Ariana Grande | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Hello everyone. Welcome to another. episode of Good Hang. Boy, we have a. superstar on this podcast today and a. wonderful person. Ariana Grande is. joining us. And you know, I never had. the pleasure of meeting Ariana and I. walked away feeling like the biggest. fan, but also like I had met just a dear. dear openhearted and tender and nice. person. So um we are going to talk about. a lot of things today. We're going to. talk about Ariana's love of the. Christopher guest movie Best in Show. We.

are going to talk about what it was like. singing with Mariah Carey. We're going. to talk about how she likes to take a. bath and she's going to demonstrate what. she does in there. Um, and uh we're. going to of course talk about Wicked 2, the film that's out this week. Uh, the. gigantic hit that she is the star of. Uh. but but before we get started uh talking. to Ariana with a person this special, we. really need a special person to uh kick. us off. And you know, I wanted to talk. to somebody who knows Ariana, who is um.

you know, close to her, who wants to. speak well behind her back and give me a. good question to ask her. And we have. the one, the only Bowen Yang. Bowen Yang. from SNL who I just got the chance to. perform with a few weeks ago. incredible. actor, comedian on a terrific podcast. with Matt Rogers, Lost Culturistas, which we all know and love. So, let's. hear what Bowen has to say about our. girl Ariana Bowen.

Hi. [music]. This episode is presented to you by. Walmart. I'd like to say that I'm a. pretty good giftgiver, and for me, it's. about making the extra effort to find. the perfect gift. Walmart has the top. brands we all love in one place. Nespresso, Nintendo, Apple, you name it. That's why it has to be Walmart for all. my gifts this year. Guest best giftgiver. award goes to yours truly. Get the. brands everyone loves at prices you'll. love at Walmart. Who knew? Go to.

walmart.com or download the app to get. all your gifts this season. Get up. What. [music] do you say? I wanted [music]. [singing]. >> Hi. >> I love this print and this bow. >> Oh my god. Thank you. I really was. trying to think about what to wear for. Ariana and I wanted to go a little high. fem. >> Yes. >> And uh this won't come as a surprise, but I don't have a lot of that in my. closet. [laughter].

>> You are the high fem. You don't need. adornments for that. >> Wow. Thank you. She does bring out a um. a femin a real like delicate feminine. energy. Yes. A daintiness that's really. nice to try to get into. Um okay, we're. going to talk to her today and thank you. for this time. But before we do, I just. have to say once again confess my love. for not only you. and all of the work that you do, but. Lost Cult, which congratulations on the.

award show that you created out of. nowhere that I hope is very strong and. um lucrative IP for years to come. Um, congratulations on your podcast. which continues to delight, inform, and. entertain me in all different ways all. the time. I love it. >> The fact that Thank you so much. I. receive that. The fact that I was. watching my heroes, you and Kristen,

named dropping us very casually in your. discussion about Salt Lake City. housewives. I I [laughter] I like leapt. out of bed. I was like supine in bed, maybe. flirting with seasonal depression, and. then I [clears throat]. you y'all cured me right quick. >> God, seasonal depression is a funny drag. name for [laughter]. >> for I don't know, anyone. For me, >> ladies and gentlemen, seasonal.

depression [laughter]. >> coming to the stage. Um, by the way, before before we get to [laughter]. before we get to the question, what. where are we right now? Are we in an. office of yours? >> We are in my home office. Um, and I feel like I'm a commentator on. MSNBC. >> Well, I was going to say if we were on a. Zoom right now, like a Zoom pitch or. something, I would pin your photo, make. it full screen right now, and I would. look at everything. Do you not do that.

when you're on Zoom? Listen, this if. this were my podcast, I would go into I. don't think so honey about blurring your. background on Zoom. I get why people do. it. >> I don't like it. I think a blurred. background is usually hiding a bed. >> Yeah. Unmade. >> an unmade bed. And I remember those days. of co where heads of giant film studios. were. talking in front of their unmade bed on. Zoom. >> Have some respect. Not for you. For me.

[laughter]. >> Exactly. Have some respect for me. [gasps]. >> I don't want to see that. I don't want. to see a crumpled duvet. >> No. Get in front of a blank wall, babe. Anything but a bed in the background. You're a grown man. >> You're a grown and somehow you're under. lit. Like, fix it. >> But I just So, congrats on your. background. It's beautiful. I love it. Thank you. >> So, um we're talking to Ariana Grande. today and you know.

I have been very heartened and not. surprised by the relationship that you. two have like talent. talent loves talent and that both of you. feel like you have just become very. genuine and warm friends. Is that the. case? >> It is absolutely. miraculously the case. >> When did you guys first meet? We first. met in rehearsals for Wicked and this. was after the saga of um me maybe not. being able to do the movie because of.

the SNL schedule and it has always been. was always in that time like my top. priority. Our wonderful benefactor. friend boss Lauren Michaels was like you. can't miss shows like if you're going to. fly back and forth to London like I just. don't think it's going to work. And then. on the wicked end, they were trying to. figure out how to make it happen. And. they were like, "Okay, I think we're. going to deploy. Miss Grande to pick up the phone and.

call up Lauren and try to convince him. to let me do it." And I think that was. the beginning of like sealing the deal. of finalizing it, right? It's like she. like just that imagining that conver. like to be a to be a wire tap fly on the. wall for that phone conversation is is. really. thrilling to me. Just like hearing the. two of them talk to each other. I mean. they they have a great relationship too. cuz she's been at the show. She hosted. the first time. I thought that was a.

gang busters episode before my time. there. And um so she really like she. already like went to bat for me before I. even met her. And Lauren was like, "A. Ariana, [laughter]. I get it. >> Ariana, I get it. >> I get it. It's that thing where you're. trying to balance and. [laughter]. >> you friendship and your dreams.". >> Are you going to Wimbledon? [laughter]. >> Are you going to Wimbledon? You know, I. was at Tom Stopard's birthday and.

[laughter]. >> he's he's he's written some of the best. plays ever and I think, you know, Wicked. is I think Wicked's a play is Would you. say it's a play? [laughter]. >> But you know, shout out to the Lord. He. did not need to give you that time off, babe. He didn't need to give you the. time off. And she closed the deal. >> And she closed the deal. And um then. thus began this like really organic. thing. And I was very this thing that. I've learned from working at SNL is like. you never step on the gas if you want to.

like make any sort of genuine connection. with the host. You never want to force a. friendship or camaraderie. Um, and so I. went into that experience being like, I'm going to be boundaries king. mutually, like respecting other people's. and honoring my own. And I was not like. forcing this friendship necessarily, but. she was just so warm and inviting. And. somehow within like a couple weeks, we. were like watching mommy dearest. together and like [laughter]. playing rummy cube and like baking.

cakes. And it was it just happened in. the most unforced way, I think. And that as that also speaks to like the. tone of the friendship and and sort of. her personhood. in herself like she's just a very. I don't know I think she's someone who. like is strength in softness. She is. like you know incredibly vulnerable and. that is why people adore her. So, what. question do you have a question that you.

