The Three Questions with Andy Richter - Emma Slater & Andy Look Back on Their Dancing with the Stars Run

Episode Date: November 18, 2025

This week’s episode of “The Three Questions” is full of both tears and laughs! “Dancing with the Stars” pro Emma Slater joins Andy Richter just two days after their elimination from the show to discuss their incredible run as competition partners, the surprising ways DWTS has fundamentally changed Andy’s life, Andy’s newfound audience of “Fandys” on TikTok, finding joy while living with depression, the "Dancing with the Stars" spin-off idea Emma wants Andy to host, and much more.Do you want to talk to Andy live on SiriusXM’s Conan O’Brien Radio? Tell us your favorite dinner party story (about anything!) or ask a question - leave a voicemail at 855-266-2604 or fill out our Google Form at BIT.LY/CALLANDYRICHTER. Listen to "The Andy Richter Call-In Show" every Wednesday at 1pm Pacific on SiriusXM's Conan O'Brien Channel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey, everybody. Welcome back to the three questions. I'm your host, Andy Richter. And today, I am so pleased to be talking to my dance partner, Emma Slater. She is a multi-award winning professional dancer. She joined Dancing with the Stars in 2012 and won the show in its 24th season. And this season, I was lucky enough to have her as my partner on Dancing with the Stars. We're recording this on Thursday, two days after our elimination. And you'll be able to see her soon on the Dancing with the Star's tour in a city near you. Here's my conversation with one of the dearest people I have ever known in my life, Emma Slater. Hi, Emma. My name's Andy. Nice to meet you. Yeah, it's good to meet you. Oh, considering that we've been roommates basically for three months. I know in either room three, room four, room five, or on stage. Yeah. So, well, we did it. I'm so proud of us. Thanks. Honestly, this has been by far my most favorite season. Yeah. I'm serious. I mean,

I'm sorry, you know, obviously I won. Sorry, Rashad. I loved that season too, but this was so, so come on. I mean, come on. People's princess. The other men know. They know when they've been. I loved it the other day when Rashad, who Richard Jennings, I won with in season 24, turned up at the studio and you're like, I don't like meeting your exes. He actually told me, too, something and I forgot to. He's like, pick her nose. It's a bit that we have. I knew that he said that to you. And I was like, I initially was like, I don't think I'm going to put my finger in Emma's nose.

I mean, not unless she asks. Yes. And then I forgot. So, you know. I knew he said that to you. So sorry, Rashad, I forgot to keep up the bit. It was something in the finale in season 24. Like, we did a bumper, which is basically, you know, where you wave and you cut to your package or whatever it is.

Coming up next. Coming up next. And we were sitting there waving. For some reason, we were sitting on the floor because they had us on the floor. And he just stuck his finger in my nose. And I about, like, I turned around and started, like, you know, hitting it or whatever. Like, we were laughing about it. But he used to do the most random crap on TV.

I think that's football. I think like athletes, like their body boundaries just become obliterated. Totally. I wanted to ask you about that because obviously people come on to dancing with the stars and it's like, oh, hi, nice to meet you. Let's touch bellies because that's basically what happens. It's like, you grab me here, you've got to pull me in. We've got to close this gap and you've got to like your stomachs have to be basically like touching each other.

You're like hip to hip to hip. One side of your pelvis, they're touching. Yeah, exactly. And, you know, you're saying things. It's like you got you got to like, you know, walk between my feet here and it's like really up in your business and close. Like was that weird? Or when you get to when you get to lifts, it's basically put your arm in my crotch. Yes, exactly.

And then pull me really close to me. Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, it was not weird at all because I'm a pervert and I. Well, I was and I talked to you about this. Did you? Yeah, well, I talked to you about about an aspect of this. show and a dancing that struck me early on, which is I have been in plenty of creative partnerships, but we did not hold on to each other for four hours a day. And there is something,

there is something like human, like touch is a basic human nourishment. Right. So there was something about, and I think it's like a key to it why people are so touched by. it. Yeah. It's because you're getting, like, you're basically getting stuff that you got when you were a baby. Totally. And, but you're doing it as an adult. Yeah. And, you know, and then, and you're working too and it's all part of the same thing. And, you know, and I'd go home and I'd be like, like, to Jan, like, come here. Come here. I need, I need more of this. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, it's like, it's primal. Like, that's an instinct. And you mentioned this the other day, like, back in the day, we would just dance for enjoyment. That's what people, it was ceremonious. People,

People will just move their body because it felt good. So I think it's like that teamed with the human connection, teamed with the aspects of just doing something together as a team. It's moorish. You want to continue. Absolutely. And to answer your question, your initial question, I don't, you know. Don't, you know.

I don't have any sort of like, I've done so much. Huh? I'm the same. It's like, yeah. Put your hand there. My body. Yeah, yeah. Grab it.

Whatever, you know. And that's why like I love, and I was. Alan, who is Amma's boyfriend, like, he would come in and give her a kiss. And I would, I'd be like, come on, what about me? And he would kiss me on the chair or like, I'd go to kiss him and he, like, give me a side chicken. And I'd be like, come on air. And then he came over and gave me one on air.

And he was shaking because he was so nervous. Like, come on. Lay it on me, buddy. Can I tell you that he is actually now really proud that that made the internet? Oh, me too. Yeah, yeah, yeah. People screenshot. And I was like, no, no, no, really.

Just my guy. sharing a kiss. Exactly. You're like, like, Alan doesn't need to be threatened. It's Emma who should feel threatened. Totally. Totally. I might make a TikTok about that.

But yeah, I don't, I mean, I think it's comedy, too. It's like, it's the same thing. Like, from doing plays and improv shows in Chicago and changing in the back stage of a place that has rats calling around. It's like, yeah, I got to get to my underwear and there's 25 people in here. Yeah. And I've never, like, when I go to wardrobe fittings and they're like, let me shut the door. I'm like, I don't, if it's uncomfortable for other people, that's okay, but I don't give a shit, you know.

And I also, my whole life, I've been that way, like, like both of my wives, if we're in a hotel and like I'm walking around naked, they're like, people can see you. I'm like, who cares? I'm the same. Like, you know, like, so they're going to see an old fat man. Who cares? They've probably seen one before, you know. We were leaving the, so we just did. I don't even know if it's open, but we, like, this is out or whatnot.

but we just did a part of a show with Reginald Val Johnson who was my last partner and as we were at CBS the studio where we record Television City television city and as I was leaving

his trousers were off and he didn't care and people were like Reggie and he was like this oh don't worry about it He was literally getting naked yeah yeah yeah yeah and I also think it's a comedy thing

I've done so much comedy nudity which is a dance belt which for people that don't know it is basically a jockstrap with one strap that goes right up the crack and I have been in front of I've been on sets with that to the point where somebody's like no we want you to put on a robe the robe isn't here for you it's here for us oh okay I get it yeah yeah so I yeah I don't have a lot of you know I have plenty of it's weird because I have plenty of body shame you know like I'm not I and I mean that's

been one of the stories of me doing this is just like um you know you know you know, not, not being wild about my body. And like I think I told you, like, we're roommates, you know, they kind of don't really get along, but we've got to share the same space. I've always been struck by like, I have body shame. And I remember when I was like a teenager with all kinds of fat kid issues and stuff and wondering about like, when I get naked in front of a woman is, how is it going to be? And I, like, the first time I was naked in front of a woman, I was like, oh, this is easy. Yes. I can do this just fine. Yeah, yeah. You want to look around, you know, it doesn't bother. And I don't know where that comes from other than just like it's, you know, when I get to that point, it's like these ridiculous vessels that we're all walking around in. Who gives a shit? And when people are squeamish about it, I'm always like, come on. Listen, I have to tell you, you have the best legs. I don't know if I told you this, but I'm like, I love your cast. I'm a calf person. You have the best legs. They are such great legs.

