Episode 225: Girls Night Out, Let’s Have Fun Club with Heidi Gardner
“
I think your true thing , I think your calling, it’s gonna come out somehow.”
- Heidi Gardner
Kate keeps her face hydrated with two great serums and Doree continues her piano hobby with gusto. Then, Heidi Gardner (SNL, Netflix’s Hustle) joins them to chat about why sports can be a great way to connect with someone, how limo rides and lingerie parties made her childhood exciting, and why she thinks she would have found her way into comedy no matter what.
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Transcript
Kate: Hello, and welcome to forever 35, a podcast about the things we do to take care of ourselves. I am Kate Spencer
Doree: And I am Doree Shafrir,
Kate: And we are not experts.
Doree: No, but we are two friends who like to talk a lot about serums
Kate: Friendly reminder. You can visit our website for everything we mention on the show. You can follow us on Twitter at forever pod and Instagram at forever podcast, you can find the forever Facebook group on Facebook where the password ISS. You can also shop our curated selection of favorite products. Shop
Doree: Love. You can call or text us at (781) 591-0390. And you can email us at F five podcast, gmail.com.
Kate: Here we are after much technical difficulty DOR, and I have United to record this episode. <laugh> technical difficulty on my end, which is making me feel filled with rage. I feel like this has been, this is like a March, 2020 conversation, but I'm having it now.
Doree: Yeah, basically Kate's internet is possessed.
Kate: I can't hold a connection and it's starting to make me feel furious. So if I sound strange, I'm on different microphone and I apologize there. If anything sounds weird, I'm a lot of anxiety over how annoying this has. That is not what I'm
Doree: Okay.
Kate: I am here to share a product recommendation.
Doree: I'm here for it.
Kate: Okay. So I received, oh, let me first back up. You and I are in this really privileged position where, because we record this podcast, people will send us skincare products to try, which was my fantasy. When we started this show, I'm not gonna lie. I was like, do you think someone send us products? And lo and behold, that is what has happened. So I just wanna always mention that because, you know, we get to try stuff without paying for things a lot of the time. And this is one of those items. Someone sent me a bunch of products, you know, it was like a PR box. And there was this thing in the box by a skincare brand. I had never heard of Tammy fender. Now, have you ever heard of Tammy fender Doree?
Doree: I had never heard of Tammy fender. No.
Kate: Okay. Well, I believe she's an aesthetician and has a, you know, boutique. I don't know what the word is like a, she sees people an office in Florida and she has her own line of skincare products. And one of the products that I received from the Tammy fender line is called plant milk.
Doree: Mm-hmm <affirmative>.
Kate: And this is essentially almost like it's a, it's kind of a hydrating nourishing serum that you put on. You could wear it on its own, or you put it on before a moisturizer. And it has left my skin feeling. I don't wanna say sticky because that's the wrong word that I'm looking for. That makes it sound gross. It's left my skin feeling so dewy and hydrated that it has made it to the top of my product list. This stuff is amazing.
Doree: Okay. I, I, I, I take this recommendation. I like it.
Kate: Its ay serum made from botanical extract. Nowy serum sounds like something you on one, my very steamy romance, novels, wink, wink,
Doree: And then released his Milky serum.
Kate: Disgusting
Doree: Vibe you're going for, is that kinda the vibe you're going for? OK. Yeah. That's
Kate: That's kinda what I'm saying. OK. This stuff is, it's just, I, I put it on after I wash my face and tone and it, like, I can feel it just hydrating my skin and I can still feel it in my, like my skin just feels nourished and I have such dehydrated kind of dry patches on my cheekbones. Mm. And this combined with a delicious moisturizer. I, I have Aris moisturizer that I like, I also have the dear moisturizer
Doree: Mm-hmm <affirmative>
Kate: It's like, it's just so wonderfully hydrating in a way that quite honestly, hyaluronic acid products don't do for me.
Doree: Oh, okay.
Kate: Doree, you know how like you're kind of on the fence about vitamin C.
Doree: Yeah.
Kate: That's like maybe how I feel about hyaluronic acid.
Doree: Wow. Okay.
Kate: Is that a scandalous thing to say?
Doree: No. I mean, you know, everyone's skin reacts differently. We all have our own preferences. Um, I have been using the SkinCeuticals CE LIC, which is a vitamin C serum.
Kate: You pulled out the big baby. You went for like the legend.
Doree: Yes. Of vitamin
Kate: CS.
Doree: Now I have to admit I've been using it on my face, but I have also nightly been using it on the backs of my hands.
Kate: That's right. I remember you doing vitamin C serum on the backs of your hands.
Doree: I've never talked about it.
Kate: You told us you were putting serums on your hands,
Doree: But I never said vitamin C.
Kate: Oh, well I guess I'm just jumping to conclusions.
Doree: <laugh> uh,
Kate: Have you, but are you able, I feel like putting it on your hand is kind of nice because you can look at it all day long. Have you noticed any sort of adjustment in your, I mean, skin,
Doree: My hands do like the, the backs of my hands do feel quite smooth. I am curious to see if it like fades any of these spots on my hands though.
Kate: Mm-hmm <affirmative> OK. Jury still, have you noticed anything on your face? Like, is it, I mean, I know you just had your lasers.
Doree: I just had lasers. Like, I feel like it's hard to sort of isolate that, you know, that's fair.
Kate: That's
Doree: Fair. Now, Kate, I'm also seeing in our document that you have come around to one of my faves.
Kate: Okay. So I also love this. No, this is different than the one you like. I think use antioxidant used the more oily.
Doree: This is, this is the exact one that I talked about.
Kate: Boy, I'm really, really knocking out of the park today, Doree. Uh, I also, I've been using this for a while. Actually the Kip antioxidant do this is more of like a morning Hy hydrating product, but I've also been putting this on before moisturizer and liking this as well in terms of products that leave my skin feeling refreshed and dewy and hydrated, quite frankly.
