Good Hang with Amy Poehler - Rachel Dratch

Episode Date: October 7, 2025

We owe Rachel Dratch royalties for this podcast. Amy hangs with her fellow 'SNL' alum, and they talk about life as a Pisces stellium, sailing to the Pinot Grigio Islands, and how Dratch got the inspiration for Debbie Downer on a group trip to Costa Rica. Host: Amy PoehlerGuests: Kevin Cahoon and Rachel DratchExecutive Producers: Bill Simmons, Amy Poehler, and Jenna Weiss-BermanFor Paper Kite Productions: Executive producer Jenna Weiss-Berman, coordinator Sam Green, and supervising producer Joel LovellFor The Ringer: Supervising producers Juliet Litman, Sean Fennessey, and Mallory Rubin; video producers Jack Wilson, Belle Roman, and Aleya Zenieris; lighting director Caroline Jannace, audio producer Kaya McMullen; video editor Drew van Steenbergen; and booker Kat SpillaneOriginal Music: Amy Miles Palmolive removes up to 2.5X the grease**vs. leading brand non-concentrated formula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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tables, or join a live dealer game to feel the thrill of real-time action, all from the comfort of your own devices. Why settle for less when you can go for the gold at Golden Nugget Online Casino. Gambling problem call Connects Ontario 1866531-260. 19 and over, physically present in Ontario. Eligibility restrictions apply. See Golden Nuggett Casino.com for details. Please play responsibly. 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 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 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. This episode is brought to you by Paul Mollive. Some of the best memories you'll ever make are around the dinner table. 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. Brownie points.

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I get to see you on this two days. I know. I wish we were having margaritas with Dratch. Hey, listen, would that be great? That's a good hang right there. That is. For listeners, I've had a few margaritas with Kevin and Dratch over the years, pre-show, post-show, because both of you were on Broadway.

Well, listen, anytime I can hang out with you. How are you? I'm so great. How are you? Where are we talking to you from? I am in Texas at my mom's place, rural Texas, outside of Houston. It's a sunny day. We've had four days of torrential rain. 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. But last night we had a few come and the alarms went off in the middle of the night, which there's nothing more 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 of Google, if anyone wants to Google, sex is wild feral hogs. Well, I mean, the thing that I was so excited to talk to you about today is that you, like many of us, deeply love our guest, Rachel Latch. Beyond. 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 a way from experiences like that are the people, and you usually have one or two from each show, and I fell in love with Rach immediately. What's not fall in love with? And she had told me she had

gone to a psychic that I think you had bought her this psychic reading for her birthday. That's right. I should talk to her about that because if she's open to it, because her and I both went to the same psychic at the same time when we were both pregnant. Yes, that's right. And she had gone to, we had, before the show, we would go, I would go to her dressing room and we would have a day catch up. What'd you do today? Who'd you see? Where'd you lunch? Um, and she had said, I went to this psychic and the psychic told me that our show was going to close out of town. And we were like, they're crazy. That'll never happen. We're moving into the St. James Theatre. Well, the psychic was right. But anyway, that was probably 15, 16, 17 years ago. And it has just been the most nourishing, fulfilling, deadfast 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 friend when you meet their friends. And those friends become your friends as well.

So it's just been the most rewarding friendship I could have ever imagined. I hear you. I feel the same. I feel like there's a few friends that, and it's proven to be true now that Rachel and I've been friends for almost 30 years. and there's a few people that you know 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 as your friend. That is so true. And she's a wonderful gift giver. She never forgets an occasion where she's going to bring you a little something. You know, I did a Broadway show that ran nine months and she was there opening night. She was their 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 Rache is around.

Cahoon. Let's talk about Shucked, which is the show you're talking about. That's true, yes. I loved you in it and loved that show so much. You were so dear to come. Of course. 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 Casha Fall. 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 POTS and how, I mean, because I know from being her friend how, how positive an experience that was for her. like great women that she became really good friends with, a Tony nom, a hilarious part. Do you remember that time and what she said about that experience when she was working on that show? Well, here's the incredible thing, and it's so rare.

She got a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut. Damn. Ever happens. That is like remarkable. And I've seen Rachel on stage so many times at the public, Shakespeare in the Park. Manhattan Theater Club, she is always the standout. And when you do a Broadway show, whether you want to admit it or not,

there's always a part of you that thinks, maybe, just maybe, that childhood dream would come true. That show that I watched 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 biggest embrace you could ever imagine from a community that you've always wanted. wanted to be a part of. And, 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 will, she can do it all. She can do everything. That's why you hire Rachel that, you know? It's so true. 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. And she went to theater camp and her dream and ambition was to be in plays and in musicals. And then her career took a brilliant detour. I would ask her little Rachel Dratch going to theater camp, what were her three beacons of light in the American theater? A musical, a performer. Who was it that filled her with, I want to do that? That's what I want to be when I grow up. Such a good question. That was the one question. And then this is something that inspires me about Rachel.

She brought us all Debbie Downer, one of the most iconic American comedic characters. When Rachel Dretch is thinking about feline AIDS and North Carolina, Korean train accidents and insurrection, what is that catalyst that gets her out of her doom and gloom and brings her back to reality? That would be another question. Debbie would want me to point out that it is good that you brought up feline AIDS because it is the number one killer of domestic cats. Well, that's true. Listen, we've talked about feral hogs and feline AIDS. What's next, baby? Texas, baby. These are such good questions, Kevin. And I don't think she, I don't think she knows that I'm talking to you today.