Thank you, thank you. And I've been looking at them a lot because, you know, you wear shorts. So you put your knee braces on. You've got your ballroom shoes. It's quite a look. And let me tell you, people love it. There's so many comments online. Like, you've got such an iconic look, but your legs are like A plus.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And that's also, that's a thing for me too. I've got big calves for a girl. Like, people think that my legs are really strong because they look really strong, but actually they're not. I've got no running power. I think in our ancestry, there was a lot of work. Yes.

A lot of farm work or something involved, you know. And they said they're going to look like they, you know, they, their ancestors, but I cannot jump. I cannot run. I've got no strength there. But it looks like it can. No, I have, I have strength. I've always been like strong, you know. I mean, as I've gotten older, it's been less.

But like I used like work from moving company. My mother's business was kitchens and it was like I could always lift heavy things. But yeah, but thank you about the legs. It is my family. They're all giant, old Swedes with big oak tree legs. It's so weird because, I mean, we talk all the time. So they have you in here for an interview. I guess I don't know where to start.

I guess maybe let's start from because I mean, this podcast is normally like, let's find out about Emma and her starts. We could do that. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, tell, you know. I'm not that interesting, to be honest. Yes, you are. Well, I mean, I'm from Birmingham, England.

Yeah. And it's like very sort of like middle of the road, England, you know, grew up with, I love my family. I'm so close to them. I've got a twin. My name's Kelly. And she's my best friend. And they're all still over in England. Which I find interesting.

I don't know a lot of same-sex fraternal twins. I don't use the word fraternal because I'm British. We don't use that word. We say identical and non-identical. So I'm not like, what's fraternal? That means non-identical. So yeah, we're not identical. There's identical and fraternal.

Yes. Yeah. Yeah, we're not identical, like we kind of look like we're related, but we don't look like twins. Even though now, when we've grown up, a lot of people see us together and they go, oh, twins, and we look at each other like, that's crazy. We look like each other, but maybe we do. So it's like, yeah, not particularly interesting. I grew up, I just had a lot of energy.

Like, I knew I was a performer. You know, when you just see those kids and you're like, she's or he has got an energy and they're very showy. So I was that person. Like I just love to make people laugh. I love to dance for people. I love to perform. And it wasn't really, I don't think it was from a place of like I needed attention. Yeah.

Because I'm actually not that type of person, but I wanted to make people happy. I think I did it from a place of like at creating some kind of value for the room. And started ballroom dancing because I saw this demonstration of a girl and she dropped into the split. And that was just like, what? I just loved it. She had this incredibly sparkly dress on. Her hair will slick back and I, like, wanted to be here at the moment. Yeah.

And so I begged my parents and they're the most supportive people. So they started taking me. And before I know it, I had a decision when I was 16 because in England at 16, you can leave secondary school, which is high school. You can leave and go to work. You can go to college. or you can, you know, do something else. Yeah.

And I got... Rob trains. If you want. Yes. Sure. Why not? You can... Very English.

I got offered a touring show, a Boreham show, and I just did that. And it's like, it's that whole thing of just life happened to me. Yeah. So I started on this touring show and this agent came up to me and said, do you have any representation? And I said, no. But if you want to represent me, you can. Yeah. So we didn't sign anything.

She just started to... Hey, sure. Why not? If you want to put my name out there. Let me put your career in my career in your hands. Right. Stranger. Totally.

At 16. And she did. And then she got me on to Mama Mia the movie. And I did. I still have yet to go back and watch that scene. I'll screenshot it for you and I'll be like, that one. That's me. And it was fun.

And so I started to just do more. I started to become a performer that was doing it on stage rather than just competitively because I did compete. and then honestly found my way to America got an interview with Dancing with the Stars because they just kind of knew who I was from the circuit because it's not a huge pool of people is it in ballroom? No, it's now becoming more popular

but I mean I joined Dancing with the Stars 14 years ago I was 22, 23 and I joined us as a troop I still keep saying you should say you were 12 I was 12 years old guys I'm obviously in my 20s Yeah, you're 26. Let's stop advertising this. Listen.

I know. I need to manage you. Yes. I've been here for so long that when I first joined, people just kind of got to know you through. I would send them an email. I don't even think, to be honest, I don't even think I poached them. I think it was Sasha Farber who I was dating at the time, an amazing person. We ended up getting married.

We're not together anymore. But, like, brilliant person, just love him. He and I were dating at the time, and he got onto the show as a troop member and got me an interview. And so I went and I did it. And I thought that I was terrible because I just said all the wrong things. But apparently that was what they were looking for. So then I got hired and then the rest was history. Yeah.

Yeah. And you've been there ever since. I've been there ever since. So I found L.A. I didn't really choose it. But it's great. And I've moved around here and found the best people. but it's really interesting because I've only ever done the one thing that I started to do as a kid

and that's all I've done. Like I've not had any other jobs. So, you know, it's going to be a frightening thing really when I kind of step away and I discover, am I a producer? Because part of me is also like, am I a director? Am I a producer? Am I some kind of, you know, management house? Or host, too. I mean, we talked about that. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. There's a few facets that I feel like I, I kind of fit in and I want to do. So it's just now I'm just in the era of feeling those out. But I think also being a pro on the show is something that I love to do. This season with us was incredible.

Like I truly got re-inspired and reinvigorated. And now I'm just, I'm excited about life. And that was because of you, truly. Thank you. You came on and we just clicked instantly. So that's what makes me excited. Yeah. That's my story.

Did you? because we started, I mean, I'll take it from my perspective of us starting. And also, I mean, I feel like I've talked about it so much, but I don't know what people have heard. But, you know, I got hired in April. I mean, they sent me an email. And I've told this before. My initial reaction was no and don't tell anyone that they asked because there are too many people in my life who would have said, what do you mean? No. Totally. And I knew that the no was just chicken shit. It was just. insecure fear, saying no. So within literally 10 seconds, I was like, I have to do this. And not I have to do this. And honestly, even now, all the things that have happened and all the attention we've gotten, yes, it's getting, like, it's getting me noticed career-wise. And of course, the exposure of what is the hottest show on TV all of a sudden,

all that exposure is going to be good for me career-wise. but that truly, truly is like less important than, and in that moment was less important than thinking, this will be good for me to learn this thing, to confront, like somehow, even though there was all this fear and all this worry, there was like some sort of grown-up voice in the background going, do it, you know you need to do it. You know, probably like my own dad voice, like the dad voice for me that. sorry dad i never had yes you know um so i i said yes and then it was and then there was lots of like you know jan throughout the summer going like when are you going to get started

on kind of getting ready and i'm like nah in a while in a while but i did join the gym and i started doing cardio again and in the meantime i found out i needed a new hip because i'd been having all these struggles of my left leg and asked the doctor can i do dancing with the stars which was was it a violation of my, uh, nondiscope, you know, my india. I could have been, I could have been kicked off the show. Um, but he's like, yeah, sure. He's like, we'll just, you know, shoot you up full of shit. And I was like, all right, okay. Um, and then, um, and then as it got closer, I think I told you, like, I started to just, the week before I was having like stress dreams. You told me that. Every night. And I was a crabby bitch. And it was all being scared. And I, and I,

I had a dream, and I'm going to tell it because it's about my dad. And my dad and I are estranged. We haven't talked for a long time. And my dad taught at Indiana University, and he taught the Russian language, which he had learned in the Army. He started out of his music major, went into the Army, tested high in language, and learned Russian because it was the Cold War. And it became his vocation, and he was very good at it. And he was well regarded within the linguistic circles. Right.

