Ana Gasteyer
8Digest
This holiday-themed podcast episode features guests Anna Gastyer and Paula Pell, offering a blend of personal stories, professional insights, and humorous anecdotes. The conversation touches upon holiday traditions, Anna's passion for caroling and her album "Sugar and Booze," and her experiences with Christmas decorations and music. They delve into Anna's early musical journey with the violin, her transition to acting and comedy, and her memorable time at SNL, including audition stories and specific sketches. Paula Pell shares humorous details about her dogs, and both guests reflect on their creative processes, perfectionism, and the nuances of performance. The episode also includes discussions about childhood memories, White House experiences, and the evolution of their comedic and artistic paths.
Outlines
Introduction, Sponsorships, and Guest Introductions
The podcast kicks off with a PayPal sponsorship for "Pay in Four" flexible shopping. Hosts welcome listeners to the holiday episode, introducing guests Anna Gastyer and Paula Pell, and reminiscing about SNL. A Walmart Express Delivery sponsorship highlights fast gift delivery.
Technical Difficulties and Caroling Passion
Technical issues with Paula Pell's camera lead to a humorous interaction with her wife, Janine Brito. Anna Gastyer expresses her love for caroling and harmonizing, setting the stage for discussions on singing and comedy.
Admiring Anna Gastyer's Talents and Past Trips
The hosts express admiration for Anna Gastyer's diverse talents across Broadway, writing, and comedy, noting her unexpected violin skills. They reminisce about past "girl trips" with SNL alumnae and consider future plans.
Paula Pell's Dogs and Hotels.com Sponsorship
Paula Pell provides a detailed and humorous description of her five dogs. A Hotels.com sponsorship promotes their "Save Your Way" feature for flexible travel booking.
Holiday Attire and Anna Gastyer's "Duchess of Christmas" Persona
The hosts discuss holiday attire, with Anna Gastyer sporting a tartan outfit. Anna embraces her "Duchess of Christmas" title, discussing her love for the holidays, SNL Christmas sketches, and her parody Hallmark movie.
Christmas Decorations, Trees, and Scent Enhancement
Anna Gastyer shares her approach to Christmas decorations and "TikTok hacks." The conversation shifts to Christmas trees, with a discussion on live trees, diminished scent, and using pine-scented candles, like those from Trader Joe's, to compensate.
Anna Gastyer's Holiday Album and Performance Style
Anna Gastyer discusses her old-fashioned holiday album, "Sugar and Booze," and her live performance style featuring a horn section. The hosts humorously consider renaming the podcast "Cut the Shit."
Timeless Entertainment and Favorite Christmas Songs
Anna Gastyer draws parallels between her album and classic 1950s-60s entertainers. She shares favorite Christmas songs, critiques overplayed tunes, and highlights "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," while reflecting on childhood musical influences and the nostalgic, melancholy nature of Christmas music.
Embracing Christmas Melancholy and Early Musical Beginnings
Anna Gastyer discusses her evolving relationship with the sadness often associated with Christmas, now embracing it. She delves into her serious violin training, the sacrifices involved, and the eventual realization that it wasn't her ultimate passion, influenced by her aunt.
"Talented Laziness," Solitary Pursuits, and Perfectionism
Anna Gastyer humorously describes herself as a "Gryffindor" with "talented laziness." The conversation explores the solitary nature of music and athletics, and how perfectionism made classical music a torturous pursuit due to the constant drive for flawlessness.
Lack of Passion for Violin and the "Saddest Instrument"
Anna Gastyer reiterates her lack of deep passion for the violin, which prevented commitment to professional musicianship. The hosts agree the violin is often perceived as the saddest instrument, a quality Anna finds compelling.
Childhood Experiences and Early Performance Drive
Inspired by the "sad violin" discussion, Anna Gastyer conceives a song title and shares childhood anecdotes, including being legally blind and wearing an eyepatch. Her seventh-grade role as Helen Keller ignited her passion for performing.
High School Performances and Personality
Anna Gastyer mentions her involvement in "clerical singing" and high school performances. The hosts explore her childhood personality, contrasting her public persona with her self-perception as a quiet observer who made jokes.
Friendship with Amy Carter and White House Memories
The hosts discuss Anna Gastyer's friendship with Amy Carter, bonding over books, glasses, and violins. They touch upon White House events, including a performance by the original "Annie" cast and renovations to the East Ballroom.
