Not Skinny But Not Fat - HEIDI GARDNER: SNL, THE CHIEFS, AND SECOND CHANCES

Episode Date: December 3, 2024

Actress & SNL cast member Heidi Gardner is on to discuss the new show she’s judging “Second Chance Stage” as well as her love for her hometown Kansas City, her obsession with The Chiefs (and especially that “unicorn quarterback”), the rival NFL quarterback she sat next to on a plane, her must-haves when dating and more!Produced by Dear MediaThis episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following podcast is a dear media production. Welcome back to the Not Skinny Bonafat podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Hirsch, and I still can't believe that I get to chat with some of my favorite stars from my very own podcast, where you'll feel like you're just talking shit with your best friends in your living room. Thanksgiving, everybody. I hope you had an amazing turkey day. In my family, we haven't had turkeys and Thanksgiving for years now. One day, we just literally looked at each other, I mean, one year. And we were like, can we be honest and say that turkey is literally dry and not yummy and let's stop fucking making it? And let's just do a dinner on Thanksgiving with our favorite food. So that's what we've been doing. I wonder if other people have given up on turkey. But yeah, it's been a lot of food. a lot of food at the end of last week, a Friendsgiving, a Thanksgiving. So it's been pretty wild. I wonder what other people with babies do because I, when I have a baby, like, I'm not that flexible.

Like, I just, even when I try to be, like, during Thanksgiving, I was like, okay, like, I'll come with Lenny. Like, he'll just go to sleep later. Like, no big deal. Just try to give him a nap when I'm there. And it's just not how I roll. It's just not. It's like, I hate going into the other room with the baby and like being FOMO and like

everyone's going to start eating without me. And then Lenny, of course, doesn't fall asleep. And then I forgot to bring something. It's just like, it's just hard. As cute as they are at that age. And as much as I don't want him to like get bigger, that age is just like an inconvenient. Like, where are you going to put them? I'm at my sister's house.

She doesn't have a baby Bjorn like bouncer thing. She doesn't have a mat. So it's just like I carry him and then like put him in the stroller poor thing. Like he doesn't want to be in the stroller. You know what I mean? Like so whoops, should have brought a mat. Should have brought a fucking bouncer like all the shit. What ended up happening.

is that husband ate like an animal and was like, I'll take him home and put him to sleep. And I was like, thank you. So I can have my orange wine. Anyway, whatever you're doing, it's okay. I'm here to make you feel better about it. If they're parents that are more go with the flow and you're like a schedule parent and they're like, why? Just put them to sleep like on the beach like under an umbrella.

And you don't do that and you're going to sit in the hotel room for two hours while the baby naps. That's you. And don't you feel bad about it. I have to say regarding babies and a little. about a cele pop culture stuff. Jason, Kelsey and Kylie Kelsey are having a fourth girl. Okay. Now, I need to know if other people feel this way. First of all, I'm like, oh my God, I was so right this whole time. There are some people that make girls and some people that make boys. I wonder if

they had another to see if it would be a boy and then it's another girl. I wonder if they just wouldn't say. I know that a lot of times people are open about it. They're like, ugh, I wanted a girl and I have a boy and other people it feels weird to say that because then what are you saying like I didn't want this boy why is it here and some people take it too far you know like some people are like yeah I'm gonna check what gender it is anyway you get the drift I think it's like whatever comes out say thank you and love it and of course I also understand having a boy wanting a girl having a girl wanting a boy however that wasn't even my point my point was that I'm sure Jason Kelsey wanted a boy also and then got another girl and now they're done or not or maybe I'm wrong But I'm more so like Kylie, motherfucking Kelsey, who's coming out with a pod, by the way. Okay. First of all, I'm sure people compare themselves to other people. And even I do that. Even me, you guys.

Even me. But no, but even me, like, I have two boys, no complaints. I have two sons. I've done it. Thankfully, everything went well and whatever for me. But I'm still, like, not jealous, but I'm more like, how are you wanting to be pregnant four times? How are you 32 and on your fourth baby?

and I'm 36 and I'm my second baby or whatever. You start to have these feelings of like, are you, do you enjoy your pregnancies? Like, you're okay with doing this again? And then I'm like, this woman is a Viking. She can probably handle it. It all spreads from the top to bottom somehow. She was at the Super Bowl

and nine months pregnant. She practically gave birth on the field. Like, yeah, she's probably like as strong as I think I am and as like every woman who does it is fucking amazing and deserves a trophy. But she's probably stronger and she probably like handles it better you know what I mean and she's probably like yeah whatever like I'll just be pregnant again no problem Jason even said to Travis on their pod like I think

we're done like you think how many were you gonna have and that just stresses me out because I'm of course not a hundred percent sure I'm done after two but I'm like mainly thinking I want to be done then I'm like oh maybe a girl or maybe a third I like the number three then I'm like three is a crowd you know you like go back and forth and then you see somebody pop out a fourth baby like it's no prob and they're younger than you and all this shit and you're like uh-uh. Anyway, on to today's guest, you guys. Today I have the amazing, the funny, the talented Heidi Gardner from S&L. You guys know her. She's also shrinking as grace. I think she's so incredible. And sitting down with her was so interesting. First of all, oh my God. I didn't even

think of this. Like, why was I thinking of the Kelsey's? She's obsessed with the Chiefs. She has a lot to say, and she's just such a vibe. So I hope you enjoyed this interview with Heidi Gardner. Heidi Gardner is here. Hi. How are you? I'm good. How are you? I'm good. I was just telling you before we started that I watched your, so hard to say, architectural digest. Architectural. Yeah. You say it. Now I can't say it. You can say it. Architectural. Okay. But I think I emphasized every syllable. Architectural digest. If I was just being now, I'd be like architectural idea. Yeah, got to do it fast.

In Kansas City. In Kansas City where I'm from, my home. Representing like, hello. Lucky to have you, Kansas City. Oh, thank you. I'm lucky to have Kansas City. I won't shut my mouth about the city. I love it.

