Sarah Sherman | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Hello everyone. Welcome to another. episode of Good Hang. We are very. excited about our guest today. It is. Sarah Sherman. Sarah is a current cast. member on Saturday Night Live and we. could consider her a vet. She's just. finished her fifth season and I just. want to file this one under not safe for. work or for kids cuz we do get into some. fun and down and dirty topics like well. SNL duh and psychoanalysis and Long.

Island and her insane. wildly original new special Sarah Squirm. live and in the flesh on HBO. So. listen for Sarah but but before we start. right we always like to talk to somebody. who knows our guest who. who has spent time with them and who can. speak well and give us a question and. we're going to talk today to Mitra. Jouhari. Mitra is an amazing actress. writer producer. You may know her. from episodes of The Bear from the show.

she created Three Busy Debras. She's a writer on um. Big Mouth and she's just incredible. talent came up with Sarah her good. friend. We're going to check in with. Mitra who is on her lunch break. and and get a question from her. So hi. Mitra it's good to see you. >> [music]. >> This episode of Good Hang is presented. by Palmolive. Family time isn't just the.

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>> [laughter]. >> She's on the set. >> Mitra is on the set. >> [laughter]. >> Mitra, where are we talking to you from? Netflix. >> [laughter]. >> A lot of people don't know Netflix has. beautiful offices. Really, really. >> They give you a free hanger. >> [laughter].

>> So. Incredible. You. >> on that as long as it's not pants. because the hanger is broken. >> [laughter]. >> I hear giggles in the back. I'm oh, I. wish I was in there. >> On top of Mitra being incredibly. talented, she's also. like a real deal activist, boots on the. ground person. And I was thinking about. during COVID when you when you zoomed. with my sons to talk to them about the.

LA unhoused situation and what they. could do about it. It was. Mitra. >> They were so cute and sweet. I I like I. I loved talking to them. They were so. thoughtful and had such good questions. and were really making me laugh. >> Remember that when we were all just like. in that COVID bubble of just like, I. guess we I guess we'll this is how we'll. learn now. >> I was living with Patty and we were. making some of the most [ __ ] up. cocktails imaginable. Like actively.

drinking them being like, this is. disgusting and then. and finishing them. >> [laughter]. >> Patty Harrison, another hilarious. comedian and and actor. Okay, we've got. Sarah coming in today. >> That's why I'm sad I another reason why. I'm sad I'm not there. I want to be. seeing her. >> I have so many questions for Sarah. Did. you watch her special? >> Yes. >> [laughter]. >> I have questions for her, too. Her nasty ass. >> Her nasty ass special. You have known Sara for a very long.

time. When did you two first meet? >> Uh 2015 and our mutual friend Drennon, who knew her from Chicago, she was. coming out to New York to do shows and. she guested on this show called Holy. [ __ ] that I was a part of and he was. like, "There's this freak coming. [laughter]. named Sara Sherman and I think you guys. would really like each other." And then. we like hit it off immediately and we. went on a tour with this great comedian. writer named Jamie Loftus called the. Sara Mayhew and Jamie are Ugly Tour.

>> [laughter]. >> Um and just like she eventually wrote. and appeared butt naked on Deborah. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah, so we we worked on a show. together, Three Busy Debras, on Adult. Swim, that you wrote and produced and. you were the star of. along with other Debras. >> Sandy and Elaine. >> That's right. And Sara was a writer on. there, which is where I first heard her. and I and I was introduced to her as. Sara Squirm, which is the name she was. going by at the time, which I remember.

thinking at the time it was unusual that. a comic actor. had like what felt like almost like a. rock star name. >> Yes, which and it makes so much sense. because like she came up in these great. music venues and like was like I feel. like. every time I would come to Chicago and. do shows with her at the Hideout, it was. always like with these really. interesting bands that I would like I've. never heard of, would never have heard. of and and she's like such a true fan of. like live music and worked in radio and.

like just brings all of that. So like. makes sense to me that this like person. who's working in these DIY spaces, both. like in music and stand-up and art, would have this sort of like rocker. character persona. >> Totally. My questions today for her. really like when did that person start? When does that person come out? Because. you know Sara really well. and I've gotten to know her from getting. to work with her and her persona and her. personality are like. alike but also very different.

>> Yeah, she's like I feel like it makes so. much sense that she landed in Chicago. because she does have this like warmth. and like. I don't know, familiarity with people. that feels very Midwestern to me even. though she's not from there but like. she's just very cozy. People feel very. comfortable with her. Um, which you wouldn't expect from someone. whose like material is kind of. exclusively about like her flapping. labia. >> [laughter]. >> Exactly. Like for people that are. learning about Sara here,

>> [laughter]. >> like her stuff on SNL is, you know, in. the structure of SNL but Sara's material. is like super scatological. She calls it. body horror. It's like a ton of like. dysmorphia on dysmorphia. Shocking, shocking, shocking stuff. And um, I want to ask Sara like the cutaways to. her audience during the special. I'm. like, who is this audience? >> I had the same exact thought. [laughter]. >> So many men, so many men laughing and. being like ritually humiliated and at.

the same time it's amazing. >> Perverts. >> [laughter]. >> God, my favorite word, my favorite word. Would you say Sara's your first pervert. guest? >> Oh, absolutely not. >> [laughter]. >> No, but I love a pervert. Um, I don't. like a creep. >> There's a difference. >> Big time. And it's a fine line. I mean, you know, and it's very it happens. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying but. rarely are women creeps but they can. definitely be perverts. But if you're. perverted man, you have a high creep.

susceptibility, obviously. >> to be really careful. >> You've got to be really. >> [laughter]. >> But a fun pervert, I mean, they kind of. feel almost, you know, this is another. thing that I want to talk to Sarah about. was like the way she. is a fun pervert and then turns on her. audience and yells at them for liking. it. >> [laughter]. >> Yes, so real. Well, cuz it's like it's. such a relief to have someone obviously. in such a heightened way but like talk.

about all these all these things that. like. I also am like horrified by in my own. body where I'm like why does it do that? Why is there hair there? What is that. substance? [laughter]. Having someone put words to it and and. show it in like such a na- it like it it. is so heightened but it's also like how. I feel looking at like these parts of. me. >> [laughter]. >> And she it it like she she really brings. it to life in a way that is like. actually very inviting I feel where it's.

like I'm disgusting, aren't you. disgusting? We're all disgusting. No, you're the disgusting one. >> [laughter]. >> Perfect way to sum it up. And watching her stuff I'm like. on on the surface level it's kind of. like. grotesque almost performance art stuff. but then underneath it is like this idea. of claiming. the. stuff that gets thrown at us all the. time anyway, just kind of claiming it. and like doubling down on it.

>> Yes, the horrors of being a woman and. having a body. >> So, I always ask people to give my guest. a question. What do you think Sarah want. would want to talk about and Sarah. smaller or big, any story you want to. prompt her to tell or anything you don't. know about her yet. >> Okay, I wrote down a few. >> Oh, you're such a writer. >> [laughter]. >> I really over thought it. >> [laughter]. >> Why don't we surprise? Let's get the. room in here and let's just keep. pitching.

>> [laughter]. >> Yeah, I got together about 30,000 of my. favorite writers to put together a few. questions for Sarah. Okay. Um. I wanted to force her to talk about her. uh. child musical theater career because she. was really um. she has so many stories about like. liberties she took with the characters. that she was [laughter] given. >> Amazing. Thank you. That's great. >> Um.

Okay, I had two like bigger questions. Um if you had a zillion dollars to make. any. creation, what would it be? >> Woah, great question. We might have to. ask all these questions. These are good. >> And then what is your biggest bomb and. what's your favorite show that you've. done? Uh so it's like a you know, best. and worst cuz I feel like Sarah's had. some like really high highs and some. really [laughter]. So I think either of those I would be. really excited to hear about. And then. if there's time, what it where does she. stand on the Real Housewives of Rhode.

Island? >> [laughter]. >> You know, if you're on if you know, if. you're like hitting a wall. conversationally. >> [laughter]. >> Okay, perfect. I can't wait to ask her. these questions. Really good questions, Mitra. Thanks for talking to us on your. lunch break. >> I loved every second. >> Okay, bye. Thanks, Mitra. Thanks so much. >> Bye. >> Bye, honey. >> This episode is brought to you by. Allstate. Checking Allstate first could. save you hundreds on car insurance. Not.

