Fred Armisen | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Hello everyone. Welcome to another. episode of Good Hang. So excited that my. old friend, my dear friend Fred Armisen. is joining me today and it's always the. best to talk to Fred and we're going to. talk about so much stuff. We're going to. talk about SNL of course. We're going to. talk about how we don't like taking. physical risks. We're going to talk about our different. conflict styles and we're going to talk. about Wednesday, the big hit show on. Netflix that he is part of. Um.

We're going to discuss the past, the. present, the future. But we have a great guest joining us to. discuss Fred and how wonderful Fred is. A person who is here to talk well behind. his back and give me a question to ask. Fred. That person. is Carrie Brownstein. She is the star of. Portlandia, Sleater-Kinney. She's an. actor, director, writer and just all. around cool, awesome person. Carrie, thank you for joining us. Hi.

This episode is presented by Allstate. Checking Allstate first could save you. hundreds on car insurance. That's smart. Not checking that the fake roast chicken. is in fact a fake roast chicken before. chomping into a wing, rookie mistake. Yeah, checking first is smart. So check. Allstate first for a quote that could. save you hundreds. You're in good hands. with Allstate. Financial savings vary,

subject to terms, conditions and. availability. Allstate North American. Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. >> [music]. [singing]. >> Carrie? >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Nice to see you. How are you? >> I'm great. It's so good to see you. Look. at how nice your background is. >> Well, I I say the same for yours. >> Well, we're talking to Fred today and we. can talk about Fred forever, but I just.

want to talk about you for a second. I. was a fan of yours long before I met you. and I just remember saying to Fred like, wait a minute, wait, wait, wait, wait, Carrie from Sleater-Kinney? Like Wait, that Carrie? Like, I can remember this. feeling of, oh my god, I might get a. chance to meet you. But meeting you was. so important to me because I thought you. were so cool. I loved you. I loved your. band. I loved your music. And then to. find out that you are so deeply funny, talented,

prolific, interesting, um. Yeah, I mean, I don't have a question. here. I just want to say, remember that? >> [laughter]. >> Yes, I Well, I mean. Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> Uh you're right, that wasn't a question, but I will My retort will be [laughter]. that I felt the same. I I mean, I was. such a big fan of yours and I think Fred. did I there were a lot of people I met. through Fred, obviously, like so many. people from SNL that I already admired.

>> You and Fred are such partners in so. many different How do you define your. relationship? How do you describe your. relationship with each other? >> No, I was thinking about this because. it's not romantic and we've never had. that kind of relationship, but there is. something that is. deeply loving in a slightly romantic way. and I mean that because it's kind of. heightened in the way that romance is. heightened. Um so, it is just a seamless.

like. kind of loving like heart-to-heart. a platonic, you know, friendship, but it. feels like family. >> How did you two meet? >> We differ on this slightly. The one that. we definitely agree on where we hung out. was he was on SNL at this point. Sleater-Kinney were playing at Irving. Plaza in New York. So, we weren't able. to go to see SNL. He invited me and the. rest of my band to the show, but. because, you know, we have this. conflict, he said, "Okay, we'll just. come to the after-party." And it was.

2003. It was uh Jennifer Garner and Beck. were the, you know, host and musical. guest. And we went to this after-party, and Fred came up in the way that he's. always magnanimous and friendly, and he. was wearing a little button with my face. on it. >> [laughter]. >> Which is, you know, from someone else, that might be weird. You know, you're. like, "Hi, nice to meet you. Oh, there I. am on your shirt." But with Fred, it's. just he wears both his heart and his. fandom on his sleeve. Totally. You know,

kind of literally and figuratively. I. think that's why he. people just want to be around him, cuz. he's just not cynical in that way. So, anyway, we hung out that night, and then. started to just talk about. collaborating. I assumed he'd want to do. music, and instead he had all these. little like comedic shorts he wanted to. start making with me, which was very. surprising and surreal, but just. completely based on our friendship. It. was very organic. It wasn't like, "Let's. pitch this." Or, "Let's try to do.

something, you know, bigger than it is.". It's like, "Let's just hang out and make. little videos." And we did that for. years before Portlandia. >> Yeah, and with Portlandia, did you guys. go in and pitch Lorne at Broadway Video? >> Well, we did eventually we did. I think. it was um Fred's manager, who then. became mine, Tim Sarkis, who said, "Hey, you guys are really developing this. chemistry. There's a whole sensibility. here in this series of videos that. you've done.". And then you kind of have to pitch to. Lorne if you're on SNL, and Fred.

thought, "There's no way." You know, Lorne's just going to look at this and. say like, "Okay, good luck. Thank you, no." Um and instead, Lorne and and. Andrew Singer at Broadway Video said, "Yeah, we'd we'd love to be part of. this." We got really lucky. And um Fred. was still on SNL for like the first four. seasons of the show, so we made a pilot. super quickly and we basically fought we. said to IFC like you either pick this up. now or we just don't do it because he. he's got to get back to SNL in. September. >> Both you and Fred were musicians and.

performers, you're a writer, you're a. director, you're an actor, you're also, you know, you go back on tour. Like this. idea that you have to be the one thing. felt like Fred was the embodiment of. that at SNL. Like he he uh showed up at. the show and I want to talk to him about. it, but, you know, his he was doing he. was interviewing bands as a character. That's how he made up he made his own. show basically uh playing like a very.

kind of rude German interviewer who. didn't understand, you know, social. protocol. And he would let and he would and he. would interview musicians. and but. he also was in the Blue Man Group before. he was at. >> [laughter]. >> Like he has Yeah, he There's like kind. of like nothing he doesn't want to try. and by being around him you feel really. comfortable trying things, too. >> For sure. He is almost like the Swiss. Army knife in this way where you know. what the sort of familiar elements are.

of a Swiss Army knife, but he uses them. in ways that surprise you. And I just I. can't believe all that he's capable of. I still I'll be watching something and. I'm like, "There's Fred. When did he do. this?" Like he's just. he's everywhere and [laughter] he can do. so many things. Like when when he'll. when he goes on a show and just decides. to do an accent from every 50 states, then you're like, "Oh, I didn't like he. surprises me all the time.". >> You're right and I kind of want to talk. to him about that, too, because while I. think that bit is genius, and I mean I.

really do think Fred is a genius, a. comedic genius. Um but why that bit is especially genius. speaks, I think, to the bigger way that. Fred participates in his work. Is he's. just making a choice. Like whether or. not it's the best choice or the most. like he's just deciding that that's how. people talk from that state. And the. comfort that you get knowing that Fred. has made a choice is what is funny. It's. And it's the same way with any. impression that he does or any comedic.

choice that he makes. He's just in the. moment deciding, "I'm going to do it. like this." And it's very relaxing. >> Relaxing. He And there's just this like. kindness and generosity. I think because. he can be. his taste is actually kind of esoteric, but he makes the audience feel like they. don't need to know that stuff. You know, it's there's something alienating about. it. So when he makes a decision, a. choice as you're saying to like. pick an accent for Alabama, it doesn't. matter. People just think like, "Oh, that's something.

I trust this because you're just making. me feel okay to believe it." You know, he's just And Fred just really he. believes in it. He believes in comedy. He believes in like connecting with. people. That's very comforting. >> Yes, he he has he has a specific taste, but he's not a snob. >> He is not a snob. And he doesn't he. really is averse to that. >> And and he's one of the few people in my. life that I he can do an impression of. me to me and it doesn't hurt my. feelings.

>> Yes. Same thing. >> A lot of impressions are like the things. that you don't want to hear people doing. that you want it to be done behind your. back in the hopes that Fred can do. impressions of people to them and they. feel seen, but it's got it's it's just. as fascinating like he he can do that. >> Fred's impression of me he he's tells me. he can't do my voice, but so what he. does is he walks. And I didn't realize [laughter] until. Fred did an impression of me that I'm a. trudger. I trudge.

It's a weird It's a but it it was. inoffensive. And there's also something. very loving about it. Like you're like, "Yeah, I you you notice something about. me that someone else doesn't." What's. his impression of you? >> His impression of me is like asking kind. of the leading question. It's a kind of. like a suspicious question. It's like a. little but it I it delights me. Like. when he does it I just feel so like, "That's me. Like you got it." or. whatever. >> Yeah, because what he's pointing out is. just that you're curious and you're.

you're is he's pointing out. intelligence. Like there's that's very. flattering. >> [laughter]. >> You're like, "Yeah, I guess I am.". >> I'm smart and ask really good questions. Thank you for noticing. Okay. So, I ask my. first guest to give me give a question. for my second guest and I was wondering. you probably know so much about Fred. What would do you think would be a. question maybe he'd want to answer, you'd want to know, or the people. listening might want to know? >> We touched on this, you know, with just. the like the music stuff. So, I guess my. question is. um I would want him to describe the way.

that one of his musical heroes. humor, sensibility. playfulness informed his own comedy. That is something I'm actually curious. about. >> Such a good question. >> I just can't wait to to hear your talk. with Fred. So, I just want to. >> Carrie, you're the best. Thank you so. much for doing this. I really want us to. deep dive soon together. >> I cannot wait for those live shows. I. definitely want to go. That sounds so. fun and.

I just love spending time with you. Thank you so much for this time. >> Thank you, Amy. Take care. Good to see. you. >> You, too. Bye, Carrie. >> This episode is brought to you by. Visible. Let's be honest, wireless can. feel like a world of traps. Expensive. bills, hidden fees, and promises that. just don't hold up. You start to feel. stuck. Don't fall for the trap. Escape. to Visible, the ultimate wireless hack. Get unlimited data and hotspot powered. by Verizon. One line all for just $25 a.

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You guys. >> and I. >> Oh my god. >> our khaki on. >> That is really funny. >> I kind of Well, I'm dressing today like. one of your my favorite characters of. yours, Nicholas Fain. >> Oh. >> [laughter]. >> But. >> But I think like we're all starting to. dress like. >> We are. >> that. >> I I feel like we men and women are all. dressing the same and we're all dressing. the same way. >> Yeah. I forgot what store I went to, but. it was like sort of a department store. where all the guys clothes. were stuff that like all the colors I.

would like. Yeah. So, it's very it felt. very like. >> And I like to dress pretty masc in. general. Like I feel safe when I'm kind. of buttoned up and kind of like. >> [laughter]. >> So, >> Fred Armisen is here and we're we're. we're we both have similar colors on. today. >> Yeah. Amy, I I can't even begin. I mean, thank you so much for this. I love this. I'm going to call it a show, but I love. it and I can't believe it's happening. I. also I mean, you know this every like we.

could talk forever. >> I don't even know what we're going to. talk about. >> Yeah, it's. But. >> I know. I was just like I have notes and. I we were going over and I was like I I. feel like we could we could talk about. we could talk about talking on podcasts. for for an hour and a half. >> [laughter]. >> Like the tone because people's tones do. change a little bit. >> Fred, you are you're probably talked. about more than almost anybody on this. podcast. I I don't know if you've heard. how well you've been spoken of here. >> It's really I [laughter].

It makes me very happy. It's flattering. It's the nicest thing. It's all. people who I love and respect and it's. it's the best. >> And you were on the first Zoom that. Dratch you could get her headphones on. You were nice enough to do that. Thank. you. One of a. million times you have come through and. helped me out and been and not ever been. like, "What is this?". >> No, but that's That's easy because. everything you're working on it just. seems like, "Oh, of course that's going.

to be great.". >> everybody is like that. I mean, I I want. to talk about it today, but I feel like. I learn a lot from the way you approach. saying yes to things. And when you're. actually there, you're actually there. You're actually a present person, which. is pretty hard to be. >> Uh. thank you. But it's it's for stuff that. I want to do. So, that's what That's. like most of the you know, the battle of. being there. >> But I don't even know how to start this. conversation cuz I love it so much. I'm. so excited, but okay. I feel like you. are a comedic genius.

And of all the funny people, of which we. know the funniest people, everybody. loves you the most and says you're the. funniest. And Martin Short told a really. sweet anecdote on this where he made him. laugh in the moment. >> [laughter]. >> where you told him that you you tricked. him into thinking that he said Tony. McCartney. >> Yeah. >> Instead of Paul McCartney when he. introduced Paul McCartney at the SNL. 50th. >> Yeah. >> [snorts]. >> I guess what is it like to like make.

your heroes laugh? >> Well, first of all, thank you for those. really kind words and. >> need you to live up to it. >> Yeah, wait wait wait till you see what I. do on this. I memorized all these bits to do. >> [laughter]. >> Um. I It is a like. it's going to sound like. it is a mutual thing. >> Yeah. >> Like it's a very like I don't if when. I'm around Martin Short, I'm not like, "Hey, I'm going to It's just like it. really does feel like he's so funny, let's just goof around." It really does.

feel that way. >> Yeah. >> And with the Tony McCartney thing, I. thought. for sure I thought he knew it. just by me talking about it that I was. joking. >> But did he actually get fooled for a. second? >> Yeah. [laughter]. Cuz I guess it was a very heightened. moment. It's like the end That was after. good nights of the 50th. And so it might might might have just. been a moment where he thought it it. really happened. >> But I feel like that's the thing I love. about working with you and knowing you. is there's like a impish like playful.

side to you that never feels mean, but. feels very um. fun. Like I feel like if went down, I want to turn to you, Fred, cuz I feel. like if someone's yelling or if. someone's like if something um. uncomfortable is happening, it's fun to. turn to you. And when something if. something great is happening, it's fun. to turn to you. >> Yeah. Uh. likewise. But I but I feel like I lean. on you though cuz you have a a gauge of.

like this is what's really happening. There is one thing you told me when. I I was thinking of leaving SNL. I think. I already decided that I was leaving. SNL. And you said, "I didn't even ask you.". But you were like, "Don't worry. Lorne always stays in your life.". >> Mhm. >> That's what I mean. It's a bigger it's. like a it's a map. It's like a little. further away and. and you just know like the thing to say. >> How many years were you on SNL? >> 11. >> Oh, wow.

>> Yeah. And I remember right at the end I. was just sort of like. you know trying to decide and you would. already left. >> Yeah. >> I looked to you as like what is this? >> I was just I mean there's so many things. to talk about. One thing I learned today. is Is this true or is the internet. wrong? That your full name is. Fereydoun? >> Fereydoun. >> Fereydoun. >> Yeah. That's my given name. >> Fereydoun. >> Yeah. Fereydoun. >> And it is your father's name. >> Yep. >> And it is a Iranian name? >> Yep. >> But he is German.

>> Yes. >> and Korean. >> Yes. >> Why does he have an Iranian name? >> Because his mom in Germany. was dating a Persian man at the time. when she got pregnant. Not by him. >> So she gave her child her boyfriend's. name? >> Yeah. He or he chimed in. on what his name should be. They were They were. uh Persian workers in Germany. >> Wow. >> at the time. And you know, even though it wasn't his. baby. >> Yeah.

