Maya Rudolph (Live) | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

This episode of Good Hang is presented. by Walmart Express Delivery. Getting. gifts to your doorstep in as fast as an. hour. Who needs elves when Walmart. Express Delivery can make Nespresso. machines magically appear on your. doorstep? And if you do happen to forget. something, no judgment. You can even. order gifts up until 5:00 pm on December.

24th. Santa, you might want to take. notes. Download the Walmart app or head. to walmart.com and get your gifts. delivered fast. Subject to availability, terms and fees apply. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and. welcome to Good Hang. Hello. Welcome to the Fonda Theater. I. am Amy Polar. We are so excited that. you're here tonight. How's everybody feeling?

All right. Just want to remind everybody to please. turn off your cell phones and refrain. from taking any photos or videos during. the show. We want you to enjoy yourself. and be in the moment, which I know is. difficult to do in these trying times. We are very, very happy that you're here. with us. Thank you so much for coming. And to kick off the show and get us. started, give it up, ladies and. gentlemen, for my dear friend, incredible musician, and the singer of. the Good Hang theme song, an incredible.

artist, Amy Miles. Everybody, Amy Miles, [screaming]. thanks so much. Let's get this going. My. name is Amy Miles. I'm so happy to be. here. I am so um honored to be here and. I am here with my beautiful friends Mr. Quick Wedwin. and Mr. David Wayne on the drums.

[cheering]. >> Okay you guys uh without further ado we. are going to play the theme two good. hank and I like it and I like it and I. will not mess this up. One, two, three, CLAP [applause]. BOY. [music].

Low consequences and low. [singing and music] offenses when my arm. break a bone. Coming back to city in. late [singing] summer. Everybody. Everybody. Everybody's gone. Everybody. Everybody. Everybody's [singing] gone. Everybody. Everybody. Everybody's gone. [music]. Everybody. Everybody. [singing]. Everybody's gold. Everybody's [music]. gone. Woohoo. Going.

for the hug. Go. with a B. What's up? What do you say? All I ever wanted was a really [singing]. good Hey, hold on. See if I'm breathing. Till to the right and start [singing]. believing. Money's [music] got a dress. Get the party started. Money's got a. party that starts tonight. [singing and music]. Money's got to just get the party.

started. What you say? Money's [music and singing] got to just. get the party started. Starts tonight. Party. You broke my heart. When I see you, I turn and go home. Woohoo. Going.

for. [singing] a B. What do you say? All I ever wanted [singing] was a really. [music] good hang. What do you say? All I ever wanted was a really [singing]. good hand. [music]. Ladies and gentlemen, the host,

my friend, [music] your friend is 80. 80 miles, everybody. [singing] 80 miles. [music]. Hey. Woohoo. [music]. >> [music]. >> Woohoo! WOOHOO!

[cheering] HELLO. Thank you, Amy. Thank you, David. Thank. you, Craig. Hello, everyone. Please have. a seat. This is a podcast. We're sitting. down. Hello. Welcome. Welcome to Good Hang. Live. [cheering]. Thank you so much for coming. It is a. thrill to be here. I just want to start. by saying I apologize for the late. start. I did not know this show was. going to be an 8:00 p.m. show. I truly.

didn't and I'm so sorry. I'm telling you. right now, you're not getting home. before 11 and it's upsetting and I won't. do that to you again. Welcome. Um we are very very excited to. do our show tonight. Um we have uh we. have a few people to thank before we get. started and the first is Spotify. Thank. you for um everything everyone here who. works on Good Hang. They're just. amazing. Uh an amazing group of people. and we've had a pretty awesome year. Um.

we started this podcast um this year. Yeah. And it's going great. Um. [laughter]. um so thank you to everybody working on. the show and I will thank you all. personally and Jenna most of all. Um, and um, also thank you to PayPal. for sponsoring this evening. And I know. there's some PayPal peeps in the crowd. You're my pal. PayPal. Have you guys.

thought of that as a slogan? PayPal is. my pal. Um, but thank you so much for. making tonight. So, um, we're going to. get started and, um, I think, you know, without further ado, I think it's. important for you guys to know who. you're getting to see tonight because. We like to keep these guests secret up. until a point, but you are eventually. going to hear us talk to each other. So, I have to say, ladies and gentlemen, you. have a really good good hang guest this.

evening because it is the one, the only. Maya Rudolph. YEAH. [cheering]. [cheering]. >> [screaming]. [cheering]. >> YES, [cheering]. you [screaming] wanted her. You You. wanted her. You got her. How exciting is.

that, Maya? That was exciting. Um. but um Yes. Yes. And we have I have my. lip balm and my laptop and my GL. [laughter] and my my glasses. So. excited. Um but we always uh we always like to. start our podcast by talking well behind. our guests back, right? So um I'm going.

to introduce the guest who's going to do. that as I move this microphone over. This is what we practice in blocking. And then Amy is going to play me over to. the desk. [music]. >> This podcast is sponsored by PayPal. Okay, let's talk holiday shopping. Make. the most of your money with PayPal. They. give you the flexibility to pay in for.

no fees, no interest. So whether it's. the must-have toy or a tiered. cheeseboard, PayPal helps you make the. most of your money this holiday. Subject. to approval. Learn more at. paypal.com/payin4. PayPal inc nmls910457. >> All right. [cheering]. Now I'm comfortable sitting down. Okay. We are very excited to introduce.

um uh our our guest who's going to be. talking to us about Maya and giving me a. question to ask Maya. We always like to. do that on Good Hang to talk to somebody. who knows our guest really well. We're. thrilled to have this person joining us. tonight. He is an incredible actor, standup and sweet, tender-hearted. person, and he plays Maya's cousin. Howard on the show Loot. Give it up for. Ron Bunches. Everybody. [music].

[music]. [music]. [cheering]. [screaming] hi Ron. >> Hi. >> Hi. Now, uh, people should know we were. trying to keep you a secret, >> but then you and Maya just saw each. other backstage. You didn't do a good job at all. >> Nope. >> It felt like no one even tried to keep.

us apart. >> No, we all we literally needed to do was. close your door. >> Yeah. >> And we forgot to do that. [laughter]. >> And I think I Maya said that she just. went, "Hey, Ron, what are you doing. here?" [laughter]. Like you live here. >> Yeah, sometimes I just pop up places. [laughter]. Thank you so much for coming. Let's take. a water break. >> It's so nice to be here. >> And I have some lip balm [clears throat]. if you need. >> I can't believe you got so many people.

here. >> Really [cheering] nice. [applause]. >> Very exciting. Very nice. >> Don't they know podcast are free? [laughter]. >> They are severely overpaying. >> That's a good point. >> I think it's an excellent point. >> Yeah, you can go home and listen to this. for free. But they don't seem like they. make good financial decision. [laughter]. They wooed for PayPal. >> Yeah. Ron, are you a Cal You're not a.

California kid, are you? >> I was actually born in Los Angeles in. Gardina. >> What's it like being a California kid? >> Uh, I mean, I'm just proud to be from. here, especially this year with the. wildfires and everything. I feel like. you get just this sense of community and. loyalty to the place. But I moved around. a bunch. I lived in Chicago. I lived in. Oregon. So I kind of just learn to just. carry my home and my space with me. mostly. >> I like to ask people when they've moved.

around a lot, what's the coldest you've. ever been? [laughter]. >> Definitely southside of Chicago. Shoveling snow in the winter is. terrible. >> And what's the hottest you've ever been? M probably when I was like 212 lbs real. cut. >> Just every day. Yeah. You tour a lot. What is your tour? Uh. what do you like to do on tour? What's. your how do you prepare for your show. and what do you do after? >> Thank you for asking. No one asked me. that.

