[SPEAKER_00]: Really, really gay podcast that we called that's a gay podcast. [SPEAKER_00]: Had the gay ass name for a gay ass podcast. [SPEAKER_00]: Welcome back to that's a gay ass podcast. [SPEAKER_00]: The podcast that asks, whose fault is it that your gay, babe, it is me, Eric Williams. [SPEAKER_00]: And this week, we welcome an icon, a true legend. [SPEAKER_00]: And yes, I watched every single episode of my life on the deal is I've watched every single one of her specials.
[SPEAKER_00]: I've read her books. [SPEAKER_00]: And today is a herstoric moment where I get to speak with Kathy Griffin face to face or new face to do face so please put your gay ass hands together and help me welcome Kathleen Mary Griffin [SPEAKER_00]: Kathy Griffin is on, that's a gay ass podcast and I am not going to pretend that this is not a big gay ass deal, Kathy. [SPEAKER_00]: You are a part of my herstery and you are making my dreams come true.
[SPEAKER_00]: Thank you for coming on this gay ass podcast. [SPEAKER_00]: How the hell are you? [SPEAKER_01]: Oh, Eric, well, I'm in love with you. [SPEAKER_01]: So that's my confession. [SPEAKER_01]: That's the headline. [SPEAKER_01]: That's the breaking news. [SPEAKER_01]: And this is the fantastic podcast. [SPEAKER_01]: So thank you for doing it in a world of many podcasts. [SPEAKER_01]: This is one of the good ones. [SPEAKER_01]: And it's very gay.
[SPEAKER_01]: But today is gonna be gayer than it's ever been. [SPEAKER_00]: And that is correct, a Mundo. [SPEAKER_00]: In fact, Kathy Griffin, we here at GAS podcast like to keep things gay, but we're also a bit of gay journalist here. [SPEAKER_00]: And that's why my first question for you is all about one of your most important roles that you played, which was of course, Hottle and Filler on the roof while you were in Chicago in high school.
[SPEAKER_00]: Tell me, are we ever gonna get a revival of your take on that role? [SPEAKER_00]: And what do you still carry with you from? [SPEAKER_00]: that gorgeous theatrical experience. [SPEAKER_01]: Well, at Ompark River Forest High, we're of course being 100% Irish Catholic. [SPEAKER_01]: I was the perfect choice to play Huddle in Fiddler on the roof or Fiddler as we called it. [SPEAKER_01]: And I think the entire production may have been a little what they call cultural appropriation.
[SPEAKER_01]: Um, and as they say, it was a different time, and it was a big theater, what's crazy about the high school I went to, is it was so big. [SPEAKER_01]: And I had to fight my parents, because they wanted me to go to the Catholic, all girls high school, Trinity, but I was too boy crazy. [SPEAKER_01]: And so I didn't anything I could, and one of them was convinced them that O'PAP were of course high, I had a much bigger theater department. [SPEAKER_01]: which they did.
[SPEAKER_01]: So, I will tell you that while maybe I was not the greatest huddle in the history of Fiddler, some of the luminaries that were my classmates in these plays were Mariela's but Master Antonio was an amazing actress. [SPEAKER_01]: She was in Scarface, Danny Castellanado, who's the voice of Homer Simpson, and is just counting his money as well as his talent. [SPEAKER_01]: And so it actually was [SPEAKER_01]: for real Hollywood. [SPEAKER_01]: Little did I know they're an Illinois.
[SPEAKER_01]: They had kind of a tiered system. [SPEAKER_01]: And it was almost athletic because you had to fight your way into the bigger theater. [SPEAKER_01]: And so by the time Fiddler came along, it was the biggest theater. [SPEAKER_01]: And I pretended like I was Jewish for two hours. [SPEAKER_00]: And you know what, it's not the worst thing to pretend because I myself am a Jewess and Fiddler is a big part of my history.
[SPEAKER_00]: In fact, when I was waiting at an open call for Fiddler on the roof in New York City, I met my what, Catholic husband, and here we are to live to tell the tale. [SPEAKER_00]: I also love that your parents were like, you know what, it has a big theater. [SPEAKER_00]: We'll send her there. [SPEAKER_00]: Were you able to at least live up to your sluddy dreams? [SPEAKER_00]: Did you slud it up at your co-ed high school? [SPEAKER_01]: Honey, I was a virgin to I was 20.
[SPEAKER_01]: I was the last one in our click and I was of course in the nerd picked on bullied feeder kids click and of course I had a boyfriend. [SPEAKER_01]: who is now married to a man named David. [SPEAKER_01]: And he and I were what we considered to be lovers because we did make out one time. [SPEAKER_01]: So I considered him to be bisexual because of the one time he made out with me when we were 16. [SPEAKER_01]: But I was such a nerdy straight edge. [SPEAKER_01]: I didn't drink.
[SPEAKER_01]: I still do this day. [SPEAKER_01]: I've never had a drink in my life. [SPEAKER_01]: So I was the DD. [SPEAKER_01]: I was the designated driver. [SPEAKER_01]: And you know, that's how we survived with our, with our click of nerds, and I was also constantly getting in trouble, which I know is a shock.
[SPEAKER_00]: Wow, but it's also funny how like you have so many relatable things about you because I am also a Midwestern sort of straight edge queen, but I feel like I'm starting, I'm living a second out of lessons now like smoking weed, I'm sucking D, I'm. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, and I think I'm trying to like allow myself the younger version of myself to sort of act out in the ways I was too afraid to as a kid, but you seem to be I do that in my 30s.
[SPEAKER_01]: I I really I banged my way through the 30s like a jackhammer. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, it was I was on top. [SPEAKER_01]: I was on bottom. [SPEAKER_01]: It was whatever it took. [SPEAKER_01]: And it was ridiculous. [SPEAKER_01]: I don't know what came over me, but you're right. [SPEAKER_01]: I felt like I didn't live that sort of normal adolescence and I mean if you had a pulse we were going to bed and I just think back on those times and I have to tell you I don't have one regret.
