Kate McKinnon - Good Hang with Amy Poehler Recap
Podcast: Good Hang with Amy Poehler
Published: 2025-10-28
Duration: 1 hr 7 min
Guests: Kate McKinnon
Summary
Amy Poehler interviews Kate McKinnon about her life post-SNL, exploring her homesteading lifestyle, woodworking hobbies, and reflections on her time at SNL.
What Happened
Amy Poehler welcomes Kate McKinnon to discuss her transition from the bustling life of New York City and Saturday Night Live to a quieter, more self-sufficient lifestyle. Kate shares her fascination with homesteading and the practical skills she's developed, like woodworking and gardening, as preparations for what she humorously describes as surviving the apocalypse for a few days. They reminisce about SNL, including the camaraderie with fellow cast members like Aidy Bryant and the unique challenges of performing live sketches.
The episode delves into Kate's experience with SNL, highlighting her unique ability to connect with audiences despite her introverted nature. She reflects on how performing felt like a dialogue with the audience and the importance of feeling at home on stage. Amy praises Kate's natural leadership during her time on SNL, noting her calm and confident performances.
Kate reveals her post-SNL endeavors, focusing on her passion for writing and her second book, "The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science." She discusses how middle-grade literature, with its themes of identity and belonging, resonates with her comedic roots.
Their conversation touches on the challenges and rewards of playing political figures on SNL, the responsibility felt in satirizing real people, and the impact of such roles on her personal and professional life. Amy and Kate discuss the importance of balancing creative work with personal interests, emphasizing the fulfillment found in tangible projects like woodworking.
Kate opens up about her relationship with Lorne Michaels, who became a paternal figure for her after her father's passing. She expresses deep gratitude for his guidance and the opportunities SNL provided.
The episode concludes with light-hearted exchanges, including Kate's unusual hobby of watching drain cleaning videos on YouTube, which she finds oddly satisfying and entertaining. Amy and Kate share laughs over quirky anecdotes, reinforcing the close bond and mutual admiration between them.
Key Insights
- Kate McKinnon has transitioned to a homesteading lifestyle, where she has developed practical skills such as woodworking and gardening to prepare for potential emergencies.
- Her second book, 'The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science,' targets middle-grade readers, focusing on themes of identity and belonging.
- Playing political figures on SNL brought unique challenges and responsibilities, impacting both her personal and professional life.
- Lorne Michaels became a paternal figure to McKinnon after her father's passing, providing guidance and opportunities during her time at SNL.