Kerry Washington | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Hello everyone. Welcome to another. episode of Good Hang. Very, very excited. about our guest today. It is the one, the only Kerry Washington. Kerry is so. talented. She is so good at so many. things, and we're going to talk about a. lot of those things today. We are going. to talk about growing up in the Bronx. The Bronx, and how it shaped her, and. what she learned from being from there. And we're going to talk about her. activism, how she stays connected in a. turbulent and often depressing world.

We're going to talk about Scandal, because of course. And we're going to. get to the nitty-gritty in in a lot of. that. And we're we're we're going to. talk about Amazing Race. A a random show. that we talk about and talk about how. good it is for kids. We're going to talk. about her new TV show, Imperfect Women, with Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara, that's coming out on Apple. All of these. things are going to be discussed today. But most importantly, we're going to. discuss her with someone who loves her. And who is that person? Fitz. That's.

right. Tony Goldwyn, writer, producer, director, just coming off of directing. Shay Joey, a new. musical with Savion Glover, that is. hopefully on its way to Broadway. We're. catching Tony right after. rehearsal. He's He's tired. And still, he can't wait to profess his admiration. for his co-star. So, let's see if we can. get him on the Zoom horn. Tony, are you. there?

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Illinois. Tony? Hi Amy, how are you? Thank you for. talking to us today because I have to. say that. the relationship that you and Kerry had. on screen and off screen is really. really wonderful to watch and people are. very invested in it. And what I what I.

have to say is what I glean from the the. the way you two interact with each other. is a deep mutual respect. Mhm. Deep deep. respect for the way you work and the. kind of people that you are. Can you. tell us how you first met? >> My first recollection, we may have met. briefly before this was at the. Democratic Convention when Obama became. president in 2008. in Denver which was a really incredible. experience. You bet. And then and we kind of became. friends through kind of social activism.

and stuff but didn't know each other. well. But for me when Shonda asked me to do. Scandal and she told me Kerry Washington. was doing it. I uh. I Kerry was an actress who every time I. saw her in a movie I found myself going. who is that actress in that role cuz she. was so different in every movie she did. and at the end of the credits you know. I'd look and I'd go oh my god that's. Kerry Washington. She just was so great. in in everything I saw whether it was. Ray or Last King of Scotland and I.

remember seeing her in that. >> Yes. But again totally different than. anything I'd seen. So I I was just like. god I hope I get a chance to work with. her. So when Shonda said to me she's. like are you going to play the president. in my new show? And I was like. well Shonda Rhimes writing a president. that should be pretty interesting when. she said and Kerry Washington I was like. you and Kerry Washington I'm in. Had you. known Shonda before? Had you worked with. Shonda before? Yeah, I met Shonda. I. directed the I think the second or third.

episode of Grey's Anatomy. >> Oh, wow. Yeah, it was one of the first. TV things I'd done. I'd directed a. couple of movies and then. Betsy Beers, Shonda's partner, called me. and said, you know, we'd like would you. consider doing uh Grey's Anatomy? And I. saw the pilot of that show and said, wow, this is amazing. Of course. I was. just getting used to directing TV. So, I. did that. And Shonda and I met and she. was brand new to television. Little did. we know she was going to become empress. of the universe. Yeah, totally. >> But I knew the second I met Shonda, too. I was like, oh, this woman's the real. deal. It's so interesting that you and.

Kerry met in real life doing. um political work. I'm really in awe of. how she stays connected to the real. world while also playing these people. Like those two things don't always. happen. She does. I mean, first of all, she's like. to she's got this. amazing husband, Nnamdi. She's got she's. a totally fully devoted mom of three. kids and a you know, and and um. and her perfect and yet she's a thou.

she's like a thousand percent in. everything she does. I don't know how. she does it and I can't ask her cuz. she's too modest. She'd just like laugh. in my face if I was like, you're. amazing, how do you do it? You know, she. she wouldn't take it. Yeah. So, you. know, um. I'm. I've I've I've learned a lot. I learn I. always learn a lot from her. >> What was it like? She was kind of the. leader of the show. She was number one. on that call sheet. Kerry um from the. get-go. We had an amazing cast of great. people, all grown-ups, no you know,

jerks in in the cast. But Kerry set. a tone by example. She worked harder. than anybody. And then that role, she. worked so hard. I have a funny story we. have like talk about leading by example. And I think it was maybe. our fifth season or something like that. Uh to pre when we were going to premiere. the season, Good Morning America wanted. us to be on the show, but they wanted us. to be on as their opening at 7:00 a.m. to do it. So, we're like, "Great, great,

great, great, great." And then I was in. the makeup trailer and somebody else was. like, "Wait, so we're in LA. Wait, 7:00. a.m. means we're like 4:00 a.m. we have. to be here." Where were we working so. and everyone started sort of bitching. and moaning about having to be That. means you have to get up and the girls. are like, "And that means we got to get. up at 2:30 to be in hair and makeup.". Like, "I don't know, do you want to do. it? I'm not sure what Well, did you want. to And I'm kind of like, "Well, I I I. don't know. I mean, you guys want to do. it." So, I don't have to get made up. that much. So, we're like, "Well, what. should we do? What do we think?" Well, let's just see what So, we were it was.

one of those things of actors kind of. thing where we're like. like children. And we go to the I'm on. set and one of the Darby and I, Darby. Stanchfield, a wonderful Darby. Stanchfield was in our cast. We're. talking about it and Kerry walks into. the set on the stage. She wasn't working. there. She just walks to say, "Hi." And. Darby's like, "Oh, you know, I wonder if. Kerry wants to do Good Morning America.". Like, "Maybe I I was like, "Well, why. don't you go ask her and see what she. feels about it." So, Darby goes up to. Kerry and this is classic Kerry. Washington. And Darby goes, "Kerry, um. you know, I this Good Morning America. thing that's happening at like 7:00 a.m. and that means we got to get there like.

2:00 in the morning and and I'm just. wondering why And Kerry's like, "Of course we're doing it. Darby, we're. in season five and ABC wants to promote. us by putting us on Good Morning. America. Like, of course we're getting. up at 2:00 in the morning to do this. Like, isn't it amazing that they want to. put us on their opening of their show?". And Darby goes, "Yes.". And then, I think it's so fantastic. She comes. running over to me and I'm like, "Yep.". And this is. That's quintessential Kerry Washington. I mean, I want to talk to her about that.

because she has this work ethic that's. really really you can feel it. And and. it's and it's you know, it it feels very collaborative and. inclusive. It It feel like strident, but. I I'm really curious where she gets it. from. I don't know. It's for real. It's. just for real. It comes out of a kind of. joy and passion and some. intense inner drive that she does have. I mean, you know, no one works as hard. as she. Just something drives her. Part. of it I think is. I mean, she's a. She has a lot of gifts to give the.

world. You know, and a limited amount of time to give. them. Well, I want to ask her about. that. How does she stay, you know, how. do you stay How does one stay involved. in in this time of like deep fatigue and. deep like every day is really feels. really harder and rougher than the next. and there's a lot of people hurting and. a lot of people struggling. How do you. stay. How do you stay in it? It's a It's a big. question and she's got an answer for.

herself which I think could be. useful to all of us. I mean, I want to. ask her about that. I sort of had two. things that I would. >> what do you What do you mean? What do. you want to ask? As I told you, if I asked her myself, she'd laugh in my face. Um. You know, we talked about her activism. and Carrie is an activist. She's not a normal celebrity activist. which is a great thing, you know, people. who donate their time and their money. and their uh image and their passion to.

to things that they care about. Carrie. does it on a level of. next to maybe Jane Fonda, I've never. seen anybody like that. She's it's. it's a it's become a fully. professionalized, fully operational part. of her business. Mhm. It's like she. doesn't do anything If I'm going to do. it, I'm going to do it for real and have. a major impact. Um and uh. Yeah, so I just would love to hear her. talk about how that became so. professional, so full on, you know. >> Yeah. And then I guess the second thing.

