Kenan Thompson: From Nickelodeon to SNL Legend | IMO

What this episode is about

Kenan Thompson shares anecdotes from his early career, including a humorous audition experience for "The Mighty Ducks" where he exaggerated his skating abilities, and discusses his recent experiences driving an electric Rivian truck with his daughter, highlighting the comfort and size of the vehicle. The conversation also touches on the joy of reconnecting with friends and personal growth through new experiences.

Key takeaways

• Always embellish your skills: roller skating might not cut it, but a good story turns heads.
• If you feel lost in a Rivian, just remember: the app knows where you’re going better than you do.
• Rivian's camping gear is a game changer; who knew your car could turn into a cooler and cooktop?
• Kenan Thompson: 22 seasons of SNL, but he still looks like he’s just here for the cafeteria food.
• The longer you stay in the game, the more you realize: youth is overrated, but experience is priceless.

Who speaks in this episode?

• Michelle Obama (Host) · 43 min speaking
• Kenan Thompson (Guest) · 29 min speaking
• Craig Robinson (Host) · 7 min speaking

What is discussed, and when

1. 0:00 – 10:00: Rivian, Saturday Night Live, Malia, SNL
2. 10:00 – 20:00: Saturday Night Live, Lee's Famous Country Recipe Chicken
3. 20:00 – 30:00: Mighty Ducks, Good Burger, Saturday Night Live
4. 30:00 – 40:00: KolaGuard
5. 50:00 – 1:00:00: Acorns

Notable quotes from "Kenan Thompson: From Nickelodeon to SNL Legend | IMO"

• Like real bad falls. You would have epic falls. Yeah, super duper. you weren't even close to being able to skate. But thank god they taught me This episode is brought to you by Rivian and KolaGuard.

  about Rivian · at 0:27

• Been watching that show since it came on. I'm that old. And remember when he came on and I was man, they hire these young brothers on the Saturday Night Live. Okay, okay. -And…

  about Saturday Night Live · at 5:43

• Well, thanks to Malia, I started letting them watch R-rated stuff, so Malia. They were very strict parental parents in terms of viewing. No PG-13 and their older cousin thought…

  about Malia · at 8:16

• What was the commercial? The first one. It was for this fried chicken restaurant called Lee's Famous Country Recipe Chicken. Really? Were you an outlier?

  about Lee's Famous Country Recipe Chicken · at 14:35

• When you first were famous, that was that the, the, the Nickelodeon years or. I think Good Burger kicked it into high gear. Mighty Ducks was cool, but that was more so about…

  about Mighty Ducks · at 21:24

• It's about making the most of what you have. That's something I've carried with me from my time on Wall Street to today. And that's why I love Acorns! Acorns is a financial…

  about Acorns · at 53:17

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

• Malia — Person · Referenced family member (Michelle Obama's daughter) · 3 mentions · first at 1:50
  Referenced in a parenting anecdote (car ride) and as an older cousin influencing younger kids’ media habits; used to illustrate family dynamics.

Companies & orgs

• Lee's Famous Country Recipe Chicken — Company · Referenced company · 1 mention · first at 14:41
  Mentioned in the context of Kenan Thompson's early commercial work.

Media & podcasts

• Saturday Night Live — Media · Referenced media · 5 mentions · first at 5:23
  Discussed as the show where Kenan Thompson has been a cast member for 22 seasons.
• SNL — Media · Referenced media · 1 mention · first at 5:54
  Mentioned as the show where Kenan Thompson is the longest-running cast member.
  Been watching that show since it came on. I'm that old. And remember when he came on and I was man, they hire these young brothers on the Saturday Night Live. Okay, okay. -And…
• Mighty Ducks — Media · Referenced media · 4 mentions · first at 0:00
  Mentioned in the context of Kenan Thompson's early career and auditions.
• Good Burger — Media · Referenced media · 2 mentions · first at 21:29
  Mentioned as a significant early career project for Kenan Thompson.
  But Good Burger was ours. it started on our show, you and it was the first movie that came from our show. You know? And we were both in it, me and Kel. And that was my brother…

Sponsors

• Rivian — Product · Sponsor · 7 mentions · first at 0:39
  Promoted as a sponsor of the episode, with detailed discussion about the car's features.
• KolaGuard — Product · Sponsor · 2 mentions · first at 0:39
  Promoted as a sponsor of the episode, discussing its features and benefits.
  Like real bad falls. You would have epic falls. Yeah, super duper. you weren't even close to being able to skate. But thank god they taught me This episode is brought to you by Rivian and KolaGuard.
• Acorns — Company · Sponsor · 5 mentions · first at 53:06
  Promoted as a sponsor of the episode, discussing financial wellness.

Full transcript with timestamps

0:00 I remember when I auditioned for the Mighty Ducks, like they asked if I could skate. And I was like, yeah, I can roller skate. I couldn't roller skate at all, you know? But it was just one of those like, they say put special skills at the bottom of the resume to make it look nicer and make it look more interesting. So I'm like, I've been roller skating, so I'll put that down there. I remember like, I used to fall. Two feet up, you know what I'm saying? You know what i mean? Like real bad falls. You would have epic falls. Yeah, super duper. Like, you weren't even close to being able to skate. But thank god they taught me

0:39 This episode is brought to you by Rivian and KolaGuard. Hey, you. Well, Craig Robinson, here you are again. You show back up. I'ma keep coming if you keep coming. Okay, that's a deal. That's a Deal. We're having a lot of fun. This is so much fun. Yeah, loving your color selection. What would you call that? I would call this an olive green. Yeah, yeah, Kelly hooked you up again She did. Once again. Once Again. And you've made it here and put those clothes on just like she told you to, all by yourself. So, uh, did I hear a rumor that you have driven your Rivian?

1:21 Driving my Rivian. It was cool. Yeah, yeah. We've got this amazing forest green Rivian, it is beautiful. It just sits in the driveway. Beautiful. I love the look of that. It's a good looking car. It is an elegant car. And it's bigger than you think, once you get in it. It's huge. Especially after driving a smaller car, but it was so smooth. And we were on some back roads and some little unpaved things. It didn't, you know, feel bumpy. It was the, although I was riding with Malia and she had just gotten into town. Okay. So I'm like, you know, I'm still new driving, right. Electric car, right? And new, because I don't drive all the time, right? Right? That's right, yeah.

2:08 So this is me and my daughter, we're in the car, you know, just the two of us got the radio on and I'm trying to figure out everything and where do you press this? And she's telling me her life because she had just gotten into town and she's ready to talk about her and she's talking and I am trying to drive and work the pedal and she is like, and then mom, you what happened? And I was like, turn the station down and she just going at me. You know, it's like she's tell me every important news too. So I'm kind I drive my Rivian.

2:38 Pay attention to the screen, not hit a deer, you know, but through it all, it was a really smooth ride. It was. Heard us talk about the Rivians that we have been gifted by the company to drive and Kelly and I finally got to do a long ride where you have to charge it when you're away. Oh yeah! Yeah! And because... She was nervous. She was a little nervous. She was a little nervous about it and I was saying they do such a good job in their app of showing you not only where the Rivian charging stations are, but where any charging station is. So you're never really out there on your own.