Doree: So I ran out of this because I used, I used it all, but I was using it at night. I was using it at night as part of my nighttime routine.
Kate: Not in the morning. Mm-hmm okay. But you used it so hardcore that you ran out of it?
Doree: Yes.
Kate: Wow. That if I ever did hear one, are you gonna get, are you gonna refill?
Doree: I think I might actually. Yeah. I think I might. I know this is big. This
Kate: Is big. Are you still, are you still using your K U 10 serum?
Doree: I ran out.
Kate: Oh, interesting. Are you going to regroup on that?
Doree: Probably. I just, you know how I get, like I, sometimes when I run outta stuff, I'm like, I should really just use up the stuff that I have. I have so much stuff that like, yep. I sometimes I'm just like, oh, unless I really feel like one particular type of item is like really missing in my regimen. I'm like, you know, I'm just gonna use what I use. And like, do I do really believe this? But like, I, I feel like for most people truly the most important thing is sunscreen.
Kate: Yeah. I agree. I think you're right. And I think what's, I think why that's not always as exciting or titillating is that you're not seeing like quote unquote results because it's a, it's a, life's, it's a life's work wearing sunscreen. This is why like I'm, I'm baffled by the 20 somethings who are like go into town on their skin with retinol and stuff. It's like, just, just get good sunscreen.
Doree: Yeah, I know. I don't, I don't know. I definitely did not use a retinol when I was in my twenties.
Kate: I mean, I've talked about it here on the show. I didn't really start washing my face until I was like in my third, like daily, like making it a thing until I was in my thirties
Doree: And look at,
Kate: And look at me. I'm literally glowing. Thank you to Tammy fender, a woman who lives in Florida, who I'd never heard of until her milk walked into my life. I'm obsessed it. I really love it. Yeah. I know. I know this is a new one for me. I know. I know. Okay. Doree enough about me. Just give me a sprinkly of how you've been lately, because I do feel like I do feel like you are living a very, an authentic life to who you are and a joyful life, and I'm not gonna lie. I'm envious.
Doree: Interesting. Kate. I love that intro. Thank you so much. Um, well, so I wanted give on
Kate: Yeah, I'm here
Doree: If they, um, I do. So I've been, I've been with my piano teacher for, I I've sort of lost track of time. I'm like, how long has it been? I don't know. Um, has it been a year? Maybe it's been a year. Um, but you know, we've, I really like him. He's a great teacher and um, you know, I feel like I've made actual progress. Okay. Wait, no, I've not been with him for a year. I've been with him since November. So actually not that long. Um, because before that I had a different teacher, but I wanted to start taking, uh, lessons. I RL. That was why I
Kate: Switched. And that's, that's who this person is.
Doree: That's who this person is. Yes. I take lessons with IRL. Um, anyway, so I had my lesson yesterday and he, and he's like, he's brought this up sort of in passing a couple times before, but he like, like really brought up getting a real piano.
Kate: Whoa, really?
Doree: Yeah. So right now I have a rolling digital piano, which like, as, you know, as non-real pianos go, it's pretty good. Like it has weighted keys and it has a pedal real pedal. And like, you know, it's not the exact, it's obviously not the same as playing on a piano, but it is, it's not bad. It's not playing on like a little Casio keyboard.
Kate: Yeah. My, my whole family excluding me. They all take piano lessons, including Anthony and they all use our digital keyboard.
Doree: Yeah. Okay. Digital
Kate: Piano, whatever it's called. Yeah.
Doree: So I'm doing classical music and he was like, I think it would be, it would be really helpful for you to, you know, look into getting a real piano because I feel like you're like at this threshold and I was like, what threshold? He's like, I think you're at a threshold of like, kind of like moving into a different like level of piano playing. And I was like, huh. Okay. Well, that's interesting. And he's like, yeah, you know, <laugh> he was like, I don't have any other students who like, he was basically like, I don't have any other students who, for whom this is like a hobby that they take so
Kate: Seriously <laugh> oh, wow.
Doree: Um, I do think it's like confusing to people that I don't do, like recitals
Kate: <laugh>. Which can I be honest, I think is a revolutionary act on your part because, well, because we're so used to showing off our accomplishments or we like exist in this culture where like accomplishments must be shown off or you must be working towards some sort of goal. And I feel, I truly feel like, and this is why I said I was envious. Is that like, your intention is purely joy and pleasure in this experience, at least the way I see it as your friend. And I find that really inspiring.
Doree: Thanks, Kate. Um, so yeah, and then like, we talked about the kinds of pieces that I wanna work on and <laugh>, it was like, I mean, do you wanna work on like bigger pieces or do you wanna, like, we could, we could just kind of stay with like, cause I've been, I've been working on a mix of like shorter stuff and longer stuff. And I was like, yeah. I was like, I have nothing else to do. And I was like, wait, wait, no, I mean, I do have other things to do. Like I, I work and like I have stuff to do. I was like, but in terms of piano, I was like, it's not like I'm like working towards like a certificate or recital. So if like we're, if like we wanna work on like a big, complicated piece, like why, so
Kate: How do you feel about his suggestion that a piano is kind of like the next step or a good investment in terms of your practice? Because not only is a piano, like it can be an expensive purchase. Like it also has to go somewhere.