But when he finished his Ph.D. class work for people that don't know, you go on what's called tenure-tracked. And it's seven years of prolific publishing, publishing, like writing papers after papers, and you have to do that. And then you present a thesis. And then you get tenured, which is basically they can't fire you and you make a pretty nice living as far as teachers go, especially university teachers. Especially, like, you know, like, he, you know, he didn't really have, he's, he's a gay, he didn't have a partner. I mean, by that, you know, my brother and I were sort of my, you know, he wasn't contributing much. So it was like he would have had a good living and he might have been able to contribute more. Yes.

He didn't want to do it. And that was the story. I was heard. He's like, oh, writing all those papers. I never wanted to hear it. And as a kid, I thought, oh, it's cool. My dad didn't want homework. But as a result, he never got tenure.

So he was paid basically as a glorified instructor for years. And they finally did sort of correct it and gave him more money. But it made it so that money was a constant problem and he had to wait tables on weekends. And it was very limiting to him. And I had this dream about that. And I was talking to him about it. And I don't remember exactly. what happened, but I said to him, you didn't do that because you were scared. You were scared

that you couldn't do that. And when I woke up, I was like, don't do that. Oh. Like, don't be that, you know, don't let some fear of something you can't overcome control literally the rest of your life. Totally. And it really was kind of a turning point just in me kind of going, oh, So, you know, still was, I still was like very nervous and very insecure. And, but, you know, meeting you, and I mean, and I told, I've told you, friends that are in the show, like when they told, like, you know, because you're not supposed to tell, because you're not supposed to know. But, sorry, folks, we knew. Yes. But friends of mine, they're big fans of the show.

And who are dancers, I said, Emma. And they were all like, oh, my God, you're so lucky. She's the best. Oh, that's so nice. And like Emma, and one of them was like, which one is she? The English one. Oh, yeah. Oh, my God.

You're just the English girl. Oh, yeah, right. Oh, I like that. And then I met you and it was kind of instantly. I mean, you're hard to not have an immediate crush on. So it was like, you know, the world has a crush on you. So it was like, oh, this is going to be fun. And I could tell right away, like, that you're a good teacher and you're, you know, and you understood.

I think you just innately understood my reluctance and my fear and my insecurity and knew that, like, that we were going to get there. you're having fun and laughter. Totally. Yeah. Totally. And then as I was doing stuff, like, there's big promo days and you're going to different places. And people all, like people from the network, promo people, security guards, grips, would walk by me and go, you got the best one.

So sweet. Under their breath. Like they wouldn't, I wasn't, you know, like they did in trouble if they found, if somebody found out. Yeah, yeah. That's so sweet. And I mean, and I found out they were absolutely right, you know. And then we started.

And I started to, it was very hard in the beginning And I felt like a Frankenstein just off the table And then it slowly started to grow And I started to kind of like Feel proud of myself Which I don't spend a lot of time doing And then And there was one specific night

I don't even know if we'd gone to air yet I think I know what you're going to say Go ahead But I went to a Dodger game with friends of mine and which is I was excited to do and also like showing up at Dodger Stadium like when the sun's going down and you're going to see a game it's it's it's it's just beautiful up there the sun it's just it's a pretty wonderful thing and I was excited to do it and we were walking across the parking lot and I thought to myself I feel buoyant

oh really I feel I feel light I feel happy I feel energized. And I was like, it's because of this dancing. Jesus Christ, it's because of this dancing, yeah. People don't realize such a energy that, like, rushes through you. Like Derek has a saying, and it's, I don't think that this is his saying, but he says it a lot. And it's like motion creates emotion. Yeah.

And it's just by moving your body and then having something to work towards really does something magical for you. But I don't think you've ever told me that story. That's not, I thought you were going to talk about a different night. Which was? I thought you were going to talk about we had not gone to air yet and we did a show and tell for the first time. And the show and tell for the people listening is basically you finish your dance for the week and you probably haven't, you're still at the dance results rehearsal studios. You probably haven't put it on even the stage yet. And you show another couple just to get the nerves out. There's four studios and there's four couples. rehearsing and you just go next door and say, hey, come, you know. Come watch us. You show us yours,

we'll show you ours. Yes, basically. And listen, you'd never, you'd never shown anybody you're dancing yet. No one had seen you. No one had seen a taping. Nothing had gone to air. And there was no rehearsal footage yet. So this was the first time that you had basically worked for a couple of weeks on a dance and was about to show somebody something. Sitting in the same room. Producers are watching on cameras, but that's easy to not put together, you know, or not even notice. You get, you get used to it. Yes, yes. So there was physically eyes watching you in a room whilst you were performing this dance. And I remember being like, because this could go a few ways. Like with celebrities, in my experience, they can get nervous and anybody's, you know, regular people,

they can get nervous and they can just forget choreography. They can turn it up, which is very rare to happen, because normally nerves really do take effect. Yeah, yeah. So you performed in front of people and they were so happy and their reaction was so magnificent that I watched your reaction afterwards. And we started jumping around and giving each other high fives and group hugs. And I remember we watched other people's dancing and we were laughing and clapping. And then at the end, Britt Stewart made like a little speech about this is what Dancing with the Stars is. that you were the representation of dancing with the stars this year.

Because it was you, it was Baron Davis, it was Jen Affleck, and it was. Elaine, too, wasn't Elaine in that one? No, it wasn't Elaine. Or maybe it was just a three. It might have been just a three. I don't think it was four. No, it was Danielle. Oh, Danielle, that's right.

That's right. Yeah, yeah. And you guys had not had, you know, dance experience before. Yeah. So it really was like a true representation. It was, yeah, it was a handful of people that were new to this. New to it. And so it was special.

And it was special. Yeah. And it was really like, it was like you could just say it was just vulnerability. And people like seeing it seeing like an NBA All Star vulnerable. Totally. And feeling like nervous about doing something physical in front of people. It's like it was so sweet. And so and when I, I remember when I finished dancing, it was kind of one of the first time. And I, you're right. I was like, oh, shit. Yeah, this is like it. And it was one of the first times that I felt like this thing that I felt a number of times, which is just kind of, and I am not woo-woo, magical, spiritual, tapping into something. Yeah. That just where you're just like something opens up and joy comes out. Yes.

And everybody was so jumping around and so happy and cheering. and I could like it and it I can tell niceness you know I can tell like a polite sort of compliment and it was like people were really happy and really like thought I did a good job yeah and I had this like giddy feeling and I said like and everyone was hugging me and while we're like in this big group up and I said I feel like I've joined a cult because it was like I did feel like something transportation just happened I'm in like a different realm than I was two seconds ago yes and only people are hugging me, and now I'm part of some new brother and sisterhood of something, you know. Yes. No, you feel connected because you wanted over that shared experience. Yeah, yeah. And there was so much love going around that it's like, oh, I belong here. Yeah. I love this. And that's what you get hooked and you want to go further and further and further. And I

remember you said to me that your initial was to not get eliminated first. Yeah. Well, first it was a getting eliminated first. You just get this shit out of the way. Yes. And then once I started liking it, I was like, well, I don't want to go home for it. Because there's a double elimination in the second week. Yes. I was like, I just want to make it past that so I can say, I wasn't the worst.

Yes, exactly. Yeah, yeah. And then it was like, well, this is, it's going to be hard, but can we get to Cornelia's dance, which was week five? And then you said, and then I'm like, I'm happy. Then I'll be really, really happy. And we got to. And at that point, which was, week five is like almost halfway in terms of lengths throughout the season.

And I was thinking to myself, well, we could be going home like any kind of, any kind of week. Yeah. And then it just continued and continued. And it was just like every single week was, oh God, let's just do next week. Let's just continue. It's like it's so, so, so fun. And sometimes I remind myself, this is a show about Boreham Dancing. When would you ever think that that would make you feel a certain thing?

Or that people would, like that so many people would care. Right. You know what I mean? And there was. The social media really helps with that. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Can't you tell my loves it grows? No, I mean, it's a boiling pot and it's all good for the show.

