Hello, and welcome to my podcast. I first went viral on TikTok after telling the story of how I got stuck buying 100 tacos on a first date. Since then, it’s been a wild and crazy ride. I now have millions of eyeballs watching my videos on a daily basis (which is just a terrifying number of eyeballs, honestly).
Each week on my podcast Funny Cuz It’s True, I’ll be sitting down with my favorite creators, friends and comedians to find the stories that have stuck with them and changed their lives in small ways. Not so funny moments that have become funny over time. I want to know how they handled these situations and learned to laugh about them years later. How do they do it? Great question, I’d love to tell you (but you have to listen to find out).
Comedians Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata reveal their experiences meeting Beyoncé and actor Rainn Wilson talks to Elyse about which historical figure was left out of Oppenheimer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elyse talks to Hari Kondabolu about frozen pizzas and waffles. Plus, Tig Notaro discusses meeting Anne Hathaway and explains what it's like to live under a rock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Actor Brian Baumgartner from The Office, reveals his favorite Jack Nicholson encounter and actor and comedian Holmes asks Elyse about her love history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elyse talks to Moses Storm about faking it as a stunt double and the glory of eggs. Plus, Kevin Jonas shares his love of Edgar Allan Poe and the power of saying "I'm not comfortable". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka talks about fangirling over Winona Ryder and her quest for a sleeveless turtleneck top. Plus, Elyse gives Mike Birbiglia work/life balance tips and convinces him that Chipotle is the way to go. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elyse talks to Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer about their awkward celeb encounters and the craziness of babysitting when you, too, are a child. Plus, Jonathan Van Ness shares their recipe for a deliciously sweet-and-spicy breakfast sandwich. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we're revisiting my interview with Mike Birbiglia. He talks about his new Broadway show “The Old Man and The Pool,” and how he makes a show about death and mortality funny. Mike gets into his creative process around joke writing, like how he got underneath the meaning behind a joke about his car accident and a drunk driver, and also tells me why he thinks performing comedy is like stripping. Please note, Funny Cuz It’s True contains mature themes and may not be appropriate for all lis...
This week, we're revisiting my interview with Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer of The Office Ladies. I thought I peaked when they played my song “Whispers in the Breakroom” on their podcast. But oh no. It just got better. They tell me about becoming friends over a partition, the hard years before their big break, and why they won’t stop talking about their time on “The Office.” Plus, Jenna shares a hot tip on how to meet celebrities at fancy events. Please note, Funny Cuz It’s True contains matur...
This week, we're revisiting my interview with Moses Storm. Moses Storm has led a crazy life. The comedian and actor tells me about growing up in his family’s “failed” cult, living in a bus with his five siblings, and eventually meeting his hero Conan O’Brien on a rooftop that smelled like tapas. We also talk about the making of his first comedy special, “Trash White,” which has his fingerprints all over it – literally. Please note, Funny Cuz It’s True contains mature themes and may not be approp...
This week, we're revisiting my interview with Aparna Nancherla. You know when you meet someone and just vibe instantly? That was me and comedian and actress Aparna Nancherla. She talks about writing a book on imposter syndrome (spoiler alert: it doesn’t just go away) and how it led her to turn down a Netflix special. Plus, Aparna shares her decision to stop touring and why her latest acting role in “The Drop” was a big leap. Please note, Funny Cuz It’s True contains mature themes and may not be ...
This week, we're revisiting my interview with Penn Badgley. Penn Badgley is warm, kind, and incredibly thoughtful – fortunately, the exact opposite of his character in the Netflix series “You.” As someone who’s been acting since he was a child, Penn shares his views on Hollywood and what it means to be an actor. He also talks about why he initially turned down the role of Dan Humphrey in “Gossip Girl” and discusses the similarities between Dan and Joe from “You.” Please note, Funny Cuz It’s True...