Born and raised. Born and raised. It's what made me. I love the Chiefs. I love the city. I love the people. I love that it has a spotlight on it right now. And like you, the Chiefs, Travis Kelsey,

all literally. I was mostly thinking of Taylor, but... Oh, you're like, okay, yeah. Taylor and the Chiefs and Travis and Patrick. Do you feel it there, like the change since that happened? It has been, it was even a little pre-Taylor with the Super Bowl wins and we had the NFL draft. It was just all these things were happening in Casey.

And I think everybody was like, we need to savor these moments. Like, we need to go to all of these events. We were already going to Chiefs. Chiefs games, but it's like, my brother always reminds me when we're like, should we watch at home or try to go to the game? He's like, we have a unicorn quarterback. Like, let's go to the game. Like, this is, so it feels like that in Kansas City. What does he mean by unicorn quarterback? Like, Mahomes is just so, he's one of a kind. Yeah, she lights up. No, if I'm your boyfriend, I'm like, okay. No, the way you lit up, what, like in sports or in life? Well, I think both,

but definitely in sports. I mean, I don't know Patrick. very well, but I've met him and I think he's very special and what he does for the team and the game. Yeah. Like he elevated it. He elevated it. Wow. Yeah. Yeah. It's very special. Wow. So you go. Oh, yeah. So your brother makes you go. Yes. I mean, he doesn't make, I'm just as passionate. Okay. You're like, don't give him credit. Yeah. But, but yeah, that's how it feels in Kansas City right now. It's like, get out there, be a part of the city, be a part of our world. Oh, that's so nice. Yeah. we don't really do we have that in new york i'm not a sports person but do people are people like that with like the yankees and yeah i think definitely like when the i think the nix first

playoff run was a couple years ago and it had been a it had been a drought before that and i remember going to a playoff nix game and like the city was on fire on fire but maybe you feel it more in kansas city because it's like smaller smaller and it's more personal it's more personal it's more So, yeah. Because born and raised, like, people get confused, by the way, you guys. I looked into it because there are two Kansas cities. Yes. One in Kansas.

Kansas. Yeah. And one in Missouri. You're in the Missouri one. Yep. And so people get confused, but I looked up yesterday. It's not that confusing. It just goes across both states.

Yeah. There's a state line. There's a road. Have you been to the other Kansas city? Yeah, totally. Oh, yeah. Yeah. I mean, it is weird that I, you know, when.

Because I'm, yeah, I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and say someone would come in town for a concert and you'd be watching it on the Missouri side of Kansas City and they'd be like, and the artist, you know, who maybe it's their first time in Kansas City, here's Kansas City thinks they're performing in Kansas. Yeah. And we'd be like, hello, Kansas. And we'd be like, oh, oh, you would get math. Yes, that makes sense. But it's okay. Like, Kansas City. They get confused.

Because I was listening to, like, Jason Bainman has a thing about this. I was listening to SmartList. Whenever Kansas City comes up, he still doesn't get it. So that's why I looked it up. And I was like, oh, my God, but it's easy, it's easy to get. Yeah. But I love that you're so connected to it that you bought a house there. Yeah.

Yeah. And what, how often, because with your job at S&L, like, how often can you actually be at home? So I used to just go kind of for holidays and once in the summer. And then two years ago, I had. had gone back, I think it was for the NFL draft, and then the writer's strike happened and then actors strike. And so I just didn't come back to New York for the summer. I was like, oh, I can just kind of be in Kansas City. And it felt really good to just be able to spend a whole summer at home again. Yeah. And it was like really healing and nourishing. And I was like, yeah, that does make

sense to me. It feels like summer, because this is where I was a kid and had summer. And I had summer and was swimming and a lot of swimming and a lot of swimming hanging out with friends and being with family but that was 2023 summer yeah so but you can actually do that every summer right because the s&L's on all the time no so it was like we got cut off like three shows early that that year with a strike oh but we we kind of have like a school year season like we're off mid-May to october oh so you do have the summer to do that. Yeah.

It's like your Hamptons. Yeah, it's my Hamptons. That's so fun. I like that. But isn't it weird when you're not there? Like, I can't imagine, like, you're not there for many months. Then you come home or does someone go in there for you and like your family does? Yeah.

And they make it feel like it's not abandoned. I'm really lucky. Yeah. And you love your family so much. If you guys watch your AD tour, like you literally walk in picture of your dad. Yeah. Yeah. That picture is so important to me.

That picture has been, it's a picture of my dad with a lampshade on his head and like a rocks glass and it's New Year's Eve. The lampshade has ribbons coming from it. It's just, it is my dad and it means so much to me. But I also think it just means like party and fun vibes. And then that's the vibe. Yeah. And so that was important to me. Like from the time I started talking to the interior designer Madeline Hudson, I was like this photo my dad has to have a spot, a meaningful spot in the house. And, of course, it ended up just, like, right upon entrance. Front and center. Yeah. How old are your parents? 71 and 68. Because they sound, like, so fun. And you seem to, like, be so connected to them, which is so cute.

Yeah. Like, your dad, and then you have a spot for your mom in the closet. And you're so, you seem like such a family-oriented person. Yeah. Those things definitely stick with me. You know, the closet. It was so important to me because so many times when I just want to transport in time or think about my happy place, it is her closet. And her closet was just part of her bedroom.

I'm so lucky that I get to have this big old closet. But it was like my mom just had this huge vanity with all the perfume bottles, the ones you can like squeeze on the end, the French ones. Yeah. All of her mom, my grandma's costume jewelry out, hat box. that had hats with like the veils. Yeah. And then her closet was such like, such like cool girl late 80s, early 90s vibes. Like she would have like the mini velvet sweetheart cut dresses with like the big gemstones. Oh, you have such a good memory. Yeah, Balero jackets. Like watching her get ready for a date was everything. Wow. Yeah. So you really like paid homage to that. Yeah. That's so sweet. How

far away are they, is their house? So my dad is about, they're, they're actually both about like, wondering that together. Everything's 20, yeah, everything's 20 minutes from each other in Kansas and your brother's still there too. I have two brothers and they're both there. Yeah. Yeah. And my grandma, my mama, she's there. Yeah. And all my friends. And all your friends. We're still on a group text chain from high school. I can't. And it's, I swear, it's not unhealthy. I'm not like, No, codependent, I promise. I just am lucky and grateful that I still get along with these people. Because a lot of people that move, the reason why it's, like, fascinating is because, like,

for real fascinating is because so many people move to L.A., moved to New York for the biz, and kind of maybe go home sometimes to visit their family, but it's what's special about your relationship with is, like, no, it's like still your home. Yeah. But do you feel like at home in New York, too? I do. And that's cool. After I was worried after I did that whole summer in Kansas City and I just got kind of like comfy again. And I was like, well, I wonder if I could just live here and do S&L and just fully go back to Kansas City on the hiatus. And like maybe just run a hotel room like when I'm working. But I got back to New York and I was like, I do need this too. Like yeah. There's something really cool to me and stressful when I'm in Midwestern Kansas City. I leave one morning.