I did not tell her. Okay, good. I didn't tell her. We had a little 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. And 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. She will say that. I guarantee you. She will. And I had told Blake Lee, who was on, who's a dear mutual friend of

hour. She was on for Dakota. I told him, not five days ago, Amy, it was like, you were so incredible on Amy's podcast. It's so fabulous that you were on there. It is so chic. What a cool thing. I'm so proud of you. And then my phone dinged, and it was you. And it just, I can't thank you enough. Are you kidding me? Thank you. Thank you for taking a break from fighting the hogs and, and if, you know, if you are eventually eaten by them, just know that our time together was so special to me. It was, and I cherish every single minute. 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. This message is brought to you by Apple Card. Each Apple product, like the iPhone, is thoughtfully designed by skilled designers. The titanium Apple Card is no different. It's laser etched. has no numbers and earns you daily cash on everything you buy, including 3% back on everything at Apple.

Apply for Apple Card on your iPhone in minutes. Subject to credit approval, Apple Card is issued by Goldman Sachs Bank, USA, Salt Lake City Branch, terms and more at applecard.com. Rachel Dratch is here. Are we starting? Is it official? Yeah, and we need to talk about... Wait, what... What do you got?

I just get started here I'll get this The World Famous You've seen it You've seen them before This is my new trademark Everybody Spitsodian

These are going to be in the Smithsonian The Academy of TV and Radio By the way I didn't I didn't tangle this This is how it came out Where I was doing it This is the These are the world

Natural State World Famous Rachel Dratch headphones. It was a shot, fire, hurt 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 had to bring those out. Oh, my God. The historical item. Of course, Dratch brings a prop. Brings the prop from home. For people that didn't see, our first episode of Good Hang, Dratch,

was in the group that was talking about our guest, Tina Faye, and boy did we have a good time. Oh my God. That was 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. Where were you when you saw the clip? I mean, I owe you money for that clip. I owe you money for that clip. But it really was like it started off the entire vibe of show like I'm so grateful for it because it started

off exactly what I was hoping which is I was hoping that this would be like fun and easy and a laugh and that was the deepest laugh drudge. It was such a good laugh. Like imagine like your best laugh ever and then it's

and then it's like recorded for you to watch again like that never happens because you can't plan that. No no and also having Fred and Seth and Zarner 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 like He was making me laugh so much So hard. He's like Dredge we're probably going to cut all this out And then when I was like I'm holding everything up And he's like no this is how she wanted to start Like He was the perfect foil The comedy foil

Also the thing that gets me which is such a like improv and such a good example of what a good listener you are is that at the very end you clap which is what we asked you to do 15 minutes before to get started God that clap End it with the beginning people

Comedy 101 Okay Second prop use of this podcast is trying to swirling her ice drink Okay No but it is like that I have to say when I was thinking about what to talk about

And I was like, we have had deep laughs. We have. It's like the hot, and you love, you love to laugh. And the way Drash has many kinds of laughs. And you have, like, 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, you go, like you get very old school.

Oh my gosh. Wait, I just need to say, though, that when that it was happening, that I didn't know that was going to be used for on camera, which I didn't tell you that. You did not tell me. I looked back at the texts 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 she order food, right? When I was, there was a podcast happening, like, we could argue still with audio.

Why did you? Well, because I thought it was like a half hour of time. True. And then it came very quickly. And then my dog barked. And then my dog's name is. 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. Stelium 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, you know, 10,000 men or something. And that kind of, Pisces final boss. Yes. And I have wondered if I, other people were talking about ADHD, I guess.

And I have wondered if I have that as an adult. I don't know. I don't know. But that, if you look at that clip, you're going to be like, yep. I feel like it's like, I mean, we talk about it like in, you know, the Pisces being a shorthand for, like, you know, it's in its best. Chaos. I'm saying. That's what I'm saying.

But we're opposite. We are our sister signs. Amy's Virgo. By the way, I don't know much about signs, but I just know about this. I just know about this. I don't know. I do like astrology. I think it's cool. We like astrology. We like anagram. We like anything that, like, is about personality stuff. Yes. 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 virgin setting their rules. I don't know. But I find like we do do, I mean, I feel like you do definitely have a dreamlike approach and an adventurous approach to life. I would say that, yes? Yes. I think you are like a curious traveler and you definitely don't. I feel shy. I feel shy. I feel shy. I feel shy.

Did you see what happened? The curious traveler. I'm trying to be myself. I can't see. It was like a shy cloud came over. You are kind of shy. I am shy, yes. It goes without saying we've been friends for 30 years.

We are often mistaken for being the same person or like just the other day, someone, we were in a public bathroom. And someone was like, I saw your sister in the bathroom. Like, they think we're sisters. 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. Walking by each other in the mall, probably. Talk to people who don't know, like early dratch, where did she grow up? What was her life? Early Dratch 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 Chadwick's. 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, 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 go at all. No, I don't think I even knew that was a job, really. It was sort of like maybe a little dream at the back.

Like when I saw Annie, you know, the musical, I'm like, how are they up there? Where do I get one of those buckets, you know? Annie. Annie is, there should be a documentary about women are age and how we were affected by Annie. Yeah. So, but yeah, and then I did school plays, but I definitely was not like, the queen of 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? Or did you guys do those stupid things? We had class clown but I didn't get it. What? I'd like to know who did. I was a second runner up for most casual. You don't know this? 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. Second runner up to superlilers. Kind of casual. Class clown. But then let's see. I don't know. I, then, oh, and then also, well, my dad was very funny, as you know. Yeah, 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, we're at the house.