But it is like there are people that really need to chill out. Lighten up. And I've not experienced it. I've not experienced the kind of the positive and the negative side of social media quite in the same way as I did this season. But I will tell you, before we started the season, I think all the pros are very much about, okay, we're going to really utilize social media because that's, you know, that's the way that you really do this. You showcase your person on social media. That also, too, just for people who don't know, there was a changeover in management of the show. And it had actually gone to streaming for a couple of years.

And then the president of ABC was like, nope, we're going to bring it back. And Conrad came back after an absence of 10 years. And there was this notion of we are going to utilize social media to supercharge this show. It was a directive that was put out to everybody. Well, actually. I'm telling you what happened. Actually, no, the Dancing with the Stars state that they never require us to do social media.

They don't do that. But it was something that the pros have experienced over the last few years that, you know what, this is an absolute benefit to us as people. It kind of adds to our enjoyment to be able to share more things. And we saw how, you know, social media is at the end of the day, it is also a tool, even though I don't like to think of it that way and I don't think of it that way. But it is a tool and it does work. What I enjoyed this year is that I enjoyed being so real and so authentic with you. I enjoyed just being funny and making funny videos. I reminded

myself as me back as a kid just making funny things to make funny things just because it made me, it was enjoyable to me. We started putting those kind of things. out because that's what I gravitate towards. That's what I like to watch on social media. I like it to be lighthearted. I like to feel good. So we started doing that and that's what you do. That's who you are.

You're like the best person for that. And it was so fun that I was like, let's do two a day. You said that right off the back as if like take your vitamins. You were like, we're doing two or three TikToks a day. That's like one of the first things you said to me. And I'm like, all right. Well, Alan said to me, Alan Berson, my boyfriend, he said to me, hey, just so you know, and I'd give you a bit of a backstory to this,

he says, so just so you know, going into this season, like, I'm really going to be doing a lot of social media. And he said this to me because this might surprise people listening, da-da-da-da, I'm not great social media, and I wasn't. I have a thing with social media where just sometimes feels inauthentic. Like, you've said this before, you're allergic to being bony. Boney. Yeah. same same i don't like to be performative i don't like to be um i don't like to put on a persona it feels ugly and it feels ick and i just won't do it if it doesn't feel good for me it is and it it's mostly television like for me i mean it's throughout life but in television especially

i feel like it is crying wolf with emotion so that people hear so much like supposedly just drenched with emotional things that have nothing inside them. Yes. So when real emotion happens, people have been so dulled by this just carpet bombing of horseshit, phony, bullshit

that they don't know when something happens that they should feel something. Right, exactly. And that's like, that to me, like I'm not religious, but that feels like sacrilege to me. It feels like you are fucking up your whole reason for being on the planet.

Totally. For being alive. You only got a set amount of time. Don't be fake. Yes, don't. The clock is ticking, you know. Right. And you're so right about that.

I'm really, I live in my feelings all the time. Tell me about it. And I know you do too. No, I meant for heroes. Oh, me? No, I do. And that's actually taken a lot of navigating for me because I'm very sensitive. I always was.

And I, as a kid, would use to think. oh Emma don't like walk into that situation because you know you're going to cry and and you're told as a kid or at least you you kind of seen propaganda I guess that if you cry you're kind of weak and so I just lived with this I felt like an amoeba with no shell I felt like my heart was completely open to the ailments and anywhere I saw something that was pure love I could identify it really quickly because it would make me feel something and then I would cry about any good and bad I would cry over anything

and I guess I haven't talked about that that much to be honest like I was very always very sensitive and so I learned how to I just was just living in my feelings and I learned how to like regulate my emotions and to ground myself and I had to do that and be surrounded by people that made me feel good

and then try to disconnect from those things that wouldn't So anyway, cut to social media when I love to really connect to people that have an open heart and, you know, connect to what's real, you know, there's so much stuff to your point where that isn't real that it just wouldn't resonate with me. And that's fine. But when it came to me being that, you know, sometimes you just like they say, you've got to use that tool and you've got to do what's good for you. But it just would not feel good to me. and I don't like it. But I found with you, I found with you that it was so easy. It was like the actual filming of things was secondary. It was more like, this is really fun.

And this was such a good way. And I actually felt so much purpose in being a real, being myself, that things clicked for me. Yeah, you seemed energized by it once we got up and running. I loved it. And I disliked it. I'm not going to say hate, but I disliked it before, and I, and now I love it. And now I love the fact. No, you would text me like, you know, at 10 p.m. I've got an amazing TikTok for us tomorrow

morning. Yes. Yes. And it's not for the validation. It's just so I would watch it myself to be like, this is really fun. Because it was fun. Yes, exactly. And that's the key. And that's like, and that's something I learned. I feel like I always had this instinctually as a performer. I don't know where it came from. It's not anything that I pat myself on the back for, but just I, you know, whether it's like, you know, my mother instilled strength of character or something, but I always was like, even when I started doing improv, like, don't chase the audience, you know, do your thing. You know, and especially in improv, be on stage with these people and, you know, kick the love around up there and let everybody watch. And that was always my philosophy. That was always my

philosophy like with the Conan show and with shows similarly and and it can be applied to everything um is that especially a late night talk show it is an opportunity for people to eavesdrop on cool funny people cool talented people hanging out yeah and and that the best way to ensure that people who are eavesdropping's good time is to pursue your own good time yes and i always felt like if I'm having fun. It's going to be the best show that could possibly be. Totally. And I have just carried that through.

So like when you say like let's do TikToks, it's playtime. Totally. You know? And when you said that to me and I mean, I didn't fully understand TikTok. Just I hadn't spend that much time on it. I had an account. And like we said, I had about 12 followers, which I think were all bots or, you know. And I was just on there to watch my kids stuff, my older kid stuff.

And I changed the name. to something, because it was just something generic, you know, something anonymous. And I don't even remember what, but changed it to Andy Richter TikTok, make a note, folks. Yeah. And then, you know, when we started doing stuff and there was a lot of stuff in the beginning that, like, I'd be like, wait, what am I, I'm saying this and what is it from? And you're like, it doesn't, just say it, just do this. Just kick here. And there was also, yeah, there was also a few where you'd have a shit-eating grin on your face and you go, just do this.

Like, what's this for? Just do it. Uh, okay. And then it would be, it'd be great. And then it would be like, I would be like, you know, Andy the fucking moron, you know, which I don't mind, you know, I mean, I'm, believe me, I made a lot of money being a moron. But it was, I, it's just like, and I was like, okay, yeah. And what's weird about TikTok too that I didn't understand.

But I understand it now is, wait, we're just going to do something that somebody else did And that lots and lots of other people have done. And we're not going to put a twist on it. We're not going to sort of comment on it. Yeah. That's something new. We're just going to do it. And you're like, yeah.

Yeah. I'm like, okay. Yeah. And then I started to get like, oh, there is this kind of communal feeling of everybody doing the same thing. And there are variations. And, you know, there are variations. But it does feel like everybody going down the slide at the playground.

Yes. Like, let me go down the slide. You're not going to go down the slide. different than the person before, just go down the slide, you know? Right. And I also started to realize, and I've told you this, because we were doing it for a while. And then you started showing me like, look how many views this got. Mm-hmm.

Oh. And then I started to see people becoming invested in our little venture. And I was like, oh, I see what we're doing. Mm-hmm. We're getting people on our team. Yeah. Nice and early. Yeah.

And there were, especially, I would come in and there would be pros going like, oh, well, if it isn't Mr. TikTok, you know, oh, the king of TikTok just walked. Yes. And it wasn't like, it was all fun and loving, but I did kind of tell, I did kind of feel like, oh, I think we're winning in one category of ways, ways to play this show, this game, this competition. Yes. We are, there's, there's different ways to do it and there's this one way. And I think we're out, like, we were out of the gate running. Yes. And other people were kind of like, I think there was like, oh, shit.