[SPEAKER_00]: Good. [SPEAKER_00]: Do you ever wish you could jump back into like a slutty weekend or how are you feeling right now? [SPEAKER_00]: How's the slut inside you being taken care of? [SPEAKER_01]: So I'm newly divorced and I'm very excited because I just bought condoms and loop. [SPEAKER_01]: So I am ready and I was on the dating apps for three weeks and then realized I'm too famous and it's too hard to be [SPEAKER_01]: a humble icon. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, who were kidding?
[SPEAKER_01]: Just a down to earth legend. [SPEAKER_01]: And yet it was fun going on three dates, but I did not use the condoms of the loop and did not go all the way, as they say. [SPEAKER_01]: I just wasn't, I didn't have the fields. [SPEAKER_01]: And one of the gentlemen for some reason thought I was appropriate to tell me on the first date that if he wanted to and he didn't want to but if he wanted to he could kill me with his thumb in under two seconds.
[SPEAKER_00]: Wow, jibble rate is what's going on with the straits here, what's going to never been okay and they continue to get worse and getting worse. [SPEAKER_01]: The streets are getting worse. [SPEAKER_01]: I don't know if it's a Joe Rogan or Andrew Tate, but let me tell you, these street men are on a control. [SPEAKER_01]: They want to under two seconds.
[SPEAKER_00]: early, I do not envy Kathy Griffin right now because I, to all of my straight girls who are going for straight men, I think that it is not an easy battle field right now. [SPEAKER_00]: And I hope that you are, you know, flicking your being as much as you can because you deserve. [SPEAKER_01]: I have to fist myself. [SPEAKER_00]: I have to put them on. [SPEAKER_01]: I have to put them on. [SPEAKER_01]: I have to put them on and then turn on some gentle music.
[SPEAKER_01]: Maybe some Lionel Richie. [SPEAKER_01]: And then I have to do [SPEAKER_00]: Well, I'm manifesting that a sweet man who will not kill you with his thumb will fist you himself and that is my Sabbath prayer to you now I also need to on this chaos podcast ask you the gas podcast question which [SPEAKER_00]: I tend to ask the queer people who's fault is it that you're gay, but Kathy Griffin, I feel like for you, I want to ask right now first, who's fault is it that you're a gay icon?
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, the gay is have and will continue to be obsessed with you till the end of time. [SPEAKER_00]: How did that happen? [SPEAKER_00]: And did anybody inspire you? [SPEAKER_00]: What's the journey? [SPEAKER_01]: Well, first of all, let's call the expression what it really was. [SPEAKER_01]: It was an F-A-G-Hag, and so now I just say that. [SPEAKER_00]: Can you say F-Hag? [SPEAKER_00]: I want you to say F-Hag right now. [SPEAKER_01]: I'm a F-Hag. [SPEAKER_01]: I'm a F-Hag.
[SPEAKER_01]: I was a F-Hag. [SPEAKER_01]: I will go to my grave as a happy F-Hag, and I'm a trained F-Hag. [SPEAKER_01]: And so I don't like these young up-and-coming Hags who think they know how to do it without putting the work in. [SPEAKER_01]: because I first of all, I play my parents and probably because they were interested in the cultural arts and you know, that's swimming with Gaze. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, you throws dough and you're going to hit a gay.
[SPEAKER_01]: You can walk in the room without a gay and then you've lost the whole neighborhood.
[SPEAKER_01]: And so I just clicked with the kids that were the outsiders and I remember truly being in first grade in Catholic school [SPEAKER_01]: And just picking out who I now know was clearly a little gay boy just trying to hide from the world and his name was Brian and they used to put us in little groupings, which also was kind of messed up, but I asked to sit with Brian because he never talked, but he would draw all the time he used like this amazing artist.
[SPEAKER_01]: And he and I became friends instantly. [SPEAKER_01]: So I would say I started in first grade right away. [SPEAKER_01]: And I worked my way up. [SPEAKER_01]: And it's work, honey. [SPEAKER_01]: Let me tell you, the times that men have come out to me. [SPEAKER_01]: And I have to act like I'm surprised. [SPEAKER_01]: The times I met this call, uh-huh. [SPEAKER_01]: Well, you want to tell me. [SPEAKER_01]: Oh, don't cry. [SPEAKER_01]: Oh, wait, you're saying you're homosexual.
[SPEAKER_01]: No. [SPEAKER_00]: You're kidding. [SPEAKER_01]: Fitting. [SPEAKER_01]: I did not know that. [SPEAKER_00]: The reason why you are a good fat cat is because you know you have to act surprise because the mean, the mean girls are going are ridiculing the sad gay boys who who.
[SPEAKER_00]: are thinking that they're putting up this gorgeous facade when really they they're lip syncing to dream girls and tap dancing their way through study hall, but you at least had the decency have the decency to say, oh my gosh, even if it's deadpan even I'm here for you. [SPEAKER_01]: I have no idea. [SPEAKER_01]: Just talk about this on your timeline and your terms and yeah, I have a whole speech now. [SPEAKER_01]: I should actually copyright it.
[SPEAKER_00]: You should, and honestly, I think that's partly why I started watching my life on the deal. [SPEAKER_00]: The second it aired is because I felt that safety of Kathy Griffin. [SPEAKER_00]: In fact, producer Nathaniel and I were talking before you came on about our love of that show. [SPEAKER_00]: He's got the DVDs at his apartment.
[SPEAKER_00]: He literally just showed me a photo, Kathy, of himself and his husband, Chris, in front of your home that you filmed the show at 10, 15 years ago. [SPEAKER_00]: So like we, and then also I've got this book that I have read and reread. [SPEAKER_01]: So every time you put by the way, half the people I wrote about that book aren't speaking to me anymore. [SPEAKER_01]: That's what that's what makes that book special. [SPEAKER_00]: It is special. [SPEAKER_00]: Would you say?