And then she said, oh, my dad said your dad used to always do impressions of the teachers when they left the room and have everyone laughing. because he was doing it. Yeah, so like I just sort of had that it was 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've got to be funny in real. I guess like in junior high I started kind of like pipe up one-liners from the back of the room kind of thing. But much to the chagrin of teachers, I'm sure. But then when I got to college

then there was an improv group there and then I was cut. Like I didn't even know what improv was. back then. Well, when you go to, so you're in high school in Lexington, Massachusetts, which a shot heard

around the world that we just mentioned, like the birthplace of democracy, 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 traction. She just blanched. Well, I was going to say, I exaggerated for effects. Okay, okay. I exaggerated for effect.

Okay, okay. But we shared them all. We shared them. Well, I often hung out at the Burlington Mall. We probably passed each other. We did. I think we did. At the Brigham's or something.

Like we definitely, I felt like we had very parallel lives, like short, blue-eyed Massachusetts girls 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 Recs fan, like Parks and Rec fans, Lexington was the Eagleton and Burlington was the Pondy is how it felt. like we thought Lexington was where the rich people were. And what did you think of Burlington? Burlington? Oh, I didn't think about, no, I'm just kidding. I'm like, how do I get Amy to see? No, first of all, I worked at Caldors.

Yes. Which is in, cross the Burlington line. I crossed town lines to rank of 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.

We used to try to trash talk each other on Thanksgiving. And then you go to Dartmouth. I went to Dotmouth. Ivy League, Rachel. Yes. And very, very like, what was your experience there? Like, did you like it? Well, great question.

It was, but I went back in the 80s, and it was very conservative back then. 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. 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. Right. 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. We have very similar stories because same thing. I went to Boston College. I was trying to figure out how I fit in. Really? I didn't know that part of it. Yeah. sports school, like, and lots of, like, private school kids, prep school kids.

Which, as much as we joke about Lexington, they're like, we didn't have, like, that prep school vibe of, like, and I was kind of what person is the, 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 rooms so ready, so fast? And they're like, I was living in Deerfield. I spent three years at Deerfield, and that's how. But I didn't know that you felt that way, too. Yeah. And so I saw an improv group my freshman year.

My mother's fleabag bag. Yes, and yours was. Set and done. There's nothing like those improv group names. Our friend Brian Stack, who is a performer at Second City, used to love to talk about good and bad improv names and, like, how they would either be really goofy, like, pun-filled. Or they would be very, like, serious. and pretentious. Oh, I haven't heard the seriousness.

Like, 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. Is that real? Good question.

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. Yeah. Okay, so you, did you do, were you in set and done? then, yeah, so then I got to set and done, and then I was like, oh, like, these are the fun people, you know? But you were a theater kid. I well, I mean, I don't know.

I just did, like, you did plays, right? Did you do play a 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 really, it was just like suburban Boston, like, you know, whatever. Whatever. But yeah, then I, that's where I met our pal Alec. But, yeah, I wasn't 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? I mean like every kid in third grade I wanted to be marine biologist

like us all right but no I mean 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 mean actually legitimately was like very in and still I'm like nature

like a career for in saving nature was like something I actually when I was little like then when I got then as you know I wanted to be a therapist But I also, 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-debring, but it wasn't like I had felt like I had special skill in acting or anything. But I loved, like, crack and jokes. You get class comedy, but yet you don't think you're skilled.

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, a legit, funny friend. So that was also sort of like practice, you know what I mean? Yeah. Okay, so you get to Dartmouth, you graduate. And what was your degree in?

It was drama, and then I minored in psychology. Right. And then, oh, so my improv group, sophomore summer, we're on campus, we took this little, like, trip because one of the guys from the group was from Chicago. So we went out to Chicago for a week just to, like, check out Second City Improv Olympic and just, like, you know, go to all the little sites there. And then I was at, 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 when. So then I was, like, buying into that. And then I was like, okay, I'm just going to go out and try Chicago. And then I won't make it. And then I'll come back and be a therapist in suburban Boston. and um but then like very okay then like I mean I don't know how much it'll go to but right when I got there I did not get into classes at second city like I heard like everyone auditions gets into classes and then I didn't get into classes and then I was like oh like what did I do you know but then I just stuck it out and then I took class like later like everything I did I kind of didn't get the first time around sort of um interesting interesting like um well like that and then like touring company I auditioned didn't get in and then like um well SNL I auditioned two times like just

But then you kind of get used to that, I guess. I don't know. But 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 and, like, I would just say, like, sunshiny.

Like, it's not, you, you don't always remember meeting someone for the first time. But I do remember, at least in my mind, this was the first time. And I just remember you were like very, like, like you are. You were very friendly and smiley and, you know, cute little blondie. I remember meeting you, but I didn't meet you. I saw you. So I arrived, and you were kind of the junior to my freshman in Chicago, I would say. 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... 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. 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, I think like when you see someone on stage for the first time, it's a very interesting dynamic. Like you're just like forever looking up to them like it feels like. And I just was like, oh, she's so funny. Like just loved being like watching you perform. Like just. And, um, and, you know, subsequently, like we got to know each other in Chicago and I was your understudy for a touring company for sure, yeah. So what is touring company for people who don't know? Well, it's like your first step to getting into Second City. And you're not out on the road like for big long times. You're just like, you're going to Indiana for the weekend, like that kind of thing.