>> I'm really fascinated by a person on the. road. It's hard work. >> No, it is because you get you just hate. being away from home. I used to when you. first start sometimes the hotel much. better than my home but as the years. have progressed that has switched and. [laughter]. >> and I always want to be home and so I. try to make uh the road as much like. home as possible. I travel with my best. friend Gabe Dinger. He's a great. comedian. He's here with me tonight. Uh. we bring our video games with us all the. time and I usually do a Pilates class.

wherever I go. >> Nice. Yeah. Um, what uh what video game. do you play when you're on the road? Usually any of them or. >> all of them. Anything anything you got, I will play. >> if you're good. >> And Pilates, which I enjoy doing. What. do you like about Pilates? >> I like that it's so difficult. >> Yeah, >> I like that. I could be like, how am I. sweating so much while exclusively. laying down? [laughter].

>> [laughter]. >> Oh, this is a good audience for this. joke. >> Yeah, that's this this is a Pilates. audience. Are you kidding me? >> Your audience like a goop store. >> Every sing everybody gets a reformer on. the way out. [laughter]. >> You have a reformer. You know, um do you. bring anything with you on the road? You. know how like people bring a pillowcase. or a carbon monoxide detector? [laughter]. No, I just usually bring like the same. pair of pajamas that I want to wear. I.

bring my Steam Deck, which is like my. little video game thing, but like it. makes me feel like I'm at home. And then. um but that's really it. I think that. and the Pilates keep me feeling like I'm. focused at home because with the. traveling, I always feel stiff and uh. just kind of off balance. And once I. feel like I land at a place and I sweat. in a place, I feel more grounded. >> Yeah, I hear you. And last question, are. you a person that likes to talk to. people on the plane? >> No, not at all. >> Not at all. I got my headphones on all.

the time. It is actually I know it's. probably okay being named droppy here. Uh but it's how Bill her and I connected. one time. We were working on a movie. together and we were both on a plane and. we saw each other and so but we were. like separated by aisle. So the lady I. was sitting was like, "Do you want to. sit with your friends so you guys could. talk?" And we both looked up and. immediately were like, "No, [laughter]. >> that's a nice. >> Oh, okay. >> I respect you." [laughter].

>> Now, you and Maya. >> have a real chemistry on your show and I. know you also have a real friendship in. life. Can you tell me where you first. met? Was it working together on Loot or. did you meet? >> Yeah, I met her first. I mean, obviously. been a big big fan of hers for a long. time. similar to you as well, you know. So, I just remember watching her on. Saturday Night Live. I don't remember. how many times I would rewind and. rewatch the scene of her just [ __ ].

in the street on. >> Yeah. >> bridesmaids, you know, like to me that. was. >> beautiful. It was like it's like a. beautiful opera. >> It's the highest form of art you could. ever find. >> Agreed. >> And so, I've always been such a such a. big fan. And then when the Luke came up. as an opportunity, I was actually in the. process of pitching my own show and um. was seeing if that was going to go. across the line. So I originally had. turned down the audition and then Maya.

sent me a nice email um which was just. more like, "Hey, I know you probably. think this is just like some random call. and you're just one of 20 30 people, but. I like your work. I'm a fan of your. work. I know who you are. I just wanted. to just send you a quick email to see if. you would reconsider and do this. audition. And uh just getting a direct. email from her like that, I was like, "Oh, I should probably do this.". >> And then luckily in the next two weeks, they passed on my show. So I was like,

"I really need to do this.". [laughter]. >> And um what is it like to work with her? >> It's amazing. It is like I tell her I've. told her in person and nice to tell her. on this podcast. Um I'm a big big comedy. fan. I have been my whole life. Um one. of my favorite shows is I Love Lucy. Big. fan of just Lucil Ball in general. And I. always say that working with her to me. must feel like it was like to be like. William Froley and to be Vivian Vance.

working with Lucil Ball. like to see the. level of dedication and the level of. skill and the craftsmanship that she can. do in multiple areas that she's can be. funny that she's a great singer, a great. dancer, that she can be a dramatic actor. when she wants to be. Um, to have that. full skill set and to put that on. display while still being a kind person. is something that I don't see often. So. to me, I'm like this is the like I'm in. the presence of a true like legend. So,

it's a and but she never makes you feel. separate, you know? She never makes you. feel like you don't belong or you're. smaller than, you know, sometimes she'll. be like, she'll turn to me, she goes. like, "Is this funny?" And I'm like, "Why the [ __ ] are you asking me? [laughter]. [laughter]. If you say it, it probably will be.". I mean, um, I don't usually talk behind. the guest back when they're off stage.

right there, but I wanna what I want to. talk about tonight is that Maya is like. a natural. Like she's like one of a kind. natural. Like she's she's one of those. people to me that feels like is was born. to do what she's doing. Like it's almost. like she make she makes it look so easy. when she's doing stuff. It's because. she's so naturally good at it, I think. Yeah. >> And um you know, I think they should. remake The Natural and they should put.

Maya in their. >> She's born to do it. You know, she's. true Hollywood royalty. And a lot of. times, uh people look at that and they. just think about like nepotism or people. who don't do anything. But in a lot of. cases, it's the opposite where it's like. she's been born into this world and she. spent a lifetime crafting these like. abilities and it shows in everything. that she does. And then the fact that. she still is spends so much time with. her family and so much time balancing.

everything. That's to me is the wildest. part is like to accomplish so many. things and to still be driven to get up. and to come do this show and still spend. time with your family. Like that that I. mean I know it's hard for me and I just. you know I'm doing standup four days a. week. So to do all the stuff that she. does is amazing to me. >> Yeah. Yeah. Women are amazing. There you are. >> And you too, [cheering] Ron. >> Thank you. >> And you too. So, um, what, uh, what. question do you have for Maya? What. would you think we should ask her today?

>> Uh, I have three questions. >> Okay. I need a pen. >> There you go. >> Okay. Okay. I'll remember it. >> You'll be fine. >> Okay. >> Uh, one, um, is Luke coming back? Cuz I. need a job. >> Great. >> So, if you could confirm that onto a. microphone. >> Great. Is Lude coming back? >> That would be helpful. Uh, number two is. one that I really do wonder personally, but I don't know if she'd want to answer. in the pot, so I'm just going to ask and.

she doesn't have to answer. Um, but just. when the time that she spent on Saturday. Night Live playing Kamla Harris to me is. a thing that I'd be very interested to. know more about to to go through all of. that to like live in her skin while. she's going through the most like. pressurized time in her life to have. things not turn out the way that she nor. me or most of us.

>> [applause]. >> would have preferred. I just wanted to. know like what that would feel like cuz. I imagine there' just be a lot of. symbiotic pain from doing that. But. maybe she don't want to answer that. So. >> my third one would just be about bal. choose like what projects are worth. spending time away from her family? what. makes her choose a thing that like is it. like about providing more for her family.

or is just something that she finds fun. for herself or challenging for herself? Um just cuz again like I have my son and. I'm on the road four days a week and. then I immediately come back home to my. son and it's like a balance because but. uh I don't know how to do it. I want to. know how to do it better. >> Yeah. Yeah. I know what you mean. Me. too. We all want to know how to do it. We're all hanging on by a thread. >> Yeah. >> That's the secret. >> Yeah. Nobody know. That's the secret. Nobody knows how to. >> People think. But if you have a. microphone, they'll go, "Maybe they. know.". >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. I'm gonna sell a course talking. about it. [laughter]. Okay. So, just cuz I'm uh uh menopausal. Uh so, so you've got is Lude coming. back? >> Uh, >> how do you do it, babe? >> Yeah. >> How do you do it? Right on. Those are. awesome questions. >> Thank you. Ron Funches, thank you for. doing this. You're a total delight. >> I'm gonna take this. >> Take the mug. That mug is yours. Everybody, Ron Funches, thank you so.

much, Ron. [music]. This episode is brought to you by. PayPal. Here to help you make the most. of your money when it comes to holiday. shopping. They give you the flexibility. to pay in four. No fees, no interest. So. whether it's the must-have toy or a. tiered cheeseboard, PayPal helps you. make the most of your money this. holiday. Subject to approval. Learn more. at paypal.com/payin4.