think nobody ever asks Ariana or would. be an interesting question for her to. speak about or um you know something. that would be fun for us to talk about? >> Yeah. I mean like what does she think. the throughline of her work is? Like I. think she has had such a varied career, right? like start off Nickelodeon or I'm. sorry, you start off Broadway, you go to. Nickelodeon, you go pop star, you go. actor.

and like there's like fashion. iconography on top of that like. throughout. It's like I want to see what. the unifying theory is from her. She. will kind of like squirm at that. question because anytime I like want to. like talk to her about like what her. favorite album is, she's like, "Don't do. that." Like it's it's great. It's great. It's like true friend. She's like I. don't want you're not like entertainment. tonight. Like what are you doing? I'm. curious to see how she would answer that. through you through me. And also the.

second question is um silly dumb. question. What's the best note to sing? >> Oo. >> What's the best note to sing? [laughter]. >> That's such a good It's [gasps] so good. because I mean I I'm sure you are the. same. I mean, I I just love music and. watching. when the way singers sing. I feel that. way about when dancers dance. Like, it's. just like it's just like, "Wow, how did. you do that?" I just can't. It just.

feels like magic. And there's so many. notes that she can sing, >> right? [laughter] She must have one that. she. >> must, let's do it, let's do a B. Let's. do an A. Let's keep it in G. >> Keep it in G. just do G5 or whatever the. octave is. It's like it's like the the. the letter and the number because it's. the octave on the piano or whatever. Like I don't you know I'm not I'm not a. music theorist, but. >> she I'm sure she has a thought around. that. >> That's such a good question. It's like. we've done B minor too many times.

That old hacky note. >> Oh, that old chestnut. Gh. Get that. away. Get B minor away. I need to do. major. >> Well, I cannot wait to see you soon. Thank you so much for doing this. I know. she will be thrilled that you did, Bowen. I just adore you. >> I love you so much. I'll see you very. soon. >> Same, same, same. Thank you so much for. your time. >> Bye. >> This episode is brought to you by. L'Oreal Paris. Is anyone not overwhelmed. by the number of skincare options out.

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>> Ariana, I'm so excited to be here with I. don't even know how to talk anymore. That was not. >> It's okayish. >> Did you just use an English accent? >> I know. [laughter]. [gasps] You have to start over. >> Do you I feel like you're a sponge. though. I feel like you pick up on the. way other people talk. >> I think I I I've always loved to do. voices. Like when I was a little girl, I. loved to impersonate and do characters. and voices and accents. And.

>> you're so good at them. And that's kind. of what I wanted to start with today. First of all, it's nice to meet you. >> It's nice to meet you, too. I love you. so much. >> I love you, too. I feel like I know you. as most people do, but I am thrilled to. meet you in person. >> Me, too. >> And I was thinking about how to start. today and I was thinking, yes, we'll. talk of course about the huge success of. Wicked and we'll talk about your music. and we'll talk about your life and all. that, but I wanted to talk about you as. a funny person, as a comedian, as a. deeply genuinely funny person. You're. very funny.

>> Thank [laughter] you. coming from you. I'm I am Yeah, I'm like I've. been saying since I walked in, but. that's really how I like I can't. >> I adore you and I Yeah, I look up to you. so much. I love SNL. I'm. >> so like I. >> Well, what is your relationship to. comedy like when when you were growing. up? What were you watching? What did you. like? >> My favorite movie was Best in Show. >> from a really young age. I [gasps] Which. is so strange, you know, to be a child. and to really love that. I I I don't.

when I was really young. [sighs and gasps] Um, >> did you love that style of, you know, that like mockumentary style? >> I did. I I did. I loved like dry humor. and um it made me feel so close to my. family, like laughter. My dad and I. bonded over our favorite movies. And. >> well, what kind of what what's your. dad's sense of humor? >> Um, we love Jim Carrey. Uh, we love, you. know, all the Adam Sandler movies and, you know, that kind of thing. The. Christopher Guest, of course, and SNL. And that was just sort of how we bonded.

was through comedy. Do you remember. getting your first laugh? Do you. remember like being in. getting my first laugh? Yeah. I I. actually Wow. I I've never thought about. this in [laughter] my my life, but I was. really little. I don't know how old I. was, but I was doing standup. I forget. the name of my persona that I had. created, but I was doing standup as a. guy, as like an as like this guy, this. old guy from my grandparents, and I got.

a laugh from them, and I just remember. it felt so special. I don't [laughter]. know. [gasps] You were in their house. doing it. >> Yes. And I And I don't remember the name. of the character, but it was full out. It was like I had disappeared into this. man. I'm always interested in the. connection between musicians and. comedians because I think they have some. kind of love for each other and I I. don't know exactly know what it is. >> I think so. I think I think for me. personally the thing that I love about. both so much music and comedy is that. they've always made me feel so like safe.

and like I can relate to the person, you. know? >> Yeah. >> And um. >> you learn a lot about somebody by what. they laugh at. >> Yes, >> you do. >> Yeah. Um, and when you find someone who. uh has the same sort of like ticklish. spots as you, that's just. >> the best thing. You know, when you work. with someone and you find someone that. tickles you the same way. My best friend. Liz Gillies, we look up to you and Tina. so much because we are like, "Oh my god, we should do things like that someday.". [laughter] And you guys are so funny. together. >> Oh [gasps] my god.

>> What I love about your what I've seen of. your relationship is again that kind of. feeling of play. Like you know each. other and you kind of you're like being. stupid basically. We love to be stupid. What a gift it is to be able to play and. be stupid sometimes. >> I know. And I mean, I feel that when you. do SNL is that you're not a afraid to be. stupid and you kind of like it. >> It's the best. >> It's the best. >> And it's it's so vulnerable, but you. can't be afraid. It's like it's just the. most thrilling thing in the You really. have to be down. >> You do. You can't go in halfway. >> No. And it is you whether it's you're.

impersonating someone or you're doing. some stupid idea. It's it's it's I I'm. sure you feel this way too. I bet it's. similar to singing which is you have to. kind of push through. >> to the other side and make sure you're. committing to whatever you're doing. >> Have to see it through. [laughter]. >> It doesn't matter. And if you're on the. and you're if you're locked eyes with. someone and the scene is cuz you've done. SNL a few times. >> and their bald cap is sliding and. [laughter]. you're like what the hell are we doing? >> Yeah. Or you're like, "This scene's. never gonna see the light of day." Like,

we This is not making the show. We You. have to be safe with each other. >> Totally. It really is where like love. blooms. >> It really is. It really [laughter] is. It's true. >> It's true. Because if you if you hang in. there with each other, then you're kind. of friends for life. >> Yeah. >> It's true. Yeah. >> We've we've kind of had some really. extraordinary circumstances with slime. and bald caps and things. Did you ever. have any things on SNL where where you. know it's always fun like the bloopers. of that show like where things go wrong.

or you don't make your change or. anything like a stress dream come true? Did anything ever happen there when you. were there? >> First of all, I am dying for your. stories. Can I can I return the question. after I answer? >> Absolutely. >> Please. I have so many for you. Can we. do another episode where I'm just asking. all the questions, please? [laughter]. >> Um let's switch seats. But um no, I. >> thankfully other than like breaking a. couple of times. Yeah. Um, there was. this sketch that.

didn't air that we did with Taran Kllum. and he was he had this like big 70s hair. and he played this like weird musician. person and he wrote this song that was. so long. and [laughter] so strange and and I. don't think I don't think like Lauren. loved it at the end of the day. >> Sure. And the audience was like. >> I loved it so much. >> You were fighting for it. The audience. was on our side as well, but it it was. cut for time and that was kind of. heartbreaking because it was just so. ticklish.

