"Colin Jost"
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In this engaging episode of SmartLess, host Sean Hayes welcomes longtime Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchor Colin Jost for a wide-ranging and humorous conversation. The discussion begins with playful banter about shirts, travel, and absurd office jokes, before diving into Jost's unique upbringing—his late speech development, his mother's role as a chief medical officer during 9/11, and his childhood journey via the Staten Island Ferry to high school. Jost shares the story behind his purchase of the decommissioned Staten Island Ferry with Pete Davidson, revealing it as a nostalgic and financially savvy venture that could become a mobile swim club and event space. He reflects on his path from studying economics and Russian literature at Harvard to breaking into comedy through the National Lampoon, eventually landing at SNL. Jost candidly discusses his rocky start as a Weekend Update anchor, including a legendary live audience prank by Michael Che that nearly ended his career. The conversation also touches on his growing acting roles, including his acclaimed impression of Pete Hegseth, his upcoming film The Breadwinner, and his participation in Pop Culture Jeopardy on Netflix. Throughout, Jost displays self-aware humor, deep affection for his craft, and a refreshingly honest view of his career evolution.
Colin Jost’s purchase of the Staten Island Ferry was driven by nostalgia and a vision for a mobile, community-oriented swim club and event space.
His late speech development until age four didn’t hinder his intelligence—his parents recognized his comprehension, and he later thrived in comedy and writing.
Jost’s SNL career began with 80 rejected sketches before he was finally hired, highlighting the importance of persistence in creative fields.
His Weekend Update tenure, though initially rocky, became a defining success thanks to his chemistry with co-anchor Michael Che and Lorne Michaels’ patience.
Jost’s transition from writer to performer was gradual and driven by a desire to be part of the comedy in a more personal way.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Shirt Talk & Liverpool Origins
The episode opens with playful banter about shirts, with Will Arnett revealing he’s in Liverpool working with Tommy Hilfiger. The hosts tease about freebies and office humor, setting a lighthearted tone.
Colin’s Late Speech & Childhood Nostalgia
“I didn't say anything else for five more years. Why bother? You said it all.”
The Staten Island Ferry: From Commute to Investment
“It's 70,000 square feet. If you put that on a dock in Manhattan, you've suddenly got basically a building on the waterfront.”
From Harvard to Lampoon: The Comedy Breakthrough
“I wrote like six sketches and there was a bunch of writers that left. And then I got like Tina was uh, the one of the head writers Harper Steele and they liked some, you know something that was in there...”
The Weekend Update Nightmare & Michael Che’s Prank
“I was like, oh, I shouldn't have taken that swing. But it's perfect because I could still believe it's, you know. Then he goes and he crushes.”
“It's 70,000 square feet. If you put that on a dock in Manhattan, you've suddenly got basically a building on the waterfront.”
“I was like, oh, I shouldn't have taken that swing. But it's perfect because I could still believe it's, you know. Then he goes and he crushes.”
“I didn't say anything else for five more years. Why bother? You said it all.”
Hosts
Guest
Colin Jost
person
Saturday Night Live
organization
Will Arnett
person
Staten Island Ferry
other
Michael Che
person
Pete Davidson
person
Jason Bateman
person
National Lampoon
organization
Lorne Michaels
person
Harvard University
organization
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