Best Friends with Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata - Sasheer's Hot Dog Shrine is Mostly From Nicole (w/ Harvey Guillén)

Episode Date: September 17, 2025

This week, Nicole and Sasheer are joined by special guest and friend, Harvey Guillén (What We Do In The Shadows, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish)! The trio share some early audition horror stories, consider friendship levels of closeness being like a gorgeous tiered cake, and the specific joy of watching the sweepers at a Dodger's game.Watch this full video on YouTube and follow below!Follow Nicole: Twitter, Instagram, TikTokFollow Sasheer: Instagram, TikTokLike the show? Rate Best Friends 5 stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Have a friendship question for Nicole and Sasheer to solve? Leave us a voicemail at [phone]‬ or write in at [e-mail] Friends is a production of Headgum Studios. Our producer is Allie Kahan. Our executive producer is Anya Kanevskaya. The show is edited, mixed, and engineered by Casey Donahue.This is a Headgum podcast. Follow Headgum on Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok. Advertise on Best Friends via Gumball.fm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is a headgum podcast. Hi, this is a headgum podcast. We have a guest. We have a guest. We have one of our good friends, Harvey Gien, who's best known for six seasons of the critically acclaimed award-nominated FX comedy series, what we do in the Shadows. and his portrayal has earned five Critic Choice Award nominations for best supporting actor and made history by becoming the first queer Latin X actor to be nominated in this category. Damn!

I didn't know that. He's also won two Imogen Awards for his work, the sixth and final season of the series premiered on October, on October, 24. Recently, do you want to do it? Yes, recently, Harvey starred in the Warner Brothers sci-fi thriller companion. You're so funny in it. with a bunch of other people Harvey could be seen in Mike Flanagan's

adaptation of Stephen King's A Life of Chuck and Disney Bluses Alexander and the terrible no and the whole terror, yep Alexander and the terrible horrible no good

very bad road trip whoa is that a sequel to his bad day? Yeah it's a whole new family a whole new family that's oh Lord

that is bad and terrible Harvey wrote it wrong Thank you for being here. Friends, that was a nice intro. Listen, I haven't seen you with highlighted hair. I like it. You like it?

Yes. Okay. It's cute. It was for a role and then I was like, that's your word. And then I was like, well, put your hair in no, no, no. Let's see. I like it. I like it.

I like it. Yes. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. It's nice. I like the whole ensemble. Yeah, I'm going for this like 70s vibe now.

I like it. Yeah. It's cute. Okay. I'll do it. I'll do it. I'll do it. I'll keep doing it.

All right. Yeah. Did you just get back in town? I feel like you're in and out of town. Yeah, I just flew in two days ago. I was in Vegas celebrating my friend's birthday. And then before that, I was in New York. I was shooting a pilot.

And then before that, I've been away every weekend. I was before that was in New York, Chicago, Florida, Utah. And then this is my first weekend back to all that. Wow, div. I never get to see you. I know. I was supposed to go to a Fourth of July party, remember? But then you were having your own Fourth of July?

I was trying to mix. I was trying to go half and half. And I was like, I think when I go was like, it's your party. You can't leave your party. You can't leave. And you go and say, but I want to go see Nicole. I was like, well, then make a choice. I was like.

Either have a party or don't. And you're like, come to the party. There's fruit. And I can't leave my party. There's fruit. Truly what Harvey said. There's fruit. Happy Ford.

I was like, I don't. What I did was like I wanted to hire street vendors. because, like, what's going on in L.A. with ice and everything. I was like, let's make it where they can come and they don't feel like they're going to be, you know, fucking chased after or something. So it was a taco stand, a fruit vendor, churros, like, you name it.

Oh, that's wonderful. I do love a churro. That's how I say it, a churro. That's what I should have said. There's churros. A taro. In America, we say churros. Are you fluent in Spanish?

Yes. Oh, I blu'o a spino a bito. But I do ta braudo much. I'm prento videos I've been trying to watch videos Oh okay I'm trying to learn from videos

Oh, conno videos Ah, si And I was talking about Japanese I speak a little Japanese I was going to practice my Japanese on you as well Konichua What did you say? What did you say?

My name is Harvey, nice to meet you Oh That's great What's Harvey in Japanese How'd be this Like if you say Whatashiwa I am Harvi this

That's like you put this at the end So if you say Nicole You say whatashua Nicole Wow You're a man of the world I live there for like 13 months So I learned Japanese

Wait really? Yeah it was my first gig out of school Oh my gosh When I was at We went to the same school We won't even scared We won't say that name She won't

Because they'll use this They really will They really really will Both of them And I was supposed to audition during school and I was taking auditions out of Backstage West and I was like

I want to see if I'm good enough to audition and I booked it I booked a job in Japan and I went to the dean and basically I was like I booked it like I booked it You haven't finished your education

We can't use you I mean you can't use you I mean you can use it And I was like I think the whole point of taking this school is to like get a job and it looks like I got a job Yeah

looks like I'm leaving Yeah so I'm leaving You know Arrigato and I was just like I left and I was living in Japan for 13 months What was the job? I was doing the theme park there.

I was doing Sesame Street Live, Blues Brothers, and Wicked. Whoa. That's fun. Yeah. I actually auditioned for Tokyo Disney, and that was my plan after I graduated college. Because I had worked at Disney World in Florida during college.

I did the college program, and I was like, I'm already in the family. Yeah, it's good. It's easy. They know me. They know me. So they had like a position for a big band jazz. singer for their Tokyo Disney show, I had never sung jazz, never worked with a big band. I'm in.

But I was like, this is me. This is my life. This is who I am. And I was going to school in Virginia, took a train to New York because the audition was in New York at Ripley-Greeer Studios. And I had my first time out auditioning, people like, I mean, there's like so many green mistakes that I made. Like my headshot was like not stapled to my resume. Oh no.

Two pieces of paper, different sizes. Oh, Lord. I think mine was black and white. No. Oh, no. And there was like a... I'm in. You're hired.

And there was a singing portion and a dancing portion, but I prepared for the dancing portion. So I'm like in yoga pants and like a tank top. And everyone's like dressed in like suits and a dress, skirts, heels. Because they were like ready to sing because you sing first. And if they like you, this day were dancing. He jumped and said, I'll be ready to be ready for dancing. I'm ready. I know.

I already know me to come back. So I had to sing in my yoga outfit, and I walked in. I'm like, Konichua. And they were like, oh, all right, great. Sashir! Sashir! I'm like, Konichua. Then, Sainara.

And I finished my song, and I think I sing open arms by journey. And they were like, all right, thank you. And I was like, oh, that's, oh, that's it? That's it? I go home. Do you want me for the next part? Do you want me to two step? A box step?

Something? And I'm just like sobbing in a Forever 21 changing my clothes to go back on the train. No one talks about those moments too, all those crying moments in a Forever 21. Yeah. The moments I've broken into a Forever 21. Just broken down in a Forever 21. Just cried. Yeah, no one talks about that.

Because you don't know. No one tells you how to do these things. No. No, I had no idea. And I, yeah, obviously I didn't get the job. I mean, sometimes they do at some schools, but they're like, sometimes you leave school and you're like, you never told me how to get an agent. Yes, yeah. You never told me how to get a job.

No. You literally went and said, no, that's not a box step. This is a box step. And I was like, okay, now, where do I do the box step? I don't know. We don't know. They also don't tell you that an audition is different than a table read that is different than the job. Right.

No one tells you that. Because you have to be able to do all three things and they are all wildly different. And for stage and camera. Totally different. Yes. I had an audition at Ripley, Ripley Greer. It was for the touring company of Greece. I cannot sing. And I want to be Rizzo's part.

Yeah, Rizzo in Greece. And I did not bring sheet music with me. And the piano player was like playing a, like, a jaunty little tune as I was like, I'm going to sing. I can't remember. Oh, Rock and Robin. Tweet, tweet. Tweet, tweet.