>> she was like, "What should I call this. kid?" And he's like he he came up with. that name. >> You have German descent, Korean descent. >> Your mom is from Venezuela. >> Your mom is from Venezuela like and you. have an Iranian name even though you. don't have any Persian like it That is. That's you in a nutshell. >> That's crazy. >> I know. And so then you you were just. called Fred from when you were a little. kid? >> Yeah. And my dad was as well. When I say. it was crazy I'm not I'm not talking. about myself like I'm like amazed like, "Yeah, it's crazy." I mean more that. learning the history of what I thought. Germany was like that there were.

>> Yeah. >> immigrants there and foreign workers. The you know, the things are just more. complex than I ever learned. >> Right. >> originally or that there was racism. against Koreans in Japan. >> Right. >> no idea. >> And much like Andy Samberg who was on. here talking about how he did his roots, when you did your roots, you found out. you always thought that your dad was. Japanese and you found out that his. relatives were Japanese and you found. out they were Korean. >> Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> It was I was in this room for 4 hours,

you know, as they're opening these books. and and it really feels at first it is. disbelief. Like this cannot be true. Have you done it? >> No, because I'm Irish white. It's not. going to go well. I mean, there's no. way. >> You'll be surprised and that's like. that's that's also their job. >> will be surprised. >> [laughter]. >> And it I mean, they just it's never. going to go back to something good. >> Canadian? >> [laughter]. >> And people would be I'd be like, "No. way. My relatives were from Canada?". Like But when you were growing up, you.

have German and Korean dad what you. thought was Japanese but Korean, you. have Venezuelan mom. How did you. identify culturally? >> Venezuelan. >> Venezuelan. >> Uh my dad's from East Germany, which. means that it was communist Germany at. the time. So, we had no relatives around. us. >> Right. >> And with Venezuela, the relatives were. over all the time. We would go traveling. there. So, it was a a distant. relationship with Germany. >> And you could speak you were like could. speak Spanish from when you were young?

Like you just learned your mom speak. Spanish in the home? >> That was a lucky thing. >> Yeah. >> Because at the time, I didn't appreciate. it. >> I was like, "Why do we have to What is. this?". >> Yeah. >> And then now it's just like it's. >> like you know, a lot of like first. you know, first generation like. didn't always speak there they wanted to. speak English in the home to try to. >> But your mom spoke both. >> She did. >> Yeah. >> And she kept it going. >> Yeah. >> Thankfully. And I still write to her. Like if there are things that I'm like, "What is the Spanish word for this?".

It's great. She. she's helped me a lot a lot of SNL. stuff, a lot of cold opens and stuff. >> One of the nice things about working at. SNL is like you just meet people's. parents because it over the years like. they come to the show. Like you're just. like you see. >> Like when you were talking about the. name Paula, I pictured your dad and he's. always [laughter] like he's got like a. smirk. >> Oh my god. My dad my parents are such. fans of Fred Armisen. >> Well, I'm a fan of theirs. >> And we we always had our relatives there. and like we were always hosting family.

and it was like you would. go to sit at the table and your mom who. I have such warm feelings for and when I. think about is you guys look a lot. alike. >> Yeah. >> Like really. she you kind of have her face. >> Yeah. >> But you so okay so. Freddy little Freddy. growing up in. >> Long Island a little bit and then Brazil. a little bit. >> Right. >> For a couple years. >> Couple years in Brazil. >> Yeah. >> How old when you went to Brazil? >> Uh I was like that was like first second.

second and third grade. >> Okay so do you remember what it was like. >> Oh yeah. >> arriving in Brazil? What it was it like? >> I just wanted to be I was homesick. >> Yeah. >> So now I can color the story with like. oh it was so exotic and there were drums. everywhere but at the time I just wanted. to like I just wanted to be with my. friends. >> Yeah. >> back in Long Island. >> It's so true though you're right like we. look back at stuff and we're like it was. such amazing experience and like when. when I would travel I'd be like this. food is weird. >> I. I hate this place. I The word hate.

>> [laughter]. >> got used so much. I hated it. I hated I. must have said that most of the time. I. hated here. >> Were you sad when you had to move back? Or were you like had you gotten used to. it? >> I had gotten used to it but I don't know. if I was sad. I think I was okay moving. back. >> ready to go back. So then you go back to. Long Island. Then you think about going to college. for visual arts. >> Yeah that took a while. That was more. like went back to. uh. Long Island went to. high school there.

>> Yeah. >> And then I really had it in my head that. I wanted to be in a band. >> Mhm. So, the common. way to go is to go to art school. So, then. >> Why is Why is it a common way to get in. a band is to go to art school? You just. want to be around artists and just like. >> Yeah, like all my favorites, that was. Talking Heads, The Beatles, were all. like. art school. I don't know what it is, like but I'm glad I did it. I mean. >> Did you think you were going to be like. Did you Was there like a medium that you. were into working with? Like did you. Were you painting or. >> You know what? The photography It was It.

was I went for film. >> Yeah. >> And to be honest, oh, people say "to be. honest" so much. I hate that I just said. that. >> Oh my god, everything I say in this. podcast I hate. To be honest, >> I don't think I was really drawn to it. because I went to school with like. filmmakers. >> Yeah. >> And they would talk about it so much and. I'd be like, "Why are we actually. talking about this?" They'd talk about. editing and I'm like, "We're supposed to. get good grades, but we're not supposed. to like. >> talk all day about this stuff.". >> And that's the difference in in like.

a passion for doing something. I thought. it was like, "No, we're just going to. art school to be in art school." And. >> That's so true. That's such a good. distinction is you realize you don't. have a passion for something when you. see other people wanting to spend all. day every day doing it and you're like, "We're going to do other things, right?". >> Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> That was exactly that. >> And so then, you meet your bandmates. >> Yeah. >> at art school. >> Yes. >> And you're in a band called. >> Trenchmouth. >> And Trenchmouth is like what, 1988. Chicago? >> That's right. More More like.

89-90. That's That's when it like really took. took um shape. >> So, let's, just for the heck of it, let's listen to a little Trenchmouth. >> Let's go back. >> Let's go back. Do you still remember how to play this? >> Yeah. >> [music]. [music]. >> This photo of you guys is so of this. era. [laughter] You guys are all in. front of a your VW in front of a VW van.

and just being like. >> Yeah. >> I don't even know how we got here. >> loved being on tour. >> Okay, what was it like What was it like. playing? Like was that feeling. >> The feeling was like. It's like a campaign. Like we're going. to do it. We're going to. drop our jobs. We're going to do it. This band did it. This band did it. Go. What What's the gig? Uh Des Moines, Iowa? Great. >> Mhm. >> No money? Fine. Go. Go. [laughter] Go. Fill the tank, you know, like we kept the the van. running and clean and. >> Right.

>> Uh it was like being. uh boy scouts and and you know. packing up the drums. Come on. Come on. Lifting and putting things on. [laughter] What What time are we going. on? Hey, let's all dress in black for. this. Great. Let's all dress in white. Great. Everything. >> like. >> of Mhm. Like it's it's us. >> Yeah. >> How did you like that? They were. awesome. Let's do that. Let's exchange. information with them. Didn't like that. band so much. That's okay. They're lame. I don't want to be like them. >> Right. >> of like uh looking up to bands. Like. that's the way to go. >> Who were you looking up to at the time? Like.