Yeah. And it's just sort of like cutting your teeth. And I mean, you get paid of minimal sums. You're like, it's your first like, I'm a working actor, you know? Yeah. And it's sort of your first step to moving up the little ladder 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, whatever, successful, like, known to be good improvisers, whatever. But then, like, you definitely would have moved up the ranks at Second City, but you guys had this like pioneer spirit of moving here and starting with it. It's kind of like if we're, if the drachian polar rom-com is happening, this is where the left 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 when? Oh, so then Tina joined them. The next show, then they changed it to three men, three women, which was like, revolutionary. Everyone was like, what? I know. They're like 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, being better at creating characters and all that. And then Tina went off to write for SNL after the second, her second show. And then I stayed there. How many more years did you stay there?

Well, I was four years on the main stage. And it was such a fun job. I mean, it might have been like my favorite job ever. Yeah, like to take us back to what it was like a day when you were on the main station in Chicago. What was that day like? Well, I mean, I remember like you'd sleep really late much later than I do now. But I just, well, but then you're writing the show. If you're rehearsing, you're writing the show by day.

So you're in rehearsal all day. So, and that, but you never wrote like how we did at SNL where you were like at a typewriter. What a typewriter. Okay. Board processor? I think I got a good one here Give me more paper I'm on paper, Schultzzi

Okay computer is what they're called now But um But I know 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 then you try it out in front of the audience Or the audience would give a suggestion and then a scene would really hit from an audience suggestion. Let's try that again, but let's change us. So that's how we wrote the thing. And then eventually, like, the show would be done and it'd be set. And then you just do the show night after night.

But 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 improvised right now, I'd be like, I'd wait, linger in the back line. And, you know, if you keep doing it like well-oiled machine. So talk to us about your on it. You get to S&L what year? 99.

Right. Yeah, fall of 99. And I was the only new person that year. Well, the only new actor. Ali was a new writer. But, 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 a new way to change Tuesdays for me because Tuesdays used to be writing night at S&L 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 gonna let the host down I'm gonna let every myself down now that there's like this show comes on to 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? Which particular type of dread? I don't know. I just thought of like walking in there and like picturing the hallway. And I think I thought you were going to like go to the audition, but no, then I'm like right in that hallway. I'm in the hallway. I'm in the hallway, Amy. I'm in the hallway. Stay in the hallway. Stay in the hallway. Stay there.

Rachel. I can feel your second. Feel your feet on the ground Here comes Lauren down the hallway Okay So you're there by 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 Like a whole bunch of new people They were like

The freshman class And then you're all like in it together But when you come in new Like no one's like You know Here's how this works in here And it's just you're kind of just like, hey guys, what's, you know, wandering the halls kind of.

It definitely feels like the high school version of like your tray in the lunchroom, like where do I sit? Yeah, for sure. I mean, Tina was there, so that was good because she knew how already, she knew the system, obviously, but like I had someone to write with. Yeah. Because some people come in there and they're great, but if they don't know how to write. Like also, the writing for Estinol is very different writing for Second City. Like a scene that killed a second city You couldn't get it on SNL

Because it's just a different 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 because like a scene in the theater Like could take longer to get going You didn't 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 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 just one thing.

Do you remember the first scene on SNL that, like, you got, we were getting laughs and you thought, like, it's working. Like, that felt like, no. Gosh. I don't remember the first, because I remember the first few times I got on, like, I wasn't even, 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, you know.

Well, the first, very first show, I wasn't in. of, you know, season premiere, whatever. Right. And, like, you've told all your friends, like, I'm honest. And everyone's watching it. Your scene gets cut, like it does. And then the next week, the same thing happened, seeing 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. And does not compute. Oh, my God.

I don't remember. Well, it's funny. The brain remembers trauma. So you remember the two shows. You weren't on. 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, dratchy? It was 1999 third episode. Okay, this will be a fun game. Dana Carvey? Okay, I'm going to, and I'm going to have you guess the musical guest because that's always fun, too. Oh, my God. See? I don't know this.

I don't remember anything. No. 1999 S&L hosts. And don't worry, we're going to keep all those scenes. Oh, but let me tell you one cool thing, though. Let me tell you one cool thing, though. I just heard that. Wait, let me tell you one.

cool thing, though. Please. Please. The very first musical guest was David Bowie. And when I was, I've told this before, but when I was getting my photo taken for like the very first opening credits, like it was on the stage, you know, like in 8-H. And David Bowie was, it was Thursday, he was rehearsing with the band. So like, I'm getting my picture taken. And he's right over there singing Rebel Rebel.

I mean, I have chills every time I think about that. Because that was just like, I mean, I don't even have words for like the surrealness. That's a very, that's a, like to have a soundtrack of that moment for your life. And it's David Bowie playing life. It's David Bowie. I can. Yeah. So I remember that.

Should we tell the Black Crow story? Okay. So one time, so I don't do drugs at all. So then one time the Black Crows were the musical. guess. And someone in the Instagram came out to me, he's like, hey, do you want that's my drug offer voice.

Hey, do you want 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 tried a couple times. It's never really worked. I've never really dug it. And then I was like, okay, sure. So I took like one puff off of this black crows. Am I going to?

suit, the black crow's pot. He 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 this is like I'm really high right now. And I was so embarrassed because like it was my little cousin and I never ever ever get high. And then I came back and I was kind of like, I don't really remember if I told him or not. Oh, he didn't, but 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. It's possible. You were kind of stuck. I was just like, really like, anyway. And that's why I don't do drugs.