Tweet. And they were like, where's your sheet music? And I was like, I don't have sheet music. And then this man played angry chords and went, what do you sing along with? What is music made of? Sheet music. You're like, screamed at me.

And then the producers were like, or whoever the casting director was like, oh, we'll just let you sing. Well, should I stop? And then I sang poorly. And then had a freak out in a foot locker. I feel like you were set up because I had this horrible drama teacher in high school who like was like we should audition for the whole class to go audition for this musical at the san gabriel civic artorium and we're like what do we need like nothing just

show up and it was like set up for failure the night before he tells us oh did you guys get your headshots and we're like what's a head shot and he was like it's okay just draw it just draw it these high school students draw their faces and like it'll stand out and I was like is this what happens they try embarrassing he did he was very much like this man was a terrible terrible person He was spending a lot of time with a female student And it was very terrible But he was like, you should draw yourself And we're like, okay, I was the only one who did it

And so I showed up to this audition for Annie Not even the right audition Majority is female girls Who would you play in Andy? When did I play in Annie as a 16-year-old boy And I show up and I'm like, here you go And they're like, oh Wow, that's good.

Harvey, that is so funny. And so vile that, like, he set me up. And then, like, right before I went in, I was like, are you sure? He's like, yep, I'm sure. And they smirk on his face, I was like, wow, he's grinning more than evil he usually does. And I went in, and I did the whole thing, and no sheet music. I showed up and I was like, sheet music, like, what are you singing? And they go, that's okay.

Why don't you sing happy birthday? Why don't you sing happy birthday? He should sing happy birthday. He should sing happy birthday. He should sing happy birthday. This is wild. Wow, they're really liking me. And I'm like, happy birthday to all, yeah, yeah, oh.

And I walked down, I'm like, I think it went well. I think I nailed it. I think I'm going to be Daddy Warburgs. I think I'm in, guys. Or Boondub. I think I got it. Why not? I think I'm Annie.

And if you know me, you know that I loved Anna Tseye, I feel in love with musical theater. I wanted to be a part of it, not knowing there was nothing I could play in it. I walked out, and he was there. He was like, how'd you do? And I was like, I think he went on. okay, they let me sing happy birthday, blah, blah, and it was like, excellent. He just had this look on his thing.

He's like, I scarred it. I literally put it all together, and I was like, you're a bad man. Yeah. You're an evil, evil man. And then it was like, well, you got to learn somehow. I was like, but you're my teacher. You have to learn somehow teach me.

And you set me up for failure. You wanted me to fall in my face. And then I was like, I knew then I was like, you can't trust him. No. And they did not. But also, you know, looking back, I was like, wow, my first audition, no,

had shot, no music, no sheet music, and then they were nice enough to let me, like, go through with it. Funny part is, one of the choreographers was John Von, who later on taught him to college, that remember. Oh, gosh. That I was like, I don't remember, you my eye remember. And I was like, who put you up to that? And I was like, well, I got stories.

I got a story. I can't believe it to this day. I drew my face with a crayon, without even with, like, a pencil. With crayons. I'm obsessed. Yes, that is truly so funny. I had another audition after that audition. It was for a play, and I went to the audition.

I had a monologue from Neila Butte's Fat Pig, and I walked in, and the casting director was so young-looking. And I was like, wow, you look young. How'd you get this job? That's not what you say to anybody. And she was turned off immediately, and I said a couple more things that turned her off even more. and she's like, how about you just do your monologue? And I said, okay, and then I did it

and, like, welled up with tears. It was really good. And she went, that was actually very good, minus everything you did beforehand. She said that? Uh-huh. And she was like, just a tip, don't talk. And I was like, oh, gosh.

And I don't think I got this. Shit. Wait, but it was actually was a backhanded compliment because you did a really good job in the monologue. But then now no one told you not to say those things. Don't talk. And then I did not audition for a, very long time. I said, I'm going to work at

Lane Bryant for the rest of my life. No one talks about these things. I'm glad they're talking about this. Yeah. Yeah. It's like a therapy session. Yeah. It is. It's all to our faces. And sing happy birthday. Happy birthday. Why did you sing like Marilyn Monroe? Yeah. Why was I 16 years all

going, happy birthday. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Oh, if only that teacher could see you now. He probably does. He probably does. Everywhere.

Everywhere. I had a show choir teacher who didn't like me and would, like, have it out for me. Like, I tried to go out for the president. Like, you can be a co-president of the group. The choir. Of the choir. Yeah. And I, you know, was a good student.

Like, the community liked me. Everyone's like, yeah, that makes sense. We're going to vote for you. And usually we vote in person, put it in a book. bucket and she counts off the votes and we all, and that's the person who... Like in front of everyone. In front of everyone.

The year I ran was the first year it was a closed count. Wow. Recount. Yeah, she's like, everyone out of the room. She counted it by herself. No, because she saw the numbers were already rolling in. And she was like, it goes to somebody else. And I was like, that's so strange.

I would have gone to the middle and be like, everyone, hands up. It has hands up if you voted for me. Hands up for me. Right now. Or show me the count. Show me the count. But she also was like, because this person will be working closely with me, I also get a final vote. A final vote.

And she didn't want to work with me. Whoa. People don't understand. There's those relationships in high school that people are like, my teacher hated me. Oh, you're just exactly. Yeah. But it's like, no, my teacher hated me. Yeah.

And then you're not fearful of the bully at school. You're fearful of the teacher at the school. And anything you do will be like, they'll take it like, not good enough. It's the same. I copied off her page and she got it. And I got an F and I copied and you didn't catch me. This is a test. Senior year we did Godspell and the musical director was this blonde woman homely looking and she.

And I told her to her face. I said, bitch, you look homely. But she didn't like me. She didn't like that I was not a singer and I had gotten a turn back of a man in Godspell. and because it was my senior year I was funny and well-liked within the drama group and I remember our first rehearsal

I was like singing and like put like a character spin on it and she was like that's not it don't do that you're not singing the notes you're not and I was like oh so she like I'm selling the character

and then on that tape ooh baby she is selling that character I sat on many daddy's laps sang Turnback old man with a feather boa In hindsight She should have stopped me That's what she should have stopped

You made a point But I said I'm gonna do me You could police me during rehearsals But not during the performance And I crushed And you're a senior You were like

People forget that you work You pay your dues Yes I paid my dues Also after that school I went to the school Where they didn't give you a lead role Until your third or fourth year Or your last year

As a rule? As a rule And so I was a freshman auditioning For something And the kid who'd been there for three years We were going up In front of everyone, like voting again. I do my bit, like my monologue.

He does the exact same monologue. People laughing hysterically. I was like, I got this in the bag. And at the end he was like, it goes to him. And I was like, and even he was like, it goes to me. I did that. Yeah. I liked it.

I liked it. Well, I voted for him. And I looked at everyone. Everyone was like, what? And I was like, what kind of BS is this? And they used to assign dress rooms like, you know, we had a Christmas show. They ran for like 22 performances in December. So they used to sign the dress rooms, but there wasn't enough spaces.

for everyone and so if you were senior you got first pick second whatever whatever and since I was a freshman there was no space for me I had to get ready in the shower and so my dressing room was I put my coat hanger on the shower head because none of these boys showered after a shower they're all just disgusting

and so my dressing room was the shower in the bathroom so kids would just walk by to urinate and shit and then come back and I was just in the shower like in the dressing room and then one time the director came in and was peeing and he was just I could just hear the trick going, he goes, you know, if you just stay

with us, you are going to get a lead. Don't talk to me. Don't do that. And I was like, getting ready, and it was just silence, like, and he was just silence, like, you know, if you stay with the program, you will get a lead. I know that doesn't seem like it right now, shh. But you will get, get out of sleep.

