Heidi Gardner (Shrinking / SNL / Hustle) • Films To Be Buried With with Brett Goldstein #314
Aug 28, 2024
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Heidi Gardner, a comedienne known for her role on Saturday Night Live, shares her colorful experiences in the comedy world. She highlights her hairdressing history and the journey into writing and acting. The conversation humorously intertwines themes of grief, touching on the emotional weight of films like 'Steel Magnolias,' and the impact of horror movies watched too young. Heidi also reflects on how childhood favorites are perceived in adulthood, showcasing the power of film in shaping identity and personal growth.
Heidi Gardner shares her experiences on 'Saturday Night Live', highlighting the importance of trust and collaboration within the creative team for growth as a performer.
Gardner discusses her evolving creative process, which now emphasizes disconnecting from distractions to inspire authentic performances rather than solely focusing on humor.
Through her role as a judge on a talent show, Gardner learns the value of uplifting contestants and connecting with their personal stories to encourage their dreams.
Deep dives
Summer of Cinema
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Heidi Gardner's Journey on SNL
Heidi Gardner reflects on her journey as a cast member of 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL), highlighting the challenges and rewards of adjusting to the fast-paced environment of live comedy. She shares that while she experienced initial nerves and pressure, over time she has gained confidence and comfort within the show's creative space. Gardner emphasizes the importance of trusting her fellow cast members and the producers, as well as embracing her unique voice and humor rather than focusing on potential cut sketches. The supportive dynamic within the cast has cultivated a positive atmosphere, allowing her to grow as a performer.
Navigating the World of Comedy
During the conversation, Gardner discusses her creative process and how she generates ideas for her characters and sketches. She shares that initially, she relied on her phone and current events for inspiration, but recently has chosen to disconnect from distractions to tap into her own imaginative flow. The experience of writing sketch comedy has evolved for her, where trust in the collaborative writing process has become a significant factor in relieving pressure. This newfound approach has allowed her to focus on delivering authentic performances over simply trying to be the funniest.
Beauty in Vulnerability
Gardner discusses her experience participating as a judge on a talent show focused on individuals who are taking a second chance in life. She conveys her struggle with the idea of being a harsh judge, emphasizing that she seeks to uplift contestants through her feedback. Through observing their vulnerability and courage, she gained insights into finding joy in their stories, which helped her connect with them on a personal level. Gardner emphasizes the value of encouraging those who take risks to pursue their dreams, especially when they face challenges in their journeys.
Life Lessons from Cinema
Heidi Gardner shares several influential films that have shaped her life experiences and provided valuable lessons. From the shock of 'Kids' to the humor found in 'Waiting for Guffman,' she reflects on how these movies resonated with her at various life stages, offering both laughter and introspection. She recalls a pivotal moment when her mother took her to see 'Kids,' sparking crucial conversations about choices and consequences. Gardner acknowledges the lifelong impact cinema has had on her understanding of life and relationships, fostering her connection to storytelling and comedy.
Join your host Brett Goldstein as he talks life, death, love and the universe with the hilarious writer, comic and actor HEIDI GARDNER!
Heidi is well versed in the world of Saturday Night Live, an institution hugely loved and regarded in the US but not amazingly well known in the UK. So it's a lovely thing to hear some behind the scenes chat from someone so woven into the tapestry of it, for anyone who's a long term fan or someone less familiar. Of course the chat goes so much further, with her hairdressing history, cats, process, monologues, threatening coaches of the mind, videos, watching horrors too young and the Scared Straight model of film education. Tons to enjoy! Which you shall!