Clog lover, author, and princess of the Midwest Maria Bamford has landed! Put simply, she is a freaking icon, from viral tik tok-worthy character work in her seminal Maria Bamford Show, to her amazing standup career, Maria has always been comedian's favorite comedian. Her new book Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult is an incredible memoir that fully translates her unique voice from the stages to the pages. We discuss the very specific details of her book deal, bag salads and Jon Hamm (who, according to M...
We are so freaking lucky, Fortune Feimster is here! We had a blast diving into her character alter egos, hoarding wigs, and her start at the Groundlings Theater. We talked about Fortune’s transition from journalist to comedian and she gave me a sneak peek into Chelsea Handler's hilarious hiring practices. Please note, Funny Cuz It’s True contains mature themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Joining Lemo...
Ron Funches doesn't suffer from imposter syndrome, and it makes perfect sense, because he’s a truly talented and joyful stand-up comedian, and he knows it! During our conversation, we delve into his relationship with ambition, the art of comedy, and recognizing his successes. It's no wonder he has unwavering self-belief, he’s done the work. Ron's deep love for pro-wrestling and how it intertwines with his comedy is such an amazing metaphor for self-investment and pursuing our passions. My mind w...
Settle in for a delightful episode featuring the mega-talented Chris Olsen! We plunge headfirst into a discussion about TikTok fame, the beauty of the internet, and our initial meeting on the set of a Meghan Trainor music video. Chris is such a thoughtful and funny human, he should probably have his own podcast by now! We also delve into shamelessly watching our own videos and how I would rather throw my phone across the room and break it, before I let my husband watch me create a piece of conte...
Well well well, if it isn’t skateboarding pioneer, entrepreneur, and total sweetheart Tony Hawk! Tony has been doing some of the biggest and toughest tricks in skateboarding since 1979, and now he’s here! Did you know his first-ever skateboard is in the actual SMITHSONIAN? It’s in history now. Tony dropped in (get it?) to discuss high school, finding community, and what it's like to do something before anyone else thinks it's cool. Also, he tells me about the time a construction company unearthe...
We sat down with the hilarious standup comedian, actress and writer Punkie Johnson! We had an amazing conversation about the early days in Punkie’s career that ended with her sharing a story about a big comedy breakthrough she just had in Indiana. We also discuss a very specific Craigslist job interview and the science behind fake laughing. The biggest takeaway from this episode is that a giant brownie with two scoops of ice cream and hot fudge can still be a lil’ snack' if you just believe it i...
In this episode, I am joined by the Taylor Swift of reality TV, Hannah Brown! She is best known for her memorable stint as the Bachelorette and for winning her season of Dancing with The Stars. Hannah has truly charmed the world with her charisma and authenticity. Since then, she has become an author, releasing her book 'God Bless This Mess,' and ventured into podcasting, hosting her new show 'Better Tomorrow.' During our conversation, we discuss our extremely different approaches to speaking to...
Get ready, folks, because joining us is the incredibly talented Andrew Rannells! You may know him from his star turns in Broadway hits like "The Book of Mormon" and "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," to his memorable roles on TV shows on "Girls," "Big Mouth," and "The Boys in The Band." In this episode, we dive into his newly released book, "Uncle of The Year," a project that holds a special place in his heart. Andrew also shares with us the hilarious and heart-wrenching tale of the worst date he's ev...
Hold on to your backpacks people, cuz’ Ellie Kemper is here! Her roles in The Office, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Bridesmaids are nothing short of iconic. We passionately discuss energy hoarding, family and setting boundaries at work. Newsflash : Me and Ellie are deeply on the same page about virtually EVERYTHING. I couldn't let her go without asking about her big break on The Office, and how she became a deceased ghost the moment she found out Tina Fey wrote a TV show just for her. Please...
Greta Titelman is a brilliant actress, standup comedian, and writer set to star later this year in the highly awaited film Problemista, from A24 Studios. You might know her from her totally unique, singular roles in Los Espookys, Search Party, and Norah From Queens. Greta tells me all about how she created her online personas, built a support system, and learned how to love LA. Also, our early days with our respective husbands are similar stories which I found out by liking gossip a little too m...
