This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:00] Andrew: We've got a mission to find the best song that's ever been on Glee.

[0:09] Andrew: There's no rhyme or reason to it, so don't get mad at me.

[0:18] Andrew: Gleek it by Gleek it, we'll rank everyone to see which song will move closer to spot number one.

[0:26] Andrew: Gleek of the Week, Gleek, Gleek, Gleek of the Week. It's Gleek, Gleek of the Week.

[0:35] Andrew: We did it! I feel like I say this every time, but there's something really, really special about sitting with the Gleeky Girls and just chatting for upwards of, I don't know, do we have a... I don't want to do more than, I'm gonna say, 90 minutes today.

[0:55] Andrew: I'm gonna say that. The crazy thing is, is that the people listening, I always think this is so trippy.

[1:00] Claudia: They know how long we talk for, because they can damn see.

[1:04] Lena: They definitely do. We just have to guess.

[1:07] Claudia: We just have to guess. We're kind of living in the moment.

[1:09] Lena: We have no control over it. Like, I have no say.

[1:11] Andrew: But you know who does have some say? Gleeky Girls. And we're gonna go in alphabetical order.

[1:18] Andrew: Hey, Claudia!

[1:20] Claudia: Hey, Andrew! Hey, Gleek of the Week!

[1:23] Lena: Hey! And you know what? We're doing a new pairing this evening, because we also have Lena! Hey!

[1:31] Lena: Hi! I know, I don't think I've ever met you, Claudia.

[1:38] Claudia: I know, seriously.

[1:39] Lena: For basically ever.

[1:40] Claudia: Oh my god, well thank god we're finally here together.

[1:41] Lena: Who put the idea into my brain? Who did that?

[1:44] Claudia: Probably God herself. I don't know.

[1:46] Lena: God herself spoke to me and was like, these two girls need to link up.

[1:50] Claudia: I'm really excited about it. We were talking about this offline, but I've been a long-time letterboxed observer of yours, Lena.

[1:57] Lena: I have no idea how I found you.

[1:59] Claudia: But I love seeing your activity, and I'm familiar with your tags.

[2:03] Lena: I feel connected to you, for real.

[2:05] Claudia: It's really kind of beautiful.

[2:07] Claudia: We need to start this Glee podcast off by talking about not-Glee guest star at all, Molly Gordon.

[2:13] Lena: Glee Jason, I would say. I feel like she would definitely appear in the HitFox show if it were around her damn era.

[2:21] Claudia: So I saw Sheep Detectives and my letterbox review.

[2:25] Claudia: I liked the movie, but in the moment I'm like, I just need to get this out.

[2:31] Claudia: And the only thing that I could think of was, stop trying to make Molly Gordon happen. It's not going to happen.

[2:38] Claudia: Just before you have any rebuttals to this, I have to say, it's coming from the scene where Molly Gordon is acting opposite a CGI lamb.

[2:52] Lena: And I feel like the other actors in the movie were playing really well, and it was believable.

[2:58] Claudia: She was doing too much, and I was like, I don't believe for a second that a lamb is in this scene with Molly Gordon.

[3:05] Lena: So that was kind of the breaking point for me.

[3:09] Claudia: I had a comment to the letterbox review.

[3:14] Lena: I had a comment in a digital footprint.

[3:17] Claudia: And sometimes just stuff comes to me, and it goes from my mind to my little typing fingers.

[3:23] Claudia: And so I responded immediately to Andrew's letterbox review.

[3:27] Claudia: Agree to disagree, gay guy.

[3:30] Lena: And this is where I come into the story.

[3:32] Lena: I thought that was the funniest fucking thing I've ever read.

[3:37] Lena: Immediately screenshot, went multi-fucking platinum in my house.

[3:42] Lena: I cannot stop saying it. I cannot stop.

[3:46] Lena: I don't get what he means to me.

[3:48] Lena: It came right back to me, because this morning when I sent the message, I'm like, hey, I'm looking forward to recording tonight.

[3:54] Lena: I get a message, it says, the notification.

[3:57] Lena: Lena sends a picture, and it says, you say, attached with the picture, this is the vibe I'm going for tonight, or something like that.

[4:04] Lena: And I was like, I really, I think it's probably going to be something adjacent or something.

[4:08] Lena: The last thing I'm expecting is this screenshot of Claudia's comment.

[4:14] Lena: Agree to disagree, gay guy.

[4:17] Lena: It goes extremely deep, and this is just the most beautiful thing in the world to me.

[4:22] Lena: I spent the weekend with some lesbians and other gays, and it was just a weekend of bits.

[4:29] Lena: And some of the people I didn't know very well, and they kept gassing me up when I would say the most stupid shit ever.

[4:34] Lena: And I'd be like, wait, maybe this is my calling.

[4:36] Lena: So just say really dumb bits, and sometimes they stick.

[4:38] Lena: And only among just people.

[4:40] Lena: Not in a public persona, not public facing, just in a casual kind of way.

[4:44] Lena: So everything you're saying is just meaning the world to me, basically.

[4:48] Lena: You should have seen me this weekend after I literally spent a Saturday night with my freaking parents watching the Sheep Detective movie.

[4:56] Lena: And then I saw your review, and then I saw your comment, and I said, I'm going to be with these people in a matter of hours.

[5:04] Lena: I just felt so excited, oh my god.

[5:07] Lena: I just was like, this is the link of a lifetime.

[5:09] Claudia: I thought that story was going to go in the direction of, you told your parents, agree to disagree, gay guy.

[5:15] Claudia: Which I think would be such a good bit to just throw at them.

[5:19] Lena: They would love that.

[5:21] Claudia: They would think that was so funny.

[5:23] Lena: They would love it.

[5:24] Claudia: I wish I did.

[5:25] Lena: I really wish I did.

[5:26] Lena: No, I'm just saying, I'm really so excited to be here.

[5:28] Lena: I think you're both stars and very funny, and I'm excited for you to do bits at me today.

[5:32] Andrew: Oh my god, it's at you.

[5:35] Lena: It's at me.

[5:36] Claudia: Because you're so funny and perfect.

[5:39] Andrew: Oh, stop, stop.

[5:40] Lena: Oh my god.

[5:41] Andrew: I'm so excited to be here, oh my god.

[5:44] Andrew: I'm really excited to have you both.

[5:46] Andrew: I have a little bit of house cleaning before we get started and doing some really important work this evening.

[5:52] Andrew: I don't know if you're aware, but there was an ultimate vote back that happened between round three and round four.

[6:01] Andrew: And patrons could nominate any song that was eliminated from the glacket and vote week to week on which song deserves to be back in round four.

[6:12] Andrew: One song is the victor, and here I am to announce what song it is.

[6:16] Andrew: Claudia messaged just a few seconds before joining the little linky poo this evening.

[6:22] Andrew: And of course, it's all coming back to me now.

[6:27] Andrew: I'm so happy to have her back.

[6:30] Andrew: I can't believe this happened.

[6:32] Andrew: I found this out via watching the Instagram compilation you made moments before we got on here.

[6:38] Andrew: And I was like, what, you guys?

[6:40] Andrew: I didn't have to campaign and people just did this for me as a personal gift.

[6:47] Andrew: That is my damn girl.

[6:49] Andrew: I'm so happy to have her back.

[6:51] Andrew: So the top, it was between three songs in the end.

[6:55] Andrew: And it was My Life Would Suck Without You, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, and It's All Coming Back to Me Now.

[7:01] Andrew: It's All Coming Back to Me Now had 39.6%.

[7:06] Andrew: With 33%, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, and then 27.5% My Life Would Suck Without You.

[7:13] Claudia: Wow, that's a really interesting top three.

[7:16] Lena: Oh, yeah.

[7:17] Claudia: And I feel like I love that they're so close, too.

[7:20] Lena: It's really interesting.

[7:21] Claudia: I love that.

[7:22] Lena: Oh, I love these Patreon gleeks.

[7:24] Claudia: My heroes forever.

[7:25] Lena: I think my phone deleted the Patreon app because I was not getting any of this hubbub in the chat.

[7:31] Claudia: So this was just a huge shock and surprise to me.

[7:33] Andrew: We've got to do something about your storage.

[7:35] Lena: Yeah, it's a big problem.

[7:37] Claudia: No Patreon, no Instagram. What's going on?

[7:39] Lena: It's a big problem.

[7:41] Lena: I went and deleted all these things so I could update my phone because I realized I was eight updates behind.

[7:46] Lena: And I thought that would help this issue I've been having, which is my phone disappears texts after I receive them.

[7:52] Lena: And then I think I'm insane and I made up that someone said something.

[7:54] Lena: But they're there and then they're gone.

[7:56] Lena: So I was like, I'm going to update my phone.

[7:58] Lena: It's going to be great.

[7:59] Lena: But then I had to make a lot of room.

[8:01] Andrew: It was a whole disaster.

[8:02] Lena: Everyone loves this story.

[8:06] Claudia: I loved it.

[8:07] Lena: I know.

[8:09] Lena: And deeply.

[8:10] Lena: I loved it.

[8:13] Lena: I feel like I hate the fact that our phones like make us do this.

[8:18] Claudia: Like, you know, I pay like what, like $15 a month for extra storage.

[8:23] Lena: And I'm like being robbed.

[8:25] Claudia: Like, what the hell?

[8:26] Lena: It's not enough.

[8:28] Claudia: You know, I don't like this.

[8:30] Andrew: The Gleeks are going to the Gleeks are eating this up this discourse.

[8:34] Lena: Well, you know what I really hate is what they did with the photos.

[8:38] Lena: I hate it.

[8:39] Lena: I never know where I'm going.

[8:40] Lena: I never know where I'm going in this damn app now.

[8:43] Lena: And I'm like, I'm looking for photos.

[8:45] Lena: And I'm like, I can't find them.

[8:46] Lena: And then randomly they're like, hey, here's a picture from 2016.

[8:51] Claudia: Get harrowed.

[8:52] Lena: Yeah.

[8:53] Lena: Harrowing.

[8:55] Andrew: Oh, my god.

[8:57] Lena: That's what I was looking for.

[8:58] Lena: You know what I do love though?

[8:59] Lena: I love the search feature in the photo app.

[9:02] Lena: I feel like that is pretty new.

[9:04] Lena: I do like that.

[9:05] Lena: And I do love to be like, find me pictures of Andrew now.

[9:07] Lena: And like it very quickly sending me right where I need to go.

[9:11] Claudia: Otherwise I'm like featured, featured my ass.

[9:14] Claudia: Like who told you to do this?

[9:16] Claudia: I don't want it.

[9:18] Lena: It's going to get me in trouble.

[9:19] Lena: I know sometimes like tax documents show up like in featured pictures like on my watch.

[9:25] Lena: And I'm like, oh, that's my social security number.

[9:30] Claudia: Someone's going to say that.

[9:32] Lena: I feel like I posted.

[9:35] Lena: Lena, I feel like you liked this story that I posted like a year ago probably.

[9:40] Lena: And it was like, my iPhone will be like, remember this from 2020.

[9:46] Lena: And it's your pussy.

[9:48] Claudia: That tweet killed me.

[10:02] Lena: Remember this?

[10:04] Lena: It's your pussy.

[10:07] Lena: Oh my god.

[10:08] Lena: Totally.

[10:09] Lena: There was like a game we used to play in college that was an app that you would all download.

[10:13] Lena: And it would like pull pictures from everyone's phone.

[10:17] Lena: Then you would have to guess like whose phone it came from.

[10:20] Lena: And I remember like some bullshit was being pulled.

[10:25] Lena: Like my pussy.

[10:26] Claudia: I was really upset.

[10:28] Lena: I guess I'm just like uploading pictures of my pussy up to this app.

[10:32] Lena: And showing my friends.

[10:34] Claudia: I don't know.

[10:35] Lena: That's so good.

[10:36] Lena: That's so great.

[10:38] Lena: Speaking about pussy, let's talk about the Glackett.

[10:44] Andrew: I forget how to do these episodes.

[10:47] Andrew: How do we just feel?

[10:50] Andrew: We just started the round.

[10:52] Andrew: I didn't even send you the premiere episode because I didn't even edit it yet.

[10:56] Andrew: But I told you the competitions that transpired.

[11:02] Andrew: It was Disco Inferno won over Hit Me Baby One More Time.

[11:06] Lena: And what was the other one?

[11:07] Andrew: Jump lost to Gloria.