3:15 And so we drove, I don't know, 400 something miles away. Mm-hmm. Charged it away at a grocery store and it was way to go. So went in, got something to eat, messed around with the, with the dashboard and still finding stuff out. So it was really good. Yeah, it was really good, so. Another friend of mine who has a Rivian says that there's a whole camper unit that you can get with it. You can. Yeah. Um, which I didn't, I know that Rivian, they are really pushing outdoor life. So the, um, the, the hood is not because there's no engine.

3:56 You can use it as a cooler, but I didn't realize that you could get other accessories like a, you know, you could, there's a cooktop and other kind of, you've never told me about that. But that's because I haven't been camping. Yeah, but still those are features that are really pretty interesting for the more outdoorsy people who are Rivian users. Yeah. But anyway, so I was thrilled. It's a beautiful car and when I get back home, I'm going to drive it some more. Yeah, so we have guests of all guests. Yeah, one of my favorite people.

4:32 He doesn't know that. I don't think he knows that. Yeah, I guess we, yeah, we never met him. But don't you feel like, you know, you should know that. And he, it feels like not only should we, we know that we know him, but he, it feels he should know us. He feels like, I was telling you, he feels like somebody who went to Mount Carmel High School walking down the hallway, cracking jokes on dudes and dudes going to their locker room, shaking their head, crying, you know? I mean, just he, he's that for me. Like if I look at him and he smirks a little, I will start cracking up. And we're talking about Kenan Thompson, you all. Yes, indeed. Yeah. Before I get too far ahead of myself. Well, let's introduce him so we can get him out here. I will. Kenan Thompson is an award-winning actor, comedian, producer, and author. All of that? Yep. Best known for his work on- When does he have time for all that?

5:23 Saturday Night Live or SNL as people call it. Is that what they say And he's recently wrapped his 22nd season. Dag, he looks like he's 27. I know. And I was telling Julia, our producer, that I've been watching that show since it came on. I'm that old. And remember when he came on and I was like, man, they hire these young brothers on the Saturday Night Live. Okay, okay. Mm-hmm And, uh, he is the show's longest running cast member. So without any further ado, the man who's coming here dressed for the vineyard, Keenan Thompson. Kira!

6:08 It's like Cousin Kenan Cousins, that's right don't bump your head Bye. Thank you very much. You look so fresh! Brother, man, I had to get fresh for y'all. You look so fresh, you're so cute. You know? I want to go to the venue. I understand you. Okay, alright, alright. Get your ferry ticket. You know, they have the little ones with the cars. They have the, yeah, they do. Have you ever been to the vineyard? I went for Seth Meyers' wedding. That was like the one time I went, and it was really nice. Yeah, it's lovely. It's lovely, yeah. I rented this like, yellow, I think Camaro. Oh, oh, so you were top-down. Right, yellow.

6:49 You know, kind of oblivious to the fact that people will notice me. But yeah, I was sticking out a little bit on that one. It was fun though. It's like, is that Kana? No, no, no. I mean, I wanna live life, you know. You Good time down on the vineyard, doing special. Yeah, yeah, but that means you have to like find some time to have a vacation Yeah, it doesn't happen often. Yeah You know, that was a good one. Yeah, well, welcome. Thank you very much. It's so nice to see the two of you in person. And it's good to see you in person to meet you. I really do feel like I know you. I mean, I'm sure you get that a lot, where people are like, man, I feel like we know each other. But I've been- You have, you have, at all different levels, too, you know, because you got the kid audience that grew up with you, because our kids, Malia and Sasha, by the time they were watching you, I wasn't watching TV with them, right? You know, you get to that age where it's like, okay, you're on your own,

7:46 right, that's what you do, and, um, but, you, you don't. Mickey Mouse in the background. Exactly. But my older kids grew up with you. They're just a little bit younger than you are, but my younger kids only know you from Saturday Night Live. They're 15 and 13. Yeah. And we let them watch a little Saturday Night live before... What do they think? Yes, that's a good, I am a surprise. What do they think about the show or about you both? Yeah, I would love to hear both Saturday Night Live! Well, thanks to Malia, I started letting them watch R-rated stuff, so Malia. They were very strict parental parents in terms of viewing. No PG-13 and their And their older cousin thought that that was ridiculous and told them that they needed to be doing more sneaking by now. She was always them cousins. She was. She was them cousins, you know? She was the cousins. It is them cousins!

8:39 Kids influence each other the most. Oh, goodness. Cousins! That's what she felt. She felt like she needed to inform them that they shouldn't always be listening to their parents. It was family as opposed to like some folks down the street Malia. Yeah, but, you know, it's a little I can see if it was Sasha, but Malia 15 and that's what Malia's point was. It's about that time. You know you want them to be Yeah, we do because they, you know, they've grown up a little differently than we are. Exactly. And we did, you know, you want to give them that as well kind of thing because you want a spoil them, you know, because you work hard and I'm working hard to give these things to you. But then you see that they might not be appreciated in it as much. So you got to pull back some exactly.

9:31 You know, it's all leading up to those Rivian times, you know, like you get back to a reunited person and y'all have a conversation and it's like, look at this fully formed, totally separate, you know, adult human being kind of thing, or approaching adulthood kind of things. Daughters now. They are, the little one is turning seven in a couple of days, and the big one's 11. Yeah, they can't be on me, I don't have babies anymore. I know. But see, that's why you're in that deep parenting mode, you know? I mean, you see how- super duper duper Well, because that's all you were thinking about, right?

10:06 24 7 Forget Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live. You're just like, look at these two people growing up in front of my face. It's the greatest thing in the world, literally witnessing miracles. So it's the best thing I've ever done in my opinion. Other people look at my work on television, but for me looking outwards always like they're the greatest. Mm-hmm. Yeah, sweethearts. Um, what's been the hardest part of being a, cause you have two girls. I think waiting on the turn, you know, like right now they're like very sweet and they're nice to their mom. You've heard them off the turn. And I've heard about that that turn that could have sometimes it doesn't happen. Sometimes it doesn. You know, or sometimes it's quick and they come back around pretty quickly, you know, kind of hoping for that. Here's the thing, I always say, the minute they show up, you're preparing them for the turn, right? And all the other stuff. Sometimes people as parents, they're

11:09 like, well, I'll wait until you 20, and I'll start talking to you about the things I'm worried about, or I'll stop worrying about your attitude. But at all, it's every day. What kinds of things are you? Working on as a father today that's going to think, prepare them. I mean, just telling them and reminding them that they're a family, you know what I mean? They're so competitive with each other, you know, and that's fine to be and have a competitive nature and understand the other. But I want to remind them that this is what you have. This sibling bond that you have is very strong. It's probably the strongest on the planet, you know, but if you don't use it, the correct way, if you waste it or if you just, you know, waste the young years. You know, you don't get to know each other until later. You know I just don't want them wasting time arguing over who gets to sit where in the car or who gets the press what elevator.