like take a flight to New York and you know I've just been on like tree line Midwestern streets and then you know four hours later I'm on the subway and like don't have space and I feed off that I like it I'm like how did two worlds become so different so quickly and how long is the flight the flight is just like a little over two hours yeah it's also so close like it's so close and then but it does it ever give like anxiety to come back to the crazy New Yorkness like the subway after you're, like, in the tree-lined, relaxing. It used to, but now I just kind of embrace the chaos of it. So you take the subway to SNL, not a car?

Yeah, every so often when it's too late, the show will get a car for us. Yeah. You know, but I can... Isn't it always too late? Well, yeah, but, I mean, even on nights where it's like 10, 30, 11, sometimes I'll be going down to the train. And someone, like, another cast member, will stop me and be like, get a car. You know, just, yeah.

Well, you're a train gal, I guess. Yeah, I like the train, yeah. So let's talk about how you joined SNL because 2017, what is it, like for seven years? Yep. Eight years on SNL, yeah. Eight years on SNL. So how did you get on it? Was that always a dream?

Well, you were, wasn't your yearbook thing, like most likely to be on SNL? Yeah, which was just cool. I remember being slightly disappointed that year because someone else got most likely to be an MTV BJ. And that's what you really. wanted at the time. Yeah. But I was a huge S&L fan, obviously. But I just thought that was cool. And I knew people in high school thought I was funny. So I was like, oh, yeah, that's fun superlative. But I do think it was maybe a like a back of my mind dream. I can't even say it was a dream because I wasn't on any sort of path for acting or comedy or knew what improv really was. My dad did improv when I was really

young but like what for fun he did it he did it in a group called comedy sports and he was really good and so it started to make more sense to me but but yeah it just was not my path i was funny i did prank calls and i could quote movies and i kind of thought that's me and i but i didn't know what did you prank call oh i prank call like the local radio station yeah all sorts of businesses like doing voices yes oh so you knew you were good at voices yeah well at impressions and of. I don't even know I'm precious. I knew I was good in those moments at transforming or making my friends laugh. Like that made me popular at sleepovers or I could really get my younger brother laughing when I would do it. And like he, I remember him wanting me to do it like for his friends.

And I was like, but other than crank anchors, I was like, I don't really think I'm going to have a career in prank calls. Yeah. But I moved to L.A. I dropped out of college, moved to L.A. to do hair, ended up taking an improv class, and then that's what kind of... So you moved to L.A. 4. Like, when you dropped out of college, it was for hair. Yeah. I was very confused about what I wanted to do, but I was cutting my friend's hair just for fun and was kind of good at it. And so I was like, okay, I'll drop out of school and I'll go to school for hair. But I felt a little bit of shame at the time, which I would not encourage anyone to feel shame for dropping out of school now. But I felt just very singular. I was just very singular. I

I was like, none of all my other friends know their major and what they're going to do. What was your major at the time? I'm not saying. Like, or just, I was bouncing around. Like, I started at KU and I was like, okay, well, I like movies, so I'll be in the theater and film department. Yeah. But I was in like lighting design classes and that were required math and skills. I was like, I don't think I'm going to light.

So I couldn't put these up. Yeah. Or understand the filters. So then I went to MU. transferred and was in their design program because I was artistic, but again, I was getting out a ruler and I was like, I think this is also math-based. I know. Actually, you guys, so many things are math-based. I used to think like I wanted to mean like fashion merchandising. And then you learn it's like, no, no, no, you're not going to fashion shows and be like, that's cute.

Let's merch in it. You're like calculating things. It's all math. Fractions. Look it up before you decide on a major because it's not what you think it is. were back with all of those things. And so I just thought, okay, well, I feel insecure about dropping out. I think I want to do hair, but I was like, well, people know I like movies and pop culture. So if I say I want to do hair in L.A., that will sound more legit. And so that's just what I said and I did. But you actually, but you're saying that's what I said, but you weren't sure.

No, I was like, I got to, if I say it, I got to follow through. So I did move to L.A. and get my. license to do hair and worked in a salon. Did you do like celeb hair or just normie hair? Not really. We were in Studio City and like we would see celebs. One time we saw Jason Bateman walk by with like a French bulldog puppy and my boss and I were like we like screamed like oh my god and I think he was like whoa like I'm about to get a costume but we were like it's not you it's your puppy I can you know blow my own hair out and wave it if I this I did not do today. I like cut into a

wig for Halloween this year. I can still do things. And I would love to, like, blow a friend's hair out. It was very meditative when I did it. We'll be right back after the break. I wish more men listened to my podcast because I would tell them, go to Blue Nile and buy your girl some jewelry because what is a better gift than jewelry? Okay. And I know because I've had so much to celebrate this year. Like, I'm just so thankful. And I'm so thankful. And I'm so thankful. for that I'm able to give a tip like this and say jewelry is a way to go you to you getting

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Casey dropped out and when they're, like, decided this. Like, how did you have so much, like, confidence to make those huge changes? I don't know. I feel like I'm a little... It's kind of like if I say I'm going to do something, I think I feel the pressure that I have to do it and prove it. And it's more the pressure or, like, what I think other people would think. that's making me do it. Rather than just the natural confidence.

But, I mean, something put, like, gas up your ass to do it. Yeah. So you moved by yourself. You did hair for nine whole years. Were you auditioning during? Or how did the entertainment stuff come up? Like, four or five years into it, I went to see a show at the ground lanes. And I was just like, wow, that's the funniest thing I've ever seen.