>> I bet he still thinks about it that and. appreciates it because it was there's. nothing better than when the host fights. for something of yours. Even if it. doesn't make it, it means something that. they do. >> I cherish it. My dad watches it every. day. That sketch it's on YouTube and he. watches it every single day without I'm. I'm not kidding. He starts his days with. Smile. I think it's I don't remember. what it's called, but I think it's the. song was called Smile. >> and he was like a 70. So it made the. show We were a sip of water and she. smiled too big for her face and everyone. was like, [laughter].

>> but we were love we loved it. We loved. it. >> Oh my god. I mean, yeah. One of the. people that became a friend to you is. Bowen. Yay. >> Yes. >> Such a talented, nice person. >> The most brilliant, the kindest, >> most caring, >> so so ridiculously otherworldly smart. Mhm. >> And just so funny. I love him so much. >> Well, we do this thing on this pod where. we kind of ask people um we have guests.

uh who know our guests to come on and. and we speak well behind their back and. they give me a question to ask and so we. talked to Bowen today. >> Oh my god. >> Yes. Bowen was your person. >> Yes. And um Bowen had such amazing. things to say about you and just you. that sketch when you two were together. as the that was your idea, right? The. when you were basically playing some. version of your mom. >> I was I was [laughter] a version of my.

mom. >> So for people that don't remember, it. was kind of like a game a version. [laughter]. >> Yeah. Sure. Yeah. >> Yeah. Sure. Um. >> she's very proud of that, too. >> Yeah. It was a game night that went. wrong basically. >> It sure was. >> Yeah. And you came to Bowen with the. idea which he said was like being handed. a gift. >> Yes. Because sometimes life has to. inform art. And this was one of those. moments. [laughter] I was like, Bowen, there's no reason that this happened if. we're not supposed to use it. And it was. a. >> So what is your mom like? Tell us tell.

us what your mom is like. Like that. sketch. >> I mean just sometimes. Just sometimes. That's a that's a side of her. She's a. beautiful gorgeous soul. I love her so. much. But she was very proud of that, too. I warned her 15 minutes before. >> it started the show. No, the the show. started that night. She was in my. dressing room. She's like, "Break a leg, honey." I was like, "By the way, sorry. I have to tell you because the wig. arrived and it's your hair." I thought. it was going to be like a blonde bob. I. didn't know it was going to be your. hair, but since it is your hair, you do. have to know I'm you in a sketch. And. she was like, "I [sighs].

can't wait." And she loved it. >> She loved it. >> And I heard her as I was running to my. quick change being like, "THAT'S ABOUT. ME. IT'S [laughter] NOT ABOUT ME. She's. being me.". >> She loved it. >> She loved it. But we were having a family game night. [laughter] and. my [gasps] brother's husband's brother. was a guest. We were playing games and. um you know my my I don't have the I. didn't get this thing that my brother. and my mom have where playing games is.

really is really really competitive. >> Okay. I don't you just want to have fun. >> I love to have fun. I want to be with. everyone. I love them. I'm like really. thankful for the time that we get to be. together. I'm like, "Yay, let's play a. game.". >> That's not how they are. >> Yeah. >> It's really Yeah. And they're really. grateful, too. And it's good vibes. [laughter] until you know someone's. losing. And then um Yeah. My mom just. said like under her breath like tiny. dick syndrome or something. And I was.

like, [laughter]. "Whoa, mommy. Excuse me. >> Mommy, wait. Mommy, your your inside. thought went outside.". >> Yeah. ma'am. I was like, "Mom, you. didn't just say that." And they were all. like giggling, but like nervously. And I. was like, "This is she's joking. She's. [laughter] doing a bit." And she was. like, "No, that's what that is.". >> And I was like, "Coming down the barrel. so hard.". >> And I was like, "Excuse me, guys.". Bowen. Hi. [laughter]. Something has just happened at some. point in our lives. We have to use this.

>> You were so funny in it. I mean, you're. so funny in so much stuff that you did. I mean that you're you're singing off. key in Domingo which is hard to do I was. it hard to do to sing off key. >> It was fun. It was really fun and I. liked that it got worse every time I. came back to the mic. It was like as. sort of really subtly. >> but the but no but with game night I I I. had to fight for that one like you said. like sometimes the it's it's the most. gratifying when you fight for it and. then finally people believe in it. [laughter]. >> I was so happy. I feel like I get a.

sense from you that, you know, and. you've been working long enough now to. know that one of the things I think. that's nice about getting older is you. know what you're good at. Like you're. like, I think I can do this well. Like. that isn't always the case when we're. figuring ourselves out, like what we can. actually deliver on, but I feel like. that's what I mean about the confidence. I feel like you know what you can do. well comedically. >> That is such a generous and nice thing. to say. Oh my god, I hope this is okay. [laughter] Sorry that I'm here. No, I'm. kidding. But like, >> but I feel that about you. I know what. tickles me and I know that I um I know.

how it feels like with the players like. to experience and if it has that like. >> carbonation that ticklish thing it's. then there's a chance you know and I am. not one to. >> you know I would never but we we were in. Lauren's office and we were going over. the run of show and he kept moving game. night over and I was like Lauren I'm so. sorry please can we at least try it at. dress can we please try it at dress. please I'm so like I promise I owe you. forever can We just try to address a. little more crew and he moved it back.

[laughter]. >> Okay. Yeah. I mean, people don't know. that that what's so cool and terrifying. about the SNL system is it still uses. just index cards. >> I love the index cards. >> And you have these index cards with your. scenes and then it's just very like high. school play. You walk in and everyone. looks up to see if their card made it. into the show. >> It's so special. >> It is. It's really old school and it is. I have a little bit of PTSD when I see. index cards when you just said moving.

the index card [laughter]. that I just had a moment of like. >> cuz I remember many times where the. index card was in a safe zone and then. you come in you're like where did it go? >> Oh no. [laughter]. >> Wait, do you have ones that you want to. share about? Well, you know what's also. fun about those index cards is there's. always kind of a collection at the. bottom because the show often runs long. >> Mhm. >> And you know, sometimes things have to. get cut on the fly as people know. There'll be like two index cards. fighting for the bottom,

>> right? >> There'll be two scenes that are in the. bottom and you're like see on the mat. like let's see which one makes it. >> and you don't know until it's just. >> Yeah. It really does kind of build your. I think your um tolerance for rejection, right? >> Yeah. just kind of like you get used to. thinking, okay, this isn't my last good. idea. I have to try again next week. I. think that's good. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. But you feel but I I I feel like. Well, Bowen Bowen was so great talking. about you because, you know, he's such a. a friend and also loves talking about.