Doree: Well, yeah. I mean, I think we don't have room for like a baby grand, so like that's not happening. I'd love it
Kate: If you
Doree: Did. Um, just like plunk it down in the middle of the living room. Um, but you know, where, cause the P the digital piano I have now is like, basically it's smaller, but it's kind it's in the same family size as an upright piano. So I could put it where my digital piano is right now. Um, but yeah, I mean, it's like, they, although people are always getting rid of pianos, like, I think it's not that hard to find a piano. Um, just moving it is like the issue, but yeah. I mean, it's definitely like a, it's a, it's a investment, not just in terms of money, but in terms of like a large thing, you were bringing into your house and like, you need to tune it. And, you know, just like all the piano maintenance is a real thing. Um, but yeah, it was a very interesting conversation and it did kind of just like, make me chuckle that like, yeah, this is just, and then I told Matt and he was like, but you, you only play. He's like, you only play for you and your teacher. And I was like, Uhhuh <laugh>, that's
Kate: The thing. It doesn't like you can, is he saying, like, you shouldn't get a nice piano or get a piano because it's only for you and this other person.
Doree: He, no, that wasn't so much what he was saying. I was also like, you have no, like, to stand on because in every hobby you have, you buy a thousand things. And like, and I never buy any, like, I have the same tennis racket since I started playing. And like, since he started playing golf, he's gotten like a thousand clubs, you know what I mean? And so I'm just like, oh, okay.
Kate: To be clear, Matt has more guitars than anybody I've ever seen in my life.
Doree: Yeah. So, you know, the fact that like, I am considering getting a piano, I feel like he does not get to push back on it. I think it was more, I think it was more this idea of like, I'm on, I'm on the threshold of like another level of piano.
Kate: Yeah, yeah.
Doree: In the sense of like, well, not like what's the point, but kind of like, okay. But like, if it's kind of like, if a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, it's like, yeah. A little bit, you know,
Kate: It, it's so interesting because right. Like you're, you're getting better and better. And it's like, but for what, like not for what I, I see it as like a personal journey and it doesn't have to be for anybody else or for anyone else to hear except you, or accept you. So like, if you wanted to do it on a beautiful new piano, that it's, it only has to be about you, I think.
Doree: Yeah. Yeah. So, and, you know, pianos are unique among instruments that, in the sense that like, they're not, well, I mean, I guess like drums, aren't super portable, but like most instruments are portable. Like if you play the violin, you can go off and like play in an orchestra or play mm-hmm in a chamber music ensemble or, you know, whatever. Um, I can't just like pick up my piano and go jam <laugh>, you know,
Kate: But you can't keyboard, but I, or your digital piano, I
Doree: Can't actually it's too big. Um, so yeah, so I think that, that might also be part of it that like, there's no sort of communal element to it. And like, I get that. And it's interesting because I do feel like there are so many other things that I've picked up in the last couple years that like, do have a communal aspect to them, you know? Yeah.
Kate: You play poker, you play tennis
Doree: Played Mahjong last night.
Kate: That's right. Well, can I ask a question and I'm saying this like utterly, seriously, I know you're not doing this to like perform a recital piece, but would you ever be in a band?
Doree: No.
Kate: Okay. That was, my question
Doree: Would be in like, uh, like a chamber music.
Kate: I'm just imagining you in like this, like synth pop.
Doree: Cool. No, no, no. See, no, that's not my, that's not what I'm doing. Mm-hmm
Kate: That's not where this is headed. I mean, I, I just, no,
Doree: This is not where this is headed.
Kate: I just think of like you in that necklace as in the nineties and how rocker you are.
Doree: Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. No, this is not. Yeah, I pressure. Yeah. I think the only thing I would, I, I would feel comfortable doing is like a chamber music ensemble kind of thing. Um, because that is the same sort of learning pattern as what I do now.
Kate: Yeah. And the same style of genre, general genre.
Doree: Yeah. Yeah, exactly. Like, I, I just don't and maybe I could've, if I, if this was like how I was trained or how I think, but like, I just don't sit down and like jam.
Kate: Yeah.
Doree: Or is that how often does, and like, I think that confuses him. <laugh> that? I don't.
Kate: How often do you practice?
Doree: Um, I would say four to five times a week.
Kate: Wow. That's amazing. I think that's so cool.
Doree: Thanks Kate. Thank you so much. And
Kate: Are you when your life is super stressful? Like if you have a ton of work, do you mm-hmm <affirmative> do you make it a point to stick, like to continue these practices, like your piano or like making poker night or Majong, or, or what have you, because you know, that, that you, they fulfill you.
Doree: I mean, I feel like there's as much as I would like to say, like, yes, it, it, it really kind of depends. I mean, there are times when I'm just like, so spent that, I just can't like our nanny has been dealing with some family stuff. And so she hasn't, um, there have been some days in the last couple weeks that she hasn't been able to come. And so on days where like I'm taking care of Henry and doing work, it's like the, like, I don't wanna sit down in front of the piano.
Kate: That makes sense.
Doree: Of course. You know, because
Kate: Yep. It is
Doree: Like, it is relaxing. It is meditative, but it is also like, I do really need to focus and mm-hmm <affirmative> and after those days I'm just so drained that I'm like, no,
Kate: Well, again, I find this really. I, I don't know. I just find it really inspiring. Not like it's not even your commitment to it. It's the fact that you've tapped into these things that are meaningful for you.
Doree: You, Kate,
Kate: I'm really struggling with this actually. Like, you know, the reason I'm kind of like yammering about it. Cause I was literally thinking about you when I saw the show notes and you said piano stuff. And I was like, Doree has, has really found things that bring her joy, that she sticks to, you know, not like a flash in the pan kind of thing, not a trend. Like you have really found these solid things that I think really fulfill you. And that's why I used the word envious before, because I was like, I, I'm not in a place right now where I feel like I even, oh, this is gonna get dark. Like I'm feeling like I deserve that in my life, if that makes sense. Mm. It didn't mean for this to take a turn for the sad, but anyway, I just was thinking about it and I I'm like, what is that for me? And also this is, I just think it's so important and we forget so much in life that those things are truly what sustains us. I dunno. Yeah. This got, this got too deep. I didn't mean to take it down a deep, deep road.