12:06 But you know what I mean? I always want to remind them that y'all should love each other. You know family is a beautiful thing and it's a beautiful things to stay connected like that. Because me and my siblings are close, you know, and it is, I'm a witness to what it's like to be able to live long life with your siblings and have people that support you. You know no matter what kind of thing. You know. I'm witnessing you too. Like, that's a beautiful thing. How many brothers and sisters do you have? I have one of each. What was it growing up? Like we're from Atlanta.

12:35 Yeah. Yeah, Southern. South side. Yes, indeed. Right by the airport. Grew up with my manners, you know, large, extended family. I like that you grew up with your manners. I grew up in my manners. Well, you look like I don't know what to call you, I'm going to misnomerate your race. Wait, wait. Let's see. Call him a shell. This is art. You should, no. We want to call you Maddam Obama, we want to call you Empress, we wanna call you all kinds of things. All kinds of things. You can call me anything. Michelle, thank you for the grace to call you back. Did I miss the kneel? I didn't do the kneels.

13:19 But yeah, no, it's a beautiful thing. My parents are from small town, Virginia, Lynchburg, if you ever heard of it. Yeah. Um, and yeah, all my cousins, extended family from around that area and spend a lot of summers growing up there. So I have a perspective of, you know, what it's like to maybe not have grown up with a lot of opportunity kind of thing. And at what age? You guys started so young. When did you feel like, Oh, I think I want to do this. Pretty early, probably my first paycheck, like, I started acting when I was five, doing theater and stuff like that. And you knew you wanted to do that. I enjoyed it, but when I was like 11, I did a commercial. That was like a real job.

14:04 And then they paid me like $800. And I was like, at 11 years old, that might as well have been a million. Sure. Really? So I was, like, yeah, I like this, you know? I had cut grass and stuff before and it's 20 bucks a yard, you know, and that's a lot of work. For $20, if you can actually sign that house up, you know, you got to walk the neighborhood with your mom. It's hot in Atlanta. So like I knew work. Yeah. There's air conditioning on set. Yeah, and treats and snacks. What was the commercial? The first one. It was for this fried chicken restaurant called Lee's Famous Country Recipe Chicken. Really? Were you an outlier?

14:47 I mean, were the kids in your group all, you know, rehearsing and plays? You know, or were you one of one in your? Yeah, me and my brother and I. Kind of started together, you know, we both went to like Sears to get our headshots down. I remember that You get your tires shamed, you get your head shot. Which is even further than he put it. Oh, yeah, because... That's right, that's right. But you remember the Sears catalog? Christmas catalog, man. Yes. Yes. Yeah, it went from this to this. Yeah, back to the pages of coupons-ish, they're kind of just showing you what they got. So hit shots. This is before the internet, yeah. Hitch shots at Sears. And I think borrowed sweaters.

15:37 Like, I think we put the sweaters back after the shoot. From the rack. Uh-huh, it's like, we're just trying these on, baby, skank cheese. Baby, she's on, baby, she, she. No haircuts. That's gangster. So the first head shot was very spiky little afros. Yeah Adorable though, you know, I thought we were we were two cute little kids And then my brother grew up and went to like college and became cool You know, and then I stayed kind of in it and yeah, that's how that's our kind of started But we were listening Were you able to have like a normal childhood? Were you still playing outside or did, when did it get, when did they change? I think kind of a great version of a child actor story because I didn't really start working until I was like 15, you know, so I was kind of already up there as far as knowing who I am as a person. At 15, mm, less than a year.

16:32 I mean, I know my values, my manners, this, that, and the other, and I'm ready to go out in the world and figure out if I can start working or start towards a career, whatever that might mean. This segment is presented by progressive insurance, because true progress starts when people are empowered with the knowledge and support to take bold steps forward. And being prepared always made me feel really good. And I think back to the times when I was coaching, whether it was as an assistant coach at Northwestern or a head coach at Brown or Oregon state, whenever my teams were prepared.

17:19 Mm-hmm. I always went into the game feeling like we had a more than 80% chance to win the game. And it is amazing how when you hit all the notes in practice, the games are easy. Yeah, that makes it fun. I mean, when I realized the importance of preparation in making something hard fun was actually in law school when I had my first moot court competition. And yeah, it was daunting, but I didn't really know what it was. It was first year, everybody had to compete in moot cord and I was, I, For the practice, because you've got an opportunity to practice and you were actually making a case, a closing argument, it was a criminal case and I think I was representing the defense.

18:05 My partner was representing in the prosecution, if I have it right, and we had to present our closing arguments to the jury. So instead of preparing, I didn't have time so I thought, well, I'll go in and I'll wing it, right? And you were taped. And I got to watch how bad I was. Tape. When I wasn't prepared, and it was probably the most painful experience for me to watch myself on tape, not be prepared. And I think that was probably, the first and last time that I decided to wing it. And I understood that, and I also found out that when I did prepare for the actual moot court trial, it was more fun, just like you said, because then you can flow. Same thing with big speech.

18:53 You know, when I'm prepared for a big speech, if I know what I'm saying, if I've gone over the process, if I what it feels like to stand in front of the podium to get a feel for how the mic sounds, to get used to the lights and the sounds, then the speech can just flow. So preparation for me has always been a part of not just showing up right, but enjoying the process along the way. Yeah, until your brother walks up next to you and says, the left prompter is out. Well, yeah, that was our famous story in the first big national speech I had at the first Democratic National Convention where you introduced me and we had teleprompters and We had practiced.

19:33 We were prepared. It was great. But one of the prompters went out in the middle of your introduction. So when it was time for me to come on stage and the crowd's going wild, I come up to give you a hug. And I think you're going to whisper something inspirational in my ear. Like, I love you, I'm so proud of you. Instead you said, left prompter out. And then you were gone. And I was like, oh, what? That was strange. But I couldn't react because I was on national TV until I got to the podium and realized, oh my God, the promptor to the left was out.

20:06 Because I was prepared. You were prepared, you were prepared. It didn't mean anything. Didn't matter at all. Didn't at all, didn't matter. Yeah. And even though it doesn't look like it when we're doing this podcast, because we're just flowing back and forth, it takes a lot of preparation for us. Takes a little work to show up on camera. But I tell you, there's no blueprint for becoming a homeowner. But the truth is, preparation is just part of the path to ownership. Thankfully, Progressive is helping people own that process through helpful resources and educational tools that make sense of the journey.

20:41 And thanks to a $7 million commitment to housing initiatives in 2024, along with this year's new down payment assistance program called the Up Payment. Progressive is helping more people prepare, purchase, and build a foundation for the future. Whether you're just starting to dream about home ownership or already deep in the planning process, Progressive here to guide you from the first question to the front door. Visit progressive.com slash open the house to explore tools, guidance, and support that can help turn your dream into a reality.

21:24 When you first were famous, that was that the, you know, the, the Nickelodeon years or. I think Good Burger kicked it into high gear. I mean, Mighty Ducks was cool, but that was more so about like the Mighty Dux and then like Heavyweights was kind of a like a cultural kind of thing, like, you know, a little cult following kind of movie. But Good Burger was ours. You know, it started on our show, you and it was the first movie that came from our show. You know? And we were both in it, me and Kel. And like, that was my brother and is my brother. And, you know, we just had such a good time. We were 18 at that time.