PayPal Inc. NMLS910457. I don't know if you saw the back of. Ron's shirt, but it said, "I only want. to work with friends." What a great. shirt. Wow, Ron. Thank you so much. That. was a pleasure. I could have talked to. you all evening, but it's literally. already 8:33. [clears throat]. Horrifying. Um, [laughter].

okay. Very excited to introduce our. guest this evening. Um, you know, uh, her from, uh, a backup singer for the. Rentals. Uh she was um was a crossroads coolest. student. uh California's own biggest comedy hit. MVP of SNL till the end of time. Ladies. and gentlemen, give it up for Maya.

Rudolph. [cheering and music]. [music]. Woohoo! [cheering]. [cheering]. >> [cheering]. >> Hi Maya. >> Hi Amy. >> Hi.

>> How's it going? Isn't this a nice crowd? >> This is very [cheering] nice. So many nice people. >> Nice people. You can tell they're nice. people. >> I can. >> I can feel it. >> I [snorts] can smell it. >> Um Maya, we're going to do a little mic. check. >> Okay. And uh let's Will you sing the. national anthem for us? [laughter]. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Little mic check. Go ahead. >> Um I'm not kidding. I want someone to. ask me to do that again. >> Wouldn't that be fun? I Someone did say.

for the 50th, "Hey, we uh we want you to sing open the. show with the national anthem." And I. was like, "Okay." And then it just went. away. >> Wouldn't that have been fun? [cheering]. >> Oh, you want me to do it? >> Just one. >> Just a little bit. I went to I haven't even I don't I don't. really like think I've even ever done it. since then. [laughter].

[laughter]. >> That's enough, right? >> Beautiful. [cheering] Beautiful. Thank you. >> It's the faces. >> Yeah. >> It's the faces and it's the amount of. time it takes. >> You know what? >> Can we talk about that for a second? >> Talk about how that came to be. You.

singing the national anthem. >> There was. >> for your character. >> My character Pamela Bell. Let's be. clear. Um, you know what? I rarely all. the time that we were at SNL, I rarely. had good ideas. [laughter]. >> That's not true. Like you know when you. have an idea and you're like this is. going to be fun to do or maybe I maybe I. should be more clear. I always have. ideas for characters but I never really. had. clear ideas for sketches and this one. was like beginning, middle, and end. And. it's because in the writer room on nine.

at some point someone was watching I. think it was like a rewrite night and uh. American Idol was on and they do these. wrap-ups and I think it was like base I. don't know world I don't know something. with a baseball and um they had people. singing take me out to the ball game and. this one girl said buy me some peanuts. and apple jacks and that was it. I was. like, "Here we go.

Enuts and Applejacks.". [laughter]. >> Oh, god damn. >> But it was honestly like [laughter]. >> I know. >> Peanuts and apple jacks and purple. jerks. I just it's just it was such a moment to. be I I've never been like other than. when we did Bronx Beat that was the only. other time where I've like done. something that wasn't completely on the.

cards. >> Yeah, >> cuz Bronx Beat's the only time I really. feel like we were I ever did anything. loose. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's what she said. >> That's what she said. >> Maya, um I don't know if you heard Ron. talk and I talking about you, but. >> what? No. [laughter]. >> Did you know Ron was going to be here? What? >> I actually didn't until I walked in the. room and he was sitting there. >> Literally, all we needed to do was close. the door. >> Uh, couldn't get that done. Couldn't. >> How dumb am I? I was like, "Hey, Ron, [laughter]. what are you doing here? I just thought.

he was hanging out. He lives here at the. Fonda. You um have you have you. performed here or been here at the Fonda. recent?". >> I've been here. I've I was here recently. for the Geese show. >> Oh. >> Uh, yeah. >> Oh. Oh, Cameron Winter. >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah. >> What if he's here? He's still here. >> Oh my god. Cameron, >> was it Did you feel cool when you were. felt so cool? I did bring earplugs. >> Yeah, cuz I'm 53. But, um,

[laughter] that was a huge laugh. Um, but I, uh, I love them a lot and it was. really hard to make myself go out. >> I know. What time did you have to go. out? >> I don't know. >> What time did they go on? >> I don't know. >> You don't You really don't remember. Was. it 10:00 p.m.? >> Who knows? >> It It literally like [laughter]. >> What time is it? >> You had a sleeping cap on and a candle.

and you were like, [laughter]. >> I had my night gown on. >> There's a geese on. Jacob Marley, is that you? I hear your. chain. I am at a geese show. >> It was very late. Um, but it was totally. worth it cuz they're so good and they're. so exciting and as you know, I get. really grumpy when music is bad and. they're so good and they're so talented. at making music and writing music,

performing music that I was happy to. leave my house. >> That's great. I mean, it is hard to. leave your house. It It's hard to go out. and I appreciate that you're here. >> Period. Yes. >> And I really do. And I want to talk to. you about music because um and your. relationship to it. And I want to start. with the fact that you are, as I asked. Ron, he's a California boy, you're a. California girl. And we had an we had a. great interview with the great Jack. Black who said that you were the coolest.

person he knew in high school. >> He said that. >> Yes. Do you not listen to my podcast? Um, I do, but I didn't listen to his. [laughter] episode yet. >> You didn't? We've glazed you so hard. >> Wait, what? >> Glazone tonight. Maya. [laughter]. >> um I It's funny. I almost said his name. when we were talking about the national. anthem because. >> when I was singing it on um first of all.

there's so much to talk about when it. comes to Jack cuz I've known him since I. was 14 and I met him in school and. >> he changed my life um for the better and. you know when you find people and you. both speak the same language and he was. new he he was a couple years older and. he had transferred to the school and I. think my drama teacher was like, "You. guys should should hang out." He was um. he coached me in an improv competition.

Um me and a couple girlfriends and we. just like spoke music the same way right. away. We both like had an a love for. Bobby McFaren. And I don't I didn't know. any 14-year-olds that liked Bobby. McFaren. Um, but when I was doing the. national anthem, especially when I go, I always think about Jack. Um, he brought me to my first. Groundlings show when I was a kid and.

showed me this whole world. I I didn't. even imagine I'd end up being there and. that would lead me to you. Really, honestly, I mean, he changed my life. But there's just so few people um that. you can you you feel so lucky when you. have those moments where you had no idea. you were going to meet someone that was. going to going to be such a positive. influence on your life and he's such a. great goof. >> Did you guys ever kiss? >> No.

I wanted to. >> There's still time. >> I really chapter act three, baby. I. wonder if we did maybe in like a like a. a short film. Well, I played his. girlfriend. >> and like um Brett Morgan who ended up. becoming an incredible documentary. filmmaker. He went to our school. I know. everyone's like. private school. Like it was such a. [ __ ] great creative cool. It was so.

punk and weird and artistic and I took. film classes and improv. Jack got me. into the improv class early when I was. in eighth grade. You're supposed to be. in ninth and he got me in. >> eighth grade and you were LIKE, "HEY YOU. GUYS, >> HEY, I GOT SOMETHING to improv about.". >> And you were like improvising LIKE, "HONEY, I'M HOME FROM WORK." [laughter]. With your little briefcase. >> Isn't Candy stupid. [laughter]. >> Tough day at the toy factor. >> Oh boy. I don't remember.