Yes. Look what's happening over there. And I take pride on that. Absolutely. Absolutely. Mr. TikToks are. That, for me, I was like, yeah, that's a win. Right.

Because there's certain, like, you know, you can say to me, oh, you know, you're ugly or you can't dance or whatever. But if you say, like, you can't do humor, you can't do. Yeah, that's a personal insult. I'll take that. No, God damn it. Yeah, yeah. So, like, human connection, I take so seriously. So when people started saying to you, by before even week two happened, people's princess,

I was like, yes. Yeah. Yes, he is. And I would vote for you if I was watching all that and seeing you and knowing that that is genuinely who you are, which is so palpable. People can see that. I'd be given all my votes to you. Well, and that's why I still, like, again, the key to it.

and the key to it for me and the key to, like, feeling, and I've said this before, one of the things that I'm most proud of, like, becoming, and I don't, you know, like, I would be nervous about using it, but like a phenomenon. Yeah, yeah. It's not, like, that's not kind of so many people in, in, in, within three months. And I went from 12 followers to over 100,000. Crazy. You know, and people, tons of people that are, like, I didn't even know who you were.

And now I'm a fan for life. Yes. Like all of that happening, I've said, is like because we did TikToks, we did funny little videos, and we danced. Yeah. There was no calculation. And even in the beginning when they're going like, oh, Mr. TikTok, the reason that I can take that and feel good about that is because, yes, it became strategic. But the strategic was the caboose on the train. The engine was, hey, Emma, let's play.

Yeah, Emma, let's fun. Let's be fun and let's, you know, let's have fun and let's be funny. And there weren't times though when I did feel like, you know, there were, because there's different aspects of this show. There's different aspects of how to succeed. One of them is to be an excellent dancer. Yes. One of them is to be very well trained in dance. And there are some SARS on the show who are very well trained in dance. And that is an excellent way to succeed on the show. There's a way to succeed on the show, which is to get people on your side by doing funny little videos. Yes. And in that instance, I did feel like, I'm kind of a ringer. You know, I did feel sort of like it would be like if you went to, you know, there was some, there was some show, say, about like cooking, like it was a cooking competition. Yeah. But they were, you know, and there's a major league baseball player and they're going, oh, but also we're going to have batting practice. Yes. over here and you know and be like that guy going to go oh okay i can handle that i you know because i've been making funny little short videos for 30 40 years you know and i remember it's so funny you

saying that one of the first tictox we did and i mean literally one of the first out of the gate was you going around being like how does it feel knowing that i'm the ringer of the season yeah yeah yeah yeah it was really really really funny but it was yeah it was yeah it the evolution of like how it felt to have all these people behind us and my expectation of what it was and then starting to feel like and then and it was just like different indicators that would happen around the show where different people's attitude seemed to be kind of like you guys are here for a while you know and and and you and i both going like you know and there was a point at which i was just like I think we're getting a shit ton of votes, you know?

And obviously we were because my scores were always fucking garbage compared to the rest of people. And at a certain point, I was like, all right, you know, there's only so much. I said it to the other night. It's like, there was a point where I was like, I'm a rhino in a gazelle contest. I'm not going to be a gazelle. So, you know, sorry. Yeah. You know, but I am going to have a good time and I'm going to do what I do.

And I'm going to, as I said, there's different ways. to succeed at this game. Absolutely. And I would say, and I, I would say that, like, our game, there is a part of me, because I, you know, I do want to be humble and I do want to be classy, but there's a part of me that's like, you know, all right, you're an excellent dancer. Try and beat us at our game, like, which is harder, you know, like, to learn to dance or to do what we did, like, to, you know, to like make a, make a phenomenon.

on of just like being yourself dressing up their babies and headbands and knee straps and you know holding up signs at Jonas brothers concerts and marathons yeah and I mean that's just that and it like inspired creative yes it inspired you know it was just I was actually uh I told you this I would that I had my therapy appointment today this morning before this and I like I you know I open it with like, well, the run is ended. And, but like, one of the things I told him was that, like, the word that I see in the comments over and over and over is joy. Yes. And I'm going to fucking cry.

Go for it. That, the fact that we were experiencing it, that we were displaying it and that we were causing it and that we were causing other. people to feel it. Yeah. I just think like what better thing is there to do with your time on earth. I know. And especially for what I do, it's like all the awards in the world. It's all it's, it's, you know. I think that's your life purpose. I really do. I don't know if you think in that way. I do. I mean, kind of yeah. I mean, I like making people happy and I always have and it's been important to me. But the other aspect of it is that I have, you know, and I've talked about it plenty because it matters to talk about it. Yeah. I've talked about how I have, I have suffered from

depression. I'm not crazy about that phrase. I have had depression. And yeah, it's a fucking drag, you know, but you learn to live with it. And you learn to like, there's different things you can, you know, medication and therapy. And that's why, like, I've been in. therapy for a million years, and I will continue to be in therapy because it is the vessel that holds my life. It gives me a sense of progress. It gives me a sense of purpose. It gives me a sense of understanding and control. And, you know, if you really throw yourself into it, and if you're willing to put the cruelest of mirrors up against yourself, you can eventually get to the point where you love yourself.

Yeah. And to have spent, I've got to get it together, to have spent so much time in my life being sad, like a bulk of my life was in kind of perpetual low-level sadness. Yeah. And then to have the last three months be about joy. Yeah. I feel like I won a fucking war, you know?

and and it has and again it was over a ballroom dance competition but the universe is so fucking funny yes you know that like it wasn't like some retreat that I went to with some Buddhist monk it was a fucking like it was I dressed up in shiny clothes and you know and had confetti cannon spray at me a hundred times and that's what brought me to enlightenment. That's what like made me that set me on the path for the rest of my life. And I think that people saw you connecting to your joy so much and so openly through this journey that that was the underlying theme of a lot of comments as the amount of joy and happiness that you brought people was incredible. And like you said, what higher purpose could

there ever be on this planet? I can't imagine. I can't imagine an invention I could come up with, a bridge I could build that would be more meaningful than that. And I mean, you know, just truly, truly makes me just, it's like beyond pride or something. It's just like feeling like useful feeling like really really profoundly useful yeah um well and yeah no and i want you were the key to it i mean i've told you this a hundred times i don't you didn't and i don't know if you knew but i mean you were the key to all of that none of this would have happened without you none of this would have happened without who you are and your personality and your heart and you're and us loving each other you know, very quickly, it going from like, yeah, this is, I'm dancing with this nice woman to like,

holy shit, she's the fucking best. I love her. And then, and then like going in every day and even when it was hard and it was hard a lot of the time. And there was a lot of driving into the studio. I'm like, oh, fuck, more dancing. But you were always there. Yeah. And so that was always like, yeah, but Emma's there.

Same. And we'll, you know, like, yeah. it'll be hard to learn these things and it and you know and it's sort of like feel like that just the scales fall away and then I can kind of emerge as something that moves um you know but there was always you and there was always you know let's take a break and make a TikTok or let's or let's just go like out and shoot the breeze with everybody else and hang out and have fun and holy shit it was just such a fun, wonderful experience. And like, you know, I would not be at this point of just like soaking in joy if it weren't for you. Thank you. You're welcome. Same. Same. It's not

just a job for me. Like it's just, it's a visceral experience. And it was same for me. Every time you walked into rehearsals or if even you were there, because we were always quite punctual, to be honest, you were always either stretching or you walk in and you did, hi, I bought you this. Yeah, yeah. I'm a feeder. Yes. I like to. I got you this lemon scone. Yeah, yeah. I said, here's that lemon scone you wanted. You were like, what? Just eat it. It was good. It was just, you just make things so magnetic. And it's kind of crazy for me to realize that some of the things that you've said, especially over the since we've been eliminated the last couple of days, some of the things that you've said, have kind of shucked me because I don't think you've realized how magnificent you are.