how easy it is to talk to you. And then. his two questions were really funny. One. I don't really understand. [laughter]. One was kind of like two question. No, they were there. But one was like um. what what would Ariana say is the. trajectory of her career? What is the. unifying theme? >> Oh wow. >> I know. It's it's kind of might be hard. to answer this early in the interview, but. >> No, I feel it feels clear actually. >> She's ready to answer it. It just it.

feels as clear as Yeah. I don't know. I. I think I just am feeling a lot more. connected to myself and my art since I. started doing different things. I think. um you know I spent so much time only. doing pop music but I grew up as a girl. who loved musical theater and comedy. So, I think the thing that will be like. best for my soul and also for my art and. for what I'm giving myself to is if I'm.

chasing things that um sort of feel. just very right in the moment, even if. it's spontaneous, if it's something. different, like I am doing a movie right. now because it's a role that I I read. the script and I love it and it's funny. and I love the cast and I'm so excited. And then I'm going to do a small stint. of shows next year because. >> that is like something that. authentically sounded good to me. >> Yeah. >> And then you know from there there are.

other things that are different and I. think following those authentic impulses. um. feel it feels like a really good idea. like a a a good thing. I think I. >> I think it's a sense of like getting. older and getting understanding like. listening to your own body like figuring. out Yeah. figuring out asking yourself. what do you want first which isn't. always the case and in. >> when we're um when we're doing a lot of.

work we're sometimes doing things. because we have to do them or we should. do them and then when you take even a. second to say. >> what do I want to do what feels right. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That's something that is learned. over time. For me, I when I, you know, sort of came into all of this and my pop. career sort of took over my life in a. way. I didn't have that at all, you. know, >> and I think that is I feel very like. privileged and grateful to have learned.

that that there can be room for for. different creative endeavors and um. >> so that's been a really beautiful thing. I think it will change a lot. I think. the first the last, you know, 10 or 15 years will look very different. to the ones that are coming up. >> And I don't want to say any definitive. things like I I do know that I'm very. excited to do this small tour, but I. think it might not happen again for a. long long long long time. >> Sure. >> You know, so I'm going to give it my all.

and it's going to be beautiful and I'm. so grateful that I think that's why I'm. doing it. >> because I'm like one last harrah. >> Perfect. Because for now, never say. never. >> No, no, no. I'm not. >> And it and also I think to your point. like when you're able to. >> step away from acting or music or. writing, you then you really appreciate. it when you get to go back to it. >> so much more and like you are able to do. better. by that art form because you're.

appreciative and really able to feel. present in it. Well, this leads me to. Bowen's next question, which was, "What. is your favorite note to sing?". >> Oh my god. My [gasps] favorite note to. sing. >> I know. Okay, I'm going to play you a. note. [laughter] You tell me if you like. it. >> Okay. Because we got to get I mean, I. I just got nervous when I just named the. note [laughter] G cuz I was like, "That's a note, right?" Yeah,

I know that G is is a note that I that. was the highest note of my adlib that I. sang in 13. I think G is pretty high. >> It was something that I sang in 13. I. know that. That's a nice one. Can't tell you, but I love it. >> Okay, let's do another one. >> What about. >> Is this what I'm supposed to do? Here we. go. I can't [laughter and gasps] Here we. go. Here's a C. Oh, beautiful. And [laughter] we have never. sounded.

>> gorgeous. >> Okay, so Bowen, we don't know. We don't. know the answer. We don't know. >> No, but I did learn a lot about music. theory today. [laughter] Thank you so. much, Amy Polar, for my for my. >> One of those notes reminds me of Annie, which I know you were in, which is one of my favorite musicals. >> Yes. What is that note? >> I don't know. We'll never know. I'll. never know. But I do know that's a hard. one to hit. I hear the relation. I hear.

the I know why you thought of that. >> One of my favorite songs in any musical. is Maybe and Annie. I love Maybe. That. is such a good song. >> Sad one. >> That's a sad one. >> Well, that'll do it. >> Yeah, that'll get you going. >> That'll get you going. >> And was that fun to be a little kid and. Annie? >> It was fun [laughter] to be a little kid. and Annie. >> What a part. >> What a big part. It was really a huge. undertaking at that age. >> It's true. I was I was talking to Rachel. Drach. We were talking about um uh. musicals that like shaped us. And for.

women my age, you in my 50s like Annie. was just it was kind of like it was. about it was just like it was about us. Like it was it was like a musical for. us. It really was. It felt like the. first it was not about us. We were not. orphans. >> Thinking wait [laughter]. but it was for us. >> Annie was for you. It was a young It was. a She was the same age as us, right? Like that part was, you know, >> to just to have a young girl be the lead.

of a of a Broadway show and it's named. after her. It's not called Daddy. Warbucks and the Little Girl. It's. called Annie. >> It shouldn't be be called that. >> Shouldn't be called [clears throat]. that. >> I don't like that title. [laughter]. >> Wait, so what are your what are your. >> Well, it's funny with Oh, my SNL or my. musical. >> Your SNL like. >> bloopers. >> Blooper. What's one of your favorite. blooper moments? >> One thing that comes to mind is one time. I was doing a sketch where uh I think. Jason Baitman was the host and there was. a monkey in the sketch. Like a a I would.

say maybe a chimpanzeee like a actor. >> Yes, an animal actor. >> How do you feel about animal? >> I don't like them. >> Yeah. I don't like them. And uh I it's. too stressful for me. And. >> it was like a young chimpanzee. And um I keep I'm going like this. because I just want to show how strong. it was. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. [laughter]. >> And I walked past the chimpanzzeee and. it reached out and grabbed me by the. wrist.

>> Oh no. >> And wouldn't let go. >> Oh. >> In the middle of a quick change. I think. it was like the blonde hair or my vibe. >> And I started screaming. >> Oh, that's really traumatic. >> And chimpanzees are very strong. >> Yeah. Yeah. I I I like I I famously. >> Yeah. So, that was one where I was like. and I couldn't get it to let go of me. and I had to Yeah. It was all fine. It. was all fine. But that was that was a. Would that be considered a blooper? >> I don't I [laughter] don't know. I think.

that's like PTSD. That's. >> PTSD. That's like a different folder. But I love it. I'm glad. I know. >> [applause]. >> I do want to talk to you about musicals. because I know you love musicals. Of. course, >> I do. >> I I like them very much. [laughter]. >> I do. I like them very much. I feel. >> they are. I can also admit they're. ridiculous. Well, what I what I love.

about them is when I feel transported, to me, that is the best feeling ever. when I watch anything or but it's harder. for me to get transported in musicals. than in other things. And I get like, you know, it's kind of like improv like. there's a vulnerability in that moment. and if it's good, you're psyched. And if. it's not good, >> it's tough. >> It's tough. >> It's ticklish. >> Yes. How do you when you're you've done. many musicals, you you're you're. currently making a film about probably. the most famous musical, Wicked. Like.

when you're when you have that moment. right before the actor sings, >> right? >> It's just like jumping off a cliff kind. of. You have to stay in the acting. moment and then switch into song. >> Do you know what I mean? What do you do. in the preciousness of that moment? Well, for Wicked, >> Mhm. >> thankfully, I do feel like it's really. well written for the characters and for. the moment. So, it feels like they have. to sing the next thought, you know? But. I think. >> so that it can be as honest as possible.

and feel like it's just acting and like. the singing whatever. It's vocal. training way long before you get there. so that it doesn't even feel like a. thought. Like I trained my voice for. months before my first audition because. Glenda's voice is so different than. mine. >> How did you train it? >> I trained with my vocal coach Eric Vitro. and it just takes a muscle memory. So. for weeks and weeks and weeks, I'd go. every day. I was I was a coach on The.

