Hello! It's me, Andy Daly from television. You may know me from Eastbound & Down or Reno 911 or Comedy Central’s Review, which airs tonight at 10/9c. I’m here to answer your questions!

Can we bring out the girls?

I encourage it.

Don DiMello and Cactus Tony for #TrueDetectiveSeason2?

YES YES YES YES YES! Does HBO read these things?

Any news on another Podcast Pilot Project season? The first run is some of the funniest stuff I've heard anywhere and I'd love to hear more.

It's hard to say. I was able to do these 8 bc I had a pocket of time where I was contractually prevented from doing much else! That may well happen again. Lord knows it was fun. The annoying answer is I just don't know.

Will you review the process of doing an AMA when you're finished? 1/5-5 stars, of course.

Okay I am ready to issue my review of doing an AMA: It is always a pleasure to hear from people who know and like my work. I don't think I got one rude question in fact. And most of them were thoughtful and interesting. I regret not making more jokes but I was mainly interested in addressing as many questions as possible and jokes, while funny, take more time than simply telling the truth. I am slightly concerned that I was boring and, as I always am when it comes to the internet, I'm a little queasy about the permanence of this session. I also knocked over a glass of water mid way through this and while that's hardly the fault of the AMA, it has diminished the experience. I am now quite thirsty. All in all, I give this 4 out of 5 stars and I will certainly do it again.

Yes I will!

Hey Andy. Why do all your characters kill themselves? Is everything ok?

Everything is okay!

I've really been enjoying Review so far. Something I was curious about: how did you settle on divorce for so early in the season instead of holding something that huge for one of the last few episodes?

Honestly, the original intention was to get Forrest out of his marriage early so we could see him explore more sexual encounters! But once we started writing, he found that the real benefit of doing the divorce so early was seeing these two characters continue to interact after that massive event.

Have you ever considered using Forrest MacNeil as a podcast character, maybe to promote his own show?

Also, when are we going to know more about the fight between good and evil that was revealed on CBB #274????

Scott, Jason and I fully intend to finish what was started in the Gil & Golly episode. I'd look for it this summer!

Hi Andy,

I just wanted to say that I think you're one of the best at injecting sincerity into your comedy. Whether on "Review" or a Comedy Bang Bang character, you always seem to encompass whatever it is that makes that character who they are (Forrest's commitment, Don DiMello's creepiness). Is this a conscious decision? I think a lot of comedians focus so much on getting the laugh that they forget about the importance of making the audience feel like they're a part of that character's world.

Thanks! To me, sincerity is all a part of the misdirect of the joke. The more sincere, the less you see the funny coming.

I'm not gonna lie and suck on your balls by saying I'm familiar with all your work, but goddamn if you weren't perfect on eastbound and down. So thank you for that performance.

Only completely honest ball-sucking please. And thank you.

Did you really eat all those pancakes?

I ate the equivalent of about 1 pancake, spitting the rest into a bucket. But I probably drank about a gallon of Aunt Jemima and I kind of still taste it.

How much darker does Review get? I think the Divorce episode might've been one of the saddest things I've ever laughed at.

Well, it gets real damn dark. Episode 5 is kind of infinitely dark. But funny too!!

Hey Andy, who do you think would win in an all out fight-to-the-death between all of your characters?

This is a little left field, but I think Hot Dog would actually be a strong contender. Think about it: he has those powerful, powerful legs, giving him a strong base to launch his attacks.

Also, I’d just like to say thank you for all the laughs over the years - your CBB episodes with Zouks have gotten me through some rough stuff.

I think it would be Don DiMello. He fights as dirty as humanly possible and may well have all the forces of the underworld at his disposal.

I'm loving Review, such a genuinely funny show. Any notable guest stars making an appearance during the remainder of this season?

Tonight is Ashley Tisdale and Andy Richter. Fred Willard is back next week as is Lance Bass! Then we have Jason Mantzoukis, Betsy Sodaro, Emo Phillips, Andy Blitz, Maria Thayer. All GREAT!

I just need to know if Cactus Tony is alive. I know he's not in charge of the daycare anymore, but I gotta believe he's still out there covered in snakeskin

I believe he is alive.

Without looking it up, what is the full name of your podcast?

The Andy Dooley Pickled Pirate Parade. Tougher questions please!

How did you first meet Scott Aukerman? How did you come to being such a frequent guest on Comedy Bang Bang?

I think Matt Besser recommended me for Scott's show at M Bar and I met him that way. I'm just lucky that Scott asked me to come and do CBB so often. He's a sweetie!