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Walmart, and Whole Foods Market. >> Woohoo! And this is THE FOOD WALL. I SHOULD HAVE. I'M GOING TO KILL MY I I SHOULD HAVE. BROUGHT A LITTLE FOOD for the wall. >> It's okay. You don't need to bring it. I. don't want that to be. I didn't want it to people to feel like. they needed to bring [laughter]. >> I would have I could not to brag, I. could have contributed to this like. crazy. >> I only I can only imagine what you would. have contributed to this. >> I actually, before we start, I wore. these in on behalf of [laughter] you.

because I feel like you would like them. I wore a cheeseburger sneakers. >> the food wall. >> All right, we'll put one on the wall. >> What is Let me Let me see. >> sneaker from um. >> It's Dolls Kill. >> Kill. >> [laughter]. >> And I feel like I'm not going to lift my. foot up cuz I don't want any perverts. >> Perverts. >> seeing our feet for free. >> would sell for a lot of money. Yep. And I'm wearing ice cream. Oh, I'm. wearing ice cream. Oh, great. Okay. [laughter]. I feel good now. Okay. I'm not stressed. I was stressed that I didn't bring food,

but I I came as food. >> You came as food. >> I came as food. >> Sarah Sherman is here. >> feel weird now that you're wearing one. shoe? >> That's such a good question. Let me. think Let me take that in. Um yeah, I'm going to take the other. shoe off. But now perverts are going to. know that I'm barefoot the whole time. >> the feet? >> No, god. I would never let anyone see my. feet. >> Have you seen her free? >> No. >> Lord, no. >> Honey, for free? >> What do I look like? Take me out to. dinner first. Hello. >> [laughter]. >> Take me out to a plastic dinner first.

>> Have you seen her WikiFeet? >> Yeah. >> And what are we What are we talking? >> I'm happy about it. >> Oh, good. >> I I you know, I feel like with body. parts, no one knows this more than you. >> [laughter]. >> Um like you have to Some you make peace. with, some you feel neutral about, some. you have big thoughts about. I like my. feet. >> I like How about you? I have like I got a I got anxious. recently. Well, as you know on the show, we have to wear many different shoes, many different hats, many different. shoes, many different wigs. I'm always.

put in sort of I think everyone's put. doing a practical joke on me by putting. me in these big heels to the point where. one of the writers, Asha Ward, shout. out. >> [laughter]. >> She puts like in the stage directions. like Sarah exits like tick tick tick. tick tick tick tick cuz that's my heel. shuffle like tick tick tick tick tick. tick tick tick tick. Click clack click. clack click clack click cuz I can't walk. in a heel. I'm always click clacking. around. And so something happened to my. feet where I think one of my toes, I. have no. medical basis for this. I did not go to.

a doctor. I did not look this up. I think that one of my toes is like. It's a toe. >> [laughter]. >> I love that we're talking about body. stuff right away. I LOVE IT. >> YOU ASKED FOR IT. >> I KNOW I did. I asked for it. I don't. know if I should look this up. In my. head, one of my toes is just the bones. are loose but inside of the toe sack. >> Well, I have a whole thing about you. know, like Oh my god, you have a whole. thing about your feet. Now we're really. giving it for the pervs who love feet. But your feet your feet health are very.

important. Like now cuz I'm getting to. the age where I'm starting to read like. >> Barely 21. >> [laughter]. >> We're getting to the age of barely 21. that [gasps] What do you What needs to. stay healthy for you to like survive the. next And feet is a big one. Like meaning. you got to be able take take care of. your feet, have good balance. Do you. have good balance? Can you balance on. one leg? >> I'm saying this like so cockily, I feel. like yeah. >> Yeah, right on. You did it. >> And I don't have I'm going to say.

something crazy. Again, this is more. feet thing. I have a huge arch. >> That's very So do I. It's crazy. And. it's good to have it. because. not only does it make your feet look. nice, when you want to eventually sell. your feet pics, which of course we're. all going to be there. Like. >> I have tried actually and I have failed. >> Okay, we're going to get into that. Sarah Sherman is here. She is our first. SNL cat current SNL cast member on the. show. >> I want to find all the scoop. Do I have. all the scoops?

>> Well, you're a vet. Like how many years have you been on the. show? >> Just five. >> Five, but you just wrapped SNL, you have. a comedy special out. It's incredible. I. cannot wait to talk about it. It's. insane. >> It's ins- it's quite insane. >> It's quite insane. Right now you're in that like schools. out summer time. Like you just finished. your last show last week. How are you. feeling? How's your energy level? Where. you at? >> I feel like I had so when you hosted. this season. >> the very beginning, right?

>> And not to suck your butt, but everybody. goes, "Who's your favorite host?" I go, "Everyone goes Amy Poehler." Like. immediately. You were so. And I had a lot of questions for you. I. was like, "What?". >> I felt I I wish like like every It's so. funny as a cast member. you have a such an experience and then. when you're a host you have the. experience which is like you just wish. you could immediately do it again. Immediately. >> And the I was just saying to someone my. favorite times. are always the in between times. >> Interesting. >> I love the like the joking around.

between scenes. I like the like. the beginning of the week. The show is like the event, but I tend. to remember and like the like weird. middle times and I have such a fun. memory of me, you, and Bowen sitting. I. know. >> [laughter]. >> SITTING ON A COUCH and really like. getting to know you in in a way that I. don't think I had in a fast amount of. time. >> Yes. Laughing nonstop. >> and a lot of giggles. >> of giggling and laughing.

>> Thank you for saying that. Okay, so I. was your favorite host, great. I. appreciate that. >> It is my favorite. Like I wish people. saw the table read. Like that is when I. am laughing. I'm like and that was my. favorite part of your week because. listen, okay, I'm going to the butt. sucking is going to commence. >> I'm usually doing that. >> Okay, good. Well, this is going to be a. good hang with Sarah. >> to receive. >> I you like obvious so [laughter] so it's. like obviously you're good at SNL, like. obviously, but seeing, you know, how.

many sketches are at table read, like. 40? You have a different funny thing. You were doing like fun new character. voices for every sketch out of the 40. and it's like how many of those were. cold reads and you were just like do. like the dog with the eye. >> Oh, yeah, that was a good sketch. Seth. wrote that. He submitted a sketch for us and we. didn't do it. >> I try to watch so that I can organically. laugh if I'm not in a sketch. I try not. to read those sketches ahead of time. >> Oh, interesting. Okay, yeah. >> watched the whole table read like. >> Well, that's very generous of you.

because you're actually providing an. audience, which people don't usually do. Like they you know, everyone's in their. own. world at those read-throughs and. everyone's tired and everyone's like. waiting for their stuff to get on. And. so the fact that you could even do that. means that you're like trying to. actually stay present. Like you're a. generous person. >> And well, I think it's also up in the. air. >> like back at you. >> I'll take [laughter] it. We'll human. centipede ourselves all the way to. >> god, the human centipede. >> I mean, come on. That's a good trilogy. There's three.

>> cannot believe that movie was made. >> The movies. There's three. >> I know, there's three. >> There are three. And do you need me to. talk about the differences between them? >> reason, And I am so aghast at that. movie, I get it constantly on my Tik. Tok. >> Is it having a resurgence? >> Yeah, there's like a lot of clips about. or like I just keep. watching because I'm horrified by it. Okay, sorry. >> You are making it happen. You I'm going. to use your podcast platform to do. something. Tom six. >> No. >> If you are doing.

a human centipede four. >> No, do not. >> Hello. >> We do not need a human centipede four. No. >> I'll do I will show you what I'm capable. >> not allow. her. Absolutely not. >> Black and white, full. >> No, no, no. Absolutely not. We don't need it. Not. now. We did it. It's [ __ ] disgusting. >> [laughter]. >> And Tom, you are a freak. Okay, but. you're you're on your summer break. Yeah. So you're like, what do you do for. your summer? What are you [snorts] doing? >> I'm experimenting with something this.

summer. I don't understand how anyone. can do anything while SNL is happening. I feel like what are you doing this? >> I can. >> What Ivan said to you cuz I was all. consuming. When when when Ivan said to. you cuz you did work birth and it was. about you being the sketch when you. hosted about you being pregnant giving. birth at work and I was like okay, so. this actually was your life. >> Yeah. >> The fact that you were pregnant there. I. can't even work there like if my contact. is too dry. >> I don't know what your life is and if. you ever want to carry a child, but.

pregnancy is wild and funny and fun. because you are completely different. body and you love body stuff and you're. you scare a lot of people by walking. around. >> And it scares me. >> Yeah, it scares. >> And I'm like what do you mean they're. moving my organs around inside me? They. have to stay where they are. >> So sci-fi that there's a body inside of. you. You're never alone. >> I can't even imagine like my body can't. even take being at the job regular. Not. that pregnant isn't regular. [laughter].

