What do you do when life doesn't go according to plan that moment you lose a job, or a loved one, or even a piece of yourself. I'm Brookshields and this is now What, a podcast about pivotal moments as told by people who lived them. Each week, I sit down with a guest to talk about the times they were knocked off course and what they did to move forward. Some stories are funny, others are gut wrenching, but all are unapologetically human and remind us that every success and every setback is accompanied by a choice, and that choice answers one question. Now, what one of the guys that moved me into my dorm room freshman week, freshman day, he's now working there and he drives by in the car and he goes, Shields, get in the god Carney boy, you took me to Huahwah. I got me a subway.

What do you do when life doesn't go according to plan that moment you lose a job, or a loved one, or even a piece of yourself. I'm Brookshields and this is now What, a podcast about pivotal moments as told by people who lived them. Each week, I sit down with a guest to talk about the times they were knocked off course and what they did to move forward. Some stories are funny, others are gut wrenching, but all are unapologetically human and remind us that every success and every setback is accompanied by a choice, and that choice answers one question. Now, what one of the guys that moved me into my dorm room freshman week, freshman day, he's now working there and he drives by in the car and he goes, Shields, get in the god Carney boy, you took me to Huahwah. I got me a subway.

Now.

Now.

It was like you're.

It was like you're.

Eating this right now, a Wawa subway sandwich. Heals all wounds. It is that there's nothing. And I don't know how recently you've been back. They've now changed the wabble, or they've remodeled, they've reloaded that.

Eating this right now, a Wawa subway sandwich. Heals all wounds. It is that there's nothing. And I don't know how recently you've been back. They've now changed the wabble, or they've remodeled, they've reloaded that.

Well, they moved the trend, didn't they moved the station or they.

Well, they moved the trend, didn't they moved the station or they.

Moved a whole dinky station I think, and the wah wah with it. But there is nothing. I mean, you can't compare Princeton reunions. I don't know how that statement sounds, but it is what it is to anything. I mean, it's like the Kentucky Derby.

Moved a whole dinky station I think, and the wah wah with it. But there is nothing. I mean, you can't compare Princeton reunions. I don't know how that statement sounds, but it is what it is to anything. I mean, it's like the Kentucky Derby.

Do you know it's the It's the second largest amount of alcohol consumed. Oh lord, next to yep, second only to the DY five hundred?

Do you know it's the It's the second largest amount of alcohol consumed. Oh lord, next to yep, second only to the DY five hundred?

Are you kidding?

Are you kidding?

So there? I was close.

So there? I was close.

I was close with that comparison.

I was close with that comparison.

My guest today is Elliet Kemper, an actor and author, a podcast host, a wife, a mother, and, as you'll hear us discuss throughout this episode, a proud Princeton, a lion. Like many of you, I fell in love with the contagious optimism she portrayed through her roles and shows like The Office and Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt, And though I personally didn't know Ellie before this interview, I was thrilled to discover that she exudes the best parts of her most iconic characters. She's hilarious, she's gracious, resilient, and downright impressive. So, without further ado, here is Ellie Kemper. Ellie Kemper, Hello, I am so happy you wanted to do the show. Obviously, I'm a huge fan. My gosh. I also love that I'm speaking with a fellow Princetonian.

My guest today is Elliet Kemper, an actor and author, a podcast host, a wife, a mother, and, as you'll hear us discuss throughout this episode, a proud Princeton, a lion. Like many of you, I fell in love with the contagious optimism she portrayed through her roles and shows like The Office and Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt, And though I personally didn't know Ellie before this interview, I was thrilled to discover that she exudes the best parts of her most iconic characters. She's hilarious, she's gracious, resilient, and downright impressive. So, without further ado, here is Ellie Kemper. Ellie Kemper, Hello, I am so happy you wanted to do the show. Obviously, I'm a huge fan. My gosh. I also love that I'm speaking with a fellow Princetonian.

I am so happy to be a guest on your show. I am the enormous fan of you. So I'm not even looking you in the eye right now. I'm looking off to the side of my laptop. But the Princeton Vaughn dies hard.

I am so happy to be a guest on your show. I am the enormous fan of you. So I'm not even looking you in the eye right now. I'm looking off to the side of my laptop. But the Princeton Vaughn dies hard.

Have they ever asked you to speak at commencement? Yes?

Have they ever asked you to speak at commencement? Yes?

I y And actually I'm sort of embarrassed to not know. Did you You must have spoken several times.

I y And actually I'm sort of embarrassed to not know. Did you You must have spoken several times.

No, it just just once. And Andrew Dureki, who's also a past Princetonian, he talked me into doing it because I was just I was sort of obliterated by fear and it was just one of those things when I just I wanted to be funny and I wanted to and I just wanted to, you know, it was such an important time for me. Have you been back lately?

No, it just just once. And Andrew Dureki, who's also a past Princetonian, he talked me into doing it because I was just I was sort of obliterated by fear and it was just one of those things when I just I wanted to be funny and I wanted to and I just wanted to, you know, it was such an important time for me. Have you been back lately?

So I just celebrated my twentieth reunion last year in twenty twenty two. I know and so I live in New York. So I went for the day.

So I just celebrated my twentieth reunion last year in twenty twenty two. I know and so I live in New York. So I went for the day.

Did you alone or did you bring your husband or my husbands stayed at home. I brought my best friend who also went to Princeton. Her name is Joe, and we went together. And I can't imagine what it's like for you. Have you been back to reunions. I've gone back to the big ones. But I had my thirty fifth. So I'm I'm well. And you know, it's funny because my mom, my, my mom, listen to me. Oh, she she wants to be in every conversation even though she's dead. She's died.

Did you alone or did you bring your husband or my husbands stayed at home. I brought my best friend who also went to Princeton. Her name is Joe, and we went together. And I can't imagine what it's like for you. Have you been back to reunions. I've gone back to the big ones. But I had my thirty fifth. So I'm I'm well. And you know, it's funny because my mom, my, my mom, listen to me. Oh, she she wants to be in every conversation even though she's dead. She's died.