And I was just like, thank you for those words. Thank you for those words of encouragement. That feels like a scene out of a movie to show how like unliked the character and we should be like get ready in the shower And he knew that was the rule

So there weren't like hazing me or anything But that was tradition And he knew that there was always a kid in there And it happened to be me Because I came late to the program I was freshman And he knew the someone was in there It was me

And I think he was a nice teacher And he hated the fact that I was being put through these like You know because I was a freshman And he knew that the talent was there But he couldn't give me a role until later And I was like, that makes no sense. In the real world, no one cares.

No one gives a shit. If you're the best person for the job, you get the job. And in this made-up world of academia, you're like, you pay your dues. And I was like, where? It never happens in the real world. No. High school is such horseshit. They tried to keep me there.

They said lock the doors. They tried. They tried to keep me there. They did. With that few stages of grades, attendance. Yes, attendance. Nobody told me if you missed X amount of days, you don't graduate. So I had missed too many days.

What's too many? I think it was like 14 days. Oh, my God. It feels like that's not too many. That's two weeks. That's a winter break. Right? But then they called me down to the office and they're like, you're not graduating.

That's sad. And I said, I will be graduating. You will let me out of here. You cannot keep me here. And then Ms. Ernst, the lovely lady who worked in the office, she was like, okay, I like, screamed or not screamed. I just argued enough that she was like, fine, I'll just erase seven of those days. You literally just can't miss any

more school. That was nice of her. It was very, very kind of her. So I would continue to cut class, but I would pop in and be like, I am here. I'm here, but I won't stay. I won't stay. I'm going to that I won't stay. And I remember Mr. Marco, my senior year would be like, can't

you have to? And I'm like, no, no, I'm here. I don't want to read Beowulf. I will be back at some point. Yeah. And I'm here, though. But I'm here. You can't mark me. You can't mark me as absent.

And you graduated. I did. Wow. I sure did. There you go. School was crazy. It's wild. Let's take a break.

We're working on segways and transitions. That was perfect. Thank you so much. Let's take a break. It was crazy. We're supposed to be part by a Susa Pacific. Who's the commercial insurer right now? Susa Pacific.

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So I'm going to do that. So they go, you're not taking the right vitamins because I don't take vitamins. So I'm going to get on a nice regimen. Is that what a word I can say? A regimen, a plan. I'm going to get on a plan with my vitamins. Go to personautrition.com slash best friends today to take the free assessment and get your personalized daily vitamin packs.

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on furniture, mattresses, and rugs, now is the perfect time to get that special item you can't stop thinking about. like the Radley's five-piece sectional sofa for just $2,179. With white glove delivery and great financing options, shop at macy's.com or in store. We're back. Harvey, do you have a best friend? I have several best friends.

That's a weird to say. My best friends have been my friends since third grade. So I have like Tyler Bowie, who it was my first. friends since third grade, Romana Macedo, who is my friend's third grade, and now does my makeup, my makeup, my makeup artist. Oh, I love that. Romi, and then Adrienne Ortega, who's my other best friend, but I also have really close. I always think friendships are like, who's at your, like, a wedding cake?

Like, at the top, it's usually like you and your partner, right? Usually your partner's supposed to be like your best friend, and that sometimes is true. I hope that's sometimes, that's, all the time is true. But sometimes they're not, you know, but sometimes you're like, I could be a partner with you, but I also need my own, like, bestie. And then after that, the cake tier, there's a little bit of a medium cake so you can have more really good friends, but there's not a lot of space in those groups. So you're very selective of who's in that tier.

And as a cheer widens in the bottom, you can have acquaintances, you know, and then you could have, like, distance from, you know, people that you're like, I see them once every five years or something, but the tier of cake of friendship, the taller it is, like, that's like that, the more close you are, you know? I like that. That's a great analogy. It is. Yeah.

It also feels like that's what the cake should represent Like here's my community Yeah It starts off with this And this is the person I'm spending The rest of my life with And then everything

There's a family friendship And it grows and growth At your wedding You spent a hundred thousand dollars On figurines A huge A huge thing in your life And if we have little figurines

Of these people Somebody shows the wedding He's like I don't see myself I don't see myself I'm like oh well You were invited So But yeah

I do have really good friends they don't do anything with the industry which is great so I was joke like I'll be walking with Romy or somebody and somebody comes up for an autograph and she couldn't be a face she's like we have to go let's go

like we have to go to a movie or something you know she doesn't like nothing I could come home with an Oscar and they'd be like oh that's cool are we getting tired or whatever like it has a thing that's you know because you know working in the industry sometimes people become friends

for the wrong reasons and then start dating you for the wrong reasons I feel like in the last couple of years I've gotten people who out of the woodwork been like we should go off for drinks And it's like, I think we talked like five years ago And you were not interested at all. Yeah, why are you all?

Interesting. No, I am. And it's like, uh-huh. Okay. Yeah. So there's that like level of now being alerted for friendships and stuff. I have some friends who aren't in the industry and they're exactly like your friends where they're just like, you're just Nicole. Yeah.

Sure. I'll take a picture for this person. But like it's ultimately it's just like my friend Evan, he'll take a picture for me. And then as, like, we walk away, he's like, do you remember when you fell down in the middle of the street? Yeah. Because you were drunk. I'm like, yeah.

You'll have to be more specific. He's like, come in any time. He's like, it's just so funny that these people don't know that part of you, but like you. Yeah, yeah. Or something they want to get it out of the way. They're like, I'll take it. Come on. Yeah, yeah.

Because they want to move it on. Because also you're springtime with them. I know, like, when I'm with my family, like, my sister's really good about, like, we don't get a lot of time with my family as it is because it's a big family and to quarantine everyone's schedule. So if we are together and it's like we're at Disney or something, someone comes a picture, she'll be the ones like he's with his family and she'll mean it. Which is great. I love your sister. She is a boss. You met her. She's great. I love her. But I love being friends with this year because we started at the same time and I've been able to like celebrate wins. I remember one of the first jobs you booked was a Verizon commercial. And I remember you told me and I was on a bus and I was like, wow, my friend's going to be in a Verizon.

And I was like, if everybody on this bus could just know the talent that's in this phone that texted me. I was so elated. The driver, keep it down sign. Yeah, yeah. No talking. No talking. No cheering for your friends. No cheering for your friends.

See, I use T-Mobile. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I don't give a shit about Verizon. Oh, my God. But it's kind of fun to be like, you know, you start off on the same level when friends and, like, you cheer on with each other. I feel like those friends that cheer you on, like, you cheer you on. Like, I think we met on a set, you know, but when you meet someone that you like, we get each other and you're like, I like it. And so sure, we met also as well, like, you know, through friends and like we're just like, when I meet good people, it's always nice to be like, oh, we're going, we're going.

This is going to be like a, hi, like, hi, like, hi, like, and then so the next time you see each other, how you've been? I went to, you catch up on the things that happened between the last time you saw each other, as opposed to those people in the industry, you're like, how you going, good, good. Yeah, yeah, or they're like, like, not actually care. You don't go further than that. It's like, you go, good. Yeah, I remember when I first met you I was like, boy oh boy You are delightful

I think one of our first conversations I was like, you want to know what production did And you were like, I want to know what production did And I was like immediately talking shit It was delightful And then on one of the We shot this movie I guess three years ago at this point

We shot this movie in like a span of like a month And it was out in a month and a half It was on the summer and needed to be out in on film, on TV, Comedy Central, by the 1st of October. And we wrapped August 1st. Yes, with lots of COVID scares. Oh, yeah. But one of the last days we shot, you were like,

Red Lobster's near. Should we order Red Lobster? And we ordered $200 worth of Red Lobster. But also, I was joking, because Red Lobster was not. We were shooting at the Disney farm in the middle of nowhere. And the road ended in a field. where it says you are here we are not

and so I was like Red Lobster we showed over a lobster and the poor Red Lobster guy driving in a dirt road in the middle of nowhere because I just put a drop whatever

and a pin and he's like and it's like circles like spinning in circles on things like he's here but he doesn't know where he's going and the guy's like spinning and finally he finds us he finds these trailers

in the middle of the woods is it all I'm gonna get murdered and he shows up and his car's covered in dust because he's gone through like a dirt road and he goes like for Harvey.

