You may recognize Kimmy as Stacey Beswick — one of the Beatdown Bitties on “Glow” — or as one-third of the World War II musical comedy trio Apple Sisters. She has also appeared on “Conan,” “A Christmas Story Live!,” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.”

Kimmy chatted (and made us belly-laugh) about her newest venture into podcasting and why you should listen — whether you are a mom or not.

What was the inspiration behind creating “Mother of All Shows”?

When I got pregnant, I was overwhelmed by everything I read on the internet – what I couldn’t eat and drink, how I was already putting my child at a disadvantage by not reading to her in utero or how she would never have confidence because I didn’t sign her up in fetal krav maga — I joke, that’s not a thing…right?

I also want to create a space where I could reevaluate the things I read and hear on the internet and the news. Becoming a parent is such a big transition in life and so many people have so many opinions; I figured I’d go back to the fountain of knowledge, which is real moms. As much as technology and knowledge is at our fingertips, I often feel deeply out of touch and scattered; I’m sure that’s the lack of sleep and my daughter’s packed gymnastic/soccer/girl scouts schedule too. So, I talk to experts in the field to help me decode the mom philosophies.

I also wanted to provide a space without judgement, better understanding and most importantly a sense of humor. If you want to get a taste, check out this video I did while 8 months pregnant “Nesting Like a Motherf*&” (warning: NSFW)

Your first episode touches on serious topics, particularly postpartum depression. What other topics do you plan to discuss in regards to women and motherhood?  

I’m very excited about this first season. I have a great upcoming conversation about adoption where I talk to two moms who adopted their children and one mom who was adopted as a baby; since I joke about living in a commune with my best friends, I decided to see what it would really be like, so I spoke to a woman who grew up and left a commune and one that is living in one. I have a great episode on travel since it gives parents so much anxiety. We will hit serious topics like guns, miscarriage, and immigration and lighter ones like holidays, in-laws, and a dad’s episode.

You’ve been successful with musical theater as an Apple Sister and as an actress on GLOW; what new challenges have you experienced hosting this podcast? 

I actually had a podcast with the Apple Sisters that you can listen to! I love podcasting. My producer, Jen Perry Leamy, and I originally pitched this as a television show and are so happy to give it a life in podcast form. It’s a perfect way to talk to parents. It’s so intimate that I hope listeners will reach out with their thoughts! I also love learning something and bringing humor to everything I do no matter what the topic. The hardest part for me is finding the time to do it!

When and where are your podcasts generally recorded?  

They are recorded whenever I can find time, usually in my producer Jen’s house or on the road. I feel like an amateur reporter sometimes, showing up on people’s door steps with a microphone.

Are there any particular guests that you have booked that you are excited about? 

I’m very excited for everyone to listen to my interview with Daisy the flight attendant. It really demystified a lot of traveling. Also my interview with Elizabeth who grew up in a hutterite colony. And of course to be able to talk frankly and make jokes with two of my best gal pals and fellow moms Rebekka Johnson and Amanda Deibert.

How has your role in GLOW changed your life? 

GLOW has changed my perception of my body. I had recently had my daughter and I had to learn how to wrestle AND wear spandex all the time. I learned my body is strong and beautiful no matter how imperfect it is. I also have 15 new best friends that I talk to everyday. 

What do you hope to achieve with this podcast? 

I really hope that I can help parents and non-parents have a deeper understanding over each other. And that we can stop judgement and misunderstanding by slowing down and asking someone a question or two. I sound like a Jerry Springer episode AND I AM OKAY WITH THAT!

Follow Kimmy Gatewood on social media at: @kimmygatewood and the show @moaspod

The post ‘GLOW’ actress talks new funny podcast about motherhood appeared first on Backstage Socal.

What is the true meaning of life? Actor, comedian and writer Justin Long ventures into the minds of celebrities to learn how they spend their time on earth in his new podcast “Life Is Short.” 

