DISCLAIMER:
The following output was transcribed from our audio recording.
Although the transcription is largely accurate, it may be incomplete or inaccurate due to inaudible passages or transcription errors.
It is posted to aid in understanding the interview but should not be treated as an authoritative record.
Christian Brescia 00:02
Hi everybody and welcome back to another episode of Monday's with Mindy. Hi Mindy, how are you?
Mindy Cohn 00:06
I'm good Christian, as always better for being with you.
Christian Brescia 00:10
Same here.
Mindy Cohn 00:11
Today we're gonna have a conversation with stand up comedian, actress and host Michelle Bhutto, Michelle started performing comedy A few days after September 11 2001. And only after five years she landed her first television spot on Comedy Central. She's built her career and act unapologetically being herself. I can attest to that having seen her live in New York just last month. In 2017. She was listed as one of 10 comedians to watch by Esquire magazine and the following year, her podcast late night whatever was labeled one of the best by Time Magazine. She also co hosts another successful podcast adulting with Jordan Carlos. Michelle has also appeared in numerous movies and television shows. First Wives Club. Season Two is out right now and Tales of the City. Last year she started hosting the reality show the circle on Netflix, which is going into its third season. In 2020, she became a published author with her collection of essays and titled survival of the fittest. Her Netflix comedy special welcome to boo topia, when a Critics Choice Award for Best Comedy special. Michelle lives on the East Coast with her husband and twins Hazel and Otis, who were born in 2019. Via surrogacy, I mentioned that because it's so much a part of her act. So Oh, anyway, really looking forward.
Christian Brescia 01:34
Wow, talk about a rising star. Ladies and gentlemen, we are excited to work with the show ––– Michelle Buteau!
Mindy Cohn 01:38
What's up? Hey, are you good? I was just bragging about how hilarious you were live. When I got to see you a couple months ago. It
Michelle Buteau 01:51
was fabulous. It was such a weird moment because Wow, we all have our mess around rich people. It feels like he's putting your money into all these like little private situations so we can get vaccinated. But then also just to do stand up in a dress and heels. I was like what the 2019 is going on?
Mindy Cohn 02:11
right? Exactly, exactly like Whoo. Um, we start each episode a Christian and I came up with 20 questions, I pull five, we just start gabbing like beginning middle and end of it here for
Christian Brescia 02:24
a quick way to go.
Mindy Cohn 02:25
Yeah, or not. Let's go deep, shall we? Good morning. I'm Michelle, what is the last time you cried?
Michelle Buteau 02:35
This morning? I cry every day. I don't know when it's going to come. And I think we have to allow ourselves those feelings more often, especially in this past year because I like in quarantine and COVID to doing IVF for five years. Like I look the same, but I am not the same. I'm burnt out. And I'm at my wit's end. And I'm like, What is it gonna end? So I cry every day and it could just be like, my husband bought dryer sheets the other day. I didn't have to ask him but I know that. I was like Sally fields accepting her award. I'm like, well, you, you.
Mindy Cohn 03:12
Well, I was just gonna say do you cry more out of sadness or happiness? Cuz I'm a crier, but I find myself crying more out of joy or just being moved. Yeah,
Michelle Buteau 03:22
I think it's the same. Yeah, I think it's such a gray area. You know, the first time I ate in a diner a couple of weeks ago, I cried. You know, it was a diner rose. Also, like, I get to do this again. Your resolve to say to me,
Mindy Cohn 03:35
yes, believe me. I mean, at that week, I was moving into a new apartment in New York City. So I was hysterical for five days. All Out of joy, you know, and kind of surreal ness. So I totally understand that. Um, did where you grow up and who you grew up with. Develop your creative aesthetic? Um, gosh,
Michelle Buteau 03:57
I want to say no, but who knows? I think it's more like what not to wear. I grew up in like central jersey and then like, sort of more than South mostly central which is really like the Midwest but with Yes, aggressive people. And so yeah, I don't need to go to Costco to find pants to fit over. You know, my guns. My FUBAR because I want to have this hoagie with seven different meats. No offense, shout out to hell to square one. But um, yeah, I just, you know, I was plus size before that was even a thing. And so I used to, like, take my dad's shirts and like, figure out how to make them fit over my bosom. Matty. So yeah,
Mindy Cohn 04:41
were you talking to Yeah. Christian, obviously. Yeah. Oh, thank you for clarifying. Yes. Yeah, please all about it. Um, what do you do when you get stuck creatively or do you Cuz I know you are so prolific and you are doing so many things. Oh my god, you have 10 jobs. But um, do you get
Christian Brescia 05:07
stuttering show? I was like, and another thing and another thing? And another Yeah. Yeah, quite impressive.