Well, I'm sorry, but yes, that's so.

Well, I'm sorry, but yes, that's so.

That's Wendy Williams. When she's talked about her mom, she goes she's died. So I went. So I said to my husband, Okay, I'm gonna go. And he's like, look, why don't you just go alone for the first day and then I'll come the next day and bring the kids or whatever. And I was like, okay, all right, I just I'm not gonna stay long. And then at every tent I kept saying, okay, I'm not, I'm not I'm not gonna stay a long I'm not gonna stay long four o'clock in the morning. I am like meandering, not in a straight line.

That's Wendy Williams. When she's talked about her mom, she goes she's died. So I went. So I said to my husband, Okay, I'm gonna go. And he's like, look, why don't you just go alone for the first day and then I'll come the next day and bring the kids or whatever. And I was like, okay, all right, I just I'm not gonna stay long. And then at every tent I kept saying, okay, I'm not, I'm not I'm not gonna stay a long I'm not gonna stay long four o'clock in the morning. I am like meandering, not in a straight line.

And the guy, one of.

And the guy, one of.

The guys that moved me into my dorm room freshman week, freshman day, he's now working there, and he drives by in the car and he goes shields, get in the goddamn car. And I was like, but I nice man.

The guys that moved me into my dorm room freshman week, freshman day, he's now working there, and he drives by in the car and he goes shields, get in the goddamn car. And I was like, but I nice man.

And I was like, oh god, he.

And I was like, oh god, he.

Goes, some thing's never changed. Getting the goddamn carney boy. He took me to it, got me in a subway. It was like, you're yeating this right now.

Goes, some thing's never changed. Getting the goddamn carney boy. He took me to it, got me in a subway. It was like, you're yeating this right now.

Yep, a wah wah subway sandwich. Heals all wounds.

Yep, a wah wah subway sandwich. Heals all wounds.

If you say the wah wah wighs the way to go. People understand you wholeheartedly. What did did you always want to go there? I?

If you say the wah wah wighs the way to go. People understand you wholeheartedly. What did did you always want to go there? I?

And oh is the answered? No, it wasn't.

And oh is the answered? No, it wasn't.

I didn't.

I didn't.

I mean, I don't know what your thought process was. I mean, you and I had very different childhood experience.

I mean, I don't know what your thought process was. I mean, you and I had very different childhood experience.

Tell me about your but I so what.

Tell me about your but I so what.

I wasn't instantly recognizable to you every person on the globe. But I didn't really give too much thought about where I wanted to go to college. I knew I wanted to go to college in the Northeast, and I when I visited Princeton, I mean, it's iconic, it's gorgeous, it's stunning, it's beautiful, and there was a comb anas I played field hockey. I knew that. You know, Princeton had these great theater You were also in the Triangle Club, which is a theater musical theater group at Princeton for those of us who don't know what that is. And I and I just I had such a great experience visiting and then I got in and I and I accepted. But it wasn't a life long whatever dream. It just felt like I felt very lucky to be able to go there.

I wasn't instantly recognizable to you every person on the globe. But I didn't really give too much thought about where I wanted to go to college. I knew I wanted to go to college in the Northeast, and I when I visited Princeton, I mean, it's iconic, it's gorgeous, it's stunning, it's beautiful, and there was a comb anas I played field hockey. I knew that. You know, Princeton had these great theater You were also in the Triangle Club, which is a theater musical theater group at Princeton for those of us who don't know what that is. And I and I just I had such a great experience visiting and then I got in and I and I accepted. But it wasn't a life long whatever dream. It just felt like I felt very lucky to be able to go there.

Now you grew up, you grew up in Saint Louis.

Now you grew up, you grew up in Saint Louis.

I grew up in Saint Louis, and uh yes, I went to I live there all my life and in fact, I mean until I graduated high school and in fact, my experience leaving for college. This is one thing that I don't want to like forget, which is that I was profoundly homesick. My first song too, oh it was my sobbed and I was like, you know, I'm just I remember going home for Christmas break, but I brought all of my laundry with me, but like not to do it at home in Saint Louis. But because I was like, well, I'm not I'm not going back, Like in my head it was a weird I wasn't consciously doing but but I sort of was because it. I remember thinking for the first time I realized that the Midwest is a different uh reagion from the rest of the country. Because when I went to for instance, I said, I remember checking my mom on the phone and I was like, Mom, it is you know. I say hello to people here, like passing them on campus, and they do not smile back. And I remember feeling like this is so different now, like why are people saying hi?

I grew up in Saint Louis, and uh yes, I went to I live there all my life and in fact, I mean until I graduated high school and in fact, my experience leaving for college. This is one thing that I don't want to like forget, which is that I was profoundly homesick. My first song too, oh it was my sobbed and I was like, you know, I'm just I remember going home for Christmas break, but I brought all of my laundry with me, but like not to do it at home in Saint Louis. But because I was like, well, I'm not I'm not going back, Like in my head it was a weird I wasn't consciously doing but but I sort of was because it. I remember thinking for the first time I realized that the Midwest is a different uh reagion from the rest of the country. Because when I went to for instance, I said, I remember checking my mom on the phone and I was like, Mom, it is you know. I say hello to people here, like passing them on campus, and they do not smile back. And I remember feeling like this is so different now, like why are people saying hi?

But did you feel like Saint Louis. So I'm born and raised in Manhattan, right, and that has shaped me undoubtedly. How do you think Saint Louis has shaped you as a child.

But did you feel like Saint Louis. So I'm born and raised in Manhattan, right, and that has shaped me undoubtedly. How do you think Saint Louis has shaped you as a child.