Doree: No, I mean, we can take it down a deep road. I want, I want you to find that thing. I want you to have that joy.
Kate: I have a really, I really struggle with giving myself time to have those things in my life because I've always, I put so much pressure on myself also because my, I mean, I have to get my attention span issues under control first. I think like that's, I think that's part of it is cuz I struggle so much to hold I hold attention and get stuff done. I dunno. Um, I'm work on that. That might be, you know, you and I in the past have set like larger intentions and I feel like that would be a good one for me to figure out.
Doree: Yeah, for sure.
Kate: Should I buy you a piano for, for um, your birthday next year? <laugh> would that be really awkward on so many?
Doree: Oh my God. That would be amazing.
Kate: I just, just for you,
Doree: I open the door and there's just piano movers there. <laugh> they're like, oh, look in
Kate: That movie, the movie once where they're loading the piano up. Okay. Well I love that. I, I won't even like make a joke about asking me, hear you play because it sounds like it's a really sacred practice for you. That is just for you. And I just, I'm just loving that.
Doree: Thank you, Kate. Huh? Well, I don't know what a great segue to talking about our guest is, but
Kate: I was gonna say speak of joy. Oh
Doree: Yes. Speaking of joy, I did really enjoy talking to our guests. She, she was like such a delight.
Kate: Do you wanna share who we got speak with this week?
Doree: I would like more we Heidi gardener, you have probably
Kate: Saturday night
Doree: Live. You have probably seen her on Saturday night live. I mean she has some iconic characters, including teen movie reviewer, Bailey, Gismert, famous eighties, cocaine wife, Carla Angel, every boxer's girlfriend. And she trained with the Groundlings main company in Los Angeles. And if you are kind of at all sort of in the comedy aware of the comedy world, you know how iconic Groundlings has been, um, in terms of like comedy just period, but a lot of SNL, uh, cast members have come from Groundlings anyway. Um, she is in the new movie hustle, which is on Netflix. It's an amazing sports drama with Adam Sandler and queen Latifa. And she has also guest Stard on the final season of HBO's Veep. She's been on NBC's Superstore. She was on The Other Two, which is one of Kate and my favorite, favorite, um, shows. And yeah, she's from Kansas city, Missouri. Her birthday is July 27th. She's just like a delightful human. And we had so much fun talking to her, so, and
Kate: We're gonna take inspiring. Oh, sorry. I just, she was, I, we talk about kind of second careers and you know how to know, I just, just this the idea of like, is it too late for me to pursue this thing that I love because she was a hair stylist for 10 years and then started doing comedy. So it's just really, she's just the coolest, I loved getting talk to her
Doree: So cool. All we are going to take a short break mm-hmm <affirmative> and then we're gonna come back.
Kate: Okay. With Heidi. We'll be here.
Doree: All right. BRB
Kate: Well, we are so excited to have Heidi Gardner here. This is a very, you are our first SNL cast member and I'm very excited.
Heidi Gardner: I'm honored to be your first. Yeah. Thank you. I don't know. I'm many people's first <laugh>
Kate: Well, you know what, you're ours, which is it's quite a status symbol. I have to say. <laugh>
Doree: We always kick all our interviews off, uh, by asking our guests about a self-care practice that they have. Um, so is there something that you are doing these days that you would consider kinda a regular practice?
Heidi Gardner: You know what I've been doing a lot recently, and this should have been obvious to me because you know, every time you go to the spa, get your nails done, they have the hot towels that seem like that, that you can only get that the spa at a spa yes. Or salon. But lately when I'm washing my face, I'll use like an oil based, uh, cleanser. And then I'll just run my wash under hot water and then I, and then wipe my face with that. Yeah.
Doree: Oh, that's so nice.
Heidi Gardner: Yes. And so I, you know, I feel like I'm at the spot, this warm compress on my face and, and yes, I don't have the little like microwave heater that they do at, at a salon, but I do have a faucet with hot water and I can give myself that self care.
Doree: Oh, I love that. Just like bringing a little bit of the spa home.
Heidi Gardner: Yes.
Doree: Yes. Oh, perfect. Um, well, Heidi, we, this is, this interview is kind of pegged to your, um, your role in the new movie hustle with Adam Sandler, which is this amazing basketball remedy on Netflix. And I guess we'd just like to hear a little bit about what making the movie for you was like, um, were there any real highlights? I know you're a basketball fan. Was that kind of, part of the appeal of doing the movie?
Heidi Gardner: Absolutely. I mean, I have, for years been saying, I, I want the world of comedy and the NBA to somehow come together. <laugh> and, and, and my mind could never really think of anything other than like, I'd love to do like a photo shoot with LeBron James or so, and that's never happened, but like, I just didn't know, um, how that would ever work out in the world for me. And then hustle came along and, you know, one of my absolute heroes, Adam Sandler, uh, had told me that, uh, about the role and that he, he wanted me for the role. And I mean, that was huge. I, I, I think I would've said yes to anything. <laugh>, mm-hmm, <affirmative> maybe not anything but most things that Adam, uh, asked me to do. And then the fact that he told me that, yeah, I was gonna play one of the owners of the Philadelphia 70 Sixers and that, you know, the movie was gonna be stacked with current NBA players, alumni, you know, and basically my character is like a genie bus type mm-hmm <affirmative> who, you know, ive I've watched over the years.