I mean, no, I'm just not into that feeling, I guess. No, you're not into that feeling. Only if it's from the black crows. And then, yes. Chris, Chris Robinson, call me, call me. I just love that that was the particular strand. It wasn't like I was like partying with the black clothes. It was like second-handed, made it down to the music guy.

And I was told it was from the black crows. But it's so interesting that you took the hip that you had used to. I don't. I don't 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 so. thing. No. You know, I like a margarita. I know. Or perhaps you like to sail to the Pino Grigio Islands. Amy and I will occasionally sail to the Pino Grigio's. We'll text each other and say, shall we take a trip to the Grigios? Yeah. Yeah.

And then when you were at S&L, like I feel like we got, I was thinking today about all the stuff we got to do together. and we got to do a lot of dumb. So fun. So fun stuff. Oh my gosh. But, you know, and I was thinking it was like, I mean, in many ways I wish we had, I wish we had more time together when I was more experience there because I was new and kind of stressed. And you were the, again, the junior or my senior. And I felt like I loosened up more and figured out how to like just have more fun as I got older there.

Yeah. But we did get to do some fun stuff together. First of all, you were in the original Debbie Downer, and that was so fun. I mean, just to be laughing there with you. Well, you bring this up and, you know, I ask this question to people on this podcast, and I truly feel like it is because of Debbie Downer that I ask this question. Again, I owe you a lot of money. And thank you for building this podcast with me. But Debbie Downer, I've said it many times before, was and it is the thing that I go to,

also maybe now replaced by the clip. The clip of this podcast. I watched the clip a lot of times. And I just want to clarify, I don't go, like, watch my work. Like, I don't go watch, like, a movie I did. Because, like, 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 us all having fun. You, your. like the way in which you were physically trying to hold it together like the way like the laugh was like

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 every single she's like this is the part where your lips starts quivering because there's one part at the very beginning I'm going giga giga giga gig

and then there's the part where something falls backstage I look away my highest dart over there. Like, we know every single moment. It is. It's like the Pruder film, like frame by frame. And it proves, it just, it got me, it's such a serotonin boost. Before we move on, talk to us about the, like, who did you write Debbie Downer with?

And how did it start? Like the origin of the, the origin of, people will want to know. So, well, it really started because I went on a vacation by myself. that had been suggested to me by a therapist. And I often leave that detail out. But since I'm on this one-on-one Amy interview, no, I 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. But no, she just like, she kept saying, like, take a trip by herself. And I was like, why? Like, I don't want to do that. I can go with friends. I don't want, and I just kind of took it as, like, doctor's orders.

Like, I just sort of like, I'm doing this. And I, like, self-propelled myself to the jungles of Costa Rica. No, but I wanted to pick somewhere that it wasn't going to be, like, honeymooners. And, like, I wanted to pick somewhere that was, like, me, just, like, I don't know, somewhere kind of remote, I guess. So it was, like, very remote. It was in the Osa Peninsula. You had to take, like, the big plane, then you take the smaller plane. Then you take the two-hour Jeep drive.

I mean, I was going deep out of society. And each time they were like, it was like Barbara Potty won. Well, no. So I picked this, it was like this eco-lodge thing. So I went there 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.

And I met these two sisters that like they were older, but they're. like my age right now, but I mean the age I'm now. And they were sort of like they sort of tell me like the rudimentary fundamentals of what is later known as the secret. Like did I tell you? When I was almost true. People should know. Dratch knew

the secret before anyone knew the secret. And I learned it from the jungles of Costa from two white ladies that were from Colorado. But anyway, so they like they were just weird, you know, because you're like chatting and I got to say like hats off to the suggestion because I never

would have talked to strangers if I was with friends, you know? Right. 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 think on positive things, positive, and if you're, if you're focusing

on lack, you'll attract lack basically. But then it almost like, the whole thing got like sealed because then we were on this like, you know, you could do like nature walks or whatever and we'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 all this thing.

And this woman was saying, like, there were these, like, beautiful birds overhead, these, like, scarlet macaws. And this, 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, like, falls down. We all, like, kind of see it, like, boop-de-and-and-and-it,

and it lands, like, right at her feet. Wow. Amy doesn't believe in any of this stuff. I do. That's cool. That's cool. I believe in manifesting. That was cool, though.

So then I was just like, sold. I'll join your cult. No, but then, okay, this isn't anything about Debbie Dyer. This is just other stuff on that trip. But anyway, but then the Debbie Dunder story is that when later, it was like sitting at dinner like you're with Randos that are there. And 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 yeah and then like it's kind of like just like in Debbie down you had to like get the conversation back because it was like vacation times right and then like about a week later after I got home I was like out listening to some band which isn't something I usually do but I think that's kind of interesting because like doing something you don't usually do and then your brain is kind of like I don't know you're not on your usual channels I guess yeah but then I just had that idea of this kind of based on that like some like the Debbie Danner popped into my head of like yes and then which this is kind of just talking creativity I found at SNL you couldn't just go in there and like

okay let's think of a scene like it had to be like moments like that like and to me that only happened like once or twice a year which is why like you might sit there at home be like why isn't there like SNL man but it's like thinking of really original characters that kind of like hit on something it's not something you can like steer the ship on it's like to me like it has to like vibe out with you I don't know yes you have to be like to your point you have to keep the channel open and like find the muse and like let it find you just can't be like turned out exactly and how but then I just then I Then 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 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 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're 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 it read through like it killed but then you never know

because sometimes something can kill at the table and then when we were in dresser or so 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 and then

but thankfully you just like like like the good Pisces fish like you just like you went along for the like it was it's so joyous watching it because it is just the come it's like what real live TV is supposed to feel like like it just felt like a special moment in time and also I'm I mean you are such a good performer that you are able to like do it and have and enjoy doing it at the same time

it was like just it's very sometimes when people are stressed it's stressful to watch like it's not good to watch that 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 to 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, laughing inside. Like, I mean, better to keep it inside. But I mean, like, like, and I feel like you have that. Like, I was just talking about you, I forget, like, in what context, but, like, you are always, like, you can see the joy of, like, there's two levels happening.