I was I wanted to ask her which I could. never She would never answer to me. is the drive we talked about. Like And I. wonder as a parent. like. when you have that much drive as a human. being, I was curious to know does she. like impart that to them or is it. something that she just lays back and. has to dial that back in order to let. them. kind of be them or find it for. themselves. You know, I wonder. You know. what I mean? There's something about. that. >> No, we do this. >> It's Yeah, like how do you lead by. example? How do you figure out what is.

the right thing for your kid? >> Mhm. Before you go, and and those are. great questions and I want to talk to. her about both the things and they're. areas that I want to get into with her. What does it feel like to have done a. show that's so still so beloved? I mean, people. feel such a connection to that show. still. It is. and and of those characters. I'll just. say it reminds me a little bit of. when me and Adam Scott talk about our. characters on Parks and Rec. Like we.

love we love Ben and Leslie's love. Mhm. Like we love their love. Um and it feels. like you and Kerry both get that where. people are into you your characters'. love. Yeah. Like what does that feel like? >> thing. It's a beautiful thing and it. constantly amazes me. I mean, I guess. because of Netflix and whatnot, people. just this past month or two have been. coming up to me a whole lot going, "Oh. my god, I just finished Scandal. I just. discovered like people are just.

discovering it." And I'm like, "Didn't. we finish that 7 years ago?". And we had such a beautiful like you. said about you and and and Adam. We had such a beautiful time doing it. and um. a group of deep friendships were made. which more than any other job I've ever. done. You know, I have some really close. friends from over the years that I've. worked with, but that group was like. your high school best friends. uh for 7 years and and we're all still. really tight. Well, I I so appreciate. you talking to us. Thank Thank the.

questions. Kerry will be so happy that. we talked. Such a fan. Congrats on the. musical. Cannot wait to see it. Cannot. wait till it goes to Broadway. Cannot. wait till it wins the Tony and. eventually turns into a film that you. direct. Thanks, Evan. Tell Carrie I love her. I. will. I will. Thank you so much, Tony. Thanks for your time. Bye. It was great. seeing you. >> Bye. You, too. All right, listen up. Ralphs, King. Soopers, Harris Teeter, Food 4 Less, Kroger, and more are now on Uber Eats.

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healthier, and thoroughly pampered hair. Let your locks feel young again. Try the. new Chronologiste line by Kerastase. Ooh, you're in a denim sandwich. >> I am. So happy that you're here. Thanks. for doing this. >> I'm so excited. >> I want to start because I'm obsessed. with New York kids. Oh. I mean, I grew. up in the suburbs of Boston. Kids who. grew up in New York, they're just. >> We're a different breed. >> You are, and you grew up in the Bronx. I. did. What was it like growing up in the. Bronx, little Carrie? What was the Bronx.

like when you were growing up? >> The thing about being from the Bronx, and I just did a speech about this, a. whole entire speech, because I was. presenting Jennifer Lopez with an award, and she and I went to the same Boys and. Girls Club in the Bronx, and I was. saying in the speech that. the Bronx is like the underdog borough. It's like the forgotten borough. You. know, like Brooklyn had Spike Lee and. Queens has all the airports and the. cemeteries and like a story, but the. Bronx is like the forgotten borough, and. people.

don't expect much of you when you're. from the Bronx, and so there's like a. hustle. There's a certain kind of hustle. and determination to make it if you if. there's something you want to do. There's a different kind of strength and. resilience, I think, from people who are. from the Bronx. I agree. It feels It. feels like the And also Fred Armisen. does a really funny bit about this. Fred. does all the accents of different parts. of New York, and he always talks about. the Bronx. >> Yes. And how it's so Even the word.

>> Mhm. >> with an X in it. >> So, it's also Yes, it has an X. It's. also the only borough that has a the in. front of it. You don't say the Brooklyn. The Bronx. >> The Bronx. It's like a thing. Yes. >> thing. It's so true, and there's a vibe. I mean, it's a working-class vibe, certainly. >> Yes, for sure. >> And a and a sense of pride, but you're. right. There is a There is a It's like a. scrappy, scruffy, hustler. >> vibe to it that I'm really proud of. Super I don't think I would, you know, have the things I have or have done the.

I have to tell you this is a little bit. of a tangent, but I have to get I don't. want to forget to say this. When I this. morning when I got up, I was thinking. about I was prepping for this interview. You're such a good You're such a good. student. >> I was like I remember my first Time 100. dinner that I ever had the blessing to. attend. You were one of the Time 100. recipients. And your speech changed my life. It was. extraordinary because you. got up. You It was like you stood up at. the tables. Do you remember this?

Everybody stood up in the room at the. tables and you thanked. your nanny. That's who you thanked in. your speech. Yeah. I owe my own my nan- nannies. >> Nannies. >> A lot. And I I was thinking about it. this morning because it it really moved. me. I got very emotional at But I was. like, I wasn't even a mom then. I wasn't. a mom yet. And I think Like now when I. think about it, it I it's one of the. things I love about you because you do. credit the people who make it possible, right? And I know like I'd be nothing. without the support that I have with.

childcare or in home, all that. But also, I think growing up in the Bronx, my. grandmother, like I went to a very fancy. Upper East Side. I went to the same. school Gwyneth went to. I went to this. fancy Upper East. Upper East Side school. My grandmother used to cook and clean. houses in that neighborhood. Mhm. And so. I think there was a part of me that when. you got up and. thanked your support team, your home. staff, it made me feel like my family.

was seen. Like it made me think of my. grandmother and like you were thinking. the people that other people like to. ignore or pretend don't exist or want to. like marginalize. It just was so moving. Carrie, thank you for saying that. I I I. think they people like to make the. hardworking class often invisible. >> Yes. And also, it's just mean to other. women cuz it's like nobody's doing this. alone. >> Nobody's doing this by themselves. That's right. And you don't get more.

credit by making other humans invisible. Like it doesn't make you more perfect to. Well, you I feel like a lot of the work. that you do is exactly that, is making. sure that people feel visible and feel. seen. Like whether it's the art you're. making or the stuff that you're fighting. for. yeah. it makes sense to me that. like And it would impact me that way. Yeah, I heard it that way. Mhm. Um. before I pass by J. Lo. Yeah, yeah. Just. a little mic drop on J. Lo. Just yeah. She taught me how to dance. Can you just. tell us the.