[SPEAKER_01]: I have a Trump to capitate and head photo half of that because like I don't want to be in your runs. [SPEAKER_01]: I don't want to know you and I kind of act like we never met. [SPEAKER_00]: Now that I'm sitting with you these years later, would you say that it's worth the fallouts? [SPEAKER_01]: Oh yes, it's always worth it. [SPEAKER_01]: I used to discuss this with the great genres and the great down records all the time.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, records told me a story about when Gregory Peck was mad at him one time. [SPEAKER_01]: And I said, what did you do? [SPEAKER_01]: And he said, I went in harder. [SPEAKER_01]: And so, genres used to say, you know, I don't get invited to the parties and all that stuff. [SPEAKER_01]: And I would just be thinking, [SPEAKER_01]: What an honor it would be to be made fun of by Don Rickles or Joe Rivers and I still feel really strongly that way.
[SPEAKER_01]: So I have many celebrities who are not speaking to me. [SPEAKER_01]: I actually just did an episode, a whole episode of my YouTube show called Kathy Griffin Talk Your Head off.
[SPEAKER_01]: And I did an apology to Brook Shields because I was on a sitcom with her for four years called Suddenly Susan and she really taught me a lot about fame because she's globally famous and everybody in the world knew her and she's a household name and was started out as the Gerber baby and was never on work.
[SPEAKER_01]: And I put her in my act and put her in my specials because then my act started becoming about who I was working with and who was naughty and who was nice and what really happens behind the camera. [SPEAKER_01]: And you know one time I told a story that she thought was too far. [SPEAKER_01]: and so she and I have not spoken since, but I still love her. [SPEAKER_01]: She changed my life by letting me have the job as her best friend on that show for four years.
[SPEAKER_01]: And you know, I get it. [SPEAKER_01]: I get both sides. [SPEAKER_01]: On one hand, I don't feel that way. [SPEAKER_01]: If somebody talks smack about me, I just think it's funny. [SPEAKER_01]: Whether it's true or not. [SPEAKER_01]: And I do embellish in my act. [SPEAKER_01]: I'm not a journalist. [SPEAKER_01]: I'm not a historian.
[SPEAKER_01]: If I can think of one little line that this celebrity maybe didn't technically say, but they said most of it, I feel I'm kind of filling in their story for them. [SPEAKER_01]: You're doing them a favor, making them human. [SPEAKER_01]: And so yes, I've had many celebrities confront me from Whitney Houston waiting her finger in my face, which was genuinely scary.
[SPEAKER_01]: To Barbara Walters running from me in a public bathroom and me just making fun of her under the stall, I have no boundaries. [SPEAKER_01]: And that's once again, that's also my parents' fault. [SPEAKER_00]: and we shout out John and Maggie at any chance that we can. [SPEAKER_00]: I think that it's our love of you is because of how unapologetic you are and I speaking of Barbara Walters, if we go to the view for a second, we'll be Goldberg as who I say made me gay.
[SPEAKER_00]: The movie's sister act too was my gay origin story, but it's a gay story. [SPEAKER_00]: It really crazy. [SPEAKER_00]: Oh, and absolutely, I mean, back in the habit is the OG is that girl, but we had a crazy moment on this podcast last year, Lisa Rina came on and then they ended up playing a clip from that interview on the view.
[SPEAKER_00]: And so, what would be Goldberg being able to introduce a clip with my face was huge for me, but speaking of this book celebrity run-ins and speaking of all of your celebrity moments, do you have any will be Goldberg pieces of lore as someone who
[SPEAKER_01]: The thing about Wopi that's tough is she's someone that probably would not be mad if I put her in the act and yet she there's really nothing to make fun of because she makes one of herself and she's so authentic but I can say that I have a long history with her and even the last time I was on the view although I couldn't get booked this time for my new special so I think I'm reband but I have a long history of being banned and unband from the view but the last time I was on Wopi said
[SPEAKER_01]: I will help. [SPEAKER_01]: If I could help sell your special, I will produce it personally. [SPEAKER_01]: So she has been supportive. [SPEAKER_01]: She's brilliant. [SPEAKER_01]: She, there's nobody like her. [SPEAKER_01]: There's only one puppy. [SPEAKER_01]: And I have followed her since her one woman show on Broadway, which then went HBO before it was Max. [SPEAKER_01]: It was kind of the only game in town. [SPEAKER_01]: And I just admire her tremendously.
[SPEAKER_01]: So I don't have like a story about her because [SPEAKER_01]: she puts it all out there, you know, the ones that I tend to go for are the ones that take themselves too seriously. [SPEAKER_00]: Well, that's my biggest pep even any person, whether I'm talking them or just keyking with them is that if you take yourself too seriously, what are we doing here? [SPEAKER_00]: And I do think that will be it makes so much sense. [SPEAKER_00]: And that's why I love her.
[SPEAKER_00]: She's always herself and she is doesn't give a fuck if you take her or leave her. [SPEAKER_00]: it's the same thing when it comes to Joan Rivers, too. [SPEAKER_00]: I mean, you and Joan Rivers are both hustlers. [SPEAKER_00]: And you say your attitude when it comes to selling tickets is whatever it takes. [SPEAKER_01]: So I have a question for you, Kathy. [SPEAKER_00]: Well, I'm currently... [SPEAKER_00]: in that headspace.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm finally, you know, trying to put myself out there. [SPEAKER_00]: I have this new hour show that I've been doing in New York in LA and do any advice for any advice from my show that's October 23rd at the illusion. [SPEAKER_00]: It's a gay coming of age, horny, therapy story, any tips for how to sell ticks. [SPEAKER_01]: Well, first of all, I would like to order everyone hearing this, watching this, to go out to over a 23rd. [SPEAKER_01]: Yes, to the Alicia and see you.
[SPEAKER_01]: So that's a command. [SPEAKER_01]: And I think it should be taken seriously. [SPEAKER_01]: So spreading the word through friends is always good, getting people to post about it, which I'm happy to do. [SPEAKER_01]: And you know, you kind of find out who your friends are when the ones that say they're gonna post don't [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_01]: That's how then they get me act. [SPEAKER_01]: But I say, go for it. [SPEAKER_01]: Be as authentic as you can.
[SPEAKER_01]: And don't hold back. [SPEAKER_01]: And I think, especially now, with Trumpism taking over people have even more of a hunger for people that are the real deal. [SPEAKER_01]: And whether it's imperfect or raw, [SPEAKER_01]: People would rather see that that all of the BS that's going on around us and also people need to get away from all of that darkness and go have a laugh and kind of you you're giving them new energy.