>> He played his girlfriend. Okay. And you. also went to school with Gwyneth. >> Yes. When elementary school. elementary. school at Gwynneth Paltro. >> Yeah. >> And um did you guys kiss? >> We kissed. No, I'm kidding. You guys did. kiss? >> Yeah, we did. >> Okay, good. That's what I thought. >> Yep. We went to St. Augustine together, which was um it was the elementary of. Crossroads before Crossroads really had. an elementary. It was in this church. called St. Augustine by the Sea. And uh. yeah, and we were very close. And and. weirdly, our dads went to college.

together, so we had kind of like a. family bond. And then after sixth grade. she went to New York. But. >> and do you do you remember your first. time in that time period with like your. wonderful artistic beautifully groovy. parents? You remember when you first saw. SNL? >> I really do remember. um sneaking into my parents' room and. faking like a stomach ache or or just. like I can't go to I can't sleep or. something. That's how I talked when I.

was a kid. I can't sleep. Um, and I my. parents were young. I mean, they were. probably in their 20s. >> and they were Yeah, they were watching. the show and I I think I saw the Land. Shark is what I remember. >> Oo. But. >> for those of you um, there was a man named Chvy Chase. >> and he was on Update. >> That's all you need to know. >> And the shark would come in and they'd. grab him and get him. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um, Groundlings, you mentioned.

Groundlings. When you were at the. Groundlings, premier improv, sketch, comedy, theater, who was in your. freshman class? Who were you with at the. time? >> I had the most unbelievable group of. people. Um, so our beloved uh dear. friend Emily Spivey, who uh we wrote. with for many, many years at SNL. I met. Emily there. Um, my friend Nat Faxton, who's on loot. Uh, my friend Jim Rash, Cheryl Hines,

Melissa McCarthy, um, Ben Falconee, um, oh my god, who am I forgetting? Jordan Black, Will Forte, Jordan. >> Will was in our group. >> Um, uh, who else? [ __ ] this is going to. sound really bad when I can't remember. people's names. >> That's great. That's perfect. >> Is that good? >> Yeah, that's great. >> Rachel Harris. Oh my god, I'm still. talking. We had an un we had an. unbelievable group of people. >> and what did you like now with a lot of. perspective right? What what was the.

biggest takeaway the best thing about. being in that space making that kind of. art at that time? >> Absolutely knowing that. I listened to myself and found my people. and that I liked. and you've said this about me and I know. it to be true especially because you're. so good at reading people. I like to be. with my friends and have fun. And I know. that sounds stupid, but it's such a. great way to do improv and sketch. It I.

like to like I like to come in the room. and people are hanging when there's a. group of people that I really like. It. makes me so happy and then it makes me. feel like I'm actually funny or funnier. and it it fuels me. I I like to be in. the in the mix of it. >> Yeah. you Maya if I may speak uh for you. Maya. >> please and about you. >> the word fun feels like like you know.

it's like a feels like a not a complex. word but it is because it's really about. this idea of like a shared communal. sense of energy and you love that and I. will say you know I said to Ron that you. I think you're one of the most naturally. gifted performers I've ever met and I. think you're the the n most naturally. best person at SNL that's ever been on. the show. >> It's true, babe. You have to have a lot. of skills to be on that show. You got to. have a lot of skills to pay the bills on. that show.

>> And one of the things that you do that. is so important in live television. especially is we are never nervous when. Maya's performing. Like we're never. worried about you. >> We're our mirror neurons aren't firing. that you're like because you're like. when you perform you're having a lot of. fun. >> Yeah. It's almost like you're the most. relaxed and the least nervous or at. least it seems that way. >> It seems that way. >> So, is that not true? >> I definitely get nervous, but I think.

it's interesting how I get nervous and. that I I I realized it coming back to. SNL during co the first time I I came to. play Kamla, which was which worked the. first time. Um, [laughter]. >> oh brother. >> Oh, brother. >> Oh, brother. >> Um, I uh I lost my train of thought. What were we talking about? Um, >> nervous. Well, how are you like when.

you're nervous? I. I my nerves are different when I'm there. specifically because I want to be there. and I like how present. >> it is and the I get I do get an. adrenaline rush from being in that room. and knowing that it's like happening in. that very moment and the history of the. room like all of it and over the years. knowing so many of the people so many of. the crew in that room but my armpit. sweat is like how I know my body's.

reacting I'm not I don't tremble. >> I I do I do get nervous about [ __ ] up. or stumbling words and that has happened. and that's the thing that sticks with me. >> is when you [ __ ] up you like look at you. know whoever you're with and me being. sometimes being like [laughter]. which is like the even the joy of the. electricity of that. >> but like even you know how you you know. how there's moments where you really. you're like I can't wait to say this. line. >> Oh no. And even even back to the. national anthem, remember there was one.

line that I used to say and I it would. tickle Keenan. >> and I was singing it kind of like. Whitney Houston and instead of saying. like. gave proof to the night I was saying. like give a little bit of proof and. every time I sang it, he would like go. and I love that he was tickled by it and. I was so excited to do it that I didn't. do it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. and and those little slip ups even. most one of the most recent.

can't remember which one it was but one. of the most recent commas we did I. stumble you know you just stumble. sometimes your tongue your tongue. >> adrenaline like your adrenaline gets you. all twisty yeah. >> so I hate that and then and then Sunday. morning you're like oh god you just hear. it again and again and you can't fix it. >> well but no one ever knows. and also nobody cares. >> nobody cares. >> I mean no one's paying attention. except themselves. And I mean, it's. almost quarter to 9. >> We're almost in bed.

>> It's ridiculous. >> I agree. >> Um, so you came into SNL for like the final. three shows. >> Oh. Of the 25th season. Yeah. >> So, you came in at the very end. >> Isn't that weird? Yeah. >> What was your uh audition like? And what. do you remember of your audition? >> I did an audition. [ __ ] That's right. >> Oh [ __ ] [cheering]. >> I knew it. >> I don't love.

[laughter]. >> Oh, my water. >> Oh my god. I spilled my water on my lap. >> Oh my god. >> Guys, we're going to get electrocuted. Um, I don't love that I did an audition, but I said to Lauren very recently, "If. I had auditioned, I probably wouldn't. have been on the show. [laughter] I. didn't have a very good audition ready. to go." Do you need a napkin? [laughter]. >> These are the Seth Meers Good hanged.

tissues. >> The Seth Myers memorial tissues when I. [laughter]. made him cry. >> Um, really? You think you would have blown. it if you auditioned? >> Yeah, I do. [laughter]. Um, I I had never. want to. You don't need those questions. >> No. [laughter]. >> You know, we know how to clean a table, though, don't we? >> I mean, this is this. >> You like cleaning tables? I do. I love I. love it.

>> I like a nice smelling spray. >> Oh, do you use Windex? >> Oh, you know what? I don't. Do you love. Windex? You [ __ ] love Windex, don't. you? And not the new stuff that doesn't. have the chemicals in it. The. >> I like the stuff that doesn't have the. chemicals in it. >> I know. You're so California. >> I'm [ __ ] California. I know. >> Well, that was the thing. When Maya. arrived to SNL, there was like East. Coast, West Coast people. >> East Coast was like, [laughter]. "Hey, you from the Groundlings,

cool. a little bit.". Well, when I when I arrived, you were. you had already been there, but I didn't. know at the time for only three shows. But. >> yeah, isn't that crazy? >> Like it was So, what was it like to come. at the end of a season? >> It was very strange and it was a trial. period. I had sent I um I had sent some. uh VHS tape of some of my sketches. >> to to uh to Lauren. I um. >> directly to his house.

>> Directly to Lauren's house. And I was. like, >> you're like5 Park Avenue. >> It was like a like a trial period. Trial. by fire. They came to they they did come. to uh to the groundings. I think I. believe it was Tina and perhaps Mike. Shoemaker and God I don't remember. Probably Steve Higgins who had seen me. there before who I credit giving me my. job. Amen. Hallelujah. >> Changed my life forever. Um. >> do you remember where you were when you. got the call that you were going to be. on the show? >> I was at my house. I used to live near.

Larchmont Village [cheering]. around the corner from the yoga place in. the Larchmont Wine and and Spirits. Um, yeah. [laughter] Great sandwiches, am I right? When I was pregnant with my oldest. daughter, I used to go to that yoga. place just so I could eat the sandwiches. after. >> They're really good. Have you ever had. them? I'm going to get you one. >> I haven't. I would love one. Although uh. uh sandwiches. I'm not really into them.