What do you mean? So we had this dance teacher named Larry. Maldonado. Mhm. And Larry was a dream. Larry taught me. so much. He was like this very eccentric. gay man dance teacher and he ran the. dance program. at the Boys and Girls Club and he got. really sick in the '80s, like a lot of. people did. And. Jennifer is not that much older than me, but she's a little bit older than me, so. she was one of the big girls at the. club. And so when Larry went into the. hospital, she started teaching dance.

Wow. She was teaching the little girls. classes. So I mean if I was like eight, she was 16 or something like that, but. she was teach so I learned like hip-hop. and flamenco and like all. I learned to dance from Jennifer. She's. never hired me to dance in any of her. videos, but yeah, I don't know what that. says, but. That's wild. Because when you're that. age and there's like a 16-year-old girl, they're just and they're good, they're. the most beautiful, talented yes. I. remember right before she left to go off. to L.A. to pursue her dream of being.

famous, um she did this duet dance with Larry. So he must have gotten better and was. back and it was like very risqué. Like. the that we weren't supposed to watch. it. The the little girls were like you. know this is not for you. It was like. later on in the dance program, but we. all hid in the wings cuz we could not. watch it. And it was beautiful. She was. beautiful and it was just. Yeah, she was she's always been a real. inspiration for me. >> so cool. What a fun like like slight to.

use a Gwyneth term, like sliding doors. moment where you like you see you again. in 20 years in a different way. >> Wild, so wild. And you went to Spence. and you were in Midsummer Night's Dream. with Gwyneth. >> With Gwyneth. It's the only time I've. ever worked with her. You've not worked with J-Lo or Gwyneth. since? >> No. You guys, I'm good. We have history. I'm available. Gwyneth, Jennifer. Who were you in. Midsummer because I was also in that. play? >> Who were you? Oh, you were Puck. I wish. >> Who were you? >> I was Peaseblossom.

>> Of course you were. That's very cute. >> And I was a fairy, too, and I don't. remember which one. >> I know, they're all named the same. You. might have been Peaseblossom. >> I was. So me. So I just kind of I was. like a just like a background dancer. >> Yes, yes, same. Did you know I mean, I. feel like you could do many things well. You do do many things well. >> My kids would argue with you, but I like. that you think that. And I feel like you. know, there's probably a point in your. life where you had to have a real like, you know, you grew up around a lot of. artists, you knew from an early age that. you were a creative person, but did you.

make a decision like I'm going to be I'm. going to be an actress? >> Yeah, I did. >> age? So I was halfway through college. >> Okay, yeah, pretty late. Yeah, pretty. late. And I went to college on an acting. scholarship, which I didn't even know. existed, but and it was sort of like. being on a basketball scholarship. Like. I went I had to audition for all the. plays. I really got benched. I got to do. a lot of theater. >> Right. >> Um and so that was maybe the beginning. of being like, oh, people will give me. money, like significant amounts of money. to do this cuz it was helping to pay for.

my education. But then halfway through. college I did this um summer. conservatory program at Michael Howard. Studios in Chelsea in New York. And that was the first time in my life. that from the moment I woke up, you. know, to the moment I went to bed, all I. did was act. There was no like hiding. behind other class work or being an. academic or it just was like I was just. an artist all day long every day. And I was so happy. >> it. >> so happy.

>> Yeah. And I was doing like clown work. and improv and scene study and acting as. a business class and I just was like I. couldn't get enough. >> Yeah. >> to sleep there at night. I just I I was. like I So I thought, "Okay, I'm going to try to do this." I gave. myself 1 year after college, and I was. like, "If I can get a significant job in. this year, then I'll go for it." And it. But at the same time I had like the. workbooks next to my bed to study for. the LSAT. >> That's what I get for Oh, LSATs. Interesting. >> Yeah, I thought maybe grad school for.

psych, but I But that even was like I'm. going to try for law school first. And. in a in a again, sliding doors way, you. would be what kind of lawyer? Right now. I'm thinking of like all's fair. I'd be. like a badass divorce lawyer, sexy Sarah. Paulson type. But I don't know. Whatever it is, it'd be sexy. is, it'd. be sexy. >> heels. Um I don't know. Maybe I'd be like an. Olivia Pope. Like maybe the Maybe the. like the souls or the energy in your. life gets to you no matter how, you.

know? So maybe I would have been a. crisis person, and I figured out how to. be that person. I mean, my mom, who. desperately did not want me to be an. artist, she's a professor of education, and she was like, "I just I don't want. you to starve." You know, she just the. idea of a starving art. Okay, but I. brought my parents with me the first. time I was at the Emmys. The first time. I was nominated at the Emmys, I brought. them, and. >> That's nice. we were sitting at sitting. at the Governors Ball, and my mom's like. cutting into her steak, and I was like, "ANYBODY STARVING?". SHE WAS LIKE, "YOU'RE DOING OKAY." Um.

but I I think Oh god, I lost my train of. >> thought. No, I think that was not a. humble story to tell. No, I love that. story. And also, what I feel like is is. you gave yourself a year, and in that. year something big happened. >> Yes. What was the break? >> You're good at this. >> Yeah, I'm good I'm good at listening. Thanks. Let's brag about ourselves for a. second. You're so good at this. You kept track. It's really my one job because you're. not intimidated by the tangents. I like. I can bring us back.

And I honestly, it's I if the if you. care to know, >> I it's. if if you care to know. >> I do. >> about the tangents. I don't know if you. think I'm much more of a rememberer. >> Uh-huh. So I think about a tangent when. when you're talking, I think about. literally a line going out like this and. I picture it going out like that and I'm. like just don't forget to get it. >> Ooh. >> I actually visualize it so I don't. forget it. Do you do that in your improv. work? Like when you're doing when you're. doing a sketch, it's really similar, right? >> things in order to remember them. Like I.

try to give it some kind of like picture. in my mind. Yeah, because you have to in. the scene work let it go some you have. to be open to the exploration, but then. also remember you got to land the plane. So your first big break. See? Did you. see that was magic? Did you see that. happen? Okay. >> What is What would you consider your cuz. there's a lot of things that could be. your first big break. >> Yes. I think so I gave myself this year. and in that year I booked my very first.

film which was called Our Song which is. actually having its 25th anniversary. this year. Tell us about that film. It. was this really tiny scrappy independent. film. I mean our entire transport. department consisted of like four metro. cards. Renting and buying metro cards. >> Exactly. We had no wardrobe department. I mean it. it was it was it was an incredible. experience cuz it was we were stealing. shots on the subway. We didn't have. permits. But it was a story of these.

three girls growing up in Brooklyn and I. wanted this part so badly. I learned to. be in a marching band to be in the movie. cuz it was about a summer in these three. girls' lives in Brooklyn that are all. part of this marching band. It was the best experience. I When I was. a kid we lived in this high-rise that. was across the water from LaGuardia. Airport and we were like in a flight. path where at the 12th floor which was. the top floor these airplanes would fly. by when I was a kid and I would always. want to be on those airplanes. Like. where are they going? I wanted to be on.

those planes like explore other places. and have adventures. And when we were. filming Our Song, we were stealing shots. on the A train in Far Rockaway close to. Kennedy Airport and I remember sitting. on the train and a plane going over and. thinking, "Nope, there's nowhere else I. want to be. I want to be right here. doing what I'm doing. You can't put me. on a plane right now. I am like in. This is it. This is it. I'm in the. pocket. >> That's such a cool feeling. I mean, you. kind of wish it for everybody, right?

That whatever they're doing they realize. like this is exactly what I want to be. doing. >> Yeah, I wish that for my kids. I wish it. for myself even like project to project. cuz sometimes you sign on for something. and you're like, "Oh, this is exactly. what I thought it would be or better. Like this is better than I could have. imagined and it feels so good." And. sometimes you're like, "What time is. lunch?" Yeah. I know When you When did you first. >> We're super lucky to be doing what we. do. We're blessed. >> really hard. I think it's as hard as. coal mining. I think acting is brain surgery. I think.

acting is harder than brain surgery. >> I don't know why more actors don't win. the Nobel Prize. >> Yeah, I agree. >> Cuz we bring peace. >> When people talk about brain surgery, I'm like, "Try acting." Honestly? >> Seriously for one day. >> like in your brain doing surgery. Exactly. I'm in other people's brains. You know what I mean? >> Yeah, multiple patients a year. WHO'S STARVING NOW? SEE WHAT I MEAN? >> SEE WHAT SHE DOES? It's brilliant. Okay, yeah. Tell me when you first heard.

about Scandal. Was it written for you? >> Uh-uh. I mean, Shonda one of one. She's. one of one. >> What an incredible. like phenom of a human. >> truly. >> So, it was an idea It was an idea out. there that you heard about and did you. feel like I I have got to get that? >> So, you know, there's been a lot of talk. when Scandal came out, a lot of the. headlines were like, "This is the first. time that a black woman is leading a. network drama in almost 40 years." Like. it hadn't happened in my lifetime, I'd.

never seen it in a network drama. So, you can imagine that when word on the. street was that there was a show that. was starring a black woman that was. going to be on ABC, like people went. crazy. Everybody wanted to read for it. And God bless Shonda, she was like, "I. didn't have the heart to say no." So, she read everybody from like 15 to 85. Everybody wanted to be Olivia Pope. She. read everybody. She met with tons of. people. Um I heard about the project and. I was really a film actor. It was that. time when like film actors were starting.

to do television. >> movie, you were Chris Rock's movie. >> done Ray, I had done Last King of. Scotland. So, it was like I I was like the good. luck charm. Like if you hire me to play. your wife, you win an Academy Award. Forest Whitaker, Jamie Fox. So, I. I wasn't hesitant to do television cuz I. was starting to see that there were. these incredible women like Glenn Close. was doing Damages. And you know, you. were starting to see it that there were. opportunities for women to play.

anti-heroes and have like more rich. experience in television. And movie. stars were doing more TV. And so I So, I wanted to read the script. I was like, "If it's great, I'll consider it." And I. read it and I was like, I It was one of. those things where like I threw the. script across the room cuz I was like, "This is I have to play her. It's for. me." Like no I have to The unfortunate. thing where there were like 10 other. actresses who felt the same way. And so we all auditioned and auditioned. and auditioned. >> and come in and come in? I met with her. first. Because I was at a certain place.

in my career, I could do a meeting. first. So, I met with her. And I. remember getting off the elevator and. there was a huge sign that said. Shondaland and I was like, "Oh, I don't. know about this.". Right. Like it's your land. >> Right. Like what does that mean? Right. have a country I live in. >> Yeah, you know you always want to be. careful when people say their own name. too much. It's It can be Yeah, you never. know. And then I sat down with her and I. was like, I'm in. Yeah. >> Like I will give up my citizenship to. live where in this land of yours. It was.

I just I loved her. It's interesting you. have to play a character who has to kind. of like take care of other people. >> Yeah. And do you feel like in playing. that character you learn anything about. how you take care of other people in. your life? Like are you a fixer? I could. and almost did write an entire book on. the things I learned from Olivia Pope. Ooh. >> She taught me. >> a couple chapters. >> so much. The The biggest thing was she. and I feel like you'll really understand.

this. She taught me how to be a number. one. Mhm. Like at work and in my life. She taught me how to like step into. leadership and not shy away from it and. to. be team captain to not be afraid of it. That whole like it's my name on that. door. Like she taught me to not be. afraid of that. Cuz I always thought I. mean I had this role model of Jennifer. Lopez, but I was like I'm not that. Like. I'm not that pretty and I don't dance. like that and I just I thought I'm never.

going to be the kind of actor who's like. on the cover of magazines. I'm just. going to I My goal was to have a career. where I could pay the bills, do a few. commercials a year, do a lot of theater, and like just live a happy artist life. So she really taught me like to not be. afraid to step into more. Yeah. And that. was extraordinary. And yes, I think. there was there is with her. I don't know if she taught me how to be. a fixer. I think I brought a lot of that. to her. Like it was written that way. I.

don't mean to say I invented it, but I. already understood. the need to want to make. things around me better. Yeah. >> help people and to like that's in me. It's a little bit of like an only child. thing, and um. maybe a little bit of my own. codependency. Like there there there is. some something in me that wants. to help other people. I mean, even that. joke I made about like if you hire me to. play your wife, you'll win an Academy. Award. Like I do take a lot of pride in.

the fact that I think. when I go home at night, I want to know. not only that I did my best work as an. actor, but I take a lot of pride in. helping other actors do their best work. across from me in the scene. >> Sure. >> Like I want my scene partner to be like, "Whoa, I didn't know I like you know. that you can do things to like push each. other and and make it better." And like. that idea of the water we all rise. together. Like I love that. I love. helping people win. I mean, I think. that's the best thing about TV is like. when you're locked into a part that you.

love and with people that you love. Like. I know you love Tony. I you love your. cast. Like you're in a marriage. You're. really in like a long marriage where you. have to like each other. >> Yes. Yes, it's family. It's really. interesting because this is like what. the fans don't want to hear, but I I. really am so grateful for the healthy. relationships that I was able to have. also with the men on that show. Like. Scott Foley and Tony Goldwyn. Like I. love their wives. They love my husband. Like there's so much.

>> Okay, well, let's talk about this. Yeah, let's talk about this. >> about this is people ship you guys all. the time. >> hard. And we by the way, we like to [ __ ]. with people. Like we I. >> Of course. >> stuff all the time with Tony. Like And. that's how you can tell everyone's. secure. >> Yeah. Yes. >> That's how you can tell. >> key. Because you can tell that. everybody's feeling totally fine and. enjoying it and it cuz when people don't. do that. >> then you can't [ __ ] around. >> That's the scandal. Hey! No, but I mean, it's it is it's like. what that's what the sense I got from.

watching you two work together and. and full disclosure, we talked to Tony. for this podcast. >> What? What did he tell you? I'll tell you. >> Tell me all the things. I love him so. much. >> I know. And. >> If he said anything bad, I'll kill him. And um L- it it he is a. >> you that he likes my husband better than. he likes me? Cuz that's the truth. >> Well, I'm obsessed with your husband. >> I am, too. >> Naughty was so funny on the Kroll Show,

by the way. >> so good on the Kroll Show. He was. so funny. He's really funny. >> I love him. >> Yeah. And to Okay, so you're saying like. you guys were able to have a healthy. working appropriate. platonic relationship where you were. able to discover these characters. together and enjoy the fact that people. love them together. >> Yes. We I love that people ship them. I. love it. I love it so much. I love that. people get into arguments like oh Lake, oh Litz, all that stuff. It's I love it. And I love that you know. that we gave people romance. You know,

that we gave people escapism, that we. that we made people think, that we made. people feel. I love all of that. >> You had two kids while you were doing. your show. >> Yes. I also had children when I was. doing a show. It's very hard. >> it wild? >> the way, never really I don't think I. really knew that. I mean, it never. really sunk in that you you were. >> my kids were being hidden behind boxes. and Prada bags. So, you had them both. though. You were You had You were. pregnant and gave birth on both with. both during show? Yes. >> Dang.