I'm definitely going to bring, like, my family when they come in town. And I had a friend who was performing at the groundlings and I told her that. She was like, what did you think of the show? And I was like, it was awesome and I'm definitely going to bring like my mom. And she was like, okay, that's cool. I also think you should like take classes here because you're funny. And I was like, oh, I didn't think that's why you invited me. But she encouraged me to.

And then other loved ones of mine, my older brother, when I told him like, my friend wants me to take an improv class. He was like, I'll pay for it. I've been waiting for you to do something like that our whole lives. Wow. So that was also, it's other people believe in me too that gives me like that, okay, I'll try it. And I kept doing hair. It was just a really fun hobby. I was enjoying improv, starting to write sketch and perform. And then it was my boss at the salon who sat me down at a certain point and was like, you don't belong here anymore. And I was kind of like, are you firing me? She was like, no, but I don't think you want to do hair anymore. Like you're meant for something else.

And so I quit the salon, and it was probably like six or seven months later, S&L came. And what do you mean S&L came? So they come in the summers when they're off to scout. Yeah. And they saw me. I was in a showcase with some other performers. And they saw me and then flew me to New York to test. Yeah.

Wow. Was that like a fast progression? It was like they saw me in a showcase. Two weeks later, I heard they wanted me to come to New York. I tested for the show and then a week later I heard they wanted me to come back to a second audition and then 10 days later I heard I got on the show. So it was like a month of like... And how long had you been on the groundlings at that point when they came? I had been in the main company for a year. So I'd taken classes and done their Sunday company

for like five years prior to that. You know, you're building all your skills and... Wait, so five years you're in the groundlings. Yeah. But for this. the SNL Scout came? Yeah. Or did they come like every year? Well, they came every year. They came when I was in Sunday Company and I did a showcase. I had been in Sunday Company for maybe three months.

And of course, you hear Asadale coming and you're like, well, that'd be cool to get. Yeah. I'm so glad I didn't get it then because I didn't have the skills, you know. I mean, I was still green when I did get it. So I needed like a year and a half, like more time in the like Sunday company before main company. I needed a lot more performance reps and a lot more, like, time to develop characters. And then, yeah, and then I got it. Was that so crazy?

It was crazy when it happened when I found out I was going to be on the show. And then I always tell this to new cast members, the day that they actually, you know, you know for like a week, but then they announce it, like, in the press. And I always tell the new cast members, I'm like, that day that they announce it, like, screenshot your phone. you'll never have more notifications than that day. You know, it was so cool. I know that people say, like, it's cliche.

Like, people come out of the woodwork when, you know, stuff like this happens. But I'm like, it's cool. But in a good way, it happened. Like, you were like, oh, my God, probably all your high school people who were like, you were most likely. Yeah, we did it. Yeah. You know, and that's still to this day is really cool that I feel so special.

You know, I have friends of friends of friends who will tell me. that just because I'm from Kansas City and, like, their daughter went to high school with me, they watch SNL, you know? Like, it's like, I feel like I have this community of love either just because of where I'm from or because of someone else they know. And it's like, oh, that is so cool.

That is so cool. Yeah. And this, like, half dream or, like, something that kind of accompanied you since you were younger ended up happening. Yeah. That's super cool. And it's been, what, seven?

seven years. Can you give us a snapshot? Because like I said, we've heard about this crazy schedule that you guys have. So can you give me a snapshot of like a week in the life? Yeah, it's like Monday we go in late in the day. We meet the host. We like pitch them a joke. It's just like informal. You're there for like a couple hours. That's kind of just the meet the host day. You pitch to the writers stuff you want to work on that week. But you know, hopefully you're home by eight. Like you could do something on a Monday night. Tuesday, you come in anytime you want, really. I like to be into work by like one or two. I'm a better writer at 1 p.m. than 1 a.m. So all the performers also write. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. And so you get in whenever you want on Tuesday. You just start writing your sketches.

You know, that can go well into the night, well into the next morning. I kind of like to work until the middle of the night, sleep, and then get back up on Wednesday and do rewrites and, like, little fixes on sketches. Then you get in to work on Wednesday around 2.30, you start to read all the sketches that are going to be at the table read in, like, the next hour. You do the table read that takes like three and a half, four hours. You wait to find out what gets in the show. If you have a sketch in, you meet with production and hair and wigs and everything. Does Lauren still decide all of that? Or is it? Yeah.

And definitely the host has input to. Oh, yeah. Yeah. And producers help and headwriters. Just everyone's kind of designing the show, but Lauren for sure. Yeah. And then Thursdays are rehearsals. Friday are rehearsals and we shoot all the pre-tapes.

You get in around 1130 on Saturday. You rehearse everything in wigs and wardrobe once. You get about an hour break to eat. And then we do the dress rehearsal and then the live show. Wow. And then Sundays I watch Chiefs games and that's my life. So Saturday is cray cray. Yeah.

And then you go to the after party. So you're just like. Do you always go to the after party? I do. Like maybe every six I might take one off just because I want to have an easier Sunday. But I always kind of regret it because the after party is good to let off that steam and adrenaline. Yeah. And if I just go home with all that adrenaline.

Right. How do you even fall asleep? Yeah. I'm up anyways. How's your sleep then with this like? crazy schedule. Do you have a good sleep? No, I used to be such a great sleeper. Like, I feel like I, even in my 20s, like, I was someone who wanted to go to bed at 10 or 1030 on nights, you know, where I wasn't doing something. I could fall right asleep. And then I could

sleep till like 9.30, you know, just like just a solid 12. Yeah. And now it's pretty brutal. Like, even last night, I was so tired. Like, I kind of filled my Sunday with too much. I was so retired around 8.30 and I could have just gone to bed and I was still up till 12.30 knowing I had stuff this morning. Well, watching TV. Yeah, Housewives. Which one? I did O.C. Reunion, the latest New York and the latest Salt Lake. What do you thinking of New York? It's getting, you watch the New York one with the prank pregnancy. Yes. What they do? Why do that? Also, I, any repercussions that come from that. I think I saw that Andy was a little pissed.

I mean, it's so fabricated and dumb. And, like, even I feel like, I have no idea the actual information that Bryn heard of off that prank. But I wouldn't even, I'm like, I feel like she's going to get called out in the next episode. Like, where you lied about all that stuff, then. But I'm just like, well, the lie should have never came. That is such an elaborate stupid prank.