I don't think that you've really realized just what a gem and a beacon of joy, like you said, you experienced joy. You are so special. You are so special. And I don't think you have really allowed yourself to maybe feel that or, you know, because you're so humble as well. Yeah, yeah. It makes you uncomfortable.

Yeah. And I mean, it's, like, it's, there's like part, I always, it's kind of a Midwestern thing and there's part of it that I, that I'm like, yeah, you know what, don't get too big for your britches, you know, like, and that exists in a lot of different places. But there, there's also an aspect to it that's bullshit and that I should just fucking, you know, like I, I said to my therapist, I said, I bet on a horse. The horse is me and I should cheer. Yeah. I shouldn't, oh, like. You should. You should cheer because look what you've done.

There's so much strength in your kindness and your heart. Like the strongest thing you can do is literally show people your heart. And that's what you do. And you don't realize how strong and important that is. And how much hope and joy that that gives to people, me included. You know, I feel so much validation personally because I think I do live similar life to you and have had similar thoughts about, you know, why don't people? share more? Why don't people feel more? Yeah, yeah. And, uh, and you've just made me so much

more energized and excited. You made me excited about the future. You made me like really excited because like look how like good life can be. Well, you should be. I am. You should be. Even I don't have all my shit together. No, that's a, I mean, you'll, I don't think you ever. You never do. You never, you know, like that's, you know, like I'm not, again, like I'm not real woo-woo, but I do have like some sort of guideposts or little idioms that I think of. And one of them is get better.

Yeah. Because you're never going to get perfect. Yes. But if it's always get better. Yeah. Then you're all, you're on the right track. And to be honest, like one of the, a real lesson for me was early on in late night with Conan, I saw it like he had a real drive to get to do this thing. And he kind of, I think he understood innately that he definitely had a fire in him to be a, to be a comedian, to be a performer. And I think, and he's even talked to me about it, that he understood kind of late night. talk show host was what he should be right and he made that happen and i saw from him and i i mean

i to my mind i saw somebody who had been had this burning passion to get somewhere got there and there was a lot of now what oh yeah like kind of and and where it was there you know the stress factory is still making stress. Totally. Even though you have landed in the basket you were supposed to land. Right. And that really made me see like, and I think he's learned this too over time. It's like it's better to aim for a process than it is for a position or an attain, you know, like a thing.

Just make it a process and just keep going. I like that. So yeah. I like that. Can't you tell my loves it grow? How do you feel, I mean, how do you feel now about being eliminated? What's been the last few days for you? Well, I'm, so I was trying to count the other day, like how many eliminations I've gone through

because I obviously have been to some finals too. And I mean, I guess some of them don't count as eliminations. Well, 11 years is a pro, right? You were in the troop for three, right? No, I think I've had, I think I've had. Or were you there for double seasons? years, but there was double seasons. Oh, right, right.

I actually think I've had 19 partners. Okay. Is it a 19 season or 19 partners? You should not, Brett. That sounds silly. Really? That's not my count. That's not my count, guys.

Yeah, yeah. So, you know, this elimination for me, of course, there was a sting of sadness that I don't get to come in and rehearse with you every day. That's the biggest part of it. Like, is it going out there and performing, yeah, and being in the competition, but it was really just like, I love rehearsing with you and just working towards something and getting to show you, we were going to have a salsa and a rumba this week. So getting to show you those dances. Yeah. And to Prince, that is like, you know, because every, every week that we advanced there was like, oh, it would be nice to get to. And for Prince, that would have been, especially

both my older, my son and my daughter were like, Prince? Yes. They really wanted to be there next. Yes. Yeah. And this was, we were going to dance to nothing compares to you. Yeah. For the rumba, and then for salsa, it was going to be cream. Get on top. I loved it. And I was going to have you, because we used the shirt rip with the abs for this last week, but I was going to have maybe like fake chest hair or something. Like I was like, oh, this is a good plan of thinking.

I've got to keep going with a medallion. Yeah, mine vacated a few years ago. I don't know what happened. All the hair on my, well, not all the hair, but pretty much. I wasn't never that hairy, but like, I don't know what fucking happened. But mid-50s, it all just went, you know what? We're retiring. See ya.

Goodbye. Bye. But yeah, so it's the elimination is like, oh, we get to miss out on a bit of fun. Like we get to miss out on that bit. But also, I was overjoyed with just the amount of. And again, sometimes I don't allow myself to feel proud of myself. But this time, I did. I did.

I felt really proud of us. and our journey. And I kind of sat there. We had this party after we got eliminated, not for us, unfortunately, but for the 20th year of dancing. Yeah, it was a big fancy party with all, Charo was there. Yes. And everybody came up to me and was like, what a season, what a season. Oh my gosh. And it was hard to feel down when there was so many people that were specifically commenting on our journey and it made me feel like fuck yeah we did that yeah yeah sorry mom she doesn't like want to swear sorry she's like a trucker yes we did that yeah and i feel so i'm is it weird to say like i'm okay oh no not

I'm okay. I'm absolutely okay. And, you know, and when people, to be honest, I mean, to be honest with everybody, when people start saying, we're taking you to the finals, you know, four weeks ago, I'm like, yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever. But as you get into like week eight, nine, you're like, oh, well, maybe, you know. Well, we put, listen, we had our freestyle songs planned out. Yeah.

We had the ideas planned out. They make you do that. They make you do that. You have to plan ahead because there's so much. thing, so many costumes and art department and everything that goes into it. I had to submit this over a week ago. Like, what are your plans for freestyle? We need it. So I was like, oh, we got to think about that in case of. So. And then when you're talking about it, it feels real because it's close enough where it's like, okay, maybe that's attainable. Totally. Totally. And it does feel attainable.

With the amount of love and support that you were getting and we were getting online, we knew you were getting a ton of votes. We were like, this could be a thing. Like it really could. So I, you know, you get excited about that. I was super, like, I hope that when you come back for the finale, maybe we can do one of those songs that we were going to do for the freestyle. Yeah, yeah, that would be great. I'd love to. I can't wait to see what happens there.

Yeah. But, like, to have you, and having you come back and not be judged, I think also will be a fantastic experience for you. Well, I told everybody, you know, like the people that were, after they said we're leaving and, you know, we're standing around. And I'm kissing Alan and there are people are like, we're going to miss you. I'm like, I said, I'm contractually obligated to come back here in a week. Yeah.

So, you know, don't worry about it. It actually, because, you know, like I said, like this sort of, you start hearing things that you don't really believe it. It's like, oh, maybe I could get to the finals. And then there's tons of people saying, like, we're going to get you the mirror ball. Like, you're going to win. And that enters in like, you know, where you're like, come on, that's not going to happen. But there's this little boy. And it's like, maybe, you know, it could happen.

Yes. So, you know, you start to kind of allow yourself to not necessarily count on it or anything, but it's like, well, that would be fun. People think that about that. Yeah. Yeah. But as as it got, especially Tuesday, you know, we did our dance, our quick step, which was a, let's shut those motherfuckers up.

Totally. Quick step because I get so fucking tired of hearing people say he just walks around the floor. And I'm just like, motherfucker, you come in here, rehearse for three months, four hours a day, go on TV, live motherfucking TV. Yes. And then hear people say you're walking around the floor. Which you never did. I get I'm not the best dancer. No shit.

Yeah. You know, but walk around the floor, fuck you. Yeah, no. Sorry, folks. Yeah, no. But so this was just like, all right, yeah, let's do a quick step. And as even Bruno said, it was quick. It was steps.

You did it. Yeah. You did it. So it's like, yeah, I'm dancing. I get it. I'm not the best dancer, but I'm dancing. Yes. And that felt really good to sort of get that.