22:02 So we were like that, like, yes, bring this all on now, please. Now, where were your parents on all of this? How did they feel? Did you feel like they were watching? Were they engaged as you were going through this process? Very supportive. Yeah. Yeah, um, my mom was my main, like, pusher, my main like, you know, foundational because she's the type of person that got a job in my theater school so I could take classes there. You know, so like, she's that person. And I remember we drove to Charlotte for an audition that I didn't get, you, know, we came back the same day and she was like, don't worry about it, you'll be there on the next one. So shout out to all the parents that are like.

22:43 You know, really supporting their kids' dreams and endeavors, even if you don't know where it's headed, because we didn't know where it was headed, you know? Is it something that I wanted to do on top of everything else? Like, I was still playing sports and, like, playing music and all kind of stuff, but I didn't have rock star dreams, necessarily, you know. I maybe had, maybe football dreams, but I was little, you now, still, and everybody else was turning into monsters by, like ninth, tenth grade. Like, it was starting to get real. You know, especially in a good old fed South South South, you know, like I'm not going. It's like, I'm not going in there with them.

23:19 Yeah, he's a real beast. He's some real dudes down there. Yeah, man. He's a kid, kid beast. But I always enjoy performing and I just, I couldn't stop it. Did you ever have a point in time before, you know, when you were young in your career where you did get a little bit of a big head? Oh yeah What was that like? Yeah, I'm just very kind of naively cocky, you know, going into like certain auditions. Like I remember when I auditioned for the Mighty Ducks, like they asked if I could skate and I was like, yeah, I can roller skate, I couldn't roller skate at all.

23:56 But it was just one of those like, they say put special, special skills at the bottom of the resume to make it look nicer and make you look more interesting. So I'm like, I've been roller skating, so I'll put that down there. I remember, like, I used to fall two feet up when I was skating, you know what I mean? Like, real bad falls. He would have epic falls. Yeah, super duper. Like, you weren't even close to being able to skate. But thank God they taught me how to skate to this day. But just one of those things that you just gotta kind of try to make yourself a little more appealing if that's not necessarily the case kind of thing. Yeah, but that's not a bad story.

24:37 I mean, stretch him. You know, I can just go like... Stretching, but that's... That's not, I mean that's just that. That's harmless. That's a tactic. Yeah. But that's easily figured out, though. Yeah, no, no. I know. But to me, that doesn't qualify. It could have cost me the job, but I was willing to take that risk. But if you having a big head, you know, or going... I mean, that means you're a hustler. Yes. Sorry. Back to this, to that part. Yes. When after Mighty Ducks, I thought I was a movie star, you know, so I was like after one kid movie where I like my character kind of helped save the day, not necessarily the only. Well But I'm a hero, you know, I'm the hero of the sequel of The Mighty Ducks. So that means I'm in the game.

25:18 You know, so when I auditioned for all that, it was a different approach to it because I was introduced to the producers as opposed to like being herded in. So it's like a meeting. You know what I mean? I'm like, it's over with. You know I'm saying, like, they made me bro. Like, what are we talking about? We might as well just like going grab lunch or something like this. Over. I got this. And I just was like, what y'all need? Y'all needed Jamaican, y'al need an old man? I just threw him out there like it was nothing. But I think that confidence was like something that was appealing to them. You know, like, oh, he's kind of ready to perform. We don't have to worry about stage fright, I guess, or something like that. So yeah, I was a little naive on that one, but it helped because I do get very nervous. I still get nervous for every show. Really? Yeah, yeah. Oh, man. And I was like.

26:05 I'm trying to talk to different people about it, especially for stand up. That's why I don't do stand up, because it stresses me out. Like if I have a gig, that's all I'm thinking of the whole day for days out. You know, like I'm just I can't not focus on that. And then, like if I travel to a town and going out in the town, you know, I'm in the hotel, passing around, watching TV, writing things, just wait, taking the time away. And it just feels so wasteful. So it's not my that's obviously not my thing. You know what I'm saying? Have been the longest-running cast member of SNL. That's the most terrifying thing.

26:40 People have asked me to do a lot of things. You see, I've been on talk shows, I've done skits with people, I have done. But SNL, I would never do that. That's wild. Because to me it is. Terrifying. Just what you described to me, I wouldn't sleep that week. I'd be worrying, I'd worried about looking at the camera. I don't know how you all do that. Yeah, my heart goes out to that because I know that feeling you know, but I just don't have it there for them very comfortable there I mean like we did a lot of sketches growing up and then And then the live factor doesn't bother me much because it's a large group of people doing it together. You know what I mean? And there's a lot of people like getting you to where you need to be. And like all I gotta do is read the words. I can do that. You know, like I can like stay focused enough and like deliver my part of it. And then there's so many people helping you get to

27:33 that point. And you have to write yourself to that. Yes, that's another tough part of. But like the actual show, once it's at that point, It doesn't stress me like going to yuck yucks and having to do 17 minutes of like, I hate waiting in lines or what is with these air to TSA, you know, I just don't make way fun of stuff. Back to you have to write yourself. We write on SNL, so like the best way to like make yourself known there is to write for yourself in the beginning, you know, so you have to like, for better or for worse, like put yourself out there so people can kind of see what your sense of humor is or what you'd like to focus on. I was lucky that I was able to balance it more with performance than writing, and I would collab write with a lot of people, but anytime I wrote on my own, it went. All over the place. You know, I have a hard time like staying linear or whatever, I'll just be writing based on like what's on my mind at the time and then when I look back at it, I'm like.

28:36 That's a secret. It makes no sense. Martin Luther King talking to Jay-Z, that doesn't happen. When does that happen? And where is it going? Where is it gonna end? Yeah, so when you first got on Saturday Night Live, do you have to go on as a writer or how did the voice tell us about the process? No, there's there's some people that get hired as either a writer or a cast member. OK. And when you get hired in the beginning, you are a repertory player, I think. So that's a two year kind of staging process. And then you become a full player. OK. If I'm if I'm getting the terms right.

29:11 Have your face on the opening credits and come popping out of New York, smoking a cigarette. Hey, New York. When you, when you get to be whatever. But as soon as you get hired as a cast member, yeah. So if you get in the cast, you get a title in the beginning and you get to do your. Was that a big deal? Around What was that like for you when you were? Huge deal and like it was it was hard to comprehend it still being the same show that I grew up watching because now I'm on it and I'm like I thought this was serious comedy but they hired me yeah and I was 25 so I was I was young and like I was I was ready to do kind of whatever but it was just very surreal you know it was hard to see it as the same kind of place and then I was like worried I'm Am I, have I changed it forever? Like am I really worthy of this?