Do you feel like your type of comedy (podcast, characters, improv, etc.) has been accepted by the "stand up" community?

I do actually. Those old walls are crumbling down. I'm happily surprised by how often stand ups seem to appreciate what I do. Good question.

Hi Andy, I love your work, from Nine Sweaters to Comedy Bang Bang to Review. What are you most afraid of?

Dying broke and alone! Ha ha HA!

The combination of you and Mantzoukas together on Comedy Bang Bang is pure gold. Had you worked together before you started appearing together on CBB? It's incredible the way you just roll with anything and everything they throw at you on those episodes!

That's funny. We had not done much together. An improvised show or two I guess at UCB. But not that much. It is awfully fun to work with him on CBB.

What's your Hunter S. Thompson story that inspired the scene in review by the campfire?

Ha! I met him once and he thought I was a cop and had me kicked out of a party. Halloween night, 1998. Pete's Tavern, NY.

I do Bill Carter's workout routine every morning. Am I a mortal?

No.

Hi Andy, I'm a big fan! What is your favorite character you've played? (For me it's a tie between Cutler and Ben Franklin.) (Also, love the new show!!)

Thanks. Those were both great but I think Forrest MacNeil is the funnest blend of clueless, dumb, earnest, silly, arrogant. It's been a blast to play him.

What do you think of the original Australian Review with Myles Barlow?

I love it so much! God it is dark, surprising and funny. People should check it out.

Hi Andy! I am a huge fan of your work! I love all of your interviews! You are so polite and so friendly! what do you do to blow off steam?

I have no steam! Fuck you for asking!!

Long time fan, first time question asker...I saw you in Chicago at comedy show milling around and I was too scared to ask you for your autograph or a picture and it is one of the greatest regrets of my life! Are you generally bothered by such interactions?

I truly truly love them. Next time...

Andy, big fan of your appearances on Delocated and Eastbound, also loving the new show.

Not really a question, but my TV teacher from my high school said that you were one of his students back in Ridgewood and always said even then you were incredibly talented and funny.

Steve Milano! Say hi.

Andy, I love your work, especially your distinct characters on comedy band bang and the podcast pilot project. When you create characters where do you start (voice/premise/ticks)? Do you improvise and build traits and philosophies for them or is it usually a well thought out person before you begin?

I start with a comedy premise, like lecherous creep directing a children's show. Then I match it up with a voice I know how to do. Then I come up with tons of depraved crap that makes me borderline sick and then I know I've GOT IT!

Does it feel weird having such rabid fans of your appearances on podcasts?

It is not something I ever imagined I would experience but I love it. It's great to feel like people get you and are, if I may, picking up what you're putting down.

The Benjamin Franklin episode of the Office is one of my very favorites. Do you have any fun memories from shooting that episode?

Also, what's it like to have your face in basically every subway station in NYC right now?

Looking forward to watching the new show!

Believe it or not, I never made it into the subway on my recent trip to NY so I didn't see those ads. Just as well though, because I think that would have freaked me out. It's real weird (but in a good way). That week at the Office was the best. I had fun with everyone but I'm especially fond of the scene where Gordon finally breaks character to hit on Pam.

Hi Andy! I have a few questions:

1) Do you have a favourite episode of Comedy Bang Bang (the podcast) that you appeared in?

2) Do things get any better for Forrest on Review? Every episode so far has been fantastically funny, but last week’s was honestly kind of heart-breaking too.

3) Do you still do Hap Arden? That was my favourite track on Nine Sweaters.

Also, the entire run of the ADPPP has been absolutely hilarious; I don’t think I’ve ever laughed more than I did during the August Lindt episode.

1) Maybe Cactus Tony or Don DiMello 2) Yes (sort of) 3) Thanks but no. I've moved on...

Been waiting for this all day! I think you're one of the funniest people ever, and you were actually in the first live improv show I ever saw (it was awesome, obviously).

My question: Review seems like such a perfect fit for you- did you have to audition with many other people for it? How early on in development did you get involved?

No auditions thank God! Comedy Central saw the Australian version and thought of me for the American adaptation. I was in from the start.

Hey, always love you on Improv4Humans and obviously on Review. What was your biggest struggle financially, mentally, and creatively?

I think it might be this question.

Mr. Daly, I'm a huge fan of yours. I recently went to the live taping of your season finale of your podcast (I yelled out Bonobo's and Square Space for limerick ideas). As a young actor, I marvel at how you can come up with all these specific characters and I try to use it in all of my work at UCBLA.