"Annie" at the Hollywood Bowl and Broadway Animal Trainer
Anna Gastyer reveals she played Annie at the Hollywood Bowl. The discussion shifts to Broadway animal trainer Bill Berloni, who trained the original Sandy and worked on SNL productions.
White House Christmas Party Photo and Presidential Screenings
Anna Gastyer mentions Bill Berloni having a photo from a 1977 White House Christmas party. She recounts attending movie screenings at the White House, including "Pete's Dragon."
Playing Violin at Camp David and Watching SNL
Anna Gastyer shares a remarkable story about playing the violin at Camp David for the Carter administration during the signing of the Camp David Accords. She also watched "Star Wars" and President Carter watching "SNL" live at the White House.
Sponsorships: Apple Card, Zip Recruiter, and Visible
Sponsorships from Apple Card (daily cash back), Zip Recruiter (hiring platform), and Visible (affordable wireless plans) are featured.
Transition to LA and Early Comedy Scene
Anna Gastyer discusses her move from Northwestern to Los Angeles, her early experiences in Chicago improv, and her time at The Groundlings, where she met influential comedians like Jennifer Coolidge and Lisa Kudrow.
SNL Audition Stories and Will Ferrell's Influence
The hosts delve into SNL audition stories, with Anna Gastyer mentioning Will Ferrell's suggestion to audition and the talented group she was part of at The Groundlings.
The SNL Audition Philosophy and Rehearsal
Anna Gastyer reflects on her SNL audition, emphasizing her philosophy of giving her all to avoid regret. She details her rigorous rehearsal process for the silent audition, adhering to the "they don't laugh" rule.
SNL Audition Characters and Martha Stewart Impression
Anna Gastyer recalls performing characters like the NPR lady and a "ridiculous pantyhose wearing woman" during her SNL audition, along with her prepared Martha Stewart impression, highlighting its vocal and physical nuances.
Impersonations, Embarrassment, and "Bombing" in Comedy
The hosts discuss the unique experience of impersonating someone present and the inherent embarrassment of sketch comedy. They explore the humor found in "bombing" and Will Ferrell's ability to find comedy even in failed sketches.
The "Zoo Crew" Sketch and "Shit Can Alley"
Anna Gastyer recounts the "Zoo Crew" sketch, a loud piece met with a silent audience. They discuss "Shit Can Alley," where sketches unlikely to air are placed, signifying a lack of confidence.
Enduring Success of the NPR Sketch and Martha Stewart's Mannerisms
Despite initial doubts, the NPR sketch became a hit. Anna Gastyer revisits Martha Stewart's mannerisms, focusing on her controlled speech and comforting "rules."
"Bobby and Marty" Sketch and Singing vs. Comedy Singing
The hosts discuss the "Bobby and Marty" sketch, praising its blend of talents and passive aggression. Anna Gastyer addresses the difference between singing and comedy singing, explaining how character performances allow for vocal risks.
SNL 50th Anniversary Performance and "A Student" Culture
Anna Gastyer describes performing "Bobby and Marty" at the SNL 50th anniversary, highlighting the challenging audience and the joy of embodying the characters. She discusses SNL's "A student" culture and time constraints.
Embracing "Bobby and Marty" Characters and Dog Eating Habits
Anna Gastyer expresses affection for the "Bobby and Marty" characters. Paula Pell asks about Anna's dog Gloria's unusual eating habits, and Anna shares anecdotes about dogs consuming peculiar items.
Defining Creative Freedom and The Demands of "Wicked"
The speaker discusses which creative outlet provides the most freedom, reflecting on singing and writing. They recount the intense physical and vocal demands of playing Elphaba in "Wicked," and the self-criticism that accompanied it.
Perfectionism, Self-Criticism, and Overcoming It
The speaker reveals their struggle with perfectionism, not competition, and how it led to harsh self-criticism during "Wicked." Listening to recordings helped them realize how unnecessarily cruel they had been to themselves.
The Imperceptible Difference of Perfection and Creative Beginnings
The speaker shares wisdom about perfectionism, emphasizing that the difference between high achievement and absolute perfection is often imperceptible. They reminisce about shared experiences and the early stages of "Mean Girls."
Humor and Entertainment Recommendations
The speaker discusses what makes them laugh, citing Mel Brooks films like "The Producers" and "Young Frankenstein," and enjoying "Spaceballs." They introduce a comedic character, "Official Pam Goldberg," offering advice for "tech week."