Voice at the time, and I was going in. the mornings to Eric and then my acting. coach, Nancy Banks, and we would work on. random things, not even Glenda related. things, just to sort of get the muscles. moving. And I hadn't acted in a long. time. And I it was important to me to. get ready for the audition. And um you. know I just spent every day going to. retrain that falsetto oporadic area of. my voice because I wasn't using it for a.

long time. And um you can hear the. quality change if you look through like. the voice notes from way back then. Like. the first week I went there was so much. air seeping out and then slowly but. surely like week after week there was. more purity and more clarity to it get. higher. Does there have to be less air? Like everything has to be tighter in the. vocal cords like. >> No, I think it just sounded I guess what. what I mean by that was that you could. hear like more rasp in my voice, right? >> So the same amount of air, but just the. quality became clearer and more pure as.

time went on. >> And Glenda doesn't have a rasp. She's so. touchy. >> No, I mean unless there's like an. emotional break or something like that. can be imperfect, but she has a really a. pure tone and it's um more classical and. I trained really hard so that that could. not be a thought. >> on [snorts] set so that by the time we. were in it and had to move seamlessly. into the songs hopefully you know that. wasn't a stress that wasn't a thing. No. one was worried about are the notes.

going to come out right? And if they. didn't, it probably made sense. emotionally. You know, there are moments. where. >> especially in the second one where we. have breaks and we have like choked up. and you can hear it. And that's kind of. like the beauty of being able to do it. live on set because you get to honor. what's happening in the scene. >> Yeah. >> But. it's wicked. And I what you're saying. where like maybe if it was something. else it might be I don't know. It's like. that back and forth is so hard to do.

Yeah, >> you know, thankfully these songs felt so. intentional. Every single song in Wicked. feels so purposeful for the arcs of the. characters and for what's going on. >> Did you speak in a different voice as. Glenda? >> I did. >> A higher voice so you could stay there. when you sang. >> I did. It's It was kind of um. >> So on days when I'm singing I'll And. also most of the time this is kind of. where my voice sits is like here. >> Yeah. Um, but sometimes it'll move lower.

and then sometimes it'll move higher. For Glenda, when she's uh younger, it. was a little bit pingier and in the when. she's older, it's a little more. grounded, a little more lived in. She's. like a public figure now. She's supposed. to, [clears throat] you know, she has. this like responsibility. So, it's a. little more and she's been through more. So, it has a slightly different tone. But then when she's with Elfie again and. having fun, there's more pep and um. yeah, I feel like people. >> That's incredible that you tracked all.

that. >> It was important. Thank you. But, you. know, it felt really important and. helpful because we were shooting both. films at the same time. >> Yeah. So, just making sure I also I I. kept uh track of all of that with. colorcoded sticky tabs so that I could. like take a peek at which color so that. I could bounce back and forth. And then, you know, there were a lot of little. tools that helped with the mind set. shift. >> between both films, but that was um one.

of them. and singing voice and speaking. voice feeling a little different were. that was a really fun thing to sort of. figure out. >> Um some of her songs in the second movie. you get to hear her open up a little. more. >> whereas like everything in the first. movie is so. >> um controlled and. >> prim and proper and bubbly. >> Um yeah, you get to kind of like peel. back so many different. layers. She grows a lot in the first.

movie. Her arc is it she has a a big arc. in the first movie and then in the. second one there's. >> a lot more to go. >> Yeah, >> because you're so good. You're such a. mimic. You do men's voices very well. >> I am working on it because I'd like to. do more male drag and more male voices. >> You're Eugene Levy is [laughter]. amazing. >> Thank you. How did you see that? How. have you seen that? >> From my laptop. [laughter]. >> Everything is here. >> No one knows about that. >> You're Can you do a little Eugene Levy? Can you do you remember?

>> Yeah. I you know I I the thing about. that day is I had. >> I went to a place that I've [laughter]. never gone before. >> And I don't know if I'm able to accessly. but I can I also had put my gum in my. Invisalign. >> Oo that's helpful. >> We had teeth but they weren't like. working. They weren't sticking. >> So I put gum in my Invisalign which. really helped. >> And you were playing the character he. played in best show not Eugene. It was. um. >> Eugene is very sophisticated. Not this.

character, >> Jerry Fleck. >> I was playing Jerry Fleck. >> And he was sort of like, "Hold on, I. have to like I have to like relax my. body. I don't know how to drop. [laughter] into this.". >> Um I'd like to think that Cookie and I. It's not as low as I'd like today. I. don't have my [laughter] basement today. >> It's so good. >> Work as a team, though. I do nothing. She does all the work with Winky. Uh back to I don't know. back in the day. when I I was at Pon Deellion Junior. High. [laughter].

Well, um I wish you I wish people. listening could look at Ariana's face. >> Really bad. What is it doing? >> It's transforming. It's really good. >> I never have any idea. >> But you have a you have a way to get. pretty You can get pretty low. >> I sometimes can. Yeah. >> And you do have that. I mean, I I love I. I love I want I want like I feel like. there's a lot of men's voices you could. do well. >> Oh my god. >> Because you're very you're very you're.

very high fem as people like to say. I. don't know. And um high fem high fem I. think. >> And um but. >> I think we both are. >> I I I didn't think I was, but Bowen told. me I was. >> I think you are. But you also have such. comfortability doing great male voices. and characters. >> Same. And I and you know and I think. what I love about you is the way in. which you're very like open and um uh. supportive of the way that gender is its. own fluid experience and expression in.

in in the way you live your life and. also the way you support people who are. expressing that fluidity. >> But I think you have a very interesting. masculine feminine energy that you're. always playing around with and it's cool. to see it. >> That's so nice. [laughter]. >> It's cool to see it. That's so nice. >> You have a wide range of how you can. play around. >> That is so nice. >> Yeah. >> I'd like to play more men. >> Yeah. Okay. [laughter] America. >> Oh, we should have worn mustaches for.

this. >> I love a mustache. >> I love a mustache. >> I love a mustache as well without with. with for Jerry for my performance as. Jerry. I um I had these big eyebrows. >> and no other makeup and and um big the. yeah the invisal line of my teeth. It. was really fun. And then you can do that. really breathy, you know, and also Judy. Garland is up in that world. I know you. love Judy. >> and she and you have you can do I just I. mean I'm just I'm pointing out your. range. >> coming from you. I feel like I am.

dreaming. >> I don't know if anyone's told you you're. very talented. >> That is very kind. >> You're very very talented. >> So are you. Yeah. >> Well, I mean, and and you know, you it. is pretty it's so fantastic to hear your. name up with. It's like Seline, Whitney, Mariah, >> what are you talking about? >> You're in that sentence. >> No. >> Yes, ma'am. >> No. No. No. >> Yes, you are in that sentence. And what. >> that's crazy. It must be I guess because.