>> Lungfish, No Means No, Fugazi, Jawbox, uh Nation of Ulysses. We looked up at. these we like we They cuz they were also. uh really like possessed. They were. possessed with with this thing. >> Mhm. >> How much longer can we be on the road? Go. Go. [clears throat] It was just this. And then playing as you hear with this. music. Everything Come on. There's a change. [laughter] here. Another change. And. louder. And everything was kind of. mathematical. >> Mhm. >> This wasn't like jam out music. Like. let's enjoy.

How about something There was no groove. It was all. >> I laugh and I love that like the the. feelings that I remember in that at that. age where you would argue about like. something for hours. Like you had the. luxury of time. >> Oh, yes. >> Like you just would just like you know, I remember thinking about like jokes we. would write or whatever and we'd we'd. just spend hours. >> talking about it and it was so important. and it was so important and like just. the energy of getting everything right.

>> God, that. >> Did you guys have like were you an. arguing band? >> Oh, you know, a couple normal arguments. but what you're talking about about. those discussions, they would go into. the night. What as it's getting dark as we're. driving, it everything's getting darker. and we're still like but that's not. that's how a punk is then or if by your. definition that's all what it is. Well, that's all what I'm saying. And then silence and then. endless endless and into you know, I can. like that the feeling it's giving me now.

of like I remember that like it's like. you have a flag in your head. You're. like no, this is the way it's got to be. >> Yes and very like I mean so much of it I. feel like in your 20s is like. rejecting some version that you think if. you're not careful, you'll turn into. >> Yes. >> And playing punk is such a true. expression of that of like being like. I'm not going to be that person. >> Absolutely. >> I always find that interesting that like. bands have to keep reinvesting. >> Yeah. >> band like every couple years like and I. can relate cuz it felt that way with.

like sketch like you were in a group and. you were like no, let's and then. you know, certain people would like get. opportunities and you'd have to decide. like no, I'm doubling down and I'm. staying with the band. And then you'd see other success success. happening and you think like. it's because we're not. like it was like. we need to be more committed for that. success to happen but sometimes that. isn't always the case. It's so. >> It's exactly that. That's so funny. So, you went through the same thing. >> UCB because we had to you know, we were.

like you know, we were like doing shows. and people were trying to you know, cherry pick us or like and you had to. just keep like you just keep like. renewing the contract. >> Yeah and or renewing the goal. >> Yeah, renewing the goal. >> Well, now as long as we're this now if. we get on this label or whatever. >> And we were in Chicago at the same time, like all that like Smashing Pumpkins. Lollapalooza, like so cool. >> So cool.

>> Okay, so you're there, you're in the. band, you're like, we're close, but. we're not quite there yet. Then you. How does joining Blue Man Group happen? >> Oh. >> [laughter]. >> Well, you know, I have to give credit to. my wife at the time, Sally. She's in this band, The Mekons. And she. was kind of a little bit like, if you're going to do stuff, you have to sort of. open up to not just being in this one. band.

They were coming to Chicago, and I. auditioned. I went to this rehearsal. space. >> What was it Were you just drumming for. the audition? Is that all you Did you. have to do anything else? >> I was drumming, and they were like the. other They were other musicians there, kind of playing. And they were They did a thing where. they're like, do a fill, but don't end on the one. So, usually, you know, you. You know, you do a fill, and it's like a. resolve that's very predictable. They're. like, make it a little Which is kind of. like what Trenchmouth was like, anyway. It was a little. jagged. So, then I I got it. Then they.

They had a a series of drummers, different rotations of bands. >> Yeah. >> And. it was like my first. show biz paycheck. >> What was it like like how Was it like a. Broadway run? You had to be performing. all the time? Did you You rotated? >> The I rotated. So, there was a full-time. drummer, and I would I would play like. two or three shows a week, or something, out of whatever, eight. What was it. like? It was fantastic. >> your favorite part? I've never I never. saw the Blue Man Group, but I was They.

were such a big. >> Oh, we'll. pull it up. >> Let's pull it up. Is there footage of you in the Blue Man. Group, I wonder? >> I wonder. >> But, what was your favorite part of the. show? You know how like it's always. like, oh, I like that song. Oh, I like. that moment. I like when. >> open the opening. So, like uh the. opening like the first there's just. three blue men uh on these paint drums. and they do their own thing. And then. the band kicks in when they're done and. it's it was great cuz it we were lit by. blue, you know, those black light. >> Yeah. >> And so we had like stick figure. drawings on us on our costumes and.

uh there's a stick player, a zither. player. So, we'd start playing and that. was just like it really felt like a big. a proper beginning of the show. Very. loud. >> Very interesting. >> Huge drum kit. Huge. >> Really? >> Yeah, I went through training for it. I. trained a little bit in Boston, in New. York and uh. it made my drumming better. It was. really frenetic and crazy and I really. loved it. I I learned a lot. >> And the dumb question, but like is like. what was the makeup application and.

removal like? >> Well, for me. >> For people who don't remember, you had. to paint yourself blue. >> Yeah. Uh but the band didn't. The band. we were had we had like we painted like. stick yeah, like sort of. you know, on our hands and like. >> But easy to get off. >> Easy to get off with the with water. The. blue men had like a bald cap that went. over their ears. >> Uh-huh. >> And layers of like glow-in-the-dark. paint then blue paint. >> Wow. >> And they had a lot. They had like blue. gloves on. They they that was a real.

ordeal. And then the rest of the time. they would walk around with like they'd. always have a little blue in their nose. and ears. And they were like interesting people, you know, they're like all kind of. I would say like juggler, performance. artist, athlete, those types, like those. perfect, you know, like. perfectly fit people. >> Yes. >> who also drummed. So, they were really. great to be around. >> Okay, so then you do that. And then there's so much that happens.

after that, but you create this video um. series that pre-SNL that is a version of. a character that you played. interviewing musicians. Uh and you kind of play this like. hilarious. German. interviewer who knows nothing about the. bands. >> Yeah, or is very mean to bands. Cuz we. Cuz we experienced it all the time. And I don't think they meant to be mean. I think they just that's their way they. are. Is that they would always tell us how.

poorly we were doing. >> [laughter]. >> You know, they'd always say like, "Oh, your group is not so good. Fugazi was here a uh week ago and there. was very crowded and it's not so crowded. today.". And it was just based on that. >> just so genius because it didn't it. didn't expect much of the musicians. Like the musicians could just kind of. play it real. and you were steering like you were. doing the comedy basically. But what was. so fun is watching all these musicians. who and realizing that a lot of them. were very naturally funny. That like.

Like that was so fun is watching them. make choices with your character. >> Yes. Steve Albini did it. Uh a bunch of. people um. Bob from Pavement. Yeah, I got It was. I just put a video together and. >> It I mean, that was back when you just. like filmed it and made a. >> asked someone to edit it. Can you edit. this? >> You know, like I don't. even know. >> You know, just like, "Can you do it?". Yeah, and then they did it and then. >> And then they give it back to you and. you carried it around. >> Thank you. And then that's that's what. existed.