And we were like Red Lobster, yeah, Lusie, Red Lusie, Red Lester! And then we, there was biscuits for everyone. Biscuits for everyone. We were throwing biscuits to the crew

because at that point I think we didn't like what the food was being for lunch. And at that point we're like, we don't have to eat this. We can order it. And then we ordered a lobster and it was a feast

of shrimp snatchitory. I ate so much shrimp. So much shrimp. And then my costume was a flamether. lanyl shirt, heavy jeans and Doc Martin boots, and then I had, like, claws, and claws and a

tail attached to me. And then I was like, full of shrimp, and I was like, oh, feel good. It's so hot. Oh, no, I should not have done this. It was the hottest day in the valley. Oh, my God. And her nails were like, well, at least pat your head, I can't. Her nails were, like, so long. Budget cuts, they didn't get the ones that were clipped off. They were like, this one had to be glued on. Yeah, they could. She couldn't, like, unbutton her shirt. She couldn't even

fix her hair she couldn't do her makeup she'd poke her eye out she'd be like this oh my gosh and you couldn't even tie her shoe like it was just like yeah people had to like just help me so I would just like sit and people be like do you need things and I'm like no I could tell when she had it because usually Nicole you know being she has a personality

is just like lovely and whatnot but if she goes silent for too long and doesn't have a remark or even a joke or a laughter and she's like this and I was like you good and she's a and she looked like just look the side look and I was like Like, leave her alone.

Leave her alone, leave her alone. Leave her alone. Leave her alone. Leave her alone. Don't talk to her. And just put vents on her. Like, it was just like so hot. But we made it.

We did. Yeah. We did. That actually was a fun. The director was great. Laura Murphy. She was great. Laura Murphy.

Yeah. And then the cast was really good. It was really fun. And then watching it, I was like, oh, damn, this came together. Well, they better. They had to whip it up in four weeks and have it out on TV. So wild.

I've never done a movie that quick. Me either. Yeah, that was a return. Kathy Griffin's first return to TV and film. Yeah, a lot of people. That's nice. Yeah. That's how we met. And then, yeah, we've been friends ever since.

Yeah. Yeah. Oh, I like that. What tier am I on the kick? You're a pretty high tier. Thank you. I think you're a pretty high tier for me too. For me, it's like good people.

So I have like my, you know, and then I have like my school friends and the tier of, like, people that I like to interact with, like, normally. And then after that, the cheer gets pretty big. So those are the people that I'm like, it's my cousin's friend. You know what I mean? So the two top tier. are the ones that I kind of circle around. And that's the ones that I always

circle and that, you know, come to a Fourth July party. Like those groups. Come for fruit. Come for fruit. And then after that because I always think that, you know, there's no need to, I don't like having enemies, you know. Not because, you know, oh my God, but I think it takes more energy to be mad at some all the time. That's what my mom

used to say. She said it took more energy to frown than it does to smile. And if you really think about it, if you frown for enough time, you're like, I'm exhausted. I'm exhausted. But if you're just smiling? If it's it better. Yeah, and so I don't like that. Even when the world or like, you know, gives you a reason to have an enemy, I'm just like, I want to choose to not and be cool with it.

You're not the top of the tier, that's for sure. No. But you're definitely not, you know, the top three layers. But you're, if I know you, just keep it civil. You're not a friend, but you're definitely like, you know, the crumbs. Yes. Of the cake. You're on the plate.

You're on the plate. I know you. I know you. I know you. I don't hate you. You're still, you're just crumbs. You're just crumbs. That is such a funny insult

You know what you are, your crumbs I was like, wow, actually Your crumbs to me That's your crumbs Your crumbs to me You're like, what is happening? How did you get in my room? I have a question

Yeah So when you were working at the theme park In Tokyo Osaka Osaka Oh sorry Osaka Is that where your love of like Disney came from

Because you love Disney No, I've loved Disney Because I was born in Orange County And so like from a very young age from my apartment. We lived on the third floor. I could see the fireworks every night, but we couldn't afford to go to Disney.

So I remember being little, and my dream was to go to Disney. I felt like it was aspirational. Like, the kids on TV, and remember, like, this was one time where, like, TGI, thank God it's Friday lineup on ABC, where every single family on those shows

went to Disney. Because it was in their contract, they're all ABC, and so they were like, you have to promote, it's cross-promoting the parks. And I thought, are we the only family that doesn't go Disney?

Even on TV? Everyone, family matters went to Disney. like step by step, full house. They all went to Disney and I was like, everyone goes to Disney. But I can only see Disney through TV. And through my window, I see the fireworks. And so I always wanted to go.

And then when I was actually old enough to go, and when my mom and dad took me as a practice, I would nag them, they finally took me. And I was like six. And that was the one time I went, and I did not go so expensive to go Disneyland. I did not go until I was in elementary school. I was 11 years old,

and I won a contest to go to Disney. And the only reason I entered the contest was to go to Disney. to Disneyland. They're like two tickets to Disneyland, the top ball, I'll be here, I'll do it. And I did whatever it took, but I won the contest. What was the contest? What did you do?

It was, like, writing a script for Christmas. Wow. And I think it was me and Albert Satello. We wrote and we won this contest. And they used our script. And now it's optioned out at Apple. Like, it's really weird. And now it's the Santa Claus starring

Tim Allen. I almost said Tim Curry and I was like, that's wrong. But I didn't care. I made this so, like, ridiculous script, and I didn't, I was just like, it has to stand out. And it did. And then we went to Disneyland with Mr. Bruch, our teacher. He, like, took his...

He didn't want to be there. He was, like, falling asleep on the sleep. But he was a lovely, lovely teacher. And, yeah, so I just... That was the second time I went. And after that, I was like, I want to go back to Disney all the time. And I love Disney. So then I ended up working for Disney, as one does.

As one does. And, yeah, since then, I've kind of, like, recurred Disney. I went to Disney yesterday. Yeah, you're always at Disney. I went to Disney with you, and it was delightful. Yes. I had a nice time. Let's go.

It was nice. Although, we did have a guide, and the guide was shaming me at one point because I was like, I want a picture with Pluto. And she was like, where's Pluto? And I was like, over there. And she's like, goofy. And I was like, okay, okay. She's like, where did you grow up that you don't understand

who the Disney characters are? And I was like, in New Jersey, I don't know. I went to Disney World, the one in Florida, when I was six. All of the pictures there, I'm like, not having it. Not because it was hot. They made me walk. My dad was like, we're going to all the different parks. He had like a mission.

And then I was like, we can't just sit for a minute. And then I remember my mother being like, the water is so expensive. And then I just started parodying that. I was like, water here is even expensive and I was so mad yeah I feel like you're like roll reversal like parents are usually like

it's so expensive it's too hot can we just sit down for a minute nope that was me at six years old and then we went again when I was like maybe it was middle school and I had my hair and braids and we went for spring break and we drove from New Jersey

to Florida because my parents like to pretend that we didn't have money growing up I was like We're destitute But we were at Disney so we weren't But yeah I just remember being like When will this cooler life end We just had to eat everything on a cooler

I hated it And then we didn't get to eat anything in the park We had to eat sandwiches out of bags I did Ziploc bags And my mother will wash in the best Western bathroom To put inside out to reuse the next day For more sandwiches These bags

These ship like unusual bags, bags, bags! You'd wake up from a nightmare. Nicole, are you okay? Your same bags are getting it. Not the past. It was a nightmare. But that's how you keep your money, you know?

