Digest

This podcast features an interview with Jason Sudeikis, where he traces his career from his early days in improv comedy at Second City and Kansas City to his time on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and the creation of his hit show, Ted Lasso. He details the evolution of Ted Lasso from NBC Sports commercials, highlighting the inspiration behind the character and his optimistic approach. Sudeikis shares anecdotes about his collaborations with SNL cast members like Tina Fey and Will Ferrell, and his experiences working with legendary figures like Tom Hanks and Bill Murray. He discusses his favorite SNL sketches, including "What Up With That?", and the behind-the-scenes aspects of sketch comedy. The interview also covers his lifelong love for the Kansas City Chiefs, his involvement in charitable organizations like Big Slick and Thundergong!, and his near-miss audition for the Blue Man Group. Sudeikis reflects on his career choices, his passion for improv, and his future aspirations.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction, Advertisements & Podcast Intro

The episode begins with advertisements and introduces the "New Heights" podcast with guests Travis and Jason Kelsey, announcing Jason Sudeikis as a special guest.

00:02:37

Ted Lasso Origins & Early Career

Sudeikis discusses the creation of Ted Lasso, its origins in NBC Sports commercials, and his journey from Second City to SNL.

00:25:47

SNL Years, Collaborations & Sketches

Sudeikis reminisces about his early SNL years, collaborations with Tina Fey and Will Ferrell, favorite sketches ("What Up With That?", "The Two A-Holes", "Potato Chip"), and meeting iconic figures like Bill Murray and Tom Hanks.

00:51:28

Kansas City Chiefs, Charity & Personal Life

Sudeikis discusses his lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fandom, his involvement in Big Slick and Thundergong! charities, and personal anecdotes about attending games and connecting with the team.

01:08:48

Improv, Career Choices & Future Aspirations

Sudeikis discusses the nature of improv practice, his Blue Man Group audition, and his career aspirations if he weren't an actor, including his love for karaoke and teaching.

00:30:03

Improv, Practice & Ensemble Acting

Sudeikis details his improv training, comparing it to sports training, and emphasizes the importance of listening and collaboration in ensemble acting.

00:45:40

SNL Behind-the-Scenes & LeBron James Anecdote

Sudeikis shares behind-the-scenes stories from SNL, including the pressure and superstitions surrounding sketch selection, and recounts a memorable basketball game with LeBron James during an SNL rehearsal.

01:15:26

Ted Lasso's Future & Concluding Thoughts

Sudeikis shares his thoughts on the future of Ted Lasso and offers concluding remarks on his career and personal life.

Keywords

Q&A

• How did the character of Ted Lasso evolve from the initial NBC Sports commercials?

  The initial commercial featured a more gruff coach; Sudeikis opted for a softer, more optimistic approach, leading to the beloved Ted Lasso.

• What is the key to practicing improv comedy?

  Similar to sports, it involves honing fundamental skills (listening, quick thinking) and being present.

• What was the transition like from Second City to SNL?

  Daunting initially, but the collaborative nature of the SNL writing room proved rewarding.

• How much of Ted Lasso's personality reflects Jason Sudeikis's own?

  Ted Lasso is described as the best version of himself, a persona he accesses when relaxed.

• What are Sudeikis's thoughts on the future of Ted Lasso?

  Season four is in the works, and the show will continue to explore the characters' stories.

• What is Jason Sudeikis's favorite recurring sketch from his time on SNL?

  "What Up With That?".

• What charitable organizations is Jason Sudeikis involved with?

  Big Slick and Thundergong!.

• How did Jason Sudeikis's love for the Kansas City Chiefs develop?

  Growing up in Kansas City, his fandom deepened with the team's success and his personal connections.

• What alternative career path would Jason Sudeikis have pursued if not for acting?

  Coaching basketball and teaching acting.

• What was Jason Sudeikis's experience auditioning for the Blue Man Group?

  He auditioned in Vegas in 2001 but was cut due to his drumming skills.

Show Notes