New normal. [clears throat]. >> New normal. Hey, welcome. Watch it. >> But like if I have like a bad burrito. and I'm like bloated, I'm like I can't I. can't. >> [laughter]. >> breathe. >> Well, well, that's that's what I mean is. like the idea of like everyone knowing. when someone has a stomach ache, that's. new. >> That That is new. >> That's new. >> You know what I don't like? And I'm. going to say it. I'll stand on my two. feet, buckle my shoe, and say I don't. like it. It's like hot girls with IBS. It's like I'm not proud. >> Yeah. >> of the diarrhea that I have every single. day chronically.

>> And is we're about 7 minutes in, we got. to diarrhea. I was hoping we would. >> Welcome to the morning. >> [laughter]. >> I just think that like more and more. there's a there's an acceptance that. everyone has a different way to work. within the system. And I would say that. you being on the show is also I think. another example of like how the show has. smartly. remembered that it is a variety show. with a million different voices and. different styles. And so there just was.

I think a little bit more It was just. like a more homogeneous, same way to do. it, same people writing it, same people. on it, and it just keeps changing. >> think about this a lot because I'm like. This is not even to say it. self-deprecatingly. Said that with an. accent. >> [laughter]. >> I don't think I would have gotten on the. show. during your era because. >> Yeah, no, that's not controversial. >> But. >> [laughter]. >> I'm would have I would like to be a more.

talented sketch performer. >> Okay, let's discuss this. >> to be quite limited. >> Oh, okay. >> would Do you know what I'm saying? >> Well, okay, let's let's. >> stars I was not born You know, I was. born when I was born. >> Okay, Sarah Sherman, let's go back. >> No, we're going back. >> We're going back to Long Island. >> We're all We're going back 18 years. >> [laughter]. >> Well, if I'm I'm 18 now, >> Just turned. >> 18, okay. >> Caroline, you're 24. >> So you're in Long Island as a little.

>> Yeah, as a little, yeah. >> As a little, your mom is public school. teacher? >> Yeah. >> So was mine. And um your dad runs a a children's. clothing company? Fascinating. >> Fab. >> Like of course that you love clothes. Of. course you dress. >> but I'm like addicted. >> Okay, we need to. >> his fault. >> Yeah, so he's So he has like a He's like. a garmento. >> Yeah, he is like old school Jewish. schmatta business. So it's like everyone. saw on Uncut Gems was like the diamond. district in Manhattan. It's all those. Jewish guys running around. Two blocks.

over is the garment district. And. schmatta is Yiddish for rags. So it's. like all the same kind of Jewish guys. running around with clothes. >> Right. Long Island seems like it has. produced some really. complicated, interesting characters. >> Well, I saw Uncut Gems and I go, "Huh, that's about my dad." I [laughter] just. the vibe. >> Right. >> So I stalked the writer and I was like, "You wrote a movie about my dad." And he. goes, "Well, this is actually quite. interesting cuz I'm from your.

neighborhood. I went to a high school. near your high school and my dad is in. schmatta. So yeah, I did.". >> Wow. >> Long Island. >> Okay, what does fifth grade Sarah look. like? >> I was like. >> Why? >> Because I was like the clothes thing. Like my dad was in schmatta. I grew up. around clothes. So like I was addicted. to The Nanny, Golden Girls, and like my. big thing um. >> [laughter]. >> what it when in middle school when I.

started doing middle school plays, Miss. Orange who ran the costume department. would let me kind of raid the costume. closet. >> Okay, this makes sense. And you were. into that. >> Yeah. >> We We um We We We always speak to people. who know our guests really well. We get. a question from them. And we talked to. Mitra. >> Oh. >> Okay, yeah. So [laughter] Mitra gave us. a She's the best. >> What did you do, girl? >> Girl. >> And she gave us a couple really good. questions. So throughout this interview. I'm going to pepper them in cuz of. course Mitra good girl giving us some. really good questions.

>> sure. I'm sure I'm sure the list is. long. >> And this Miss [clears throat] Orange. reminds me of one of those questions, which is. um you did a lot of musical theater as a. kid. >> I did. >> And you took liberty with some parts. >> I I And Mitra, you know what you have. done. >> [laughter]. >> Mitra knows what she has done. >> helping out her friend. >> I just I Let me explain myself. I'm going to. defend myself here. I [laughter]. always wanted to be a comedian. Like.

grew up watching it. >> Why do you think? Funny family? >> Funny family. Really funny family. Funny. dad. Funny like you know ex- love love. expression was like mean bullying funny. Was addicted to like Seinfeld, SNL. >> Brothers and sisters? >> Younger brother, also funny. But I was. kind of like a bully, but it was funny. So I you know it was like. >> That's when bullies were funny. >> I know, right? And I had a big. science room skeleton in my room. My.

parents were always like, "Why'd you end. up LIKE THIS? YOU'RE NORMAL." And I'm. like, "You got me a giant science room. skeleton when I was like. >> [laughter]. >> you know, my brother was like three on. April Fools' Day, cuz that also felt. like the comedians' day to shine. IT'S. LIKE CLOWNS' CHRISTMAS. >> [laughter]. >> HE WAS LIKE THREE, and I put this giant. life-size science room skeleton in his. bed, and he woke up crying. You know, right. >> [laughter]. >> So it's like stuff like that. I loved. April My my bar mitzvah was on April.

Fools' DAY. >> WOAH. >> YES. >> WHAT WAS the theme? >> It was April Fools. >> It was April Fools' Day as the theme. >> And the invitation was snakes in a can. that I hand-delivered to everyone's. house. >> [laughter]. >> You learn so much about people when they. talk about their bar and bat. >> Are you really do? Like I barely listen. here, and his was like I like I like he. was running He was [laughter] like He. was like running for, you know, president or whatever. He learned so much about what what their. hopes and dreams are. Okay. Snakes in. the can, incredible.

>> every seat. >> [laughter]. >> And like, you know, you're on in in a. B'nai Mitzvah, you're like on the this. the bema, the stage at the synagogue. I. had a wrapped audience of like. 80-year-old [laughter]. old bald Jewish guys. I was going. off. That was my [laughter] first like I. crushed on my B'nai Mitzvah. >> Oh my god. Do you remember any of your. lines? >> Of course I do. It's like cuz it was my first, you know, I was I've been What is it? Chasing the. dragon or whatever. >> [laughter]. >> ever since. Like the high was I went to. a very conservative synagogue.

And it's like the service is like 8. hours intense Hebrew. I didn't know a. word I was saying. And they go like, "And now the sisterhood of the temple. would like to present you with your. gift." And like these two. conservative women came up with. candlesticks. I go, "Great. Just what I. always wanted.". >> [laughter]. >> AND [crying and screaming] MY MOM WAS IN. THE FRONT GOING. AND THEN, NOT TO BRAG, IT WAS KIND OF. the talk of the town for like a second. [laughter]. >> I bet. >> IT WAS KIND OF LIKE EVERYONE was like,

"Oh, HE KILLED THEM.". >> [laughter]. >> GREAT. WHAT I ALWAYS WANTED. Turning to. a camera THAT'S NOT THERE. >> [laughter]. [laughter]. >> OKAY, SO WHAT LIBERTIES DID YOU TAKE AS. A musical theater kid? What How did you. interpret the parts? >> You're so evil. >> Is this Is this Is this a non-PC story? >> So, I just wanted to be a comedian and I. wanted to be a performer. [laughter]. So, it's like I would do any play. Like. I would do like I couldn't sing or. dance, but I'd do the musicals cuz I.

just wanted to do it. And I could never. get a part. >> [laughter]. >> cuz I wasn't good. But I was like in. with the costume closet. Miss Orange. would let me like that's I got addicted. to like 80s little like sequin jackets. cuz like. Grandma Yetta and then Nanny would wear. them and that's she like and Miss Orange. let me keep the jacket. I know, the one. that looked exactly like Grandma Yetta's. sequin jacket. And so she let me kind of I didn't have. a part. I was in the chorus in Into the. Woods. >> Oh, yeah. >> Which was behind a screen.

