Key Takeaways

  • Leanne Morgan, a comedian with a long career, is experiencing a surge in popularity in her 50s with a new Netflix show and special.
  • The podcast highlights the experiences of Gen X women, particularly regarding menopause, societal expectations, and a more open approach to discussing personal topics compared to previous generations.
  • The conversation touches on the evolution of comedy, the challenges and rewards of a career in entertainment, and the importance of family and friendships.
  • The episode emphasizes the value of authenticity, resilience, and finding joy and purpose at different stages of life.

Segments

Reflections on the 90s and Smoking Bans (~00:05:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts reminisce about the 90s in New York City and the impact of the smoking ban in public places.
  • Summary: Amy and Kristen share memories of being in New York in the 90s, including the experience of smoking in restaurants before the ban. They contrast this with their childhoods in the 70s and 80s, noting the freedom and different social norms of those eras.
Kristen Johnston’s Role in Leanne’s Show (~00:12:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Kristen Johnston explains how she came to be cast as Leanne Morgan’s sister in the new show.
  • Summary: Kristen Johnston recounts how producer Chuck Laurie contacted her about playing Leanne Morgan’s sister in a new show. She describes watching Leanne’s comedy and immediately wanting to be a part of the project, highlighting their immediate connection.
Gen X Women and Menopause (~00:20:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The conversation shifts to the experiences of Gen X women, particularly their approach to menopause and societal expectations.
  • Summary: Amy and Leanne discuss how women in their 50s are often in a good place in their lives, with more freedom and less concern about men. They touch upon the generational differences in discussing menopause, with Gen X women having more language and resources than previous generations.
Leanne Morgan’s High School Days and Early Aspirations (~00:30:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan reflects on being voted ‘best looking’ in high school and her early dreams of show business.
  • Summary: Leanne shares memories of her high school experience in rural Tennessee, including being voted ‘best looking’ and her childhood ambition to go to Hollywood. She recalls watching classic TV shows and being encouraged by her mother to pursue a career in entertainment.
The Challenges of Sun Damage and Health (~00:40:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts discuss the long-term effects of sun exposure and the importance of dermatological care.
  • Summary: Amy and Leanne talk about the consequences of sunbathing in their youth, including sun damage and the risk of melanoma. They emphasize the thoroughness of female dermatologists and the importance of protecting one’s skin.
Leanne’s Career Path: From Sales to Stand-Up (~00:50:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan details her transition from selling jewelry to pursuing stand-up comedy.
  • Summary: Leanne describes her early experiences in sales, where she discovered her ability to engage an audience. She recounts how this led her to try stand-up comedy in San Antonio, Texas, and the challenges of balancing her career with raising three children.
Marriage and Partnership with Chuck Morgan (~01:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan describes her marriage to Chuck Morgan, highlighting their contrasting personalities and his supportive role.
  • Summary: Leanne shares anecdotes about her husband, Chuck, describing him as an introverted, numbers-oriented person who contrasts with her extroverted nature. She credits his stability and support for enabling her career, even though he is not a dreamer.
The Experience of Filming in LA (~01:30:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan recounts her experiences filming in Los Angeles, including a home robbery and her positive interactions with people on set.
  • Summary: Leanne discusses her time in LA for a TV series, detailing a home invasion and her subsequent evacuation due to fires. Despite the challenges, she found the people on set and in the community to be sweet and hardworking, developing a fondness for the city.
Misconceptions about Tennessee and the South (~01:45:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan addresses common misconceptions about people from Tennessee and the South, emphasizing their intelligence and sophistication.
  • Summary: Leanne debunks stereotypes about Southerners being uneducated or constantly carrying guns. She highlights the presence of good universities and the fact that people in Tennessee, like herself, take care of their appearance and have diverse interests.
Rapid Fire Questions: Holidays, Math, and Ghosts (~01:55:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan shares her preferences for Thanksgiving, her dislike of math, and her belief in demons.
  • Summary: In a rapid-fire segment, Leanne reveals her favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, expresses her aversion to math, and shares a story about a medium in a comedy club, leading to a discussion about the supernatural and generational differences.
The Best is Yet to Come: Embracing Life in Your 50s and Beyond (~02:10:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan emphasizes that it’s never too late to pursue dreams and that life can be fulfilling at any age.
  • Summary: Leanne and Amy discuss the idea that life gets better with age, encouraging listeners to try new things and embrace opportunities. They highlight the importance of dreams, family, and enjoying life’s stages, including the prospect of turning 60.
Media Consumption and Tour Life (~02:20:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan shares her current TV viewing habits and discusses the demanding nature of life on tour.
  • Summary: Leanne mentions enjoying shows like ‘Tires’ and ‘Ransom Canyon’ and talks about the physical and mental toll of touring. She discusses her efforts to eat healthier and maintain her energy for performances, including the need for ‘comedy naps’.
Leanne’s New Netflix Show and Career Momentum (~02:30:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan’s new multi-cam sitcom, loosely based on her comedy, is set to premiere on Netflix, marking a significant milestone in her career.
  • Summary: The conversation concludes with a discussion about Leanne’s upcoming Netflix show, which is a multi-cam sitcom. They touch on the evolution of the television industry and Leanne’s excitement about performing in front of a live audience again, highlighting her continued success and fresh voice in comedy.