I'm talking about people that you love. study and completely like are are you. know a huge fan and you're also their. peer and you're singing with them. Who. is someone that you sang with that you. had to just kind of like keep looking. over and being like oh my oh my god like. I can't believe I'm singing with them. >> Mariah. >> Yeah. Every time I'm I cross paths with. her, which has been like a handful now, and that feels just like such a dream,

>> I have to pinch myself. And um the best. part is how kind she has been to me and. how she's embraced me and um. >> just she's a wonderful kind person. I I. really love her. It's very surreal. What. was it about Mariah's music growing up. that spoke to you? What was that special. sauce about her voice? >> The vocals and the sense of humor. >> I think her her her.

pen and her producing ear. I mean, >> yes, she's the greatest vocalist, of. course, but the the other pieces are. just so are just what make her her, you. know? >> Yeah. >> Um, >> talk about, you know, she's the greatest. singer. So many people sing beautifully, but her her point of view and her sense. of humor and her um wit in her. songwriting and Yeah. And she talk about. male drag. >> Why did she do that? >> Yes.

>> What did she obsessed video? >> Look it up. >> Let's look it up. You have to see it. >> She dressed she and and Lady Gaga also. does that as well. So well. >> Yes. Oh my god. >> And I mean. >> I love these divas. I she's another as. well who is just so I love the sweetest. in the world. >> You could that rain on me so good. Um. well thank you and I loved seeing you. two together because it just felt like. two professional super talents like I. could just theater nerds as well.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. [laughter]. Okay. Obsessed Mariah Carey. Oh, she's. dressed as a um she's at the limousine. She's a limousine driver. She's obsessed. with herself. [laughter]. She's playing a. >> Wow. I never saw this. I'm. >> I know. >> I'm She's one of us. >> That is so cool. Who are you seeing in. music in film and who who are you saying. like, "Whoa, they're doing something. really exciting inspired by them.". >> I have to say, I'm sort of I'm on set.

right now. I'm filming this movie. I'm. filming. >> Can you talk about what you're filming. or is it. >> I'm filming Fauler-in-law. >> Oh, nice. So, I'm having so much I know. it's crazy. It's like the fourth. movie, but it's like it's such a treat. and it's such a privilege. I'm I'm. learning so much and working with Ben. Stiller and Robert Dairo and everyone. that is in this cast. I'm I'm really. enjoying my time with and it's such a. >> Who's directing it? >> John Hamburg who John is awesome. >> Yeah, he's wonderful.

>> Yeah, he's great. And it's just so great. to um sort of experience a new a new. journey and uh like learn from those. around me. And. >> I'm very inspired by my cast. I love and. Beanie Feldstein is in it and she's. incredible. I love her so much. >> So funny. >> So funny. So wonderful. And um yeah, I'm. learning a lot from my castmates and um. yeah, >> and it's probably like a lot less. physical.

um it's probably a lot less physically. exhausting than Wicked, which. >> must be not. [laughter]. >> I'm not kidding. I'm not kidding. I. don't know if I'm allowed to say this, but I have to say it cuz you're going to. laugh your ass off. My character is a. triathlete. >> Oh, no. [laughter]. So, you're always running? I spent. yesterday doing burpees in high knees. with Robert Dairo [laughter] and he's. like good job Olivia good job and it's. like the craziest most [laughter] I'm. like what is this movie what are we. doing but I'm having a blast like it's.

really special but no [laughter] it's. bar it's not physically exhausting yeah. she's a lot of things but a triathlete. is one of them there's also a lot of. biking in this movie like a lot a lot a. lot lot. >> Ben Stiller is so. >> he's so fitian [laughter]. he runs a couple miles a day. >> before. Yeah, it's too much. I mean, it's crazy. >> No, it's it's too much. >> I feel like I'm on the set of the. Avengers between him and Bob, Mr. Dairo. I'm like, >> yeah. >> Are you guys. >> But Bob Bob's not running in the. morning, is he? Oh my god.

>> At like 4 at like 3:30. >> They got them. >> They got to stop. That's not okay. >> Obsessed with them. But I do love a good. morning Pilates moment. I do. >> Here's how I feel about running. >> Yes. Yes. You prefer I prefer walking. I prefer. walking. >> There we go. >> And when people are running, I'm like. too much running. >> Yeah. >> What are you running from? >> I I hear. >> it's too much running. [laughter]. >> But I just I just assume that Wicked is. just so much physical because also the.

outfits the outfits are a lot of like. like wearing an outfit is is a heavy. like that's just a and the. >> Well, every day was corseted. The only. the only looks the only looks that I had. that weren't corseted were my pajamas. But it was but it was helpful. >> Yeah. It kept you feeling. >> Yeah. I I was so eager to get into my. corset and her shoes because I wanted to. like find her posture immediately and. like her weird stiffness. I wanted to. jump into that. >> So I had a rehearsal corset and.

rehearsal shoes and then it was like. fine by the time we you know it was it. was great. >> And John Shu seems awesome. >> He's the best person in the whole entire. world. You can just kind of tell right. away. I mean, >> I have to say in general, the press that. you and Cynthia did for the tour was so. exciting to watch because. >> there is an like a, >> you know, >> there's this thing that one always has. to push against when you're a woman in. the business, which is people are kind.

of constantly comparing and. >> asking each other. like there's just like a little bit of a. a an electricity in the air that people. are looking for conflict. And what you. and Cynthia did over and over and over. again was so radical which is you kept. >> getting ahead of it, speaking to it and. then in the moment really. >> reminding everybody about how you made a. commitment to each other to support each. other through the project. It was really.

cool. And in doing so, you commented on. the bigger idea of like the pressure. women feel constantly to be compared to. each other and to. >> have conflict with each other. >> Did you two make that pact together? It. feels like you did. Did you say it to. each other or was it just unspoken? >> Well, we did, you know, it was it was. really first of all, thank you. It was. it was really hard work, you know. Yeah. >> [snorts]. >> um not to commit to that but to kind of.

um take care of each other. Firstly, through this incredibly huge thing that. was making Wicked, you know, um I really. wanted to. >> be safe. >> Yeah. >> In each other, you know, I I wanted to. make sure that she knew immediately. Like I I am a cancer. I jumped in way. too fast. I was like, "Hi, [laughter]. >> time.". >> You were like, "Ready to cry?". >> Yeah. I was like, "Hello. >> Shall we cry together?". >> Yeah. Start with the the like the. darkest. No, I like like But you know, I.

really did want to. >> want to establish that right right away. And I kind of said, "Hey, >> we're getting to know each other. I you. know, we're going to learn a lot about. each other very quickly.". >> Yeah. >> You need to know. I want you to know. there's nothing that we can't talk. about. >> You don't have to face something alone. Um, if you need help with something, I. am on your side already. I don't even. know what it is yet, but we'll get there. together. This is um a huge undertaking. >> and I want us to stay connected as much.

as possible. >> um. >> every step of the way. And you know, there were so many challenges in the. making of and that we checked in and we. always stayed. >> um honest, you know. >> You did. And we got to see it. It was. really cool because you have to. [sighs and gasps]. >> deal with a lot of people's energy when. they're talking to you about the stuff. that you made. And the way And also you. guys just physically checked in. Like. it's really sweet how you touch each.

other. >> You like to touch [laughter]. >> in a in a nonsexual way in a in a loving. way of like supporting each other. >> You like to hold each other's. >> like hands and and be there for it's. very sweet. You like to do that with. people. You do I do like I do I I am. very. >> I I I channel a lot of energy through my. hands. >> Yeah. >> And so I'm always holding a hand. I'm. always like squeezing a something as. you've learned.