I don't like it. I mean, no one really. likes a pregnancy prank anymore just because we're so hyper aware of everything, but also like a reality show about a fake thing, like an entire episode. I mean, I'm a New York. An entire episode. I was like, how long is this dodgeball scene going on? It was like, there's that movie in Nora right now that has a 30 minute scene. And it's actually really good and thrilling. And I was like, this is like, everyone's telling me to watch that. Yeah, it's great. But I was like, this is like a Nora level. They're at this dog.

Hodge of all place. Chelsea Pierce for 30 minutes. I feel like every show has that. I remember Breaking Bad had that fly episode. Yeah. Like, I feel like every show has that. Yeah. What's your favorite sketch to do or impersonation to do? I really like being at the update desk. I feel like it's really fun to do characters there. And recently I got to do Riva McIntyre and that was fun. Oh, right. That was very cool. And there's one I do that's like a busy coworker who's doing seemingly nothing and she's just overwhelmed. It's like fun for physicality. Yeah. Yeah. Do you like doing impressions? Is there one that you'd like hate doing that you feel like you're not good at it? But everyone's like, no, it's our favorite one. I feel like I'm not much of an impressionist. So when I do have to do one, I'm a little in my head about it. And I think the best thing you can do when you're not an impressionist is actually just have fun in the impression. Like, not try to get it perfect. Because you're just not.

Right. Right. Right. Yeah. Exactly. Like make it kind of make fun of yourself and at the same time. You famously broke character in Ryan Goslings, Beavis and Butthead, which was so funny, and I think it made it funnier that you did. But what was that moment like for you? Why was that the moment that made you break? I've thought about this a lot because I found it like a big source of pride that I never break. And even though it's likeable and likable, I don't know why I wouldn't even use it as a crutch. but I just didn't I'm just so character you know or like I'm like stick in your character stay yeah you know and also in that one I was the straight man and it's like you really want to get out all the information for all the fun stuff around right to happen right but I will say when I because

I was like why did I break so hard is some of it is you know Mikey and I sit next to each other at table he's like a brother to me he makes me laugh constantly yeah and like I'm like okay I have that relationship with Mikey. But then I was like, I don't know. I get that he's funny. I laugh at him all the time. And I haven't done it on TV. Why did I do it? And like I was watching the old like Debbie Downer sketches where everyone would famously break. That's what I was thinking of too. Like those times were so good. They're so good. But also it's like everyone around a table and they're all seeing each other about to break. Like they know they can all feel it happening. Yeah. And I do think maybe the audience in Beavis and Butthead, like the actual studio audience, like, could feel it coming to a swell

because they were seeing Ryan and Mikey. And I just don't think anyone has ever had to, like, blindly look back at something that shocking. Yeah. You know, like, I had to do something where I was surprised by, and I had seen him before in rehearsals, but they, like, amped up the makeup. Oh, yeah, yeah. Okay, so you were shocked by the. So, yeah, I was just coming and blind. And I look back to see, like, my very good friend look like that. Yeah. And Ryan Gosling. Yes.

And it just killed me. And I think they had, for sure, Ryan had a little smile. Yes. The whole time. Yes. But I was trying, I was definitely trying to keep it together. Yeah. For Ryan's, because he was the first reveal.

And that was early on in the sketch. I'm like, I can't, I can't go. Yeah. Like, then Mikey, I just could not help it. And that's your first time in all these years. Yeah. And then were you, was there a part of you? was like hard on yourself like right to do that or immediately you were like no people are fine with

it they love it right after i mean the audience was so sweet to me i remember in the moment like because i was trying to compose myself and when i turned back and then i couldn't stop the the audience applauded which was sweet and i was like okay this is okay but like get it together but then right after i just started i felt like i was unaware of the amount of time i broke for so i was like was that okay? I went back to my dressing room and I had a lot of friends there that night. And I was like, was that okay? You know, they're like, what do you mean? And it was like, I just, I got worried. And then a lot of writers were coming up to me like, that was awesome. Yeah. I was like, it was kind of part of it. Yeah. I feel like, because I remember seeing the

responses and the responses were, did you see Heidi? Like, that was part of it. Yeah. People have been very sweet. And Lauren was very sweet. Oh, yeah. He was like, don't worry. That was great. Keep doing it. No. Vulture described it, Vulture magazine, described the moment as breaking in spectacularly charming fashion. Isn't that so cute?

Yeah. The Domingo sketch, that new one. Yeah, another like viral. Wow. How do you guys, are you, you try to study it? Like, what makes a sketch? No, you just don't know.

Yeah. That, I think, is also really cool because when you get something in the show, you're holding it so tight. You want it. It's your baby. Who's is it? So that, Jimmy Fowley, Kira O'Sullivan, Sudey Green, and Allie Levedon wrote that. So it's not the writers, it's not like a certain cast members.

It's really cool when the writers write such a cast piece where everyone gets to score like that. Yeah. But yeah, but this is this, I would say this is the same for writers or cast. It's like you write something and it gets in the show, you know, hopefully it makes it past dress rehearsal. You're just holding on to it so tight. You want it to succeed. And maybe it does. or not, but like, it's almost good when a sketch, like, has, like, the grip off of it. And I felt like Domingo was just to delight the entire week, you know? It just felt like something, I don't think I ever thought it was going to get cut because

I was like, it's really fun and bubbly and, you know, it was Arianna Grande. I was like, she's great in it. She's being hilarious. And it's funny to watch Ariana Grande try to not sing. Yes. Well, yeah. It just didn't seem like it had a tight grip on it. There was, like, just happiness around it.

And the same with, like, Beavis and Butthead, it had gone to a dress rehearsal seven years prior. It didn't, I think it got cut for time from, you know, another show. So you never know is what you're saying. You just never know. And I try to remind myself, you know, because you just, there's so many high stakes at that job. And you're just like, just be open. Yeah, because you never know. Yeah.