And also just flat out fun. Totally. At the point, I'm at the point now where, yeah, there's nerves and yeah, there's, you know, I still would manage to kind of ADD, like my dog. brain would, like, see a squirrel in the studio and be like, what? And then I'd forget something. Yeah. You know, or there would just be one distraction and I'd forget five steps. Yes, yes, yes. But it, it was fun. That dance was good. Fucking fun. I loved it. And I was looking forward to getting to do it and to do it in front of people. Not just because I was, you know, trying to prove something. Because it's fun. Yes. And then we and then, uh, and then I started to notice that they were handing out

tens like candy. Yes, yes. And I was, and I had this feeling of like, how the fuck are they going to put me through and send one of these other people home? Totally. How will that work? Yes, exactly. And I just, and I started, and I didn't like think, I didn't put it all together until

kind of afterwards that I was like, no, this was the perfect time to go home. Yeah, again, I looked around and I was thinking to myself. we would have a new problem if we went through. People, I said people would shit their pants if I went home and somebody that got four-tenth. But I stayed in somebody that got four-tenths and they would have a point. Yes. No, they would. They would.

They would. They would. It just got to the point because there was, you know, other people went home and I had Survivor's guilt throughout the whole fucking show. Yeah. And everybody that went home was a lovely person that I enjoyed knowing and getting to know them was a beautiful, integral part of this whole thing for me. So, yeah, but I didn't set up the way the show was.

And everybody that went home, including me, wasn't going to get to the finals. Right. So it's like, okay, I know you're mad that blank, you were a fan of blank and they went home before me. Yes. I'm sorry. But now we are just up against a wall of, oh, no, no. Who can go home. Truly, my rhino-ness is exposed.

Yes. And the gazelles are gazelling it up. Even though it was, I think it was everybody's best dance this last week. And that's the thing. Like, we improved that also other people also had their best dances too. So everybody was kind of like climbing up the ladder. Yeah. And so I think you're right.

It was after we got eliminated and slightly before for me that I was thinking, oh, you're right. This is the best. time that we could have gone out. It would have upset some people. And of course we're not doing this for the haters. But what was most important to me is that your experience in this was absolutely received with love from you and was seen as a, wow.

Look at that's Andy Richter. What a Dancing with the Stars champion he is. And you are that and remain that. Yeah. I wanted to be he had an amazing run. He made a lot of people happy. He wasn't the best dancer, but people loved him and they wanted to see him week after week. Because that's the other thing that I always feel like, too.

People are like, it's a dance competition. It is a TV show. It's a TV show where they fire one character a week. Yes. And you as the viewer get to decide which character you really want to see the next week. Yes. That's all in it. Everything else is an aspect of the show.

Totally. But that is what the show is. That's the concept. That's what it is. Yeah. So we were fun characters that people wanted to see. see come back. Yes. But then it did get to a point where like, yeah, this is, I mean, it is a dance competition.

And when it gets down to the to the end of it, yes, that is, that is what it is. And so I had to come, you know, I had to like tell that little like, maybe boys, like, no, honey, it's not going to happen. You're not going to, you're not going to win the thing. And you're getting out now because if I, if I got into semis, there were people, again, like I said, they would just be flipping their tops. Yes. And so we came out like this and we get a week off before we go back. I know. I know. We didn't lose out on much, did we?

Yeah, we're just still. And I mean, and we did two of the strongest dances that. Yes. I mean, I'm not a self-courteak. It's what everybody keeps telling me. No, two of the strongest dances. And let me tell you. And a lot of fun.

I had messages from people that said, oh, we have reactions from people, producers even, that were just giddy with excitement. watching you dance on the screen and both dances this last week. And that makes me so happy because that's what success looks like to me. We've touched on this. But it's like how people felt watching you. And so I think, you know, you didn't do a step wrong in that quick step. Same with the V&E's whilst.

You absolutely crushed it. So I'm so thrilled that that was the episode that we went out on. We went in and looked like that. Yeah. You know, how awesome. it was it was it was perfect yeah truly truly was perfect and um already my legs feel better yes I'm bad because that certainly was an aspect of this because I you know I yeah breaking news folks it turns out I need a new knee too um breaking news yeah yeah yeah so January 2nd I get a new hip

and then uh in a months later I'll come I'll get a new knee yes And I cannot wait because I just, like I said to you earlier, like I stopped playing tennis because I have a knee that has half a meniscus and now has no cartilage left. Yes, I saw it. I saw it, I stopped playing tennis because it just was like when I played tennis, my knee hurts all the time. And if I don't play tennis, it's livable. And so I, like, I'd love to play tennis again. I'd love to just like not have to. after a day at Disneyland, go home and ice my knee for half an hour, you know? It'll just be nice to have a regular

unbroken, fucked up knee again. You're going to be so joyous. I have to apologize to Julie, your mom. I'm sorry that I have sworn a lot. She'll forgive you. Oh, yeah, right, right. She didn't raise me. Yeah, I know. She forgive you. But here's the other thing that I think

just going back to like ending on this season. Here's one thing that I, we spoke about and maybe this is not like the best thing to say but I think there needs to be a blooper show on Dancing with the Stars we spoke about this and I think you should host it and I think we should aim for next season

we start doing some because you know I'm your unofficial manager now and I'm pushing you everywhere through every door yeah I just she doesn't get a percentage she gets baked goods yeah I get baked goods I get paid with the bakery down the road

I just I feel like people don't, people don't see enough of the funny stuff because there's tons of footage every single day, a funny stuff that happens that would be, again, I think along the lines of just allowing people to feel laughter, feel the joy, feel all that funny stuff, like get some like BTS, I think that you're the perfect person to, to highlight that. Yeah, that's what, like, that's what I'm going to aiming for next season. Yeah, I mean, and I've said that to people at the show, I'm like, you guys are sitting on a Goldmine.

Two hour special, minimum. 100%. And, you know, like, just from our stuff, like, there's, have they ever set you the footage of me falling off the chair? No, no, I want it so bad. They said they were going to use it in the show, but now they didn't. I'm like, give me the footage. There was a moment.

I don't even know. I think it was my phone. I was sitting in a chair in the studio at a break. And one thing you have to understand is like, once, when the workload doubled, my knees just were, they wanted to quit. And that's why, like, I posted, you know, like, I got them drained. I got injections in them. And I've been saying, like, I can dance these dances.

I can go do those dances. But if I sit down, I need both hands to get out of the chair just because my knees are so weak. And I, you know, and I was sitting on a chair and I dropped something. And it was just beyond my reach. And so I reached to get it. And because I don't have the leg strength to catch myself, I just kind of slow motion went up and fell right down. You know, like fell right out of my chair Like somebody in the day room at a nursing home

And you didn't see it And you're like, what just happened? And I was like, I fell out of my chair Because I reached for something. I was standing right there I think I was maybe putting on makeup or something Because I was about to do an interview And you just kind of keeled onto the floor

It was kind of almost slow motion Like, oops And I said, what did you just do? And you went, Oh, I just felt like. And ever since then, I've been begging producers. I don't know why they don't give it to us. No, they said they were laughing.

It's my. It's your body. Yeah. It's my embarrassment. It's my humiliation. Give it to me. No, they did say that they found it. And they only didn't give it to me because they thought that it might be on the show.

But now they'll give it to me. There was also something else. Oh, yeah. The day that they chased us was six cameras. They said they had a ton of footage from that. And they were going to give me that too. Oh, nice. So I was going to make that a lovely little TikTok.

Yeah, they just brought in all the camera people on wheeled tripods and they chased us around the stage for a minute. Like Daleks. From Doctor Who. And it was funny. You said Daleks and that was exactly what I thought of too. Yes. Yes. It was so funny.