I feel very lucky that I grew up there. I grew up in a suburb of Saint Louis. I had a very lucky childhood I had. I have a wonderful, supportive family. I have three siblings, two parents. I went to an excellent school. I have a kind of I recognize how lucky I was, and I have maybe a childhood that would make other people angry because there weren't any major traumas. And I feel like living growing up in Saint Louis, I now see having lived in New York and Los Angeles, I do feel grateful for growing up in a relatively quiet place. And I do think about now. I have two boys, ages seven and almost four, and I do wonder about, you know, where I will be raising them because I have a different job than my parents had. It as you know, it requires you to be in possibly different cities than Saint Louis, And you know, I do think that like having experienced the Midwest and Saint Louis growing up, it had to have had an impact on my outlook and personality. Like I said, I do think there's just a I mean, this is no great insight, but there is a friendliness and openness I think to the Midwest that isn't everywhere, and I appreciate that it does actually feel genuine like fake.

I feel very lucky that I grew up there. I grew up in a suburb of Saint Louis. I had a very lucky childhood I had. I have a wonderful, supportive family. I have three siblings, two parents. I went to an excellent school. I have a kind of I recognize how lucky I was, and I have maybe a childhood that would make other people angry because there weren't any major traumas. And I feel like living growing up in Saint Louis, I now see having lived in New York and Los Angeles, I do feel grateful for growing up in a relatively quiet place. And I do think about now. I have two boys, ages seven and almost four, and I do wonder about, you know, where I will be raising them because I have a different job than my parents had. It as you know, it requires you to be in possibly different cities than Saint Louis, And you know, I do think that like having experienced the Midwest and Saint Louis growing up, it had to have had an impact on my outlook and personality. Like I said, I do think there's just a I mean, this is no great insight, but there is a friendliness and openness I think to the Midwest that isn't everywhere, and I appreciate that it does actually feel genuine like fake.

And it's got something you're trying to really impart to your boys, like do you want them to also really know that.

And it's got something you're trying to really impart to your boys, like do you want them to also really know that.

Yeah, yes, yes, and I think that there's you know, I had a friend say once, you know, it doesn't matter where you're raising your kids if you have to, you know, if you have family, parents, blood relatives or not, you know, chosen family, whatever it is, who have a good head on their shoulders, then your kids will be fine. So I do think it's it doesn't matter where you know they you will be raising them so long as you're setting a you know, kind of grounded example.

Yeah, yes, yes, and I think that there's you know, I had a friend say once, you know, it doesn't matter where you're raising your kids if you have to, you know, if you have family, parents, blood relatives or not, you know, chosen family, whatever it is, who have a good head on their shoulders, then your kids will be fine. So I do think it's it doesn't matter where you know they you will be raising them so long as you're setting a you know, kind of grounded example.

You mentioned your career, which has been incredible. How did you discover that you were a comedian?

You mentioned your career, which has been incredible. How did you discover that you were a comedian?

I did? Quick Fire?

I did? Quick Fire?

Was quick Fire?

Was quick Fire?

I don't know when was founded, Okay.

I don't know when was founded, Okay.

I think it like ninety like ninety two. I founded because it didn't exist. Yes, so quick Fire is the improv comedy at Princeton.

I think it like ninety like ninety two. I founded because it didn't exist. Yes, so quick Fire is the improv comedy at Princeton.

And I loved it, so I auditioned my sophomore year. I played field hockey my freshman year, but I used the term play very loosely. I sat on the bench and observed it. I was just telling my friends the other day who also went to Princeton. I believe it was somewhere between thirteen and eighteen seconds of a playing time that I had my entire field hacking career. That's not a lot too. My friends goes, he goes. Isn't that more insulting than just not playing at all? I was like, you know, I've never thought of that way, but yeah, I guess it is. I think. Yeah, So I decided to leave that behind and I auditioned for quip Fire, and it was this clicking that I sort of had never really experienced before where I did feel like I am good at this and I had never I didn't suffer from low self confidence, but I don't think I had ever felt as confident as I did when I was in that improv group.

And I loved it, so I auditioned my sophomore year. I played field hockey my freshman year, but I used the term play very loosely. I sat on the bench and observed it. I was just telling my friends the other day who also went to Princeton. I believe it was somewhere between thirteen and eighteen seconds of a playing time that I had my entire field hacking career. That's not a lot too. My friends goes, he goes. Isn't that more insulting than just not playing at all? I was like, you know, I've never thought of that way, but yeah, I guess it is. I think. Yeah, So I decided to leave that behind and I auditioned for quip Fire, and it was this clicking that I sort of had never really experienced before where I did feel like I am good at this and I had never I didn't suffer from low self confidence, but I don't think I had ever felt as confident as I did when I was in that improv group.

Triangle was a bit that, but it was really it was doing comedy with like Bob Hope and and then doing friends and realizing that my instincts were actually funnier and better than what was on the page. Like it, you know, the combination that I really that was like a revelation to me. And it was just like, oh, I finally found home. It says where I belong.

Triangle was a bit that, but it was really it was doing comedy with like Bob Hope and and then doing friends and realizing that my instincts were actually funnier and better than what was on the page. Like it, you know, the combination that I really that was like a revelation to me. And it was just like, oh, I finally found home. It says where I belong.

Well, well that's what I loved because in high school I was in my high school plays and musicals and you know, oh who was I? And anything goes? Bonnie? I think she's like the cut up, she's like crazy, but it's so it's comedy in like a very specific way. This stuff that I was doing at Quip Fire in Princeston or in quip Fire at Prinston felt for the first time what I call now improv, which was, you know, I both studied that our Citizen's Brigade and and you know started in Chicago, and it was the first time again where it instantly clicked and like you said, there's a shorthand. So it felt like, oh, these people that I'm with they get it too, like we all get it. And I hadn't been in that environment before. I had been, you know, kind of a jock, but I was in the school plays. But then this I felt, you know, at home. But I say that, I don't know why I say that tongue in cheek, because I really did feel at home. And I'm friends with those you know, well they are mostly guys. I'm friends with most of those guys to this day, which is says something you know.