>> Yes. That's hard. That's hard. I'm just going to That's. all I have no question. Because. >> I only It's hard. >> It's a thing. But also, I was so so. blessed because Shonda also had young. kids and we built a playroom on the lot. and Viola had a daughter and How to Get. Away was on the same lot. And so, we. would We had this playroom like I had my. kids at work with me all the time. I. figured out how to nurse during, you. know, camera turnarounds. I was like, I.

need 15 minutes. Get on. Um and I just I loved it. I love my my. kids are set kids. They're set kids. They They are comfortable on a set, which is important cuz I went with my. mom to when she was teaching, I went to. her office and I would sit in her. lecture halls and I want them to know. that what I do is work, that I'm that. I'm working, you. >> Um okay, we talked to Tony. Yes, okay. Oh, yeah. How did I forget? Okay, what. did he say? Um I mean, he's he's your. biggest fan. >> Aw. And you know, there's so many things.

about you that like, you know, he I. mean, we talked about like. the fact that you're the the the amazing. activist that you are, the way that you. stay engaged with the world, the way. that you make sure that um you use your. currency for good. >> Mhm. And how important it is to you and. how impressive it is to people. I mean, you have been working tirelessly for a. long time and talking to people about. what matters to you and what matters to. this country and what matters to the. world. How do you stay engaged right. now, Kerry? It's tough. It is really.

tough. >> And people are feeling super fatigued. >> Mhm. and really feeling numb and checked. out. >> Yeah. And um. feeling disconnected and feeling. discouraged. How are you staying. connected and not opting out? Any. advice? Do you know that toxic. positivity thing that people talk about. of like. >> Well aware of it. >> Yeah, right. I'm I'm I don't want to do. that. >> I mean, I I I don't want to But this is. not that. >> No, I don't think it is, but it is. You're right. It's always like, you.

don't want to be like, "It's going to be. >> I mean, great. No, somethings are really. horrible right now. >> Y'all it's bad. >> Yeah, but I also don't want to bury my. head in the sand because I think it's. really important to to stay open-hearted. and to ask myself, "What am I willing to. do?" Cuz that's changed also. Like I. think every day each person and every. day there's a different level of what we.

can give. So I I keep trying to ask. myself like what am what am I able to do. today? And some days it's like march for. 6 hours for no kings with my entire. family and make seven posters and do it. all. And some days it's like I want to. donate $5 to a community organization. You know, like there's different. but to not do nothing. To really like. ask of myself to to not do nothing cuz. we can all be doing something whether. and you know that thing with time, treasure, or talent. Like no matter who.

you are you have something you can give. and it can change over time but. I think we all have to be leaning into. solution. Like in little ways even. >> The other thing I just want to commend. you on is and it's and definitely from a. um. social media perspective is you also. make things seem fun. Oh, and I know. that that's the that word fun can feel. like I don't know, not. weighted enough but it isn't important. Because when you ask people for their. time, their energy.

it's really hard. I mean people have. really complicated lives. >> Yeah. And when you ask them to join in. to something, if it looks like it's a. drag a drag they're just yeah. If it. looks like it's a drag they're like I'm. already pretty sad. >> Yes. Yes. You know, like. Like I got to take care of my family and. like I hope those other sad people are. also hanging on but I'm sad too. >> Yeah. But there's something about the. way I find in in how you talk about. things and and and and like thinking. about Tony showing up for things is a.

good example of that. Your instinct to. want to make it interesting for the just. this idea of like how can I involve. people is it's it's not an easy thing to. do. So I would say two things about. that. One is that I learned from two. extraordinary women, Eve Ensler who. wrote The Vagina Monologues and Jane. Fonda. And I used to be on a board, like. the the board, the V board we called it. for the Vagina Monologues. And which was. went from being a play to being a global.

movement to end violence against women. And those two women really throughout my. life have taught me that when you're. feeling isolated, alone, and afraid, if. you plug into community and community. activism in particular, but when you. plug into community into like baking. bread for somebody else or making. cookies or driving somebody else's kid. to school or just checking on a. girlfriend who you haven't heard from in. a long time. Like plugging into. community actually helps you feel. better. Like it it being a part of. something bigger than you actually is. like a balm for your soul.

Tony talked also again about like your. incredible mothering. One of his. questions was Oh, he had a question? I'm. not taking questions. So, you've directed. THAT IS BY THE WAY. you shouldn't take a question.

Don't take a just be like I'd rather not. answer. I remember doing one of our first it was. like our first all cast appearance on. Good Morning America with the Scandal. cast and none of them had done a lot of. press before. And I had done all these movies and so I. was like you guys here's the number one. thing to remember cuz they came into the. green room and they were like something. was going on with Angelina Jolie and. Brad Pitt or something and they came in. the green room and they were like do you. do you mind if we ask you and I said. we'd rather not talk about that. And the. whole cast was like whoa. So I said you. guys no matter what anybody asks you.

just say what you want to say. Always. say that to people. Answer whatever question you want. If. someone says. If someone says you've had a you know. there's difficult things going on at. home you can go I mean I think at the. end of the day what's important about us. as a community. >> There you go. That's it. That's it. That's right. It's your interview. >> forgets what they even asked if you're. good enough. You know why? They don't. know to come back. They don't know. They. don't know how to get back to the. tangent. They don't know how to get back. in there. And if they come back with.

like, "But what I asked about?" Then. you're like, >> Oh, I think we're out of time. >> "I can't I It's weird. I CAN'T HEAR. YOU.". SPEAKING OF THERAPY, MY THERAPIST USED. TO SAY something that was always like. make me laugh is when someone asked her. an inappropriate like we're talking not. like. reporters, but let's say like a friend. or a colleague who asked something. inappropriate. And if you want to stall. for time, cuz you know like our instinct. is to like react, you can go, "What an. interesting question.". >> the time. I love that.

>> it all the time. >> "I'm so curious why you asked that.". >> time. That is Or you just like, "That's. a great question.". >> What a good What a great question. >> wonder what made you ask that question.". >> Yeah. Can you tell Can you unpack that. for me a little bit more? >> Where did that come from? >> Where did that question come from? And. then they go, Okay, what was Tony's question? >> Okay, his question was um your intense.

inner drive when it comes to. you have this inner inner drive which he. really respects. When it comes to being. a mom, >> Oh. is it something you like want to. instill in your children? Oh. >> Like and and it's kind of what we talked. about like like how do you push or do. you push? How do you figure out like you. have a very strong work ethic. >> I do. I'm like a longshoreman of acting. I mean and I promise we will cut this. part and not keep it in, but have you. ever done the Enneagram test?

You can keep it in. I've done it. I. don't remember. I don't remember what it. is. >> Enneagram three to me. Achiever achiever. achiever. >> Oh, interesting. >> But anyway, I feel like Reese is I feel. like she told me she's a three. Oh, she's a big time. I would say. Whatever. I am, I remember I told Rashida and. Rashida was like, "Oh, I don't like. those." And I was like, "But we're. friends.". And then it like changed her mind. >> seven wing six thing for Rashida to say. Oh, see. I love this about you. I didn't. know that you had this.

>> Do you Now, are you an astrology person. also or just an anyogram? >> nonsense. NO, I'M KIDDING. I MEAN, TOTAL [ __ ]. >> YEAH, YEAH. NUMEROLOGY. YEAH, ANYOGRAM. >> he was he was wondering if like your. drive, like how do you Do you Do you try. to instill that. in your kids? You want to lead by. example. Like how do you Cuz I think. what what's underneath that and what I. think is interesting is is what I when I.

started with is that you can do many. things well and you work really hard. How do you instill that in your. children? I do I I think about this. because I feel like they don't have that. thing of being from the Bronx. Right. >> They don't have that scrappy hustler. At. least they weren't born in the. neighborhood that I think produced it in. me. And so I wonder where they'll find it. >> Yeah. I I see I my I My kids are really. resilient and I see it mostly in sports.

That's like their opportunity, their. their place where that gets So, what. kind of sports mom are you? Do you go to. the games? >> I go to the games. >> And do you do you cheer? >> I do and much to the dismay of my. children cuz I'm like a loud cheerer. >> Are you a after the game, let's say they. have a game and it doesn't go well. What. do you say to them? There's no wrong answer here. Really? >> I mean, unless you like berate them, which I know you wouldn't, but. Um.

Uh How do you. How do you like to approach I really try. to be directed by them. Mhm. Like I try. >> figure out how they're feeling about it. >> Yeah. And um and ask a lot of questions. I don't try to like. make it better immediately. I try to. just like Yeah. >> If I If there was a visual metaphor for. it, I try to like sit on the bench with. them. Oh, that's great. >> look where they're looking, just give it. some time. It's funny that you do that. I find that there's a lot of good. conversations when people are looking.

forward in the car. >> With kids especially. Walks in the car. That like thing of like, "I'm just going. to be here. Like, let me know. Like, was. that hard? Do you feel good?". >> Mhm. Yeah. I heard a really cool thing one time. Again, probably just read it on. Instagram. Definitely didn't read it in a book. Definitely didn't read it in a book. Heard it on a commercial on YouTube. >> lately, I've been like, "Where did you. get that?" And she's like, "Well, not to. sound like you, but I read it in an. article.".

I'M LIKE, "WHAT ARTICLE? LIKE, Time for. Kids?" She's like, "An article.". But, I I read something one or again, saw. something one time that was like. act like I loved this um metaphor. Act. like a a a small-town reporter with your. kids. So, um just repeat back to them. what they just said as if you're writing. it down in a small notebook. It will. feel so hard. >> Yes. And.

they it was like the less questions you. can ask the better. So, they're like, "That was a bad game. That was a bad. game. I sucked. I didn't play well. You didn't. play well." Mhm. >> Like, you don't say why. the questions can sometimes kind of stop. the the because all you want them to do. is talk. >> Yes. >> Oh, that's so good. >> if you want, you can kind of like. give them a headline back. Like, "So, it. was a bad game and you didn't play. well.". Oh, wow. And they're just like, "Yeah.".

And then pause. "Because the coach said. whatever, because the coach said what. like Because that's all all of we we. just want to be witnessed. Like as human. beings, we just want to be witnessed and. heard. And that's such good like, I hear. you, I see you, I'm going to give it. back to you. Like that's. >> Yeah. >> good. Isn't that a good way to think. about it? >> good. >> And as opposed to what my instinct. sometimes is to do is like, well, you. know what I would do. You know what I think you should say. >> Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I always ruin it at the. end. >> Yeah. You've directed a lot. You love.

directing. I don't know. I haven't. directed as much as I would like to, so. I need to do more. >> Mhm. I'm saying that here. >> And you walk in kind of you walk you've. you've you've walked in other people's. shows. Like you've walked in and you did. Smilf, you did Insecure. I love directing. What's it What's it. like to walk into a show that's already. running? It's so fun. I mean, I. especially if I love the show and I love. the creatives and I just. I I think the thing I love about.

directing is that thing I was talking. about with acting. Like I love to help. other I love to help create an. environment where other people can do. their best work. >> Mhm. And to help push people toward. excellence, to like unlock the things. that are going to make other people. better, whether it's set design or. acting or a score, like just getting. into a situation to help other people do. what they do best. >> Yeah. I love that. Yes. >> I love it. Yeah, and do you think you. want to I mean, have you directed a. feature? >> I haven't. So, that should be next,

yeah? >> I think so. I think so. >> lot of It's a lot of It's a lot of time. away from your family. So, I'm like I. this I was like. So, I did this movie with Ben Affleck. this year and he was like, you need to. find a feature to direct. And I was. like, I have to find a feature that I. like enough to spend that much time away. from my amazing husband and children. Have you ever heard Sarah Polley talk. about any of this stuff? The amazing. director. She talks a lot about me, too. And when she did Women Talking, which I. thought was amazing, >> Mhm. she talked a lot about how, you know,

there's this you know, we talk obviously. we're always trying to like write the um. the imbalance of not enough female. directors and there's not enough. discussion about the fact that like. women and with kids it's very you have. to give up a lot of time. >> Mhm. and that she was like. hoping and kind of working towards this. idea that you could have these humane. ways of working. >> Mhm. where more women could direct and she. talked about What that would look like. Yeah, that she had women on her crew be.

able to kind of like what Shonda did. like bring kids to work, try to keep. hours shorter, try to keep prep more. remote, whatever it was so that more. women were incentivized cuz it is like. it's like. it's really really hard to be a woman. >> choice. >> Yeah. I So on this film with Ben, he. likes to be home with his kids at for. dinner. And so we were done filming. every single day by 6:37. It meant I was. out before drop off, but I was home for.

dinner and bedtime and homework to the. point where my son was like Mom, is your. part not big? Like why are you. You're Like he was worried for my. career. Like why are you home every. night for dinner? Did you get fired? Are. you like pretending to act during the. day? You're putting on an outfit and sitting. in your car. He was like. Mom. >> He's like be honest. Be honest. I was like, "No, I have a really big. part." He was like,

Mom, it's okay. It's okay. There are no. small parts, Mom. But that's so humane. >> And so we So on Imperfect Women, it was this extraordinary experience of. all three leads were all moms. >> Let's talk about this. Who's in the. Imperfect Women with you? >> Moss and Kate Mara and myself. Um I. mean, our most of our directors are. moms, all of our producer I mean we it. was such a family friendly set and it.

was great because the show is really. told from three points of view. So. basically for like a third of the show I. was number one on the call sheet, a. third of the show Kate Mara was number. one on the call sheet and a third of the. show Lizzy was number one on the call. sheet. So we got to all like star in a. show but we all had lots of time to like. do other things. Like in Lizzy's. episodes I'm sort of a glorified extra. I'm like number six even though I'm not. but it feels like I'm. one of the ensemble and so it was a. really wonderful way to share the load.

of the pressure of what it takes to lead. a limited series because we were we. really shared that responsibility. >> That's really cool. >> So fun and also it's really great cuz. you got to flex. Like everybody got to. do really meaty I mean these women Kate. Mara and Lizzy Moss are they're they're. beasts of acting. Just extraordinary. talent. >> I mean I've just. I we re-watched the Mad Men recently. So good. Good lord. So good.