Yeah, that was fun. I mean, it's the crew, like the people that make the show, the wardrobe, the hair makeup. Like, it is such a feel good show. And I've only have experience doing one reality show in America. And that's, oh, well, I mean, I've choreographed on so you think he dance. So I guess that's not true. But dancing with the stars is what I hear is just the camaraderie inside is so wholesome. Like what I love about the show is they're not trying to stump you up as a celebrity or even as a pro.

They're not trying to make you look bad. They're not trying to get the drama out of you. They're truly- Or manipulating you. No, yeah, yeah. It's really just like uplifting you. And it feels so good, which is why so many people want to do it. And I really hope that that encourages more celebrities to, like you said, feel like I can do it and not put themselves in a box and go out and do it.

Conan sat in this room and said, I don't think I could do it now that you absolutely could. Yes. Yes. You know, whether you want to or not, whether you want to, you know, whether you can give yourself over the process enough is one thing. But yeah, anybody absolutely could. Yeah, no. And I also want to tell people that, like, that this show should, in terms of just the production of it, I have made live or live-ish television. Because I mean, the Conan, all the different Conan shows are not that dissimilar to Dancing with the Stars. Yeah. Yeah, we do it to tape, but we try to do it as live as possible. Yes, yes, yeah. It was a habit we got into back in the 90s. Good habit, yeah. And it's, and it, because it's mainly for the audiences, say, give them, Give them almost the same thing they're going to see at home. But I have never seen a production like the one that happens there.

It is just mind-boggling how much they get on. Just the simple, for me, the simple thing to have Chicago, the entire, these are big bands. Chicago do a live performance. Then sweep, broom that, as they say, get rid of that and set up cool in the game. Yes, exactly. In three minutes. Yeah, exactly. Because it's live.

You've got three minutes to do those things. And I just feel like that show should be the production of that show. Yeah. Should be tripping over Emmys. They should just be everywhere in that building because it makes every other, every other live show that people tout is like, wow, how do they do it? It's fucking preschool compared to what they do over there. I mean, I'm biased, but yeah, I agree.

We have a lot of confetti, a lot of stuff happening. You know, the audience to like to keep. them engaged, there's a whole, like, during the commercial break, there's a whole, like, production happening whilst the sets changing. Like, there's people giving out t-shirts, there's the emcee, which I really like, you know, there's dance music that they put on. It's a really nice environment. Yeah, yeah. And the rehearsals, like, we do a lot. Like, as pros, especially when it gets to the finale, you're going to see so many performances. And we have, like, a countdown sheet, like, three minutes to change here, two minutes to change here.

oh you got 15 minutes you're good like yeah yeah yeah there's just a lot going on it's like it's really really really good the other the other thing that people i don't think realize is that when you get in that room and this was an aspect of it that was interesting to me especially as as just as i work as a performer and i mean i'm used to i'm used to sort of i have terrible attention problems but i have the ability to hyperfocus and it has been honed through being on television yeah and like we're coming back and go You got to do this thing. But in that room, you're in that room with the audience.

Yeah. In your, you know, you got a costume change. It's no surprise because if you're dressing up like a goat, you come out and you're a goat in the, you know, you're walking in that. And they expect you to get up in the skybox and be an extra for the other dances coming in. Yes, yes, yes. There's, you're in that room. There's nowhere to sit. Yes.

There's no. We have trailers out back, but they're too far away. Yeah, you're in the room. You're just kind of wandering around. might find like a chair in a hallway somewhere to sort of sit down on. And even like in in the makeup and hair place is where most of the audience comes through. So there is, they call it the breezeway and it's a big, goes out to a big open door. And there's directors chairs and mirrors on each side of this kind of narrowish, you know, it's probably 20 feet across. Yeah.

Hallway and everybody's there getting their makeup. And people are walking through the middle of it. Like it's Grand Central Station to get into the studio. That is like, again, like one of the craziest things about this show. Really? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Nothing, never like that. You don't do, nobody does, nobody in fucking show business, does hair and makeup in front of the audience as they stroll in. Yeah, yeah.

Never, ever, ever. Yeah, we, we, we, because the cast is so big and the time crunch of everything, you don't, like you said, you don't have a place to go that, It's like, oh, this is your room, and then the hair and makeup go to you. Now, you just do it the side of the stage, and that happens to be where everybody else is because there's no room. So I never really thought about that, but it's true. No, it's very, very unique. And I do think it kind of, I think it's very fitting for it.

Because it's like you say, it's a very happy, warm place. And beforehand, I might have thought like, oh, it's bullshit. You know, like, oh, that's not, it's a, it's a front, it's a facade. Yeah. Yeah, like these, all this kind of good feeling and all this like sort of positivity. Yeah, it's, you know, showbiz. You get in there, like, oh, no, no, no, no, it's, it's really true. Totally.

Nobody badmouths each other. No. Supports each other. Yeah. Everybody loves each other. Yeah. That's why, like, when there's competitive team things and the producers try and get you to shit talking, it's like, no.

Like, trash talk the other team. Tell them what you're going to do. We're going to dance, and they're going to dance. I know. What do you want from me? I know. How do you think you're going to beat that guy? Oh, you mean Dylan Efron, the Swedish guy in the world?

I don't know. I'm going to dance and he's going to dance. With a high kick? Yeah, I don't know. Yeah. With an ab t-shirt? Yes. I'm going to try that.

Well, we've been talking for an hour and a half, and I could go on for another hour and a half but that's not for public consumption we'll have forever to talk i know because as you know we've told each other and i'm just letting you all and you know we're she told me she told me in a rehearsal i a was a weeks ago yeah three or four weeks ago she because we're talking about like what is our chance you know are we going to do this and you know and um you i i think you were again you were like we were getting ready to do interviews or something, you were fixing your makeup. And you said, I got two rules. Don't ever leave me and get a social media manager.

Yes, yes, I remember. Don't ever leave me. Yes. All right. Don't worry. I'm not going to. Yes. My main point in that was when I'm going to get you a social media manager so you can continue this.

But then I was like, no, actually, two rules. Yeah, yeah. Don't ever leave me. Yeah, yeah. Second rule, please get a manager. Yes. But yeah, but I mean, I got the same rule for you. I know.

You know, it's, we're, we're stuck with each other forever. I sent you with text and I obviously going to what it is, but I really did mean it. Like, you're not allowed to leave me. And I'm going to make myself ever present in your life because I can feel that sometimes when you go through this, there's a slight element of, was it real? Was it? Because it's on TV. So it's like, but it, yes, it seems crazy to say that. But you go through such a real thing that it, that I don't know.

if you need telling, which I don't think you do, that I'm not going anywhere. And I'm going to be in your life. And I'm going to call you up and just say random shit, just put the phone down. I love to do that. And I don't have enough people to do that with. And you're just the best person. I just think you're amazing. I feel exactly the same about you.

I'm so glad that we have each other. I love you. I love you too. Thank you so much for everything for the last few months. And wowie, was it fun? I know. And as I told you, like, look at what we did. If I could do it again, I would do this exact thing again.

I can't, yeah. Let me get the new knee first. I was going to say, I think you're like, oh, I don't know about that. I'll do even better, I swear. All right, well, that's it for this episode of the three questions. This has been a joy, joy, joy, joy. And I'll be back next week with someone that I don't love nearly as much. The Three Questions with Andy Richter is a Team Coco production.

It is produced by Sean Doherty and engineered by Rich Garcia. Additional engineering support by Eduardo Perez and Joanna Samuel. Executive produced by Nick Leow, Adam Sacks, and Jeff Ross. Talent booking by Paula Davis, Gina Battista, with assistance from Maddie Ogden. Research by Alyssa Graal. Don't forget to rate and review and subscribe to the three questions with Andy Richter wherever you get your podcasts. And do you have a favorite question you always like to ask people?

Let us know in the review section. Can't you tell my loves are growing? Can't you feel it ain't it showing? Oh, you must be a knowing. I've got a big, big love. This has been a Team Coco production.