There's, like, what you're performing and then this sort of joyful, like, under bubbling that's also happening. Like, I just, like, Steve Krell just popped into my mind as, like, someone that, like, you can see the fun happening. Will Ferrell's another one. Will Ferrell. Oh my gosh. The mischievous like dance underneath it where they're having fun. Circling all the way back to Debbie Downer and all the way back to the question that I ask my guess, 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? Oh my God. I was wondering

who my person was going to be. And um, because I want him to lead us into Broadway, which we're going to next. Okay, okay, okay, yeah. This Virgo has a plan. Okay, and I'm taking you there, baby. I'm taking you there. I got no. Okay, I'm aware of the time.

I'm aware of the time. Oh, okay. I can hang all day, but I'm just kidding. But I talked to Kevin, and he had a couple really good questions for you. And one was what, what, and it's a similar question to what we ask on the podcast. It's like, if, like, when you're feeling that, when, when you're feeling that, when, When Rachel is feeling like that Debbie Downer feeling, what do you do to get yourself up out of it?

And that's a question we ask here, which is what do you watch, listen to? When you've got Der Blues, as we like to call it, how do you get up out of it? What makes you laugh? You know, for me, it is a lot of Debbie Downer and clips. I mean, it is a lot of you, Rachel. That's so nice.

It is you. Like, you really get me out of the dumps. You really do. You're like an elevator that helps me get up out of there. Oh, oh. Tears? But you really get you shooting me way up, and it's because of the laughter. You do that for me.

Is there anything else that you like to go to to just like... The bottom of a tequila bottle. The worm. I go to the worm. I eat the worm. I eat the worm. That was such an 80s thing. she hate the worm. I know. I know. Now there's no worms anymore. No, this are worms.

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 always is like meeting like meeting with friends out in New York. Like that's like that's my honest answer. Yes, you like to socialize. The Marg's nights and like meeting with my lady friends. That's like because like I feel like I have this great. you know, various groups of people, but they're all, like, fun, but then, like, I love a friend who is really fun and, like, sees the joy in life and, like, can laugh through, like, the foibles and all that, but also has the side that's, like, you know, the amateur psychologist, like, you know, that we can help each other out. And if you're, 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 be like, you know, I'm not going to be bringing in my A game. And like, that's fine. And I like not having to exert extra energy to pretend I'm like somewhere I'm not. And I hope that like I'm not for other people to. 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. Yeah, yeah. This isn't like a joy thing. This is more like a mind set thing. Like a settle your mind.

Like I like doing those word puzzles in the York Times. Like that's my like, my like ritual as I do all those. Because it sort of makes me like forget all the, you can't be like emotional when you're trying to think of the word. Well, I would say as a person that has now known you for 30 years, has vacationed with you, has, you know, our kids are friends. and we are in a lot of different ways in life together, that those kind of like quiet, puzzly moments is a dratch recharge. Yeah, that is a recharge, yeah. Because you are a very interesting combo of introvert extrovert.

Like you are very extroverted and especially on stage, but you're every day, like you definitely need quiet time. I guess so. Would you say no? I don't know. I think I used to need less of it. I think now I'm a little more like I just need like the recharge moment. yeah um okay Kevin also had a question too that leads us into Broadway okay and um you were in an

incredible show called POTUS tell us about that experience what it was like working with those women and what it was like being nominated um well I mean it was a lot like it the mindset of it was so it was this comedy with all women and um I just got like called up to do this show with Susan Stroman who had done a few readings for and um the part was very much like the clown in the show so I got to do a lot of like physical just like make up your own bits and all this stuff and um it felt very much like being back at second city like in the best way and also I love like just I mean the theater schedule is no joke as any Broadway person will tell you but um because you know you have to kind of like sign your life well like you're not going on the weekends all that stuff but um the thing that I love

about theaters, it's just you in the audience. Like, there's no one saying, like, um, we think this should go this way. Like, of course there's a director in developing this part. But once you're up and running, it's just like that feeling, that connection of you in the audience, like, and that was like, hearkens back to Second City, like, oh, how long

am I holding this laugh? Or, oh, if I do this little tiny thing, it gets laugh. Like, you don't even, I love all that stuff. So, um, it was just very freeing and fun. Mm-hmm. Yeah. And, and you loved the women you did it with. Yeah, yeah. You guys became really good friends. A very disparate group that

It was all, like, meshed really well to go. Yeah, it was... 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, 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, award with stuff. But all that to say, like, I didn't expect, like, getting nominated was never anything that I thought 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 the craft. They do. The craft, yes. So Kevin had a question about you being like young Rachel, like what were some theater performers, some musical, some shows that like, what were, I think his question was like, what are the top three 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, 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, Rachel and I were both in Once Upon a mattress. We were. Amy had the lead, and I had the boring part. But we weren't in the same production. They weren't in the same production. 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 production. And Amy, if you know once I'm on a mattress, Amy played Winifred, the princess, the clown. The clown. The clown. Yeah, Carol Burnett originated in the Broadway. And I played this character, Lady Larkin, who's the boring part. But let me also say this, that because it was in sixth grade, the only comedic hook that Lady Larkin has is that

well she's pregnant and so they're in a hurry to get married 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

I'm just a lady in waiting and I wasn't pregnant by the way I don't even think I knew that the original characters but they changed the lyrics because the real lyrics were in a little in a little while you You and I will be one, two, three, four, like kids. And they're just like, you and I will be together.