[SPEAKER_01]: So I feel like if I can take you for a couple of hours and maybe a couple of hours of laughs, then you're a little more recharge to go out and face the real world so you are doing the Lord's work and I'm an atheist, but I still think you're doing the Lord's work. [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you so much. [SPEAKER_00]: It just, even just having you say that people should see the show, even just, it just, it's a command. [SPEAKER_00]: It's a command, it's a command.
[SPEAKER_00]: Y'all, it's, it's from Kathy Griffin herself. [SPEAKER_00]: And honestly, if we're talking about incredible shows, you have this new face new tour that is gonna be launching in Vegas, November 8th, if I'm correct. [SPEAKER_00]: Dan, you also have, uh, toward last year with my life on the PTSD list, you're constantly constantly, constantly, and my special coming out on YouTube on October 8. [SPEAKER_00]: Yes, it fucking is.
[SPEAKER_00]: I just, you know, any chance to see you perform is a gift to us, but the fact that this is what you're 23rd special. [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I'm in the Guinness Book of War records for more stand-up specials that any Canadian male or female living or dead, and I know that's obnoxious. [SPEAKER_01]: But I do it because, you know, people still think that old Trump, that chicks aren't as funny. [SPEAKER_01]: They think that is really true.
[SPEAKER_01]: And so thank God for women in gay men, because I think that you're undervalued as consumers. [SPEAKER_01]: And many of the conversations with my own agents over the years have been, don't act like I'm so niche. [SPEAKER_01]: You can really, you can fill a lot of theaters with women in gay men. [SPEAKER_01]: So I don't really chase the straight guys, you know, I tried it when I was younger, I tried to branch out and do anything in that area that I could.
[SPEAKER_01]: And they still look at me going, yeah, I'd rather go see Dave Chappelle. [SPEAKER_01]: So thank you for being an incredibly loyal demographic and no to lean into your people because that's where you're gonna get the love. [SPEAKER_01]: so leave them to the folks that you know are going to show up and they're going to get it because they either get it or they don't get it, but when they get it, it is magic. [SPEAKER_00]: No, that makes so much sense.
[SPEAKER_00]: I even had someone tell me recently an agent tell me recently how I need to sort of break free of the ceiling of gay men because you can make so much more money when you do branch out and I understand that and I am absolutely trying to go for, yes and no, [SPEAKER_01]: But this house, you know, performing for women in gay men while being told, you know, I'm 64 now while being told since I was 18, you should focus more on a broader audience. [SPEAKER_01]: You know, that's great.
[SPEAKER_01]: And like I said, that's great for Dave Chappelle. [SPEAKER_01]: Dave is the number one touring artist right now. [SPEAKER_01]: And he's brilliant and Chris Rock is brilliant. [SPEAKER_01]: And all the guys out there that are the top 10 touring artists are great. [SPEAKER_01]: And [SPEAKER_01]: if you've got the stuff, though, people will find you.
[SPEAKER_01]: And like I said, if you're authentic, they'll come see you a second time because it's a rare thing to watch somebody on stage, just let it all out and let loose. [SPEAKER_01]: It's quite liberating and it's extra fun to be in an audience that is gay men and women and there's a very long line for the men's restroom and there's no [SPEAKER_01]: if you really have to pee, just go to the women's room. [SPEAKER_01]: But if you're busy, I'm grinder.
[SPEAKER_01]: Then just wait your place in line and be polite. [SPEAKER_00]: What about this re-ad comedy festival in Saudi Arabia? [SPEAKER_00]: All these huge names are performing for what some might say is a terrible government. [SPEAKER_00]: Good luck, money. [SPEAKER_00]: Blood money, if you will, what is your take on these big names doing it like Chappelle, but also there are certain people that like have queer audiences and have, yeah, of evolved comedies taking this check.
[SPEAKER_00]: What's your take? [SPEAKER_01]: Well, I have two words for you, Jamal Khashoggi. [SPEAKER_01]: And that's the Washington Post reporter that was murdered in the, I believe the offices of MBS Muhammad bin Salman, who is their leader. [SPEAKER_01]: And, you know, when that incident happened, it captured global news. [SPEAKER_01]: And it was a very big issue in America.
[SPEAKER_01]: And I would argue that the comedians that took that check to play the React Comedy Festival, which is an anomaly in itself in a bad way. [SPEAKER_01]: I think that they have blood on their hands. [SPEAKER_01]: I think it's disgusting. [SPEAKER_01]: I am shocked at some of the names and not so surprised at others, but it's a big world out there.
[SPEAKER_01]: And I know that a lot of them are now trying to backtrack or act like they just didn't know about the basic civil rights that are denied there, much less the rights of women that are stomped on. [SPEAKER_01]: I don't buy it. [SPEAKER_01]: I don't buy that Pete Davidson just looked at his itinerary. [SPEAKER_01]: And he's just the type of worker hall that just gets on the jet and goes to wherever the next gig is. [SPEAKER_01]: I think that's ignorance.
[SPEAKER_01]: There is a history of this. [SPEAKER_01]: For example, the actress, the Academy Award winning actress, Hillary Swank, did one of these gigs. [SPEAKER_01]: And then when she found out about the human rights abuses, she gave the check back. [SPEAKER_01]: So I think it's a very bad look for us and I, as a fellow comedian, I think it makes us all look bad.
[SPEAKER_01]: I think it makes, it's another thing that in on the global stage where we Americans don't look like we're number one and we're so great. [SPEAKER_01]: But I'm also pissed that I'm too delist to have been asked so I could have had the pleasure of turning them down. [SPEAKER_01]: So, you know, leave it to me to be too [SPEAKER_01]: try to say no to a terrorist, and I've come to this bit on the no-fly list. [SPEAKER_01]: So, you know, take it for me.