05:13
Oh, you know what? I never feel like, it's me being stuck. I feel like it just needs a moment to breathe. Because, you know, if you look at it that way, then you'll always come back to it. And sometimes things don't work. You know, sometimes it just sometimes it's a short story. It's not a feature, honey, you know what I mean? You know, and I think, you know, as a New York City comedian, I'm open to doing other things. And I feel like a lot of us will have comedians get stuck in, I tell stand up. I tell jokes, I do stand up. This is what I do. And that's why they were probably like, so salty when Hannah Gatsby like really just took over the world issue. They share feelings, storytelling, and stand up and also be prolific and make people think and educate. So I feel like when we get caught up in our five mile radius of thinking then like, you know, if you don't think big, you won't do big things. So, you know, think outside the box. And so that's why I love to say I love to audition when I was just like, I love to add, you know, and yes, host and just meet a bunch of silly, Goofy dummies all over the world. It's very, I
Mindy Cohn 06:14
mean, work, it's work. And it's also experiences, you got to decide what you don't like, well, you have to do it first. Exactly. That's exactly how I feel about the person. You are the best person. What's your guilty pleasure?
06:34
rosae all day, just rosae Roseanne ice rose a chilled from a sparkling rosae I can't get enough. And nowadays, I'm seeing myself on camera a lot. I'm like, that's a realization. People often ask me mumfie and I'm like, no fat, like, I love vegan options. But this is butter. No is rosae of butter. So sorry. No pleasure. Just answer the question. Butoh No,
Mindy Cohn 07:04
I'm still okay with the etc, etc, and et cetera. I love it. Bring it. Um, if you could have dinner with anybody, who would you have dinner with? And why? What would you want to gab about?
07:17
Probably my husband. Oh, no time, it'd be really nice just to sit down and have a hot meal and have somebody else wash the dish. Like I miss him the most. And I see him every day. But you know, I miss him the most because we're really busy. You're saying? Yeah.
Mindy Cohn 07:31
Are you about to reschedule and put in your life post COVID date nights again?
07:36
Did you guys ever have to do that? We did do date nights. And we just naturally did date nights. Because if I was doing a show during an event, like I want to bring him to the event that I met you at you would I mean, especially with an open bar and like rich white people. It feels like he's Yeah, yeah, exactly. Success is when you learn how to conjugate and
Mindy Cohn 07:54
hustling. I'd like to preface that I was a guest of Isaac Mizrahi's and was not one of the rich white people don't know why I'm feeling a little sore sensitive. If you spot it, you got it, maybe but it is just resonated with me that I need to clarify why I was there. Well, you couldn't fall behind nice. Oh, my Thank you. I love posing and perpetrating the fraud of a rich white person. And the show pose. Thanks, everyone. It was so nice. So tell me as you I know, you have been on the First Wives Club PR train, you know, promoting season two. But I also know that when we gabbed you had just come off filming a feature that you were going into season three of the circle, how have you finished that yet? season three of the circle? I'm not allowed to say Oh, no. Okay. Excuse me. Of course. I'm so sorry, NDA forthcoming. Um, so what I'm sensing is that it has been a little relentless in the best way possible. Like, are you pinching yourself? Or are you at this point going? I may need to say no, occasionally.