>> I'm always reaching for something. Sometimes. >> you have so many things here that you. can squeeze fake food if you want. >> That's wonder. No, but it's often it's. often like who I'm with and like Yeah. It's like I I like to channel support. and energy and like whatever. I didn't. even notice that it was a thing about me. until that thing happened. >> And then. >> you're talking about when you grabbed. Cynthia's little finger. It was so cute. >> Cuz I didn't know what the was. going on. Sure. >> And um. >> and you're like and you [laughter] just. reached over a little teeny tiny grab. >> I knew it was gender and and sexy and. beautiful and I just wanted to be.

supportive. I was like, "Oh my god.". >> And it was so sweet and it felt sweet. But again, a great example of in a. awkward or confusing moment, you you. guys kept turning towards each other. >> Yes. And I think that's something that. we've worked hard to maintain. And you. know, there's a lot of time that passes. between the wrapping of the film and. then the press tour happening. Um, and. then, you know, it's a check-in here and. there when you can. You know, we're both. so busy, but we do our very best um to. stay connected in that way and to take. care of each other. Let's all take care.

of each other so that we can honor the. project as much as humanly possible and. do great work. Yeah. >> Is [snorts] like. >> the best lens ever. Yeah. And I'm so. lucky that John Chu is the king of. [snorts]. that exact thing that we're talking. about. >> I mean, the fact that he was at his. baby's birth and not at Wicked Premiere. [laughter]. >> Well, I mean, thank thank God. >> I know, but there's a few people that. would have made a different choice. >> I know, but he had three over the course. of the whole film, you know. I think. >> he had three babies. Yeah.

>> Well, let's let's be clear. His wife had. three babies. >> Yes. Yes. First three babies. >> Yes. But but um. >> but that's how long we've been working. on. >> Oh, that's a lot of babies. >> Isn't that crazy? >> Yeah. >> Wow. No twins. >> No twins. Okay. [laughter] All right. Um. Okay. I have a lightning round for you. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. So, >> I have to disclaim I'm really bad at. lightning. Take lightning doesn't have. to be fast. I'm I'm like in the middle. always because PTSD I build a case for. both answers. >> Yeah. >> So I I'm like very indecisive [laughter].

due to things. >> Okay. Got it. So I want you to know that. this is not it's you don't have to worry. about being fast cuz I also don't ask. the questions fast. >> Oh, [laughter]. thank God. >> So it's a slow we're on a slow round. A. really slow landing like [laughter]. where you kind of see it in the sky and. it comes down really slowly and it hits. the ground really slowly. Okay. Turtle. round. Um, so the first thing I'm gonna. ask you is kind of a gotcha question. >> Okay, >> give me give me it. >> And this gotcha question is.

>> you say you're 53. >> I don't say that. >> That's what the internet says. >> I say I'm 52. Well, the internet says a. lot of things. >> True. >> I'm 5'2. >> That was the question. >> I'm 5'2. >> Are you 5'2? >> I'm 5'2. >> Is it 5'2 on your license? >> Um, >> do you have a license? [laughter]. I haven't used it in a long time. >> I'm in I'm in New York. I ask, "Do you. have a current driver's license?". >> I think so. [laughter]. >> She thinks so. >> I'm kidding. I'm joking. No, I do. I do.

I'm not driving though. >> Do you like being 5'2? What What's the. pros and cons of being 52? I asked cuz I. am also 5'2, but my license says 5'3. >> I Oh, does it? >> Yeah. >> Was that a choice? >> No, it they measured me or somehow. someone put it down. >> It was a tall day. [laughter]. >> You were having a tall day. >> I was having a tall day. I get it. >> And I got I got I got like excited. I. was like 53. I was like, "Okay." And. then. >> black pepper. >> Yeah. So 5'2. So 52. >> What do you think about being a tiny a. tiny person? >> I think it's fine. I think I'm enjoying. my time.

>> Mhm. >> Things I wish I could reach more. >> Yeah. >> I wish I could reach. >> like the water more. I wish I could. reach it. >> Is there anything that you think um you. wish you had height for? Like. >> just I guess reaching. >> No, I mean just reaching. >> Yeah. >> You know, the highest book, the highest. water, the highest whatever it is. But I. But I'm okay with it. Do you Are you Do. you. >> I mean I know I know no other way. >> I know no other way. >> I know other way. I mean I have heard. that uh shorter people live longer, [laughter].

>> but um not to brag. >> I don't know why. [laughter]. >> I [gasps] hope so. >> I hope so. >> Well, I hope we all live long. >> I don't know what I'm saying. >> We can't all live long. Let's give it to. the short people. >> I hope everyone lives a beautiful long. life. >> Of course, but let's have short people. live longer. >> Something Let's have something. >> Okay, moving on. Lightning round. >> Okay. [laughter]. >> Do you think you had a past life? Have. you ever felt like you've lived before? >> Oh god, you're going here. That's so not. lightning. [laughter].

>> I do feel like I've lived before, but I. don't know. >> Who? What? Who was she? He what was. where did you live? Do you have a sense? >> I have no sense. I have no sense. But I. but I do feel old. >> Um so that's what people say. They say. like an old soul. >> I I hate I'm not calling myself an old. soul. I think I'm just tired actually. [laughter] I'm just whoever you are. tired. Yeah. I think I think it was. tired and I think [laughter] I think. they might have drowned. >> Ooh, sorry. Sorry. [laughter] I just. have a thing with like when people hold. their breath underwater. I don't like.

that. >> Okay. Very good to know. >> I don't like that at all. >> Great. >> But back to the thing when you said, "Is. there anything you wish you could do?" I. just have one more if I don't get it. out. I I wish I were a person who like. had entomology endless entomology. knowledge and I could look at a bug and. be like, "Ah, leodopa a pier." You know, that kind of person. I do wish I had. that. >> Who could classify insects? >> Different insects. >> Mhm. >> Different like you know the people who. do that with birds. >> I have the bird app. The Merlin app. Do. you have that? >> No. >> It's fabulous. You you play you record. the sound of the bird and it quickly.

pops up what it is. They can tell by. their tone of voice. I love that. >> I feel like you would also probably be. able to impersonate a lot of birds. >> I think you you have a lot of faith in. me. [laughter] You're being really kind. to me. Um best Halloween costume you've. ever worn? Oh, well, >> or one that you've worn. >> I think my favorites are. um the best in show stuff that I did. with Liz that we did together. That's. forever my favorite. And I was also the. um pig face from Twilight Zone. That was.

like a. >> Oh, yes. That's a old classic. >> Yes. I love Halloween. >> For people that don't remember, there. was a Twilight Zone where a woman woke. up from. >> the beholder. >> Yes. And it was she woke up from what. was like plastic surgery and everyone. started screaming and her face looked. beautiful. >> Gorgeous. >> But they were all. >> pig faces. >> Mhm. >> Fabulous. >> Chew on that. >> Fabulous episode. >> Um, what about uh best bath product? You. love taking baths. What? >> I love Lush. I'm a Lush person.