>> to to like age us. I don't know if this was like it when. you started in 2003, but in 2001 at SNL, there was still when we wanted to do an. impression, you'd have to go. >> VHS. >> get a VHS tape. >> Yep. Can you believe it? >> No, and they'd tape it off the Today. show or TV and then you'd get a big. bulky tape that you would. and you'd put it in a VCR and you'd. watch like 6 minutes of whatever thing. that they had and they'd have tapes and. tapes of of people that you were.

impersonating. >> This is so funny talking to you about. all this cuz I've. you don't need to put this in but like. I've known you for so long. >> I know. >> And to talk about Blue Man Group. actually makes me like it jumps like. a track in my head of like, "Oh, yeah. We've never talked about Blue Man. Group.". >> We've never talked about it. We talked. about it very briefly but everybody's. road to where they get is so circuitous. Like one different one different change. and we're not where we are. But I would. say Freddy more than anyone I know, you.

know that every day. >> Yeah. >> Like you really know every day like, "I. can't believe I got here." Like you say. it. >> Yeah. >> You live your life that way. >> Yeah. >> Like. like what like what are we doing here? >> Every bit of it. >> Yeah. >> Standing on that stage. uh auditioning for SNL. or that already felt like, "This is. insane.". That whatever from Blue Man Group to be. here in front of Tina. >> Yeah. How did you get the audition?

>> Through um. Marci Klein. >> Yeah. She found a producer on the show, Marci Klein. >> found a video. uh of like all the stuff that I'd done. >> Yeah. >> And she showed she made Lorne watch it. And then they called me in. >> Wow. >> Insane. >> And you were like you know at. 30 what when you auditioned? >> 30 32 32 or 33. >> And I was 30 when I got the show and I I. just wonder like. there's something about having a little. bit of life before that really helped.

>> I appreciated it so much because also. cuz I'd been through being in the band. for so long so that I I I I mean it. Like it all felt like icing. The whole. thing felt like uh this is I was just in. the van, you know, like. whatever. Maybe 5 years before that. It felt very like, "Uh this is all. uh even with like the money part of it. >> Yeah. >> The where some people would say like, "That's not a lot to get paid for your. first year." I was like, "Are you. kidding me?" To me, it was so much.

money. >> Yeah. >> To me, it felt like a million dollars. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> was a million dollars. >> And it was a million dollars. Fred. insisted on a million dollars a week, and it almost took the show down. >> [laughter]. >> I asked but I asked really nicely. I was. like, "Please, come on. Come on. Give me a break.". >> Come on, man. Come on, Lorne. Give me a. break. >> Come on. It's just me. >> It's me. Your friend, Fred. >> What are you spending? Come on, Lorne. Look at me. >> [laughter]. >> body. >> He was like, "All right." I feel like a. lot of people that got on SNL have like.

evidence when they were younger of like, "See you on SNL." Or like writing in. their journals like, "Was it a dream. growing up?" Did you watch the show and. think, "I want to be on it?". >> The relationship I had to SNL. was I watched it all the time. >> Yeah. >> But I really connected to the B-52s and. Devo and Talking Heads like and I'm not. saying it in a way that's like, "Hey, I. just only like the bands." I'm saying. that like, "Lorne was communicating with. me.". These bands that he had on I did feel.

like I there's something I understood. about the show. And then like Mr. Bill and and every. like the sketches but also like the. bands on there I was like, "That must be. fun.". >> Yeah. >> That's kind of was like and then as the. years went on. when Mike Myers was on was more of a. like. I felt like that was a a direct. message of like there's got to be some. way to. I felt like we were speaking the same. language. >> Ooh. Have you ever told Mike Myers that?

>> I think I might have told him. >> Yeah. >> Um but. >> It's a good way to put it. >> Yeah, like that sketch. Sprockets. >> Yeah. >> was a. a favorite sketch of mine before I'd. even seen it. Someone described it and I. was like, "What is going on over there?". >> So then you make you're on SNL you you. like. some of my most fun memories of being on. that show is doing bits with you when we. weren't on when we weren't on camera and.

the in-betweenness of that job. Like. I'll never have anything like it. The. talk about luxury of time. Like just the. amount of time wasted not even wasted. amount of time the amount of time like. thinking about sketches and talking. about stuff and. around basically which is like. the most which is like that was the. preciousness of it. >> the the best I have a a million memories. of it, too. And of you. It's for me to even describe bits you've.

done. It doesn't do it justice cuz. >> I just I knew I was going to describe. all your bits and I was like it's like. inside jokey. >> Yeah, it's like too difficult to even. but I remember like voices and faces. you've done who knows where in some. dressing room somewhere for no reason. And it's the funniest times of my life. >> Same. And And what I love about and. always loved about playing around with. you is. And I'm just going to say it, Freddy. I. do think that you and I share this which. is we definitely.

liked. We wanted. to not forget that we were having a good. time. Like we really it matters to us. It matters to us. that we don't forget the joy part in all. of the other hard stuff. We don't love a. complainer. >> No. >> You and I do not love a complainer. >> A real crime. >> If SNL is a microcosm of life, you can. spend your whole life figuring out what. you don't have. You can You can It. doesn't matter how much you have, you. can focus on what you don't have.

>> You sure can. >> And the more you talk about what you. don't have like the more you. >> It's wild. >> I know. >> I've met some real complainers and it's. really. shocking. >> It is a really interesting when I'm. complaining cuz we always we all. complain, but when I find myself. complaining, I'm like, "Ooh, something's off.". >> Yes. >> Something's off. Like not other people, I'm off. >> I'm trying to get better at spotting it. cuz sometimes you fool yourself into. like this isn't really a complaint. And.

like, "Well, that might actually be a. complaint.". >> But I don't think of you I think I don't. think of you as conflict diverse, but. you don't love conflict. >> No. >> So, let's say you're. doing let's say you're getting ready for. your tour and like the light is like the. lights. aren't working the way you want them to. work and you don't and you're like, "Hey, can we adjust the lights?" And it. still isn't working. What do you do. next? >> Um. I. let's say. >> So, Fred, you have a very intense light.

show and you're like, "Here's how the. lights go." And then you've run it and. the lights aren't working and you're. like, "Okay." And then okay, I'm just going to. talk out this talk this thought. experiment. And then the show happen and. you're like, "Just make sure that the. blues come up at the right time." They. don't. What do you do? >> Oh, well, if it's. hour to hour, day to day, it's gone. It's I really do feel treat it like a. page that's turned. I'm like, "Oh, that. didn't work out." But to your point, let's say if I'm being asked too much.

>> Mhm. >> You okay? >> Oh. >> All good? >> See, we're very. >> You know, and I'm like. How do you tell someone. >> I know exactly cuz I've done it. >> [laughter]. >> This is where Fred and I are a little. different. I've said, "I'm noticing. you're asking me a lot." I. This is where Fred hates this. This is where because. I you hate I don't think you like this. this direct conflict. >> I had I envy it. I wish I could do it. >> I wish I could be a little less direct.

cuz sometimes I feel like it comes on. too strong, but I would say, "I'm. noticing that you're asking Fred so. uncomfortably.". >> [laughter]. >> I I've said like, "Okay." I think about. it like when I'm in like when I'm. getting my. um let's say you're getting your hair. like I'm getting my hair done for a. scene. >> Yeah. >> And you know, if you're doing like if. you're doing a couple days in a new show. that in new people, they don't exactly. know what you like and they're trying to. like, you know, figure out like or. they're giving you a hair do or. whatever. I've had very nice people be.

like, "Just checking in. Do you like is. this working?" You know, and I'll say, "I know that you're asking a lot. I. promise you. I won't suffer if I don't like. something. You'll know. If I don't like something, I'll let you. know. But I have to nip it in the bud. because it makes me insane. Cuz are you okay? Are you okay? Are you. mad? Are you okay? Makes me nuts. It. makes you nuts, too. But what do you do. instead? >> For me, I just sort of if I know that. it's I know that it's temporary and I.

think well, the next tour, that person. isn't they'll be on they'll be doing. that to somebody else and maybe that. other person loves it. I'm not saying. that the way that I do it is correct. >> Same. >> I just sort of gently like. >> [laughter]. >> like if it's like on water like the. little boat just goes the other way. I'm. >> And you go. >> [laughter]. >> I'm okay. Now I'm okay. And then they then they're off. >> Yeah. >> But I'm like. I can get my own. things. I can get my water. I can get. >> Yes.