30:04 You know what I mean? Because like I don't write. You know, I mean, and I don't know what my sense of humor is. Like I don't know what my point of view is as opposed, you know, when you approach comedy or whatever. Like what am I trying to say with my jokes? Mm-hmm I don't know. I'm used to playing around in chocolate, you know what I'm saying? Just doing whatever. That's like Now I have to be serious and like, you know, do college kind of educated material and I didn't finish college But you know you were bit whatever sounds a little bit busy working already.

30:34 Yeah Yeah, that's why people go to college Yeah, exactly, to try to figure it out, but yeah, I had it figured out, and it was in my way. Mm-hmm. Yeah, but, yeah, it took me a while to figure out how to write Sketch. Did you have a mentor on the show that's sort of like, hey, Keenan, this is how you go about getting to the next level. Is that, is that? Yeah, I mean, because I hear you do that for people if they ask. I try to be there for people because I remember being very lost in the beginning. Yes, because you know a lot of people, you know, come from improv houses or they come from stand up, you know two big communal worlds basically where they not by themselves. Now a lot people come from already being an actor or already being a kids performer or anything and just you know just being an You know the most people are like real comics that like wind up getting hired there and like are always like hyper-focused on it.

31:28 So they know it very well. They've shared stories or they read the books. Mm-hmm. I went into it just blind, based on what I had been watching on TV or whatever. Not knowing how small the studio was, not knowing much about Manhattan and all that kind of stuff. And it was just like a tornado of learning everything on the fly. And it's like college, not everybody's just gonna pull you aside and teach you how to do it. But Tracy Morgan was a real one from day one, I love him, this is my brother. He was just like in his own kind of way telling us little tidbits like Don't peek at dress. What? Oh, don't peek at dress.

32:06 That is a golden nugget, because yeah, the live show is what matters, you know what I'm saying? So if you peek a dress, it's like, yeah, you kind of just wasted it a little bit, you know? And like, you don't really have that luxury to do that in your first few years, you know, because everybody's trying to do their very best, you now, because this is the life changing job, you're not I'm saying like, if you do it well, it can change your life. If you do it bad, it can change your life. Yeah. You know what I mean? So, it's a lot of stress. And I see the stress on newcomers, you know what am saying? So I always try to be like a friendly ear or if I see things, when we're rehearsing stuff, I try to suggest maybe like, this shot should be this or maybe like what about this idea? I'm always trying to like participate in helping others, sketches, get as good as they can be, just try to be helpful basically because.

33:05 When you're stressing like that, you're not thinking clearly, you know what I mean? You're not relaxed enough to be funny all the time. Exactly. You know, so how do you relax to be funny? You know? What's your tip? I will never do SNL. If I were going to do SNl. I think you could do it because I think you would recognize the communal push uphill, which is the show. We're all trying to push the show to the top of the hill every single week. And everybody is hyper-focused and committed to the same goal. No matter what their politics might be or whatever, everybody is respectful of the place. It's almost like a temple, you know what I mean? And there's nobody trying to make it go left at all. Nobody wants you.

33:53 To fail. At all. Yeah. And I think once you settle into that. I think you start to embrace the only thing that matters is kind of what makes you laugh. You know what I mean? And it's not really about anything else because it's your night. And it is up to us to make your night as special as possible, which is like, I love that. I grew up very ensemble minded. So like I'm all about, let somebody else have the shine and I will help that shine be as bright as possible. Like I love that. You like just sitting here for the listeners, the watchers, you're just such a regular dude. Yes, you know. Tours in a house. Yeah, Taurus. Shout out. Shout out to the Taurus, it's the real ones. Okay, enough. The real ones, you heard. I'm going to take back my compliments. See, this is what I have to do since she was four. Remember that y'all love each other. Y'all remember y'alls siblings taking back their compliments. Mm-hmm.

35:06 Hey everybody, Craig Robinson here, and you guys have heard me talk a lot about how much I love staying in Airbnbs. Well, our family is planning a trip out to the West Coast to visit our daughter. And we were thinking, man, it's gonna be hard to roll up in her two-bedroom apartment with six people. So we decided to get an Airbnb where we could all hang out comfortably. We'll have more bedrooms, we don't have to fight over bathrooms, there'll be a kitchen, we can cook out if we want. So my wife, Kelly, found the perfect place for us using Airbnb's guest favorites. We're staying close to my daughter's place, which means we can spend more time with her and easily get out into the city. We get a chance to tour LA, take her to her favorite restaurant, drop by Universal, let the kids play around for a day, or we could go by Griffith Observatory, which is the place I've always wanted to see. If you're starting to think about your next trip, check out Airbnb's

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40:26 Memorable favorites sketches that like when when people ask you what's what are some of your favorite sketches with mine Absolutely. I mean, Scared Straight was my first love because it was the first like idea that I had in first numbers. And it just still goes, I can't believe they picked it for the 50th. It was just a special moment. And Eddie and Will felt like crazy. So that was a very, very special moment because that was like the first thing that I loved and I had an idea about that actually was transferable to the show kind of thing. I had a lot of things before that that just made no sense or they were just a little too obvious or been done before, you know, there's a lot like lineages there, especially as far as like black culture is concerned. Like how many times can you do a person in an Afro?

41:19 How many times do you do this? So figuring it out was, you it took me five years, like ScareStraight didn't come to my fifth season. It took me a while. And then what's up with that? Of course. Mm-hmm What's up with that? Family fuse, black jeopardy, you know, all the good black stuff. But what's it like having your face in the world? I mean, how do you get about? How do you, how has it, look, I live in a, we live in bubble. We were raised just like you, me more so. I'm in a bubble, me and my husband. That's not how we were raised. We believe in the same thing that, you know, it's a lot, every time we moved up somewhere, we brought our community with us a lot of it selfishly because it's no fun being in the White House with no friends or to be there with people you didn't really know.

42:11 They didn't come there with you. They didn't help you get there. Um, yeah, everything about changing a name Obama, what would you pick Kenan? What do you think? Call it the Black House, man, just for a little while. Just for a while, just a little. Just for little while, that's all. It hasn't crossed our minds. Yeah. That's because y'all good. You were good. You're a nice people. Hadn't thought about it. But it changes the way you have to live, whether you like it or not. And I'm just wondering what have been the hardest changes for you, especially given I mean, it's invasive, and it's tougher for me when it's tough on other people that are around me that get affected kind of thing.

43:00 I'm a man out here, I can handle whatever is coming my way because I feel like I'm putting myself in those positions. But when people get it by default necessarily just for being associated, that's when it starts to bother me more so than anything. Because I don't want to impede on other I don't want to be a burden or... You know, cause strife where strife wasn't necessarily there at first kind of thing. And it's terrible to be the cause of stress, you know. So that bothers me, especially like in public when people come up, you know, like they want to take pictures and blah, blah, I'm usually cordial. Unless I'm with my little ones and then I feel like that's their time. That's the only time where I'm a little standoffish or whatever. But even when I see like it's bothering the intent of the day like we're trying to go to a museum or whatever then I'll just like ask for people not to do that Because it's

43:49 bothering someone else kind of thing But for me, New York is good for that, you know, I can put my my hat on and I can just walk and be amongst the millions No, I mean some people recognize and you know they say what's up, you? Know the real ones shout out to all the FedEx delivery do Do you mean? You know, but you know, people like that, that are, you know just feet on the ground, they'll see you and they'll say, what's up. But I've never been one of those people that people need to flock towards or start like pulling at necessarily. Like a lot of people just say, hey and keep it moving. Or they'll just say thank you. Or like, we love you. My family loves you. You know? And they'll keep it movin'.