>> You were in the woods. >> I was in the woods in silhouette. >> Sure. >> So I was just basically a little. outline. >> Yeah. >> But I was in the costume closet. I found. a red and black. lace gown with a fur hand muff. >> Oh, yeah. >> And I went to the director and I said, "So this is my costume. I am My. character is the Russian Zarina.". >> [laughter]. >> And so. >> [gasps]. >> I'm just I didn't really think I even. knew what that was and she didn't give. me words or have an accent, nothing. And.

so [laughter] in the playbill, it would. be like all the leads listed and then. like the chorus, a whole list of all the. faceless people behind the screen, and. then Sarah Sherman will be playing the. Russian Zarina. >> That's incredible. You created your own. disorder. >> What? >> [laughter]. >> But it's such a I mean [clears throat]. that is the thing about you, Sarah. Is and like we'll get to it with us and. all, but like there is an innate. confidence about you that and I say that. because. I want you to know to me that's like the.

what distinguishes people on SNL right. away. >> Sure. >> Whether the content doesn't matter. It's. like are we worried about you when we're. watching you? I'm never worried about. you anytime you're ever performing. Like. and it's not like cocky like cuz you're. super self-deprecating all the time. You're very honest. You're very like. your your your feelings are right up. front and center, but there is a. confidence that I feel like you just. were born with. This idea of like. grabbing things and wanting them.

>> I think I am so used to bombing. Even. though it sounds like I crushed my first. time at bat. [laughter]. I'm so it's like and everything that has. every bad thing could that could happen. to me on stage has already happened kind. of thing. So, it's like I don't even. know if it's like confidence. It's like. I'm going to [ __ ] crush this [ __ ]. right now. It's like what what more. could happen? I bombed at Madison Square. Garden. What more could happen? >> But ambivalence is confidence, too. >> Yeah, sure. >> Like this idea of like I'm just going to.

float a little bit and there's a little. dissociation, too. But like I'm going to. float above this moment so that you're. going to have to come find me. I'm not. going to like be like like me like me. like me. >> Right. >> That's the difference. But you went to. Northwestern. And oh, this is what I. find so interesting when you talk about. like I want to have more experience in. sketch and improv. You try out for like. the sketch group, don't get in. >> Yep. Yep. >> Which was like devastating. [laughter]. >> I was Is that Is that devastating? >> That's devastating. >> And I had tried stand-up like I dabbled.

a little bit when I was like 16. Like I. I like going to doing an open mic at. like a barbecue restaurant cuz you know. I couldn't do a bar yet. Like I dabbled. a little, but that was my first big like. you know, all I wanted to do is be a. comedian and it. when someone was like my peers were like. no, I was like are you kidding me? >> Yeah. >> I'm full of I could be motivated by. spite. >> But then you started a comedy show in. Chicago called Hell Trap Nightmare. >> Yeah. >> How would you describe that show? >> Um. >> [snorts].

>> Like the first [laughter] two. >> I like that you rolled your eyes at your. own joke. >> how could I even begin to. The This is the the first show is my. friend's basement. We were of course It. was Chicago has like an amazing DIY. electronic noise crazy performance art. comedy scene. And like you know, there there was like. comedy at like there's all this improv. in Chicago and whatever, but it's like. the funniest people to me were these. like freaks. >> Yeah. >> So, like my friend Mike Sugarman was.

performing as under this noise moniker. Shug. And the first Hell Trap Nightmare. night night mint I had a stroke. The. first Hell trap nightmare was in my. friend's basement. The poster was like. a woman's face was see-through and you. could see her teeth and brains. Cuz I. was like, you know, that's the trigger. warning. >> Yeah. >> And, you know, I hosted, I did like. 10 bad minutes of stand-up and then my. friend Shug came out in a trench coat in. a wig, um, sunglasses, flashed everyone and he.

had trees all taped to his dick. >> Yeah. >> And [clears throat] it was, you know, smashing light bulbs, but that was. music, of course. >> Yeah. >> And I think I did a. uh I don't even know what the These bits. were like it was like a stretch to call. it comedy. Like. >> Well, it was like performance art. Right? But with but with like. >> The intent was to be funny, but. >> Yeah. >> when I I chugged a can of room. temperature clam chowder. The I think. the joke was literally like, "Oh, you.

like a woman who's a tall drink of. water? I'm I'm a tall can of clam. chowder." and then chugged the whole. thing and everyone's like, "Cool.". >> [laughter]. >> What? Okay. >> You know, it's we don't need to look. back on our bits and explain them. They. were just like moments. They were. moments, babe. You were experimenting. >> Of course. >> But you were you were like I mean I I. think it's one of the things that you've. brought to the show, like just your. aesthetic, not only outside but like. your influences. Like you are very very.

interested in. all types of media and art. >> I am. >> We talk about in your special like it. like Paula Poundstone [ __ ] SpongeBob. [laughter]. You also talk about like. >> Yeah, like barely makes sense, by the. way. And gave birth to what? [laughter]. Huh? Sometimes I just say stuff and I'm like, "Uh, what's going on?". >> [laughter]. >> Um, but also Ren and Stimpy and like. Pee-wee. What were your like What were. What kind of stuff were you like when. you think about all that stuff that.

jammed in your head when you were. younger? What What jam What got in. there? >> I think like I always. I loved doing art and making stuff and I. also loved performing comedy and for. some reason I didn't know that you could. do both at the same time like when I had. started so it was like 2015 like you. know there's not like the internet in. the way it is now like I didn't realize. I could blend art like I was doing all. the posters for my show like cuz it's. like it was very you know raunchy blue. like horrific comedy so I'd make the.

posters be like lungs with nipples on. them be like you know what the show is. going to be whatever. >> Right. >> Um. >> [laughter]. >> the letters are like a tampon with poop. on it so. I wasn't that creative. But I was like. oh that was like a trigger warning for. the [laughter] show. Awesome. My mom by. the way to my special taping wore my old. Hell Cop Nightmare shirt. >> [gasps]. >> which was a uterus with ovary eyeballs. and a severed finger shoved up into the. and a smiling like open gash vagina with. like a butt hole.

>> [laughter]. >> Would you guys do insert picture here. >> Sarah, >> [laughter]. >> how does you What do your parents think. of you? Like how do they It is so. intense. >> It's intense. It's intense. >> And and I I don't mean to be. misogynistic because like if it's a man. it's they get a different pass but like. your stuff. >> No. >> as a parent because your parents love. you and they love that you're they love. the work that how did they like do they. invite their friends to your show? They.

They They're down. >> It is It's literally like Paul Schrader. hardcore the the my daughter no turn it. off when he has to watch his daughter. doing porn. It is that. BUT NO. TURN IT OFF. BUT [laughter]. UH. THEY LOVE IT. >> They love it. >> They are really supportive and I do. think I have to say it. I think that's. like what the confidence is a little of. >> Okay I I think that that's true. I I. didn't want to say it, but like I'm. learning about like loving parents. privilege. Like if you have parents who.

are like you're great, you that really. creates a scaffolding for the rest of. your life, obviously, when you try. things where you're like, well, I guess. my parents will still love me. >> No, I [laughter] there there there's not. a threat of losing my family. And like. maybe this is TMI, but I did a bit I've. done a lot of like updates where I'm in. a big animal costume and that is. Lauren's idea. >> Yeah. >> Because I think I'm like he's like, what. am I going to do with her? She's crazy. She's like a wild animal. Oh, I'll just. make her be a wild animal.

