] Not... [1:15:14] hang there or whatever i don't know and last question uh are you afraid of zombies would you in a zombie movie how would you this is my new question i'm just i'm thinking about it right now but maybe i'll ask people moving forward because drat you're always inspiring me i might just freeze is that what you're about i think you're about to say well i was gonna say it kind of gets into like conflict style oh gosh yeah but it is sometimes i think i think with conflict i freeze

[1:15:40] Which isn't always the bad choice. You don't like, you're not fanning the flames. I just noticed it about myself, though. So if zombies were coming... [1:15:47] I guess I'd freeze. You'd turn into a statue. Yes. And you'd hope that they went by you. But we can't end on this. No, we can't. We can't end on this. We're going to cut this. [1:15:56] We can't end on the zombie. Let's sing the song from Chadwick's. [1:16:01] Oh, okay. The chant? So Chadwick's was an ice cream place that Dratch and I worked at. Not at the same time. Not at the same time, but I have to say probably the highest percentage of SNL people from any ice cream place. Probably. Two. Yeah. It was a purple building. [1:16:15] Okay, I'm going to do a lip balm break before we sing. Do you need any? No, I think I'm okay. So it was a purple building. It was a purple building. Old tiny ice cream. You had to wear a styrofoam barbershop quartet hat. We often had a kazoo. We often had a kazoo. And I feel like we were both attracted to the drama and the showmanship. [1:16:35] Not drama, the showmanship of Chadwick's. Because when it was someone's birthday, you got a free Sunday. Yeah. And they did not check. So people came in a lot. That's right. With birthday Sundays. But then there was a little birthday chant that you did. And it went something like this. Ladies and gentlemen, we're happy to have you here at Chadwick's today. But we're especially happy to have Amy. Because she came here to celebrate her birthday.

[1:17:05] 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... [1:17:18] Two men holding a stretcher thing with a big bowl in the middle of it that had... 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's today to introduce you to the Belly Buster. [1:17:41] Ten 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. [1:17:53] And then the two guys would come up, the thing in the stretcher like pretending to struggle under its weight. [1:17:58] 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. [1:18:07] Do you remember that? Yep, and there used to be teen boys 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. Yeah, the teen boys were trying to get it done, and I don't think I ever saw it happen. I don't think I did either. Lore, but Lore says it happened. And now Chadwick's no longer exists. Nope, it's just in a landfill filled with ghosts. Rachel is going to talk about it. I'm going to interview it for my podcast. The ghost of Chadwick's.

[1:18:37] But that's a good ending. That's a good ending. Love you, Drew Chee. 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 on this show. So come back anytime and bring your headphones always. Hold on. We're going to wrap it up. Okay, there. Well, now they're all clean. We still can't get them on. This isn't a good ending. Okay. It is still hard for you to get them on, though. Okay. Here we go. [1:19:07] What the? Oh, here we go. [1:19:16] Nailed it. Dratch out. [1:19:20] Thank you, Dratch. You are the best. My baby Drooch, my little Ray Ray. [1:19:25] Um, [1:19:26] Thank you for coming on. [1:19:29] You know, we talked a lot about a lot of things, you know, the idea that, you know, life can be a series of interesting and unexplainable events. And it can be really woo woo if you let it. And so as part of this polar plunge, I do want to just remind everyone to check out Rachel Dratch's podcast, Woo Woo. Her and her co-host, Irene, they listen to people's. [1:19:55] interesting ghosty spooky stories they get into uh that that um [1:20:01] those chills that you get when something weird or unexplainable happens. And so check out that podcast. I have gone on the podcast and I have said that I've never seen a ghost and I'd like to keep it that way. So I'm fine with that. But if you have seen a ghost, contact WooWoo and not me.

[1:20:21] OK, but good for you. And it's not a competition, but I'm glad I didn't. OK, thanks for listening. Bye. [1:20:51] Original music by Amy Miles. [1:20:58] Kroger makes it easier than ever to satisfy all your protein and fiber needs with our exclusive brands. Now you can find these extra benefits in the foods you already know and love. Snack smarter with Simple Truth Protein Salsa Verde Tortilla Chips. Or grab a Simple Truth Protein Energy Bar or flavored protein water when you're on the go. [1:21:19] Stop by Kroger and discover new favorites today. [1:21:23] Kroger, fresh for everyone. [1:21:27] This Father's Day, when you ship UPS Air at the UPS Store, your items arrive on time with your money back, guaranteed at no extra cost. It's like the father of all shipping services. It shows up to the airport way too early, just to play it safe. It's overprotective about all the things that truly matter, and it's always prompt, especially to be with family. Make it your first choice to celebrate your dad. Ship UPS Air with our money back guarantee, exclusively at the UPS Store U.S. retail location. Visit the upsstore.com slash airshipping for full details.

[1:21:57] Bye.