>> You don't like sandwiches? >> I'm not really into grown out not as a. restrictive thing. I just like in. general. >> it's a lot of work. >> When I see sandwich I'm like oh god this. sandwich like. >> how are we going to get through this? How are how am I going to do this? >> Do you talk to it? >> I go. >> you like negotiate. >> But you know what I do love? I love a. fake felt. >> Yeah, you do. >> Sorry. We can cut this part out. Can we. cut cut things out? Probably not. Um, look at this felt sandwich. >> I love it.

>> This is fake tomato. >> I want you to do ASMR a little bit. >> Onion. >> Okay. >> You know you're in California cuz we got. an avocado coming over here. >> Yep. >> Lettuce. Sorry. It's only six more. things. Cheese and bread. Okay. I love. you. >> I love that. >> Yeah. Me, too. >> I like pretend. I like pretend food. pretend food. >> I love pretend things. Okay. >> God, what were we talking about? >> Okay, it doesn't matter. So, um,

>> we were talking about coming. Oh, yes. >> You got the SNL call. >> and I came out and I had nowhere to. live. I um I was in the Sunday company. at the Groundlings and I think I had to. come out there like in the next week or. two or something. So, I lived at the. Palace Hotel. >> down the street and um I think I you. know pitched Oh. Oh, I came on a Tuesday. because there was no there was no pitch. on Monday for some reason and I didn't. know anybody. Um I knew Chris Parnell a.

little and I said, "What do we do. tonight?" And he said, "We write." And I. said, "Till then?" He said, "Till about. 8:00 in the morning." And then all the. doors started closing. And I was like, and I was sharing an. office with another temporary um actor, whatever you would call us there, I. guess. Were we featured? I don't even. know. named Zach Galifanakis. Is. >> that wild? >> Yeah. >> And then we'd walk back to the palace. going like, "What are we doing here?" I. was like, "I don't know.". >> Yeah. There we've talked about it.

before, but there wasn't a lot of. onboarding. There was no like no one. told you any really. Shoemaker did. I. will say when you and Seth started the. following year, I saw him making an an. extreme I watched the process of him. onboarding you and Seth in a way that. made me so proud and so happy that. people were given a chance to understand. the mechanics of how a show like that. works. It was really and and it helped.

educate me. I still felt so new and I. didn't know what I was doing. And it's. one of those things where you don't want. to tell people like, "I've ne I've never. been swimming, but I'm going to try.". Like I I didn't want to say like, "Yeah, I've never been swimming before, but I. just I tried." But I You didn't want to. say how scared you were. And. >> no, fake it till you make it. >> Fake it till you make it, baby. We did a. lot of faking it. And we did a lot of. making it. >> We did. And so Maya and I were My office. was across the hall from you and Emily. Spivey. And Maya and Emily had a great.

office. It had a window and um it looked. out over the Empire State Building and. this is in the 2000s so you could fully. open the window, no bars, nothing and. lean out and smoke a cigarette. >> 17th floor, >> 17th floor. >> And when we were writing on Tuesday. nights, um we could tell it was time to. go home because we could hear people. lining up for the Today Show outside and. look down below. And. we used to get visitors from a friend. who would hang out of the window. Yes,

>> he was made of cardboard. >> Harper Steel used to a writer on SNL. She used to um write uh draw a a picture. of a weird creepy. >> creepy dude. >> Creepy dude and stick a stick it out the. window into our window. >> That's right. >> Um. >> and then and then we'd go, "Who did. this?" [laughter]. >> And then we'd run over and she would. just be like her window. >> Her office would be freezing cold. Yeah. Um and um but also I have memories, a.

lots of tears, like laughter and tears. in that office. I have a lot of memories. of your office. >> Our office was I felt like you were one. of the first people that really made me. feel. good about coming in and recognizing it. as a safe space. You'd come in, you'd. crack your back, you do your little. backy. And sometimes you'd lay on the. floor and it was just a place for us to. say, "This is really hard or I'm really. sad or I'm stressed out or this [ __ ].

sucks or whatever it was." It was such a. safe space. And I I mean, I could spend so as you know, I could. spend so much time talking about how. fortunate I feel about being there with. the company that I was with. Um, and I. don't know how the stars aligned in that. way, but I think because we had so many. of us that even though we didn't grow up. in the same town and go to the same. schools, we kind of had a similar,

I don't know, life ethic. And I always. say it's like, well, we were like, you. know, good daughters, good students. >> I've heard you talking about this on. Kylie Kelsey's podcast. Great podcast. Love her. And you you made such a good. point about that, Maya. you were like. saying like why you know all the women. at the time at SNL Rachel and Tina and. Anna and Kristen like we all felt like. we were different certainly but we had. some kind of similar shared sensibility. >> a common thread and I also feel like you.

know in those days like even you know at. the groundings now it's all I think you. have to wait a long time to get to the. next level or we were just kind of like. walking right in. We had something in. common that we just knew was our thing. And I can't even I can't describe it, but it was that generation, that time. We had the same shows growing up. We had. the same influences. And. >> I don't know, for me it was like my. older brother was the funniest person I. knew. And so I was trying to emulate.

people that I looked up to, like my. heroes. That's why I wanted to be funny. I wanted to be funny because he and his. friends were so funny. >> What were they listening to and what who. were they who. >> My brother was really into like. Parliament and funkadelic which is act. which has such a huge sense of humor. I. mean it's just like the funkiest. funk funky funk funk funk. Um like the. mothership connection and um Motor Booty.

Affair is one of the albums and the. album artwork is insane. George Clinton. is just like a freak and clearly has. such an amazing sense of humor. My. brother and I used to watch um the Gong. Show. >> Oh yeah. >> And Make Me Laugh. Did you ever watch. Make Me Laugh? >> Yes. >> And we used to play Make Me Laugh at in. our house all the time. Make me laugh. was basically it was just a guest was. sitting in a chair [laughter] and then I. guess it was standups or comedians were.

supposed to make them laugh. They had 60. seconds on the clock and the person had. to like not break. That was it. >> And there were a lot of young comics. that started. They were like, could it. have been Gallagher Gallagher there. maybe? And like um. >> I don't know. I was doing so much acid. then I don't remember anything. But it I. have a feeling if we looked back we'd. probably recognize a lot of people. Same. with the Gong Show for sure. >> Yeah. Do you um one one thing I wanted. to bring up in that office was uh there. was a cleaning lady um.

>> Rosa. Rosa that worked in the in the on. the 17th floor. Teeny tiny lady. >> Very teeny. >> And um she had been there for a very. long time. She had seen some [ __ ]. >> Yeah. >> And uh there was a moment when would you. tell the moment when we were in that. office and Rosa came in? >> I think it was probably usually if we. were in that office during the day. because we were there so much at night, you know, they we weren't keeping. regular office hours. So there weren't.

great times for people to come in and. clean and change the trash cans out and. stuff. And so it's probably a read. through day, maybe like a Wednesday. And. we were in there waiting for uh table. read to start. And um someone was. definitely crying. I think I think Emily. might have been crying because her desk. at in that office was close to the door. and so she had her back to the door. >> and she was talking to us about. something that was really hard and we. were also sleepd deprived and I just. remember Rosa coming in and she didn't.

speak very much English um but she saw. what she always saw which was she came. in and she saw a few of us just sitting. around talking to each other deep in. conversation and Emily was crying and. she put her uh hand on Emily's shoulder. and she goes, "On don't cry, sexy.". Do you remember that? [laughter]. I love it so much. It was like it was. yesterday. >> Don't cry sexy. >> Don't cry, sexy. >> And highly recommend you say that to.

your friend when they're sad. It's. really. >> just a little. >> Don't cry, sexy. >> Don't cry, sexy. >> [laughter]. >> Um, do you want to tell everyone the. first time you met Barack Obama and who. you were dressed as? >> Yes, I would love to. Um, the first time. I met Barack Obama when he was running. for office, I was dressed as Shirley. Mlan. and um, >> and then the second time you saw him, you were dressed as. >> Barack Obama. [laughter].