Well, well that's what I loved because in high school I was in my high school plays and musicals and you know, oh who was I? And anything goes? Bonnie? I think she's like the cut up, she's like crazy, but it's so it's comedy in like a very specific way. This stuff that I was doing at Quip Fire in Princeston or in quip Fire at Prinston felt for the first time what I call now improv, which was, you know, I both studied that our Citizen's Brigade and and you know started in Chicago, and it was the first time again where it instantly clicked and like you said, there's a shorthand. So it felt like, oh, these people that I'm with they get it too, like we all get it. And I hadn't been in that environment before. I had been, you know, kind of a jock, but I was in the school plays. But then this I felt, you know, at home. But I say that, I don't know why I say that tongue in cheek, because I really did feel at home. And I'm friends with those you know, well they are mostly guys. I'm friends with most of those guys to this day, which is says something you know.

Which says it's yeah, I mean that those those friendships and comedy friendships. To me, John Ham, it comes to mind. He he was your teacher, your drama teacher. Is that crazy?

Which says it's yeah, I mean that those those friendships and comedy friendships. To me, John Ham, it comes to mind. He he was your teacher, your drama teacher. Is that crazy?

Is that insane? Oh, it's so crazy, It's so crazy. He went to my high school in Saint Louis, and he went to college and then he came back to teach at our school was called John Burrows. He came back to teach at Burroughs for a year. He taught theater and so I was in ninth grade at the time. So he taught. I took a semester of I think it was called like theater nine ninth grade, whatever ninth grade theater was, and he taught the improv portion.

Is that insane? Oh, it's so crazy, It's so crazy. He went to my high school in Saint Louis, and he went to college and then he came back to teach at our school was called John Burrows. He came back to teach at Burroughs for a year. He taught theater and so I was in ninth grade at the time. So he taught. I took a semester of I think it was called like theater nine ninth grade, whatever ninth grade theater was, and he taught the improv portion.

We were just at his wedde Oh. Yeah, he's really good friends with my mi Okay, yes, who's a comedy writer.

We were just at his wedde Oh. Yeah, he's really good friends with my mi Okay, yes, who's a comedy writer.

Yes, yep, yep, yep. So I have always thought of him as like an uncle, Like he's just kind of, you know, there's that he he feels. I have no idea if I'm just like projecting this and it's he doesn't actually feel protective, but the air he gives off is that of a protective uncle. I feel like because I contacted him when I went to Los Angeles to do my one person show, and I you know, emailed him, just cold emailed him from our Burrows like alumni website. I said, I'm doing this show. He was on mad Men. I think it was like a third season of mad Men. It's like, any chance you can call to see my show, and you know, he showed up and he was in the bah. Of course he did, and he's like that. He helps out anyone from Saint Louis who like reaches out to him. He's like, how can I help? He is so giving. I adore the man.

Yes, yep, yep, yep. So I have always thought of him as like an uncle, Like he's just kind of, you know, there's that he he feels. I have no idea if I'm just like projecting this and it's he doesn't actually feel protective, but the air he gives off is that of a protective uncle. I feel like because I contacted him when I went to Los Angeles to do my one person show, and I you know, emailed him, just cold emailed him from our Burrows like alumni website. I said, I'm doing this show. He was on mad Men. I think it was like a third season of mad Men. It's like, any chance you can call to see my show, and you know, he showed up and he was in the bah. Of course he did, and he's like that. He helps out anyone from Saint Louis who like reaches out to him. He's like, how can I help? He is so giving. I adore the man.

And then you worked with him, Yeah, yeah, better.

And then you worked with him, Yeah, yeah, better.

I couldn't believe this. It's so talk about nerves. Now you just think I'm always a nervous wreck. But when he came so he was the reverend on Unbreakable Kimy Schmidt where I was Kimmy and he uh showed up. I guess it was the end of the first season. And so I'm in a scene with him. Of course I fled my first line. Of course I did. And I was like, oh, because there was a combiny so many things at play. One I knew him as Don Draper from mad Men. Two he was my teacher, so I feel like he's great me. And then three he's a phenomenal actor.

I couldn't believe this. It's so talk about nerves. Now you just think I'm always a nervous wreck. But when he came so he was the reverend on Unbreakable Kimy Schmidt where I was Kimmy and he uh showed up. I guess it was the end of the first season. And so I'm in a scene with him. Of course I fled my first line. Of course I did. And I was like, oh, because there was a combiny so many things at play. One I knew him as Don Draper from mad Men. Two he was my teacher, so I feel like he's great me. And then three he's a phenomenal actor.

So I was.

So I was.

Like, I hope I don't. I hope, I like, bring my a game. But all of that was after I got the flubbed line out of the way. It was easy. I was like, Okay, this is actually fun.

Like, I hope I don't. I hope, I like, bring my a game. But all of that was after I got the flubbed line out of the way. It was easy. I was like, Okay, this is actually fun.

You know what though it's it's it's surprising to me all that you've done, but that you really sort of didn't kind of break into the entertainment industry until we were like twenty nine, like you were.

You know what though it's it's it's surprising to me all that you've done, but that you really sort of didn't kind of break into the entertainment industry until we were like twenty nine, like you were.

Yes, I was actually thinking about that in anticipation of our conversation because we've had so like two totally different experiences, and I feel like, in talking about Saint Louis and my upbringing there, it does seem how you've navigated your way is so different from from me. But I do feel I feel grateful that I had this quote unquote normal childhood because then I think it has given me perspective as I continue to navigate the entertainment industry and especially getting older, there's been some life experience that has just been non show business, which is valuable.

Yes, I was actually thinking about that in anticipation of our conversation because we've had so like two totally different experiences, and I feel like, in talking about Saint Louis and my upbringing there, it does seem how you've navigated your way is so different from from me. But I do feel I feel grateful that I had this quote unquote normal childhood because then I think it has given me perspective as I continue to navigate the entertainment industry and especially getting older, there's been some life experience that has just been non show business, which is valuable.

You know.

You know.

