50 Years of Laughter: Groundlings Theatre Hosts Star-Studded Podcast Including Bob Odenkirk

By JACKIE MOE

In a city known for its glitz and glamour, one iconic theater has been serving up laughter for five decades straight. 

The Groundlings Theatre, a cornerstone of LA’s comedy scene, celebrated its 50th anniversary in style for a special recording of the acclaimed satire podcast, “Multiple Talking Women” on April 12.  

The event featured a star-studded lineup, including Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul,” “Breaking Bad”), Michaela Watkins (“Dinner with the Parents,” “You Hurt My Feelings”), and Maggie Baird (“Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry”).

The podcast, created and starring The Groundlings Main Company members Lisa Schurga, Ariane Price, and Lauren Burns, is known for its satirical take on contemporary talk shows, blending humor with cultural commentary. Drawing inspiration from their characters in the Groundlings show “Happy Hour,” Schurga, Price, and Burns entertained the audience with improvised sketches and banter.

Throughout the recording, the hosts engaged in playful banter with their celebrity guests, tackling a variety of topics with irreverent humor and incisive commentary.

Amidst the banter and witty repartee, the audience was treated to a special surprise when Baird, who was live-streamed on a large screen, was joined by her daughter – none other than Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter Billie Eilish. The two engaged in lively conversation with the hosts, delving into what it was like for Eilish to grow up with a Groundlings improv actress as her mother.

But the surprises didn’t end there. Former Groundlings actor Odenkirk, known for his iconic roles in “Better Call Saul” and “Breaking Bad,” joined the hosts on stage, regaling the audience with anecdotes from his illustrious career. From his early days in improv to his journey in television, Odenkirk shared fun stories from being in “the biz.” 

In a particularly poignant moment, Odenkirk opened up about his experience suffering a heart attack on the set of “Better Call Saul.” Reflecting on the ordeal, he revealed how it had reshaped his perspective on life, allowing him to wake up each day without anxiety and see the world as beautiful once again.

Shortly after, another Groundlings alumna, Michaela Watkins, graced the stage, bringing her signature wit and charm. With playful banter and infectious energy, Watkins shared stories from her career, seamlessly weaving in and out of conversation with the improv hosts and Odenkirk.

For more information on “Multiple Talking Women,” visit: https://shows.acast.com/multiple-talking-women

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