Yeah, they're resourceful. I mean, I get it. My mom would make, like, tortas and, like, you know, because just getting the tickets was expensive. We didn't buy it. The first time we went to Disneyland, I thought we were going to get, like, cotton candy,

lollipaps, all the goodies. And she's like, here's that, like, she made sandwiches. Yeah. And she brought, like,

canned soda. She brought water bottles. She brought a backpack with stuff. That was resourceful. Back then, I was like, that's not what happens

on family matters. That's not what happens on full house. I love that you came full circle to understanding it, and I'm still mad about it. Yeah. I can, I am still,

furious. I've just come to conclusion of like, I get it now. I understand you. Don't ship it back. I just couldn't believe. She was washing them in the bathroom.

My God. Do you do that now? As an adult, do you ever recycle bags? She's like I'm going to use every bag once. Kind of. Kind of. No, no. You kind of.

You kind of. I like, if something touches the inside of the bag, I'm like, dirty. Like, I go the opposite way. Like, things that my mother did growing up. I'm like, I'm going to do it in spite of you. Because that's, I'm petty. Okay, okay, stabs, baby. So anyways, to answer your question, my favorite color is blue.

Is it blue? It is. I like blue and teal turquoise those colors. Mine's purple. Water, like water. Yes, I knew that about you. I love purple. What is your favorite color again?

I think gold. Yes. I love gold. Yeah. So it's all nice colors. Put them together, and what do you get? Bipidi-bapidoo. I was really trying to figure it out.

I was like, mud. You get a real murdy color. Do you mix them together? Yeah, mud. Is it kind of like a violet? I guess turquoise and blue and purple would make probably like a darker purple. But if you mix gold with that, I think that makes brown. Brown.

Okay. Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Stunning. We love brown. Love it. Love it. You smell like you're thinking of a question that you're about.

I was like how do I bring it back to friendship But I wanted to ask you about You wore this look to the Met Gala Because you did interviews Yes I went to the McGala I went for E and that's so funny that you just said that Because yesterday I was talking to someone about this So while I was date

We both dated someone with the same name Yes my God Two little devils Two little devils And then unbeknownst to me While I was at the Met Gala doing all this They were talking to someone else And someone just brought this up yesterday

They're like do you know the guy that they're dating now wore your outfit from the Meggallet the year after you did. And I was like, what? And they show me a picture. Wow. I won't tell you who it is, but I can show you a picture. I can't wait to see this. But like literally, literally this is a conversation.

I just had you. This is so funny that you brought this back. That's so wild. I know. I'm going to show you a picture, but we have to like black out their eyes or something. Black out their eyes. This is my photo shoot, right? This is my photo shoot.

This is my photo shoot. Because it's a Syriano, right? Yeah. And then this is my photo shoot. And then this is their photo shoot. Wow. Wow. Wow. We have to black out their eyes.

That is wild. I pointed that out to me and I was like, I didn't even realize that. And then it trickle down. You find out who your friends are. Sure do. Because after we broke up months later, I found out that this person they were talking to secretly, we shared the same publicists. And they were like, hey, I wanted to tell you something where I was walking in the carpet

and I was holding their phone, your current partner was sending them inappropriate pictures. And they were assuming, I was like, why is it, you know, who texting it? Oh my God. And it was like happy in real time. Wow. And then wore your look a year later.

Obsessed much? I mean, I love this publicist too. I know. Yeah, me too. Hets up. Yeah. Heads up. And at first I was like, going back to like,

I don't want any drama with anybody. So I just like, I could have been like, yeah, that's an asshole move. That's true, but I was just like, you know what? I wish you the day you deserve. Yeah. Ooh. I like that.

People always say, wish people the best. I wish you the day you deserve. I wish you the day you deserve. Then you're going to have a great deal. But if you did something you're not happy about, you're going to get, and that's what I'm mean. That's what you deserve. That's what you deserve. And actually was a quote that my publicist said.

She's like, don't wish them well. Wishing the day they deserve. Oh, I love that. Yeah. Shout out to Allah. Yes. But I just brought up because I, I just love the looks you turn during award season.

Yeah. Oh, my goodness. You always look so, like, I'll be on Instagram and be like, Mondeva looks so good. Thank you. Do you plan with the designer or do you... Well, for the longest time, no one would dress me because I don't want to dress, like, a big guy.

Like, I would literally, like, go to designers. Like, we don't have samples in that size. And I was like, well, that's not fair because clothes should be for everyone, not just for, like, a size zero, you know? And no one would design, no one would work with you. No stylists, actually.

The longest time, I styled myself, and up until pretty recently, I still did, you know? Yeah. And so I went to Christian Soriano because that year the Puss in Boots Film was a nominee for an Academy Award. And I was like, I want to wear my Oscar outfit for, I wanted it to be you. And he's like, girl, I don't do men's line up, or outfits. And I was like, but he had done Billy Porter. And he's like, well, that's different because that was more like a gown turned into a tux. And I was like, okay, well, can we find a happy?

And it's like, girl, I was like, please. And I literally said, how about this? You do it once, and if it's not good, then we never do it again. So he does it. And I was like my view for that revision was imagine someone going to an event in the 1920s but wearing their dad's Gilded Age outfit. So the hair is 1920s, but he's wearing his dad vintage coat from the Gilded Age like 30 years prior. I like that.

And so that's what my outfit was for the Oscars. So I told him that's what my vision was. He's okay, so he whipped this up and it was beautiful, this like open coat, like Gilded Age coat, a tuxedo like, you know, shirt. And then my hair like finger waved like the 1920s. and then he told me that it got more like press than like the dress like he made like 22 dresses for the Oscar

but it got more press like Vogue in Europe and Vogue here and like all these like outlets picked it up and then after that like he was like okay fine and then the next year he had a men's line at his fashion show and I was front row and he invited me front row and then I was like I can't have to think that I helped a little bit shut the fuck up

it's so funny no a little bit he owes you some royalty and a percentage of And he's been really wonderful and lovely And since then now he has a men's line Because people were calling him and saying I'm getting married I want something like Harvey Ian Ward to the Oscars That's amazing

So an outfit for their wedding is replicated from the Oscars I love that Isn't that cool? Honestly I think that's like It's a very cool story for you And like just like You inspired this But I think it's also really like

Cool for other people to hear to be like Just be persistent Yeah Like if you're persistent maybe something will work out in your favor. And not only did it work out in your favor, it worked out for other fucking people now. Because now he's like the outfits that, you know,

men of every size can wear and ask and be tailored and, like, whatnot. So that's a big step in the right direction. Especially because there's a lot of, like, options. First of all, for full figure people, but especially for men. At least for women, you do have some stores you can go to. Yes.

There's no stores that men can go to except for the big and tall and, you know, like those were just like a screen t-shirt and not to be against them, you know? But like, it's just like, I can't go there to pick. of an outfit that I might wear to a formal. Do you know what I mean?

It's like, he wants this potato sack or you want these jeans, you know? Yeah. And you're just like, I was looking for something more dressed up. Well, this has buttons. And it's like... This has buttons. There's a collar on this. This got buttons.

And it was like, I was looking for a little more, you know, in the way. Okay. You want more than buttons? Weird. You know you're big, right? It's like, no, no, I know. I live and have buttons everywhere.

You're pushing it with buttons. you're pushing your button and so it is it makes me feel good that like you know we are moving in the right direction and he just did like a coffee table book of all the looks that he's done for you know the industry and whatnot and I'm like center in it and so it's like the whole section like oh my gosh that's so cool and this will happen within the last like you know three four years it wasn't like in the making of like oh it's been a decade working on this it's like only in the last couple years which is kind of cool to look at in the you know how we're moving forward if I'm in the coffee table book you think you are I

I think you are. I hope so. Yeah, your dress got a whole lot of... My purple dress is on tour. I think we are, yeah. It's the only Seriano I was not allowed to keep. Yeah. It's on tour.

I wasn't able to keep the pink one. Yeah, because it's... Let's get them back. Let's get them back. It's a ride. It's a heist. Yeah. He's touring with the outfits and it's a display somewhere right now.