Through engaging, thoughtful conversations with everyone from actors to musicians to deep thinkers, Justin chats about the experiences that have led them to find meaning in their own lives. Accompanied by his brother, actor and producer Christian Long, the brotherly banter and fun discussions give the Wondery podcast a lighthearted and comedic tone.

As a longtime actor, Justin– recognized for his movie roles such as “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” “Waiting,” and “Galaxy Quest” — said he’s used to getting inside the heads of the characters he plays, so the interview format comes natural to him. Guests so far have included actor/producer Neil Patrick Harris, actress Anna Chlumsky, actress/director Olivia Wilde, actor Kevin Bacon and comedian Neal Brennan.

Justin chatted with us about favorite moments and guests, what it’s like to work side-by-side with his brother, the joys and challenges of running a podcast (including having to venture into the world of Instagram…) and more.

What was the initial inspiration of creating the “Life Is Short” podcast? 

I think it was turning 40 – which brought with it, as is common, a heightened awareness of how much and how quickly time is passing. It really snuck up on me and I started rethinking how I was using my remaining time and, more importantly, curious how others were using theirs. I also just really like talking to people and learning about them. So it was a combination of a midlife crisis and being super nosy (laughs). 

Who are your podcast heroes? What qualities do they have that have inspired you in your own podcast?  

I really love listening to Dax Shepherd’s podcast. He is incredibly bright and curious and has enough knowledge about most subjects that make his contributions really valuable and elevate the conversation. The first podcast I ever did was Anna Faris’s “Unqualified” which I also loved – Anna had a very easy, laid-back approach to her interviews that made me feel like a very engaged fly on the wall. Both Anna and Dax are very empathetic people which, I think, is the most important attribute for the podcasters I enjoy listening to. 

You’ve had a pretty diverse group of people on — Fran Drescher, Kevin Bacon, Wolfgang Puck, etc. — who has been the most:

Fun? Fran was fun because she’s so unpredictable and opinionated and… fun. But Cobie Smulders and Olivia Wilde and Sam Rockwell are all people whose company I so enjoy in life, so hanging out with them in front of a microphone was equally fun. 

Fascinating? Wolfgang Puck has a fascinating upbringing which I was almost completely unaware of. Jeremy Renner’s view of life and death fascinated me. I’m honestly fascinated by some part of every guest we’ve had so far. 

Thought-provoking?  I hope this isn’t a cop-out but I’ve also found every guest we’ve had to be thought-provoking to some degree but the interview with Roger McNamee (author of the book “Zucked”) was one I still think about – he opened my eyes to so many hidden dangers of social media. Jesse Eisenberg has such an open and empathetic worldview that he has made me reevaluate my own behavior towards people through a more understanding and forgiving lens. 

Has anyone made you nervous or anxious to talk to? 

Most of the guests I’m, at least, slightly nervous to talk to. But obviously the ones I didn’t know have been the most nerve-wracking. Wolfgang Puck, despite never having met him, really put me at ease – he was so disarmingly down to earth and sweet. Neil Patrick Harris is an old friend of mine but Neil is, himself, such a great host and deft conversationalist that I felt pretty nervous in the beginning of that one. Ditto for Lena Dunham. And in both cases they’re people I really admire. They were also two of our very first few episodes. 

What challenges have you faced so far venturing into the podcast industry?

I was saying “yeah” too much. Somebody pointed it out and as much as I wanted to disagree with it, I couldn’t. I’ve also had to curb an annoying instinct to talk over people if I get excited by something that springs into my head. I also had to start an Instagram account – which went from being a challenge to something I’ve begun to enjoy. 

What has been your most special moment since launching so far? 

I think the most special moments have been hearing and reading peoples positive feedback about the show. It’s something I’m so much more personally invested in than a movie or TV show I do. It’s really just me and my brother talking, so any positive reinforcement about that I take very personally. It’s also been really special getting to do it with my brother. 

I love that you have your brother by your side to “hold you accountable” the way siblings do and reveal a different side of you to your listeners. What does that mean to you to work with Christian?