Damn, so you even did a sequel because it went so well. Yeah. That's crazy. Yeah. Does that happen to or is like, should we, kind of like, with a movie? Like, do we want to do it again, even though the first one was so good? Yeah. I guess I hadn't even been thinking about a sequel because I honestly feel like I kept on,

I've been hearing about the original, like, up until now. Like, people did it for a Halloween costume, you know? People were Domingo or the bridesmaids. And so then when... That's so funny. Like, finding the velvet dresses we were, you know? But then when I heard last week, Jimmy told me that they were writing a sequel. I was like, oh, that makes such sense with Charlie.

And Marcello is such a good cast member. I know. My assistant here has a huge crush. He's a cutie. Everyone loves him. And he was at, he was Domingo last night at Sabrina Carpenter's concert. Oh, stop. Yeah, they cut to Marcello and he's like.

Oh, my God. He's living. I know. We'll be right back after the break. The holidays are here. The holidays are here. We are in holiday season, you guys. everyone's shopping until they drop.

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slash not skinny. Kids all in one cough syrup for cough suited dry, irritated throats. Kids, cold, and cough claims based on traditional homeopathic practice. Not accepted medical evidence. Not FD evaluated number one in dollar sales 52 weeks in October 5th, 2024. And we're back. So speaking, we're talking about shows before and everyone knows I'm a huge fan of shrinking. Like, oh my God, I love that show so much. That's a great show. And you're on it as Grace. Tell me about getting that. Yeah, that is another thing that was just such an unexpected, special part to get a writer on the show. Bill had, I had worked with him.

Bill Lawrence, yeah. We love him. Well, I love Bill Lawrence. Oh, another Bill? Yeah. Oh. But we had worked together at like Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, like right before I got SNL.

We both performed together. And then he was the writer on the show. And I think he threw my name in for Grace. And I got that role. And it's been so cool. Like, you shoot something. And I knew I really liked it. And then it had come out the first season.

It was really cool. It was like it came out, but it was like a month or two later, it felt like, you know, it's just like a show needs like to spread a little. And like all these people were like, I really love shrinking. I started getting recognized as much for shrinking as SNL. And I was like, oh, people really like that. It's such a good show. And we were waiting for season two.

Season two is here. And you're also on season two, which is so fun. When did you have time? to shoot that? That was last year. Like during the summer? No, because there had been the strike. They would have shot so much season two over the strike.

But yeah, last year, a little bit during the S&L season and a little during the summer too. So you had to like travel to L.A. Yeah. They were shooting in, actually in Pasadena now. Yeah. So cool. I know.

And probably working with all those people, everyone seems like, I mean, did you, you didn't have scenes with Harrison Ford. But I did make a very valiant effort to meet him. The last day of my shooting on season one, I, like, tracked down his trailer and was like, hello. Yeah. Was he nice? Yes. It was like, he was so funny, so charming.

And there was a golf cart on set to drive from, like, the trailers to set. And they told me that all the wardrobe women loved riding with him because he kind of drove fast. And it was, like, bumpy. And they're like, it's like being on the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland with Indiana And we had, wait, he drives that golf card, like, on the show at some point. Yeah. Like, real indie vibes. So, Krista Miller was on my show for last season with Bill, her husband, and she literally

was like, Harrison Ford has major BDE. Yeah. I was so since then, whenever I see him on, I'm like, he just does. It does. He's so charming and funny and, like, and the voice. He hosted SNL, I'm sure. I don't think he ever has. Really?

I asked him. I was just like, oh, my God. And he said he hadn't. I was like, well, now? Can you do it? Like, if you do, so you ask him? Well, I, I said, you come back, you're like, we got Harrison. They're like, no.

The biggest swing I ever did in that department, and it did work, but it took a couple years was Travis Kelsey. Like, I was, yeah, I was, well, I mean, I don't want to take full credit, the show and the talent department. But I just, obviously, a big chiefs fan. And I had seen him do like other little. acting gigs or just appearances. And I was like, he's funny, he's charming.

I had done the espies with him, like, announcing something together. And, and yeah, I just kept on going to the show. And at a certain point, Lauren, it was in 2022 or just. So before Taylor? It was pre-Taylor, yeah. Oh, so see you guys, all the haters that are saying that Travis, like, leveled up just because of Taylor, no. He was doing stuff.

He was, his talents were already on their way. But, yeah, Lauren was like, well, he has to win the Super Bowl. And I was like, well, that is, like, so much pressure to ask. And then he won the Super Bowl. So he got it. And was it fun to work with him? So fun. And he knows you're a major chief skill.

Yeah, he came back. I, like, all my family came in for the show, all my friends. I got barbecue. We tailgated in the dressing room before the show. And he came back with his brother, Jason. And they had barbecue before he had barbecue before he had. hosted S&L. I mean they had barbecue.

They came back. Like, I had been telling them all week. I was like, I'm going to have a tailgate in my room because at Arrowhead Stadium, it's famous for tailgating. Wait, so when you say tailgating in my room, it just means like pre-gaming kind of vibes. Pre-gaming with barbecue for sure. Like, that's what we do at the stadium in Kansas City. Like, people show up early and they tailgate.

They like smoke barbecue all morning. They share their food. Yeah. And you just tailgate. So I had been telling him all week, I'm like, I'm doing a tailgate. room. Obviously, you're hosting the show. Like, you're probably not going to come. But I just wanted him to know, like, you're going to have love. You're going to have support. Like, you know, my sister-in-law wrote me. And she was like, is it okay to wear my chiefstrosy to the show? And I was like,

I showed him the text. He was like, hell yeah. You know? I was like, yeah, Travis approves. And so that morning, he was so nice. Jeff, one of our guys in the talent department, like, knocked on my dressing room. And I opened it. And he had these cans of like tequila sodas. He's Like, these are from Travis for the tailgate. I was like, it's so nice. And, but I was like, he's not coming to the tailgate because, like, in between dress rehearsal and air, you know, there's like 30 minutes. You need to prepare for the show.

Like, you're just finding out what sketches made it, everything. Oh, wow. And I had run to go get my makeup done before the live show. And that's when, like, your guests that'll be in your dressing room start arriving. So my brothers are getting there. They're texting me like, we're in, you know, my best friend, Michelle, people are getting there. I'm just like, oh, cool, you know.