09:07
I think it's both because it's, you know, to to pass a job that's been offered to you is eight goes against everything I have ever been taught. You know, I know. And I'm realizing that my tank is draining and I want to be present not only for these littles but for myself, I want to start a sentence and remember what the thing you know, I'm not ready to be the notebook like nobody. We got so much what's happening, you know, trying to get into a Galway, I'm 44
Mindy Cohn 09:43
Please, please Oh, it's so stupid. It's really stupid. 55 and I'm still optimistic. So please, best is yet to come. That's my thing.
09:55
I'm here for it and I want to be you know, I want to enjoy. I don't Feeling like Oh, I got to get it done. Like who ever wakes up Christmas morning and you're like, oh god boys presence I have to get to you. Right, right. Yeah, that's Yeah, no, I
Mindy Cohn 10:09
have to say it is an acquired skill to say no. Yeah, I'm now I'm pretty skilled at it. But it does feel counterintuitive to turn down work or opportunity or whatever you want to call it, but at the same time, I don't know about you, but for me, I don't want to someone said this to us a while ago about going in. Oh, it was Patton Patton, Oswald said, You know, I don't want to go in make my fortune and get out. I'm a lifer. I want to be doing this for my life. Yeah, same. And so I don't, I don't number one want to burnout and I also want longevity. So I very, I become pickier. Yeah, I know you've been associated though, with quality stuff, and obviously stuff of your own making. So I don't think this is applicable to you my darling. As of yet, um, although I don't know what you've been offered, but it'll be interesting for you to develop that skill, because I have a feeling you're gonna have to,
11:01
I'm gonna have to because they're twins. Two of them. Twins means two. So yeah.
Mindy Cohn 11:08
Yeah. Oh, yeah. We're gonna do that. Yeah. Yeah. And are they are they going to go back into school? Like live school? Yeah, we've
11:16
already put the bag into daycare, it was really sort of hard to find a daycare that had a placement for twins, because the classes are smaller because of COVID. Yes. And there too. So I was trying to find a place that did not require them to wear masks, because that's a big ask for two year olds who can't even you know, they don't even have the words to express how they feel or what they need, let alone have this thing over there. And that's just and you know, everyone has their own opinion and whatever that's safe with but yeah, we found a place it's a great place It is so far. I mean, this is podcast. Farley I listened to, you know, just the whole seasons of my favorite murder, just back and forth and back on market. Wow. So yeah, but um, you know, it's worth it because they come out smiling. They're saying words they know. Yeah, you do what you have to do. And being social. Yes. is huge people who are nice to them, not just like a tired mom was like, What do you Why? You know? Yes,
Mindy Cohn 12:18
I guess I think you're harder on yourself, you probably need to be but anyway, that was just me being a you know, support is important friend, I'm gonna guide you like abroad just like let me make a better course. Um, so what's the situation with you and stand up? What is your relationship to it right now, where you are today? Are you do you have dates? Is that? Are you formulating some new Act? Like is it happening?
12:42
That's such a good question. Now, if you would have asked me this time last year, I just started missing stand up in July of last year, and we went down the block that happened March 13 2020. And around my birthday around July, I was like to stand up shop. And so I just did a June residency at this place called the bell house in Brooklyn. It's called biscuit babysitter, and a bunch of promises that I have just sort of jotted down over the year. And wow, that feel good. That felt good. It was five Tuesday's two shows 10 shows total. I'm really good at math. And so I am I missed stand up. I missed what the world was. I yes, now that we're taking out the trash, we have a new administration and people like, you know, our understanding that, you know, we are responsible for our happiness. And our safety is an interesting time. And so yeah, I'm getting back to it. like Netflix has been so good to me, especially as a female comedian, especially want to color and just
Mindy Cohn 13:48
look what I was gonna ask you, Michelle. I mean, yes. What did it feel like having to? I mean, it took off. I mean, it number 1111. Right to special, right today. Like I was that way, like, No, I mean, I'm not surprised. But I wanted to know, in the vortex of staying at home, right? I mean, how did it feel to know that so many millions of people were watching your act? And getting not only entertained, but I mean, it was a salad. It was a it was a Oh, my gosh,
14:21
it was weird. Again, what a weird place because even like long into the Critics Choice Award for the lifestyle, I'm still within my four walls, right. So it's not like I'm out getting recognized or doing shows or anything. So it felt fine. You know,
Mindy Cohn 14:38
it felt I guess I didn't ask the question correctly. What
14:41
I meant is could you feel it? Did you get in because you, you didn't really experience any of it? Did you write and I actually felt bad putting it out there and then also promoting it because there was the whole Black Lives Matter movement where Yeah, the world was literally burning. I mean, there was protests day and night and people were you yelling and Trump was gaslighting. It just felt like there were way more important causes Besides this, like hour of comedy, but you know, a lot of my friends who are amazing, had my back and they reminded me, you know, Joy is an act of resistance. And so, you know, as a comedian or any artists that had to really go up against the virus and election year, it was really hard to get a spot on a late night show to promote because we need to know what she's talking about, you know, yes.