[SPEAKER_00]: I and I will and I'll take every inch. [SPEAKER_00]: I do think it's so interesting how while I'm sure behind the scenes, a lot of these comedians are backtracking. [SPEAKER_00]: I haven't seen too many public statements from any of them. [SPEAKER_00]: And so we're recording this, you know, right when this festival is starting. [SPEAKER_00]: And so when this episode comes out, maybe it will have passed.
[SPEAKER_00]: But I'm just curious to see if, I mean, you went through hell with all of, you know what. [SPEAKER_00]: These comedians, I'm curious to see if there's going to be a fallout in the future because people here in the States are so appalled by their decision to say yes. [SPEAKER_01]: Well, I can say this. [SPEAKER_01]: I can say the way to handle the fallout, if you feel strongly that they should not have gone, it's just don't bite tickets to their show and just don't, you know?
[SPEAKER_01]: I think that right now we're in a place where politically the other team has the trifecta, the house, the Senate, and the Oval Office. [SPEAKER_01]: And I think the best way we can resist is with our wallets. [SPEAKER_01]: So while normally, I would be sitting here saying, don't go see a music act, don't go see a play, go see a comedian, comedians work really hard and we, the good ones write all their own stuff, I've never had a writer and never will.
[SPEAKER_01]: And so I'm sorry to say that I think the best way to protest [SPEAKER_01]: The comics that went over there is not to let them get away with acting like they just didn't know it's such a big issue. [SPEAKER_01]: I don't see how you cannot have been paying attention to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi as well as other basic civil rights that are robbed of innocent people and to try to act like well. [SPEAKER_01]: I wanted to be an ambassador of democracy by going, I think that's BS.
[SPEAKER_01]: I think there should be a line and it's MBS, that's how much BS that is. [SPEAKER_01]: And so I think we'll get to see if there's going to be any follow-up. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, some people are just Teflon. [SPEAKER_01]: I think Chappelle will be just fine because he's so talented that people will kind of forget.
[SPEAKER_01]: But it will take a minute, I think, and I also don't think at this moment that we're taping this, that I don't think all of those comedians know what a bad fuck up it is. [SPEAKER_01]: I think if you're over there and you're that ignorant, then you're just there thinking, wow, I travel halfway across the world because I'm so desired that they want to see my comedic skills here. [SPEAKER_01]: When really, I just think it makes Americans look ignorant.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, yeah, and it's kind of back in the day. [SPEAKER_00]: This is like, at least a decade ago, there was some girl that tweeted something sort of stupid, and then she took an international flight to like, let's say it's South Africa. [SPEAKER_00]: And by the time the flight took off, she, the tweet had gone viral. [SPEAKER_00]: She was canceled, she had lost her job, and then when she turned her phone on, when landing, it was all brought to her attention.
[SPEAKER_00]: So that it would not surprise me if some of these comedians had a similar experience where they came back and they said, oh shit. [SPEAKER_00]: what have I done. [SPEAKER_00]: Another take I want from you is speaking of talking, talking about going to see other shows, the Wizard of Oz has been playing at this sphere. [SPEAKER_00]: Is this something that you support or is it against your religion? [SPEAKER_01]: I supported and I'll tell you why.
[SPEAKER_01]: I went to see the backstory boys. [SPEAKER_01]: I know we're getting gayer. [SPEAKER_01]: I went to see the backstory boys at the sphere and I'm not someone to talk up a venue. [SPEAKER_01]: Like to me, venues are why you should go to a concert. [SPEAKER_01]: But it really was special. [SPEAKER_01]: I'm also like a huge backstory boys fan. [SPEAKER_01]: I know all the songs. [SPEAKER_01]: I know them.
[SPEAKER_01]: You know, we go way back, I've introduced them at award shows, et cetera. [SPEAKER_01]: And they're a bunch of hard working guys and the show was great. [SPEAKER_01]: And so I say give it a chance what I don't like is that they don't show the whole film. [SPEAKER_01]: So that's where to play with a piece of art like that.
[SPEAKER_01]: But because I had such a cool experience at the sphere and further maybe the first time in my career, I felt like the venue was a character in the concert. [SPEAKER_01]: And I felt like it did elevate the concert. [SPEAKER_01]: And this was like I said, a group I've seen live probably 15 times. [SPEAKER_01]: And so I would give it a shot, but I don't like that they spliced out some of the movie. [SPEAKER_01]: That's what's weird to me. [SPEAKER_01]: What about you?
[SPEAKER_00]: I totally feel. [SPEAKER_00]: Well, so I actually saw the Wizard of Oz at this sphere because I am married to a Judy Garland obsessed queen and we went the opening weekend and here's here's my honest take is that absolutely [SPEAKER_00]: your gay veins are firing in all cylinders when you see it the tornado makes it worth admission alone.
[SPEAKER_00]: However, my takeaway when I got out of that sphere was a, then cutting it down made no sense, but b. [SPEAKER_00]: I almost would have rather have seen Backstreet Boys because if I'm going to this fear, I want to see the fucking crazy graphics and the like feel like I'm on Shrooms the entire time and maybe I should see Backstreet Boys on Shrooms, but I'm so glad I went and saw the Wizard of Oz.
[SPEAKER_00]: It was worth it for my husband's happiness and two things can exist, which is that I maybe would have had more of an enjoyable experience at the Backstreet Boys, and that's my take. [SPEAKER_01]: Well, I do think you should see the backstreet boys. [SPEAKER_01]: They actually have a residency there now. [SPEAKER_01]: It's been so successful. [SPEAKER_01]: And I do think you should be on Shrooms. [SPEAKER_00]: I agree, 10 out of 10 times. [SPEAKER_00]: I should be on Shrooms.
[SPEAKER_00]: I also want to talk to you. [SPEAKER_00]: Since we brought up my life in the dealess briefly, [SPEAKER_00]: My favorite part of the show was of course when your parents were featured and we all, at any point I get a chance to call up to you. [SPEAKER_01]: John and Matt, they're on a deal. [SPEAKER_01]: John and Matt, you loved it. [SPEAKER_01]: Always who they were. [SPEAKER_01]: Always genuine. [SPEAKER_01]: Love to being dealless celebrities themselves.