I'm not sure that I said that eloquently, but I'm grateful that I began work a little bit later.

I'm not sure that I said that eloquently, but I'm grateful that I began work a little bit later.

So what were your twenties really like you when you're living and you're working in New York. But prior to my office, what were those years like for you? Those years were? They were?

So what were your twenties really like you when you're living and you're working in New York. But prior to my office, what were those years like for you? Those years were? They were?

I wouldn't call them. They were fine. I wasn't like happy. I wasn't unhappy, but I wasn't, you know, living it up. I'm much more content now, And I know that sounds trite, but it's true. I do feel like as I've gotten older, I feel more secure and confident, and in my twenties it's more like, Okay, well, what is the plan here? I'm doing improv at the People's Improv Theater at the Upper Citizens Brigade. I'm doing that at night. I was very lucky to have gotten a commercial agent and to have booked commercials. I was earning a paycheck, which is hugely satisfying, and not having to rely on my parents, which I did have to, and was grateful to be able to do that at first, but then began to make my own money, which is just so satisfying on many levels. But it also felt like, well, what is the end goal? Is it to be a commercial actor and do improv?

I wouldn't call them. They were fine. I wasn't like happy. I wasn't unhappy, but I wasn't, you know, living it up. I'm much more content now, And I know that sounds trite, but it's true. I do feel like as I've gotten older, I feel more secure and confident, and in my twenties it's more like, Okay, well, what is the plan here? I'm doing improv at the People's Improv Theater at the Upper Citizens Brigade. I'm doing that at night. I was very lucky to have gotten a commercial agent and to have booked commercials. I was earning a paycheck, which is hugely satisfying, and not having to rely on my parents, which I did have to, and was grateful to be able to do that at first, but then began to make my own money, which is just so satisfying on many levels. But it also felt like, well, what is the end goal? Is it to be a commercial actor and do improv?

Did you have a plan? B?

Did you have a plan? B?

No? And still don't, And so that's why I often I don't know how your mind works. But every time I'm like out of work for more than a month, I'm like, well, what, I guess I'm like a peloton shut I could become a peloton instructor, I really don't. I don't have any others. I don't have another skill set. So so, and not that I could become a peloton instructor, I would get too tired. But there was no plan B. And it was more like, you know, I got to audition for Saturday Night Live, I think in like two thousand and eight, so maybe when I was like twenty eight, and I didn't get apart, but that felt like progress. That felt like okay, I had and parks and rec too, right, yes, actually sort of right next to each other, like the same year, and didn't get either.

No? And still don't, And so that's why I often I don't know how your mind works. But every time I'm like out of work for more than a month, I'm like, well, what, I guess I'm like a peloton shut I could become a peloton instructor, I really don't. I don't have any others. I don't have another skill set. So so, and not that I could become a peloton instructor, I would get too tired. But there was no plan B. And it was more like, you know, I got to audition for Saturday Night Live, I think in like two thousand and eight, so maybe when I was like twenty eight, and I didn't get apart, but that felt like progress. That felt like okay, I had and parks and rec too, right, yes, actually sort of right next to each other, like the same year, and didn't get either.

And how do you deal with how did you deal with that? It's to me, it's like, you know, I never get used to rejection. I just don't.

And how do you deal with how did you deal with that? It's to me, it's like, you know, I never get used to rejection. I just don't.

Oh, I'm I'm really deep, don't.

Oh, I'm I'm really deep, don't.

It's because it fills personal and you know it's not.

It's because it fills personal and you know it's not.

Personal, Yes it does. You know it's not, and yet it's so.

Personal, Yes it does. You know it's not, and yet it's so.

How did you deal with that rejection? What did it spur you to do it?

How did you deal with that rejection? What did it spur you to do it?

Oh? Do you know what it was? Actually, this is maybe a good I don't know if it's a good quality. It's something that I just have, which is I get angry when I'm rejected, so it makes me work harder. So it was a thing of like, and you know, for Saturday Night Life, they don't outright call you and say you didn't get it. They just don't call you. So after like a few months, I was like, I have a feel that the season has started.

Oh? Do you know what it was? Actually, this is maybe a good I don't know if it's a good quality. It's something that I just have, which is I get angry when I'm rejected, so it makes me work harder. So it was a thing of like, and you know, for Saturday Night Life, they don't outright call you and say you didn't get it. They just don't call you. So after like a few months, I was like, I have a feel that the season has started.

And I'm not there, and I'm not there.

And I'm not there, and I'm not there.

I have a Princeton education, so I was able to put two and two together and I realized I didn't get the job.

I have a Princeton education, so I was able to put two and two together and I realized I didn't get the job.

Were you afraid when you auditioned? Were you nervous? Oh?

Were you afraid when you auditioned? Were you nervous? Oh?

Yeah, I was. I was sick with nerves because yes, it's like it's Lauren Michaels and it's everything you've.

Yeah, I was. I was sick with nerves because yes, it's like it's Lauren Michaels and it's everything you've.

Read Apperiales work.