Yeah, I don't know where it is now. I want it back so bad. That's a really beautiful dress. It's so... All the dresses. So stunning, but that one in particular, it is my favorite color purple. Yeah, it's so good. Of course, that's one you can't keep.

Yes, but the other ones I have. Sometimes I just put them on and I go, I'm pretty. Should we take a break? Let's take a break. Dress-up break. And we're back. I have a question. Kind of going off of what we're just talking about, like your instinct to, like,

be persistent and ask for what you want or like speak up for what you believe like this vision that you have not everyone has that like that's not um an innate like uh feeling it's not a natural yeah do you feel like you have always been like that or did you learn that at some point i think i've always been like that but along the way other people's opinions and expectations and standards for me is what clouded my vision because for the longest time I knew what I wanted

but it was other people saying like you can't have that and there was other people I remember being in high school and having my guidance counselor I'd be like I want to be an actor what's your plan B I was like I don't have one

you need to have one and I was like I don't have one and it goes like I'm telling you I've seen yes you're funny blah you need a plan B I remember in that moment I was like

no no because success is my only option failure is not and in that moment And it's knowing that in my back of my head is because people always, because they know that it's a hard road, but also just because you're trying to put into my head that like, I don't want you to get hurt, I don't want you to, then let me make the choice. Let me get hurt on my own. Don't already diminish my dreams ahead of time. If it's going to happen that way, it'll dissolve naturally. I don't need you to do it for me. And also, you don't know what the future holds. And also, just because it didn't work for you, it doesn't mean that it's not going to work for me. I'm a different person, different life, you know, different approach to things. So I remember being young and, like, being told that things were, you know, I just always lived in this, like, possibility.

Like, I was very optimistic to the point of being really annoying. Like, I would be like, you know, I was, I grew up watching like Pollyanna, like the Disney movie, and she was over the top, like, you know, just positive. And, like, that's a good way of looking at things. And then when she breaks her spine and can't walk, I was like, oh, that was tough. But, you know, like, oh, that's tough. I'm like, I know, you're going to get out of that one. But then even then, that's when she had moved everyone in the town so much that they rally around her and they're optimistic for her.

And I was like, that's good. See, because she was good. And so I just remember thinking that as a kid. And as I got older, I mean, a counselor who was telling me that and directors who were telling me like, what are you going to do about the weight? And I was like, I don't think that's another business. Like, what am I going to do? And he was like, well, you could be a leading man. I was like, I can and I will be.

And it's like, if you was like, no, I can and I will be. in whatever body and vessel I am at that moment, it was meant to be, whether I gain weight, whether I lose weight, because, you know, weight flexuates up and down. So I don't need you to tell me I need to look a certain way. So Hollywood tried to make me feel that I needed to fit this mold. And for a while, I was trying to because I was like, I'm not getting auditions, I'm not getting calls.

What am I doing wrong? I was trying to fit a mold. And then I realized, I don't need to fit into a mold because each and every one of us is our own mold. That's why you stand out. That's why you are a celebrity. That's why you're a star because there's no one like you. And so why are we trying to fit someone else's mold?

You are the mold. You know? And so for me, once I realized that, things shifted. I was booking more because if you look at my resume, my career has been things that I was never written for. All the roles that I've gotten were wild cards. This was written for six-two, blonde, blue-eyed, six-pack. And so when you look at Guillermo was written for someone 20 years older than I am. Oh, really?

Yeah. And so roles that were never written for me, I go in and they're like, they like you, but you're the wild card. They like you, but you're on standby. And eventually they go through everyone else. And they're like, why is he on standby? He's the only when we all vote it unanimously that we liked. And then they changed their mind. Wow.

So it's about going to the room. And like I always think, I always want to book the role, obviously, but I want to book the room. Yes. So when you walk in, even if you don't get the part, if I walk out and the castor, like, oh, my God, this is not right for you, but I'm going to look for something for you. Yes.

Book the room. And that's a win. And that's a win. And I walk out, I might not get that role, but they will keep me in mind for things. And that's the way that I've looked at my career. And we're like, yeah, this customers were like, I don't know if you remember this. Five years ago, you came in.

It wasn't the right role for you. But I've been waiting for something that I'm like, that is a good role for you. And here we are. That's amazing. I love that. But also, telling a kid, like, what's your plan B? You wouldn't say that to a doc, like a kid who's like,

I want to be a doctor. Yeah, you want to discourage someone who made a doctor or a lawyer, but it's something with the art. Yes. When we want to do the arts, people are like, what's your plan B? And meanwhile, like, Cindy's like, I want to be a doctor. You go, Cindy. And it's like, Cindy, you're dumb as hell.

Cindy, you're not the grave, but you go, you get a knife in your head and you start patting. You get it. You just start sawing people open, Cindy. What about me? I like the arts. I want to be a nuch. What's your playing? That's a rick.

You're like a butcher? You want to be butcher? It's just like, it was crazy to think that it's other people who fill our minds. Like, you know, I think when we think about being kids and your imagination was wild, like, anything was possible. And then something happens when we get older that people. people step on that. And they step on that idea of, like, grow up. Like, you can't be, you can't have this imagination of anything as possible.

And it's like, why not? Yeah. People do it every day. It's just like, the people who do it and succeed at it. But look at them. Good for them. You know, why can it be good for you? You could do the same thing.

Yeah, you have to start somewhere. Yeah. And yes, it's, this business is like fickle. Like, the highs are high and the lows are low. And so for everything you see me, like, oh, my God, you're killing it. You don't see the 30 things I didn't book, you know? And you don't see the close, the things that I got so close to that was like, oh my God, I really wanted that.

And then for some reason, I didn't. And then I look back, I'm like, it was never meant for me. Yeah. And it's fine. Sometimes I look at projects that I really want it. And then I see the outcome. I'm like, ugh. Yeah, I'm glad I was like.

And then sometimes you're like going to project. You're like, I don't know. This could be, or you take a project just because of the people that you know it's going to be attached. Like, when I knew that Nicole was doing the movie, I was like, you know what? I haven't worked with Nicole. I want to, I know it's going to be a good time. And it was. I would follow my instinct.

And even though those were situations that we could have been like, I'm done. the people I think that we were like, at least we're together. At least we're together, at least we're having fun. Because, I mean, one of the best parts about being an actor is like, you get to have fun every day. Yeah. Like, sure, maybe production's doing wild shit and you're like, ah, why are we doing this? Why are we spending two hours on this light set up?

Yeah. For the scene that's two minutes long. And they cut the scene out. And yeah, the scene's not even in it, but it's like, I don't know, I get to like hang out and like, he, he, he, ha, ha, ha, with nice people. Yeah. And that's actually, it's ever lost from me that, like, that is. like a luxury of being in this industry

that it's like you get to work with friends and even though the days are long and you never want to be walking in the hall at 4 in the morning and something you don't like you know so those days that turn long turn into like you know sleepovers and so you have a good time

and at 4 we were doing a scene in a bedroom at 4 in the morning and they were just they wouldn't get the scene done but we're just laying down and I think we're looking at close I was like I'm about to fall asleep for real I was like good night and at one point I think

because it was like a slow burning scene and everyone was talking and then eventually it got to your line and you were like Oh, like literally like I was like did not hear action I do, but those are fun moments

that you're like you know Not everyone gets to live though You know, being on set and making friends Yeah Forever adding people to the tier Yeah, I like that

If I didn't work in the industry I would probably work at a waffle house Because I feel like They have real fellowship And like real friendship and like Real friendship and they fight together And literally they'll go out I like that

I like that's like really bonding. Sponsored in part. You know? Sponsor in part by Waffle House. Speaking of them. The family that fights together. At them and that fights together stays together. Have you ever had a friend

like do something dirty to you and you're like I don't like that? You're off the cheer. You're now a crumb. Yeah. I did have a friend years ago that was like they were dealing with a lot of stuff. Like family and whatnot but they started taking like things out on our friends and whatnot and

accusing people of things. And like I think we're applying like a trip or something, a group trip, and I group text everyone and included their current, like, partner in the group text. Like, hey, guys, blah, blah. And I was like, what are you doing? And I was like, what do you mean? Why is he in the group chat?