[SPEAKER_01]: Love getting recognized at the gay Starbucks and we hope if you know, you know, and, you know, truly did go to gay bars for happy hour because they had the best food. [SPEAKER_01]: The best appetizers. [SPEAKER_01]: And so my parents lived in West Hollywood. [SPEAKER_01]: They would go to the Halloween parade before it became this big commercial thing now, where they closed off the streets.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, when my parents and I would go to gay Halloween on Santa Monica Boulevard, it was so back in the day that like, Queens would be jumping on car hoods going, you're not in Kansas anymore, Mary. [SPEAKER_01]: And my parents would have a few, you know, a sips of their box of wine, or it might have still been too bucked chuck at the time. [SPEAKER_01]: And they would just be hammered and loving the show of it all.
[SPEAKER_01]: And my father would say, you know, Kathleen, those homosexuals, they really know how to put on a show. [SPEAKER_01]: They were committed, were committed with their costumes. [SPEAKER_01]: And they were wings, some of them were wings, that I've noticed the carpentry on those wooden wings, [SPEAKER_00]: a straight man. [SPEAKER_01]: That's a good straight man is brought up on this pot. [SPEAKER_00]: We have to really take space for them because.
[SPEAKER_00]: they really are can be few and far between. [SPEAKER_00]: And the fact that your parents, you know, raised you in your siblings in the Midwest, which is, of course, a place that is not canonically the most open to gaze. [SPEAKER_00]: The fact that then your parents could be, we hope, cleans themselves. [SPEAKER_00]: Yes. [SPEAKER_00]: Talking about the carpentry of the private parade. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, would you if you were a pro.
[SPEAKER_01]: I just read a minute because what I'm so proud of is that on my life on the deal list, my mom and dad never came out and said, we are gay allies. [SPEAKER_01]: We wanted to warn they just were like, they just.
[SPEAKER_01]: never discriminate because it didn't really occur to them to discriminate and that's what I think made that show special is honestly if it wasn't for my parents I don't know what I would have done because not only did they ground with the show but I was so honored and flattered when they would focus group the show and of course I would rate horribly because I'm annoying and I have an annoying voice and my hair is red and everything else.
[SPEAKER_01]: But people loved John and Maggie. [SPEAKER_01]: And I think one thing that was really special in the reason so many gay men come up to me and say, I came out to my mom during watching my life on the deal of the store. [SPEAKER_01]: It helped start a conversation with my dad.
[SPEAKER_01]: Is they got to see these Midwestern Irish Catholic drunks from Forest Park, Illinois, just just [SPEAKER_01]: Practicing more than acceptance really celebrating the culture and that's what I also like is I don't like when we talk about acceptance being the goal like let's raise the bar Let's celebrate a culture that has is a fully formed culture and needs to be celebrated and right now politically is in true danger So I also because of Trump.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm gonna need you to send me your gay card. [SPEAKER_00]: Exactly. [SPEAKER_01]: You can't be gaining more. [SPEAKER_01]: Sorry. [SPEAKER_01]: That's over [SPEAKER_01]: And the husband, that's over. [SPEAKER_01]: So give it give it two seconds. [SPEAKER_00]: We had a good run, Kath. [SPEAKER_00]: We had a good run. [SPEAKER_00]: We tried. [SPEAKER_00]: When you're talking about your parents, so it makes me tear up a little because I think I had never really dissected why.
[SPEAKER_00]: That show meant so much to me. [SPEAKER_00]: But I watched it when I was closeted in St. [SPEAKER_00]: Louis. [SPEAKER_00]: And I thought in a way, I was seeing you with your parents celebrating how unique you are. [SPEAKER_00]: And of course, all of the gaze are constantly surrounded by.
[SPEAKER_00]: And I think in a way, I was being told subconsciously that you're going to be okay, that you are going to be in a place that is Celebrating it, just like you're saying not just accepting and not just Right, so my dad would have thrown a punch for one of my gay friends. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah [SPEAKER_01]: That's just, yeah, that's just who they were. [SPEAKER_01]: And it goes against the church, allegedly, although it's not even, there's the word homosexuals not in the Bible at all.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm actually reading a really good book about it right now called The Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugal saying, and he's another straight ally, and he's very smart. [SPEAKER_01]: But my parents really, just, I don't know, they didn't, they wouldn't judge someone for that. [SPEAKER_01]: And by the way, they weren't judging. [SPEAKER_01]: Like, don't, I'm not saying they weren't judging.
[SPEAKER_01]: But I mean, there's one episode I remember where I had a contest to have someone come and stay at my house for the weekend and I was so green I didn't even occur to me to get like a fake house like the Kardashians like I actually have a stranger. [SPEAKER_01]: just come and stay at my house for the weekend, and he was disappointed that I wasn't ginger-spice. [SPEAKER_01]: So he told me that several times, which was a tough pill as well, and I've swallowed a few.
[SPEAKER_01]: And yet my mom did an interview that cracks me up when I think about it to this day, and she's going, I don't know. [SPEAKER_01]: This gay is just, he's not like the other gay's right now. [SPEAKER_01]: He's the different kind of gay. [SPEAKER_01]: He doesn't seem to be as excited about the things the gay's like.
[SPEAKER_01]: And she just went on and on in a way that you probably couldn't get away with now because, you know, she wasn't using the correct language, but she was an e-braided at the time and filled with drunken gay love. [SPEAKER_00]: And that is the way we like to see Maggie. [SPEAKER_00]: I wonder if that guy was actually in fact gay or just wanted it, it was, you know, wanted to nice pad to stay out for the weekend. [SPEAKER_01]: It was, I hooked him up.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, he had a beautiful guest room with his own balcony. [SPEAKER_01]: We went to an award show. [SPEAKER_01]: I gave him my gift bag, I'd back in the day when there used to give you a gift bag just to present an award show. [SPEAKER_01]: And I don't know Jerry how well. [SPEAKER_01]: I wish I could have hung out with changes spice. [SPEAKER_01]: I would like to. [SPEAKER_01]: But I kept trying to figure out ways to make him happy. [SPEAKER_01]: And he wanted a different ginger.