Um yeah, it was a sketch that you were. you and Daryl were Hillary and Bill. Clinton at um. >> Halloween party. >> Halloween party. And it was one of And I. remember. Barack was new on the scene. >> Mhm. >> Looking smooth. and uh and at that time I think like. Barack Obama masks were popular, you. know, because it was like the new. candidate. And um so the joke was going.

to be that I come in like [ __ ] [ __ ] I'm. Barack Obama and then he taps me on the. shoulder with his mask and takes mask. off and everybody goes oh my god it's. the real Barack Obama. So we did that at. dress and that was it. >> Yeah. He didn't do it to air. >> We did not do it at air. Thank god. Um. >> why do we know why? >> I do. I mean I did not have a take on. Barack Obama at all. I didn't. >> know you know I just remember you were I. was dressed. You were a teeny tiny.

tall man. Very tall, handsome man. >> So fun and stressful to be dressed. exactly like the person you're standing. next. >> It is so much fun. And I remember the. first time we saw each other was when we. were about to walk out on stage. So at. dress rehearsal, there was like a little. little flag there and door that's. supposed to open. And I'm there waiting. in my little Brooks Brother suit and I. think we like bound my boobs. And I had. um I used to play Scott Joplin and so I. had my Scott Joplin wig on.

[laughter] and I was standing there and. then. >> people don't know Maya has the cutest. little tiniest little legs from knee. down it's like knee down it's like a. little. >> little toothick. >> teeny tiny toothpick. Look at those. little legs from knee down. So cute. [laughter]. >> Stretch. little to three. >> Teeny tiny teeny tiny.

>> just from the knee down. [laughter]. >> They're like like breakable, I think. >> I know. They're so little. So, you had. your little suit on. >> My little suit on and it was teeny tiny. And then he came over and here's the. thing. I didn't it was written then I. didn't have a good impression like I was. sort of like I'm Barack Obama [laughter]. and um so I was standing there and then. he came over and I said well what do you. think. and all he said to me was.

I don't wear a three button suit. >> Damn. >> I still don't know what that means. It's. like it's like guy that's like a guy. knowledge thing. Sounds like flirting to me. >> Just kidding. >> No, I'm not. I I will take that. I've. I've gotten two two tonight and I'm. taking them home with me. I'm taking. them into the spank bank tonight. >> Um, >> speaking of spank bank, Ron Funches, so.

great. >> So spank bankable. >> So spank bankable. And he has three. questions for you. Let me give you the. first one which is. speaking of standing next to someone. that you play. You were so incredible. when you were playing Kla Harris and it. was such an exciting time to watch you. play and for Dana Carvey to be playing. Joe like it was just very exciting. >> The world was watching. There was this. feeling. >> of like here we go again. And that's the.

SNL at its best, I think, when the when. the world is. >> on the same vibe as the show and the. political uh imp like impersonations. We. >> I mean, it's one of the best things. about, >> you know, the our tenure there is that. more and more women we were we got to. play because more and more women were. were were candidates at the time. And. Kamla was such a um incredible. um you did an inc great take on her. you. were so good and you got to do stuff.

with her. Ron's question is a good one. which is like how what do you do with. all of that energy and feeling when it. goes away when you know it she doesn't. win? >> There was definitely especially after. the first election. Um. I remember even talking about it with. our friends saying like I'm you know. when we heard this was happening again. like I'm scared to be hopeful. You know, we were nervous about. opening that vulnerability and opening.

up our hearts to like could something. good happen cuz it's been such a [ __ ]. storm. Um, and a rat [ __ ] of a of a [laughter]. time. Um, [laughter]. I uh I chose to especially because she. came to the show and that that. electricity alone just propelled this.

idea of. I'm going to allow myself to be hopeful. I hadn't felt hope in a very long time. when it came to this this um subject. and she made me feel hopeful even if it. was a dream even though I got to be. honest it didn't feel like it it felt. real but she's really good at what she. does and she makes you feel like it's. going to be okay truly she was saying.

things like this country really needs to. heal which I mean now we really need. like a [ __ ] we need some sage. um I mean it's so bad. Amy, [laughter]. >> yeah, >> we don't have to go. But what I was. going to say, what do you do with the. feeling? >> Okay, so and I, by the way, I haven't. let go of it either, is that knowing. that I can still be hopeful even when. I'm scared actually was really. incredible. >> Ah, I see. >> And it was something that I I shared.

with quite a few people the night before. the election, after the election, is. being hopeful is a good thing. even if. you even if you lose being hopeful is. for you. that I was really surprised I was I. allowed myself to feel because I felt I. felt like um and in case anyone's. wondering yes I wanted her to win but. what I'm. >> but but I.

God you know listen just to rewind a. little bit I all the time that we worked. at the show I never expected to play. anyone that was running for president. ever, >> right? >> You know, and this was such a natural. path, >> which is the best kind. And especially. when you're no longer working on the. show and they say and you hear people. saying like they should call you and. then Lauren calls you. >> It feels very like Avengers Assemble, right? It's such a cool It's like Maya,

we need you. [laughter]. >> You're like pulling on your pants. trying on all of your wigs. >> Yeah. [laughter]. >> And it and it's exciting to be and and I. think it helped me filter all my rage, my anxiety about the all of it. >> It was so great to have something to do. >> Yeah. >> And and I service. >> Yeah. And it felt like being of service. and then sometimes I'd say like I mean. it doesn't really affect the election. and I was like why doesn't it? I like.

being part of the conversation. >> Yeah. Okay. especially some of the. relief because we needed some relief. >> And also Maya, you bring up a beautiful. obvious but yet not often discussed. point which is. >> you looked like the candidate and. candidates didn't look like you. >> Yeah. And that was for me like the. biggest part of it is that all the years. that we worked on the show, it wasn't. like when are they going to call me? I. was like, there's not going to be anyone.

>> that looks like me running for president. in my. >> time at this show ever. I'm I couldn't. imagine. >> And to. play someone that looks like me running. for president of the United States was. wild. [cheering]. >> Wild. >> And I'm like you. I'm like, you know, we're those people that can do anything. on the show and we're like, put me in, coach. I want to do that. I want to do. that. I want to do that. I just didn't. There are some things naturally that you.

don't get the opportunity because you. don't resemble the person and that's. just the way that it is. I mean, you. have to understand like, and you know. this about me, I played so many. different kinds of people on the show. And. >> I think it's because I just believe I. can be anyone. And I don't even know. like. >> I don't know. That's more just me and. how I've always just been in the world. and something that probably came out of. me from being a kid. And um I don't even.

know. I don't even know if that's allowed. anymore, you know, in a lot of ways. Um. >> but in the best way possible, like it it. was just more like I just do what feels. natural or funny or right, which is why. it was always fine. But I don't know. I. don't know how I got so lucky. Um it was. a really exciting thing to be a part of. And then the the other part of it was. the Dana Carvey part of it because. >> because I think for us anyway, our.

generation, Dana Carvey was I mean that. was the era that I started watching SNL. >> and they say like your you know a lot of. people one of the theories is like your. favorite cast is when you were in high. school and that cast was. >> the dream. I mean, I fell in love with. so many of the casts, but him and Mike. Myers and Jan Hooks and Phil Hartman, I. I really. didn't realize how much of them that I. took with me. And when we came off stage.

after that first time and Dana did. something and he he turned on a little. sauce like on the air and was being a. little goofy and having fun. He said, "I. just like to do that. I like to I like. to make the other person part of it and. I like to have fun and it's infectious. And I realized while he was singing in. that moment is that's why I that's what. I like to do and I think I got it from. him. >> I couldn't believe it. >> Very cool. >> It was really cool.