We’ve been creative partners for a long time and have had many scripts never see the light of day, so it’s nice and deeply rewarding to see a creative endeavor of our’s come to fruition. It’s incredibly gratifying. He also brings out the best in me — I’m my funniest and most engaged when I’m interacting with him. I think we challenge each other really effectively and push each other to be as funny as we can be. And as much as we share a very similar comedic sensibility, we are different people and his criticism and commentary I find more valuable than anyone else’s. I suppose I respect him more than anyone else. 

What do you hope to achieve with this podcast?  

I didn’t have these ambitions going in but it would be really nice to just be a positive, fun, interesting, whatever presence in people’s lives. Selfishly, I’d always just hoped it would be fun, which it definitely has been such a fun creative outlet. But now the thought of having a positive impact on someone’s day, on someone’s life, is something I hadn’t considered but feels insanely gratifying. 

Discuss this interview with Backstage SoCal publisher Jackie Moe via Twitter at @jackieemoe

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When you aren’t commuting to work, planning out your next work presentation, picking up your kids’ carpool, studying for a test — or whatever it is that takes up your day-to-day — do you indulge in a unique or bizarre hobby? Lesley Arfin, the perpetually chill creator of the hit Netflix series “Love,” created the feel-good podcast about finding pure, simple joy in random, unusual or just plain fun hobbies. 

The Filling the Void podcast features celebrity guests, such as actress Natasha Leggero (host of MTV’s “The 70s House”) and actress/TV writer Kerri Kenney (“Reno 911!), discussing the things that make them happy. The brand new podcast has streamed from the LA-based network Earios since June 30. We chatted a bit with Lesley about her favorite moments so far. 

What was the inspiration behind creating a podcast on discovering hidden hobbies?

I was f**king off a lot, doing things I like to do instead of actual work to make money. So I thought, ‘Oh I wonder if other people have this problem?’ And then people kept telling me to do a podcast and I was like nah, I’d only do it if it was actually fun, like a hobby. And somehow this math all added up to FTV.

Who has been your most memorable interview so far and why? 

Probably Kate Berlant because it was the first one.

What has been the most shocking/fascinating hobby you have discovered in your podcast chats? 

Diablo Cody’s roller coaster hobby was CRAZY! 

I heard you tell Diablo Cody that your podcast is a hobby. What are your other hobbies? 

Handyman/woman type stuff, painting, ballet, cards, and online shopping. 

What helps you balance writing, podcasting and other career/life ventures?

Being a mom. But I wouldn’t say it’s balanced. I’m constantly trying to balance my schedule and failing. 

Do you feel podcasting came natural to you? And has it enhanced your creative process?

Yes and I don’t know. Probably? I’ve only done it like 4 times though. 

Who are your podcast heroes? What qualities do they have that have inspired you in your own podcast?

I rarely listen to podcasts and when I do it’s 100 percent about the subject matter — usually murder. 

What do you hope to achieve with this podcast?  

Just to have fun and find out some cool stuff about people I hadn’t expected to find. I’m interested in people in general and what they do when they’re off the clock. 

The post Comedy writer Lesley Arfin is ‘Filling the Void’ with new podcast appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Media queen Margaret Cho has returned to the podcast platform after a six year hiatus and she’s inviting all of her famous (and some not-so-famous) friends to join her for fun and intimate conversations. 

“The Margaret Cho” launched July 17 and has already released episodes with “Queer Eye” host Jonathan Van Ness, tattoo and makeup artist superstar Kat Von D, actress Katie Malia and TV host and comedian Michael Yo. Presented by new female-led podcast network Earios, in partnership with Acast, episodes drop every Tuesday — with 36 episodes per season.  

The Grammy and Emmy Award-nominated actress, comedian, author and LGBT activist said there are no topics she will shy away from in her conversations, but her main goal is to just have fun. Cho chatted with us about her newest venture into the podcast world. 

How do you feel your podcast is unique from other interview format podcasts? 