I don't think people know that he. pitches bit like he was like you're. going to play a squirrel and I'm like, okay. >> [laughter]. >> Whatever you want. You're my boss. Okay, boss. >> He said like after I did I think a. squirrel or some [ __ ] animal, he. said, when you did that I could tell you. were loved as a child. And I was like, >> [laughter]. >> clocked. >> clock clocked. >> He has very. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, I remember being like.

>> Oh, yeah. Yeah, he he he is the kids would say he. can read you really fast. >> fulfilled. Okay, so you have this this way of. performing and then you audition for SNL. first when you're really young. >> Mhm. >> Don't get in. >> Mhm. >> What was that like? >> Well, >> Like was it a real audition? What did.

like did you go into the studio? Okay. >> It was um Charna Halpern from my old. show. Shout out, girl. >> Shout out, Charna. Let's talk about. Charna for one second. Charna Halpern. ran Improv Olympic a theater in Chicago. now called IO cuz the Olympics sued and. made them change their name. >> The Olympics? >> The Olympics. That's right. And um. Charna was the was the the director who. in my case just like put me on a improv. team, said, "Hey, there's a woman named. Tina. You're going to really like her. You guys Sharna made Sharna arranged.

that marriage. And Sharna was in charge. of so many of us and like launched so. many careers. >> god, I didn't know that. So Hal Burns. Sharna got you in front of the Sharna. Sharna's she's always had an eye. >> She knows. That's great because I would. I just wanted to do comedy. I couldn't. get into the [ __ ] college thing. And. so I was like, "Oh, I'll go do it in. Chicago." Stuff stuff in Chicago. And I. was like kind of a bad fit and I'm like. not again how what I feel self-conscious. about my limited range. It's like you. kind of need a little bit of range for.

improv and I was kind of not a good fit. there and I would also wear like they. would be like I'd have to get talking. to. It's like, "Hey, you're wearing a. big shirt with a brain on it. Real. distracting." And I'm like, "Fair.". Um I was like I'm kind of a bad fit. there, but she was like, "You're going. to do the SNL audition." And at that. time I was like I was 22 and I was like, "That's a bad idea." Cuz I was doing. these shows with the penis, whatever. I was like I just didn't and and and she.

she was she was like, "You're going to. do that." She's like, "You're going to. be great. Like if you need help with. it." And I was like, "Well, everyone. tells you. I didn't know anything and there you. know everyone's like, "Oh, you're your 5. minutes has to be like characters and. impressions or whatever.". So I did that and it was obviously. terrible. Like it was just like I was. trying to do what I thought the. assignment was. >> Sure. >> And I bombed really badly. Um. I wore like uh my I remember what I. wore. I wore I know this is we're. actually finding out I'm a clothes.

addict. I had all my memories are marked by like. my outfit. >> Well, I would say that you're you like. work from the outside in. >> Yeah, I do. Actually this is a problem. at SNL. >> Well, now it's time now for season 6. inside out. Work from the inside out. >> It's really hard. >> to. >> you just in a I would love to see you in. a neutral dress, a slip dress, hair. natural, no makeup, leaves blowing. >> [laughter]. >> Hello, children.

Your homework's late. >> [laughter]. >> Big recurring character. Your homework's late. >> Okay, I think you should really write. that down. It's amazing. >> [laughter]. >> But this is Lauren's big thing with me. He's like, "Just let's just Yeah.". >> Get it to And I'm like, "For psy what?". >> OKAY, IT'S OKAY. It's okay. Don't Don't. beat yourself up. I mean, it's it's a. lot to ask. >> It's a lot. It's hard. >> hard. It's hard to show any. especially when you're. It's like playing with It's like. practicing with your backhand. Like. you're really Your forehand's really.

strong and you're like, "I can score.". And someone's like, "Now hit it with. your backhand." You're like, "Now?". >> I know. Season 33. >> [laughter]. >> You'd think I would try. >> Yes, it's okay. >> I I try like, you know, Ashley Padilla. started 2 years ago and I'm like, "Oh my. god, the character." And like, everyone. every character she has is like an. internal world and like, the jokes come. kind of easy to her because she has like. inside She like knows what the character. wants and there's like. there's a motivation there and I feel.

like I've been doing it all wrong for. like 6 [ __ ] years cuz I'm like, "Well, what if the wig is weird?" And. then you have to come like writing the. jokes is so much harder cuz you're like. forcing it from the other way around. It's It's outside in. So, it's a little. harder. >> I'm going to say something right now. I. think you're not afraid of the failure. I think you're afraid of the success cuz. I actually think you can do it. I actually think you are a good actor. and you can do it. >> [laughter]. >> You're afraid of being successful at it. So, like. >> And then no one wants to cast me and I'm.

not afraid of being an actor. >> [laughter]. >> I am free. >> People say that thing where they're. like, "Oh my god, your stand-up, that's. so brave." I'm like, "It's It's. cowardice. It is true Yes, [laughter] it. is true cowardice." Like I, you know, so. many things even in my special are like. people are like, "Oh my god, you're like. loose and riffing." Uh. that's all written down. >> [laughter]. >> You think I would riff during my HBO. comedy special? No. I have a pre-planned bit. I'm like. I'm going to find someone in the crowd.

wearing glasses. And I go, "Why'd you. wear glasses to the show? So you can. wear your pre-pubescent. >> [laughter]. >> I said it wrong. >> It's okay. We'll we'll edit it. Here we. go. And take two. >> I love my failure. >> [laughter]. >> I'M ACTUALLY A VULNERABLE STAND-UP. >> [gasps]. >> OH MY GOD, YOU SHOULD MAKE YOUR OWN. blooper vulnerable blooper reel. >> Showing my armpits sweat. Hey guys, why'd you wear your glasses to the show? So you could see my pre-pubescent body.

better, you pervert? EVERYONE GOES, "OH!" YOU think I thought of that on the. spot? >> [laughter]. >> NO. I WROTE IT DOWN eight years ago and. I've been saying it every day since. Sucks. >> I feel like once you get the confidence. of um. knowing that you're not going to get. fired from the show, basically. Like. which is true. Like you're at that. point. >> Um. >> Congrats, baby. You're at that point. >> crazy this season a little bit. >> Well, you might get fired from some of. the things you say, for sure. But not. for lack of like we don't need you.

But yes, you might get fired. Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> I'd be saying Yeah, HR did want me to. talk to you. Yeah. Yeah. And I'm sorry. for what I did and who I touched. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah. Yeah. I have to say like what I. find so impressive about you is you have. managed to maintain yourself, your POV, and your sense of what you think is. funny. And you worked within the system. I.e. like you coming at Colin in Update. is a perfect example where you're like, "Okay, I'm going to use this.

structure. I'm going to hit Colin who's like the. ultimate like alpha straight white. punching bag successful punching bag and. he can handle it and why it's satisfying. to watch because to me it also. and you do this a lot in your comedy. especially in your in your in your. special. where you like play around with what I. like to call like the millennial threat. like this this idea that like someone's. going to get something wrong Yes but. people are very scared to screw up Yes.

and I have I have we all have Yes But. you are like pressuring the powers that. be that they might [ __ ] up it's very. exhilarating to watch because obviously. it's also talking about like cancer. culture and like misogyny and like. patriarchy and all that stuff but it's. not it's just funny Right and it's like. as mean as I'd be to Colin calling him a. pedophile whatever whatever I'm really. mean to myself Yeah So it's you know but. even that it's like I got lucky on the. show because he he would I I had joined.

the show as a complete [clears throat]. I was shocked that I was there all my. friends like the inside joke was like. okay Sarah's going to show up as a. waiter saying oh want some water ma'am. and I got fired you know that was the. big joke with all my friends who. apparently like love me and are nice to. me or whatever. >> [laughter]. >> But so it was like so I was just happy. to be there and I wasn't expecting. anything to happen like I was writing. sketches but I didn't really know I. didn't even have final draft until. midnight on writing night like I didn't. know about any of this and then um so I.

wasn't getting any sketches on the show. but I didn't really care but then Colin. was like why don't you come on update. and do like your yourself and I didn't. even know that you could do that. There is some version of getting known. on the show and it doesn't stamp you. forever but like where people see you as. a person with a face But I wouldn't have. done that if he didn't say so cuz it. felt like presumptuous or something I. really was there to be like a good sport. and just do whatever the job was Okay. but I just want to gently say to you.

that you should just take credit for. that success because even though it. wasn't your original idea perhaps we all. know that we're all collaborating. >> [laughter]. >> We're all collaborating, working. together, but you have to deliver. One. other thing I want to ask you about and. then we'll check off SNL, but. >> That's a good question. >> Let's talk about Louie Zakarian. >> What is there to say? >> Louie runs the makeup department and. he is. incredible. >> It's crazy. >> Like let's talk about him for a second.

and what he's made for you. >> Uh what hasn't he? >> He does. >> [laughter]. >> Prosthetics and makeup takes time. >> Yeah. >> And like I think I've seen people. describe the SNL makeup experience as a. pit crew. There's like eight people. putting on a bald cap at once. I've. moderated um. Comic-Con panels for him where it's like. it'll be a guy in a Grogu Grogu suit or. whatever being like, "Sir, what's your. fastest bald cap application?" And he. goes, "2 minutes." And every You hear. the crowd go. >> [laughter].