When creating a character, how much do you come up with beforehand and how much do you come up on the spot? Do you have a basic idea of the character and then just roll with it, or are those specific details carefully plotted out?

Dip-di-da-dip-waaaaaaa!

Lots of people wondering about this but it's a hard one to nail down because it's always different. I usually go into a CBB with a few things about the character that I think it'll be funny to say and a voice I know I can do and a reason for this person to be here today. Then we just improvise and often don't even get to the things I came prepared to say. I think with Gil and Golly, all I knew is that I wanted to do a ventriloquist with an unhealthy relationship to his puppet and I was sort of thinking of Uncle Floyd and Oogie (NJ reference). The rest was improvised.

Would you ever consider doing a dramatic role?

Sure. Review kind of feels like one at times.

Hey Andy,

I was a fan of yours on Mad TV back in the day and was elated to find you again through podcasts a few years ago. Whenever I download a podcast that you are on I am so excited because I know it'll be a good ep. The characters you create are so much fun to listen to and I'm glad that you were finally able to get your own television show and have a wider audience.

What was your favorite segment of Review to do?

I think we knew we were up to something special with the divorce review and Jeff Blitz, our esteemed director, really dug into that one with extra enthusiasm. I also loved Road Rage a lot. But there's a review in episode 9, the first one of the episode. Man, I love it so and I can't wait for people to see it.

What is your favorite movie?

Tie: Dr. Strangelove and Midnight Run

In your Gill an Golly CBB episode recently did you intend on it ending as wild as it did. How much of involving Cactus Tony or Don Dimello was pre planned or did it just end up there?

None of that was planned at all. That episode was the least planning I'd ever done before a CBB episode.

Hi Andy! I'd like to thank you for all of the joy you bring into my life with your comedy and I hope the Andy Daly Podcast Poodle Pumpernickel will return in one way or another (today's episode was a gem). I also hope the battle between good and evil goes well whenever that goes down.

Your Jack Fitzgerald gadfly character during that live CBB episode was hysterical. Do you have any plans to bring him back in another podcast?

Oh yeah, I forgot about him. He should come back. Thanks!

That was totally serious btw. Sounded sarcastic. But I did forget about him.

Hi Andy, big fan of your work, especially all of your CBB appearances and your Podcast Pilot Project. I'm wondering if that guy who writes the middle 8s for U2 songs will be making an appearance on Scott Aukerman and Adam Scott's U2 podcast? He's obviously a character with a rich history who played an integral part in music history!

ps the fan page for Dalton Wilcox's book of poetry is gaining lots of steam among book lovers!

Nice! Thanks! That's a good idea about Clive Dundee. I want to be on that podcast myself actually. I have a LOT to say about U2.

I was at Bonnaroo a few years ago and you did your all set up no content bit and it fucking killed me and my friends, SO HILARIOUS! Though it seemed to go over most the rest of the crowd's head, as others were looking at us cracking up like we were crazy! WTF! Did that happen other times with that bit?

Yes! That has happened 3 times with that bit and they are seared into my memory. One was at the Shout Factory xmas party a few years ago, the other was Bonnaroo and the last was at some Persian Cultural Center event that Omid Djallili asked me to do. Crickets, applause when I said I was wrapping up. I kind of love when that but bombs though.

what was it like working with a whole cast of funny people (McBride, Robinson, Ferrell) on Eastbound and Down?

Amazing. Of those three I only had scenes with Danny but he is one hell of a great actor and improviser and it was always super fun to work with him. I especially love the scene on the pitchers mound with him & Stevie.

What was the first exciting thing you got to show to your parents, to let them know you were making it big out there? (P.S. Thank you for all the laughs, Andy!)

I recently got to take them to Times Square and show them my big fat face on a digital billboard for Review. Unfortunately it was too cold to stand there all day and admire me. God damn polar vortex!

Hi Andy, I love your work on TV and CCB! Review is hilarious, I'm loving every episode.

I would like to know how the adaption process went. Were you in close contact with the creators of Review with Myles Barlow? Were they cool dudes? Was it hard working with upside people?

We talked to them a bunch. They are very cool, sweet guys.

Andy, I'm a giant fan of your work since I first heard Hot Dog on CBB. The Andy Daly Pilot Project Podcast is fantastic, expanding on your characters. Review has been awesome thus far. Thanks for all the hilarious entertainment you provide.