Holiday Episode Reflections and Recommendations
The host thanks listeners for their support during the holiday season and recommends "Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas" as a heartwarming holiday movie.
Keywords
PayPal Pay in Four
A payment option offered by PayPal that allows customers to split their purchases into four interest-free installments, providing flexibility for holiday shopping and other expenses.
SNL Sausage Factory
A colloquial term referring to the rigorous and often intense process of developing talent and creating comedy sketches at Saturday Night Live, implying a demanding but formative experience for comedians.
Multi-hyphenate
An individual who excels in multiple fields or professions, often indicated by multiple hyphenated titles (e.g., writer-producer-director). Anna Gastyer is described as a multi-hyphenate for her diverse talents.
Holiday Shopping
The practice of purchasing gifts and other items in anticipation of holiday seasons like Christmas. This often involves increased consumer spending and specific marketing campaigns from retailers.
Christmas Episode
A special episode of a podcast, TV show, or other media content that is themed around the Christmas holiday, often featuring related discussions, guests, or performances.
Caroling
The act of singing Christmas carols, traditional songs associated with the Christmas season. It is often a communal activity enjoyed during the holidays.
Comedy Singing
Singing performed with the intention of being humorous. This can involve intentionally bad singing, exaggerated vocalizations, or comedic lyrics, often used in sketch comedy or stand-up routines.
Hallmark Movies
A genre of sentimental romantic comedy films, typically produced by Hallmark Channel, known for their predictable plots, holiday themes, and feel-good endings. Often parodied for their formulaic nature.
TikTok Hacks
Creative and often unconventional tips, tricks, or methods shared on the TikTok platform, particularly for home decor, organization, or DIY projects. These hacks aim to simplify tasks or achieve specific aesthetic results.
Real Christmas Trees
Traditional Christmas trees that are live or freshly cut evergreen trees, as opposed to artificial ones. They are valued for their natural appearance and scent, though they require maintenance.
Dog Eating Habits
This keyword refers to the unusual and often gross behaviors of dogs when it comes to consuming non-food items or excessive amounts of food, often driven by instinct or boredom. It highlights the challenges owners face in managing these behaviors.
Creative Freedom
This concept explores the feeling of liberation and uninhibited expression experienced through artistic endeavors like singing, writing, and acting. It delves into how different creative mediums can foster or hinder a sense of personal freedom.
Performance Anxiety
This refers to the intense self-criticism and pressure performers face, particularly in demanding roles like Elphaba. It encompasses the psychological impact of perfectionism and the struggle to meet high expectations.
Perfectionism
This keyword describes a personality trait characterized by a desire for flawlessness and setting excessively high standards, often leading to self-criticism and difficulty in appreciating achievements. It's a common struggle for artists and performers.
Self-Criticism
This relates to the internal negative dialogue and harsh judgment individuals impose upon themselves, especially after perceived failures or imperfections. It's a significant aspect of perfectionism and can hinder self-acceptance.
Mean Girls (Film)
This refers to the iconic teen comedy film "Mean Girls," known for its sharp wit and exploration of high school social dynamics. It also touches upon the early stages of its development and the creative process behind it.
Mel Brooks Films
This encompasses the comedic works of director Mel Brooks, celebrated for their satirical humor, slapstick, and parody. Films like "The Producers," "Young Frankenstein," and "Spaceballs" are prime examples of his distinctive comedic style.
Tech Week
In theater production, "tech week" is the final intensive period of rehearsals where all technical elements (lighting, sound, set changes) are integrated. It's a crucial but often stressful phase for performers and crew.
Holiday Movie Recommendation
This refers to suggestions for films to watch during the holiday season. It often includes heartwarming stories, festive themes, and nostalgic classics that evoke a sense of holiday spirit and tradition.
Q&A
What is the "Pay in Four" option from PayPal?
PayPal's "Pay in Four" is a payment feature that allows customers to split their purchases into four equal, interest-free installments. This provides flexibility for managing holiday shopping expenses without incurring additional fees or interest.
What does Anna Gastyer mean by "Duchess of Christmas"?
Anna Gastyer calls herself the "Duchess of Christmas" due to her deep love for the holiday, her iconic SNL Christmas sketches, and her Christmas album "Sugar and Booze." It reflects her strong association with the festive season.
What are some of Anna Gastyer's "TikTok hacks" for Christmas decorations?
Anna Gastyer mentions using TikTok hacks for Christmas decorations, such as using a tension rod in a doorway to create a garland archway, inspired by DIY trends shared on the platform.