[11:09] Claudia: Gloria!

[11:10] Lena: Love.

[11:11] Andrew: Do we have any thoughts about this?

[11:12] Claudia: We're okay with this.

[11:13] Lena: I feel super good about this.

[11:15] Claudia: I do love Jump.

[11:16] Lena: Who's that?

[11:17] Claudia: Me too.

[11:18] Lena: Van Halen?

[11:19] Claudia: Van Halen.

[11:20] Andrew: I saw an interview the other day.

[11:22] Lena: Did y'all talk about this?

[11:24] Andrew: Where he was like I only let like girly media use my songs.

[11:31] Lena: Oh, really?

[11:33] Andrew: Yeah.

[11:34] Andrew: And I don't know.

[11:35] Andrew: His whole vibe was like I will not let weirdo, like Manosphere people use my music.

[11:40] Lena: And he talked about Glee.

[11:44] Andrew: And I was like oh, wait.

[11:45] Andrew: I kind of love that.

[11:46] Lena: Oh, my goodness.

[11:47] Andrew: I jumped but didn't make it.

[11:49] Lena: I'd pick Gloria over that.

[11:50] Claudia: But just shout out.

[11:51] Lena: If I had known that, I feel like that would have made me a little bit more warm to the idea of voting for Jump if I had known that.

[11:58] Claudia: I love that little trivia.

[12:00] Lena: That's great.

[12:01] Claudia: That's great.

[12:02] Lena: Girly media.

[12:03] Claudia: I know.

[12:04] Lena: That is me like simplifying what he said.

[12:06] Lena: But basically girly media.

[12:07] Claudia: Girly media.

[12:08] Lena: It seems good.

[12:10] Claudia: I don't even know who was in Van Halen.

[12:13] Lena: So I just did a little look.

[12:14] Lena: Van Halen died a few years ago.

[12:17] Claudia: Yes?

[12:18] Lena: Yeah.

[12:19] Claudia: Who's the one talking?

[12:20] Lena: I don't know.

[12:21] Lena: There's Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, Sammy Hagar.

[12:24] Claudia: There's multiple Halens?

[12:26] Lena: He's 78.

[12:27] Lena: Eddie died in 2020.

[12:29] Claudia: Yes?

[12:30] Lena: Yeah.

[12:31] Lena: So it probably was Alex.

[12:33] Claudia: Or I could be like, maybe this wasn't a dream of mine.

[12:37] Lena: That would be good too.

[12:38] Andrew: Okay.

[12:39] Andrew: David Lee Roth was the lead vocalist.

[12:41] Lena: So we're learning a lot about him.

[12:43] Claudia: We are.

[12:44] Andrew: American Rock and Roll!

[12:45] Lena: Hey!

[12:46] Andrew: American Rock and Roll!

[12:47] Lena: In the photo app!

[12:50] Andrew: How are we feeling about Glee?

[12:52] Lena: Every time I take a little hiatus, it always feels a little bit weird to go right back into it and like, talk about Glee on a weekly basis.

[12:59] Andrew: How are we feeling about Glee in this very, we're recording on May 27th, 2026.

[13:03] Andrew: How are we feeling about it right now?

[13:06] Lena: Glee just generally.

[13:07] Lena: I've taken a bit of some distance from it.

[13:10] Lena: Similarly, in not really an intentional way, but you know, just that good old Glee fatigue.

[13:15] Lena: Like how many times can I.

[13:17] Claudia Klinck: But of course, I'm on my period. This is not the first time I've talked about my period on this podcast. And it's not the last. That's kind of your big thing. And that's why people keep on like, bring on Claudia back. Bring Claudia back on. We need to hear the period. It's about the time of her cycle. They're like keeping track. They have a calendar for you.

[13:44] Lena Conatser: Guys, can you share it with me? I need to do a better job of keeping track. Please share my menstrual cycle with me. Basically, I know because I cry like only once a month.

[13:55] Claudia Klinck: Oh, you had a big...

[13:56] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[13:57] Claudia Klinck: Oh my god. I don't know. I don't know how to begin this story. So over the weekend, I was like talking to some friends about... We would talk about Glee in a little in one at one point, because obviously, that's something that I do all the time. It's going to come up. And so I knew I was in kind of a safe space. And of course, they're like not psychotic Gleeks. It's like they watched Glee and liked it, but like didn't watch season four, probably haven't seen it 20 times. They're like not scary in the head, I would say, maybe. Hard to say.

[14:31] Claudia Klinck: But we were just listening to Adele and "Make You Feel My Love" comes on. And I'm like, um, my friends and my allies, anyone know anyone know why I can't listen to this? And they're like, no.

[14:46] Lena Conatser: Wait, also, wait, why are you? I love Adele as much. I love Adele. She's my number one, of course. But you're doing I know this about you. You're in a group hang and you're listening to Adele.

[15:00] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, that's a solo activity for me.

[15:01] Lena Conatser: That that's fair. We just kept like shuffling artists. We did a lot of just like sitting around reading and or playing cards, which was gorgeous.

[15:12] Claudia Klinck: Yeah. And so we went we went from like, we did a little bit of an Amy shuffle. We did a little bit of a unfortunately, Drake came into the mix. Someone came out as being a Drake fan. We're like, okay, we'll give you some time right now.

[15:21] Lena Conatser: Exactly. Literally guilty pleasure.

[15:29] Claudia Klinck: But yeah, so it was like normal Adele songs and then "Make You Feel My Love." And I literally was like a normal Adele songs. I can't do this. Actually, I really can't do this. And then someone told me a piece of trivia that I did not know. I can't even that Van Halen only gave.

[15:45] Lena Conatser: Yeah, only daily media early media.

[15:50] Claudia Klinck: And then you started crying.

[15:54] Lena Conatser: And that's just such a sweet thing. Like, I love that.

[15:57] Claudia Klinck: It's so nice to when I dreamed it up. Yes, I know that was real. Even if it was a dream, it feels true.

[16:01] Lena Conatser: I think it does feel true. I'm not gonna I'm not gonna deny it. Yeah, why wouldn't it be true?

[16:06] Claudia Klinck: Wait, so someone told me that Adele saying "Make You Feel My Love." Some point after Amy Winehouse died, and then like dedicated it to her at a concert.

[16:17] Lena Conatser: And I literally started weeping. I like couldn't I couldn't do it. And then so I'm always like kind of weeping about Amy and I'm always kind of weeping about the Glee cast. But then I was like, you know, back in the in the world going to work on Tuesday, I came back home. I was like, I think I'm gonna have to actually watch the breakup. I think that's right now. Like, we'd have to like purge those emotions out of my body.

[16:38] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, get them out.

[16:39] Lena Conatser: So I threw that shit on.

[16:44] Claudia Klinck: Oh my god, why I do this is like pretty much once a month. And I just don't I just don't know why I would do such a thing. And why would hit as hard the 20th time that I watched the exact same episode with the exact same intention of making myself sob. And guess what works like a charm.

[16:59] Lena Conatser: And is it is it the "Scientist" specifically that gets you or is it another part?

[17:04] Claudia Klinck: Well, I'm basically anytime Corey was on. Yeah, crying. I couldn't do it. And then yes, the "Scientist" really got me and like I was just like kind of tearing up at certain points. And then my roommate came in and I was cooking. And so I like was kind of I kind of collected myself just going in and out of the kitchen "Scientist" starts playing. I'm literally like nobody said it was damn easy.

[17:25] Lena Conatser: Nobody said it was easy.

[17:32] Claudia Klinck: I didn't end up sending you the video that I took. But I'm literally like, like, it was really bad. But it was really good.

[17:37] Lena Conatser: Does it still exist?

[17:38] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, which we talked about. And what if you like shared it with 5000? podcast? Or maybe just like us? I'll definitely send it to these beautiful girls. bit of my hormonal situation. And you know, you know, figuring people wanted to check in on that. Still in here. The "Scientist." I don't maybe I won't cry. Because we're like getting towards the end. But I don't know. That's my period. I love that song.

[18:09] Lena Conatser: God. You know, I feel like, like, to go as hard for Glee as I have in my life. I really had to like, yeah, I feel like I've like, like, I feel like that's like my ex. You know what I mean? Like, yeah, I still I like love her so much. And I like can't like look too close at her pictures. Like I haven't been able to rewatch since like, we finished recovering, recovering Gleek.

[18:37] Claudia Klinck: But I was driving just like Sunday night, Sunday night. It was like such a beautiful night. And I turned on like my happy mix on Spotify. And "Locked Out of Heaven" came on.

[19:00] Lena Conatser: Like, I know you love this girl. I haven't streamed it in a minute. And I like rolled down the windows. And I was like, Oh, my God.

[19:08] Claudia Klinck: With the microphone.

[19:09] Lena Conatser: Yeah. And I just feel like so there are moments where I have like, Gleek, like Gleek joy, where I'm like, especially that night, I was like, God, I should like, maybe just watch it for me. You know what I mean? I've been like, dipping my toe into like, especially watching maybe a couple of episodes. But honestly, I'm kind of scared.

[19:28] Claudia Klinck: I just love her.

[19:29] Lena Conatser: And it's also like, yeah, shit. What if I have more to say? Do I reboot my Glee podcast? You know what I mean?

[19:34] Claudia Klinck: Oh no. Great thoughts.

[19:41] Lena Conatser: What if I have more, more great thoughts? Well, to say, God, I have another platform to jump in on every once in a while, right? Honestly, I love her bad. I love this fucking show so much. I miss it.

[19:54] Claudia Klinck: I also recently just rewatched while I was listening to "Locked Out of Heaven." Because I don't know if you know about this new feature that Disney Plus has.

[20:08] Lena Conatser: Oh my god, the Glee 24/7.

[20:09] Claudia Klinck: The Glee 24/7 thing. What?

[20:14] Lena Conatser: Oh, God. Yes. Claudia, you got to get on.

[20:19] Claudia Klinck: What does it mean? What does it mean?

[20:24] Lena Conatser: Oh, it's like a channel that plays all day all night. 24/7 pop in.

[20:32] Claudia Klinck: Who's responsible for this?

[20:33] Lena Conatser: Who's responsible for this?

[20:39] Claudia Klinck: I think it's so Walt Disney himself. He's back. Only one person can be responsible. It's Walt himself.

[20:44] Lena Conatser: Um, no, but it's a it's a great little tool because Elias and I were known to just put on a damn episode if we're just like getting ready for the evening. We're just like getting ready to go out. This is great because it takes away the what episode do we even watch this? This is incredible.

[21:02] Claudia Klinck: I haven't even thought about this.

[21:03] Lena Conatser: So it's like we just Sadie Hawkins was like shuffle. It's like shuffling a damn episode.

[21:08] Claudia Klinck: Um, and so Sadie Hawkins was on and I was like, Oh, it's kind of like a tarot card. Like what would be on?

[21:13] Lena Conatser: Yeah. It's like, yeah, the universe wants me to see right now.

[21:17] Claudia Klinck: The universe needs you to see.

[21:18] Lena Conatser: Yeah, because I do have Glee episode blind spots.

[21:23] Claudia Klinck: Oh my gosh.

[21:24] Lena Conatser: And that are just like, I either had seen them too many times early on. So now I like skip over them.

[21:27] Claudia Klinck: Yeah.

[21:28] Lena Conatser: Or it's like something that I didn't necessarily care for. Like when I was 11 years old, I was like, I don't give a fuck about Fleetwood Mac.

[21:33] Claudia Klinck: I hate when I'm skipping this shit.

[21:39] Lena Conatser: When I hate those guys.

[21:40] Claudia Klinck: Um, no, but honestly, like, that Disney Plus it's live stream. It's great.

[21:49] Lena Conatser: Um, okay, so what else do we need to say? What do we want to see come out of the cup? This evening? What are the vibes?

[21:56] Claudia Klinck: Do we want to cry? Do we want to emote happy things? I want like a happy pop, solo or dance by like a nut bush a little forget you.

[22:24] Lena Conatser: That's not really...

[22:25] Claudia Klinck: Lena, what do you want?

[22:31] Lena Conatser: Um, I love dance vibe. I would love to dance. I also I'm not in a crying mood personally. I'm not opposed to crying if that's what the if that's what you know, the clock at once for us like that's fine. Like I'm not gonna be mad.

[22:48] Claudia Klinck: I also I would love like, a really random group number.

[22:55] Lena Conatser: Okay, let's see. We're gonna see what we could do. It's gonna be so early on like it could be anything.