[SPEAKER_01]: And that is the plan of the ginger. [SPEAKER_01]: Sometimes we're not a monologue. [SPEAKER_00]: Well, did you see on TikTok that gingers are considered now to be black people? [SPEAKER_01]: Not only did I see it, I flew to Vegas to make a video about it with Kiritop.
[SPEAKER_01]: So that's how much I will commit to a bit because I call them and he's an old friend of mine and I said, you know, I don't mean to brag, but you and I are kind of the OG Grand Puba of, you know, the ginger male and female archetype, at least in comedy. [SPEAKER_01]: And so I said, we should do a video together. [SPEAKER_01]: And so one half of the screen was that woman with her bonnet on talking about how if you're talking [SPEAKER_01]: And they're white.
[SPEAKER_01]: You are talking to a black person. [SPEAKER_01]: And it's just carrot top. [SPEAKER_01]: And I just go, I'm just taking it all in and going, we're home. [SPEAKER_00]: Oh, man, you know, carrots top. [SPEAKER_01]: It's so cool that now that we're invited to the cook out, it doesn't mean we can make anything, but we are allowed to bring plates and cutlery. [SPEAKER_00]: And you know what, it is an honor for you to be at the table.
[SPEAKER_00]: And maybe you'll be inspired to season your food more, because apparently we are not seasoning our food enough. [SPEAKER_00]: And we're always listening and learning. [SPEAKER_00]: We are always listening and learning. [SPEAKER_00]: Always listening and learning.
[SPEAKER_00]: Since we have only a bit of time left, I want to make sure to get into another Kathy Griffin hot take, which is since we're recording this when the news has been breaking on Nicole Kidman and Keith Erbin, getting divorced after about 20 years of marriage. [SPEAKER_00]: Um, who do you think is going to get the hair colorist? [SPEAKER_01]: I think she isn't gonna get the hair color, I just don't tell you why.
[SPEAKER_01]: Kidman has something that you can never take away from her, which is she's got the I survived the side ties. [SPEAKER_01]: And by that, I mean the Scientologists. [SPEAKER_01]: So she survived the time crews. [SPEAKER_01]: You don't just break up with time crews. [SPEAKER_01]: You run, you run for your life, and she got out of that situation that I don't think anybody wanted her in. [SPEAKER_01]: And so I, if I have to pick a team, I'm Team Kidman.
[SPEAKER_01]: And I even named one of my specials, Kathy Griffin is not Nicole Kidman. [SPEAKER_01]: And I did ask her to do the opening voice over. [SPEAKER_01]: And of course, she said no. [SPEAKER_01]: And yet I'm Team Kidman. [SPEAKER_01]: And I also seemed to recall Keith Urban. [SPEAKER_01]: I believe having a crack cocaine and sex worker addiction issue, which I feel that if she was able to get over that, then he must have fucked up. [SPEAKER_01]: Is where I'm going with it.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm blaming him and I have no evidence to support it. [SPEAKER_00]: Well, we always blame the straight man, uh, and I mean, Keith Urban, I don't know. [SPEAKER_00]: He is one of the most feminine straight men, and I'm a single straight man can't be feminine, but but he can straighten the shit out of his hair. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, he can flat iron his hair like I wish.
[SPEAKER_00]: I truly, yeah, it's giving, it is giving crampocles, um, do you think that so then Nicole Kidman, I mean, she has had a harrowing relationship herstery, I do you think she's going to have another high profile marriage or do you think that she's going to be done with it and go for a normie or just go single lesbian? [SPEAKER_01]: I think she's going to go high power because I think it's all she knows and I think she can have to pick up the letter.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, she really is perfect. [SPEAKER_01]: She's not just a gorgeous Barbie doll. [SPEAKER_01]: She is such a gifted actress and she's Australian and the Australians lover because she's got kind of that Australian. [SPEAKER_01]: No nonsense. [SPEAKER_01]: Take the piss out of things attitude. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah. [SPEAKER_01]: So I think she's going to be fine and I think he's going to spiral.
[SPEAKER_00]: Which, you know, I think straight men are want to do, and it's because they fucked up can't because they fucked up and they continue to. [SPEAKER_00]: Oh, by the way, I want to make sure I shut out my parents are not John and Maggie, but they are incredible parents that have embraced my gay ass self. [SPEAKER_00]: And I just want to make sure that I don't shut them out enough, and so I want to make sure on this Kathy Griffin episode to do so.
[SPEAKER_01]: Tell my said hello and give them a big hug for me. [SPEAKER_00]: Oh, I absolutely, absolutely, well, finally you are a gay icon because of 25 different reasons, but I think that your icon status has recently been elevated with your second divorce. [SPEAKER_00]: Are you going for the Elizabeth Taylor A? [SPEAKER_01]: Yes, I'd like at least eight divorces and like I said, I went on the dating apps as myself. [SPEAKER_01]: I did not use a pseudonym or go with like an animated photo.
[SPEAKER_01]: I went on dating apps as Kathy Griffin and my opening line on the descriptor was I promised not to cut your head off. [SPEAKER_01]: which, you know, I have her story about that as well. [SPEAKER_01]: And so I thought I was being very open and kind by promising not to decapitate anybody. [SPEAKER_01]: And it was like I said, it was fun, but I'm putting the [SPEAKER_01]: just a old half-wrought banana or an eggplant because I have to use those condoms.
[SPEAKER_01]: They're in my purse everywhere I go. [SPEAKER_01]: And the lube just because when you're a girl, there's a doctor visit afterwards. [SPEAKER_01]: I don't want going to it, but it's not pleasant. [SPEAKER_01]: And so I'm ready to go, bring on the eight husbands, but let's make it nine. [SPEAKER_00]: Sure, we always want to, you know, go above and beyond. [SPEAKER_00]: Um, as a US, I feel like I have a yenta inside of me, I always love to match makes.
[SPEAKER_00]: If I come across any straight men who I think can live up to the Kathy Griffin or I will send, um, are you, what are you trying to manifest in terms of the type of man? [SPEAKER_00]: Do you want someone in the biz or are you looking for someone outside the biz? [SPEAKER_00]: Do you have any sort of direction you would like to go when it comes to your man?