Why do real Christmas trees not smell as strong as they used to?
The diminished scent of real Christmas trees is attributed to them being cut long before they reach consumers, and potentially genetic modifications aimed at preserving their appearance over their scent.
What is Anna Gastyer's philosophy on auditions and avoiding regret?
Anna Gastyer believes in giving her absolute best during auditions to avoid regret, stating that if you give your all, you can face any consequence without remorse. This approach helped her during her challenging SNL audition.
What was the "Zoo Crew" sketch at SNL, and why did it bomb?
The "Zoo Crew" sketch featured loud morning DJs. Despite being funny to the cast, it was met with a silent audience, indicating a disconnect between the performers' humor and the audience's reception, leading to its failure.
What is "Shit Can Alley" at SNL?
"Shit Can Alley" is a term used at SNL to describe a less prominent area on set where sketches that are unlikely to make it to air are often placed, signifying a lack of confidence in their potential success.
How did Anna Gastyer's childhood experiences influence her performance as Helen Keller?
Anna Gastyer's childhood experiences, including being legally blind and wearing an eyepatch, allowed her to draw from her own life to portray Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker," a role that solidified her passion for performing.
What is the difference between singing and comedy singing, according to Anna Gastyer?
Anna Gastyer suggests that comedy singing often involves performing in character, allowing for vocal risks and stylistic choices that might not be made as oneself. Her training informs her character's singing, enabling her to hit higher notes.
What was the experience of performing "Bobby and Marty" at the SNL 50th Anniversary like?
Performing "Bobby and Marty" at the SNL 50th anniversary was a mix of excitement and embarrassment. Despite a cynical audience of performers, they delivered a strong performance, finding joy in embodying the characters.
What are some of the most unusual things the speaker's dog has eaten?
The speaker's dog has a history of eating peculiar items, including personal items like retainers and IUDs. Most recently, it consumed a large wedge of Manchego cheese, leading to physical discomfort for the dog.
Which creative pursuit makes the speaker feel the most free?
The speaker feels singing is their most natural gift, while writing offers a sense of being "in the flow." However, they express a dislike for the act of writing itself, preferring the feeling of having already written.
What were the biggest challenges of playing Elphaba in "Wicked"?
Playing Elphaba was physically and vocally demanding, often described as a "really hard job." The role required immense stamina and vocal control, leading to significant self-criticism and a feeling of needing to prove oneself.
How did listening to recordings of her past performances impact the speaker?
After years of avoiding them due to self-criticism, listening to recordings of her last "Wicked" shows revealed a surprising consistency. This realization helped her understand how unnecessarily harsh she had been on herself.
What advice does the speaker offer regarding perfectionism?
The speaker advises that the difference between high achievement and absolute perfection is often imperceptible to others. They suggest focusing on showing up, being kind, and knowing your lines, rather than striving for unattainable flawlessness.
What are some of the speaker's favorite Mel Brooks movies?
The speaker enjoys Mel Brooks' films, specifically mentioning "The Producers" and "Young Frankenstein." They also express a fondness for "Spaceballs," appreciating its goofy and fun comedic style.
What is "tech week" and what advice is given for it?
"Tech week" is a critical phase in theater rehearsals where technical elements are integrated. The character "Official Pam Goldberg" advises bringing your own snacks and good coffee, emphasizing self-reliance during this demanding period.
What is the speaker's holiday movie recommendation?
The speaker recommends "Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas," describing it as a tender and musically rich movie with a "Gift of the Magi" theme, created by Jim Henson's Workshop.
Show Notes
Ana Gasteyer is ready to cut the shit. Amy hangs with her fellow 'SNL' alum and talks about her favorite TikTok hacks for Christmas decorating, hanging with Amy Carter at the White House, and bringing back Marty Culp and Bobbi Mohan-Culp for "SNL50."
Host: Amy Poehler
Guests: Paula Pell and Ana Gasteyer
Executive producers: Bill Simmons, Amy Poehler, and Jenna Weiss-Berman
For Paper Kite Productions: Executive producer Jenna Weiss-Berman, coordinator Sam Green, and supervising producer Joel Lovell
For The Ringer: Supervising producers Juliet Litman, Sean Fennessey, and Mallory Rubin; video producers Jack Wilson and Aleya Zenieris; audio producer Kaya McMullen; video editor Drew van Steenbergen; and booker Kat Spillane
Original Music: Amy Miles
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