[23:03] Claudia Klinck: I know it's so fun.

[23:04] Lena Conatser: Oh, the face.

[23:05] Claudia Klinck: Yeah.

[23:06] Lena Conatser: Um, okay. So like, this sucks. I'm gonna laugh because your compilation was also like, amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. And then it's like, how did that get in there?

[23:16] Claudia Klinck: More than words.

[23:17] Lena Conatser: I did that.

[23:18] Claudia Klinck: Um, I hate like saying this before we even watch the song, but it is stinky. It's a stinky one. It's like, how is this here kind of vibe? But I don't think that either of you have seen it before. You know what this is?

[23:40] Lena Conatser: Oh, okay, fine. You know what this is Lena? Local adrenaline.

[23:44] Claudia Klinck: It's Vocal Adrenaline singing "Mercy."

[23:52] Lena Conatser: Oh, sure. Okay, so that was "Mercy." Y'all remember that one? Honestly, no. Everybody remembers. Everybody remembers where they were when they watched that one, right?

[24:10] Claudia Klinck: Um, okay, "Mercy." Somehow I let me just say this. I stream. I think it's a great song. I think it's effective in storytelling. And obviously the dancing is there. Am I shocked that it's here? Absolutely.

[24:27] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[24:28] Claudia Klinck: Um, Claudia, what are you thinking?

[24:29] Lena Conatser: Not much. I'm kind of like, okay, I guess I feel like there's great potential for me to be more into Vocal Adrenaline than I ever was. Because I like come from a not this is kind of a lie to say, but I used to dance.

[24:43] Claudia Klinck: I was gonna say I come from a dance background, but I literally stopped. I should have just said that.

[24:46] Lena Conatser: Yeah, kind of choreography and stuff is like fun to watch. But in that performance, even like, there's generally like squats, and like putting legs over each other. Not that it's bad dancing. It's just not like, I don't care.

[25:03] Claudia Klinck: I like when they lift them over and like they do it around the head.

[25:12] Lena Conatser: Which time specifically? Be more specific.

[25:13] Claudia Klinck: Um, it's almost like they're like using the women as like, um, scarves.

[25:18] Lena Conatser: Almost. Scarves.

[25:19] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, totally. Scarves. The women are scarves in "Mercy." I love when women are scarves.

[25:24] Lena Conatser: Women are just scarves in Vocal Adrenaline.

[25:32] Claudia Klinck: Um, Lena, I know you're sitting on a lot to say about this one.

[25:38] Lena Conatser: Yeah, well, number one, Claudia, I stopped dancing at 13. And I still call myself a dancer.

[25:44] Claudia Klinck: Sorry.

[25:45] Lena Conatser: Okay, not at all. But I'm just saying like, I don't know, like, I had I had an injury when I was like 13. And it took me out and I talked about it like a boy who like could have gone pro in baseball. You know what I mean?

[25:49] Claudia Klinck: Like, yeah, that really like ripped it from me.

[25:54] Lena Conatser: Anyway. So did you ever do the women are scarves choreo?

[26:05] Claudia Klinck: Oh my god. Well, you know, no, that was 14.

[26:06] Lena Conatser: I got injured.

[26:07] Claudia Klinck: Um, but I think this song is such a nothing burger to me where it's like, I think it has like, almost no substance. And I can't even I don't know. I was I like the song like it's good. And I think they're all doing a good job. But in terms of like Vocal Adrenaline numbers, this is like no substance like this is nothing to me.

[26:30] Lena Conatser: Well, I think that like, that's kind of like part of the

[26:34] Claudia Klinck: The point with Vocal Adrenaline, though, is that, like, that they're all singing for, like, these early Vocal Adrenaline numbers. It's like, they're all, like, one unit. There's no soloists. They're kind of just this conglomerate being. I'm thinking, like...

[26:49] Lena Conatser: Soulless automatons, yeah.

[26:51] Claudia Klinck: Soulless automatons. Remember, like, the, uh, Kids Next Door? Remember, like, the evil kids, the kids, uh, the...

[26:58] Lena Conatser: Codename Kids Next Door.

[26:59] Claudia Klinck: ...the children from Neverland? Do you remember that show?

[27:01] Lena Conatser: Of course.

[27:01] Claudia Klinck: Yes.

[27:01] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[27:02] Claudia Klinck: It's kind of sinister, kind of sinister.

[27:04] Lena Conatser: Yeah, like, the evil kids, and they were just, like, all...

[27:06] Claudia Klinck: Yeah.

[27:06] Lena Conatser: They always, like, walked in that pack, and it was just, like, they were never separated.

[27:11] Claudia Klinck: Oh, yeah.

[27:12] Lena Conatser: Um, which I'm, I'm, like, that's, like, that's Vocal Adrenaline vibes for me.

[27:16] Claudia Klinck: Totally.

[27:16] Lena Conatser: That they're just... Whereas, like, the, the, the Kids Next Door, of course, are the New Directions, okay? I'm using my big brain here right now.

[27:24] Claudia Klinck: Right. No one's talking about this.

[27:25] Lena Conatser: No one's talking about this. Kids Next Door, they're all separate. They're allowed to have their own...

[27:29] Claudia Klinck: Yeah.

[27:30] Lena Conatser: ...kind of, like, storylines, their own beings, but Vocal Adrenaline, Delightful Children from Down the Lane, they're one...

[27:38] Claudia Klinck: Yeah.

[27:38] Lena Conatser: ...being moving in a pack, singing Mercy.

[27:40] Claudia Klinck: And that's the thing. It's like, that, like, watching this song in context of the show, I get those vibes so, so much where I'm like, oh my gosh, like, these are soulless automatons, but I think in, like, terms of, like, am I gonna vote for this? Probably not because of that exact vibe, like, you know what I mean?

[28:00] Lena Conatser: Wait, let's, let's bring up, what did Mercy win against to get here?

[28:05] Claudia Klinck: Yeah. Let's take a look at that.

[28:06] Lena Conatser: Let's actually take a look at that. Oh, god.

[28:09] Claudia Klinck: It's kind of annoying for this to be so early, because I would like it to be a good, like, you know, buffer against...

[28:15] Lena Conatser: I know.

[28:15] Claudia Klinck: ...a heavy hitter situation, but maybe we'll have something really good after this.

[28:19] Lena Conatser: And I suppose the two options are that it goes up against something really big and important, and everyone's really happy. Or I would also be happy with, like, kind of a mid-off and, like, seeing what song, what is, like, the stinky, what's the stinkiest song that goes the furthest, you know?

[28:36] Claudia Klinck: Stinky Off.

[28:37] Lena Conatser: Yeah, I like that too.

[28:37] Claudia Klinck: Stinky Off. Let's see.

[28:40] Lena Conatser: It's gonna be stress.

[28:42] Claudia Klinck: I hope I win the Stinky Off.

[28:45] Lena Conatser: Oh, I know I would.

[28:47] Claudia Klinck: Mercy won against...

[28:50] Lena Conatser: Oh, I...

[28:51] Claudia Klinck: Lena, every time I think of this song, I think of you.

[28:54] Lena Conatser: What?

[28:56] Claudia Klinck: River.

[28:57] Lena Conatser: Ooh, I wish I had a River.

[28:58] Claudia Klinck: Ooh, I wish I had a River.

[29:00] Lena Conatser: Oh, I wish I had a River.

[29:02] Claudia Klinck: It beat River?

[29:03] Lena Conatser: That's crazy.

[29:03] Claudia Klinck: It beat River. I...

[29:05] Lena Conatser: I love...

[29:06] Claudia Klinck: That performance introduced me to Joni Mitchell, which is really embarrassing.

[29:11] Lena Conatser: Important.

[29:12] Claudia Klinck: I feel like that was, like, a... I don't know. That must have been a me and Allison Dodge decision.

[29:18] Lena Conatser: I see that, because I do like Mercy, and I could see myself being, like, really campaigning for Mercy over River, because I don't...

[29:25] Claudia Klinck: Ooh, I wish I had a River.

[29:26] Lena Conatser: I don't...

[29:27] Claudia Klinck: Not Gleecasters, anyway.

[29:28] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[29:28] Claudia Klinck: Do you... do you listen to Gleecasters and River, Lena?

[29:33] Lena Conatser: No.

[29:34] Claudia Klinck: Okay. See?

[29:35] Lena Conatser: It's Joni.

[29:36] Claudia Klinck: Okay.

[29:37] Lena Conatser: And then in round two, it won against another Christmas song, Welcome Christmas.

[29:44] Claudia Klinck: I literally love that one.

[29:46] Lena Conatser: And... hmm.

[29:49] Claudia Klinck: That one's cute. It's cute.

[29:50] Lena Conatser: This is where the real crime was committed.

[29:54] Claudia Klinck: It was me, Allison Dodge, and our friend...

[29:59] Lena Conatser: Not to say Allison Dodge is not our friend.

[30:01] Claudia Klinck: Both of our friends, Allison Dodge and Ian Allred...

[30:04] Lena Conatser: No.

[30:06] Claudia Klinck: Yes.

[30:06] Lena Conatser: What do you do?

[30:08] Claudia Klinck: ...voted for, and I was the sole vote for the victim here.

[30:14] Lena Conatser: I've had the time of my life.

[30:16] Claudia Klinck: They got voted for Mercy.

[30:18] Lena Conatser: That was crazy pants.

[30:20] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, that was silly. That was some goofy shit.

[30:22] Lena Conatser: Ian, how else have I had the time of my life?

[30:25] Claudia Klinck: No, he doesn't.

[30:26] Lena Conatser: He doesn't?

[30:26] Claudia Klinck: No, he doesn't.

[30:27] Lena Conatser: He doesn't?

[30:28] Claudia Klinck: No, he doesn't.

[30:30] Lena Conatser: Where the hell have I been?

[30:33] Claudia Klinck: I feel like, what was he saying? He was like, he didn't like Cora Overstreet singing.

[30:37] Lena Conatser: Well, yeah.

[30:41] Claudia Klinck: I don't know. I think that Allison Dodge has a way of just being like, hey, I'm going to say something chaotic and get the other person on my side.

[30:52] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[30:53] Claudia Klinck: And that's what happened there. And that's why we just lost Mercy.

[30:56] Lena Conatser: So...

[30:58] Claudia Klinck: Do we have anything else to say about Mercy?

[31:01] Lena Conatser: I feel like I was wearing outfits very similar to this, to my musical theater rehearsals.

[31:04] Claudia Klinck: Leggings and ballet skirts.

[31:10] Lena Conatser: The bright blue skirt.

[31:12] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, and I thought I was really turning a look, so...

[31:15] Lena Conatser: Well, you were, of course.

[31:15] Claudia Klinck: Well, I was, and that's the thing. I'm looking forward to seeing what this is against.

[31:21] Lena Conatser: Do we want to stinky off, or do we want to solidify a drop?

[31:27] Claudia Klinck: Go through, you know?

[31:29] Lena Conatser: I want a special one for me.

[31:31] Claudia Klinck: It doesn't have to be a drop.

[31:33] Lena Conatser: I want it to be one of my girls.

[31:36] Claudia Klinck: Although, admittedly, the two from last episode are two of my girls.

[31:40] Lena Conatser: I don't know if this is one of your girls.

[31:41] Claudia Klinck: I know that, Lena, you have seen this girl before.

[31:44] Lena Conatser: Okay.

[31:45] Claudia Klinck: It's a season five girl.

[31:49] Lena Conatser: And if I voted her through...

[31:51] Claudia Klinck: No, you didn't.

[31:52] Lena Conatser: Oh, I didn't.

[31:52] Claudia Klinck: I feel like I remember that you did not.

[31:55] Lena Conatser: It was me, you, and Ian, and I think that...

[31:58] Claudia Klinck: Okay, so the song here is...

[32:00] Lena Conatser: I'm like that sometimes.

[32:03] Claudia Klinck: The song here is Broadway Baby.

[32:05] Lena Conatser: Oh, what the fuck?

[32:07] Claudia Klinck: I don't care about this one either.

[32:09] Lena Conatser: Spoiler alert.

[32:09] Claudia Klinck: I think that you voted for Applause, if I'm not mistaken.

[32:12] Lena Conatser: Oh my god, I definitely did.

[32:15] Claudia Klinck: I would have done the same.

[32:16] Lena Conatser: Yeah, okay.