And I was like, because is, didn't you say he's coming to the thing? If you want to convey something to them, text me, and I'll let them know. Ooh. And I was like, first of all, I'm not trying to get with that. Yeah, that's your own. It's a group text. It's a group tech. Yeah.

And also being a gatekeeper of. like I will talk to then no one talks to him unless you go and I was like that already was like that's weird that's so strange

that's so strange and also I was like if you were accusing me of something in a group text of trying to do something with someone that you're currently dating

then you don't see me as a friend and then I maybe not be seeing you as a friend are we being clear on what you're saying to me and they were like just text me

and I will do and then you're and I was like I don't need to text him and I don't need to text you yeah you're both out of the group texts that point poor partner.

Yeah. They were like, you get me my friend either. What's happened? And years went by and then later they realized that they had been really, you know, rough. And like, there was no need for that. And they tried to get the other friends in our group to be like, he wants to talk and say sorry.

That's okay. Yeah, because that's like a really wild accusation. It's a vile accusation. Yeah. And I don't have the energy to hang out with my friends when I have the time, you know, because I'm like literally running around. So when you start taking away time from our time friendship together time, what am I saying?

Like togetherness? No, no, friendship, together time. A friendship type. Friendship, together time. It means that you're just making, like, you're making it worse for a friendship because you're not enjoying the time we do have together. Yeah, you're making it that much harder for me to hang out with you, so I don't want that. So I don't want that.

And so we stopped being friends, and that was years ago. And actually, that's around the time when I just started, like, letting go of crumbs. Because if you're trying to put this cake together with crumbs, they're crumbs. They're not, they're longer cohesive with the molding of the cake. It's a crumb cake. It's a crumb cake. And it's going to fall apart again. As much as you try to put it back on,

it's going to fall apart. They're crumbs. And so the second you wipe your hands and say, nope, focus on the tier that's already fixed. It's stable. It's strong. Focus on that.

So you don't have any cake pop friends where you've gathered the crumbs taking some frosting. Oh, boy. All right. And pay the French and stuck a little stick in them. No. I'm not sticking any sticks into any crumbs pops and cape pops.

I also don't really have kick pop friends either. I did like recently reconnect with someone who was in my life who then left my life and we hung out and I was like, hmm, I now really fully understand why you're not

in my life. Yeah. Like you are negative to like a degree that really like bummed me out and it was just like nice to have that clarity to be like I'm not crazy. This person was like sucking energy from me and I don't need that. Yeah.

And you forget sometimes when people miss you, but you don't miss them, that means someone was giving more to this friendship. Definitely. Than the other person. You know what I mean? And when people say, I miss you, and I'm like, you know, that's funny. Because I don't miss me feeling like shed around you. I don't feel being drained.

And that's so funny because that person will circle around to get their fix of life. And I've always grown up being an optimistic and being kind of an empath in that way. People are drawn to that. To a fault, like it's sometimes you meet people who need that in their relationship with partner, like, even with, like, an ex that was, you know, finding out that they were covert narcissist. Like, I had no idea because I was just like, they, oh, you don't understand. They have a hard life.

I mean, justifications for their mood swings or their actions and the way they treat you. And then eventually you're like, no, that's not right. And actually being separated from that makes you see it clear. Like, I'm like, oh, you need me because you need someone like me who's going to be, you know, optimist who's just going to give and give. And the thing is, like, with narcissists that, like, you know, they never, you can never stop giving because they'll never stop taking. so they're never going to say that's enough

I've taken enough they're always going to be like keep going more more more and the second you you're drained you're like I can't do this it's so drained and with friendships it's like you're a chicken trying to make the eggs and they're stealing your eggs what are these analogies

what is you can't even fully form a chicken egg and they just put in there and they grab it and then the chicken there's the cake pop and then the cake up and then they're stealing the eggs before they're even out of you what came first I don't know

I just it was in my brain and I wanted to see what to get out I just wanted to get it out I actually probably applied this on the other 20 minutes ago

just like a chicken what both of us and then the why were you going into the chicken and twist I don't go in the chicken to get the egg

they're trying to get the eggs before it's fully departed and then aborts the egg and it just and then just drips and then there's scrambling your eggs before you have a chance to say I don't want to scramble.

And now the cake pop all over those chicken egg and then me. Yeah, kind of like that. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Hey, listen, sometimes you're filled with analogies and you want to get them out, you know? You never have one of those moods or you're like, he's going to stick with the cake one and then run with that one. Okay. It was just you kept returning to it.

It was just so great. You're like, I really wanted one. And I was like, maybe I'll get one too. The chickens stealing their eggs. Just like that. Just like that. But it's true. Yeah.

And with friendship, it's even harder because you do want to believe that your friends or your friends for a reason that you attract. But then sometimes it's toxic and you don't need to be in that friendship anymore. And it's okay to let go of it, you know? And we grow. We're not the same person where yesterday that we are today and that we're going to be tomorrow. So people also evolve and just grow separate or you become friends who know. they're going to be friends forever. Did you know allegedly

you're a different person every seven years because you shed your particles or something? Your cells change. Your cells regenerate. I think that's the one. Would you say particles?

Yeah, your particle. Yeah, you are a whole different person every seven years. Okay. That makes sense though. Yeah. Because every seven years you have you look back,

you're like, maybe some of them and that they are that means that they're going to stick around because you're meant to be friends yeah I was thinking

I was like yeah I was way different from like 7 to 14 and then 21 to 21 to 28 and then not sure about after that math

you know the farmer's taking the eggs before you're ready to give them the egg that's the best one What's the nicest thing you've done for a friend? That's the nicest thing. I don't know if I consider things, this is nice for my friend.

I do things and then someone, they feel good. And then maybe some time later people are like, that was really nice of you, you know? Well, then I'll reverse it. What's the nicest thing a friend's done for you? I feel like a lot. I feel like being there. The nicest thing some friends have been,

I'm a very like I solve things on my own I'm a tourist not that I'm really into Me too. You know what I mean? Yeah. But I'm very much like, I don't ask for help. I usually tend to like, be like, I'll fix it, you know? And so when friends see that I'm like, it's okay, you know, it's like, no, no, I'll take care of it.

No, it's okay, you don't have to do everything yourself. And so those are the nice moments because I don't have to ask for something is when they can sense that they're like, let's, it's okay. We're going to spread this out and we're going to help you out with this. And even if it's talking or taking over something or overwhelmed with like something in an event or, you know, whatever. or it's nice to, like, have those friends who can sense that. But the nicest thing I've done for a friend, I don't know if it's like, yeah, I don't know.

There's things that I've done that felt right in the moment. And then later, yeah, was like, that was a nice thing. But I don't see it as like tit for tap. Yeah. Yeah. I feel like I'm a generous person. So, like, sometimes, like, you know, it's a friend because we're all different who can't, like, afford to go somewhere for like, but we're doing a group friend's trip or something.

And then we're like, happy birthday, I got your ticket. Yeah. So stuff like that. That's nice. Where it's like there's no reason to be excluded in the friendship thing because that year was a financial difference for one of us in the group or, you know, or if you've been blessed enough to have a real successful year, then you should share that. Definitely. The nicest thing I've ever done for a friend was buys this year, a hot dog bun toaster. And she said, I don't want this.

And I said, okay. So we left it in a parking structure. No. To bless somebody else. Somebody pulled their car in and said, boy, my hot dog buns are so cold. Whoa! Does that really happen? Okay.

What? The truth came out now. I guess it did happen. Yeah. But, so Nicole is a gift giver, and I love that. And I am too. And when she sees something that reminds her of me, she'll get it. But you love hot dogs.