I was like, it's going to be a great show. I'm just getting my makeup. And then I get another text. I open it. It's a picture of Travis and Jason Kelsey in my dressing room eating barbecue. I'm like, they're tailgate. And they're like, they're here. They were like, we didn't even have all the barbecue set up.

Oh, my God. Wait, did you make it before? No, I did order it. But, you know, we had like the big pans of it, you know, and all the sides. And I'm like, I bet you, I just know for a fact. That's the only host in SNL history that's ever tailgated before hosting the show. But did you make it back to the dressing room?

Like, did you have time? I do think I came back there, yeah, and was just, I feel like I saw them, like, filling up a plate. Yeah. Well, you, oh, you didn't have time to, like, be in the tailgate? I don't think I had time to eat the barbecue, but I could come back during the show and have it. Oh.

But I'm sure I took a drink or something. That's so cool. It was special. So what, so who would you want to host that? hasn't yet. I mean, I'm such a sports fan. So Patrick Mahomes, I would love for him to host. I'd love for LeBron James to host. But then on like the acting comedian side, Catherine O'Hara, I think would be such a good host. She hasn't done it? No, I would love to work with her. Yes. I just, oh, I think Nicholas Cage would be super interesting. And he hasn't done it ever either? I think maybe he

had, but Nicholas Cage? Not when I'm there. Like, just character-wise. I think he would just be, like, unpredictable. Yeah. Yeah, that would be a good one. That would be. Do cast members pitch hosts? Yeah, and we get asked every so often. I mean, I feel like I got a chief, so I'm like, I'm good for a while.

No, your obsession. Wait, does your current boyfriend like the Chiefs? Yeah, so he, when we went on our second date, the Chiefs had actually just lost. I had, like, come downstairs. I was excited to go on the date, but I was sad about the game. It became sad. And he greeted me and he was like, how are you? And I was like, oh, you know, that she's just lost.

So, and he was like, what does that feel like? And he said it in such a way where I was like, nobody who likes sports has ever asked me just like, what does that feel like? They would get it. Yeah, I was like, I don't think you know you watch football. And then I was like, well, you know, I was like our quarterback, Mahom, I didn't even say Mahomes. I was just like, oh, our quarterback, like, he had the flu. So also it was, like, kind of stacked against us because he was sick and he had to take IVs before the game, you know? And he just was, like, looked a little dumb on it.

And I was like, Patrick Mahomes and, like, his eyes were still kind of just dead, you know? And I was like, do you know who Patrick Mahomes says? Did that worry? Is that a red flag for you? No, it was. Okay. I was just so interesting because everyone in my orbit knows who Patrick Mahomes says. Yeah, yeah.

And this person that I was like, you know, it just, a gun and courty and he didn't. And I was, it wasn't. red flag but I was just wondering like if this goes any further like are you going to accept this part of me yeah and now it's like he's in it with you he's in it and he wears he's got a chief's um how could you not I feel like I'm in it after sitting with you like I feel like it's easy to be drawn into it yeah so that wasn't like one of your like must haves like must be a football fan no it's neat he's like the type where I think all the must haves I thought would have been my must-haves like he's kind of opposite of those must-habs and I'm learning that

that is neat yeah that's cool what would be worse if someone like is there a team you like hate i mean i don't hate any teams yesterday we played buffalo and they beat us and when i'm watching the game i hate them and their quarterback is so good and makes me mad it's it's so weird can i guess who it is yeah is it that josh allen guy yeah can't believe i knew that only because he's dating Haley's Seinfeld. Yes. So when I'm watching a game and he's performing well, I'm like, like he scored a touchdown yesterday.

Like he ran it in and like, you know, that's awesome for a quarterback. But I was like, oh, he's being so annoying. I was like, oh, and I hate it. And like he's feeling himself right now. And that makes, like, he had an amazing moment. I'm like so mad at him. But this summer, and that's so when we play them, that's how I act. And I'm just like, I'm always just saying he's being annoying because he's being good.

Yeah. last summer he was next to me on a flight and I was so starstruck it was probably a three and a half hour flight and he was what the seat next to you the seat next to me and he's supposed to be my enemy I took the entire three and a half hours because I also wanted to respect him he was like watching a movie and I could tell like he wanted to just watch this movie in peace so I was like I'm not going to say anything but I said at the end of the flight I am going to say something so it took me three and a half an hour to come up to something to say. And, like, as I'm, like, getting my bag down, you know, I was just like, thank you for everything you do on Sundays to just put your

body and yourself on the line for us and for our entertainment. No, you did not. Did you say, hi, I'm Heidi Garner. You might know me. Okay. No. I just, because I also, like, to me, that is like a mega. I was like, he does not know who I am. Like, I was so nervous. I can't believe that. Cut to yesterday, six months later. And I'm like, you are so. for scoring. What did he say when you said that to him? He was so polite. And, like, he was like, thank you for putting your body.

He said, thank you so much, you know. And then the other thing I thought was so cool was like, I think he, like, ordered a Coke. And I was, I did. I told my boyfriend, I was like, Josh Allen, who he's familiar with that name now. Yeah. Because I was, like, ordered a Coke. Like with sugar, like, like naughty Josh Allen. Yeah, this was so cool.

And then later, my boyfriend, like, ordered a diet Coke at dinner, which I'd never seen him do. Red flag again. I was like, Diet Coke, you know? And he was like, oh, because didn't that quarterback order a Diet Coke? And I was like, it was a Coke. And I was like, I don't have a crush on him. You don't have to order that. Oh, my God.

He wants to do the thing that, like, turn to you on. That's so cute. But you're like, actually, though, it's a regular Coke because he doesn't care about the sugar. And a Diet Coke's to turn on. Yeah, a Diet Coke, like, what are you? Yeah. That's so funny. Oh, my God.

I love that. So we're also here to talk about your new show that you're judging. Yeah. This is a new thing. Second Chance stage, you guys, the trailer alone will make you really tear up. It's such a special concept. Yeah. Yeah.

Sometimes, again, like, just, it's really cool when, like, I'll think that I know what I want to do in my career and my life. And then just things pop up, like I was saying, shrinking, you know, comes out of nowhere. And then this show came out of nowhere. came out of nowhere to judge, you know, a reality-based competition show. And it was actually shooting in Kansas City during a hiatus where I was going to be there. And I was like, well, that's really cool. That is Kismet A.F. Yeah.