[32:17] Claudia Klinck: Ain't that just the way with the...

[32:20] Lena Conatser: It totally is, isn't it?

[32:22] Claudia Klinck: And here she is again.

[32:23] Lena Conatser: I was just thinking about this bitch today.

[32:26] Claudia Klinck: No, she's awesome.

[32:27] Lena Conatser: She's great.

[32:28] Claudia Klinck: I'm obsessed with her.

[32:30] Lena Conatser: Right.

[32:31] Claudia Klinck: Right.

[32:32] Lena Conatser: Right, right.

[32:34] Claudia Klinck: Right, right.

[32:34] Lena Conatser: Was it crispy?

[32:39] Claudia Klinck: I watch this number, and I think about being Blaine, and I think about being a 17-year-old musical theater kid. And this is literally the dream, to have your older friend who's going to NYU like invite you to come perform, and you like steal the show. This is like what Daydreams are literally made of.

[33:00] Lena Conatser: And she's hotshot.

[33:01] Claudia Klinck: And she's hotshot at the school. She's debuting. She's doing the Damn Funny Girl. She won the Winter Showcase thing. She's like, she's the girl to be around.

[33:13] Lena Conatser: And so he's...

[33:13] Claudia Klinck: Won all those made-up NYADA competition and traditions.

[33:17] Lena Conatser: Yup, yup.

[33:21] Claudia Klinck: I love this one. This is notoriously the gay song on Glee, at least for me.

[33:27] Lena Conatser: I just think it's so perfect.

[33:29] Claudia Klinck: But there was something about this watch through that I was thinking like, I love watching this performance through a screen. I don't know if I could be in the room.

[33:39] Lena Conatser: Do you know what I mean?

[33:40] Claudia Klinck: Oh no.

[33:40] Lena Conatser: One million percent. I was having a very similar feeling.

[33:45] Claudia Klinck: That I'm like, yeah.

[33:46] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[33:47] Claudia Klinck: I low-key wouldn't be that impressed.

[33:49] Lena Conatser: I would, if I was in this class, I would shit talk the hell out of Rachel Baring.

[33:54] Claudia Klinck: Oh, I'm so glad I don't need to.

[33:57] Lena Conatser: Girl, she brought over her friend.

[34:00] Claudia Klinck: And her gay guy.

[34:02] Lena Conatser: This gay guy.

[34:04] Claudia Klinck: And it was so cringy. And Carmen Thibodeau fucking hated it. And it felt, I have to say, I was cringing.

[34:11] Lena Conatser: No, I literally see myself gossiping for years about this.

[34:16] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, I forget what they were trying to do. But I don't know, man. It's like, either you do a bit of a dance number that shows off your ability to dance. Or like, I don't know, a song that is like, things really, really...

[34:34] Lena Conatser: A bed and a chair.

[34:35] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, and she just goes...

[34:37] Lena Conatser: And Blaine's doing footwork while Leah is just putting her hands up.

[34:43] Claudia Klinck: And I'm just like, I guess that's how it's gonna be.

[34:45] Lena Conatser: But they could have done like a...

[34:47] Claudia Klinck: I guess that's how it's gonna be.

[34:49] Lena Conatser: I don't know, man. It's neither a particularly vocally impressive nor visually impressive to me.

[34:54] Claudia Klinck: Wait, you don't like when they do...

[34:59] Lena Conatser: To feel the snow!

[34:59] Claudia Klinck: Hull over Times Square.

[35:04] Lena Conatser: No, because that's only him.

[35:05] Claudia Klinck: That's not even...

[35:06] Lena Conatser: That could have been...

[35:06] Claudia Klinck: I thought it when that happened. They didn't even give her the chance to belt that one. And I was like, oh, this could have been...

[35:11] Lena Conatser: No, she does the...

[35:12] Claudia Klinck: How someday, maybe.

[35:16] Lena Conatser: That's still not what I'm looking for.

[35:18] Claudia Klinck: You're not looking for this.

[35:20] Lena Conatser: Agree to disagree gay guy.

[35:22] Claudia Klinck: Literally.

[35:24] Lena Conatser: It's actually the most agree to disagree gay guy thing because I don't know that this is that gay of a song. It's like kind of a gay guy song. But my gut instinct for gay song on Glee is like almost me against the music. But then, of course, different life experiences. So not so sure.

[35:42] Claudia Klinck: That's a gay girl song.

[35:43] Lena Conatser: And this is gay guy, you think?

[35:46] Claudia Klinck: Maybe, I don't know. I would love to think about what else would be in the running for those categories.

[35:50] Lena Conatser: I'll throw in Nutbush up there, too.

[35:54] Claudia Klinck: Yeah.

[35:55] Lena Conatser: Sure.

[35:55] Claudia Klinck: For a lot of reasons, actually.

[35:57] Lena Conatser: There could be just the gayest song on Glee that doesn't have to be specifically gendered, I think. But I don't think that one would be Broadway Baby, if that makes sense.

[36:05] Claudia Klinck: Like, there has to be something out there.

[36:08] Lena Conatser: Yeah, there needs to be something out there.

[36:10] Claudia Klinck: But something better than this.

[36:11] Lena Conatser: There needs to be something out there.

[36:16] Claudia Klinck: I love this. I think it's like literally one of my top 25 streams on my iTunes.

[36:21] Lena Conatser: You know, like how they would be like, hey, here, you're the most played of all time.

[36:26] Claudia Klinck: This one's up there. I just like, this was heavy on rotation. And I just love what they did with it. And also, I remember I tried listening to the original. Like, from like what?

[36:41] Lena Conatser: Follies?

[36:42] Claudia Klinck: Do you know this?

[36:42] Lena Conatser: I think it's Follies, yeah.

[36:44] Claudia Klinck: And the arrangement for Follies is so slow. And like, this is like, so jazzy and upbeat. And like, I just like, I just think it's so fun. I just think it's so great. I'm really, really obsessed with her.

[37:00] Lena Conatser: That is fun.

[37:00] Claudia Klinck: It is really fun.

[37:01] Lena Conatser: I really thought that I was gonna like, lay her to bed in round four.

[37:06] Claudia Klinck: But it's kind of looking up for you, girl.

[37:09] Lena Conatser: I'd say so.

[37:10] Claudia Klinck: I'd say so as well. I think it's super cute. It definitely, I would, if I could, I would transport applause right here, right now.

[37:19] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[37:21] Claudia Klinck: But I do like this song. I think it's cute. I love the little silly dances they're doing. The, I feel like, this is pointed out every time, but the, Blaine's like, head bob, like chicken head thing.

[37:33] Lena Conatser: So funny.

[37:33] Claudia Klinck: I loved when you did it.

[37:34] Lena Conatser: Oh my god.

[37:35] Claudia Klinck: It's so funny.

[37:38] Lena Conatser: He's doing like, Charlie Chaplin.

[37:39] Claudia Klinck: Literally.

[37:40] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[37:41] Claudia Klinck: He's on that.

[37:42] Lena Conatser: He flew in for this?

[37:43] Claudia Klinck: He flew in from Ohio to do this?

[37:45] Lena Conatser: Yeah, why?

[37:46] Claudia Klinck: No, no, no, no. He is a student at NYADA here.

[37:50] Lena Conatser: He is a freshman.

[37:52] Claudia Klinck: This is season five.

[37:54] Lena Conatser: Oh, I can't remember.

[37:56] Claudia Klinck: No, it's all good. I've never seen it.

[37:58] Lena Conatser: This is like.

[37:58] Claudia Klinck: He's in high school in season five.

[38:00] Lena Conatser: He's in high school for the first half.

[38:02] Claudia Klinck: This is the second half.

[38:04] Lena Conatser: I'm just saying.

[38:05] Claudia Klinck: I'm just saying.

[38:07] Lena Conatser: It's possible.

[38:09] Claudia Klinck: It's possible.

[38:11] Lena Conatser: No, this is like, their like, thesis project or something.

[38:15] Claudia Klinck: It's been a while since I've seen this.

[38:17] Lena Conatser: I'd flunk their asses.

[38:18] Claudia Klinck: No, this is exactly what happened. They did, yeah. Whoopi Goldberg was mad because she was like, I literally asked for you guys to do solo songs. You guys did a duet. And then Rachel was like, fuck this. I'm out of the damn school. And then...

[38:35] Lena Conatser: Right, of course.

[38:36] Claudia Klinck: It all makes perfect sense.

[38:37] Lena Conatser: But then Blaine later in the episode does, nothing's gonna harm you, not while I'm around.

[38:45] Claudia Klinck: And then he's fine.

[38:46] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[38:49] Claudia Klinck: Well, what can you do?

[38:50] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[38:54] Claudia Klinck: See if Glee was playing.

[38:56] Lena Conatser: Maybe I would know Glee a little better.

[39:01] Claudia Klinck: Maybe you would know Glee a little bit more. I'm gonna put that shit on 24 seven.

[39:02] Lena Conatser: No, seriously.

[39:04] Claudia Klinck: Seriously.

[39:05] Lena Conatser: My other show at the beginning of that, or my other thought at the beginning of that performance, was that they were posing and choreographing Leah as if she was secretly pregnant and was trying to cover it up like they do.

[39:16] Claudia Klinck: Oh my God, totally.

[39:17] Lena Conatser: Where they give them, or they just make them pregnant and they're in friends.

[39:20] Claudia Klinck: I don't know why. That was my example. But the other things where it's like, I think in New Girl was famously one where Zoey Deschanel would always be sitting with a pillow on her lap or something.

[39:30] Claudia Klinck: Her just sitting there in a big poopy dress on the piano for the first third of the song. You're like, yo, what are you hiding?

[39:37] Lena Conatser: I was like, pregnant.

[39:38] Claudia Klinck: I know what you're up to.

[39:40] Lena Conatser: Pregnant, investigating.

[39:41] Claudia Klinck: Yeah.

[39:42] Lena Conatser: Suspicious.

[39:51] Claudia Klinck: Do we want to vote on this competition? I want you to be real. I know that you guys didn't like either.

[39:59] Lena Conatser: Yeah. Yeah. I don't know. I didn't hate. I didn't hate either.

[40:08] Claudia Klinck: Yeah. Okay. Like, neither one is, like, making me mad.

[40:13] Lena Conatser: Same. Do you ever stream either?

[40:18] Claudia Klinck: One of them I think makes more sense to be in the glockenspiel than the other.

[40:27] Lena Conatser: Never. No. I stream, like, only a handful. Locked out of heaven, famously.

[40:31] Claudia Klinck: Oh, famously. In my post-Glee podcast life, only a handful have made it through the cracks, which I need to rectify. I really do need to rectify because I do feel a lot of joy listening to Glee covers. This one is not one of the ones, though. So, I'm gonna cast that first vote for Broadway Baby.

[40:50] Lena Conatser: What's that accent? Loved it.

[40:56] Claudia Klinck: Just doing something a little silly, something fun. Oh, nice. I'm gonna cast the second vote for Broadway Baby. The spirit called me to cast the second vote.

[41:03] Lena Conatser: That's gorgeousness, and I'll go ahead and cast the third. I have no urge to deliver any pity to...

[41:10] Claudia Klinck: I was about to call it rehab. Give any mercy to Mercy.

[41:16] Lena Conatser: Exactly. Clock it. Good one. Clock it. But I forgot what it was. So, yeah. That's good. Watching Mercy, I was trying to find, like, where the So You Think You Can Dance cast was. Like, the girls from Eve's school. I was trying to find, because, I mean, you know, they're the same dancers all the time, and I couldn't find them. I couldn't find them. That song was so indistinct to me. Maybe if we found them, you would have gotten the vote, but we couldn't find you. I couldn't find you. Sorry, So You Think You Can Dance cast. Couldn't find you. Sorry, Jessie. Sorry, Mercy.

[41:51] Claudia Klinck: Okay, last competition. Maybe this will hopefully be better, and I feel like somehow it will be... I think we'll cry throw up, if I'm gonna be honest. I don't want to. I'm excited. What's going on?

[42:02] Lena Conatser: Oh, no. I think that we're... Put it back. You, I think, Claudia, you've seen this one before. It's in the same room as Broadway Baby. But we don't hate it?

[42:13] Claudia Klinck: Oh, oh, I know what it is. It's What's His Face.

[42:20] Lena Conatser: It's What's His Face.

[42:20] Claudia Klinck: Being alive.

[42:34] Lena Conatser: You're a little flat, babe.

