Life Is Short Re-Run: Max Greenfield 🙌🙏
Digest
This episode of the podcast features actor Max Greenfield, best known for his role as Schmidt in the popular sitcom "New Girl." Justin Long, the host, begins by sharing a funny anecdote about a restaurant manager mistaking him for his brother, who has lost weight. He then introduces Greenfield and they discuss the character of Schmidt, including the real-life inspiration behind him. Greenfield shares his childhood experiences, his early career struggles, and the pivotal moment when he landed the role of Schmidt. He reflects on the enduring popularity of "New Girl" and how it has impacted his career, discussing the importance of improvisation in comedy and his experience working with Jake Johnson. Greenfield also shares his experiences with auditioning and the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry, recounting a memorable audition for a multi-cam show that led him to "New Girl." He discusses the casting process for "New Girl" and the importance of diversity in the show's representation, sharing his experiences working with Lamorne Morris and the evolution of his character. Greenfield discusses his rediscovery of television and his desire to work on multi-cam shows, sharing his perspective on the unique challenges and rewards of this format. He also discusses his experience working on "The Neighborhood" and his collaboration with Cedric the Entertainer, sharing his initial hesitation about the show's premise and how he came to appreciate the project. Greenfield shares his experience auditioning for the role of Winston on "New Girl," revealing his unusual requests for the character, including a bull cut and braces, and how the casting director sent him a picture of the camera test. He discusses his most used emojis, his childhood experiences with sports and theater, and his transition to acting in Los Angeles. Greenfield reveals his favorite snack, trail mix, and his favorite movie, "Dog Day Afternoon." He also discusses his ideal dinner guests and his experiences with famous directors, sharing anecdotes about his interactions with Michael Winslow, Rob Reiner, and Francis Ford Coppola. Greenfield discusses his dream city, Nashville, and his preference for super hearing over super vision. He explains his reasoning based on his personal experiences with hearing challenges. Greenfield reflects on his ideal age, choosing 31, and his struggles with body image, acknowledging the pressure to maintain a certain physique in Hollywood. He recounts an awkward dinner with Francis Ford Coppola where he inadvertently embarrassed himself by making inappropriate comments about a concentration camp. Greenfield expresses his preference for genuine interactions with people he admires, emphasizing the importance of authentic conversations over superficial ones. He answers quickfire questions about his preferences, including his choice between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, dogs and cats, and camping. Greenfield discusses how having children has changed his perspective on time and mortality, reflecting on the preciousness of time and the inevitability of death. He analyzes Chris Jericho's lack of confidence in his early career, contrasting it with the confidence of other guests. He suggests that Jericho's self-deprecating humor stems from his past struggles. Greenfield discusses the importance of opportunity in physical comedy, using John Ritter as an example. He also highlights the connection between Jericho's past struggles and his commitment to his "New Girl" character. Greenfield expresses his desire to see Exhibit's audition for "New Girl," highlighting Exhibit's charm and personality. He also discusses his own experience being offered the role and his decision not to tell Max. Greenfield humorously discusses Cedric the Entertainer's name, finding it audacious and arrogant. He suggests that the name is almost greater than "The Great." Greenfield reflects on his short-sighted decision to request a bull cut for his audition, acknowledging that it would have been a major regret if the show had been successful. Greenfield analyzes the common thread of modesty in the comedy of Jewish comedians, comparing his own sensibilities to those of Jesse Eisenberg. He reads and praises an email from Carolyn, a former Mormon who found happiness outside the church. He connects her message to the importance of living in the present moment. Greenfield shares a story about a friend who had a funeral while still alive, connecting it to Carolyn's message about living in the present moment. He also expresses his desire to be a fly on the wall at his own funeral. Greenfield discusses his weight loss journey and his desire to remember the movie where he was fat. He jokes about his current skinny physique and his past "fat face." The episode concludes with advertisements for the podcasts "Guilty by Design" and "And Away We Go."
Outlines
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Introduction and Weight Loss Mishap
Justin Long introduces the episode and shares a funny anecdote about a restaurant manager mistaking him for his brother, who has lost weight.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Introducing Max Greenfield and "New Girl"
Justin Long introduces Max Greenfield, the guest for the episode, known for his role as Schmidt in "New Girl." They discuss the character's weight loss journey and the real-life inspiration behind it.
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Max Greenfield's Comedy Genius and "New Girl"
Justin Long praises Max Greenfield's comedic talent and shares his experience working with him on "New Girl." They discuss the show's unique comedic style and the importance of improvisation.
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Max Greenfield's Childhood and SNL Obsession
Max Greenfield shares his childhood experiences growing up in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and his deep admiration for Saturday Night Live. He recounts a memorable encounter with KRS-1 and his SNL-themed bar mitzvah.
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Max Greenfield's College Years and Career Beginnings
Max Greenfield discusses his college experience, his early career struggles, and the pivotal moment when he landed the role of Schmidt in "New Girl."