>> Yeah. >> You see like every X-Men character in. like a Blue Man Group. >> Like they should make the they should. make a TV show like The Pit. >> Yes. >> And they should make it in the makeup. room of Louie's room because. >> Yes. >> In like in the pit, the way they like. save people by like stabbing them in the. heart and like like that's how Louie has. to do makeup. >> Yeah, he's ripping a bird beak off and. putting googly eyes on my eyes and he's. get out there. But by the way, he he's. [laughter] having so much fun. Like. he never says no. He's having so much. fun. He films the whole thing and it's.

like we could have like 45 seconds to. get me looking from Jessica Rabbit into. like Miss Grinch or whatever. And he still is like, "One selfie." And. it's like hilarious. He like gets off on. the thrill of it. He he. Like my favorite we did a thing where it. was like it was supposed to look like me. and Michael B. Jordan got stuck on a. roller coaster and it like our it blew. our like hair and mouth open. And I was. like. I was like, "Can you make it look like I. have a speculum in my mouth like blowing. my mouth out but you don't see any plat.

like it just has to look like it's. naturally like that." And he doesn't say. no. >> Right. >> Well, that's what an emergency room. doctor is like, "We'll see what we can. do.". >> I'll get. >> a baby die? I think so. And it's the. same stakes for a comedy show. >> It's the same stakes. And that's if there's any takeaway, it's. that. What you do is as important as. people that work in the ER. >> No one banging their pots and pans for. me. >> [laughter]. >> Notice. >> Um this is another me to question. If. you had unlimited funds.

>> Oh. >> and you could make any disgusting. creation, what would it be? I don't know. if I want to ask you this question. Yeah, maybe let's say on SNL so we have. to say that it passes like you have it. like. >> Cuz cuz there have been. That is a This is another reason why I. working outside in. >> Mhm. >> I love that. Taking out. I'm going to. write my book about that. >> Okay. >> So you have fun with your book. I'm. taking outside in. It's like. it it's such it can be such a hindrance.

because like me and Dan Bulla had like. this idea for like maybe a sketch that's. like at um like a facial spa or. something. And when they take our. >> [laughter]. >> sheet masks off, it just pulls the whole. front of our face off. And for years, I. me and Louie have been like, "How are we. going to do that?". Cuz like when I first started the show, I was in like one sketch every 6 and 1/2. months. So like. >> [laughter]. >> But now it's like Maybe I'll Maybe I'll. be playing Trump right before hands. Who. knows, James? I'm coming for your.

breakfast nachos. >> [laughter]. >> So it's like if I had unlimited funds. it would be like I would be able to do. something like that really fast with. like I just want to take my whole face. off. >> Why? Why do you want to have. >> I don't know. It's really weird. And. it's not normal. I It It is It is. [laughter]. >> Like when you say that, my brain. pictures it and I'm like oh oh. >> Sarah. >> Sarah, you just made your life so much. harder. >> But I know I'm but it that is just it.

also is like there is a. there's such a incredible performance. art artist like like you have a Cindy. Sherman vibe. >> Ah. >> You have a. like you have a gro- you have a like a. lo- [snorts]. a dance with the grotesque that's super. interesting and it's always like what. level is like gross? Like what does what. grosses you Does anything gross you out? >> The other day. >> [laughter]. >> literally I like you know how people. like chew on their like sleeves or like.

>> like wet. >> wet fabric on my teeth like I got graze. on on the train on the tooth with my own. sleeve and it like. >> [laughter]. >> gave you a chill. >> that's like my nails on a chalkboard is. like stuff like that. Like. >> Okay, but any kind of like [snorts] your. face peeling off you're down. >> All good all good. All good. >> And and then my last question in that. SNL space is cuz we all have them. What. do your SNL stress dreams look like? >> Oh. I actually wrote a sketch about this.

>> Okay, incredible. >> Um it is Oh my god, I wish I could. remember the sketch cuz it was like you. know when you stay up all night you're. like. I'm getting a Nobel Peace Prize for what. I just [laughter] wrote. >> A classic sketch. >> A classic sketch. >> Yeah. >> They always win the Nobel Peace Prize. >> [laughter]. >> I'm like if I read I read it wrote it 2. years ago I'm sure if I read it today. I'd be like what? You know what I mean? >> Yes. >> My stress dream is always writing night. >> Okay. >> And it's always I get to I'm at writing. night and I'm the clock says it's like. midnight or 1:00 in the morning and I.

don't have anything yet and I'm going. from room to room with like my tin can. being like will you write with me? And. everyone's like no I'm already busy I. already have my thing for the week and. I'm going door to door down the hallway. and the hallway gets longer. very okay Christopher Nolan don't steal. this for one of your little [laughter]. projects. Odyssey 2. Oh, yeah. Odyssey 2, human centipede. >> [laughter]. >> Don't tempt me with a good time, Amy. Poehler. And the hallway just gets. longer and longer and I'm like, does.

anyone want to write with me? And that's. like that's the most what I'm the most. anxious about all the time. It's like. bombing on live TV is one thing, bombing. trying to get someone to write a sketch. with you is a fate worse than death. >> I have one more stress dream that was my. first year. >> Okay. >> Which was there's a prop toilet on the. floor of 8H. This I have this dream two. times. There's a prop toilet on the. floor of 8H. I know it's not hooked up. to any pipes. I know it's a prop and I. [ __ ] in it anyway and everybody's.

looking at me like the last shot in. Murder on the Orient Express. There's. like a shot where they're like all. looking down at this dead body and you. see the POV of the dead body looking. back at everyone and I see everyone. looking at me going, "The toilet's not. hooked up to anything. Why did you do. that?" And I'm going, "I know. I have no. idea what happened." And my Youngian. dream analyst at the time said that when. you poop in a dream, >> Wow. >> it's it's like you're putting work out. there and you're embarrassed.

>> [laughter]. >> I work here. Yeah. And also you have a Youngian dream. analyst? Do you do a lot of therapy? >> I do. Many times a week. >> Ooh, fun. >> Doesn't seem to be working. >> [laughter]. >> Online or in person? >> I'm on the. >> You're on the couch. >> Yep. >> [laughter]. >> Yep. I'm lying down on the couch. And. >> The whole time? >> Yep. >> Whoa. >> like analysis. I'm I'm doing analysis.

>> school. >> Yeah. And. just I just noticed recently cuz I don't. look at my therapist and sometimes I'll. be like this. >> Male or female therapist? >> Of course it's a man. >> [laughter]. >> IT'S NOT FIXED. IT'S A MAN. It's not. working. A woman would fix it. >> [laughter]. >> This. And I said something and I heard. his laugh behind me and I went. >> [laughter]. >> Like he wasn't.

He forgot he was there. >> Yeah, and I was like, "Stop.". >> [laughter]. >> I don't know why. That was so I. immediately I was like. I never looked at him. I was like Oh my. Get it together. >> [laughter]. >> You're making me think about like my. stress dreams for SNL were less about. like. will you guys, you know, uh like where. where can I uh. get in here and write with people or. like, "Oh no, my my my the [ __ ] in my. toilet you guys don't like." Which is. your work your work.