Well, I really love when you get through to somebody from a different context. Like when I was younger, I would listen to my mom having lunch with her friends and I would like, crawl under the table and listen to their conversations. And all these moms were talking to each other and they were not moms in their conversation. They were talking about different things and their lives. I just think it’s really great to listen in on somebody who’s talking that’s not the part of them that you necessarily know publicly. It’s a kind of intimacy that I feel I can get with people. A lot of the guests that I have on are really good friends of mine. So I like to try to get to a different side of a personality if I can — that’s my goal. 

What inspired you to launch “The Margaret Cho”? 

Well, I’ve done a podcast in the past, in 2012 and 2013, and I really enjoyed it. It was a different time for podcasting, so it was a very different experience, but I always really enjoyed it and I wanted to get back to it. It’s a good way to supplement some of the other things that I do with comedy and producing and writing and putting together other things. And I listen to podcasts a lot. So it just seemed like the rational thing to kind of get into because I’ve had experience there and it’s a medium that I really avidly use as a consumer. 

Do you have any podcasts heroes that you look up to? 

I really love “My Favorite Murder.” Karen Kiilgariff is a friend of mine from the 1980s, you know, from childhood. So we have known each other for many, many years. And so it really is like listening to your friend talking on the phone. Like it’s like a very familiar thing. And I really love true crime, which is an interest that I’ve had all through my life. And somehow it’s kind of caught up with society, like “Armchair Sleuths,” and it gets very interesting how we can examine society through crime and how women are disproportionately suffering from crimes, especially from their partners or from abuse. And there’s so many things that you realize looking at crime statistics, crime stories and how the stories really tell a story about society. There’s another one that’s similar to my favorite record, which is “RedHanded,” a British podcast, which is also two women talking and it’s just really interesting, it’s a really good one. So those are my favorites you should check out if you haven’t. 

Where do you generally record? 

It actually really depends on (where I am). Sometimes I’ll be recording in New York and I’ll work in a studio there. But I’m the most comfortable recording from home. I think that’s my ideal, so I’ll probably do more from my house. 

What challenges have you faced so far? 

I think it’s just scheduling everybody, you know? Everybody that I want to talk to is really busy. Especially somebody like Kat (Kat Von D) or Jonathan Van Ness, who is our first guest. They’re always on the go. Kat just had a baby and they’re like getting their house ready, and then they’re like doing all of this press stuff, because she’s releasing a new shoe line. And then Jonathan is on the comedy tour and also filming “Queer Eye” and of course “Game of Thrones” just ended. So there was like so much activity on both of their parts; so it was hard to figure out when we could do it. So actually sitting and talking, that time is precious and I think that’s sort of reflected in the show. We make a lot of sacrifices so we actually can get together and talk. So it’s a nice thing that we can use it in the podcast. 

Since you’re being recorded for a large audience, does it feel like someone else is in the room with you when you are having these one-on-one casual conversations?

There’s certainly something to that, but also as a comedian that’s something we’re always kind of really conscious of. Especially nowadays with the way that we talk about comedy and we talk about jokes, you kind of have to be very careful or really sensor what you’re doing or saying. I feel like that’s sort of naturally there in comedy. Just kind of thinking about what is being said and what that would reflect on, and the impact of that; it’s just something that you’re conscious of I think. 

What do you hope to achieve with your podcast? 

I think that I just want to have something that I would like to listen to, you know? That I would really be interested in. It’s sort of like paying it back for all of the times that I have really been entertained by podcasts. Just to be able to throw my own hat into the ring with my own perspective; I think it’s really fun. So that’s kind of my goal. I want to participate in this world and make something that you can listen to for several hours a day. 

Do you ever listen to your own podcasts? 

Yeah and it’s funny because it’s like, I’ll be listening and then hear something and be like, “Oh god, I forgot that.” Like I really do forget! And then I have a lot of them from the first podcast I did that I really, really like but I completely forgot about. There’s so many things that I remember later after listening to it. So it’s really fun. 