Read Apperiales work.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, you present When I did it, there were I think it was three characters of your own invention and then three celebrity impressions, which, oh wow, I cannot do impressions. I my face sort of looks like Renezelwegger's. It's not that's not a compliment to myself. That's not it just is it happens to look like her, and so I can scrunch up my face and look like her. It requires no skill, it's just like what happens. So I did her, and then I did I cannot. I did a Miley Cyrus something with Miley Cyrus and I don't know the third. But it's like I've honestly felt the relief. I don't remember the nerves. I remember the relief afterwards, like I did it. It's done. I never have to do that again, Like I remember it like a dream, I think, because it did feel so surreal and there's no prep time. It was like a week before I met with Seth Meyers and Lorne Michaels, and then it's like you have a week before the actual audition, so there was no I felt like, that's not time to prepare anyway, and so you just have to It's exhilarating. That was an exhilarating experience. But I should say that it also inspired confidence because I felt like, oh wow, I've been invited to audition by Lorne Michaels, who is the king of comedy, and so it felt like, okay, well I made it. That far that's something and then you know, and then from there I think I do feel like you know, I was able to make contacts through the Saturday Night Live audition that introduced me to people in Los Angeles, and that's how I was able to audition for parts and rec and also not get it.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, you present When I did it, there were I think it was three characters of your own invention and then three celebrity impressions, which, oh wow, I cannot do impressions. I my face sort of looks like Renezelwegger's. It's not that's not a compliment to myself. That's not it just is it happens to look like her, and so I can scrunch up my face and look like her. It requires no skill, it's just like what happens. So I did her, and then I did I cannot. I did a Miley Cyrus something with Miley Cyrus and I don't know the third. But it's like I've honestly felt the relief. I don't remember the nerves. I remember the relief afterwards, like I did it. It's done. I never have to do that again, Like I remember it like a dream, I think, because it did feel so surreal and there's no prep time. It was like a week before I met with Seth Meyers and Lorne Michaels, and then it's like you have a week before the actual audition, so there was no I felt like, that's not time to prepare anyway, and so you just have to It's exhilarating. That was an exhilarating experience. But I should say that it also inspired confidence because I felt like, oh wow, I've been invited to audition by Lorne Michaels, who is the king of comedy, and so it felt like, okay, well I made it. That far that's something and then you know, and then from there I think I do feel like you know, I was able to make contacts through the Saturday Night Live audition that introduced me to people in Los Angeles, and that's how I was able to audition for parts and rec and also not get it.

So I call this show now What because it really is about those unexpected things that pop up into our lives, you know, personal, professional, spiritual, any any of that. But they force us to really ask ourselves, now what Now what do I do? So looking back, do you have is there any pivotal now what moment for you?

So I call this show now What because it really is about those unexpected things that pop up into our lives, you know, personal, professional, spiritual, any any of that. But they force us to really ask ourselves, now what Now what do I do? So looking back, do you have is there any pivotal now what moment for you?

There are two pivotal now what moments, and the first one is and I'm going to talk like profession wise because it's what you and I were talking about earlier about it happens to have taken place at Princeton, but just about college and being nineteen years old and feeling like, Okay, well I'm going to college to play field hockey, because like I said, I played field hockey and I sort of laughed it off, but I did find sitting on the bench to be somewhat demoralizing because I was the star in high school and I prided myself on that and I thought it gave me a lot of I felt a lot of self worth from that, and so being humiliated at whether on purpose or not, at a higher level was ultimately I have to think good for me because I think humility is always a good thing. But also walking away from one thing, the now what moment of like, oh, you know, this is not going as I planned. I thought that I would be good on this team. I thought that I would be a contributing member of this team and gain recognition from that, and I was not. And instead of sitting on the bench, which would not have been you know, I don't know that that would have been a bad move, but I do feel like your four years in college are precious. I didn't want to. I had to recognize that I am not going to succeed at the level I want to. So pivoting from that, I now feel was invaluable because if I hadn't quit the team, I would not have auditioned for the improv team, and that is what absolutely changed my outlook on what It's not that I wanted to become a professional field hockey player, but I don't think I would have taken improv and comedy as a serious career track. Had I not had that experience with Quippire where where I was introduced to the you know history of Chicago improv and all the legends that have come out of there, Like, I didn't see that as a viable career for me. And then but that pivot did I think open my eyes to that, which was I feel.

There are two pivotal now what moments, and the first one is and I'm going to talk like profession wise because it's what you and I were talking about earlier about it happens to have taken place at Princeton, but just about college and being nineteen years old and feeling like, Okay, well I'm going to college to play field hockey, because like I said, I played field hockey and I sort of laughed it off, but I did find sitting on the bench to be somewhat demoralizing because I was the star in high school and I prided myself on that and I thought it gave me a lot of I felt a lot of self worth from that, and so being humiliated at whether on purpose or not, at a higher level was ultimately I have to think good for me because I think humility is always a good thing. But also walking away from one thing, the now what moment of like, oh, you know, this is not going as I planned. I thought that I would be good on this team. I thought that I would be a contributing member of this team and gain recognition from that, and I was not. And instead of sitting on the bench, which would not have been you know, I don't know that that would have been a bad move, but I do feel like your four years in college are precious. I didn't want to. I had to recognize that I am not going to succeed at the level I want to. So pivoting from that, I now feel was invaluable because if I hadn't quit the team, I would not have auditioned for the improv team, and that is what absolutely changed my outlook on what It's not that I wanted to become a professional field hockey player, but I don't think I would have taken improv and comedy as a serious career track. Had I not had that experience with Quippire where where I was introduced to the you know history of Chicago improv and all the legends that have come out of there, Like, I didn't see that as a viable career for me. And then but that pivot did I think open my eyes to that, which was I feel.

Very grateful for it. And what was the second one? What was the other one?

Very grateful for it. And what was the second one? What was the other one?

And the second one was I think that moment of not getting the Saturday Night Live job and the Parks and Rec job which you brought up, which is like I was doing this one person show and so it was like, well, you just got to keep working on that and doing creating your own content, you know, to bring something to it's it's it's weird with our jobs because you're rejected in a way that feels out that is usually out of your control. It doesn't mean you're bad at your job. It means that you weren't chosen for this job. So I feel like the you know, being rejected from those two jobs opened the doors to be on the office and that led to a lot of other you know opportunities. So it's weird. The now what thing is like endlessly interesting because that's all life is. It's like so many pieces of this are out of our control.

And the second one was I think that moment of not getting the Saturday Night Live job and the Parks and Rec job which you brought up, which is like I was doing this one person show and so it was like, well, you just got to keep working on that and doing creating your own content, you know, to bring something to it's it's it's weird with our jobs because you're rejected in a way that feels out that is usually out of your control. It doesn't mean you're bad at your job. It means that you weren't chosen for this job. So I feel like the you know, being rejected from those two jobs opened the doors to be on the office and that led to a lot of other you know opportunities. So it's weird. The now what thing is like endlessly interesting because that's all life is. It's like so many pieces of this are out of our control.