That's what they change it to. And you're like, I got nothing to play here. I got nothing to play. So what? Okay, so, Annie. Okay, Annie, of course. Orphans. Also orphans.

One other thing is with Annie, everyone's like your age. Like literally, if you're 10 and they're 10, you're like, how do I get in this? Like that kind of thing, right? and also 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. Then also, well, of course, this is probably the same too. Like, Gilda Radner, Carol Burnett, Lily Tomlin. Yes. I mean... Just those... And they were on stage.

Like, they were also... I mean, I only saw them, obviously. Like, I saw them, like, I saw them, like, I mean, when I was really... really little. My parents watched laughing. And I remember Lily Tomlin being Edith Ann in the giant chair. And that's the truth. Yes. Sorry.

And then Carol Burnett, of course. Yes. And like, oftentimes we get asked who are blue in the face about women in comedy, right? And like, I just think growing up, seeing them, you're not thinking like, oh, these are women in comedy. You're just like, this person's really funny and they're being really brash and bold.

and they're 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. So I just think you're just seeing that and you're not delineating.

Yeah. And then like, I mean, the first season of us and all that cast, like I did watch like, you know, John Blushy, Steve Martin. That's why like when Steve Martin hosted us and all, It's like, oh, my God, Steve, like, I still have that when I'm, when I see Steve Martin, I'm like, when I'm hanging out with Steve Martin, no, that never happened. Not true. I've seen it.

But anyway, I think, like, seeing them was influence, but not knowing it at the time, of course. Fame was a big one. Which, of course, we all had played that on the piano. Well, you did. 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 hair. Hair! Hair. I don't think enough people are talking about hair these days. No.

The musical. No. Hair was so big. Like the music and the movie. I think like the movie. The movie. because that was the first like I mean I just remember

like excuse me that had like major like tragedy in it and sadness and but also like yes I remember seeing that the Lexington movie theater and it must have been nice

it was nice we had plus sheets we ate gold we had gold covered popcorn each seat had a chandelier at your own bellar we ate golden popcorn and we drank champagne We showed our movies on the side of a barn

Side of the mall The side of the dress barn At the mall That's where we showed our movies The dress band Oh my God No but I remember hair was like Like emotional

But also just the music so good So good And yeah anyway I think they Like they should do a new production of hair But there's no parts in it for us like it's all new by all young is there's going to be some like old lady who tells the kids get out of my lawn no not get out of the park I'm walking my dog you should cut your hair that could be us yeah that could be us or like a

business woman who comes in and goes listen people yeah this this bunch of hippies could really make us some money and they go get out of here lady that's what I would play like a New Yorker who comes in to ruin the vibe. Right. But you have played so many different things on, on, on, and like you have played like, you played a man, you played a,

you were, we love a Marco Polo because we are women of a certain age, and we like to Marco Polo each other. You were Marco Poloing me one time wearing, having a mustache. A mustache. In a production of, was it anything goes or,

no, you were playing, guys and dolls, guys and dolls. Yes, I played a dude. Yes. But you've played a lot of different things I have, yes. Well, I mean, as have you. But we are but the makers of Mary.

We are but clowns for your pleasure. We don't win Oscars, but we shall make you laugh. We are here but to be the fool. We are but fools. Dratch and I always say If we were back in those times We would definitely be Not only gestures but we'd be the maids

We'd be the maids Yeah We'd be the maids at the bottom of the castle Scullery maids Scrubbing thing 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 Like a really We're doing the secret Like a really funny Broadway thing And maybe I'm playing this person scrubbing.

This is my aspiration. I just want to scrub on Broadway. Yeah. I want to scrub my way to a Tony. You listen? You listen, you big muckety mucks. I had the Jonas brothers on and we were singing Lay Mizz. 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 master of the house. By the way, you can cut this. But I got to audition, got to, I made the mistake of auditioning for Le Miz on Broadway for that part. And I'm like, you know, I can't sing, right? And they're like, just go in. And then I like, I even went to like a voice lesson. Sure.

But like that part is like, you really have to sing. You really. And it's an incredible part. An incredible female actress have played it. Incredible singers. But it's definitely the most comedic part of Lamez. But you have to have a good voice. Which I, like, just realized when I was in front of these people in the room.

Just like, I mean, because they didn't just give me the master of the house song. There's another song that's, like, very complicated. Yeah. And I just, like, I skulked out. I will stick to making merry without song if it please you. If it please the king. I can't be singing for the king again. Does it please the king for me to not sing?

Yes. Cutteau. She's like, how do you like your potatoes? We could do a duo. We could do a... We could pay maids together. By the way, that would be a very funny idea for a show is like, you know, upstairs downstairs. It should be like called downstairs.