>> Elizabeth Moss is she's extraordinary. She's a treasure. She is an incredible. actor. >> another amazing director. She's an. incredible director. >> I am not surprised. You like me you've. been in the business a long time and. you've seen it and you've seen it change. and like and expand and grow and the way. things. >> that that I just did? You said things. A long time. A long time baby. Okay. Remember did you ever smoke cigarettes? So That's a yes. Casually. Week I was. like a weekend smoker. I was a weekend.

smoker for a really long time. No never. bought cigarettes. >> Well back in the day. >> for like a boy I really liked and we. shared them. But I wasn't like a real. and then always it was because I would. start smoking because of a character and. then get you know I was like kind of. method with the smoking. Nothing else. just the smoking. >> Yeah, no. Do you have any like vices. right now that you try to get rid of? Anything? >> I Honestly, so this question like I. don't like the guilty pleasure question. cuz I feel like if I'm not killing. anybody, then I don't want to feel.

guilty about my pleasure. >> That's right. >> My pleasure is like pleasure is good. >> What What about your hobbies? Like do. you like fake food? No, but this I know came from that. cookbook. I know Ina Garten. And there's. three. >> Should I have brought you fake food? >> Not at all, but I just realized. something today and not to put you on. the spot. It's not a psychological test. and your your therapist Julie? Well, no. Won't mind, but you've got three. different types of burgers there.

and I would love to know which one you'd. like to pick. And for people that are. listening, we've got a candle cheeseburger, we've. got a wooden cheeseburger and we've got. a squishy. That's satisfying. >> for the squish. You know who else went. for the squish? MICHELLE OBAMA. I MEAN, WATER SEEKS ITS OWN LEVEL. This is so satisfying. >> Yeah. Excuse me, I'm going to have a. moment. >> Yeah. ASMR. >> And I'm not going to feel guilty cuz.

it's pleasurable. >> Yeah. Do you enjoy Do you have any like. >> dark chocolate. I'm a big dark chocolate girl. >> And are you a. Are you like an Is there any kind of. knitting hobby situation? I really like. kintsugi. Excuse me? I did not sneeze. Hold on. You want to Google it? >> Mhm. While While you tell me what it is. >> is the Japanese art of putting broken. pottery back together again. with gold. Oh, wow.

>> It's so beautiful. >> Oh, wow. That looks so. >> are so beautiful. And so, I had read. about it a long time ago. And then, I had this beautiful pottery. that my mom and dad bought for Namdi and. I for our 10-year anniversary. It had. like a Bible verse on the edge. It was. handmade. It was beautiful. And my kids were playing ball in the. house and they broke it. And they I was. I was able somehow miraculously to. regulate my nervous system in the moment. and not yell. I was like, "Oh.". And they were devastated. My son was. like crying and and I remembered.

Kintsugi and I was like, "I'm going to. put this back together." And so I found. this private teacher. This was last year. on my birthday and I went and brought. her these pieces and we. put this bowl back together. And the art. the philosophy of this art is that by. not making the cracks disappear, but by. highlighting them with gold, you. actually bring beauty to the broken. spaces and you honor that the places. where we are wounded and broken are what. make us most beautiful.

It's just so special. So it's very like. meditative and beautiful and so now my. friends give me their broken plates and. bowls and things. But yeah, I I really. enjoyed that. >> By the way, what a nice thing for your. kids to also see too. Like we make. mistakes. It's okay. We're all human. >> actually what they say to people when. they ask about it is they're like, "So. now we're part of the bowl, too." Cuz. it's like it's our anniversary bowl. They Of course they had to be a part of. it. >> Oh, that's so nice. And I honestly it. reminds me of your memoir. It reminds me.

of Thicker Than Water, which was. amazing. >> this is that was very artful what you. just did there. That was super. Kintsugi Kintsugi Woo. Um. but it does because it reminds me of. what you spoke about spoke about and you. spoke about it you you you you've you've. spoken about your experience recently. learning more about your family. >> Yeah. and learning. um and you wrote beautifully about it. about um. in an attempt to kind of find your roots. your your family kind of.

informed you like, "Hey, the way um. maybe you you this family um was came to. came to be was a little different. You've been lied to for four decades. >> And that you were born with artificial. insemination and that but from a donor. from a sperm donor and you spoke so. beautifully about it and honestly about. it. And I guess my question to you is. now with some time you've kind of. the book's out, you've spoken about it. How do you like to talk about it now? I. really enjoy talking about it because.

it's been such a. healing journey for my family. Like. we're in such a better place than we. used to be and we were we kind of had a. picture-perfect-esque. for for a working-class family from the. Bronx. We were like as perfect as it. gets. Um or so we performed to be. And now. there's like a real genuine closeness. and authenticity and truth between us um. that's so special. I'm I'm just so so.

grateful. So I really like talking about. it. There's just My mom said this thing. we were being interviewed I think by. Robin Roberts and. my mom said you know we're just not as. afraid to hurt each other as we used to. be. And that's huge. That's safety in. relationship, that trust that like. things are hard but you'll get through. it. I don't know there's just like so. much allowing now in our family and. grace. So much more truth and grace than. there used to be. It's just such a gift.

my parents gave me by. telling me this truth about who I am and. who we are. Yeah, it's so awesome. Well, from what I know about you is you love. to laugh. I do. >> You do. I really do. >> What is making you laugh these days? What is like a way where you practice. tuning out or enjoying yourself or like. who what do you watch, read? Is it a Is. it You have something. Well, I love. this podcast. Does everybody say that? No, no, not enough. This podcast is.

amazing. Um. >> Carrie, thank you. >> The big thing is my kids. Yes. >> Really, because now they're people. So, they're I have one that's 20, my bonus. baby's 20, and then an 11, and a 9. >> Mhm. And they're like now they have their own. wit. Yeah. >> And it's sharp. Yeah. >> that. Like I actually this is So, I want. to be really clear. I love when my kids get a good burn on. me. Yeah.

>> But it's different. I'm not saying that. I want my kids to be disrespectful. Like. there's a different thing about like. like I see some of these other. households that my kids hang out in. sometimes where there's no discipline or. respect in the house. Like that does not. fly in my home. >> Mhm. It's really important. But like a. good well-timed comedic burn, it just. makes me love them more. Well, because. maybe teasing is a little bit of a love. language for you. >> I think so. >> Because I I share that. Like a a. well-placed. tease that is well-observed.

is a sign of intelligence, that your. kids are paying attention to you. >> They see you. >> That they know you can take a joke, which is important. >> with me. They see me. >> Yes. They feel comfortable like flexing. their own mental prowess. I just love. that. >> Yes, and they're trying to figure out. what goes too far, and they're supposed. to practice with you. >> Yeah. They are. Yeah. So, I love that. And I love also that it humbles me. You. know, I love that. Like it's they're so. not impressed with me, which I love.