I think, once you have a child, you live in perpetual Now what moments do you have any that staying out as a parent for you?

I think, once you have a child, you live in perpetual Now what moments do you have any that staying out as a parent for you?

Oh my gosh, yeah, I.

Oh my gosh, yeah, I.

You know.

You know.

I think it's I mean, this is probably infinitely relatable. But just the pandemic, which was like, okay, so my kids were on the whole. I feel lucky that they were as little as they were because they were they didn't know what was going on. But it is that feeling of just like okay, there's do you remember the brainwash we all what the necessary like brainwash we all went into, which was like okay, now we're living in a world where nobody can see anyway. So that felt like, but I'm raising two babies, okay, and so are millions of other people.

I think it's I mean, this is probably infinitely relatable. But just the pandemic, which was like, okay, so my kids were on the whole. I feel lucky that they were as little as they were because they were they didn't know what was going on. But it is that feeling of just like okay, there's do you remember the brainwash we all what the necessary like brainwash we all went into, which was like okay, now we're living in a world where nobody can see anyway. So that felt like, but I'm raising two babies, okay, and so are millions of other people.

Now what.

Now what.

We went back to Saint Louis, we lived in we were able to live with family for almost a year and and hunker down in that way and that and then it was like, but now things are ebbing, where do we go now? And then I think, now, what going back to New York and trying to, you know, figure out how to how to resume some sort of normalcy there.

We went back to Saint Louis, we lived in we were able to live with family for almost a year and and hunker down in that way and that and then it was like, but now things are ebbing, where do we go now? And then I think, now, what going back to New York and trying to, you know, figure out how to how to resume some sort of normalcy there.

Have they seen any of your stuff? Like you're do they know who Aaron Hannon in the office is.

Have they seen any of your stuff? Like you're do they know who Aaron Hannon in the office is.

I think someone told him who Kimmy Schmidt was. Someone told my almost second grader who Kimmy Schmidt was, and so he he was like, he wasn't He didn't really have a strong take on it. He was like, he knows that I'm an actor and that my husband's a writer, but he doesn't know too much about it except that I also did a voice on Sophia the First so he knows, which is a cartoon, so he knows those things. How old were your daughters when they knew that you what you do?

I think someone told him who Kimmy Schmidt was. Someone told my almost second grader who Kimmy Schmidt was, and so he he was like, he wasn't He didn't really have a strong take on it. He was like, he knows that I'm an actor and that my husband's a writer, but he doesn't know too much about it except that I also did a voice on Sophia the First so he knows, which is a cartoon, so he knows those things. How old were your daughters when they knew that you what you do?

I mean, the irony is that I did. I did the voice of Miss Spider this cartoon, and yes, and yeah that was like they thought that that's they thought that that's all I did. And then and tried on clothes. My daughter was my younger one. When they asked her, she was like seven or something. They so, what does your mom do? She goes, yeah, you know, clothes. I was like what, Because I'm always I was always in fittings like, so I yes, and i'd have to be she thought that's what I did for a living.

I mean, the irony is that I did. I did the voice of Miss Spider this cartoon, and yes, and yeah that was like they thought that that's they thought that that's all I did. And then and tried on clothes. My daughter was my younger one. When they asked her, she was like seven or something. They so, what does your mom do? She goes, yeah, you know, clothes. I was like what, Because I'm always I was always in fittings like, so I yes, and i'd have to be she thought that's what I did for a living.

Oh I love that, but I yep, I could see that as a kid being like, yeah, that's what she does. She she haes on closed and then they being her after Oh okay.

Oh I love that, but I yep, I could see that as a kid being like, yeah, that's what she does. She she haes on closed and then they being her after Oh okay.

So you know, but they were like, I'm we're never seeing any of your movies unless it's like a flat out comedy like they've seen, Like they'll see if I do a rom com, they'll watch that. But they have no interest in seeing any of my earlier stuff because it's like then it's not their mom. You know, they don't want You're owned by the other by people, and that means that all of a sudden, they're not just You're You're not just their mom, and they don't like that, you know, even at twenty right, I don't like that.

So you know, but they were like, I'm we're never seeing any of your movies unless it's like a flat out comedy like they've seen, Like they'll see if I do a rom com, they'll watch that. But they have no interest in seeing any of my earlier stuff because it's like then it's not their mom. You know, they don't want You're owned by the other by people, and that means that all of a sudden, they're not just You're You're not just their mom, and they don't like that, you know, even at twenty right, I don't like that.

But I'm so glad that they recognize that that that limitation is there, or that boundary is in place, because I do think about that.

But I'm so glad that they recognize that that that limitation is there, or that boundary is in place, because I do think about that.

Susan Loop though. Yeah, that their rooms at night.

Susan Loop though. Yeah, that their rooms at night.

That's smart, that's smart.

That's smart, that's smart.

Their mom was funny, look at her, you might.

Their mom was funny, look at her, you might.

That's the worst when I try to make them laugh and I fail, and I'm like, you know that I do this for a job, and I don't say that, but I do think it, and I'm like, oh, well, I hope someone thinks they're much. Are they always funnier?

That's the worst when I try to make them laugh and I fail, and I'm like, you know that I do this for a job, and I don't say that, but I do think it, and I'm like, oh, well, I hope someone thinks they're much. Are they always funnier?

They always?

They always?

They always their kids, of course they're funnier.

They always their kids, of course they're funnier.

I mean that's you know, would you ever consider like a darker role that wasn't comedic? Would you ever do that? Or is that? I think so?

I mean that's you know, would you ever consider like a darker role that wasn't comedic? Would you ever do that? Or is that? I think so?