And it's just us. Yeah. We're just washing clothes. And we have dirt on our faces for sure. We'll be having grueled this morning. Okay. And the last. 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-W, which... And Amy was a guest on it, and one of my favorite episodes. You need to listen to Amy on Woo-Woo, my podcast. There's so many great stories on there, and you have, you are very open to psychic experiences. You are not judgmental in any way, I would say that. Oh, that I'm not judgment. No, okay, yeah, yeah, yeah.

And you have, I would say you are also a little bit psychic, but or you, I mean, like, you have that channel open, speaking of channels. 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, because I don't, like, I don't live my life, like, I got to ask my psychic, okay, I don't have a second. But anyway, I was still the need to say, I know, but I was still the need to say, like, I'm not like super woo-woo, but then I started doing this, and it's making me, definitely

making me more woo-woo with the stories I'm hearing. But the reason I thought of doing 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 believer but you're not like totally shut down 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 nine if you haven't noticed yeah the ultimate nine

the ultimate nine peacekeeper peacemaker peacemaker um but uh but yeah so I guess what else do I say about it? Well, I was going to say that there's a couple

woo-woo things that have happened with us. I feel like a little tiny woo with most of my woo-woo 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. And you can tell from our height, like we didn't, we carry you. out front you know there's not a lot of so I just remember us being like going to movies like watching movies

so hot out and going to a psychic to talk about our kids and you brought me to this really cool psychic who you know like just you just have introduced me to a lot of just like give this

version of life a try I guess is the best way to say it. Yes. It's kind of like, why not believe that that thing was not a coincidence? I don't know. Yes. I think once you're, it's almost like we're saying about the writing sketches.

I think once you're kind of open to it, then you start to see things. Like, you just, I don't know. I don't want to say like you get messages or whatever. But I just think the more open you are, the more woo-woo you might become. But do you think that like that, has anything happened? 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 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. So that was my first, like, little like, this is really strange. And you write about it really well in your memoir. Thank you. A girl walks into a bar. And let's see, I don't know, something lately. I 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, outside this room, not good. Things are not good once you leave this room. The vibes are not good. It's so true. But this room is a good hang and it's fun and bright and cheery.

But you, but I feel like you do that. I mean, like, you're really fast at being like, this isn't a good vibe. This isn't a good. that's true This isn't a good You're really good at reading people fast Or experience of like rooms or people Yeah yeah yeah

You're like I don't like that I don't get a good feeling from that Yeah and I start to like again Older I get like listened to that Like if you're if you get that feeling Of like eh Like you're allowed to not Hang there or whatever I don't know

And last question Are you afraid of zombies Would you in a zombie movie How would you? This is my new question I'm just thinking about it right now but maybe I'll ask people moving forward because Dratcher are always inspiring me.

I might just freeze. Is that what you're about, I think you're about to say? Well, I was going to say it kind of gets into like conflict styles. Oh, gosh, yeah. But it is. Sometimes I think, I think with conflict, I freeze. Mm-hmm.

Which isn't always the bad choice. You don't like, you're not fanning the flame. I've just noticed it about myself though. Mm-hmm. So if zombies were coming, 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 note. No. No, we can't. We can't have this. We're going to cut this. We can't. Okay. Well, you know what? Let's Edwere. Let's sing the song from Chadwick's. 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 S&L people from any ice cream place. Probably. Two. Yeah. It was a purple building. Okay. I'm going to do a lip balm break before we sing. Do you want, do you need any? No, I think I'm okay. Okay. So it was a purple building.

It was a purple building. 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. Not drama, the showmanship of Chadwick's. Because when it was someone's birthday, you got a free Sunday. And they did not check.

So people came in a lot 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. So, with the sound of the drum, please join in singing Amy a loud, embarrassing, happy birthday. Then they would order a giant ice cream, and it was called The Belly Buster. And it was carried out by two 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... 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. 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, jump, and then the two guys would come up the thing in the structure like pretending to struggle under its weight and then it would land at the table and if you ate, rumor had it the lore was that if you ate the belly buster by yourself you got it for free

do you remember that? Yep and there used to be like teen boys vomiting in the bathroom and drinking the ice cream juice in an attempt to get it down in time the vomit was separate from the ice cream juice yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah the teen boys were trying to get had it done and I don't think I ever saw it happen. I don't think I did either.

Laura, but Laura says it happened. Now Chadwick's no longer exists. No, it's just in a landfill filled with ghosts. Rachel, I'm going to talk about it for my podcast. The ghost of Chadwick's. But that's a good ending. That's a good ending. That is okay.

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 in on this show.

So come back any time and bring your headphones always. Hold on. We're going to wrap it up. Okay, there. Well, now they're all clean. Well, 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. And, what the? Oh, here we go. Nailed it.

Dratch out. Thank you. you are the best, my baby Drooch, my little Ray Ray. Thank you for coming on. And, 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-W, her and her co-host, Irene. They listen to people's interesting, ghosty, spooky stories. They get into 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 Woo-W and not me.

Okay. But good for you. And it's not a competition. But I'm glad I didn't. Okay. Thanks for listening. Bye. You've been listening to Good Hang. The executive producers for this show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss-Burman, and me, Amy Poehler. The show is produced by The Ringer and Paper Kite. For The Ringer, production by Jack Wilson, Katz-Belaine, Kaya-McMallin, and Alea Zanaris. For Paper Kite, production by Sam Green, Joel Lovell, and Jenna Weiss. Berman. Original music by Amy Miles.