Does your characters' penchant for suicide ever worry any of your family or have you always had that dark side to pull from, so they knew it was coming?

Has there been any conversation with Comedy Central about a 2nd season of Review? If so, please tell me Jessica St Clair will be available even with Playing House starting up.

Forrest MacNeil seems to be going down a dark path now after the last episode. Are you just drawn to these dark characters for any particular reason?

Thanks again so much for the hilarity, Andy!

I do love the dark stuff. It always feels true and surprising to me to go into darkness and tragedy and like a fun challenge to mix it with comedy. The suicide thing is mostly not my creation. I'm usually edged into it by Scott or Jason. No word on season 2 yet but fingers crossed! And I'd work with St. Clair anytime.

I love you. Now that that's out of the way here are my questions

Andi Callahan RN was one of my favorite characters of yours and the least discussed. Is he EVER going to return?

ALSO is there going to be any reconciliation between Forrest and Suzanne in Review? Its pretty distressing seeing them apart

also I love you

Nurse Callihan will be heard from again. And I don't want to spoil anything but Forrest and Suzanne are far from finished with each other.

Any chance you'd ever do any shows in the UK? It seems like whenever I see a discussion about your comedy on the internet around half the participants are brits, so I assume you have a bunch of fans over here.

I would love to! I tried to do a run in Edinburgh last year but couldn't make it work schedule-wise. I think I ought to get out there soon. I'd like to have a word with that layabout Prince Harry too. Yep, that settles it. I'm going!

Review has become one of my favorite shows. What goes into making an episode? Do you have input? Is it scripted? You're great!

It is scripted and I was there writing on it everyday. A lot goes into it. Jeff Blitz, Andy Blitz and I did a Nerdist Writers Panel episode. Check it out. We talk a lot about the process and the challenges.

What's your personal favorite episode of your podcast pilot project?

What about for Review?

I think my favorite podcast eps are: Dalton, Chip, August, Hot Dog & Patrick. I'm proud of all of them, they're all full of great moments and great performances but those ones seemed to click in a different way maybe. But if I re-listen, I could change my mind.

As for Review, I love them all really but 8 and 9 are very special to me. And of course 3.

1. Can we hope that Forrest MacNeil will be revisiting his immunity to cocaine addiction in the future?
2. Is it safe to assume you and Natasha Leggero are mortal enemies after she beat you and Rob Corddry on @midnight?

edit: formatting/added questions.

We can't rule out a relapse I'm afraid. And, truth be told, I haven't spoken to either of those guys since we taped that. I did steal some of their jokes too. They might be mad.

How was The Swarm formed?

Andy Seconda and Michael Delaney made up lists of their favorite improvisers and then asked Amy Poehler if she'd direct that group. She said yes and I was lucky enough to be on Andy's list.

Not a question, but at a Swarm show a few months ago, Secunda and you walked out to do a scene, and Secunda initiated with, "What kind of bottles of beer do you have?"

And your perfect response was, "What kind of bottles...? Glass bottles?" coated in such disdain for him for asking that question. Billy then quickly did a sweep edit to loud applause. It was perfect.

I just wanted you to know my friend and I quote that pretty much every day. Thanks for all the laughs.

Thanks for that memory. These things tend to go right out of my head as soon as I walk off stage.

How long did it take to get Review to air, from your first inkling of it to premiere?

I first saw the Australian Review in the summer of 2009 and was free to do it two years later. Then it's taken till now to get it on the air. Jeez!

LOVED your interview on Nerdist! Maybe the most polite, down-to-earth celeb I've heard on there! Looking forward to following more of your work- keep it up! -Also An Andy

Thank you. I thought I was too braggy so that's nice to hear.

Hi Andy! Huge fan of your CBB work and I've just started watching Review! The show looks amazing and seems to fit your comedy style quite well.

How long have you known Scott Aukerman? The chemistry you have between each other on each podcast seems so effortless.

Thanks!

I guess I met Scott in about 2003 at the M Bar in Los Angeles. He was nice enough to put me up and very encouraging of my odd character comedy nonsense.

Why does every review of Review talk about how nonthreatening/plain you look. Seems a little fucked up!

Thank you. Some pointed letters to the editor might help. Please write some! Actually I take it as a weird compliment. Forrest is meant to look awkward and I like to think he maybe looks more awkward than I do in real life? Hm. I don't know.

Holy crap its Andy Daly! This is a wonderful surprise because I didn't know this was happening today!