Heidi Gardner: So it was a dream. I couldn't believe it. And then my first day on set, they got me ready. I'm coming outta hair and makeup. They walked me to the set and, um, like one of the PAs was like, oh, oh, um, she's, she's too early for the scene. Like, you guys brought her out early, we're still getting all this like, uh, game coverage. And you know, I look out it's at a gym and it's like, um, Aaron Gordon, Trey young, Wacho all playing like an NBA style scrimmage game. And I'm just like in awe mouth open, but they're like, we'll get you right back to your trailer. Um, we're so sorry. We brought you out early. And I was like, hell no. I'm like, I'm watching this game. These are my favorite players. They like had just been in the playoffs like two weeks before. So yeah, I just, and they kept on being like, oh my God, I'm, we're so sorry. We're behind. I'm like, I don't care. I don't even care, honestly. And I really mean this, even if they told me that day, like your part was completely cut <laugh> I would've been like, okay, well, thanks for flying me to watch an NBA game and then like, get to talk to some players and Adam, like, I'm I promise I'm good. Thank you for the opportunity. <laugh>
Kate: I, I think it's, I, I was reading a little bit about, you know, you're a fan of the Kansas city chiefs and you have that amazing chief stress that yes. Someone made you like. Yeah. And, and just being a fan of the NBA and pro sports teams in general is such a part of like joy in our lives that I think we, we haven't discussed that much on our show, even though like, you know, we're both red Sox fans and married to people who are obsessed with certain sports teams. Is that, I mean, you have a really longstanding love of the NBA in your own life. Um, what does it kinda mean to you? What is, what does like getting swept up in that like pro sports team feeling mean to you?
Heidi Gardner: Well, first off, I just wanna give a shout out to the girl who made the chief stress. Uh, you can find her on Instagram, under shop Franklin, Jay, and she's incredible and can make a dress out of anything. But that Shere is my pride and joy, because like, you were just asking sports for me ever since I was little girl, it was kind of the great connector for me. It was comedy in sports with my family, especially, it was like the thing that we all did together. And I actually really credit my mom with making me like a passionate NFL fan and NBA fan she's from Chicago. So she was a huge bears fan and, uh, bulls fan and like growing up in nineties kid and your mom loves the bulls and there's not a team in Kansas city. And it's like, you know, Jordan Pippin and Rodman.
Heidi Gardner: It was very cool. Um, and then she, once I got into the NFL, uh, she was a travel agent and she, she actually did travel for some of the chiefs players like Derek Thomas and Dale Carter. And so she would know that after every home game, uh, the chiefs would go to Houston's bar and grill on the Plaza in Kansas city and have drinks. So like at six, seven years old, she would take me down to Houston, sneak me into the bar area, give me, grab me cocktail napkins and give me her pin. And I would go around like asking chiefs players for autographs. And, and so she really just always kind of like, she taught me about it. And then she supported the love that I had. And it was just always really fun. And, and to this day, I just think sports is a great connector.
Heidi Gardner: Like, especially if I'm like a little shy meeting, a stranger, like, you know, I might ask them where they're from and then if they're a fan of that team, and then suddenly we have a conversation going, and then I also find that like, on Sundays, when there's an NFL game, it's such a great way to have friends over. You're like entertained by a game, but you're also visiting there's snacks. Communal it's like if every day could be a super bowl party, <laugh>, that would be a great life. I mean, it's just like, yeah, that's my dream.
Doree: Um, I wanted to ask you actually about your mom, because I read an interview with you where you talked about how she hosted lingerie parties, um, when you were a kid and also like you said, you know, took you to bars and, and I'm curious how that experience growing up, um, has influenced your comedy career.
Heidi Gardner: Well, I think my mom is like my ultimate character inspiration for all those reasons, like right. You know, in so many ways I was, she was a single mom and I was along for her ride, you know? So it's like she was being a mom and her kids were most important and she was a woman in her thirties trying to live her life. And so, yeah, I got, I got taken along to those lingerie parties and it was like, I had seen those on TV or heard about other friend's moms doing like Tupperware parties. Yeah. And so, so then she had this group of friends called girls night outlets have fun club, which to this day there's a, t-shirt iconic. It's like incredible. And you know, the, the women in the group, there were two Lynns. One of them was Lynn star. There was a Kathy there, I think it was like two Lynn, two Kathys and Ernie, my mom and girls night outlets have fun club.
Heidi Gardner: They were like, yeah, well, we're not traditional. We don't wanna do the Tupperware party. So I remember they would like a, a person, like a lingerie as sales person would come to one of their houses or apartments with a rack of lingerie. And like, as this like young girl, I would see all these like long like nineties and like the Mabu, feather, kitten heels, and like, you know, my mom's friend Lynn star, which is a kid, that's the coolest name I've ever heard in my life. Cause her last name is star with her big, like eighties hair, like comes out in like a red neglige and like ostrich feather shoes. And I was just like, well, that's a character. I, I have a character. I do sometimes in live shoes. Her name is Lynn star. Cause I'm still obsessed with it.
Doree: Has the real Lynn star ever seen you do star.
Heidi Gardner: She hasn't. And it's, it's really, I just took the Liberty of the name. Like I would. Yeah. Um, I, Lynn star would be like the actual Lin star would be a more crafted, um, like almost honor honorary character. Right, right, right. Yes. Yes. But yeah, my mom just littered my life with characters. Same with my dad. You know, they were, they were very gregarious. They are, um, they definitely were in the eighties and nineties, just like a gregarious people with like lots of fun friends. And, and like I said, I was just along for the ride and just constantly being like, oh my God, that's an interesting, <laugh> like my dad, my dad was, uh, uh, a limo driver. He was a chauffer and he would pick me up from school in a limo. And I remember a lot of the kids in the grades above me, I was in like fourth grade.
Heidi Gardner: They, they saw me get picked up. And I remember this kid, Scott was like, you rich bitch. And I was like, no, like we're poor. My dad's the driver driving the rich people. But sometimes I would get, I would open my door or my dad would open it for me show first style. Um, and in the backseat of a limo, it would be all this Motley crew of tattoo artists. Like if a tattoo convention was in town, like, and my dad's friends like west grim and Mr. Romi. And it was just like me at like eight years old. And like, just like 10 tattoo artists, just like in the back of a limo, it doesn't sound like very drop them off at their hotel. Or we have to swing by the convention like west or, you know, just, it was, it was, it was, it was, um, it was wild. And sometimes I really, um, I really miss that time because even though it was chaotic and crazy, and I think I was exposed to things I shouldn't have, I will say that like my childhood was exciting.