Um. but mine was disappointing. Mine was about disappointing like. powerful figures. It's a very Gen X-y. stress dream. So mine was. always Mine was always about. uh I would often have it which is I'd. hear Jenna Ristorante as we talked about. the great AD calling me and I would. realize, "Oh my god, I'm not on stage.". Like I I'm missing my my um cue. >> Yeah. >> And I had it more than once where I'd be. running down from 9 to 8. >> [laughter].

>> And I'd pass everybody whose opinion I. cared about. >> And they look at you. >> And they would go like this. At like and it was everyone you could. imagine and it was people from my past, it was people working on the show, it. was always of course Lauren like and. everyone was just like, "Wow. Like you. really let us down.". >> [laughter]. >> It's like, [laughter] "Amy Poehler, YOU. ARE LATE FOR HOT DOG BAR MITZVAH.

WHERE IS YOUR PROSTHETIC BUTT? YOUR. FUNNY WIG?". >> [laughter]. >> It's so crazy what gives us literal. anxiety, trauma is like you running to. go do like Mr. But and the HOT DOG. HOSPITAL. >> [laughter]. >> AND LAUREN GOING, "You're a disappointment to your. father." And I'm like, "Wait, why do I. have TO GO BE CAPTAIN CRUNCH THE. MUSICAL?". >> [laughter]. >> IT'S SO STUPID.

>> It's so stupid. >> It's so stupid. [laughter]. >> Okay, and the last question that um that. Mitra wanted me to ask you, she had so many good ones, was like the. and you're talking you've talked about. it a little bit, but like the biggest. bomb and the best and the favorite show. you've ever done cuz we talk about you. must have. bombed big time and I'm kind of. fascinated about your time opening with. Adam Sandler, who talk about what a like. terrific, lovely person and like nicest.

person probably to be around and open. for it, but the audience might not have. been that ready for you. >> He is [laughter] so. >> good way to say it? Thank and thank you. I'll take it away. from here. [laughter]. >> Okay. >> Exactly. It is okay, butt-sucking initiation. A computer-enhanced butt-sucking right. now. You and Adam. And there have been other cat like Fred, you guys are so menschy that it's like.

I'm thinking of people who have like How. could anyone do SNL without the. mensches? Like I have Adam being like, "You're doing great, kid." Like I would. have blown my brains out from here to. the western seaboard if I didn't have. him being like, "You got it, dude.". >> Yeah. >> He's so Every time you see him, "How's. your mother? How's your father? How's. Hanukkah? What's going on? I love you. How are you?" So menschy and like. opening for him, I have bombed a lot. because people have paid good money to.

be there. They have hired babysitters. They drove all the way from Hackensack. They are six drinks in. They are there. to see Adam Sandler, not Long Island. presents Sarah Sherman somebody they. don't know who's sweating up there. They. have paid good money to see The Wedding. Singer. >> Well, honestly, when I was watching your. special, I was fascinated by the. audience. Cuz I was like, this audience. So, your special um Sarah Squirm live in. the flesh. live and in the flesh live plus in the. flesh.

>> That was a big That was a big thing. That was the. >> Live live live plus in the flesh. Um and. I And first of all, why is it Sarah. Squirm? >> That was how I like when I was doing. these ba- basement shows with the trees. and stuff. It was just like the poster. was like, you know, a wrote written in. guts. It was like a Also, I was like. performing with bands like Piss Piss. Piss Moan Moan Moan. Rest in peace, Alejandro. He has passed. Um that's. crazy thing [laughter] to say. But like I was like So, I was like, I. don't want to just be like And Sarah.

And then there's Sarah. So, like I was. kind of like. >> Yeah, it was like it was like your punk. persona. It was like it was like X-Ray. Specs or like Alice Cooper or something. >> Yeah. And I like did. >> music. >> It's very music. But that's like the. show That's like it was the shows that I. was doing cuz I was like I just, you. know, it was it was the vibe. >> Yeah. >> And um. >> Did you get pressured to. or like did people say it should be. Sarah Sherman? >> So then when I got So so like I. auditioned for When I auditioned for SNL. do you know,

Oh, no, I was doing I was just. performing as Sarah Squirm at the time. and I wasn't really like thinking about. it. And then when I got So that that's. on all of my SNL paperwork is just they. found me at a show as Sarah Squirm. So. that's still on my paperwork. >> you've never been paid. >> I've never been paid. I don't work. there. [laughter]. >> Yeah. >> My alter ego works there. Point to another ghost over here. My. alter ego works there. >> [laughter]. >> And Lauren when I got the job, Lauren. called me and was like you know, they. were like, "Oh, Sarah, like Lauren's. calling you." And I was like, "Hello.".

And he's like, "We think Squirm is a. little distracting." And I go, "Say no more.". >> [laughter]. >> And you know who likes that? Your parents. >> Yeah, my mom is still still to this day it's. like people will come be like, "Hi, Mrs. Squirm." And she's like, "No. Yeah, don't call me that.". >> Yeah, they want to hear Sherman up. there. >> They want to hear Sherman. And so it was. when I was doing the special like not. you know people don't know me from. stand-up really cuz. >> I know the ticket sales show. >> [laughter]. >> Pittsburgh, woo.

>> They like I would be you know everyone's. like it should be like Sarah Sherman. live and in the flesh but I'm like but. that's not the character. >> Yeah, I get it and it really helps set. like the table like you said like you. set the table really fast. In fact, the. table is set. >> It's set. >> Because. like it start the the special starts. with something I've never seen in a. comedy special which is like it's like. there's like a warning of graphic. violence. >> There is, yeah. >> And there's like there's a warning of. graphic like there's so many warnings. >> There is, yeah.

And. >> Yeah. You also start with John Waters. >> I know. Which is the ultimate trigger. warning. >> Yes, you're you're so right. If he's. like going to kind of put a stamp on. something, you know that like there's. going to be so much poop. talked about for sure. And also just like he's like this. I mean he's. What does he mean to you, John Waters? How did you get him? How do you I mean. see you wrote him a letter.

>> I wrote him a letter that was like I. drew like everything what what's so. helpful with visual art or like all this. it's like it you can provide your own. trigger warning always. So I wrote a. like for the posters for Hell Trap it's. like there's a butt hole that's bleeding. with an eyeball. Like you know what. you're getting into. >> Oh, my god. >> Uh, Sarah, enough. Enough. >> Okay. [laughter]. >> So, I wrote him a letter and there was. like intestines all over it and I was. like, "Do you want to like, you know,

there's this Do you want to play the. stage manager in my stand-up special?". And I was like, "Your scene partner will. be this." And then I drew a little. picture of me as like the bones and guts. on the floor. And I'm like, "This is who. you're going to be talking to." And then. I put my number at the bottom of the. letter and I was like, "If you're. interested, call me or whatever." And. then I was getting in the therapy on a. particularly devastating read of it day. I had just bought a loaf of sourdough. bread and I was literally walking down. my block ripping off pieces of bread and. eating it like an animal or a raccoon. Good job, Lauren. You knew.

>> [laughter]. >> And I got a call from an unknown number, Baltimore area code. "Hey, Sarah. It's. John Waters. I'll see you on set.". What? >> Yeah. >> And I said to my producers, cuz I had. written the stage manager character. >> way to say it. "I'll see you on set.". >> "I what?". >> That's an old-school fun way to say it. >> I'll see you on set. >> And I was like, "Do you want me to Is. there anything you want to say?" Like, you know, and he's like, "I'm not. writing it. You wrote it. I'm saying. what you wrote." And I go, "That's. professional.". >> Yeah, yeah. >> He doesn't have punch-up. He's like,

"I'll be I'll see you on. >> about like a 2-hour door-to-door, right? Like, he was like, "We got to hard out. We got to be out of here in an hour and. a half.". >> He was being hilarious and he was. pitching jokes cuz he could He could. have And guess what? They made it in. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Do you want some Visine cuz my. eyeballs out? That was a John Waters. original riff. >> Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> It's like, "I'm the luckiest girl in the. world." That's the crazy thing. I keep. going back to SML, but you're bringing. it out of me, girl. >> [gasps]. >> I If I didn't have SML, I would be a.

random crazy person. >> But, I want to say something. I don't. find you crazy. I don't think you're crazy. That's why. you're interesting because if you were. truly detached and like in a way, not to. name names, but like other sometimes. like performers who are kind of in your. milieu or vibe are. >> I know, exactly. >> [laughter]. >> Then it's kind of hard to attach. Sure. It is hard. Like it's like, "Okay,

they're in their own like creative. world, but like I don't know. We're just. going to kind of watch it from afar.". But you you aren't. So it's That's very. interesting because you command of what. you're doing in a way that's. >> Right. There is But I'm like without. SNL, would I have been able to do this. crazy comedy special where there's like. a clay butt that farts out a ghost? [laughter]. >> Would John Waters have agreed? Like I. don't know. Probably not. Thank god. >> And for people that have listened all. the way to the end, I mean there is a. clay butt that. >> happens right in the beginning. If you. don't like it, turn it off.