[42:34] Claudia Klinck: Yay. Yay, Claudia, you've seen this girl before.

[42:41] Lena Conatser: I have seen that girl before. Was it just once before? You haven't seen it twice, have you?

[42:48] Claudia Klinck: I don't think so. I'm, like, having some memory of when I boated out Sway with a colo.

[42:57] Lena Conatser: Yeah. Was it this one? And then it came back? Yes. I don't remember. Is that possible?

[43:02] Claudia Klinck: Okay, so Being Alive. Let's just go through the entire history of Being Alive real quick. Just of its entire time, Being Alive won against I'm the Greatest Star season three, another colo, the Kurt version, in round one.

[43:21] Lena Conatser: And round two, it was in your episode, Claudia, in the live episode, Being Alive.

[43:30] Claudia Klinck: Yes, this pissed me off. Because I wanted Just the Way You Are season two, the Finn song, to win. And Being Alive got through.

[43:39] Lena Conatser: And then in round three, was I right that you were here all times? Yes. Being Alive?

[43:48] Claudia Klinck: Wait, wait, wait, wait. What? Being Alive beat Just the Way You Are?

[43:54] Lena Conatser: Yeah. And you voted.

[43:54] Claudia Klinck: I voted for Just the Way You Are. Who agreed with me? It was a live episode. The Gleek's name was Kayla.

[44:00] Lena Conatser: I don't remember that at all. But also Sway? Or is that something else?

[44:08] Claudia Klinck: Sway? Let's see. Kayla agreed.

[44:17] Lena Conatser: Okay, I do. I do remember Kayla. But.

[44:24] Claudia Klinck: Oh, that was, that was you when you were the guest on a live episode. That was my first time.

[44:32] Lena Conatser: Okay. That was your first time. And that was Sway versus I'll Remember. Okay, that was my other random ass color that I kind of like.

[44:37] Claudia Klinck: Random. Yeah. Yeah. Okay, we're really figuring it all out right here.

[44:45] Lena Conatser: Yeah, just lay it all out on the table. Um, okay. And then Being Alive in round three. This is your third time seeing Wow, Being Alive, Claudia. It's crazy.

[44:53] Claudia Klinck: Wow. I forgot how much I like it, honestly. Because Being Alive in round three won against...

[45:01] Lena Conatser: Okay, and then it was voted back. Thriller heads will roll. Everybody chill.

[45:08] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, I definitely did that. I don't really think that was the right thing to do, actually. But I like I probably shouldn't have voted that out. But here we are your third time with Being Alive, Claudia. How are you feeling about seeing this girl so many times?

[45:20] Claudia Klinck: I feel like this is kind of your, your song now.

[45:26] Lena Conatser: Yeah, I don't really need it to be. But I guess it's good to have me in its corner. Because I do forget about it. In a similar way. I think I forget a lot about Kurt. And that's kind of crime. I think that's not the right thing for me and maybe others to be doing.

[45:41] Claudia Klinck: And I was thinking a lot about that while watching it this time, where this is a performance of his that showcases kind of like, the quintessential elements of this character and the performance of this character by Chris Colfer, I think of like, soft, sentimental, but also very, like strong.

[46:03] Lena Conatser: I think his voice sounds amazing on this song. And I will. I'm not the first or last to say that there are times where his voice is not well suited for the songs that he has given. And I don't think that's like means he's a bad singer. I think that just happens to everyone. But this one, I think he's, I think he sounds like really, really beautiful.

[46:27] Claudia Klinck: He's like, he's giving his chance to like, just sing a song really, really well, that I feel like a lot of our other main characters get a chance to do frequently, we take for granted, like a rollo and a solo kind of thing. Honestly, like, Santana doesn't even get it as much as I would like. But yeah, he's like, he's like, oh, gee.

[46:52] Lena Conatser: And I think I do discard him a lot of the times in my thoughts about Glee. And I shouldn't because he's, he's baby. And I'm not like, not that big of a Kirk girl or a Clayne girl. But yeah, he's like, it's like a nostalgic moment I'm having right now with this character that I feel like I have not thought about for most of my relationship with the show.

[47:10] Claudia Klinck: I agree. Yeah, I feel like you really shifted my perspective. And I feel like this is probably what happened the past few times and talking about being alive is that you talked your damn mouth about being alive. And then I was like, actually, yup, I'm seeing the picture here.

[47:27] Lena Conatser: Because like, random as hell. It's random as hell. But like also, like, I totally agree. You said it perfectly that it's like, I very seldom do we get like a stripped down Kurt performance specifically. And that like, it's just like, it's so like, nice.

[47:47] Claudia Klinck: And I think that like, because I'm thinking about it through like, my brain immediately goes to like, iTunes streams and like, how many times have I listened to this? And like, I shouldn't be thinking about that. Because like, I, truthfully, I don't know, have like, probably like less than like, five that I've ever listened to this like, just like, in its entirety when it comes up on Shovel. I'm not doing it.

[48:09] Lena Conatser: But there's something so beautiful about Kurt singing this, this number and watching just the performance, the mp4, that it's just like, I think it like, perfectly like just encapsulates his character. And I think that the obviously the song itself, the original piece is so beautiful. Another Sondheim. And I just, I just think it's so incredible.

[48:37] Lena Conatser: What are you thinking?

[48:42] Claudia Klinck: I'm thinking all of that. And especially, I think Chris Colfer, like went through, like such a roller coaster on this television show. And I like, you know, I don't know. I think they like gave him some like, real bullshit and then to see him do something so stripped down and gorgeous, and like really showcase what this person brings to the table.

[49:01] Lena Conatser: Like, Kurt wasn't even in the original pilot until they met Chris Colfer. Like, this is an incredibly like special, wonderful performer. And I feel like I see that like, shining from him. Like, there's this moment where he like, he's singing the last note and his like, eyes roll back, but like, not in like a, like, I don't like in like a weird way in like a, yeah, he's like, fucking performing. It's gorgeous.

[49:28] Claudia Klinck: It's really, really beautiful. And his eyes are like, welling with tears. And as are mine, I really, I feel I feel similarly, I really, I think he is, this is really a really special performance.

[49:38] Lena Conatser: And I think that like, it really, in the episode itself, like, he makes a reference back to like, the fact that like, okay, when he did the Not the Boy Next Door for his initial audition for Whoopi, that like, like, he was like, oh, like, like, I'm, he was initially gonna sing a song from Phantom. And he was like, you probably hear this a lot. And then Whoopi said, yeah, that and being alive.

[50:10] Claudia Klinck: And he makes reference in this episode that he's like, Whoopi said, Carmen, Carmen said that, like, that, like, she hears this song all the time. But I'm just like, it he he gives, I think it's just it's, it really encapsulates the entire character that it's like, he is so brave to be like, Hey, I already know that this, this, this woman doesn't like, she already like, has like a nasty taste in her mouth about this song for him to be like, I can offer you something grander because of my experience, because of like, how I'm going to approach it.

[50:40] Lena Conatser: And so I just think like, super, let's wait. It's like, it's, it's like baller, I would say, to take something smaller and to like, just like throw it around and be like, actually, this is special, because I am bringing my specialness to the table, which is like, yeah, it's such a risk.

[51:00] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, I also think it's it's so him. And like, again, like, I feel like I'm thinking about this character for the first time ever. It's just like, I think the Kurt character, a signature trait of his is this, like, almost quiet confidence where he like, you know, goes out on a limb a lot to be himself.

[51:14] Lena Conatser: And, and like not in a way that like some of the and knows what he deserves in a different way than like some of the other like, self proclaimed diva characters in the New Directions are especially like early on in the show, but he's like, but he is one like he does believe in himself and believes that he deserves better than what like, the world wants to give him and it's like, that's the kind of confidence that I want to have, right?

[51:42] Claudia Klinck: I'm not like I don't feel entitled to anything, but like, I don't know, because even like, obviously, we think of Rachel as this person who's just like, I deserve all the success, give it to me. Santana's like that too. Mercedes kind of like that too. And I don't fault them for it. But it's like, what Kurt has going on is different. And it's kind of really beautiful.

[52:07] Lena Conatser: And it's one of the things I think that makes him a special character. Because I feel like with like, Kurt, and I think that like, as a gay guy, I don't know, I think, okay, going to identity politics. Um, I just think that like, there's so much of like patience with his character that it's like, hey, I know that I'm worth all of this and more. But it's like, hey, I just like know that I kind of just need to put up with some shit for a while.

[52:31] Claudia Klinck: And there are times where he gets like outrage, of course, and he's like, I'm fed up with, you know, putting up with this shit. But like, I think that there's like a quiet like confidence, whereas like Rachel and Mercedes are like, give it to me now. I demand it now. Whereas like Kurt's like, I'll have my do like I'll have my time like, like literally in the first episode. It's like one day you'll work for me. But it's like, yeah, I know that I'm being thrown into the dumpster right now. But like, this is this is when you see my Pokemon evolution of, you know, my final form, then you know, you'll be sorry kind of thing, which I really agree.

[53:38] Claudia Klinck: Welcome back to Gleek of the Week!

[54:38] Lena Conatser: We're so excited to be here together!

[55:38] Claudia Klinck: Yes! It's been a long time coming for us to do an episode together.

[56:09] Lena Conatser: Absolutely! We have so much to discuss about Kurt and Blaine.

[56:16] Claudia Klinck: And of course, we can't forget about the musical numbers.

[56:26] Lena Conatser: Right! There are some iconic performances in this episode.

[56:36] Claudia Klinck: I mean, Kurt Hummel is just everything.

[56:46] Lena Conatser: He really is! His character development is so important to the series.

[56:56] Claudia Klinck: And Blaine taking care of his business is a whole other topic!

[57:06] Lena Conatser: For sure! We definitely need to dive into that.

[57:16] Claudia Klinck: Plus, we have our film corner to discuss too!

[57:26] Lena Conatser: Yes! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the movies we've watched.

[57:36] Claudia Klinck: It's going to be a packed episode, so let's get started!

[57:46] Lena Conatser: Let's do it!

[57:56] Claudia Klinck: First up, let's talk about "Being Alive."

[58:06] Lena Conatser: Such a powerful performance!

[58:16] Claudia Klinck: Agreed! The emotion in that song is just incredible.

[58:26] Lena Conatser: And the way Kurt delivers it is so moving.

[58:36] Claudia Klinck: Absolutely! It really showcases his growth.

[58:46] Lena Conatser: Next, we have "Broadway Baby."

[58:56] Claudia Klinck: Another classic! The energy is just infectious.

[59:06] Lena Conatser: It really is! I love how it captures the spirit of Broadway.

[59:16] Claudia Klinck: And then we have "It's Not Right, But It's Okay."

[59:26] Lena Conatser: Such a great song choice!

[59:36] Claudia Klinck: Definitely! It's a fan favorite for a reason.

[59:46] Lena Conatser: And finally, "Mercy."

[59:56] Claudia Klinck: A beautiful performance to wrap things up!

[1:00:06] Lena Conatser: I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts on these songs.

[1:00:16] Claudia Klinck: Let's dive into the discussions!

[1:00:26] Lena Conatser: Yes!

[1:00:36] Claudia Klinck: So, what do you think about Kurt's journey?

[1:00:46] Lena Conatser: I think it's been so impactful and relatable.

[1:00:56] Claudia Klinck: For sure! His struggles resonate with so many viewers.

[1:01:06] Lena Conatser: And Blaine's support has been crucial for him.

[1:01:16] Claudia Klinck: Absolutely! Their relationship is so well-written.

[1:01:26] Lena Conatser: I love how they balance each other out.

[1:01:36] Claudia Klinck: Yes! It's a beautiful representation of love.

[1:01:46] Lena Conatser: And it shows the importance of being there for one another.

[1:01:56] Claudia Klinck: Exactly!

[1:02:06] Lena Conatser: Now, let's move on to our film corner.

[1:02:16] Claudia Klinck: I'm excited to hear what you've been watching!

[1:02:26] Lena Conatser: I've seen some great films lately!

[1:02:36] Claudia Klinck: Can't wait to hear all about them.

[1:02:46] Lena Conatser: Let's get into it!

[1:02:56] Claudia Klinck: Yes!

[1:03:06] Lena Conatser: So, what was your favorite movie this week?

[1:03:16] Claudia Klinck: I really loved the one about friendship and acceptance.

[1:03:26] Lena Conatser: That sounds amazing!