Kate: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm, <affirmative>, it's so interesting too. I mean, I think we're a little bit older than you, but not by much. So we all kind of grew up in that same eighties and nineties time where it just, I don't think that would happen anymore. Like parents.
Heidi Gardner: No,
Kate: It's the, the, the culture of parenting has changed so much. And I think you could argue like sometimes for better sometimes a lot of times for worse. And that, that just sounds like a really exciting, like you said, exciting way to kind of grow up and to see things and to begin to understand the world through your parents also sounds like an amazing 1990s childhood to get picked up in a limo. <laugh> like something out of kindergarten cop or something that just sounds or Mrs. Out fire. Yeah. Do you think your parents, or just kind of growing up in that space fueled your personal style at all? Because I really love everything that you wear, you know, on the SNL, you know, closing or just on red carpets, even just like right now. I think it's very clear. You have a fun, colorful, like, love, love of fashion. And I know you are a vintage person too. So is, is that, do you think where it kind of came from, or is, is your personal style something you really developed just on your own?
Heidi Gardner: I think it, I think it definitely came from them. I, I think back a lot about my mom's closet, um, when I was a kid or actually just her bedroom, you know, she had, uh, a huge vanity in the top and on top of the vanity were like the vintage perfume bottles with like the squeezy puff things or whatever. Mm-hmm <affirmative> she had the first two drawers were like all my grandma's costume jewelry, which was just like the most beautiful when you're that age, costume jewelry is real diamonds, I think. Um, and then she had like vintage hat boxes with hats, with veils in it. And then her closet was full of like those like nineties sweetheart cut, like velvet mini dresses with gemstones around the bus and like a matching Ballero. And then like the kitten heels with feathers, like her closet was a dream.
Heidi Gardner: And then I also had like a dad who I remember one day coming home from school, walking into the bathroom and the shower curtain I think was taken off. And there was a white blazer hanging from the shower curtain rod. And, uh, my dad had two, uh, cans of neon spray paint. And he was just like, kind of graffiti Jackson, Quin, his white blazer with just like pinks and greens. And I mean, to this day, I'm like, dad, do you have that blazer? He was like, no, he was like, I got rid of it when it, you know, didn't fit anymore. I'm like that blazer was so cool. Um, so they definitely like, they were into vintage. They were playful. And I think that that is, is where I come from too.
Kate: Oh my God. I love that so
Heidi Gardner: Much. Yeah.
Kate: <laugh> the confidence it takes to spray paint your own blazer and then wear it is very admirable
Doree: In the bathroom. I
Kate: Let's take a, and we'll be right back. All right. We are back
Doree: Heidi. We, we hear from a lot of listeners who feel like whatever they wanna do. It's like too late for them. And you know, I know you started your career as a hair stylist and pivoted to comedy. I think you were in your late twenties when you started doing ground ground links. Mm-hmm <affirmative> um, so we'd love to just kind of hear a little bit about what that pivot was like for you. And if you have any advice for people who kind of want to do something like this, but feel like, oh, it's too late. Like I've already kind of gone down this other path.
Heidi Gardner: Yeah. I kind of feel like no matter I it's so funny cuz I didn't have any sort of plans of doing, doing what I'm doing now. I really didn't. I didn't think there was a path being a kid from Kansas city and never having acted, but I was obsessed with movies and TV and SNL and pop culture. And I thought that I was just gonna quote movies the rest of my life. Like I was like, that's the thing that I do. Um, and, and even when I, I dropped outta college then to, to do hair and you know, I think I was 21 and I was going to school with some girls that were like 18, like who fresh outta high school, right into school for hair and makeup. And I remember at that time thinking I was behind like, oh God, like if I only would've known a couple years ago, like, you know, they're gonna be so ahead of me, I'm so behind.
Heidi Gardner: And I was a baby, you know? And then I really enjoyed my time doing hair. I think I knew that it wasn't, Aing just because like I, you know, I, I couldn't see myself like owning my own salon and I had such an amazing mentor and I knew how like she grew and got her salon. So I, I remember being like, oh, I wonder why I don't like want to do that. Um, but I think the thing, and I have so many friends and family members that are like, yeah, we, we always knew how funny you were, but you were a hairstylist. You didn't, you know? Um, but I had some like key people that like believed in me that were like, you should take an improv class. You're really funny. Like just do it. And, and even though I thought I had no business doing it and sometimes when I still don't think I have any business and I'm like, but yeah, but I didn't go to acting school and I, and those moments where I'm like, and I feel so behind, cause these people have this experience and this experience I'm like, well, I had a different experience.
Heidi Gardner: Like all those times with my parents, like, you know, being seven years old at happy hours, cuz my mom wouldn't cook and the people I met, like I was meeting characters or, you know, I was the kid who like everyone else asked to do prank phone calls, you know, like I was doing characters. And so it, it was gonna find its way out of me in some way. And for a while it was just fine, you know, quoting movies and being like the expert on like indie type things or, you know, in Kansas city. But I think your true thing, I think you're calling like, it's, it's gonna come out somehow. So just like let it, and like, it doesn't have to, obviously I got really lucky being where I'm at, but like I also have to remind myself, like it doesn't, it didn't have to come out that way either.