>> That's very cool. >> And you know, I feel like we shared a. similar feeling when we did Bronx Beat. with Mike Meyers for the SNL 50th. >> because we were huge fans of Linda. Richmond and Coffee Talk. Oh my god. >> And we did a little what the kids would. call a mashup. >> Yep. >> And we smooshed everybody together. And. >> I mean that's that was also like the. most exciting dream is like SNL 50th. I. was like I want to be with my heroes and. and that was truly the mashup. That was.

really exciting. >> That was cool. >> It really was. >> And um and and and I'll finish the and. there's so I mean I could talk to you. forever about all your characters, you. know. >> You don't have to. Beyonce and Whitney Houston and Donna. Teler Versace and I mean just you just. did so many and just so also so many. small dumb people with weird names and. just. >> those are my favorites and you and I. both share a love for dumb dum dums. >> God dum dum dums. So who was your what. was the favorite wig you ever wore?

>> Oh my god. There was a wig that really. like it made the rounds. I think my. Leilani wig became a pet psychic became. um. who was the lady. She was a fake Charro. She was a redheaded Charo. >> Oh yeah. >> Fiesta Politico. >> Fiesta Politico. Um Yeah. And she was like she kind of. had like Amy, she had your color hair. >> Yeah. >> She had like a beautiful red, a vibrant. red. >> A vibrant red. Perhaps a little bit of a.

strawberry blonde. Um. >> her name was Rebecca. Her name was. Rebecca. >> Good job, Maya. >> Thank you. >> Yes, I remembered something. Um, yes, I. remember that cuz I remember Well, I'm. not going to tell this story. Can you. cut it? >> Can we cut it? Probably not. I'll. whisper it. Hello. [laughter].

[laughter]. You cannot tell that story. [laughter]. [cheering]. Absolutely not. I'm sweating. Just you. and you. [laughter]. Oh my god, I'm sweating. I'm sweating. You talk to me. [laughter]. Woo. Sorry guys. [sighs]. >> Can we talk about flirting more? I. didn't get to like sleep with anybody at. SNL. >> I know. I'm sorry.

[laughter]. >> Poor me. >> ANYBODY GOT A TIME MACHINE? >> I know. Why didn't I like flirt with. people? I'm bad at flirting. >> That. >> I'm bad at it. >> I agree. >> Yeah. >> I can't read it. >> You don't read it. And I'm saying that. everyone was in love with you. Every. Yes. didn't have that experience. But. that's why I'm I'm bringing it up. because the way you said it earlier, I. knew that's what you were saying was. like you. >> you didn't know, dummy. >> Yeah. >> I didn't. >> You could have.

[laughter]. wo is me. Nobody likes me. >> And there was like 10 like howling dogs. outside your window every night. >> Not one. Are you going home? I need a. need help. >> That didn't happen. [laughter] I did go. on one date when I was there with. somebody that you know and he took me to. see a show um called Puppetry of the. Penis. >> Sure. >> So, >> you can't tell that story either.

>> Um. I should try to ask a question. Um, and we're and we're and. okay, I'll just say that in the in the. vein of you being a natural and you. being musically gifted in every way, like you know, Maya was, you know, we. would have musical guests come on and. then Maya would sing in a sketch and. we'd be like, Maya's better than the. [clears throat]. [laughter]. than the multi-platinum singer. Um, but.

do you think that there's some rhythm. that's important to have for both comedy. and music? And like what do what do you. think why do you think you need both? Like why do you think they're such like. loving cousins? >> They're cousins. I love this topic so. much because I can't really truly. define why. I think there is a language. to both of them. I think that there's an. incredible inherent.

um ability to them. Some people are just. musically gifted. Um those people are. musically gifted. I know that for a. fact. >> And and and and. that's why you always hear about. musicians. quoting Spinal Tap on their tour bus. like they want to be in some way. Musicians want to be comedians and. comedians want to be musicians. and. sometimes they're both. Um, [cheering]. but they they live together. There's and.

and it's such a mutual appreciations. admiration society, you know. Um, >> but they're also like an incredible. skill and and when you're good at it, like you can't fake it, >> you know? you do great musicians don't I. mean I I also like had this funny. I don't know what growing up because I. was so surrounded by music because my. parents were musicians that and we saw a. lot of music too or we had friends that.

were musicians and music was just very. music was very normal. >> in my house like that's just the best. way to describe it like it was it was. normal and um sometimes I'd watch people. on stage and I'd think I'm I'm that's. what I want to do. Like I could see. like I I could just imagine doing it and. then I'd see somebody funny and I was. like that's what I want to do and I'd. sort of like vacasillate between the. two. But um here I go. I can't remember. what I was saying. Um I think I think.

it's a fascinating um love story, comedy. and music. And I think that when I think. about some of the best people, I do. think it's something that you really. when people are naturally good at it, there's nothing better. >> And I think I like to we all know Maya, you know, in another life has is married. to Prince in another life. >> And you're hu you're you're in the band. Princess. You you know Yes. And uh. Prince, you know, you had the.

>> um pleasure to meet him and. >> um and you love him and um. >> he you like to talk about how funny. Prince was. >> So funny. Oh my god, so funny. >> Can you tell us a joke that Prince told. you or something funny or a funny moment. with Prince? >> He did tell me a joke once, but I didn't. understand it. >> You're not supposed to. >> [laughter].

>> I'm thinking about when Fred Armison and. you would do Beyonce and Prince and. Prince would hide the whole time. >> Oh my god, Prince was always hiding. That was again like the best thing about. that sketch was the fact that we loved. Prince so much that we understood it and. so it was just like getting to do it. It. wasn't like, "Isn't this funny?". >> Yeah, >> he's short. >> Yeah. >> I hate that so much. >> And you felt that way about Beyonce. Like the same with Beyonce, like such. reverence for her. >> Well, yeah, because the other thing is.

like I never I don't know how you feel. about doing impressions of people, but. I'm not an impressionist. And we've. talked so many times about different. personality. There's so many different. types of people that work at Saturday. Night Live specifically. Some people are. impressionists, some people are. stand-up, some people are sketch. performers. Um, and some impressionists, they can be very specific personalities. I'm not an impressionist, but I feel. like when I do an impression, it comes. from watching someone. And I'm watching.

them because I'm fascinated. I'm. interested. I'm excited by them. So, I. think I'm picking up in the same way. that like you tell a story and you use. the person's voice like whatever. But. like, but but joking aside, like when I. tell a story, I I usually imitate the. person. >> But I think it's cuz I'm interested. I'm. I don't know. I can hear it. Yeah. >> I also think I'm a little bit of a. parrot to go back to the. the comedy uh music thing. >> Well, that's what I would just say is.

that I feel like you have a sense of. time. Like uh we you know when we. started with you singing the national. anthem, you took you take your time with that. You know when to go fast and be like. Whitney talking to Bobby Brown really. fast and you know how to go really slow. >> and it's like you know the rhythm, the. in between of stuff. Like that's part of. the magic of you I think Maya is the way. in which you can. >> uh change the the the tempo of the stuff.

that you do really naturally and. everybody's just like you just you have. the rhythm that everybody you like you. are the song everybody wants to hear. >> It's like we love your song like you are. you have that. >> Okay. So we're going to the speed round. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Here we go. >> Here we go. Do you like scary movies? >> Nope. >> Great. >> Favorite thing to cook? >> Oh, pancakes. Silver Dollar pancakes.

>> What happened to your finger? >> I [ __ ] cut it on Thanksgiving making. stuffing. >> Oh, [sighs]. >> I sliced the [ __ ] out of it. It really hurts. >> Do you like going to Disneyland? >> Yep, I do. What's your favorite part? >> What kind of Disney adult are you? >> And by the way, I know you love me. because you're asking me this question. because you do not like Disneyland.

>> Oopsie. >> And I was born in Gainesville, Florida, even though I've lived here since I was. one. Other than the time that I spent. New York, Gainesville got a whoop. Is. somebody from Gainesville? You're from. Gainesville? >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Hi. You, me, Tom Petty, and Walkin Phoenix. What if we looked out in the audience. and it was just a crocodile? [laughter]. >> I actually have not been back to. Gainesville. Do you got Do you want to. go with me after the show? >> My speed round. >> Okay. Sorry.