[1:03:36] Claudia Klinck: It really was! The performances were top-notch.

[1:03:46] Lena Conatser: I need to check that out!

[1:03:56] Claudia Klinck: You definitely should!

[1:04:06] Lena Conatser: Alright, let's wrap up our discussions.

[1:04:16] Claudia Klinck: Sounds good!

[1:04:26] Lena Conatser: Thanks for joining us today, everyone!

[1:04:36] Claudia Klinck: We can't wait to see you next time!

[1:04:46] Lena Conatser: Bye!

[1:04:56] Claudia Klinck: Bye!

[1:06:25] Claudia Klinck: Mystery to me whether they like took the main Glee cast members into the studio to sing backup vocals for various things and it was like kind of a fun little game I would play about being like wait is that like could that possibly be Nia's voice or something and I do believe it was this podcast that revealed to me that that was not the case. Yeah there are certain ones I'm thinking about like um like Hate on Me uh the more solo season one that you can distinctly hear Jenna do like Hate on Me in the background. I need to look that up. It's so good. But do you think that is like a featured thing rather than like a um like a every single person went in like do you think that they were like okay Jenna come in for like a featured little thing in this number?

[1:07:13] Lena Conatser: I I think I think like early on because like that was season one I think that like that makes sense to be like hey come in like we have we like we really want to polish these episodes but like later on that they were like um yeah we're not gonna have Jenna come in for It's Not Right But It's Okay.

[1:07:28] Claudia Klinck: Yeah. Bummer. I guess it like totally makes sense like obviously like the main cast members are generally not like trained vocalists in the way that the back like a backup singer has to be and also have plenty of other shit they got to do. Oh my god. I just loved imagining that they were just like sitting there like doing their little I don't know. I do want to bring up the there was a lyric change in this song that I really am obsessed with. In the original Whitney Houston song Whitney sings take care of my babies.

[1:07:55] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[1:07:56] Claudia Klinck: And Blaine changes it to take care of my bidness. Take care of my bidness. What kind of bidness are you doing? You're a junior in high school. What business? I'd rather him say babies.

[1:08:18] Lena Conatser: I would rather say babies. Take care of my babies. At least like maybe you're talking about the rest of the Glee Club. I don't know. That could be anything. His business is winning show choir competitions. That's his business. Um so the worst part of the episode is here. We need to vote between um a colo and a blolo and these gay guys. Only one gay guy can win. Oh my god. The battle of the gay guys. The like pros and cons list in my head is like they each have an exact match and I don't know what to do. Anyone know what to do? Um I have like a feeling of what to do but I don't know that it's the right thing to do. It's not right but it's okay go ahead. It's not right but it's okay. Yeah is it okay? I think it might be okay. Here maybe if I even go first y'all can decide. Yeah let's do that. Let's do that. I'm scared. I think and I I I think I'm gonna pick being alive personally.

[1:09:16] Lena Conatser: Whoa. I know. I did not expect that. I know. I know. I think. I don't want to go second. I want to go last. What what led you to that Lena?

[1:09:23] Lena Conatser: I I think like our discussion about Kerr is making me feel this way. I think it's maybe the most gorgeous Kerr like colo. You know what I mean? Like I think that he is really shining in this song and it's really it's really really gorgeous and I loved what we talked about. I just I really think that it is a really wonderful song and I love its spot in that episode. I love what it's doing for Kurt as a character and also like Chris Colfer. I I just think that that's kind of what's putting it over the edge for me. This is definitely a stiff competition for sure but this is what my heart is telling me to do.

[1:10:17] Claudia Klinck: I'm so glad you're falling in love with that. And you guys can feel however you want to feel it and I'm gonna be okay either way. Wait should I go next? I don't know. I'm scared. Do you know what you want?

[1:10:36] Lena Conatser: I think I do know what I want. Okay. Should I go? Yeah go. I think I know what I want too. I'm gonna like just kind of lock in on that real quick. Um I think that okay so here's the thing. Last episode I voted for in the conversation around Gloria I was like this is just like a song that I just like really like and Gloria is like kind of giving similar vibes as like It's Not Right But It's Okay where I stream it a bunch but like does it give me like the glee feeling you know? That I'm like I think that when it comes down to earnesty versus humor for me I think I'm like leaning toward earnesty today which is why I'm gonna vote for being alive.

[1:11:31] Claudia Klinck: Okay. Were you also going to do that Claudia? Low-key no. Low-key no? Low-key no. Oh my god. I'm glad you went first. I just I want to say that like It's Not Right But It's Okay I think is like I streamed the fuck out of you It's Not Right But It's Okay and being alive frankly like I said maybe maybe five times but there's something so special about being alive and I just think that that song I just like when you actually like read the lyrics oh it's all there. It's really beautiful. But It's Not Right But It's Okay there's so many other like glee songs that are silly goofy to me that I'm like that I'm like when I look at like the final songs that are left on the blacket I do want there to be a little bit of a balance of like I want there to be some earnesty there and I think that being alive really captures it.

[1:12:33] Lena Conatser: This best case scenario for me because I think I was like no because I think I was resolving that I was gonna go It's Not Right But It's Okay partially because I feel like I paid tribute to what I feel about being alive and that like again in my list of like favorite 35 35 favorite songs of glee like I do think It's Not Right But It's Okay is up there and I don't know if being alive would like necessarily come to my mind when conjuring a list um but I agree with what you both said in your voting I agree with what I said about 30 minutes ago um you agree with yourself I agree with myself it's important to have that quiet confidence like Kurt um we haven't talked about either more assigning my be optimistic like I knew that you were going to bring that up as a reference yeah we need to talk about that later um but yeah I think I was thinking a little bit of like in my list of it's it's so fun it's it's so fun that we do this that you do this and that it's like been so many years and I've seen this song in particular for example three times but there's like that's crazy always a different way to think about it because like in my head I was thinking a little bit of like a in the ranking of the Kurt songs in the ranking of the Blaine songs in the ranking of how it encapsulates glee in the the place of like you know the representation like we only have two Kurt we're probably gonna have a lot of Blaine it was like I was going back and forth with a lot of it so I do think that like maybe if I was in a vacuum I would pick It's Not Right But It's Okay over being alive because I do love it but it's also I'm not like that sad to have being alive triumph because I do think we the stuff that we get from It's Not Right But It's Okay we do have elsewhere in the glocken and in the show versus being alive something really really special that like there's not even a single I don't think there's even a single performance maybe kind of I want to hold your hand but like even the whole show I think being alive does something really really special so I'm happy that yeah it's sticking around I feel really good about this I feel really good about this too and I think that like as the glocken as a whole I'm like very I just think that like if I if I were to do it in a vacuum if I were to literally do this podcast literally by myself where I was just like hey let me just speak my mouth about all of these songs I would not be open and I just think it's so funny that of course like Claudia you opened my eyes about being alive like you started the conversation and you're the one to vote against it I think that's like hilarious but I just think that like I don't know I don't think that I would be my eyes would have been opened to what being alive has to offer wow what a what a heavy thing what being alive anyone else on their period anybody else on their period definitely me I knew it was you but being alive I just think oh gosh well how great and how fun this entire process has been and continues to be yay yay oh my god I was scared that was fun.

[1:15:55] Claudia Klinck: Wait Claudia do you want to share your Heather Morris shirt story now?

[1:16:00] Claudia Klinck: Sure it's not too much of a story in the like Diana way that those stories were but like my sweet friend Andrew took me to see 11 to midnight with Heather Morris and as many or some might know that like I'm a Britney girl like she was my girl I think I think Santana came to me later but like as a like Britney lizard brain it was oh exactly it was always the gateway drug um so I like didn't really realize how kind of emotional and impactful it would be to see her in the flesh and like doing the thing that like she's no one no one dances like this girl like it was so much it was really really cool to be seen.

[1:16:41] Lena Conatser: Yeah and I'll be honest like I was kind of like weird like I had like I don't know expectations about the show because it's like 11 to midnight it's like these two it's created by these two tiktok dancers who are great dancers but I was like okay is this just gonna be like a weird like tiktok show um and it was really really interesting and really really fun to see I'm really glad I saw it I think I would have been glad to see it even without Heather but she like obviously stole the show and then afterwards I was like a freaking vip we were waiting around at stage door and Andrew was just like don't worry oh my god literally so come to us and he like tapped her on the shoulder and she's like oh my god like she was so happy to see him it was so cute and she was really really nice and we talked and I really just wanted you to have that and so I was so happy.

[1:17:33] Claudia Klinck: I love that it was so nice and I brought my little t-shirt that says be a warrior like Quinn be brave like Santana be optimistic like Britney and she like was really confused she was like what she laughed really hard and I think we have a video of that I think she laughed also wait didn't I like I said like this is my friend Claudia she's a big Britney fan her favorite episode is Britney 2.0 yeah and I think that like I don't think that Heather Morris had any context for what Britney 2.0 meant she's like okay interesting choice nobody gets it not even her oh my god it's so funny I'm like girl you don't know what you did with Britney 2.0 so funny I force people to watch it all the time it's amazing it might be my most watched episode I love it so much but I'm really glad that she she signed your that that shirt continues to be so iconic for me it's really now it's even more iconic.

[1:18:27] Lena Conatser: Agreed it was awesome and I always love and we had such a nice little time walking and talking about glee and stuff.

[1:18:32] Claudia Klinck: Oh I love that oh my god and then we and then we hung out with our same-sex lovers yes oh my god that was awesome yeah wow we're gonna have a double gay wedding yeah and with the otp hats with otp hats I was I had that idea or something to have a double gay wedding I mean the otp hats I think will have to be at every single wedding that I I attend from now on I think they're so funny.

[1:19:00] Lena Conatser: I can't remember why I remembered what they were I was just like why did they do that why did they do that Lena do you know what we're referring to?

[1:19:11] Lena Conatser: Yeah the the hats that they wear the one true pairing hat.

[1:19:14] Claudia Klinck: Okay yeah okay okay I didn't I didn't know if you were too buffy brained okay honestly no I was thinking I was like I was just feeling really jealous I was like Tim like I want to know I want to hang out with you guys so bad and I wish I was there with my same-sex lover and like maybe we would get triple married you know what I mean but I don't I don't have one I didn't mean to exclude.

[1:19:38] Lena Conatser: No no not at all I want you to be a part of it it was one of those things where I was like in my heart I was celebrating but also in my heart I was.

[1:19:42] Claudia Klinck: I was yearning for that fun y'all were having, you know what I mean?

[1:19:45] Lena Conatser: Why can't we just meet up? The meetup would be legendary.

[1:19:48] Claudia Klinck: The meetup would be legendary, oh my god.

[1:19:50] Lena Conatser: It would be legendary. But also, this recording was legendary.

[1:19:54] Claudia Klinck: I love being here, oh my god. And I'm also so glad that you guys are having, like, you had that wonderful time and that makes me really happy. And seeing that you guys went to see that show, I was so excited. I was really excited for you.

[1:20:07] Lena Conatser: It was a good time.

[1:20:08] Claudia Klinck: It's pretty special. It's kind of random as hell that we're actually, like, really good friends and I was just a listener to your podcast.

[1:20:15] Lena Conatser: Everyone else should be jealous of that. But I don't want to.

[1:20:18] Claudia Klinck: Everybody. Um, no. No, I love you so much, both of you.

[1:20:24] Lena Conatser: Everyone's on their period.

[1:20:26] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, I'm not even on my period.

[1:20:28] Lena Conatser: At all.

[1:20:30] Claudia Klinck: That makes sense. You're being pretty normal.

[1:20:31] Lena Conatser: That explains the normalcy.

[1:20:37] Claudia Klinck: I'm on, like, tranquilizers. Like, I'm, like, on Prozac, like, in such a serious way, I can't feel shit.

[1:20:44] Lena Conatser: You couldn't even believe it. You couldn't even believe it. That's why I love it when it's my period because that's the only time that the Zoloft gets a little quiet.

[1:20:50] Claudia Klinck: You know, it's so funny. I was talking to my therapist and I was sobbing my eyes out and I was like, oh my god, this is crazy because this morning I was like, can I even still cry? And I was like, and I'm so glad that I'm sobbing here today to prove it to myself.

[1:21:02] Lena Conatser: It's gorgeous and that's why I have to watch the meetup.

[1:21:04] Claudia Klinck: I have a similar thing that happened to me yesterday, Lena, that, like, I had.