>> You're like a bath bomb. >> I'm a bath bomb. >> So you love a fizz. >> I love a fizz. I love the smell. I love. like salts and a bath bomb and a trickle. of oil like essential oils. >> And do you take um do you have one of. those things on your bathtub like where. it goes across where you can put your. phone? Do you take your phone to your. bath? >> I do. I take my I also take my laptop. I. get a [laughter] lot of work done. I'm. not kidding. Okay, so I have to talk. about this because I'm a big bath. person. Did someone tell tip you off? >> Yes, we heard you were a big bath. person. >> Oh my god. I'm a big bath person. I like.

like it's like a it's like it's a. ritual. It's a Yeah, it's a ceremony. And I have. >> us talk us through the ceremony. >> I have my like I have my. >> I'm in the bath and I have my coffee. [laughter]. >> I have my coffee here. >> Got it. Do you have a. >> laptop here? No, it's just on the edge. of the thing and I know that's scary. >> I know. I know. But it's okay. It's. always fine. >> And you know, I push [snorts] the. bubbles back [laughter]. so they're not in the way because this. is what this is. This is when I have. time to do like my approvals of stuff. before I go to work. That's good.

>> So I'm able to like look at the links of. stuff. >> in the water. Yeah. interesting and yet afraid of drowning. >> I know. But that's the thing. So, I'm in. control in the bath. There's big control. that we're working on. And I'm in. control in the bath. >> And I'm a cancer. So, I'm very I'm very. aquatic. I love the water. I love to be. submerged, but the drowning thing. >> Yeah. Um, favorite Italian food. >> Ooh, I have to say pasta. >> What kind? So many kinds.

>> Marinada. Just simple Marinara. >> Yeah. What my Nona would make. >> Yes. I'm sorry about the passing of your. Nona. She seemed amazing. Marjorie. >> was amazing and she was so funny. >> Tell me about her. >> My favorite Nona story is Frankie coming. out. >> to her and um so Frankie, you're. >> My brother is Frankie. Um he is gay. Um. and he is very gay. I don't know if you. know. [laughter] Um and he um and he. came out to us and you know my first. question was like, "Do you have a.

boyfriend? Who is he? I want to meet. him." And um you know, Nona was just. trying to figure it out. You know, very. accepting, very loving, very. celebratory, but she was just trying to. figure it out because she couldn't. believe it. And you know, in her mind, she had plenty of like boyfriend. I uh. he had plenty of girlfriends and. whatever. And um so she goes, "Frankie, >> have you seen a pair of breasts?". [laughter]. And he was like, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Know, I' I've. seen breasts." Yeah. And she goes,

"Didn't do anything for you." [laughter]. He was like, "No, no, no, no." And she. was like, "Well, you're gay." [laughter]. And Matt was like, "Yeah, I know." Like, he [gasps] was like, "I wasn't asking. for you.". >> She was like, "One time, right before. you leave, can I just tempt you one more. time?" [laughter]. >> Have you seen all of them? >> She's like, "I just want to know if you. know what you're what you mean." It was. just so. >> Before you go, I'd like to remind you. what you're missing. And Frankie was.

like, "I'm okay.". >> Yeah, I'm good. I know. I've already. asked this question. I promise. >> She seems amazing. Like, >> your family seems like it they're like a. really funny like tight group. Like, you. seem really connected to your family. >> They I mean, we are. We are. >> I mean, are you a typical Italian. family? Like, >> I think so. I think so. I think like I. that's how we kind of grew up in the. loud Italian household with Sunday. dinners and cards and yeah, >> you know, I learned poker with like I.

was saying way before I should have. probably and yeah, I was. >> it was beautiful. I do feel like I am so. right smack in the middle between my mom. and my dad. Like I think Frankie and my. mom are like very similar and then I. like kind of in the middle of it all. But yeah, they were amazing and my. grandpa was the best ever. What was he. like? >> He was the best. And. >> what did you call him? >> Grandpa. >> Grandpa. >> I called my nona nona and my grandpa. grandpa because he thought no no sound. too sounded too negative.

>> No, no, >> no, no. He didn't [laughter] like it. >> He was like, "No, no, no, no, no.". >> Yeah. >> But he was incredible. >> Yeah. >> And he didn't And when Frankie came out. to him, he was just like, "What? What. the hell? Who cares? What are we going. to love him any less? We got dinner. reservations at Positano. Let's go.". >> Perfect. It's like that's what you wish. for every kid. You wish for every kid. that they have that kind of like loving, teasing, instant acceptance, instant. love, >> and just like being seen right away. >> We need it now more than ever.

>> Amen. Amen. >> I wish that for all the kids. >> Same. And you do you provide that for a. lot of people. Ariana, you're just so. great. I just love love you so much, too. >> I was so nervous and excited to come. here because I adore you so much. >> Thank you. Was there anything we didn't. talk about? I don't think they're okay. Great. [laughter]. >> Thanks so much for doing this. It means. a lot. And um congrats on Wicked 2, which is going to be out this week. And. I'm sure this little indie film is going. to get a lot of people talking.

[laughter]. >> No, but congrats on the huge success of. it and I can't wait to see all the stuff. that's coming up for you. And I'm just. such a fan. So, thanks for doing this. >> You too. I love you and thank you for. having. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Ariana. It was so great to. have you and so great to um hear you. talk about all of the good things. And. it is time now for the Polar Plunge. Today's Polar Plunge is presented by. Visible. When your phone plans as good. as Visible, you've got to tell your. people. Unlimited data, just 25 bucks a. month. Join today at visible.com.

So, to plunge into the uh into the. interview today, uh I I just want to say. that Ariana talked a lot about game. night and how uh how much fun she has. playing games and how some members of. her family get competitive. And I just I. wanted to just kind of do a public. service announcement to remind people. that a competitive person at game night. can ruin a game night. But as kind of a. competitive person myself, don't come if. you're not ready to win.

So, walk the line. Be care and try, but. don't be, you know, so awful that uh you. make everybody quiet. It's a fine line, but I know you can reach it. So, today's. Polar Plunge was presented by Visible. It's one line wireless on Verizon's 5G. network for $25 a month. That's a top. tier network at a budget friendly cost. Tell your people and make the switch. Terms apply. Sevisible.com for plan. features and network management details. Thank you so much for listening. See you.

again. Bye. You've been listening [music] to Good. Hang. The executive producers for this. show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss. Berman, and me, Amy Polar. The [music]. show is produced by The Ringer and. Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by. Jack Wilson, Cat Spalain, [music] Ka. McMullen, and Alia Xanerys. For. Paperkite, production by Sam Green, Joel. Levelvel, and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music by Amy Miles. I [music] could hate.