And then the contestants are people that are taking a second chance at their dream. So maybe earlier in life, they were on the right trajectory and something in life got in the way. And now they're going for their second chance. So very vulnerable doing it, like a bit later in life or whatever timing-wise. But, and so I was like, this is cool and heartwarming. I like all that. But I was, as far as judging goes, I was like, I know that I'd be a nice judge, but I guess I just so have American Idol Simon Cowell stuck in my head that beforehand,

I talked to the producers, and I said that. I was like, I know I'll be nice, but I was like, I'm not going to be Simon Cowell. And especially to people that, like, are coming for a second chance. Yeah, definitely not going to be. And they're like, that's not why we hired you. We know that you're not Simon Cowell. Yeah. So I just told them a little bit of my reservations,

but they were like, we'd still like you to do the job. And then once the show, we started shooting the episodes, it's like, yeah, it's so easy to love everyone that goes and puts themselves out there for you and performs for you and takes that shot. I'm like, you're entertaining me. I already love you. But then the vulnerability and then also having to critique them, I think where I found my way in,

was like, oh, I have been here before. I've known maybe that I was talented, like, secretly, you know? Like, I'm like, oh, I think I could do this, but it's hard to get it out publicly. But I had so many people, like I told you along the way, like my brother and my friends being like, no, you're funny. Like, you should, like, pushing me a little bit. So I was able to, I think, tap into, like, the vulnerability and, like, the inner voice, but be their outer voice being like, just like, give it a little. a little bit more here or here or like, I can see that you have it. I can see when you're doing this in your room at home. Like, I bet you go like 10 times harder and I bet it rules and I bet you're

feeling yourself. Yeah. And I get how hard that is to give us here. And like, again, I keep saying vulnerable, but it is, you know, but like the second that we like feel comfortable watching you, like you put us at ease and then you've got us, you know? Are there people that like, like don't pass or is it just a critique? ink sort of thing. Yeah, no, there's definitely no X's or A. Oh, there's no X's.

Okay. No, it's just us like kind of breaking down a performance, you know? And that's really cool, too, because and sometimes I felt like, you know. Is it a winner? Uh-huh. Like one winner of the whole season?

I don't know. Okay. But, okay, you'll have to tune in, you guys. It's going to be on Max, November 28th. Yeah. And what is your, so it's already on Max when this comes out. So you can stream it there.

Is it one episode a week? Or is it? Two. Two episodes a week. And is there like a glimpse of one of the stories that was your favorite that you can kind of share with us, like so we get a sense? Yeah. I mean, there's definitely one that there, so there's so many stories. My biggest takeaway was I always say this in life where I'm like, you want something so bad. But like nothing is ever on your timeline. I've found out in life. It's like the more I try to force something and push something through, honestly. the less I get it. So what was really cool to see was like, I get how heartbreaking it is to not get the thing you want right away that you are like going so hard for. But to see these people two years later, five years, 25 years later,

be the people they are today going for it and having like all the gratitude for the moment and having become the person that they were meant to become and actually having a lens on the world and being like, oh, this is cool. And I appreciate this moment rather than being like, 18, 19, and being like, I should get this, I deserve. Right.

Like, just cocky as all hell. Yeah. Was so cool to see. So that alone, big deal. And then I did feel like there was a comedian on the show who shared a very personal story about her life and what had kind of, like, gotten in the way of her trajectory that I was able to really empathize with and have so much. respect for and like I definitely had a moment like with her and yeah did you like relate in a way

because you were almost going to stay on a couple other trajectories like yourself like you were just going to be a hairdresser until people pushed you kind of thing yeah she had like a similar comedic journey and then had a loved one who was diagnosed with dementia and went to take care of them. And I have experience with that and actually know how important it is for that the person who has dementia to feel safe and like with the people around her. So the fact that she would like put her passion aside for that safety and that love while being like so freaking talented. Wow. It's just the ultimate. It's the ultimate love. And I was able to relate with her in that way and and make, I hope, make her feel like I think what

her decision is incredible. Yeah. And a winner in its own way, you know, and like, and try to talk to her about ways, like, to do both, which helped me in my life figure out ways to do both, you know? Yeah. That's so special. And what I love about this show is that it's not only a singing competition, just like we see a lot of, it's dancers, like you said, comedians, magicians, and so much.

much more. So you have fun doing this. Oh, my God. Judging it. Yeah. That's so cool. So you guys tune in to Second Chance Stage. I'm telling you, watch the trailer. You're going to be hooked and want to watch it. It's really special and just like, I think it's cool. It's coming out on Thanksgiving because you're going to be with your family anyway and like, just get the good vibes. Yeah. I love that. Yeah. Okay. Before you go, we're going to do a quick SNL superlatives vibes. Oh, okay. Okay. Most likely from like your cast. Most likely to host an award show. Likely to host an award show.

Well, Che and Colin did it, so. They did. Yeah. Okay. Most likely to prank call you. Most likely to prank call me. Ego. She's really good at characters. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, I loved her on a show with Adam Pally.

Oh, my God. Mr. Throwback. So good. Yeah. Okay. Most likely to be late. Oh, what? Used to be maybe Pete David's end, but no more.

Most likely to be late. I don't think Che. would care if I said Jay. He kills me on Instagram. Most likely to be down for anything at any time. Down for anything at any time? Marcel is pretty down. Oh, yeah.

Oh, cool. Most likely to Irish exit. Egg is good at that. Yeah? But also me. And who gets the most lit at the after parties? I don't think Che would mind if I said Che. Just everything, Jay.

Yeah, everything, Jay. Most likely to get. get a late night show. A late night show. Oh, my gosh. James would be a really good late night host. Is that a dream of yours? A late night show.

I've never had that dream. No? But I would do it. With you, it's like maybe you'll sprinkle it out there. Maybe it'll come out of a lot of you one day. Yeah. I like it. Thank you, Heidi.

Thank you for coming on. It was so fun talking to you. Thank you. And you guys, everyone tune in on Max to your new show. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you guys so much for listening to this episode of Not Skinny, but Not Fat. me on Instagram at

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