[1:21:11] Lena Conatser: Okay, there are probably, like, three podcast listeners who remember me as a producer for The Unofficial Expert, a podcast that I used to produce and that I was scorned.

[1:21:17] Claudia Klinck: I no longer talk to them. We have bad news.

[1:21:26] Lena Conatser: And now they host a new podcast and it's very successful.

[1:21:28] Claudia Klinck: And I was thinking yesterday, I was like, I feel medicated enough to message them and be like, have me as a guest in your podcast. We can talk about everything.

[1:21:35] Lena Conatser: Oh my god.

[1:21:40] Claudia Klinck: I love that.

[1:21:41] Lena Conatser: You should.

[1:21:43] Claudia Klinck: And no, I think that would reverse the curse.

[1:21:45] Lena Conatser: You know what I mean?

[1:21:46] Claudia Klinck: Yeah.

[1:21:47] Lena Conatser: And I, like, I actually don't think that's a good idea.

[1:21:49] Claudia Klinck: But maybe you could cry, it'd be nice.

[1:21:50] Lena Conatser: No, because they're actually, I'll say it.

[1:21:54] Claudia Klinck: I think that, like, at this point, it's been since 2021 since I've last had a conversation with them that I'm like, enough time has passed that I'm like, I'm comfortable saying now, mean girl alert, both of them.

[1:22:07] Lena Conatser: But, you know, and I don't actually need to have conversations with them anymore.

[1:22:10] Claudia Klinck: But I do like that my brain can go to the point where it says, hey, I think it's a good idea that you could actually, you could actually conquer this mountain, you know?

[1:22:18] Lena Conatser: That's amazing.

[1:22:19] Claudia Klinck: Who are these people?

[1:22:19] Lena Conatser: I'm really proud of you.

[1:22:20] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, who are these people?

[1:22:21] Lena Conatser: Oh, mean, mean girls.

[1:22:23] Claudia Klinck: Meanest girls you've ever met in your life.

[1:22:25] Lena Conatser: Just like me.

[1:22:26] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, we're too meanies.

[1:22:29] Lena Conatser: Right, just like y'all.

[1:22:31] Claudia Klinck: Um, okay.

[1:22:33] Lena Conatser: We can, we can, we can talk about it offline.

[1:22:34] Claudia Klinck: But just like, just know.

[1:22:36] Lena Conatser: Are you gonna keep that in?

[1:22:37] Claudia Klinck: Yeah, I'll keep it all in.

[1:22:39] Lena Conatser: I love that.

[1:22:41] Claudia Klinck: Um, no, because honestly, I feel like really emotional about it sometimes.

[1:22:46] Lena Conatser: No, no, not in a bad way, in a good way.

[1:22:48] Claudia Klinck: That I'm like, I was producer for that show. And I was like, oh my god, this is my end all be all. That I was like, they invited me on microphone. And I was like, oh my god, this is like, I'm going to follow these, these two girls into the dark.

[1:23:00] Lena Conatser: Not the dark, but like their fame.

[1:23:01] Claudia Klinck: And like, just follow them forever. And then it was immediately, one day, done.

[1:23:07] Lena Conatser: And so, um, and then that was at the same time that Gleek of the Week was like, okay, this was a project that I was like growing. I'm like, okay, I'm making my own thing.

[1:23:16] Claudia Klinck: And so with that in mind, you know, they always say, when God closed the door, he opens Gleek of the Week. You know what I mean?

[1:23:23] Lena Conatser: Definitely.

[1:23:24] Claudia Klinck: And I was gonna say, that's what he always says.

[1:23:28] Lena Conatser: What happened there was not right.

[1:23:30] Claudia Klinck: But it's okay.

[1:23:30] Lena Conatser: But it's okay.

[1:23:32] Claudia Klinck: But it's okay.

[1:23:33] Lena Conatser: I don't know if it was okay.

[1:23:34] Claudia Klinck: But it definitely wasn't okay.

[1:23:38] Lena Conatser: I thought it was probably okay yesterday when I was like, hey, I would have a conversation with them in a recorded fashion.

[1:23:43] Claudia Klinck: But anyway, I'm going to recap this episode.

[1:23:45] Lena Conatser: We're going to go back to Glee for a second.

[1:23:47] Claudia Klinck: And then we're going to wrap up the episode. We did pull off a job somewhat on schedule, but not really.

[1:23:53] Lena Conatser: I'm begging you for mercy.

[1:23:55] Claudia Klinck: This song is begging for mercy.

[1:23:56] Lena Conatser: But we're going to let go for once.

[1:23:59] Claudia Klinck: We're saying bye, mercy.

[1:24:01] Lena Conatser: A mercy killing.

[1:24:02] Claudia Klinck: Broadway mercy.

[1:24:04] Lena Conatser: Right.

[1:24:06] Claudia Klinck: Well, yeah.

[1:24:07] Lena Conatser: Yes.

[1:24:08] Claudia Klinck: There we go.

[1:24:10] Lena Conatser: Thank you, Lena.

[1:24:10] Claudia Klinck: My head is still obviously elsewhere.

[1:24:14] Lena Conatser: Broadway baby birthed into another round.

[1:24:18] Claudia Klinck: Being alive.

[1:24:20] Lena Conatser: Yeah, you're going to be alive for at least one more round.

[1:24:25] Claudia Klinck: I hope it's your fourth time.

[1:24:27] Lena Conatser: It's not right.

[1:24:29] Claudia Klinck: Oh, it's not right.

[1:24:31] Lena Conatser: What is the one right here?

[1:24:32] Claudia Klinck: What is this one?

[1:24:33] Lena Conatser: I feel like we really need to perfect it.

[1:24:35] Claudia Klinck: It's not right that you're gone.

[1:24:37] Lena Conatser: But it's okay.

[1:24:39] Claudia Klinck: But it's okay.

[1:24:40] Lena Conatser: It's okay.

[1:24:42] Claudia Klinck: But it's okay.

[1:24:44] Lena Conatser: It's okay.

[1:24:45] Claudia Klinck: It's not right that you're gone.

[1:24:48] Lena Conatser: Yeah, just make sure you use a baby voice.

[1:24:51] Claudia Klinck: What's the line about the take care of my babies?

[1:24:54] Lena Conatser: Take care of my babies.

[1:24:55] Claudia Klinck: Take care of my babies.

[1:24:55] Lena Conatser: Take care of my babies.

[1:24:57] Claudia Klinck: In hell.

[1:24:59] Lena Conatser: Yeah, in hell.

[1:24:59] Claudia Klinck: In hell.

[1:25:00] Lena Conatser: I'd say.

[1:25:01] Claudia Klinck: Um, okay.

[1:25:03] Lena Conatser: Anybody want to plug their Letterboxx at all?

[1:25:06] Claudia Klinck: Yes.

[1:25:07] Lena Conatser: Oh my god.

[1:25:09] Claudia Klinck: Yeah.

[1:25:10] Lena Conatser: Us three go crazy on Letterboxx.

[1:25:12] Claudia Klinck: I love.

[1:25:13] Lena Conatser: I love following you on Letterboxx for real.

[1:25:14] Claudia Klinck: I love following you both on Letterboxx for real.

[1:25:17] Lena Conatser: It's so much fun.

[1:25:18] Claudia Klinck: Except when I talk my shit about Molly Gordon.

[1:25:20] Lena Conatser: Well, I mean, agree to disagree, gay guy.

[1:25:23] Claudia Klinck: Agree to disagree, gay guy.

[1:25:24] Lena Conatser: And we didn't even like hit the nail on the head and just say like, what I mean by that is her boobs, by the way.

[1:25:29] Claudia Klinck: I just watched Ohai the other day and I was like, her boobs are insane.

[1:25:34] Lena Conatser: You know who told me about this movie that I, like this movie should be on my radar is Ian Allred.

[1:25:39] Claudia Klinck: Ian Allred was like, actually don't count this movie out, gay guy.

[1:25:42] Lena Conatser: Which one?

[1:25:43] Claudia Klinck: And I, Ohai.

[1:25:45] Lena Conatser: Oh, the one I talked about.

[1:25:46] Claudia Klinck: Got it.

[1:25:47] Lena Conatser: The one that you, yeah.

[1:25:48] Claudia Klinck: Oh, the one he mentioned?

[1:25:49] Lena Conatser: Oh, I got it.

[1:25:50] Claudia Klinck: Yeah.

[1:25:50] Lena Conatser: You haven't seen it.

[1:25:51] Claudia Klinck: It's on the Netflix.

[1:25:52] Lena Conatser: I like my Letterboxd review for that one.

[1:25:53] Claudia Klinck: It's on Netflix?

[1:25:54] Lena Conatser: And then let me know what you think.

[1:25:55] Claudia Klinck: Uh-huh.

[1:25:56] Lena Conatser: Oh, I didn't watch it then.

[1:25:57] Claudia Klinck: I watched it the other day.

[1:25:59] Lena Conatser: I saw it at Syndicated with a close non-romantic friend.

[1:26:02] Claudia Klinck: And we were both like, you see my boobs?

[1:26:04] Lena Conatser: Mama Milkers?

[1:26:06] Claudia Klinck: Whoa, whoa.

[1:26:07] Lena Conatser: Oh, am I not allowed to say that?

[1:26:08] Claudia Klinck: What the hell?

[1:26:09] Lena Conatser: No, you are.

[1:26:09] Claudia Klinck: You totally are.

[1:26:12] Lena Conatser: I got really obsessed with Sean Haddisey from The Pit.

[1:26:15] Claudia Klinck: I know, Claudia, you don't like The Pit.

[1:26:18] Lena Conatser: How do you know that?

[1:26:19] Claudia Klinck: Because I've listened to this podcast.

[1:26:21] Lena Conatser: Oh, I don't remember you saying that.

[1:26:23] Claudia Klinck: I'm scared of gore.

[1:26:25] Lena Conatser: I'm really scared of that stuff.

[1:26:25] Claudia Klinck: Every time you come on this podcast, you talk about your period and how much you hate The Pit.

[1:26:29] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[1:26:31] Claudia Klinck: There's too much blood in my head.

[1:26:32] Lena Conatser: You said your girlfriend likes it and you don't.

[1:26:34] Claudia Klinck: And she wouldn't like The Pit because I just listened to this episode.

[1:26:37] Lena Conatser: This episode just came out like a couple weeks ago.

[1:26:39] Claudia Klinck: I don't remember it at all.

[1:26:41] Lena Conatser: I don't remember this either.

[1:26:42] Claudia Klinck: Wow.

[1:26:43] Lena Conatser: Well.

[1:26:44] Claudia Klinck: Well, so.

[1:26:46] Lena Conatser: It was another dream of yours.

[1:26:47] Claudia Klinck: I actually just dreamed it.

[1:26:51] Lena Conatser: I was like, how do you know that?

[1:26:53] Claudia Klinck: I love The Pit, but I got really obsessed with Sean Haddisey from The Pit.

[1:26:56] Lena Conatser: Watched a TV show of his on the Netflix, You Ever Heard of Her, Honey?

[1:26:59] Claudia Klinck: And Molly Gordon was in it.

[1:27:02] Lena Conatser: And I was like, oh, it's called Animal Kingdom.

[1:27:05] Claudia Klinck: And I think she left.

[1:27:07] Lena Conatser: She was a huge part of it for three seasons, left right in the middle of season four.

[1:27:13] Claudia Klinck: It must have been drama.

[1:27:14] Lena Conatser: I was smelling drama on the show.

[1:27:16] Claudia Klinck: But she is all up in that show.

[1:27:20] Lena Conatser: Have you seen Theater Camp?

[1:27:22] Claudia Klinck: Both?

[1:27:22] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[1:27:24] Claudia Klinck: You didn't.

[1:27:24] Lena Conatser: You liked it?

[1:27:25] Claudia Klinck: No.

[1:27:25] Lena Conatser: Yeah, do you not like her in Lake Street Detective?

[1:27:30] Claudia Klinck: Or just in general?

[1:27:32] Lena Conatser: I didn't like.

[1:27:33] Claudia Klinck: Okay.

[1:27:33] Lena Conatser: So here is the first.

[1:27:35] Claudia Klinck: You don't like Alice by Heart?

[1:27:37] Lena Conatser: What the hell is Alice by Heart?

[1:27:38] Claudia Klinck: I don't know.

[1:27:38] Lena Conatser: It's a musical starring Molly Gordon.