>> Um. >> I probably have ADD, but I was never. tested. >> That's okay. Um are big pants still in? >> What do you mean by big pants? >> You tell me. I mean, yeah, whatever. >> I feel like these are big pants. >> Yeah, big pants are still in. I go to. Maya for all my fashion. I love fashion. >> You love fashion. >> I love it. >> You love fashion. >> I've always loved it. >> Um, best thing about Hanukkah? >> Lodkas. >> Lodkas. This This episode's going to be. coming out close to Hanukkah. >> I love sour cream and applesauce on my.

Lodkas. >> And um, how's your dog, Leroy? >> He's great. Thank you for asking. >> What kind of dog is he? >> He's probably a golden doodle. We were. told he was a standard poodle when we. rescued him. >> [laughter]. >> For those listening, Maya did that in. quotes. >> with a bandaged finger. >> I mean, I think he's a rescue. He was He. and his siblings and his mom and dad. were all living in a you know what do.

you call it? A crate or whatever. And. >> you you think he's faking being a. rescue? >> No. Well, he was like, "Oh, my leg." [laughter]. >> He He showed up at your door. Dingdong. >> Uh, hey. Um, me and my family are uh [laughter] kind. of homeless. >> Our car broke down on the side of the. road. >> You got jumper cables? [laughter]. >> No, it's just that we we we got them. from a rescue place. There's a lot of. rescue places and I Yeah. So, I mean,

whatever you pay like But you got to pay. to make sure they're healthy and. whatever. And I It's the best [ __ ]. money I've spent. I [ __ ] love that. dog. Um, I have a I have another dog named. Daisy. >> And tell us about Daisy. >> Daisy just got attacked by two coyotes. and now she's okay. She I know. >> In your yard. >> In my yard. >> Did you see it? >> No, but my daughter did. It was really. bad. >> Daisy. >> Daisy is a [ __ ] warrior.

>> Yeah, Daisy. Daisy survived. >> Daisy survived. >> [ __ ] those coyotes. >> [ __ ] those coyotes. I know. And they. have they're kind of dicks. Like when I. see. >> these are dicks, >> don't you? You gray. I feel like when I. look at them, they're like, "Sup, [laughter]. what they do? They just stand there like. sup." I'm like, "No, get the [ __ ] out of. here, man.". I I mean, I don't know. I. Right.

>> Coyote. >> They're so rude. >> Oh, rude. And they're really They just. >> They're like the They're like the Lost. Boys. THEY'RE LIKE [laughter]. THEY ARE. >> What's up? >> You got any bread? [laughter]. >> You guys have cereal? >> Get the [ __ ] out of here, man. Nobody. invited you in into my yard. Get out of my yard, dicks. >> Oh my god. The Lost Boys. >> I don't know why that was my reference.

>> And then um the last thing I want to ask. you about is um. >> I love fast questions. I'm sorry I. didn't. This is fun. >> Um, your astrological signs, >> Leo. >> Yeah. >> Um, >> and I don't remember my um, what's it. called? >> It's a seven. I've told you so many. times. >> That's so many times I've told you. >> And you told me that I'm a seven cuz I. don't remember that I'm a seven. >> Well, it's about fun. Sevens love to. have fun. Uh oh. [laughter].

I mean, let's be clear. I like to have. fun with you. There's plenty of people. I'm do not have fun with. >> Yeah, for sure. I mean, we have a lot of. fun. We've had a lot of a lot of fun. >> We have fun. >> We have fun. >> Um and then, um Ron brought this. question up, but I think it's a. beautiful Well, first of all, um he'd. like to know if Loot is if Loot is. coming back. And congratulations on. another season. Thank you. Thank you.

It was a fun season and I love working. with Ron so much and I love um that he. wants to come back to his job. Isn't. that a nice thing when people are like I. want to come back to my job and. >> Yeah. What's great about working with. Ron? >> Oh my god. I always say Ron is like. human mochi. He's like, well, the sound. of his voice, but like he's a genuinely. good human being and it's very I was in. love with Ron's work and I just wanted.

him to be on my show. I just I didn't. know him. I just wanted to work with him. and um there's nobody like him and he's. sensitive and kind and he cares. He. cares about where he is and who he's. with. And he is so singularly. himself. and so funny. I just I love I love who. he is. I just love him. >> But Ron asks you how how do you do it, Maya? How do you balance it? How do you. And what I think is uh lovely about that.

question and behind it is what we were. talking about um earlier which is. the idea of kind of like figuring out. the art you know being an architect of. your own life trying to figure out what. like what's important to you how to have. a full life. We're, you know, all of us. are lucky enough now to have been. friends for 20, 30 years. And like. we're, you know, some of us are blessed. with children and lives and figuring out.

how to work and be a good mom and good. partner and and. I just I I have to say that like being. in your presence as as as you mother is. pretty amazing. you're a fantastic. mother and. >> um you have wonderful kids and I mean I. know it's so important to you like I. knew that was a really really. important thing for you to accomplish in. this time around is being a mother.

>> what is what is it how has it changed. your life. >> I remember so. you know I I became a mother while we. were still working on the show when we. were still at Saturday Night Live and. none of my friends there had kids. That. was wild because you go from one. lifestyle and you're watching all your. friends go out and have fun and you're. over here like my I got to get up with. my baby. But thank God it it taught me.

to let go of things that I really needed. to let go of. And I I called it, you. know, my [ __ ] meter and just it just. everything that wasn't important just. fell away. there was no time. You have. to keep a human being alive. >> And um and a human being that you're so. in love with and. it just really helped me. I I I tend to. be someone who can get caught up in the. minutia and I and I worry too much about.

pleasing people, making sure I'm polite, um doing the right thing. I always felt. like I was a very good student when it. came to being at at SNL. And if I had to. do it all over again, I'd I'd want to be. a [ __ ] rebel. >> Yeah. >> Um but I wasn't, you know, and I I I. wanted to do it right, which which got. in my way a lot to be honest. Um and. then after I had Pearl and I didn't know. whether I'd come back to the show or.

not. I wanted to be with you guys so. much. And it's also so fascinating that. such a hard job is actually a welcome. thing after having a baby. I really just. was like I I because you you say to. yourself like, "Oh, I know how to do. that." And even though you're juggling. something else, I learned the lesson of. if I'm doing something I love, then. that's a good reason to say good night. to her and go to work, you know, or or. give her a bath and say like, "I can't. be here for bedtime or whatever and go. to work because I loved what I was.

doing." And sometimes, as you know, when. you're traveling for work and your kids. are little and you have to leave and you. knowing that you're going somewhere that. you love or doing something you love. makes it. more worthwhile. Not to say I've never. worked on things I don't love. I have, you know, we all have to make a living. and um that can be really tough, too. But it made me make a mental note of. what works for me.

>> Um, and so I try to seek those moments. out when I can as as often as I can. And. we don't always have the opportunities, >> but um, it definitely changed how I. viewed work. And I think it's why I did. the national anthem. I think I like. loosened up a little bit. And that was. that was when I came back to work after. Pearl was born. Yeah. >> Well, we're very lucky that we got to. see you work in real time and I think I.

[clears throat] can speak for all of us. that like we know there's so much stuff. always ahead with you. Like Maya, everything you do is just. >> [ __ ] delight. Sorry I swore. I don't. know why I swore. >> I liked it. >> Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for. Maya Rudolph. [cheering]. >> [music].

[music]. >> You've been listening to Good Hang. The. executive producers [music] for this. show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss. Berman, and me, Amy Polar. The show is. produced by The Ringer and Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by Jack. Wilson, Cat Spalain, [music] Kaia. McMullen, and Aia Xanerys. for. Paperkite. Production by Sam Green, Joel. Levelvel, and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music by Amy Miles. >> Was [music] a really good Hey.