>> to be asked if, you know, >> Yeah. >> But I'm not now that's not like. complaining. That was very complaining. of me. >> No, that was not complaining of you. You. I you never ever complain. That would be. a funny sketch you should have done. where you were like the head of the. complaint department and you were like, "What? >> Are you joking? >> complaint? >> You you got a job in show business? >> [laughter]. >> And there's a problem of some kind? >> God, it's true though. And that's what's. fun about working at a place like SNL is. you have someone come through. every week is a new guest. They're.

really vulnerable. >> Mhm. >> When people are vulnerable, they're kind. of they're like. a lot of stuff comes up and when people. are scared they get. they act all different kinds of ways. And you kind of see like this. very human moment where people feel. vulnerable and sometimes they misbehave. >> Oh, yes. >> And it's like. And also often they're often they're. great. Often they're great. >> have to put this in. Uh you probably. won't but you your reaction to some.

hosts oh my god. It's delicious it's the. best thing in the world. Like you really. >> I just I'm like. >> You said to some of them not even like. actually and you're not insulting to. them you just put it in a in a way that. is so good. You're like. >> [laughter]. >> And I'm like oh that's exactly what's. happening. >> I mean. people are audacious. >> Yeah. >> Outrageous. >> Outrageous. >> I mean. >> And people ask it like in interviews.

like who's been the worst who's the best. and I I always keep it. >> Same. I would that's. yeah. That's the most low hanging like. Yeah, why would I ever say that but I. have a lot of thoughts. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah, oh yeah. >> I have a lot of thoughts and I do I I. mean I've actually tried to work on it. cuz I like that's my stuff is like I. like to be like paying attention to like. detective-y like. you know like. like I hate that part of myself that's. very like. you did it right you did it wrong but. >> No, little some obvious things.

>> Yeah, yeah, you do. >> And I and I won't for like I remember. I'm like. I remember. not very nice or I remember that you. were very late. >> Tina has a good memory for that stuff. too. >> Tina Tina that's Tina and I are like. yummy food we're just like yum yum yum. yum yum yum yum yum yum yum yum. [clears throat] yum yum yum that's our. favorite food. We're like. Oh, [laughter]. we love it so much and that's what I. mean is bad behavior is sometimes kind. of fun because I'm like holy. My favorite feeling sometimes in the. world is when someone's acting badly.

and you can feel everybody else like. watching them and just like I can't wait. to talk about this. >> It's like telepathy. And and it's almost. like everyone's waiting for the moment. to be done. Like everyone's like let. this finish out and then leave the room. >> And no one's looking at each other. Everyone's like [clears throat]. >> Uh-huh. >> And you're just like I'm just trying to. remember every moment. >> Yeah. >> So I can I know. >> And try to have like a face that's like. oh. And then. >> I know. But I But in general like and I. think you did would say the same thing. like every I found people to be awesome.

to work with and like. Who did you meet on SNL that like you. just think about now and you're just. like they just met what you thought. they'd be like. Like you just. You think about them and you love them. >> Do Do you mean like hosts? >> Anyone. Hosts or people that came in to. do a bit or old cast members. Oh like. for example I'll I'll give you one right. now. Like I didn't really know Laraine. Newman that well. Um. >> She's great. >> And hung out with her at the 50th. she's so cool. I mean. >> She's so cool.

>> I knew she would be cool and I didn't. really get a chance very much to talk to. her over the years. And she's the. coolest. >> the coolest. >> Excuse my language. >> That's okay. >> [laughter]. >> Um Lorne. >> Yes. >> Um. >> You and Lorne had a really you have a. very sweet relationship. How would you. define it? How would you explain. >> I think he's a fan as well. When. whenever he describes cuz I. grill him all the time on musical. guests. He is. He You know how some people are like I.

don't know what you're talking about? He. knows what I'm talking about. >> Mhm. Who do you talk like. I mean there's there was an amazing. Questlove um doc about all the musical. guests. But. if you can remember like who were like. the you know I'm thinking of like Elvis. Costello's performance. >> The Specials. >> was the best thing I've ever seen of a. musical guest. >> Cuz for me. I'm from Long Island, you know, so we. like Long Island and they had a of like. longer hair and these guys with these.

these little suits and crew cuts. This like. energetic band. running off the stage when they were. done. I that really like. >> I I want to watch it again with you. right now. I have a laptop. >> It. >> I mean. >> I've watched it so much. There's a song. called Gangsters that they I wonder if. you'll find it because. >> here. >> Look at the drummer. He's like back. straight. Jumping around. >> Holding a machine gun.

>> Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah, they're so cool. Did you like drummers that played like. this? >> Yeah. I like Clem Burke was that way. Really good really good posture. >> Clem Burke? >> Uh from Blondie. The Blondie drummer. My. favorite drummer ever. >> Really? >> Oh, yeah. Yeah, and really like my suit. I think he had. a turtleneck on SNL. Uh just really like. you know, s-. placed on the drum throne. >> Mm. >> Loved it. And Blondie was great on SNL.

Devo, um and the B-52s really like That. was like I remember that was the first. moment of like, "Oh, there are weirdos. in the world.". >> Yes. And like talk about full circle. At the SNL 50th, you get to play with. the B-52s and Devo. >> And Devo. >> What was that like? >> It was like the. top like the very crystallized top of of. a mountain. Like. I it's almost scary cuz I was like,

"That's it?". >> Yeah, you're like, "I'm going to have a. heart attack and die.". >> [laughter]. >> It felt that way. I was like, "That. That's. >> "All right.". >> That is the very like, you know, that. shows at Radio City Music Hall. I had. seen Devo when I was 14 at Radio City. Music Hall. I had paid for. >> Wow. >> tickets to see them and And also getting. to meet them, they're great. people. >> Mm. >> Being friends with them it's like it. really. yeah those two. that was unreal and on also on SNL not.

at some. gig not some show somewhere like hey I. got up on SNL. >> it's it's everything at once. >> I can't believe it. >> okay so now I want to just get on to um. a new section but the person that will. help us get to this section is Carrie. Brownstein. >> aw. >> because we talked to her today. >> you did. >> yes. you know I was saying this to Carrie but. maybe you can speak to this too like. your relationship with Carrie is very. special it it's it's.

like how do you define your relationship. with her. >> she's like. she's my soulmate she is. a person who I feel like. I've known forever I don't mean to speak. in those terms I know that you know. those like. sort of spiritual terms but it does feel. spiritual and it. and it's immediate there's a feeling I. had as soon as I met her. and every time I talk to her. it feels the same it. I'm completely stripped of.

being worried if I'm boring or. or talking too much or anything I'm. completely completely myself around her. and it's always been that way. and I just. love her so much and I'm. uh. really into everything she does when I. watch her play guitar I'm like. there's nothing better than watching her. play guitar and sing. and then getting she's so smart and so. funny. that I feel like getting to do that show.

with her was just. that was a lucky thing. but it keeps going we just keep. >> it's so it like remains like it it has. such a life Portlandia and. those characters in Portlandia are so. fun, are so specific, and therefore feel so universal. >> God, it was the best week. I I got to. hang out with her all the time. We got. She's a great writer. She's such Not. that you need me to tell you that, but. so funny, brilliant.