44:23 But there are other places where, you know, it gets excessive like. Certain settings like Disney World is a setting where families are in the mode to like do for their children. So they want to get picked up. They want to do, you know, they want to introduce, you they're just, they don't care about boundaries. You're like, you hear Like we meet Mickey Mouse. We here, you know right. And my baby's getting a picture with Mickey Mouse. It's just better to just embrace it in those moments, you know, as opposed to trying to be like, let us have our space, because then I start feeling bad, like I usually walk away from awkward encounters.

44:55 And I think I live with it more than they do, almost, because I think people just go about their daily lives. But I'm always just like, man, are they going to hate me for it? Right, did I ruin somebody's vacation? Not in the mood, you know, you're just not in the mood to be famous kind of thing. I just have too much going on to like smile through it kind of stuff. And I just need to process sometimes. And if you've run into me on those days, I'm sorry. You know what I'm saying? But it happened. And if allow yourself those days it's not that hard to like pull the rubber band back the other direction and just like. Suck it up. You can do this. Let's attack the day.

45:36 And then, you know, when you are ready and people don't notice, that's when it's like, oh, see, you're know what I'm saying? Like when you like, you want somebody to say like, nice outfit, ain't nobody paying attention to you. We were talking about, and with some of the crew, we were talking about how this business just chews up and spits out people in general, but particularly young people start young and you've been able to sort of dodge those mind fields. But now we're sitting here talking to you. It makes perfect sense. Like you have a way about you that.

46:14 You, you- were raised right and continue to live right. So you just stay out of trouble. I mean, you know, trouble can find you if you stay out, if you stay looking for it. Mm-hmm trouble won't come your way. Yeah I'm relaxed, I'm 47 at this point, so I ain't really out there just running around wild looking for chaos like I was when I was in my proving years of being 19 and 20 and feeling invincible kind of thing. I would much rather Netflix and chill than turn all the way up, but turning up is fun as well. But I have a good balance now, you know what I'm saying? I understand what I gotta do the next day. You know, I gotta check my calendars before I go out now. You know I used to just go running out the door whenever it was time kind of thing. But now it's like, oh man, I got that Zoom. And that Zoom at 10.30 is gonna be tough. It's always like you better have some sleep, some water, hydrate. At least I can just be in my shirt for the Zoom, but I gotta be in

47:14 shirt. I gotta actually show up. What is Turn Up Keenan like? I don't know, I'm trying to figure it out. Y'all from Chicago, y'know? I'm just trying... FIGUETTA We turn, you know, there's sparkles everywhere. There's popping bottles. You know, we're standing on top of, and there's thousands of us. You know what I mean? Like, that's just how it is. Like, I grew up in the hip hop, so. It's hip hop culture, basically. And just, in Atlanta, there was a whole lot of standing around, I guess, because it was probably dangerous to just be one of those people that gets, like, noticed, necessarily. You become a target or whatever. So, mostly holding the wall, which means just standing on the wall and kind of like, you know, people watching, basically kind of stuff. I'm not a big. Dancer necessarily, but I dance in place.

47:59 You got, you got like one move. I got a few, but it's in place. It's not like I need to clear the dance floor and show everybody. It's just, you know, got more in the shoulders. And like, there's one hip dip. Okay, you got one hip dip in there. There's a hip dip in there. Well, when you come to the venue, we're gonna have to see your hip dip. Yeah, I mean, I'll show it. Like, it's just special occasions. But like, in the club, you know, it is different. You bring it out. Yeah, yeah. Usually it's not enough space to even, like, do all of that.

48:28 Everybody's like, what are you doing? Have you gotten to the point where you, like, I don't want to stand, like I can't. You don't stand no more, you just sit down and- I don't go to the club, because if I have to stand, the notion of watching a concert standing up. Oh, you sit down at the concerts. The whole, I have two, I'm 61, I need a seat, that's what I feel like getting. I still, I, I still have less enjoyment. Here's an IMO. Let's enjoy it, let's enjoy. Here's an IMO. No one should stand up through an entire concert. In my opinion, everyone should sit down. Sit down, and you want it, but just please sit down, but then people don't get up for the moment. And now it's like, oh no, now I gotta stand up too. And I was about to say, what do you do when people stand up in front of you? Do you just continue to sit or do you ask them to sit down? You have to stand up. You have to stand up. You can't ask them to sit down.

49:27 You have stand up and then I want to see. But I will have a period of trying to sit. There will be a period where I'm going to try and sit. I'm gonna see if I can just encourage everyone. You notice how I'm sitting? Can we all just go back to doing this? Does it work? No, it doesn't, and then I have. You know, come on. Well, we are Are you, are you at that stage? Yeah, I do enjoy sitting through most of it, but I think things should have levels, you know, so I'm not just going to stand the whole time. And I'm also worried that people can see, like, I'm very conscious of that. A lot of people ain't conscious of it bothers me. I try to be, which is what bothers me so much about like traffic. I'd be going crazy in traffic because people can be so inconsiderate. Yeah, they can. Yeah.

50:13 And like when people are standing around, I get it. It's a sporting thing, but like, you Come on, so does it take you forever to get everywhere or is it pretty quick? In New York. Yeah. I mean, it doesn't make sense to have a motorcade in New York. I know it sounds that's a crazy statement. It's almost impossible. But no, it's really that's what makes New York not so much fun. Because, you know, you're watching people walk faster than you. It's like, I saw him. Yeah. Oh, he left two hours before. Forget about us people on the bikes.

50:48 That's right. We go everywhere. Oh, you ride in New York. You ride your bike in New York. You, Keenan, are on a bike in New York City. That sounds a little dangerous. One of those electric bikes? Are you pedaling like a human being? I have my own bike, yes. And we cycle, but there's the bike path. I did the thing through the streets and actually hit somebody and broke my arm years ago. You did? Yes. Yeah. When you hit a car, tell us about this. So I, it was like I had a lunch that was like a few blocks away from the studio. So I was like, Oh, so you are a grown person.

51:25 With a job. Not too long, this is when the Orange Man hosted last, I think. Oh. So it was that week, it was like a Tuesday. So I was like, we got to make our own schedule kind of on Tuesday, because our writing deadline is Wednesday morning, so we got all day. So then I go to a little lunch and then I'll go to work. And the lunch was like nine blocks, four or five avenues. I was, I'll grab a bike, take a bike riding on one of the streets. So in New York, there's not a lot of space when you're on the streets, on the avenues is different. But on the streets it's like...