I cringe when I have to hear my voice on recording, so I’m always curious if podcasters listen to their episodes and if they feel the same way.

Oh, I know, I hate my voice. It’s so annoying and embarrassing, but then you’ve got to get over it because you’re putting it out. So yeah I know exactly that feeling. I hate, hate, hate it. But it’s like you sort of have to get over it, because no matter what, you have to listen to make sure it’s right. You know? But yeah, it sucks. (laughs)

What has been your most memorable moments so far? 

I think it’s just like being able to just witness the rise of Jonathan’s career and being a part of it, and helping him along the way. You know, he’s really special and that for me has been really fulfilling. So I think that’s really remarkable. We just really got started. So we have lots of episodes still that need to be recorded that are coming in. Lots of guests that I’m really excited about. So I’m really, really thrilled about that.

Any future guests in particular that you’d like to share? 

Yes! I’m excited, we’ll be doing Quentin Tarantino and Diablo Cody, and Amy Landecker from “Transparent” who I love. And so there’s so many different people coming on that I’m really thrilled about that. So diverse. Oh, and Trixie Mattel, which is great. I love Trixie. It’s just all really exciting. I love it. 

Episodes can be found on Apple, Stitcher, Acast, Spotify or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Listen here to a trailer of the show.

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Hopeless romantics, you may want to listen up: for all of those nights of wondering if you will ever find “the one” or if “happily ever after” is real, a new podcast is hopelessly devoted to telling true love stories that are sure to give you butterflies. 

Actress Ingrid Haas (Chelsea Lately, Key and Peele) is the host of “The Moment,” a podcast produced by Wondery which premiered on July 1 and drops every Wednesday. Ingrid, who just recently got engaged herself, explores the love stories from real couples to learn what went wrong, what went right, surprise engagements and tense wedding ceremonies. 

Ingrid chatted with us about her new venture into the smooth and rough waters of epic romance. 

What was the inspiration behind creating The Moment podcast?

I was inspired to talk about love after I got engaged. Mostly because I have so many questions about how love works. Especially now that I’m engaged. Mostly how marriage works for different people. A naive part of me always thought it all gets figured out after you find your person, but my experience was that I had more questions than ever! The producers who I work with, Leah Sutherland and Stephanie Jenz, find these incredible stories about love and relationships and at our core, I think we are a bunch of hopeless romantics over at Wondery. We all know people with wild, unbelievable stories about love and relationships and we hadn’t heard anything like this. So we made it!

What are some of the highlights of this first season?

Each episode is so unique and exciting and really focuses on a different couple’s story. We have an episode with Taylor Swift, another one about how a couple froze their embryos before they even had sex! I love the finances episode with Naomi and Andy because they are comedians and very fun to listen to, but also because money is still rarely talked about and we talk about it!

Who do you feel this podcast subject will appeal to the most?

Anyone who believes in the power of love. And my hope is that it’s appealing to people who’ve become a little cynical about love.

What has been your favorite part of podcasting?

I come from a writing and comedy background, so my favorite part is riffing in the studio with the producers. We have a lot of fun making each other laugh and I especially love getting the opportunity to rework jokes or fine tune stuff.

What challenges have you faced in creating the first season?

I would guess finding the couples who we interview. But overall, Wondery is a fantastic network and I am so lucky to be part of the family.

What is it about love and romance do you feel people are more willing to do a “grand gesture”?

I’m not a relationship expert by any stretch, but as someone who’s done some wild grand gestures in my life, I think falling in love with someone makes us feel so good. I always wanted to find a way to show love can make us go blind, crazy and everything in between.

What do you hope listeners will get from “The Moment?”

That love is out there. For everyone. It’s worth the wait and I think even moreso, worth the work.

Anything else you would like to readers to know?

We love our listeners and I read all your comments and feedback and read each of your emails. It’s genuinely so nice to hear that we are giving people hope to find their match and brightening people’s day. Being a part of something that brings light into the world has been such a gift for me.

For more info, visit: https://wondery.com/shows/the-moment/

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