>> Yeah. >> Turn it off. >> Um speaking of comedy as we end, what do. you Who are you listening to laughing. cuz you know, you do comedy all day for. a job. Who What do you watch. >> Yes. >> to laugh? Like what is your check out? Like is it a video? Is it a Are you. watching old movies? Are you Like what. what's making you laugh? >> Most recent, always Real Housewives. >> Uh. the the last question Me too had for you. is are you enjoying Real Housewives. Rhode Island?

Listeners, Sarah is just like. >> She's just She's aghast at the obvious. yes. >> Did you grow up watching soaps? >> Yeah, I watched General Hospital, which. was. >> my. favorite show of all time. >> you on a soap? >> I begged to be on General Hospital so I. could bring my mom. And we met Sonny. Corinthos and sobbed for days. Yeah. >> Okay, I just talked to Paula Pell who. also loves soaps and has not been on one. and I feel like Paula should definitely. be on. >> [laughter].

>> I asked. >> [gasps]. >> I think they were like, "Are you. kidding?" and I was like, "Uh no.". >> No. Who did you play on the soap? >> A woman. >> [laughter]. >> A Russian uh. >> Yeah, the Russians are in it. The. Russians are in it. >> [laughter]. >> I. >> I love talking about what makes me. laugh. I was watching home movies the. other day, hysterical laughing. Like. >> [laughter]. >> Of your family? >> No, I wish. Actually, that would be. nicer. The cartoon. >> Oh, home movies. Okay, I don't know home movies.

>> It's [ __ ] funny and it's very crude. animation and it's Brendan Small. It's so funny. >> Okay, who is lying laughing? >> got our We've got some friends in there. Like. >> in there. >> H. Jon Benjamin. Okay, got it. So, it's. >> Laughing. >> And it's. animated sitcom created by Brendan Small. and Loren Bouchard who made Bob's. Burgers. Got it. Got it. Got it. Home. movies. >> Laughing. >> So, are you a big animation girl? >> No. >> You're not?

>> No. >> Cuz I bet people are like, "You're like. animation. Like you look like a cartoon, you [ __ ] bug-eyed bitch." Jeez. Jesus. Sarah, apologize. >> Sarah, you said that to yourself. >> I know. >> [laughter]. >> Apologize to my friend Sarah. Bad. I patted myself on the back. >> not a But you're not a cartoon person. >> No, I cuz they like it they can't emote. or anything. Like I love Ren and Stimpy. I'm not like laughing out loud. >> Yes. >> So, I don't know why this is getting my.

ass. >> Yeah, that's good. >> Getting my ass and then. >> just did Do you know Hollywood Handbook, the podcast? >> I love Hollywood Handbook. >> I was. >> Okay, I Shoutout to Hollywood Handbook. Those guys are hysterical. I saw them. recently in a restaurant and asked if I. could be on their pod. And I watched and. they were like, "No.". They were like, "We're booked." And. also, I watch you on Hollywood Handbook. and that bit went on forever. >> So, it was 45 minutes. >> Yeah, it's just one long bit. >> Just one long fat joke.

>> And it And it. >> Sorry. >> It was so I love a bit that goes on that. long. I love it. >> And they were like acting like they. hated it. I love it. >> They say like Shawn will say one I can't. like I was laughing like a baby laugh. Like I was going like. >> [laughter]. >> sweat laughing so hard sweating through. my pants. Sweating through my hat and my. pants. >> I'm I think there's some delight and. it's kind of. I'm going to I'm going to I'm going to.

bring us back. There is some kind of delight that you. have that I share which is if you get to. be around like like-minded and safe. people and you guys are like playing. like and going like just on the corner. and edges of things but it's with people. that are like not just like nice people. that you like basically. There's no. greater joy because it feels like you're. actually like I guess I imagine it would. be like. entering dangerous terrain with people.

who are really skilled that will take. care of you. That's the closest I mean. we're not. >> My body just relaxed. >> [laughter]. >> That the side. >> I love that too. I love I love a family. that teases each other. I love that to. me is a sign of intimacy. and it's a sign of safety if you're with. it obviously has to be the right people. the right way but like when that happens. it feels like like a special kind of. magic. >> Yeah and like yeah we are making fat. jokes. Is that amazing? No but it's it's. safe. You can like be a little scary.

when it's like safe. >> Yes. >> You're so right. >> Well congratulations on being a vet. >> [laughter]. >> Was that an abrupt goodbye? What should. we do? I'm going to put my shoe back on. >> OH. >> [laughter]. >> OH I FORGOT. >> CAN YOU believe that I've had my shoes. off the entire time? >> Did how did it feel? Did you feel. grounded? >> feel bad. I don't mind it. Like it. didn't feel bad. It didn't feel. I didn't Yeah I know what you mean. Like. was I grounding during that time? >> Like did you or were the whole time you.

were talking to me were you like. >> Are you a shoes-off person in your. house? Do people have to take their. shoes off? >> my shoes on and I like Frankenstein. boots all day. >> Yeah. >> I'm not even wearing them right now, so. you think I'm a [ __ ] liar. I'm. wearing little shoes. >> Little cuties, though. But let's not. show them for free. >> Yeah. No, ma'am. >> No, no, you got to pay for that. >> Yeah. That's correct. A lot, cuz we're on TV, so. >> Yeah, and AI's going to take everybody's. jobs, so we're going to The only thing. robots don't have, human feet. >> And when they show them, they have an.

extra toe, and that's kind of. interesting. >> And if you were listening to the very. beginning, Sarah has a weird condition. where her big toe is just a sack of. bones. So, if that's your kink, >> [laughter]. >> then you got to go to her toe channel. >> [clears throat]. >> And And. >> if you were only listening to the end of. this podcast, weird. Why didn't you. listen to the beginning? Did you just. like scrub through? [laughter]. >> And if that's your kink, then we're not kink-shaming you, but you. might want to think about listening a. podcast the entire way through, cuz that. also might be satisfying. >> Right. Or I like to kink-shame. I think. it's weird when people like stuff.

That's weird. >> [laughter]. >> Sarah, thank you for doing this. >> for having me. >> Thank you FOR COMING. YAY! THANK YOU SO MUCH, SARAH SQUIRM, Sarah. Sherman. Um. it was so fun to um talk to you, and. you're so fast and funny, and um. yeah, what a delight. And um. you know, Sarah and I talked about a lot. of people that we've had the pleasure to. work with, but I just want to give a.

little shout-out again to a woman in my. life who really shaped my career, and I. know a lot of people in Chicago could. say the same, and that is Sharna. Halpern. Sharna. um. was the uh. creator and the person who started a. theater called iO in Chicago with Del. Close. Um and um Sharna was just one of. those people that if she saw something. in you, she put you in front of. important people and she put you on. stage and in my case she changed my.

life. So, thank you Sharna for helping. me meet most of the people who I still. work with today. And. for those of you that are in Chicago, go. see improv. And go see it in any city, support it today and every day and. support the arts. Okay, thanks. Bye. You've been listening to Good Hang. The. executive producers for this show are. Bill Simmons, and me, Amy Poehler. [music]. The show is produced by The Ringer and.

Paper Kite. For The Ringer, production. by Jack Wilson, Kat Spalane, [music]. Kaya McMullen and Aleia Zineris. For. Paper Kite, production by Sam Green, Joel Lovell and Jenna Weisman. Original. music by Amy Miles. >> I I I I wonder. >> [music]. >> if it was a really. good hang.