Heidi Gardner: Like it can lead you to so many different things. So at least let it like have its chance and explore itself, let it out. Um, it deserves that you deserve to give yourself that it's um, and you know, I know at ground leans, they would always tell us like, you know, if your goal is to be a ground lean, like you actually like shouldn't be here. Like the odds of that happening are very low, you know? Like they were just trying to set you up with like explore this space in other ways. And so I'm just kind of like take the pressure off of like, anytime I have those like big end goals, I know it's good to have goals, but it's like just take the pressure off and enjoy the journey like cuz I think that's actually the dream is just like all those steps. Those are, that's the really fun part.
Kate: I mean, SNL is such a competitive. I mean I, and I've heard you talk about this. Like the, the process of auditioning is really competitive and emotionally a bit grueling, like the meetings with Lauren and waiting for the meeting and, and all that stuff. And then the, once you're at SNL, the schedule is really intense and I know it's been a little wacky the last few years with COVID, but you all are up and running again this past year. And I, I would love to know like how do you take care of yourself? Both like physically and emotionally during a shooting week because the hours are really, you know, late and it's an institution. So you wanna honor the process and there's the, you know, emotion of sketches not getting on or things getting cut at the last minute. Do you take that in stride? Are there weeks where it's easier than other weeks? Um, what does that look like for you?
Heidi Gardner: Well, the first few years of being on the show, I, I think you have to just get swept up in it. I, and, and you don't have any other choice. You're just like, this is life now and this rules everything. And the last couple years, and probably having more time at home because of the pandemic, uh, probably affected this, but I've made a conscious effort that it's like, no matter how swept up in a work week, I get, I have to take time for myself. So I don't feel like SNL is everything and that it's completely running the show. Like even sometimes if I get home at 11 o'clock, I will. And that's, you know, not even that late for us now, but late for dinner, I will force myself to make myself a meal, even if it's just like boiling some pasta and putting a red sauce on it.
Heidi Gardner: Cuz I'm just like, this is something I'm doing to take care of myself. Just like taking a moment for me. It has nothing to do with work. It just has to do with nourishing me. Um, so I take a lot of little moments like that or on a Sunday I will make like a big Curry that, you know, will last me a few nights and I'll bring my dinner to work. I'll bring my dinner to work on Saturday. So I have this like nourishing food that I got from home that I know I'll like, you know, there's an amazing cafeteria at work, but you know, sometimes it's like, oh, I don't really want, you know, catfish <laugh> for the show or something, but like I can take care of myself. I can make sure that I have the things that I need. So that's been a really big thing.
Heidi Gardner: And then also not even though the hours are very late and I'm happy to stay up as late as I need to, or, you know, be on shoots as late or early as possible. It's also admitting to myself, like I'm a better writer at 11:00 AM, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM than I am from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM. I just know it like, yes, you might get something wild out of me at that time, but I feel better. I'm just more on top of my brain at those hours. So it's, it's also just being like, okay, so I'm also gonna write then. And if I get my sketches done, then I'm, I might revise some things at 4:00 AM or someone might be like having me take a look at something at 4:00 AM. I'm happy to do that. But like I'm honoring my process rather than being like, oh, I have to be like, what I think the cool kid is. And like, you know, stay up six and roll into the table, read like no shower, have it brush my teeth. Like I will feel disgusting. Like I have to mm-hmm <affirmative> and I'm out there performing and like need to, so I have to take those things to take care of myself and I do. And I'm really proud of that, that I've, I've made an effort the last couple years to do that. I feel better.
Kate: It's an interesting like boundary setting almost because it's not necessarily boundary setting with a another person, but it's, it's like that setting a boundary with work and also yourself in a way.
Heidi Gardner: Yeah. Yeah. And even the, um, and like you were saying about like when a sketch gets on or what, when it doesn't or like there's so much adrenaline in a work week at SNL and there's so many highs and lows that I've also stopped allowing the highs and lows to, I mean, of course, if it's a big high, I wanna honor that and celebrate it, but I, if you have a really big high, like a really big, low is probably coming too. So it's like just to like try to not ride either wave too much. And, and even like, if you have a great show on a Saturday, it's like, you know, on a Sunday, the brain is curious, the brain wants like more praise. And I learned really early on, like, you wanna look for like, who liked the sketch or, and it's like a million I've never gotten a million comments, a
Kate: Million good,
Heidi Gardner: A million good comments will always be overshadowed by one bad one. Yeah. And so it's just not worth it. It's like I trust the universe that I went out there and I did my job if I'm happy with it. And I'm my absolute worst critic then like, then I can settle. And like if you know, people I know, reach out to me or get to me somehow to tell me that they liked something I did, I'm like, that's great. And I'm not gonna go seeking validation anywhere else either. And I think that's a really good way to take care of myself, cuz it also just means like, okay, I trust my gut. Like I'm okay. No matter what <laugh> yeah.
Kate: I,
Doree: I mean, that's, that's a challenge. I think whether or not you're on SNL,
Kate: <laugh> just in their day to day life. Yeah.
Heidi Gardner: Yeah, totally. Yeah.
Doree: Yeah. So yeah. Um, well Heidi, before we wrap, we do always like to ask our guests about their skincare routine. Um, so could you share with us what you are using these days?
Heidi Gardner: Yes, so, well I was just traveling and I, I had gotten this, um, just like travel kit that I just put in my bag cuz I was like, oh this is easy. And it's not necessarily the skincare I usually use, but I will say that I was super impressed by it. Um, the brands called the outset and I was just using their cleanser serum. I think it's a new brand or at least I didn't know about 'em but um, cleanser, serum and their moisturizer and their moisturizer is just like the perfect consistency of like, not too thick, not too thin, not too kind of sticky the, I mean it just like, it, it also feels like I could put on like seven quarter size amounts and like, it wouldn't feel like too much. Um, so I really like that brand. Um, what else have I been doing? Um, you know, I don't know if they, they do anything, but I like putting under iPads on under my eyes. They just feel, they feel good. Um, I'm not sure.