And she came up with like. a lot of those ideas that are now sort. of things that people repeat. Put a bird. on it and all that stuff is like That's. all Carrie. >> Okay, Carrie said, "Describe the way one. of your musical heroes informed your. comedy.". >> Oh, that's easy. Uh David Byrne. The way that he would. direct a movie and then. sort of choreograph part of his show, like the way that he.

presented everything. >> Mhm. >> to me was like. that really informed like. you know, what. a. a comedian can be. Like there was a way. that he was like. not exactly making a joke, but also not being totally serious. That. whatever that was. >> Right. >> really I was like, "That's a really. great way to be.". >> Like like a playfulness. and he kind of also. he was also like I guess not afraid to.

He like wasn't trying to be cool at all. >> Nope. >> But he was very cool. >> Yeah. Just the way like for no reason. he's like, "I have a fuzzy suit." or. something. >> So, I'm going to do a a rapid fire. Tell. me what you think about these things or. what you remember. You can be as fast or. as slow as you want. Um Freddy, you do. many accents really well. And one of the. things I love about you is you can do. accents from anywhere. What are some of. your favorite state or countries like. that you like hearing? >> I really love how Texas just.

really it just changes from city to. city. I There's something about it. that There's something about Texas that. has so much varying personality. >> Yes. >> That uh. always that does exceed my expectations. >> So, with that in mind, can you please do. someone from Houston and someone from. Dallas? >> Houston, I feel like it's got a whisper. to it. Uh. Houston, um. I. some people I know from there are going. through some personal growth.

Personal growth. Uh Dallas, I always my. idea about them is that uh they're kind. of business-like. And. I I hear them on planes, on a conference. call. I had been. uh at I was on a layover. Uh. We know someone from Beaumont, and. that's kind of. Beaumont's the biggest I've ever heard. I can't imagine.

They're like this little Y before. imagine. >> The longest word. And then countries. >> Um. >> Can you do Iceland We we. >> Iceland I say it Iceland. >> Iceland. >> Iceland is always Iceland. Um. uh Iceland uh has a a a hushed You're. pushing through the throat, I think. >> It's like. >> Uh. It's it's very light. >> It's light. >> And uh I I feel like Sweden. >> Mhm.

>> is so devoid of accent that I hear. people from Sweden. and they sound almost like they're. American. They sound like I don't love. it that door is closing right now. There's like this thing where they no. longer are Swedish people. >> Yes, you're right. >> like thing where they're like so casual. with English that I actually feel like. I'm talking to someone. >> But you know what gives the Swedes away. is. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> is the Swedish thing people don't know. is they know instead of going uh-huh. uh-huh uh-huh Swedes go. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's true.

>> And you hear them on the phone and you. just always think they're getting the. worst news. >> Yeah. >> They're like. But they're You're saying uh-huh uh-huh. uh-huh.". >> Yeah. >> That is. >> [laughter]. >> Cuz their face doesn't change. >> No. Um okay, what do you like to do when you. travel? >> Oh, wake up early, have breakfast, coffee. alone. Just down in the. restaurant? >> Yes. >> Not room service. >> Okay. >> I love then I really feel like I'm in a. country. So, I have like landed. somewhere. It's my I can't wait for breakfast.

>> Breakfast. >> Oh, I love it. >> And then you want it then you try like. let's say you're doing a show in another. country, do you walk during the. >> Not that much. I kind of stick around. like hotel, maybe there's a little store. of some kind. >> Mhm. >> I'm not a big like I'm going to go. explore this side of the city. I'm a. little bit like. I get the By the way, this is an. ignorant thing to say and I'm sorry, but. I just kind of like. this seems like Berlin. >> [laughter]. >> Okay, and then um.

uh what do you hate doing when you. travel? What do you what do you not do? Like uh do you ever check a bag? >> I try not to. >> But sometimes you do? >> Sometimes you have uh. sometimes you have to. [snorts] But I. don't know, I'm pretty good about it. I. I travel pretty light. >> Got it. >> Um but I I did a a tour recently and I. had did have to bring some equipment. But. >> Yeah, okay, got it. Um Broad City. >> Oh, yeah. >> That was so fun. >> Amy. >> That's so. >> People. >> And parks. I mean, we did some. >> People talk to me about Broad City all.

the time. All the time. When I everywhere I go, someone brings. it up. Some people do it as a deep cut. They think they're like, "I'm actually a. real fan.". >> Yeah. >> Which is great. >> Yeah. >> But oh my god. >> Fred came and did the first episode of. Broad City, which was a huge get for us. and. >> Actually, people dressed up as it as. Halloween. >> [laughter]. >> As the baby. >> Yep. >> I'm just a baby. >> Yeah. >> Thanks for that. Thank you very much for. that. >> You're so welcome that I could put you. in a diaper and make you a Halloween. costume. >> For real.

>> [laughter]. >> Thank you for that. That was like that. really kept on going. >> Okay, dogs or cats? >> Cats. >> Interesting. I didn't know that. No dog. like just no thank you to dogs? >> When we first met, I first thing I told. you I was like cats. >> [laughter]. >> If I had cats, I just met Lauren, cats. You know that, right? Uh cat I love cats. >> that makes sense that you would that. you're a cat person. I feel like you're. more of a cat you're you are more of a. cat than a dog as a person I would say. Although you have a lot of dog qualities. because you're very loyal and friendly, but you are a cat. >> I like how they they they don't ask.

anything and they sort of. >> They don't. >> It's their own Yeah, their own business. >> Yeah. Um sweet or salty? >> Sweet. >> Mhm. Did you say that regret? >> I wish it wasn't that way. >> Salty's not good either. >> I don't believe that. >> I don't either. I think salty is better. >> I I think when people. say that salt causes health problems, I. never believe it. >> But it does. >> I know, but I'm like, why? What does it. turn into that's like [laughter] it's. just salt. >> High blood pressure. >> I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I.

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I. I I I I I. >> I know what you mean. >> But whenever they're like, there there. was too much salt in it and I'm like, I. don't think that's going to be the. thing. >> [laughter]. >> That is the ignorance. I'm speaking. >> ever put salt on anything? >> No, no. >> You never like like salt your chocolate. chip cookies or. >> Oh, I see what you mean. If there's uh. a chocolate bar that has salt in it, great. I like that very much. Yeah, yeah. >> But uh I love sweet. I mean I love. chocolate so much. >> Yeah. >> I I. >> Too much do you think? >> Yeah. I I too much. >> trying to cut down or like you have to. cut down? >> dependent on it at the end of the day. Especially after a show, I'm always.

like, oh, there's a cookie, there's a. >> You love a little cookie treat. >> Oh, it's the best. >> Yeah. >> You guys had pretty. >> I have a hard time I have a harder time. with sugar cuz I had get on a real ride. and I had crash pretty hard after sugar. Like I I have big sugar crashes. >> yeah? >> Mhm. But salty. perfect. >> It is. >> Um do you like to be scared? >> Yeah. I like horror movies and and all. that stuff. I do. But I don't like to be scared in real. life like on a flight.

>> Have you ever been scared on a flight? >> Um, you know, the usual. I I'm not afraid of. flying. I'm just. >> any phobias? >> Oh, heights. >> That's right, Fred. >> I couldn't do a taping of this because. of it. >> Yeah, cuz [laughter]. >> Cuz you were like it's on the whatever. floor and I'm like. >> on the. >> Can't do it. >> That's right. In New York. May we speak. of that? Is that okay? We record in at. in Spotify in New York and it's a really. really high floor and Fred was like. Nope. >> Yeah. >> And.

I totally forgot about that. >> Yeah. But I I told you about that I. think one time we were at a hotel and. you guys were so nice cuz I I just went. up to your hotel. Me you and Tina went up to your hotel. and it [clears throat] was um I told you. and you guys were so nice. You just. closed the blinds and but I did it. I. wasn't like I'm not going up there. >> Yeah, but you don't like it. >> I don't like it and I don't like that I. don't like it. >> Mhm, how come? >> Because it's too like it's not real. Like buildings are built well for. centuries. There's.

There's never been like yeah, watch out. going up in buildings. >> [laughter]. >> That one fell. I've never seen that in the news, you. know? Like oh, New York don't go up in. [laughter] there. >> Is this one going to fall? I actually never even think about. heights until I'm reminded that when. someone who's afraid of heights and then. you go like whoa, wait, that is weird. that it looks so high. >> But there's so much engineering that's. gone into it. An engineer would would. actually be insulted by that. Like do.

you have any idea? Like. we studied like hundreds of. >> hundreds of people going to buildings, millions of people going to buildings. every. >> around the world. Around everywhere. >> Yeah. But you could you ever like climb. a tree or like is it that kind of height. too? Like you could a ladder, um a Would you be able to get like. >> love it, but I you know, I do try to. like. So I shut a little just so I'm not. >> Have you ever done any kind of like a. bungee or. >> No, no, nothing nothing like that. >> I like that about you, Freddy. I feel.

like we're very similar. We don't I. don't like I don't like Like I'm one of. my. insane. Like I don't like taking risks. >> No, no, no, no. None of that. I'm not. interested. >> No. >> I'm also not interested interested in. watching it. I'm not like or stories. about it like all that. I'm not. >> No, like if you're going to free if. you're going to free climb. you know, I don't want to know about it. >> I don't want to know. I [laughter] don't want to know about. it. >> I don't want to know about I don't want. to see it. >> I'm oddly not impressed. >> Yeah. >> Of all the the thing that you want me to. be I'm like. >> I'm like whatever. >> Yeah.

>> I don't know. >> Yeah. >> You you. >> What is free climb? That's when you do. the walking and. >> you do the like no. >> [laughter]. >> no. with no ropes. And just like you just crevice and. crevice and just thumb and foot. [laughter]. >> Yeah, and then like what was the. And then. >> No. >> And then you get what happens? You get. to the. >> If you had to do that by accident, if. you if you were stuck somewhere and you. did it, I'd I want to know everything. about your story. If you do that for.

>> I was chased and I I saw this mountain. and I was like there's nowhere to go and. I was like. Get out of here. And then the person. couldn't they were like. >> [laughter]. >> They were like. and then I was like. >> Yeah, and then you stayed on there. You. stayed on there. >> cuz if someone's watching. >> I don't feel bad for people who. recreationally free climb. What's wrong with you? What's What is. wrong with you? I think there there's. something wrong with them. >> [laughter]. >> I'm going to say it.

>> Wow. >> With no ropes? >> [laughter]. >> No one's making you do it. >> What if it's your [snorts] job? Some. people are unemployed and they That's. what They fill out the application. They're like, I guess I have to. >> No way. There's not one There's no one. >> [laughter]. >> Monday, kind of. I hate this job. >> You're right. There might be a few. people that's their job. >> It's just the world, you know. >> job and they. And I'm sorry for those people. I'm. sorry. And then last question, what do.

you like what kind of stuff do you. watch, read, go to to make you laugh? Like what comedy comedy are you. watching? Who are you watching? Like anything you'd recommend. >> Wow, for real? The thing that I'm most. uh. religious about of like actually. catching is SNL. >> Yeah. >> It's the one It's the one thing that I'm. like. I watch it when it's live.

and you know that there was moments that. you're like, that was pretty great. >> Oh god, I could talk forever. I know. we've ended this. But I But I just want. to say I do feel like we you and I think. we've played this game before. It's like. a It's like an improv game of experts, but I think I talked to you about this. I always wanted to do like a fake TED. Talk like a fake. you know, kind of like. experts [snorts]. symposium where you just can talk about. anything for like a minute. For a a. minute you can seem like an expert on. almost anything. >> [clears throat]. >> You have to memorize a couple things,

couple terms. >> be a word or something where people will. go, "Huh?". >> Uh-huh. >> She doesn't know what she's talking. about. But I think almost anything. >> It's reachable. >> It's reachable. It's a fun. So on our. way out, I'm going to give you something. that I want you to pretend to be an. expert in for 1 minute. >> Okay. >> Okay. I'm going to set the timer. Um I'm. going to say um the Alaskan pipeline. >> The Alaskan pipeline? >> Yeah, ready? So with with me today is a. expert um Fred Armisen um who has been. studying the Alaskan pipeline and is. here to talk to us about it. Fred, what.

should we know about the Alaskan. pipeline? >> Well, the first uh misnomer is Alaskan. So. >> [laughter]. >> uh. many many people do know this that it's. the originally the Siberian pipeline. Why is it the Siberian pipeline? Well, because it goes through Siberia. >> [laughter]. >> No, because the the shipping magnates. shipped oil through there from Siberia. and through Russia. And the only people who benefited from. it were people from. Canada. You'd think [laughter] it would.

be Alaska since Alaska was not yet a. state and the pipeline was built 1951. Canadians were the first to benefit it, but they didn't have oil refineries. Ah, why didn't they have oil refineries? Because [laughter] of World War II. And as we knew Canada to be a series of. provinces, they did not have the. capacity to. have these refineries. Ah, who comes in. then.

but [laughter]. Mexico? >> And that's a minute. Fantastic. >> [laughter]. >> Ah, answering your own question. Ah, but you did it. I don't know if any. of that's true. When you said 1951? >> I have no idea. >> No idea. Um, thank you Fred. Love you. Thank you. so much for doing this. >> you. Thank you so much for. you're the best. I. we did. >> Thank you so much Fred Armisen. Thank. you for coming and being on the pod. I.

love talking to you and you know, for. this polar plunge we like to go deep on. something that we talked about and. there's so many things that we could go. deep on. We could talk about David. Byrne. We could talk about the specials. We could talk about Lorraine Newman. All. cool cool things, but I just want to. shout out Fred's new record that he made. with Drag City called 100 sound effects. But in this case, I believe he does 101. Spoiler alert. Check out his record. and and everything that Fred does all.

the time and um. and yeah, and and go back and look at. old performances of all the music on. SNL. It's an incredible, impressive, gigantic. mix of culture all in one place. Um thanks so much for listening to Good. Hang. Thank you always for um tuning in. and uh checking us out. And we'll see. you soon. Bye. You've been listening to Good Hang. The. executive producers for this show are. Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss-Berman, and. me, Amy Poehler. [music] The show is.

produced by The Ringer and Paper Kite. For The Ringer, production by Jack. Wilson, Kat Sola, >> [music]. >> Kaya McMullen, and Aleia Zenares. For. Paper Kite, production by Sam Green, Joe. Lovell, and Jenna Weiss-Berman. Original. music by Amy Miles. >> I I I had a really good hang. [music].