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First, it was a stand-up act.
You turned your stand-up show into a podcast.
Thats a lot of space to fill.
I was just worried that the secret sauce to our podcast was just an audio thing.
Whats been great is that HBO wanted Jessica and I to keep what we do and just elevate it.
We had Tig Notaro directing, who is a phenomenal and unique comedic voice.
We had Amy Aniobi, whos our head writer shes a writer and producer forInsecure.
So we were in good hands.
Jessica and I didnt really have hurdles to overcome.
This is really fun.
The TV show is as close to the podcast as it possibly could be.
So, it felt like we were very prepared.
But I was kind of like, We do this all the time.
We know what were doing.
So it felt pretty safe, and as low-key as an HBO comedy taping can feel.
When you say that you amplified the podcast, do you mean in terms of the guests?Yeah.
When we did the podcast, Id show up in sweatpants sometimes and a beanie on my head.
It looked like laundry day for me and it probably was.
Just stuff that youre not gonna see anywhere else.
This is a variety show that can live on HBO.
And Jessica said, Yeah, that sounds awesome!
It should be during Black History Month so you could air one a week.
And I was like, You crafty and sneaky bitch.
Why did you specifically think of an HBO special?Im a very business-minded person.
Im always thinking, Who do I think will get me?
and Who do I think will like the stuff that I do?
Whether its with Jessica or by myself, Ive been doing stand-up for ten years.
Thats how I started in comedy, and I still do stand-up.
So I was like, Its always HBO, its only gonna be HBO.
And everyone else agreed, which was great.
I dont have to be a dictator about it.
What were some of your favorite moments?
You talked about Sarah Jessica learning about hair.
What else?Yeah, she kissed my foot.
Im just so proud of it.
Thats cool, you know?
What was that first day like?
Were starting with a standing ovation, what is this, a freaking Solange concert?
What is this, brunch at Bonos house?
What the fuck is happening?
Its just a wild experience to have thousands of people stand up and cheer for you.
I didnt even save a baby from a well or, like, wash a dog.
Thats an achievement, washing a dog and not getting water everywhere.
You guys are proud of me for wearing Spanx?
Tell me a little bit about working withTig Notaro.You know, I love Tig Tig.
I love that she lets me call her Tig Tig.
I just started saying that and she was like, Yeah, Im on board.
Im like, Love you!
But yeah, shes just so funny and smart and I love the way her brain works.
More than just being a really accomplished comedian, she has directed other comedy specials.
Shes just so wonderful to be around.
She has such great energy.
I was already a fan, but now Im a fan till the end, till my last breath.
I like being creative, I like the performing aspect of it, but thats the final step.
I like to be involved from the beginning.
I think decisions on the podcast will be made quicker.
I wont second-guess myself as much.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