51:59 Parking, parking, traffic. So there really ain't no space to just be doing anything. You've been in and out. Yeah. I watched that from my motorcade and think this looks dangerous. So I'm just like riding down in between you know traffic and parked cars or whatever And of course this guy just came flapping up out of nowhere And then I hit him with you know one of the handlebars like I didn't like crash and flip over necessarily but I hit them enough to make me fall down and then like It hurt, whatever, but I could still move my arms. I was like, all right, I'll just ride to work. Get back on my bike.

52:31 It was a little numb, but you know, at the time, you know as the blood started feeling, like that pain started setting in, and like 15ish, 20ish minutes later, I was at my desk, kind of. So I made it to work, but then I started not being able to move my arm. And I remember that feeling, because I broke this arm when I was a kid. I broke my wrist, but this was like my elbow. And I was, like. And you're old. And I'm older. There's a hole! Bell. And we got a show to do. Oh! You know, like it's a Tuesday.

53:06 This episode of IMO is brought to you in part by Acorns. You know, one of the most valuable pieces of money advice I've ever gotten is that financial wellness isn't about how much you make. It's about making the most of what you have. That's something I've carried with me from my time on Wall Street to today. And that's why I love Acorns! Acorns is a financial wellness app that makes it easy to start saving and investing for your future. You don't need to be rich. Acorns lets you get started with the spare money you've got right now. Even if all you've got is spare change. You don't need to be an expert.

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54:27 Investing doesn't have to be complicated. Acorns makes it easy to invest for your future, plan for tomorrow and spend smarter today. Paid non-client endorsement, compensation provides incentive to positively promote Acorns. Investing involves risk, Acorns advisor slash LLC and SCC registered investment advisor. View important disclosures at acorns.com slash IMO. Hey gang, Craig Robinson here talking about Amazon today has absolutely everything for everyone on your list. And with their early holiday deals, you can get a head start no matter who you're shopping for. And let me tell you, I am going to be completely honest with you. I'm the guy who waits until the last minute, but it's because I've been shopping for these people my whole lives, but with Amazon's early holiday deals, that means I can shop for everybody right now.

55:27 I mean, my kids, they seem to be growing out of their clothes. They want the latest video games, I can get it on Amazon. My older kids could use stuff for their respective homes, I can't get it in Amazon. My wife, my sister, the hardest people for me to shop for, but hey, don't worry, I don't have to guess. Amazon's got deals on everything. Electronics, toys, fashions, home goods, you name it. So, whether it's your mom you're shopping for or your coworker. Or that neighbor down the street who always shows up with a nice gift for you, you're covered. And listen, shopping early means I'm done before all of the holiday chaos even starts, which if you ask me is the best gift of all to myself. So everything for everyone on your list. Amazon's got it. Shop Amazon early holiday deals now.

56:27 You'll save big. You're, you're perfect for our listener question. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Where is it? It's about parenting. Okay. And, um, are you ready for the listener question? All right. So Julia, our producer is going to read the question. Okay. Comes from Sandy from New Jersey. I'm Michelle and Craig. I have a 12-year-old daughter who's obsessed with YouTube. We try to limit her screen time, especially as she's reaching those vulnerable pre-teen years and teen years. But one thing she will not let go of is her desire to be an influencer. It's weird for me because it feels like she wants to be famous for famous' sake. I'm hopeful that this is a childhood thing, like me wanting to be a astronaut or a TV star as a kid. But still I'd want her to follow her own intellectual interests or think about how she wants to be an impactful person. How do I talk to my daughter about this?

57:29 Why do you think so many people want to be famous and what would you tell a kid about what it's really like? Sandy in New Jersey. Wow. Thank you, Sandi in New Jersey. Yes. See what I mean? Absolutely. Yeah, I'm very familiar with fame wanted or unwanted because I didn't get into this for fame. I got into it because I enjoy performing. And I definitely wanted to be successful, but I didn't really understand what being famous really meant, you know? And it took a while for me to like... Navigate what that is based on being a person growing through whatever you're going through. You also have to be somewhat courteous to your fans, regardless of whether you're embracing that they are not kind of thing.

58:20 And it would have been nice to have had someone instruct me in those kinds of ways. And was kind of something I had to figure out on my own, like how to deal with the fact that I. Can't go to Chuck E Cheese like that anymore kind of thing without, you know, being prepared to do this, you know what I mean, or whatever. It would have been nice to have had a fame manual or something like that. But it does have its upsides, you know, like fame can launch you into your profession early. It can be financially beneficial, you know, so if you use it. You know, for the betterment of things, then, yeah, it has its perks. It's also very fleeing, you know what I mean? So if you're attached to being famous, then that's the most heartbreaking thing when you go to a mall and nobody notices or cares, because at some point you're gonna get aged out. You're just gonna not be.

59:11 You're not gonna treat Leave It To Beaver like the classic it was because it's not your time. And I would say she's right for being concerned about her daughter just wanting to be famous. Because if that's the goal, then it probably won't last long. And a lot of these influencer people or whatever usually come and go pretty quickly from what I've been noticing. So I would focus on what's the passion behind all that pursuit, you know what I mean? And passion is something that's good for the world, I can get behind that, you know, because TikTok is giving us a lot of information. You know what I mean? So it can be a good tool. You know, it's it's really interesting that. Um, the term fame for fame sake, like we, we didn't grow up with that, that phrasing, right? Those words were around, but that phrased, um, fame for fames sake. And, um. It feels more like to me that these young folks are willing to be famous at any cost or at any expense,

1:00:20 it just, and that feels very unhealthy. It's like, it's so important to be famous that they're willing to, you know, how they used to say in the old days, sell their souls to the devil, right? And I want to make sure that we let Sandy know that there's a discussion that should be had with your daughter about, you know, being famous is okay and being not famous is but you shouldn't be at a cost that's... DETERMINAL. It's burdensome, you know, and I don't think people realize like what a burden it can really be like. Yes, it's nice to like go to a restaurant without a reservation or whatever, you know. But at the same time, if you look at most of the famous people in this world, a lot of them haven't done well with that side of it.

1:01:13 You know what I mean? A lot of people just want to be able to go to the gas station, you know what i mean? Or go to grocery store without having to like put on brand new baggies or whatever just because they're a rapper, you know, so. It's not anything to necessarily play with and I feel like they play with it a lot on social media. You know what I mean? Like how much cash can I show? Or how much, this challenge or that challenge, is that gonna get my likes up for this? Let me take a selfie in a dangerous position, blah, blah. Blah, blah, but I think artists and creativity, you know, I mean, is a good thing. I always say there's no way for a young person to understand the value of anonymity. I think the thing that I miss most in life is just the ability to be in the world unobserved. You know, there's just a beauty to be able to sit on a sidewalk cafe with a cup of coffee. But as a tall person. What is it? Who's last?

1:02:21 Thank you, thank you, and thank you because that is, go ahead, finish your point. But it's true. But the point is, is that that's it's uncomfortable to whether it's because you're famous or tall or distinguishable to miss out on blending in in the world and just being able to watch it. Right. I mean, that's a that's a pretty complex concept to try to articulate to a young person. Right? That there's value in that. Kind of. Anyone, because it's such a dichotomy, ooh, we getting deep with the word, it's such a like double-edged sword because the grass is always greener, like the people that are blending in are figuring out how to stand out, you know? So it's like, what do you do with, you play that hand, you don't, but yeah. But I think the point you make about, um, what I would say to Sandy, I would echo what you said, keep your, your child focused on, uh, the passion.