Kate: Do you, at the, after a show, like you have so much makeup on, what's the first thing that you do to take it off? Is it a makeup wipe? Is it an oil cleanse? Do you go to bed with your makeup on ever?
Heidi Gardner: No. So it's so funny too, cuz we, we have our makeup done so many different times during the week, especially on Friday, if we're in like a video shoot and so you'll have this like really like beautiful makeup that usually just says like, you know, a woman about town. Like I would love to keep a professionally made up face all day long and I feel so bad that um, the makeup artists are always like, do you wanna keep it? Or, and I'm like, get it off my face or like, yes, I need a, a makeup wipe because it'll just keep getting layered on and then Saturday keep get getting layered on. But um, what I do is I'll use like a oil based cleanser when I get home, I'll do like a pass of that. And my makeup artist, Kim at the show told me to do that, like basically a double cleanse. So do the oil and then do like a regular face wash. And um, I can't, I think about it so much when I would go out in my twenties and, and not wash my face. Yeah. <laugh> like full like lashes and like,
Kate: Yeah.
Heidi Gardner: Yeah. Wow. Just, I can't even imagine. I sometimes I'll stay I'll I'll keep like the eye on or something. Cause I'm like, oh the next day it might be like smoke and sexier
Kate: And
Heidi Gardner: Like try to sleep on my back. So the lashes won't be affected, but, but I wash it off
Kate: For sure. Oh, well Heidi, this has been so lovely to get to talk to you. Um, we know we can see you in hustle on Netflix, which is out now and is like a huge hit, which is so exciting. Congratulations. And of course, SNL, um, is there anywhere else that people can find you or that you want, any other things you wanna share with our listeners?
Heidi Gardner: Oh my gosh. You know, I, um, it's not as current right now, but I do a podcast with my brother. That's all about kind of like, I don't know if you can tell from this what I've been talking about, but I'm nostalgic and it's called where we were when, and it's my brother and I having guests come on and talk about like our most memorable movie going experiences. Like when we were a child or any part of adolescence, just a certain movie going experience that you have lots of memories around and it's been really cool to learn about people that way their childhoods into informing who they are now and then also to reconnect with my older brother that way too. That's so
Kate: Sweet.
Heidi Gardner: Yeah. It's a, I love that a
Kate: Feel good. I love that. Now I'm thinking about some real weird movie moments from the nineties that I had. So <laugh> yeah. So fun to talk about. I do. Yeah. I could talk about it all day. Well, um, Heidi, thank you again. We're so glad to have you.
Doree: Yeah, this was so fun.
Heidi Gardner: Thank you so much.
Kate: You know, Doree was really funny. Mike, we were watching as a family, um, is it cake? Mm. Which is such a fun reality show. If you have not watched it. And I was asking my kids about the best judges and they were like the woman from sang live that you are gonna interview. Cause Heidi, yeah, she's a judge on the show. And I was like, oh my God, it's amazing to me that like my children know who all these folks are. Like, it was just very, it was very sweet. That's cute. And I've been like, I just, I just talked to her. I just had her. Wow. Yeah. Yeah. My kids were slightly impressed. They were slightly, slightly wowed by me. Just slightly, a little bit. They weren't that impressed talking.
Doree: Did you a book, not in your world
Kate: Read one more book in my alien world. And then I have started a book about ORs, which are like big green monsters. Okay. Um, but I also wanted, I also have started, uh, the lifestyle by Taylor, hah, which I am very excited about. It's I just dug into it. It's a bit of a retelling of Emma. It explores like swingers. It's just, Taylor's really a really great writer and very cool. And this book has a lot of buzz, so I excited to dig into that. So yeah, that's my non-A book. Unless out of nowhere, there's an alien character in the lifestyle or in this book about Orks that I'm reading. Mm. I think I'm on an alien break until the next new book comes out in July.
Doree: Okay. All right.
Kate: All right. Look at that. Broadening my horizons.
Doree: Wow. Yeah, I appreciate it. Um, so Kate, I was going to watch TV last week
Kate: And
Doree: Well, I, I couldn't wait. And I talked about this on, on an episode a few days ago, last week, Monday. I don't even remember, but I watched all of heart stopper in like a second
Kate: And I cried with joy because yes,
Doree: It's just so I love them so much. So it's so great. Um, and then I finally started season two of hacks, which I was behind on, so
Kate: Oh, so great. Okay. Look at you. Yeah.
Doree: So I'm just, yeah, I'm just moving right
Kate: Along. You are moving and grooving. I know. Look, I'm very
Doree: Impressed you in grooving. Um, OK.
Kate: Well this week, do you have an intention to share with us?
Doree: I do. And we are gonna be talking about this a little bit more, um, in the next few days, but you and I are both going on vacation. And so as anyone who has ever worked at a job and gone on vacation knows the like week or two, before you go on vacation is always so crazy because you're just like trying to get all this stuff done and like make sure everything is like wrapped up before you leave and et cetera, et cetera. So Kate and I have a very hectic couple of weeks coming up. <laugh>
Kate: We've really like, uh, loaded up the, the days with things. Yeah. In order to hopefully be able to kind of take a break.
Doree: Yes. I think we're, I think we are going to be, uh, like really glad we did it, but mm-hmm <affirmative> I think it's gonna feel a little chaotic for a little while. Oh yeah. So my intention is to just not to get overwhelmed.
Kate: You know what, for the first time I think I am going to share this intention with you because I haven't, I didn't have an intention for this week and I am prone to catastrophizing and leading into the overwhelm. And so I am going also strive for balance this week. Well, let's also hope that for Sam and Sam who are along for this ride with us,
Doree: They're really along for the ride.
Kate: <laugh> I know. Well, everyone, thank you so much for listening. Uh, friendly reminder that forever35 is hosted and produced by Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer it's produced and edited by Sam Junio. Sami Reed is our project manager. Our network partner is Acast. Bye.