Mindy Cohn 15:31
Well, having said that, though, everyone also needs to kind of, you know, laugh and I don't mean to titter. You know, you need that. You know what Norman Lear calls like the fall forward laugh, you know? Yeah. And it's so necessary and required just as much as the news. In my humble opinion.
15:48
I would 100% agree. And I used to edit for the news. So I wasn't 100% agree. And I did not know, I never even heard the term joint watch. You know, like, when people said, would tell me they had it on and just keep playing. And I'm like, that's what I used to do with stuff that I loved when I was little. So that was such a compliment. But my special dropped the first night of presidential debate. So I was like, didn't really did not know. Oh, my gosh, yeah, it was. I was like, well, don't watch it one day. Michelle cleanser? Michelle, they
Mindy Cohn 16:26
did. I mean, they been in collective, every single person I know. was talking your name? Come on. Yes. Oh, my gosh, 100%. It was it's kind of amazing, and brilliant and wonderful. And I have to say like, I have felt bad for people who have experienced success on a certain level, and not been able to feel it your last year and a half. You know, I mean, listen, all props to these quality shows, you know, but bridgerton. And, you know, I just felt like, I wonder if they even really understand how known they are? And I don't think they do. I think the answer's no. Yeah. But are you reaping the benefits? Now? I mean, more casting people, more producers, more network executives not only know who you are, right, I'm assuming, but I'm assuming you're getting some opportunities now.
17:18
Yeah, it feels that way. It also feels just a bit easier to pitch. Because I've always had a lot of ideas. And I've always sort of just like, asked places, what do you need? I'll fit into that box. And now I'm just like, Oh, no, I really have to, you know, lean into my voice and what I want to do, and that's what's gonna make it really pop. You know, that's been a really nice. It's sort of like, you know, when you're an adult, you keep entering new phases of adulthood or womanhood, you didn't know that you were going to and so I, the way people talk about success in the industry is just like you're over a mountain, but it's not bad. It's like also, you know, realizing your worth and then like not giving up and then also like, it's just interesting. It's been an interesting place.
Mindy Cohn 18:04
My experience has been, it's the Andes, so I get up that mountain and guess what, there's a whole range in front of me. So it's like, Oh, okay. There's not just one more mountain good. Golly. Amazing.
18:19
Love it. Which, by the way, my mind goes to like Andy's mints. I don't know why. It's so good. After dinner mints. No one does that anymore. So good.
Mindy Cohn 18:28
Yeah. My favorite thing is to put him in the fridge. Thanks. Yeah, cold and snappy. chop them up with my real ice cream. Oh, he's thinking that's excellent. Yes, that is excellent. Do you cook? Yeah. Are you you? Yeah. What is your favorite thing to make? What is everyone just like the house smells of
18:48
Michelle's? Oh, I mean, sounds really weird. But yeah, it's the mood for that's okay. I mean, we love crab legs. What? The thing that makes my husband the happiest for sure will be the ox tail when I'm staring at anything. Wow. Doing for three or four hours? Oh, yes. It was a happy mood. But yeah.
Mindy Cohn 19:10
I have to say a crock pot has turned into my best friend. Yes. I now understand. It's taken me decades. I now understand the wonders of a crock pot. Yeah, it's Yeah, it's all about it.