Okay I have loved the Comedy Bang Bang appearances and the Podcast Pilot Project so much. I simply cannot stop listening to those episodes.

1) I have got to know; does your wife listen to your appearances? You mentioned on the latest episode that she listened to the Don Dimelo PPP, but what about the other ones?

2) Will you ever let your kid listen to how hilarious you are on those episodes?

Funny questions! My wife has actually only recently started listening to what I've been up to in the podcast world and she's enjoying it. She's not a big computers person really. It'll take her a while but she'll probably listen to all the ADPPP eps. Her insights are always fascinating. As for my kids, yeah I'd love for them to discover everything I've done someday. Like when they're 30. It'll be weird!

Hey Andy, really enjoying Review, really funny!

In a recent interview, maybe with Elvis Mitchell, you were talking about the distinction between your more straight acting work, and the out there character stuff you've created -- Review being sort of a meeting point. The character stuff works really well on podcasts, with more time to develop with improvisation and "openess" of just audio... do you think those characters and their realities could survive in their own movies or tv shows? or would that just be a huge mistake? Dalton Wilcox: Vampire Hunter video game?

I don't know for sure but I'd love to try.

How much jewelry should I buy my wife?

Twice as much as you buy your horse and three times as much as you buy you dog, I'd say.

Is there any way we could sugest something for Forrest to review?

If yes I propose crippling debt.

Stay tuned...

What's its like to have been on a show based on one of the greatest magazine's of all time? Did you feel like there was a heavy heavy weight on you, like you need to get this right? Thanks!

You mean Mad-TV? I don't recall anyone ever trying to get that right.

See now, I instantly regret that snarky answer. Some people tried to get it right but "right" was never really defined there, in my opinion.

Holy shit Andy, I loved your PPPPPPPP and I'm a massive fan of all your characters on CBB. Your appearance on the Dead Authors Podcast as the Marquis de Sade was also incredible. I've probably listened to each episode at least 4 times and the Dalton Wilcox / August Lindt ones 10 times.

My biggest question is how do you prepare yourself to get into character? You went directly into character during an interview (Put on that soldier suit), but is there a process to get you into a specific mindset? As an example, Tatiana Maslany from Orphan Black says she uses music cues to help her change her personality from character to character.

Second question, who is the most difficult character to get into?

Lastly, congrats on Review! I was heartbroken with the Pancakes / Divorce / Pancakes episode. It was simultanously one of the funniest and saddest things I have ever seen on television. I can't wait to see how the season ends.

Thanks! I usually try to listen to the last time I did a character just to remind myself of their voice and various quirks. Then I do a little of the character out loud, in the car or whatever. But no other special process.

Hey Andy,

What was your favorite part about filming Eastbound & Down in North Carolina? Did you ever make it to SHABOOM SHABOOMS? What about the Redneck Riviera (Myrtle Beach)?

Oh I loved it all. I brought my wife and kid, we rented a house by the beach, I only worked 21 days in 6 weeks and when I did, it was a dream job. Oh and Sweet and Savor. That place is delicious!

Hi TV's Andy Daly! Are there any Andy Dalys in other businesses? I'm assuming you're the one on the TV.

The Mayor of Vail CO is named Andy Daly. I keep up with him when googling myself.

When improvising as a character is there a moment in your head where you're actively thinking "what would this guy say to that?" before you say something, or can you just flip the switch to be Hot Dog and you're good?

I think that process is ongoing all the time when in character. I guess through practice, you just learn to answer that question very quickly.

Hi Andy! Love Review! You remind me a lot of comedy great Martin Short. I was wondering who are some of your comedy heroes and influences and is there anyone in particular you'd like to have guest on Review? Thanks for doing this!

Funny you should say that. I was totally obsessed with Martin Short as a 14 year old comedy aspirant. There are so many people I'd love to have on Review. Can't even start with that!

What's the strangest thing you review that we've yet too see?

The strangest review is in episode 7 but I don't want to give it away. Orgy gets pretty nuts.

What advice would you give to aspiring performers for creating such great characters?

Eavesdrop, read obituaries, talk to yourself whenever you're alone, try out voices, get onstage and let an audience tell you what's funny.

I watched you on Conan the other night. Did Jeff Garlin annoy you with holding up the time cards and interrupting or were you ok with it?

Both. I knew that was going to happen. I've worked with him before. But it was as annoying as it was meant to be.

Adventure Time is an amazing show. What was it like working with them, and are they as cool as their TV show?

Absolutely. Total sweethearts. I love that show.