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Impact of "New Girl" and Improvisation
Max Greenfield reflects on the enduring popularity of "New Girl" and how it has impacted his career. He discusses the importance of improvisation in comedy and his experience working with Jake Johnson.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Auditioning and Career Turning Points
Max Greenfield shares his experiences with auditioning and the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry. He recounts a particularly memorable audition for a multi-cam show that led him to "New Girl."
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Casting "New Girl" and Diversity
Max Greenfield discusses the casting process for "New Girl" and the importance of diversity in the show's representation. He shares his experiences working with Lamorne Morris and the evolution of his character.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Rediscovering TV and Multi-Cam Shows
Max Greenfield discusses his rediscovery of television and his desire to work on multi-cam shows. He shares his perspective on the unique challenges and rewards of this format.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
"The Neighborhood" and Cedric the Entertainer
Max Greenfield discusses his experience working on "The Neighborhood" and his collaboration with Cedric the Entertainer. He shares his initial hesitation about the show's premise and how he came to appreciate the project.
Keywords
The Griddle
A popular breakfast restaurant in Los Angeles, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious food. It's a frequent hangout spot for celebrities and locals alike.
New Girl
A popular American sitcom that aired from 2011 to 2018. The show follows a group of young adults living in a loft in Los Angeles. It's known for its quirky characters, witty dialogue, and heartwarming storylines.
Schmidt
A character on the sitcom "New Girl," played by Max Greenfield. Schmidt is a meticulous, ambitious, and often eccentric individual who undergoes a significant transformation throughout the series.
Jonah Hill
An American actor, comedian, and filmmaker known for his roles in films like "Superbad," "Moneyball," and "The Wolf of Wall Street." He is also a friend of Justin Long and Christian Long.
Saturday Night Live
A long-running American sketch comedy show that has been a cultural touchstone for decades. It's known for its satirical humor, political commentary, and iconic cast members.
KRS-1
An American rapper, DJ, and activist known for his politically charged lyrics and his influence on the hip-hop genre. He is known for his work with the Boogie Down Productions group.
Multi-cam
A television production technique that uses multiple cameras to film a scene simultaneously. This allows for a more dynamic and fast-paced style of storytelling, often used in sitcoms.
The Neighborhood
An American sitcom that premiered in 2018. The show follows a white family who moves into a predominantly black neighborhood. It's known for its heartwarming storylines, diverse cast, and comedic exploration of cultural differences.
Cedric the Entertainer
An American comedian, actor, and producer known for his stand-up routines and his roles in films like "Barbershop" and "The Original Kings of Comedy." He is also the executive producer of "The Neighborhood."
Q&A
What is the real-life inspiration behind the character Schmidt in "New Girl"?
The character Schmidt is based on a friend of Justin Long and Christian Long, named Schmidt, who went to school with Jonah Hill. However, the real-life Schmidt was not overweight and did not share the character's flamboyant personality.
How did Max Greenfield's experience with improvisation on "New Girl" shape his comedic style?
Max Greenfield's experience with improvisation on "New Girl" allowed him to develop a unique comedic style that embraces spontaneity and a willingness to push boundaries. He learned to find humor in unexpected places and to trust his instincts as a performer.
What was Max Greenfield's initial reaction to the premise of "The Neighborhood"?
Max Greenfield initially hesitated about the premise of "The Neighborhood" because he felt it was important to have diverse representation in the show's cast and crew. However, he was ultimately persuaded by the show's creators and Cedric the Entertainer's involvement.
What unusual requests did Max Greenfield make for his "New Girl" audition?
Max Greenfield requested a bull cut and braces for his character, Winston, which he felt would make him more unique and interesting.
What was Max Greenfield's experience like auditioning for "New Girl"?
Max Greenfield's audition experience was memorable because he went into it with a chip on his shoulder and a desire to prove himself. He committed fully to the character, even with his unusual requests.
What is Max Greenfield's favorite snack?
Max Greenfield's favorite snack is trail mix, which he enjoys for its variety and sweetness.
What is Max Greenfield's favorite movie?
Max Greenfield's favorite movie is "Dog Day Afternoon," which he appreciates for its humor, seriousness, and excitement.
What is Max Greenfield's dream city?
Max Greenfield's dream city is Nashville, where he imagines himself playing a Gibson J50 guitar and enjoying a relaxed lifestyle.
How has having children changed Max Greenfield's perspective on time?
Having children has made Max Greenfield more aware of the preciousness of time and the inevitability of death. He struggles with how to spend his time wisely as he gets older.
Show Notes
Max Greenfield (New Girl, The Neighborhood) shares some hilarious parenting stories, and tells Justin all about his SNL themed Bar Mitzvah. Justin and Max talk about fun “behind the scenes” moments from their days on New Girl.
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