I know that. And I do love hot dogs. This is true. I, and I think, you. Your aesthetic in your home is, like, kitchy, like food stuff. That is not my aesthetic. So sometimes you'll buy me, like, hot dog goods for the home. And that's not necessarily how I wanted to create my house.

And I have kind of a hot dog shrine in my house that's comprised of gifts that Nicole has given me. So the shrine is from her. Mostly. Some things have come from other people. It's mostly from Nicole. And, you know, I guess I didn't. want to stop this fun but eventually I was like

I can't keep accepting hot dog kids from you this is not a hot dog house and she showed up one day this is not even a hot dog home she showed up with this toaster and you know in a parking lot though Because we were leaving somewhere? Did she just buy it?

Were you like in a Target parking lot? No, I was in a home goods and I left it in my car and I said, I'm going to see my friend soon. And so we saw each other for a different reason. But she's like, oh, before I leave, let me get you this gift that I got you. And it was a toaster where you put hot dogs in one compartment and the butt in another compartment. And I also don't make hot dogs at home. So it's like I actually don't have a-oh, you like hot dogs for someone else, got to prepare them. Yeah, if I'm like at a concert, at an event, you know.

It's like a... After a cloud on the street... Literally. Yeah. She had one last night. I had one last night. And... But yeah, I'm not usually making them at my house.

So she gave me the toast, and I was like, I just like, I can't... I just can't love the slide. I was like, look, I love that you love giving me gifts that remind you of me. I just don't need this toaster. And she goes, whoa, what am I supposed to do? What do I get you? And I was like, you're my friend. You should know.

You're my best friend of like 15 years. You can find. And also, you don't even have to get me a gift. Yes, I do. You could. Or you could just take a picture of me like, ha ha, this is a funny thing. That's what I do now. Now you do that.

And I appreciate that. But yeah, so she, you know, they got a little mift, said, I'll just leave it here. And I was like, I could give it to somebody else. She's like, no. No, I'll leave it in the car. Was it mad? Wasn't petty. I was like, someone else will just be blessed by this.

Okay. That's nice. Because somebody found it and somebody said, I don't want this. Hot dog. I just toss it. Hot dog. Hot dog.

Is it the toaster one that you put the actual wieners and the buns and you push them down? I think so. Simply don't know. I think it was. It was, right? Yeah.

Which I thought about that. I was like, that's really resourceful. But that grease is just going to melt to the bottom and cause a fire. And they also need different times. Yeah. You can't just cook the, the bread's going to burn

and the hot dog's going to be undercooked. Yeah. And then that's not a nice time. I'm glad you returned this gift. Thank you. I wanted to buy you a hot dog food. Food stool. A stool for my food?

Food. Food. I had a really hard time getting that out. Food stool. You know how Home Goods has those food stool? Oh, a cupcake stool. Yeah, yeah, yeah. They have a hot dog one, but it doesn't look right.

It's not long enough. But I didn't buy it. A short dog. Thank you. Weiner dog. I just love buying stuff for people. It's a nice time. I do too.

I think we have that similar thing. Or we just orange red lobster for. Biscuits for everybody. Biscuits for everybody. You are very generous. I think one of the nice things they called it for me because she didn't know that my family and I are Dodger fans and she got tickets to the Dodger games.

And I was like, oh my God, you have to go. I don't want to go to the Dodgers. And I was like, oh, do you want to go? I was like, yes, I gave those tickets to me, my brothers and we went and had a family time. That's so fun. I'm so generous. That's what makes you so nice.

But I recently went to a Dodgers game. I had never seen baseball. Wow. I'm sorry. Wow. But I had never seen baseball in person. That's right, because she had told me that. She was like, I never seen it.

I don't want to go. And I was like, okay. But it was exciting. It is exciting. The last three minutes were so exciting. I kept screaming, fun. I'm fun. Fun. This is fun.

Not the team, not go team, but fun. Fun! Fun! Fun! Well, because I walked Otani and then another man came and then here's my thing. I don't know why they're trying to hit the balls so far. Hit them bumpy. So people are like, so no, because they seem to have trouble catching them.

You see the comic relief in that. You see the physical comedy about that. Well, when it goes up high, the men who are in the back who don't do anything. The men who are in the back don't do anything. They're wearing their sunglasses. And they're like, got it. But when it's all bumpy, everyone's like,

and everyone gets it. You came to see a play. A comedy of errors, if you will. Fars. Starring the Dodgers. I just feel like you have more time to get to the bases when everybody is fumbling. But the men in the back, they're just, they're ready.

They have nothing else to do. They don't. The acne anvil fall from the sky and Wally Coyote running around. And you got the perfect show for Nicodewa Wolland. I'll ask you this, since you love the Dodgers. What's your favorite part of the game? I like when it feels like, O'Hope is lost and it's like the bottom of like six or seven. And people start getting out of their seats.

And I'm like, no, no. And then people are like, it's over because the Dodgers aren't ahead. and then at the last minute, which I've been in person at a game when this happens, the energy that happens at like when it's like a movie. It's like, oh my God, we never see like a little... And then everyone's at clapping. Otani Home Run makes another world record in front of you.

Like it's like when those things happen simultaneously is what I really love because you feel the energy of everybody where the people who believed stayed. They're rewarded. And the people are walking back. Some of them are still tricking. They're like, come back, come back. And people start coming back.

back to their seeds but some don't and they're driving home and they regret not being there because they hear about it through the radio like oh my God

tonight we made history if you were here your life changed forever my favorite part is the sweepers they come with big broomy things and then they're like

yeah the dirt sweepers I love them they're fun I like the runners when the ball goes like foul and then just have some like hit like really quick to get the ball.

Oh yeah the little ball guys they go through so many balls at games I couldn't believe I was like they must bring so many bags and bags of balls Their budget for balls is big It probably is so big ball budget

Big ball budget Well on that note I think it's time to end Oh, I'm big balls As we always do On big balls Big balls But the sweepers are my favorite part

Because like They didn't go to school for sweeping You don't know that You don't know that They have camps They have camps for these kids to learn stuff. Oh, wait, those are kids?

Well, some of them are like... Oh, they were adults. Some of them are adults, but some of them are like, it's like being, it's like an honor, like a flower girl. Oh. Well, I was like, yeah, like, they're living a dream.

They love the Dodgers and they get to like hang out in the dugout. There's probably like a separate entrance for them to walk through. That's cool. And then they get to sweep and like be on the field. Like, that's cool. That's cool.

I would be a sweeper for a day. They have days where you can run the field. I can, what? Yeah, they have days of a specific game. They let you, well, it's supposed to be kids. but most of the parents who love the Dodgers will bring their kids

and they'll let you run the bases. Oh, that's fun. And you run the bases? With like an audience of people? Well, the audience comes down and they all get in line to do it. But is there still people in the audience? No, no, no.

Oh. You only want to do it if someone's watching you? You want to throw the first ball at a game. How do I do that? I'm sure you can make it work. It could be like, yeah, you throw the first ball. Have you seen like Mariah Carey do? Yeah, so you could do that.

You could do that. Do it. I've been to one game. You are an expert. You're an expert. And I love baseball. Yeah. You should do it. Well, Harvey, do you have anything you want to promote?

Just follow me on Instagram and Twitter and Harvey Geehan. Yeah. And yeah, and look out for some new projects. Amazing. I love that. Harvey, thank you so much for being here. Thanks for having me. Friends.

Yeah. Friends. Friends. Friends. Friends. Friends. Friends. Friends.

Friends, friends, friends, friends, friends, friends. Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Freeze frame. Best Friends is a production of HeadGum Studios.

Our producer is Ali Khan. Our executive producer is Anya Khan of Skaia. The show is edited, mixed, and engineered by the great KC. Donahue. That was a HeadGum podcast. Hi, I'm Alana Hope Levinson. And I'm Dan O'Sull. And this is the outfit, the new podcast from Higher Ground and Headgum. We're two journalists who are slightly obsessed with the mob and organized crime and other nefarious stuff like that.

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