I don't, you know, I don't know where I stand on that. I used to think, yes, I want to. I want to, you know, expand my range and explore something like that. But I also wonder it's sort of the same thing as you know, admitting I guess that you went to Princeton. It's like here where it feels like should I not be you know? Is that something to be ashamed of? Is that something that sounds too you know, privileged and crazy in this world? And I do I know this is a strange comparison, but I I kind of feel like I enjoy doing comedy and I feel like I'm good at it, and I don't feel all a strong poll to try to do drama or at this point, so no, the answer is no, because I don't.

I don't, you know, I don't know where I stand on that. I used to think, yes, I want to. I want to, you know, expand my range and explore something like that. But I also wonder it's sort of the same thing as you know, admitting I guess that you went to Princeton. It's like here where it feels like should I not be you know? Is that something to be ashamed of? Is that something that sounds too you know, privileged and crazy in this world? And I do I know this is a strange comparison, but I I kind of feel like I enjoy doing comedy and I feel like I'm good at it, and I don't feel all a strong poll to try to do drama or at this point, so no, the answer is no, because I don't.

You know, I used to think that I would only be credible if I, you know, went to those dark places and was really yes, all this yeah, And then I got older and I was just like, I don't enjoy it. I only enjoy comedy.

You know, I used to think that I would only be credible if I, you know, went to those dark places and was really yes, all this yeah, And then I got older and I was just like, I don't enjoy it. I only enjoy comedy.

You are your words of music to my ears. It doesn't I have done you know small I've had. I've had experiences doing that. I don't feel like I've plumbed the depths. I don't feel like I have. There's no I don't feel the same sense of satisfaction as as do when I do comedy, which isn't to say like, oh, I want to do the thing I know I can do. I feel challenged in comedy all the time. Anytime you're in like what a scene with johnnym okay forget, that's a huge challenge. So I would and I would prefer to continue to challenge myself in that way.

You are your words of music to my ears. It doesn't I have done you know small I've had. I've had experiences doing that. I don't feel like I've plumbed the depths. I don't feel like I have. There's no I don't feel the same sense of satisfaction as as do when I do comedy, which isn't to say like, oh, I want to do the thing I know I can do. I feel challenged in comedy all the time. Anytime you're in like what a scene with johnnym okay forget, that's a huge challenge. So I would and I would prefer to continue to challenge myself in that way.

You also started a You've launched a comedy podcast.

You also started a You've launched a comedy podcast.

On my Heart as I have on iHeart.

On my Heart as I have on iHeart.

Yes, and it's called Born to Love. Yeah.

Yes, and it's called Born to Love. Yeah.

Correct, It's wonderful. I have been co hosting the show with my quick Fire. He's my friend from back at Princeton we were in our improv group together and I've known him for over twenty years. So we host this show called Born to Love and every week we have a guest on to talk about something that they love and talk about keeping it light. It is a light buoyant, I hope boyant show where our guest talks about something totally unrelated to what they do for a living usually and it's just supposed to be. I think when Scott and I were trying to think of, okay, we want to work on something together every you know, there are a lot of podcasts out there. What's something sort of different we could do. What I like about this is that you hear people talk about something you might be surprised to know, you know that they love, and people like talking about things that they like. It actually works out well.

Correct, It's wonderful. I have been co hosting the show with my quick Fire. He's my friend from back at Princeton we were in our improv group together and I've known him for over twenty years. So we host this show called Born to Love and every week we have a guest on to talk about something that they love and talk about keeping it light. It is a light buoyant, I hope boyant show where our guest talks about something totally unrelated to what they do for a living usually and it's just supposed to be. I think when Scott and I were trying to think of, okay, we want to work on something together every you know, there are a lot of podcasts out there. What's something sort of different we could do. What I like about this is that you hear people talk about something you might be surprised to know, you know that they love, and people like talking about things that they like. It actually works out well.

And what do you what do you think you were born to love?

And what do you what do you think you were born to love?

If I were a guest on my show, I would probably talk about running. And I know that maybe sounds boring, but I do love running. It's always been an outlet like ever since, I mean field hockey aside, it's just I need to do it. You have the thing I do I need, Endoyan. I'm a junkie for Endorfis and so it doesn't matter if I run for fifteen minutes or you know, two hours. I never run for two hours. I don't know why I just said that, but I do feel like the release, the meditation it is. It's just like I it's a both a chemical, you know, release, but it's also just gives you time to think. And so everybody, I know, I feel like this self care mantra is to me. At first, I kept telling myself, Oh, this is trendy, this is going to pass. No it's not. It's like so valuable, Like you have to take care of yourself. You just have to. Everybody does everybody.

If I were a guest on my show, I would probably talk about running. And I know that maybe sounds boring, but I do love running. It's always been an outlet like ever since, I mean field hockey aside, it's just I need to do it. You have the thing I do I need, Endoyan. I'm a junkie for Endorfis and so it doesn't matter if I run for fifteen minutes or you know, two hours. I never run for two hours. I don't know why I just said that, but I do feel like the release, the meditation it is. It's just like I it's a both a chemical, you know, release, but it's also just gives you time to think. And so everybody, I know, I feel like this self care mantra is to me. At first, I kept telling myself, Oh, this is trendy, this is going to pass. No it's not. It's like so valuable, Like you have to take care of yourself. You just have to. Everybody does everybody.

That was the hilarious Ellie Kemper. If you want to hear more from her, go listen to her new podcast Born to Love on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. That's it for us today. Talk to you next week now. What with Burke Shields is a production of iHeartRadio. Our lead producer and wonderful showrunner is Julia Weaver. Additional research and editing by Darby Masters and Abu Zafar. Our executive producer is Christina Everett. The show is mixed by Baheed Fraser.

That was the hilarious Ellie Kemper. If you want to hear more from her, go listen to her new podcast Born to Love on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. That's it for us today. Talk to you next week now. What with Burke Shields is a production of iHeartRadio. Our lead producer and wonderful showrunner is Julia Weaver. Additional research and editing by Darby Masters and Abu Zafar. Our executive producer is Christina Everett. The show is mixed by Baheed Fraser.