19:23
Yeah, I get it. A crock pot is sort of like a dating website. You know, just let someone else do the work for you.
Mindy Cohn 19:31
Oh, my gosh, pearls. pearls. You're giving me this old girl. Yes. Thank you. I'm so here for it. Thank you. With all that you have going on and how busy your household is. Do you sequester yourself and write? Do you write in the car? When do you come up with stuff and go oh, I need to sort of
19:48
organize this thing? Yeah, that's a good question. I mean, whenever I can in the car in line somewhere on my phone. Sometimes I'll go into an office. Yeah, when I'm walking the dogs wherever Which strikes me sometimes it's just a word was like myself a message and then like I have to download at the end of the month and just like put it all together and see what she means. Yes, it's weird. Wanna see? Have you ever just like woken up one day about your closet? You're just like, I love gray shirts. Like it's all the same color you didn't realize, like, I woke up one day and my terra cotta is where it's at, like everything. I guess I have a time.
Mindy Cohn 20:24
Yeah. Hey, nothing wrong with that. So what's on your schedule so far? For the end of the year?
20:30
I mean, are you booked solid? kind of almost, you know, there's rumblings of seasons reverse wives, which is great. Amazing. There's rumblings of more circle. Great. No, I'm working on my new hour is amazing. And that
Mindy Cohn 20:47
is going to be I'm assuming Netflix has already requested. They know they're checking. Okay, Netflix, they don't know.
20:56
They don't know. But they should know Netflix. I love you so much. Come check it girl. I mean, like, well,
Mindy Cohn 21:01
I don't doubt it for a second. What did you and your husband binge on? Or did you? Were you TV and movie watchers? What did you do? And so far is that,
21:10
I mean, obviously, we are Netflix household. So a lot of the stuff. You know, everything I love at Netflix tells us what to watch. And it's usually good. You know, but and you know, at one point we were watching a lot of Naked and Afraid and alone. But then I was like, This is what it's like having kids. But we're we cannot be alone. You don't I mean, this is too much. Yes. But what I did was I went off and I watched a lot of female led sitcoms, insecure I might destroy may destroy you. Better things working moms. Mm hmm. Because the time is now. I definitely want to support I want to get those numbers in high fidelity, difficult people like all these things. And I want to see, I want to see something different. I don't want to see the sixth couple arguing. That's my life already. I want to see. So yeah. Fascinating.
Mindy Cohn 22:13
So what are who is inspiring to you right now, man?
22:18
I definitely want to say people who are getting vaccinated. Thank you for that.
Mindy Cohn 22:23
Yes. Yeah. Well,
22:24
and even people who don't even understand what is in a vaccine and for whatever underlying issues they might have, but they're just for the greater good and they can see that. Those are the people that are my heroes, to be honest.
Mindy Cohn 22:38
Yeah, no, I love that beautifully said and heal is your aspirational dream person are people to work with.
22:45
I'm warms COVID free and hasn't been to someone
Christian Brescia 22:48
that's very good. And also very specific.
Mindy Cohn 22:50
Like and we just I'm laughing but oh my god, I need t shirt. T shirt. Oh my God. That is truly everything that simple. Wow. It's like I am that basic. Here's what it takes. Pretty much. That is no fantastic. And the best way possible. Yeah, amazingly monster. I can't wait to meet you. No, thank you. That is amazing. Oh my god. Michelle Bhutto, you are just divine. You're truly divine. And thank you so much for doing an episode of Monday's with Monday.
23:24
Oh my goodness. Thank you. I appreciate you so much. I mean, yeah, to meet someone and then get to talk to someone that I've been a fan of before even got my period is pretty special. I didn't
Mindy Cohn 23:36
even know you knew who I was. Well, that just makes me and my ovaries sing. Thank you.
Christian Brescia 23:43
Ladies and gentlemen, keep an eye on this rising star. We are so great to have her. Michelle Bhutto.
Mindy Cohn 23:47
She has risen.
Christian Brescia 23:51
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