Unpacking The Toolbox

Katie and Guillermo are no strangers to working on the weekend from their time on Scandal, and they’d record any time day or night, or over a cliff, for the one-and-only Kerry Washington. Kerry shares never-before-told stories from her newly-published book, and deep dives into the development of Olivia’s character. Plus, the OPA team answers your burning fan questions. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at UTT@Shondaland.com or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back through Hell or High Water! Shondaland royalty, director Tom Verica, joins Katie & Guillermo for the inaugural episode of Season 3 to discuss Kerry’s unbelievable acting in this episode, and the shocking reveals of Papa Pope. Plus Guillermo and Tom reminisce about a blooper with a shake-weight, and Tom shares his favorite recording session from his time on Scandal. Then Katie asks Tom about directing love scenes and all the… spit. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at UTT@Shondaland.com or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Quinn gets the spotlight of this week’s episode, Katie and G gush over some of their favorite moments including a never-before-shared story about an rewritten line from the pilot. But wait – there’s always room for a mid-way tangent about Rosie O'Donnell, before they get into some of the best Tweets of the season so far. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kicking off the first of what’s sure-to-be many amazing guest star interviews, Katie and Guillermo invite Sam Page (Will Caldwell) to dig into his experience on set as a short-term star. Katie and G can’t stop laughing at Huck’s stank in this episode, and Sam admits how nervous he was working with Kerry Washington. And was an unfortunate first table read the reason it took Sam almost ten years to become a series regular on a Shondaland show? Probably not, but the story behind it is hilarious.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a special episode for Katie and Guillermo, and not just because the episode's title is secretly a bad word. This is the first time we see Huckleberry Quinn, and both Katie and Guillermo are questionably attracted to depressed-angry-sexy-post-bullet-head Fitz. Plus Katie breaks down Fitz and Olivia's hottest sex yet… inside a church maintenance closet at baby Fitz's christening. Classy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nobody Likes Babies, originally meant to be the season finale, was a turning point for the show – There’s no going back after the events in this episode, with Fitz’ dramatic choice. Katie and Guillermo unpack the twists and turns with the esteemed Debra Mooney, AKA Supreme Court Justice Verna Thornton, including diving into Debra’s acting history and what she was really doing in the coffin during her final scene… Plus, are Katie and Guillermo officially getting old (and sleepy)?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Shapiro who plays the infamous Jesse Tyler joins Katie & Guillermo to relive life on set, getting blown up and what it’s like to be married to another actor on Scandal… Katie! Plus, Katie and Guillermo merge their love for food with their dislike for rodents as they talk about eating… Guinea pigs. And, Jesse’s death marks the first (chronological) member of the Scandal body count, a brand new segment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olivia Pope delivers one heck of a knockout speech at the top of episode 211, so naturally Katie & Guillermo gush over their favorite performances from Kerry Washington. Then, Katie dives into what it was like to get news that she wouldn’t be in this episode. Plus, Guillermo learns that Director Tom Verica had a famous role in theatre before he got into directing. This episode is NOT Sponsored by Sialis or Subway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guillermo was once accused of killing Joe Morton (Eli Pope), which he definitely didn’t do. And Katie shares a story of a stalker who kept calling her after Scandal ended. From talks of waterboarding practice runs on set to a debate about Olivia Pope’s amazing gloves, this episode has it all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie and Guillermo practice their eye-hugging with the one and only Darby Stanchfield, AKA Sassy Abby, AKA Big Red, AKA Abby Whelan! Darby shares the story of her stare-down with Shonda Rhimes and what it was like to silently stick her fingers in Joshua Malina’s mouth... Plus, Katie & Guillermo dive into important moments from the episode, like when Huck finally gets laid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Written by Shonda Rhimes herself, Happy Birthday Mr. President is one of the most memorable episodes of Scandal, and Katie & Guillermo laugh, cry and swoon over all the iconic scenes of Olitz. In the hypothetical re-enactment of the episode, Katie thinks she’d be a better Fitz than Guillermo. And would G touch the declaration of independence if given the opportunity? Plus, memories of wrap presents from set. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defiance is one of the most shocking episodes of all time with its twist ending, and Katie and Guillermo can’t wait to dive in. Don’t come hungry because Huck loves a hoagie, and this episode is a very food-forward conversation. Plus, as Katie says, this is the first time Quinn “isn’t dumb” as she’s on the trail to figure out if Huck was involved in her relocation. #WhatTheHuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time for one of Katie's favorite episodes, which marks the first time B613 is mentioned. Naturally this leads to a big discussion about ghosts and Monica Lewinsky's purse line. Then, Guillermo explains what it's like to use so many guns on set. And Katie points out two flaws in her acting that made it to the final version of the episode. Buckle in, this episode takes Katie & Guillermo on quite a... spin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guillermo tells Katie about his appearance on Ellen where he met Madonna, showing off the large tattoo of her face on his arm. As Olivia Pope joins the other kingmakers of the Defiance Conspiracy, Katie and Guillermo have strong words for Edison Davis and his advances -- back off Senator Pudding Pop! It's Huck's first date with Becky Flynn and Guillermo recalls when Katie fixed his hair in a touching and unscripted moment. As a bonus, Katie shares a story to illustrate why you don't eat dairy on a first date (or a second or a third or a fourth).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie's first acting role ever was an episode of Private Practice, and she thanks the director of that episode for getting her into the Scandal fam. Katie & G also discover the things the actual president has to pay for. This episode may also be peak Scandal, as it hints toward some very spoiler-y things to come in later seasons. And... do all roads lead to Fitz' bedroom? Plus, sending out good vibes to Katie and Guillermo's mannequin doppelgangers, who still out there somewhere.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bienvenidos a Unpacking the Toolbox where Guillermo gives Katie a Spanish lesson, and Katie shares more about her life and kids while trying to record. Nothing can stop Katie and G from chatting about this episode -- Not now and not while they were shooting the show. Our resident hacker Huck explains what Thorngate is and how Scandal always seemed to mirror real life. This episode also marks the first time we see Huck's toolbox, and Mellie Grant's famous "Get over her!" speech. Get ready to take a drink (of Whiskey) every time Guillermo finds which horror movie a guest star appeared in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s no secret that Scandal had a lot of plot threads happening all at once – Defiance, Huck in alcoholic’s anonymous, Olitz, Abby and David Rosen, plus the case-of-the-week to boot! Which is why it’s completely understandable that Katie and Guillermo get confused as to what’s going on in this episode. Twice. But don’t worry – they dive into the amazing performances of Kerry Washington and the guest stars, and even cover some of the pressing questions like… Who’s the top in James and Cyrus’ relationship? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joshua Malina, our resident David Rosen and king of lawyer-speak is here to join Katie and Guillermo as they dive into life on set, prepping (or not prepping) before filming, and pranks on set. Josh messed with everyone on set except for Shonda Rhimes and Guillermo, and he explains exactly why. Then, Josh explains his casting process, and how he became a series regular. Plus, Katie & G break down some amazing quotes from the episode and realize that Katie is a terrible driver. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the season two finale covering the shocking twist with none other than Papa Pope, aka Joe Morton. Joe has some outstanding insight into playing a character whose identity he had to keep secret. Then Guillermo breaks down his favorite iconic scenes with Joe, and Katie shares one of the most impactful moments of her life, which happened right on set. Plus, Tweets of the Times do not disappoint as the fans go wild over the reveal. This episode was recorded on June 2, 2023 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone wants to know-- who is the mole?? Katie and Guillermo unpack this plot-heavy episode with legendary producer, Betsy Beers. Betsy's executive produced every Shondaland hit series and is a wealth of Scandal lore, including insight into how the show got started and her close relationship with Shonda Rhimes. Betsy was the host of the original Scandal podcast with her co-host Shonda, back before podcasting was cool. This episode was recorded on May 31, 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.