[SPEAKER_01]: I want it to be financially secure and not have to live off me and a guy that I don't have to employ from him to make money nor do and I want a guy that will pick up the tab every single time we got to eat and be able to take me on a vacation at the four seasons because I have taken many, many men to many restaurants and many fancy vacations and I want [SPEAKER_01]: And already has a life. [SPEAKER_01]: And that's that's it. [SPEAKER_01]: I don't care about looks.
[SPEAKER_01]: I don't care about age. [SPEAKER_01]: But he's got to have his own life. [SPEAKER_01]: So he's that fucking the life out of mine. [SPEAKER_00]: 100% and I'm going to take that, put it into my magic, gay, juey aura, and put it out into the world that that man is on his way to you and you are going to be sitting at a gorgeous meal and watch with beautiful clarity as he takes his wallet out and you keep your purse hanging on that chair.
[SPEAKER_01]: I might faint, but I look forward to it. [SPEAKER_00]: Well, listen, Kathy Griffin, it has been a gosh darn treat to have you on the PS podcast. [SPEAKER_01]: This is a love story. [SPEAKER_00]: I think so too. [SPEAKER_00]: I think the universe brought us together. [SPEAKER_00]: And I think this is the beginning of our love story. [SPEAKER_00]: And I cannot wait to see how the pages turn. [SPEAKER_00]: But before we finish, I'd like to ask you the final gay-outs podcast question.
[SPEAKER_00]: I ask all of our steamed guests, which is... [SPEAKER_00]: If the world was ending, you could only save one character actress, who would you say, um... [SPEAKER_01]: Oh, this is so tough because that's that's my area of women to worship. [SPEAKER_01]: All right, um, who plays Mrs. Maysle Rachel, uh, pros and a hand. [SPEAKER_01]: Yes, I think I'm Jane Lynch. [SPEAKER_01]: I mean, I could go at Megan Malali. [SPEAKER_01]: I, I could go on.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, most of them are my, my girlfriends, Lisa Coudreau. [SPEAKER_01]: Uh, okay, but I'll go with I'll go with Rachel. [SPEAKER_01]: Love this is also an amazing series actress and of course I love Mrs. Maisel. [SPEAKER_01]: I love the show a gene smart I mean, I can't decide, but okay. [SPEAKER_01]: I'll stick with Rachel [SPEAKER_00]: Well, you've listed all incredible character actresses.
[SPEAKER_00]: And so, we knew the tastes would be there, but it's just an honor to hear you even utter the names of these character actresses that we love. [SPEAKER_00]: And Kathy Griffin, we gay ass listeners, gay ass people, and smart strates adore you. [SPEAKER_00]: And are so excited for this new face new tour. [SPEAKER_00]: My life on the PTSD list, you're 23rd special. [SPEAKER_00]: By the way, we are huge sub-stecker, at least here at gay ass podcast, and you're gonna do sub-steck too.
[SPEAKER_00]: I know your new sub stack is excellent. [SPEAKER_00]: So maybe you and I can do like a a sub stack Something or something. [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, we'll do a live-on Let's do a live together. [SPEAKER_01]: I would love that.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, I'm actually doing literally doing one tonight So I do them all the time and I would love to be a dream to do one with you Kathy, can you please tell our listeners where to follow you and anything else you would like to plug or that I did not land on [SPEAKER_01]: Okay, the most important thing is to watch the new special Kathy Griffin my life on the PTSD list on October 8th on YouTube.
[SPEAKER_01]: And then run in my tickets to Kathy Griffin dot com or wherever you buy tickets to one of the cities from my tour, which is called new face, new tour, because I just got a face left three months ago. [SPEAKER_01]: And I'm from marrying it to the world. [SPEAKER_01]: And I am coming to the real America on this tour. [SPEAKER_01]: So I'm just telling you, [SPEAKER_01]: Jacksonville, Florida, I'm coming. [SPEAKER_01]: And I will not be holding back about Trump or anything.
[SPEAKER_01]: And of course, I'll give you the celebrity gossip in the stories and come see me live. [SPEAKER_01]: Other than that, follow me on sub-stack Patreon, TikTok, Instagram, everything but next. [SPEAKER_00]: everything, but X, all those links are in the description. [SPEAKER_00]: Go support Kathy. [SPEAKER_00]: We adore you, and I just cannot say enough good things about what you've done for me and what you continue to do for our community and for the world.
[SPEAKER_00]: So thank you, Kathy Griffin, and I will see you for another gay-ass gossip session. [SPEAKER_01]: I can't wait. [SPEAKER_01]: Alright, thank you, Eric. [SPEAKER_01]: Thank you so much, you guys. [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you so much for joining me on that's a gay-ass podcast for this her historic episode. [SPEAKER_00]: I think talking to Kathy Griffin has made my entire year and if you enjoyed it, please spread the word tag her tag me on Instagram and go to Substack like we said.
[SPEAKER_00]: Substack is the tips. [SPEAKER_00]: This week's bonus episode for gay-ass podcast is with Gabe Gonzalez, a stand-up comedian in New York City. [SPEAKER_00]: He's incredibly smart and incredibly sexy and the stories are wild like he work as a porn editor and got splashed during one of the shoots. [SPEAKER_00]: That's at substeck.com slash at Eric Wills and hopefully I'll make that live interview with Kathy Happen on Substeck as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: So go subscribe, support, and thank you for being here. [SPEAKER_00]: I just can't believe it happened as Anne Hathaway said. [SPEAKER_00]: It came true. [SPEAKER_00]: Stay gay. [UNKNOWN]: Bye. [SPEAKER_00]: You've been listening to that's a gay ass podcast hosted by me, Eric Williams. [SPEAKER_00]: If you want to see it here more, make sure you subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and follow the Instagram at gay ass podcast.
[SPEAKER_00]: For more gay ass, or either real girlies or over unsubstack, where you get bonus episodes every single week and live chats with me and other gay ass guests, that's a gay ass podcast is executive produced by Eric Williams and produced by the