Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
Amy Poehler sits down with comedy veteran Keenan Thompson for a wide-ranging conversation about his lengthy career on Saturday Night Live, his childhood beginnings in Atlanta, and the strong bonds he shares with fellow cast members like Maya Rudolph. The two reminisce about their early days on the late-night sketch show, wild nights out in New York, and the unique etiquette required on professional sets. Throughout the episode, Thompson explains how his laid-back approach to the industry has helped him navigate more than two decades in comedy, while Poehler reflects on the deep impact his timeless characters and warm presence have had on her life and career.
The episode opens with eBay Live sponsorship, followed by the host’s greeting and a brief introduction of the guest, Kenan Thompson.
The host welcomes listeners, teases the conversation about Eddie Murphy, ice skating, and red‑carpet sunglasses, and introduces Maya Rudolph as the pre‑show guest.
The host announces Kenan Thompson’s arrival and the start of the main interview, setting the stage for a deep dive into his career.
Kenan discusses his early life, first performances, and the moment he joined SNL, highlighting his natural chemistry with Maya.
The conversation explores Kenan’s family background, his influences like Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor, and how humor runs in his household.
Kenan talks about learning to ice skate for the Mighty Ducks, his experience on set, and how skating informs his comedic timing.
Kenan reflects on his audition nerves, the chemistry that landed him a spot, and the importance of presence over content.
The episode concludes with final sponsor spots and the host’s closing remarks, wrapping up the conversation.
Kenan discusses his current work, future plans, and how he continues to evolve as a performer.
They recall the hectic early morning call that kept them up and the aftermath of a late-night party.
Amy and Keenan talk about Maya’s influence, the SNL family, and Keenan’s gratitude for the cast.
Keenan discusses working with Eddie Murphy on a Scared Straight sketch for the 50th anniversary.
The Gingerbread Man Awakeningstory
Keenan Thompson recalls his first awakening to performing when he played a gingerbread man in a kindergarten play and heard the audience laugh.
Thompson explains how he ended up playing the dog Toto in a church play on the South Side of Atlanta because all the other parts were taken.
Chris Farley Destroys a Cakestory
Thompson shares an incredible anecdote about Chris Farley committing fully to a messy cake scene on a Nickelodeon set and leaving immediately after.
Ice Skating in the Black Communityinsight
Thompson discusses pride in his rare ice-skating abilities as an African American performer who learned the skill during his time filming hockey movies.
Pretending to Be the Black Eyed Peasstory
Poehler and Thompson laugh about being severely hungover after a late night out at Bungalow Eight and having to film a sketch as the Black Eyed Peas on a closed highway.
Bringing Legends into Scared Straightinsight
Thompson talks about the surreal experience of having comedy icons like Eddie Murphy and Will Ferrell participate in his Scared Straight sketch for the SNL 50th anniversary.
“I think some of my most fun and most tender and funniest moments are watching the two of you perform.”
“try to do as well as you can in anything you're given.”
“But what you realize is, the people that last the longest are not the ones that celebrate the hardest.”
“pick up the pieces and like, let's keep it pushing, kind of thing, because you can dwell on it if you want”
“pulling me out of the fog of Tuesday night and getting something done in my first week.”
“God bless her, man. I love her too.”
Kenan Thompson showed up in some Gucci glasses. Amy hangs with the 'SNL' star and talks about what he brought to his role as Toto, over-tapping T. C., and wearing a will.i.am wig while very hungover. Host: Amy PoehlerGuests: Maya Rudolph and Kenan ThompsonExecutive Producers: Bill Simmons, Amy Poehler, and Jenna Weiss-BermanFor Paper Kite Productions: Executive producer Jenna Weiss-Berman, coordinator Sam Green, and supervising producer Joel LovellFor The Ringer: Supervising producers Juliet Litman, Sean Fennessey, and Mallory Rubin; video producers Jack Wilson, Belle Roman, and Aleya Zenieris; lighting director Caroline Jannace; audio producer Kaya McMullen; social producer Bridget Geerlings; video editor Drew van Steenbergen; and bookers Kat Spillane and Paige GarbariniOriginal Music: Amy Miles This episode is brought to you by Uber Eats. Stock up on glue sticks, pens, and other back-to-school essentials from your favorite brands for $5 or less on Uber Eats. Order now https://www.ubereats.com/ This episode is brought to you by Subaru. Love goes the extra mile in the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and Subaru Forester Hybrid. Visit https://subaru.com/hybrid to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
13,325 words · 8 speakers
Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated