This week on Here’s The Thing, Alec talks with writer Paula Pell – whose been making people laugh at Saturday Night Live for the last 17 years. Pell landed her dream job as a writer at SNL after working at a Florida theme park. Her agent told her that Lorne Michaels wanted to meet her – “it is not an audition, but he wants to fly you up and talk to you.” Pell wasn’t sure what she was headed up for, but she got a job writing for the show.
Because of her longevity on the show, Pell calls herself “Nanny SNL,” but she’s the first to admit, “if you have a good night there you feel like you’re 20 again.” Today, Pell also spends time writing for movies -- she’s an executive producer on the upcoming "This is 40."
READ | Interview Transcript
Comments [15]
I enjoy listening to the guests on "Here's the Thing," and I wish that Alec Baldwin were a better listener. He asks a question and frequently cuts off the guests before they answer. And he loves to talk about himself. But I like it anyway.
We listened to several of these on a long drive from L.A. to S.F. today. Wonderful. Billy Joel! never heard him interviewed before. Delightful. Thanks, keep 'em coming.
Alec Baldwin is a fresh breeze in our "Air". Interviewing people worth hearing, asking questions which are impatient, going directly to points revealing intelligent thinking - his and theirs.
Well done, Alec
Craig Work
I listened today for the first time and really enjoyed you and your guests.
You really ask good questions and seem to be trusted by your guests. You interviewed people the I had never heard being interviewed before. Really interesting.
it's a bloody conversation,and he doesn't but in! what is wrong with you people,do you all want boring Q&A ? and, do you guys just like chocolate and vanilla,too...snore some more por favor..
I generally enjoy these interviews, but I wish Alec Baldwin would ask a question and let his guest answer completely before he butts in and starts talking about himself.
That interview was interesting, but personally I WANT to hear The Simpsons writer Matt Groening, that would be great...
Chelsea Handler has a late night talk show time slot?
Great interview Alec and Paula ! I feel like I'm eavesdropping on a great conversation when I listen to Here's the Thing. Speaking of comedy, any chance of your interviewing one of the queens of Australian comedy, Magda Szubanski or Judith Lucy on the cultural differences between Australian and US humour ? Then there is always Dame Edna Everage !
I love you Paula! The best friend I ever had and the funniest.You Rock!!!!
this might be the most interesting and entertaining chat, since the billy joel HTT.
I lived in Tampa in the early 90's and probably saw Paula at The Adventurer's Club on Pllleeeeaaaasssuuurre Island. Their motto was "If you don't know where you are, but you don't care...you're not lost, you're ADVENTURING". I think I still have the T-shirt somewhere.
This was a thoroughly entertaining interview. I am a big fan of the show.
As an aspiring comedic writer I have been thorougly enthralled by Paula Pell and her work for years. It's so good to see other people being exposed to her talent.
This was excellent you two. Great conversation. I can never really hear enough about the underbelly of SNL.
I thoroughly enjoyed your interview with Paula Pell on HERE'S THE THING Alec! She's a very talented and funny lady! It was a very interesting conversation. I wish her much Good Luck with everything in the future. She's great! She makes me laugh and smile! As do you also Alec! And laughter is very important in life. Thank you for sharing this conversation with all of us!
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