1:03:20 Um, and if there's a real passion there, you know, then encourage it. I mean, there's some people who look at some child stars that are getting famous or their parents are encouraging it and they're like, Ooh, what's going on? What are they trying to do? Well, you don't know that child, you They may be they may have, and there are kids out there who have such a deep, deep yearning to make music or to perform, that it's really not the parent. It is the child's passion that's speaking. And that can show up at four and five and seven and 12. And so it's hard to judge a parent that says, I'm just trying to let my kid explore the thing, the gift that they were given. That's a different thing. And now parenting with that that gift that that that's an art, that's an art form because you got to help them learn how to protect themselves as they, uh, invest in the gift, which means that mom and dad and everybody around them can't want it more than they

1:04:25 do. And that would be something I would want to make sure that Sandy is clear on is like when it's your kid, you have to be even more clear headed about their wants. When they're, you know, especially when they are entering into dicey territory of fame or social media exposure, because you know is it you that wants it? You know, are you really looking for their passion or have you as a parent fallen prey to the fame and the money and the, you know, And we grow! You know, we grow, especially kids, like kids might like soccer today and hate it the next day, you know. So we as adults know you got to give yourself space to grow and like continue to grow and become your best version of yourself.

1:05:15 But if you don't allow that for a child and then you add fame on top of it, it's a pretty toxic mix more than likely. And I think that common denominator of the ones that have been able to navigate it is family. It is. Parents that are behind you in focus, not necessarily pushing you past your boundaries necessarily, but encouraging, yes. And like you said, it can't just be for them. It can't be like the crazy momagers, popagers, or whatever that's out there that just want to be living vicariously kind of thing, you know, so. What if your, your kid said that I'm, I want to be like you, I want to That little, can we bring my daughter in here? That little one, she wants to be on. She's gonna be mad if she doesn't get a chance to come in here.

1:06:02 She can come in here. Can we get my little, like, my two little girls? Where is she? Bring them in. They'll take a minute to walk down the hallway, but she's a ham and her sisters are ham, too. They get silly and they have their moments and they want to be on stuff. We did a Nintendo commercial together. Oh, really? It was the greatest day of my life because they had their own trailer, you know what I mean? And they just had their old little world and we worked together for hours and hours and hours. And it was so focused and my big girl was like. She let she focuses hard on things and she wants to get everything right. You know, first born kids, I think, have a lot of mental responsibility on their minds.

1:06:43 So watching her, you know what I mean? Like, take direction and like, take it really serious. I could have cried all day when I was so sweet. And yeah, that little one, she just, you know, she wants it to be a star, she sings, you know, and she likes attention. So. Mm-hmm. We are watching her, you know what I mean? Because, yeah, we want her to understand the difference. There's a difference between enjoying attention and just wanting to be famous kind of thing. You know what i mean? And I think enjoying attention can be easily massaged into performance and becoming an artist and stuff like that. When it's like, you just want fame, it's feel like you're leaving the arts out a little bit, which is sadder, you it's a little sadder. And there they go!

1:07:29 Oh, hi! Oh, guys? Can you say hi? Hi, cutie! Hi, nice to meet you. How are you? You gotta go say hi. How are YOU? I'm Craig. Oh, what a young lady. Hi, Georgia. I'm Michelle. How are you, sweetie? Good, how are you? Good, come on over here. Here, you can, I know you're big, but you can sit here so that we can see you in the. So that we can see you in the camera. Sitting in the big seat. Yes. What grade are you in? Fifth. Fifth. That's a serious grade. Are you going into fifth or did you finish fifth grade? Finish.

1:08:04 Fifth. So you're a sixth grader. Yeah. All right. Big girl, sweetheart, how about you? What grade are you going in? I'm going to second grade. Wow. All right. Six and a half. Well, it has been really fun to have your dad on our podcast. He's kind of a cool guy. Do you think? Well, what do you think of your dad? He's a cool. Okay. What do you think? I think Kuga. Kuga, yeah. And this is my brother. So one of the things your dad told us that he wants to make sure you guys always know is that you guys have each other forever. And sometimes you may fight. And as the big sister, sometimes she may get on your nerves and your big sister may act like she knows everything.

1:09:01 And that's annoying. But in the end, you guys really do just have each other. I have two girls too. And they used to fight when they were your age. But guess what? They're best friends now. See? They live together. And so that can happen. That's the coolest. May not be something you can even envision right now, but staying close and taking care of each other as sisters, that's important. As in, you can be like me and my brother, that we love each other so much we can do a whole show together. We can work together. See? How about that? Yeah. How many episodes now?

1:09:36 20 episodes. You see that? They've done 20 shows already. And you're the first kids we've had on. We've had one. Woo, woo, woo. All right, go find your mommy. All right. All right you guys, it was great to meet you. Nice to meet. All right See you, bye. But we'll see you out there. All right Wow, they're gorgeous. Thank you for indulging me. Oh my gosh. And my babies. They're the. They won't. See, that's what happens. No, they won't, they'll be like, oh good, maybe you'll be, you'll get rid of us, you stop talking about it. I love it. Well, yeah, no wonder you're putty.

1:10:15 You don't have a chance. I'm shining up these knuckles. Yeah, you're going to have to get the uncles ready. Yeah, 100%. They on deck. They be like, yeah, maybe when you let me know. You do. Sorry. All right. Well, Keenan, it has been just a delight to spend time with you. Well, it doesn't. Come to the venue. Yeah, I'm coming. Okay. All right. But so proud of the man you are, you know, not just your accomplishments, but you are a good man. That's right, man. Kind man. Thank you. You were clearly brought up with your manners. Yes I was. I gots my manners right in my pockets. All day long. Yeah. Well, thank you. It has been a pleasure.

1:11:01 Thank you. We'll do part two soon. We will do part 2. Oh, what am I going to wear for part two?

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "Kenan Thompson: From Nickelodeon to SNL Legend | IMO"?

Michelle Obama (Host), Kenan Thompson (Guest), Craig Robinson (Host).

What is "Kenan Thompson: From Nickelodeon to SNL Legend | IMO" about?

Kenan Thompson shares anecdotes from his early career, including a humorous audition experience for "The Mighty Ducks" where he exaggerated his skating abilities, and discusses his recent experiences driving an electric Rivian truck with his daughter, highlighting the comfort and size of the vehicle. The conversation also touches on the joy of reconnecting with friends and personal growth…

What is mentioned in this Michelle Obama episode?

9 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Saturday Night Live, SNL, Malia, Mighty Ducks, Good Burger, Lee's Famous Country Recipe Chicken. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Kenan Thompson: From Nickelodeon to SNL Legend | IMO"?

The episode runs 1 h 12 min; the transcript is about 12,744 words in 93 timestamped sections.

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