Jill Talley: Parenting is IMPROV

Find the topics we covered, the links to the things we talked about, and more

Come hang with actor Jill Talley. Jill shares her journey from growing up with her five siblings in Chicago's Southside to being one of the most prolific voice actors working today. If you’re a fan of improv and legendary comedians and actors like Chris Farley, Bob Odenkirk, Steve Carrell, Jenifer Aniston - come hear about some of Jill’s former co-workers and pals. If you’re a SpongeBob super fan, come listen to how that show got its start - and shockingly how none of it was fueled by LSD. And most relevant for this audience, if you’re a tired parent trying to gain some perspective from the other side of parenting - trying to figure out how to juggle career and parenthood and how to parent different kids differently, then grab a blanket and a cup of tea and get cozy. This episode has it all.

Every week on the pod, I bake for our guests if they come to the closet IRL. For Jill, I made savory cheddar bacon biscuits.

Read on for the play by play and links.

PLAY BY PLAY:

01:34 Introducing Jill Talley: The Voice Behind Karen Plankton

03:37 Growing Up in Chicago: Jill's Childhood as one of six siblings

12:23 Discovering Comedy: From Prank Calls to Improv

18:58 Breaking into Second City and Beyond

26:43 Landing TV Shows and Meeting Tom Kenny

34:25 Shared Backgrounds and Early Careers

35:25 Engagement and Marriage

36:41 Working Together in Entertainment

37:48 Voiceover Careers and Parenthood

40:07 Parenting Challenges and Reflections

46:59 Raising Independent Children

55:31 Community and Family Traditions

01:00:45 Maintaining Close Family Bonds

01:05:25 Final Thoughts and Farewell

LINKS TO THINGS:

Karen Plankton on mothering her baby is all of us.

Jill and Tom in the Smashing Pumpkins music video you’ve all seen, Tonight Tonight:

Instagram: @mutha.life