>> Have you guys started watching any stuff. any comedy together? Cuz that is the age. around 8 and 11 where you start being. like oh, we can start sharing comedy. shows. >> The number one show that we obsess over. as a family, even so we go back and. watch old episodes cuz it doesn't come. on enough, is Amazing Race. Let's talk about Amazing Race. >> We It's not talked about enough. love. Amazing Race. >> on? >> It's still on. And they're still racing. They're still Phil. He's still traveling. the world. I I've never met him. I if I.

ever meet him, I'm going to pass out. He's amazing. And so what he's amazing. He's amazing and he races. Um the thing. I love about watching it with our kids. is so there's all this kind of learning. going on. First of all, we're learning. geography. Right. We're learning. culture. We're learning languages, dance. around the world, food around the world, music around the world, uh landmarks in important places. So. there's that. You're also learning like. just travel resilience cuz we're a big. travel family. So they're learning like. sometimes the hotel is closed. Sometimes.

you miss the train. Like they're. learning that kind of stuff. But the biggest thing are these. relational dynamics. Cuz I love when my. son turns to me and he's like he is not. a good husband. Right? Like you see. these teams where you're like, why is he. talking to her like that? Or like two. siblings where you're like, they do not. really get along. Or two sisters where. you're like, I love their relationship. Like that it's so they're really. learning about what makes a good team, what partnership looks like, what. respect what it's so so we love him and.

we laugh a lot in Amazing Race cuz. inevitably in the first couple of. episodes there's always the people that. are like, they have no business being on. the Amazing. Those people have no And you're like, they're never going to make it. No, but. they're having a good time and we have a. good time with them. Okay, do you think when you watch. Amazing Race, do you think you would do. well on it? It was So here's one of the. really sweet things and I I don't talk. about my relationship often I love Nandy. But he. it's the first show we watched together. Like even when we were dating, we were.

watching Amazing Race. We would crush Amazing. We would. He has. all of the physical prowess There's so. many retired athletes on there. But he. has the athlete thing and he's so smart. and funny and you have the drive. Yes. You have you'd be like you'd be the one. >> scrappy. I've got the Bronx. I'd be in. the Bronx. It's me wherever I go. Um my mother's like, "Why do you make. everything the Bronx?" Whenever I'm. like, "COME ON, BABY!". SHE'S LIKE, "THIS IS NOT WELL, but do.

you watch it and think I would do well? The only thing I know I would not do. well on. >> is. the running. >> Oh, the run what? It's a race. What are. we talking about? You have to run. What. do you mean? The There is always an I. mean, I I run okay. Sometimes it's a. foot race. It's two races. Sometimes. it's two teams. You can be so great and. then at the end you just have to run. with your bag to the next thing. That's. not nice. >> I would kill. >> You would? Are you a good runner? >> No, but I would make myself a good. runner.

>> See, this is our difference. I I think I. would struggle with. um the driving. Oh, I could do that. well. >> Yeah? >> We would be a good team. >> Okay. Because I would be like at the end. when they'd be like, "Run to the thing.". I'd be like, "You got this, Carrie.". >> yeah. And I would go. And in the car, I'd be like, "Go for it." I get nervous. on the highway. I'm one of those people. who like as you approach the moment. where it splits, I'm like, "I DON'T. KNOW. GPS, BE MORE CLEAR." I GET really. mad. >> I could lock in on the driving. But the. running, I know I would try as fast as I.

could. I would try as hard as I could. and I would just get so far behind. >> We always make the mistake of falling in. love with a team that's like a. father-daughter or a mother-son and they. do so well and they're so smart and. they're so on it and then there's a foot. race and you're like, >> running. It takes them down. >> They're not going to win. They're not. going to win. >> And that is why I don't think it's fair. There's too much running in that show. about racing. But also anything can like. the thing the great that we're not going. to talk about this forever, but the.

thing that's so magical about The. Amazing Race and the other thing that my. kids really are absorbing is anything's. possible. True. The final challenge can. be all mental. And you think you're the. team who's got it, but if you can't. figure out how to make that special. Portuguese sausage the way it and did it. then you're done. And to the point about. teamwork. when people are at their lowest point, when they're very very stressed, their. real their real personality comes out. >> It's so true. So when someone is kind.

>> Yes. and when they're kind to each other. at their lowest moment, then you know. they're going to be okay. >> Yes, you we always because we watch old. episodes and we so Google like are they. still together? Do you think they're. married still? Did they ever get. married? We're so we're like super. All right. I'm going to tell Nani that you said. that. Well I but no, I can't we can't. and like compete with all the Big. Brother people. Remember Battle of the. Network Stars? I do remember that. >> young for that but there was. >> I do have a memory of that. There was an.

amazing moment in TV where all of the. stars in TV had to put on really short. shorts and do like Olympic events and. just do track and field events and be. any it was the most famous people in TV. >> And they all did it. And they all did I. mean I don't even know if I would. >> I would do it. >> say all but the running. >> I would do all but the running. And I wouldn't do very well in any of. the events but I would have I. I'd be a good like mouth. I'd be like.

I'd be I'd be able to trash talk. Go oh. yes, that's important. >> that was important in Battle of the. Network Stars there was a little bit of. like haha I'm going to get you kind of. thing. But the insurance would never let. this happen now. >> That's true, they wouldn't do it now. >> No, you'd be The teams we that I'm proud. that my kids don't like cuz I got. nervous they would just be focused on. the winning but there are like. occasionally there are teams who lie. about what to do next. They're like they. figure out a challenge and then they lie. to the next team. >> I know. And those teams.

>> comes back to bite them. >> That karma. Karma. Yeah. When they take the thing. they're like don't show them the clue. >> That's right. That's right. And they're. like oh yeah the clues are over there. and over there and they're like see you. in hell. That's right. That's right. See. you in Amazing Race. >> Yeah. You're the last to arrive. I'm sorry to inform you. Okay. Thank you so much for doing this. This is so fun.

Thank you so much Carrie. It was so fun. talking to you and. I'm always just impressed by your range. and ability to do so many things so. well. Thanks for being an awesome guest. and it's just great talking to you and. and I feel like I want to just plug this. YouTube show The Street That You Grew Up. On. because you have there's great guests. like Michelle Obama and Issa Rae and. Sarah Paulson and it's a great idea this. idea of just figuring out where you grew.

up and and digging deeper and it feels. like Carrie's always trying to do that. in her own life and in her characters. and so check that out on YouTube and I. have heard that you can get YouTube. without commercials. If you pay a little extra. Which I'm not willing to do. Um but. if you if you want to do that that's up. to you. So. thank you so much for joining us Carrie. Thanks so much for listening to Good. Hang 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. The show is produced by The. Ringer and Paper Kite. For The Ringer. production by Jack Wilson, Cats Balane, Kalia McMahon and Alana Zanaris. For. Paper Kite production by Sam Green, Joel. Lovell and Jenna Weiss-Berman. Original. music by Amy Miles. And I had a one who. was a really. good hang.