I’m super excited to share with you my appearance on Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out podcast. You know Mike Birbiglia. He’s an award-winning comedian, actor, filmmaker, author. He’s also the host of the podcast Working It Out, where he invites on creatives like Bill Hader, Stephen Colbert, Quinta Brunson, Ira Glass, Drew Barrymore, and they discuss their creative process and work out material. It’s like a fly on the wall creative writing session. I was on Working It Out last month and I’m going ...
“Well, I think we made our point” are words that our guest’s mother spoke after throwing ice cubes at a rat-infested cypress tree. It’s Mae Martin! Mae is a standup comedian, writer and star/creator of the show Feel Good. We discussed their new Netflix standup special called SAP, which has a mind-blowing bit about how humans communicate. I can’t wait for you to listen to our conversation about dressing how you want, British dads, and trying not to hurt people’s feelings when you make a TV show b...
I giggled so hard during this episode that I nearly lost it, but it's no surprise considering our guest, Natalie Morales, is an incredibly delightful person. You may know her from performances as Lucy on "Parks and Recreation," in the dark comedy-drama "Dead to Me," and her recent appearance on Mel Brooks' "History of the World". We discussed her greatest sources of inspiration and the moment she realized performing would be her calling. On top of that, Natalie shares the most incredible high sc...
Sam Bee is one of the most beloved Daily Show correspondents of all time and has personally been nominated for 18 freaking Emmy Awards. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s the host of an amazing new podcast called Choice Words, right here on Lemonada Media. Sam and I talked about touring for her standup show, “Your Favorite Woman”. It was amazing to hear how she deals with her inner critic and feedback from the outside world. Also, she recommended I watch her favorite TV show, Call the Midwife, whi...
Nimesh Patel is a standup comedian, former SNL writer, producer and on top of all of that, he has a freaking finance degree from NYU. Nimesh tells me the story behind his hilarious new special called “Lucky Lefty”, where he muses on his testicular cancer diagnosis and cure. It was awesome to chat about resilience on stage, true destiny and the time he had the best standup set of his life in front of Chris Rock. Please note, Funny Cuz It’s True contains mature themes and may not be appropriate fo...
Every week my son August and I would watch our favorite ever dancer Amanda Kloots perform on Dancing with the Stars. She was truly amazing, and that's just one of the reasons I’m so excited she’s joining us today. We talk about her son Elvis, writing through grief, and the joys of working with family. I’m pretty sure I convinced her to star in her own screenplay and cried at least 7 times throughout our conversation, I’m not worried about it! Please note, Funny Cuz It’s True contains mature them...
Jameela Jamil has basically lived multiple lifetimes in one. She’s been a DJ, a radio show host, and a model. She also founded I Weigh and hosts the I Weigh with Jameela Jamil podcast. And if that wasn’t enough, she starred in amazing TV shows like “The Good Place” and “She-Hulk Attorney at Law.” Jameela shares with me the wild journey that got her to “The Good Place,” her first-ever acting role (!!) It was so incredible to meet someone whose life has also been changed forever by a Mike Schur TV...
Zach Zimmerman has a custom-made sweater to match their new book “Is It Hot in Here (Or Am I Suffering for All Eternity for the Sins I Committed on Earth)?” Yes, it’s a heck of a title, and just like the book, we unpack a lot together. Zach tells me about the best advice they got from their “burrito boss” and why their comedy is both “delightful and devastating.” I also do a teeny bit of trauma dumping. Just a teeny bit. We’re all working through something out here. Please note, Funny Cuz It’s T...
I taught myself guitar by learning Jason Mraz’s songs, so it feels really full circle to be talking with him this week. We chat about going from solo work to collaborating with the band Raining Jane, listening back to his old songs, and why he chooses positivity when performing live. He also tells me about creating his new album “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride” and developing a passion for dance in his 40s. Please note, Funny Cuz It’s True contains mature themes and may not be appropri...