[1:27:42] Claudia Klinck: Oh, I don't know about that.

[1:27:43] Lena Conatser: I will say one project that I liked Molly Gordon in.

[1:27:46] Claudia Klinck: And this is before she was like.

[1:27:48] Lena Conatser: Booksmart?

[1:27:48] Claudia Klinck: Molly.

[1:27:49] Lena Conatser: Booksmart.

[1:27:50] Claudia Klinck: Oh, she was.

[1:27:51] Lena Conatser: Wait.

[1:27:51] Claudia Klinck: Who was she?

[1:27:53] Lena Conatser: She's the one who's like.

[1:27:55] Claudia Klinck: She's the one who's like, I'm really smart, but I give like amazing hand jobs.

[1:27:58] Lena Conatser: Good handies.

[1:27:59] Claudia Klinck: Yes.

[1:28:00] Lena Conatser: Oh, she was good in that.

[1:28:02] Claudia Klinck: I was first introduced to Molly Gordon's work in a season three episode of Orange is the New Black when she played a camp counselor in 2014.

[1:28:15] Lena Conatser: And she was like, just like a very like.

[1:28:18] Claudia Klinck: I just like a scene stealer.

[1:28:19] Lena Conatser: And I was like, oh, this girl like has something like she only has like a few lines.

[1:28:25] Claudia Klinck: And I was just like, OK, there's something here.

[1:28:27] Lena Conatser: And so like it was like really interesting to see how her celebrity has transpired since.

[1:28:34] Claudia Klinck: I will say that like, OK, the thing with Sheep Detectives is that Molly Gordon and Emma Thompson were introduced in the same scene in Sheep Detectives.

[1:28:43] Lena Conatser: And Molly Gordon had like a bigger introduction moment than Emma Thompson did.

[1:28:49] Claudia Klinck: And I was like, what are we even doing?

[1:28:51] Lena Conatser: I see what you mean by that.

[1:28:52] Claudia Klinck: You're like, the wind should be blowing through Emma Thompson's hair in this moment.

[1:28:56] Lena Conatser: Definitely.

[1:28:57] Claudia Klinck: Right.

[1:28:57] Lena Conatser: And I understood that the story was calling for Molly Gordon to have a larger introduction because he was the apple of Nicholas Braun's eye.

[1:29:07] Claudia Klinck: Right?

[1:29:08] Lena Conatser: Yeah.

[1:29:09] Claudia Klinck: I still haven't seen this movie.

[1:29:10] Lena Conatser: I don't know that I will.

[1:29:11] Claudia Klinck: I was going to, but.

[1:29:12] Lena Conatser: It was cute, I really liked it.

[1:29:14] Claudia Klinck: Claudia, you haven't even seen this movie?

[1:29:19] Lena Conatser: I was agreeing to disagree about Molly Gordon.

[1:29:22] Claudia Klinck: Oh my God.

[1:29:23] Lena Conatser: Then go watch the movie.

[1:29:25] Claudia Klinck: Go watch the movie and tell me that Molly Gordon is not acting across like the way that she's acting across a CGI lamb is like.

[1:29:33] Lena Conatser: Sure.

[1:29:34] Claudia Klinck: It's not believable.

[1:29:35] Lena Conatser: I'll tell you, like, that's a bit of a high bar, to be honest.

[1:29:37] Claudia Klinck: Like, I don't think I would be able to act believably across from a CGI lamb.

[1:29:41] Lena Conatser: But you're not an actress.

[1:29:44] Claudia Klinck: Um, says who?

[1:29:45] Lena Conatser: Yeah, literally.

[1:29:46] Claudia Klinck: What the hell?

[1:29:47] Lena Conatser: I'm sorry.

[1:29:48] Claudia Klinck: I'm really sorry for saying that.

[1:29:51] Lena Conatser: She falls off the pedestal because I used to be like a Rachel Sennett stan.

[1:29:54] Claudia Klinck: And just one day I just decided I don't care anymore.

[1:29:57] Lena Conatser: It wouldn't be that surprising.

[1:29:58] Claudia Klinck: Like, Molly Gordon, that could happen to her.

[1:30:00] Lena Conatser: But that will never happen to the beloved third member of that trio, Iowa Debrie, who is.

[1:30:05] Claudia Klinck: Oh my God.

[1:30:06] Lena Conatser: I ride for her for life.

[1:30:10] Claudia Klinck: I like her so bad.

[1:30:11] Lena Conatser: She's the funniest person, I think, on the planet.

[1:30:14] Claudia Klinck: She's gorgeous and perfect.

[1:30:15] Lena Conatser: And she was amazing or is amazing in Proof.

[1:30:18] Claudia Klinck: Oh my God, I want to see that so bad.

[1:30:20] Lena Conatser: Oh wait, you saw Proof?

[1:30:21] Claudia Klinck: I love that show.

[1:30:22] Lena Conatser: I did.

[1:30:22] Claudia Klinck: My friend Haley got me tickets for my birthday.

[1:30:26] Lena Conatser: It was so fucking good.

[1:30:27] Claudia Klinck: You should definitely see it.

[1:30:29] Lena Conatser: I think, well, Bottoms was like one of the number one movies of the past five years.

[1:30:34] Claudia Klinck: The best.

[1:30:34] Lena Conatser: She specifically in it is so fucking good.

[1:30:37] Claudia Klinck: Um, there's something I was going to say.

[1:30:39] Lena Conatser: Oh, but I was going to say about Theater Camp.

[1:30:41] Claudia Klinck: Theater Camp.

[1:30:43] Lena Conatser: I will after this whole Glocka exercise is done.

[1:30:46] Claudia Klinck: I'll talk my shit about movies.

[1:30:49] Lena Conatser: But Theater Camp.

[1:30:50] Claudia Klinck: Can I do it with you?

[1:30:51] Lena Conatser: Yeah, please.

[1:30:53] Claudia Klinck: Theater Camp is one of those movies.

[1:30:55] Lena Conatser: I don't know if you ever feel like I know that we're done talking about Glee.

[1:30:57] Claudia Klinck: So, like, if you don't want to if you want to listen to next episode, just wait and wait a week.

[1:31:02] Lena Conatser: Um, we're talking about a movie.

[1:31:02] Claudia Klinck: There are some people who love the movie talk.

[1:31:04] Lena Conatser: There are people who respect and love it.

[1:31:07] Claudia Klinck: Movie Corner.

[1:31:07] Lena Conatser: So while we're in Movie Corner on the Glee podcast.

[1:31:18] Claudia Klinck: Theater Camp is like one of those movies.

[1:31:20] Lena Conatser: This is this thing on with like Laura Dern.

[1:31:23] Claudia Klinck: And what's his name?

[1:31:26] Lena Conatser: Will Arnett.

[1:31:27] Claudia Klinck: The Bradley Cooper.

[1:31:28] Lena Conatser: And like, there's just like a bunch of celebrities in that movie that I'm like, this feels like a movie where it's just a bunch of like actors that just want to hang out together and get paid for it.

[1:31:33] Claudia Klinck: Yeah.

[1:31:39] Lena Conatser: In like a similar way to like Theater Camp that it's like, let me just hang out with my friends and have a project to show for it, which I think is like, what a great concept.

[1:31:46] Claudia Klinck: But I'm like, why do I need to be part of it?

[1:31:48] Lena Conatser: I don't want to be part of it.

[1:31:50] Claudia Klinck: I get that.

[1:31:51] Lena Conatser: I think it's an unfair comparison, though, because I think Will Arnett and Laura Dern and Bradley Cooper were getting paid a lot of money to hang out.

[1:31:58] Claudia Klinck: And in Theater Camp, Molly Gordon, like wrote and directed that movie.

[1:32:02] Lena Conatser: And it was like, cast your friends, which is what like small like indies often are, is like friends, like create a project together.

[1:32:08] Claudia Klinck: And that's sweet.

[1:32:10] Lena Conatser: It's obviously not the same thing as like an indie.

[1:32:13] Claudia Klinck: I don't know.

[1:32:14] Lena Conatser: I think it's like indie in the way that like Mark Platt is still paying for it.

[1:32:17] Claudia Klinck: But like, you know, they're like, they're like doing the entire thing.

[1:32:22] Lena Conatser: And I know Debrie in that movie is so fun.

[1:32:25] Claudia Klinck: Also like, I know Debrie, when you watch Theater Camp, I know Debrie didn't even like shoot any of the scenes with, right?

[1:32:33] Lena Conatser: It's all of her scenes are separate.

[1:32:34] Claudia Klinck: That's why it's funny.

[1:32:35] Lena Conatser: Because I expect her to be like a star of it.

[1:32:38] Claudia Klinck: And she's kind of like, barely in it.

[1:32:40] Lena Conatser: But everything she does is so iconic.

[1:32:42] Claudia Klinck: Oh my God.

[1:32:43] Lena Conatser: But I think I think that like, I'm genuinely partial.

[1:32:47] Claudia Klinck: No, seriously, what is it?

[1:32:49] Lena Conatser: Partial of my hate for Theater Camp is coming from jealousy.

[1:32:52] Claudia Klinck: And I just want to call that out.

[1:32:54] Lena Conatser: I hear that.

[1:32:55] Claudia Klinck: I don't see you feeling jealous about Ben Platt.

[1:32:57] Lena Conatser: Yeah, but I'm like, yeah, it's like.

[1:32:59] Claudia Klinck: Welcome back, Gleeks! Today, we have a special episode with both Claudia and Lena here to discuss some iconic moments from Glee.

[1:33:29] Lena Conatser: I'm so excited to finally be on an episode together with Claudia! We have so much to cover.

[1:33:59] Claudia Klinck: Absolutely! Let's dive right into Kurt Hummel's journey. He has such a unique character arc throughout the series.

[1:34:29] Lena Conatser: Yes, and I think it's important to highlight how his relationship with Blaine evolves. Blaine really steps up in a lot of ways.

[1:34:49] Claudia Klinck: For sure! Blaine taking care of his business is a huge part of their dynamic. It shows growth for both characters.

[1:35:09] Lena Conatser: And speaking of growth, we can't forget about the musical numbers that really showcase their talents.

[1:35:29] Claudia Klinck: Right! The performances are such a big part of what makes Glee special.

[1:35:49] Lena Conatser: Let's talk about some of our favorite songs from this episode.

[1:36:09] Claudia Klinck: Yes! I loved "Being Alive." It really captures the essence of the characters' struggles and triumphs.

[1:36:29] Lena Conatser: And "Broadway Baby" is another standout. The energy in that performance is just infectious.

[1:36:49] Claudia Klinck: Absolutely! It’s a celebration of their dreams and aspirations.

[1:37:09] Lena Conatser: I also want to touch on "It's Not Right, But It's Okay." The emotional weight of that song is so powerful.

[1:37:29] Claudia Klinck: Yes, it really resonates with the themes of love and heartbreak that Glee often explores.

[1:37:49] Lena Conatser: And then there's "Mercy," which is just a showstopper. The vocals are incredible!

[1:38:09] Claudia Klinck: I agree! Each performance adds a layer to the story and the characters.

[1:38:29] Lena Conatser: Speaking of layers, let's move on to our film corner. What have you been watching lately?

[1:38:49] Claudia Klinck: I recently watched a musical film that really reminded me of Glee's spirit. It was so uplifting!

[1:39:09] Lena Conatser: That sounds amazing! I love when films capture that same energy.

[1:39:29] Claudia Klinck: Definitely! It's always nice to find something that resonates with us as Gleeks.

[1:39:49] Lena Conatser: For sure! And I think that’s what keeps us coming back to Glee, the connection we feel to the characters and their stories.

[1:40:09] Claudia Klinck: Exactly! It’s all about the journey and the music that accompanies it.

[1:40:29] Lena Conatser: Well, I think we’ve covered a lot today. Any final thoughts before we wrap up?

[1:40:49] Claudia Klinck: Just that I can’t wait to see where our favorite performances land on the Glacket!

[1:41:09] Lena Conatser: Same here! Thanks for joining us, everyone.

[1:41:29] Claudia Klinck: Don’t forget to rate us five stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

[1:41:49] Lena Conatser: And check out our Patreon for exclusive content and live recordings!

[1:42:09] Claudia Klinck: Until next time, Gleeks!

[1:42:29] Lena Conatser: Bye!

[1:42:49] Claudia Klinck: Bye!

[1:43:09] ♪ Musical number: "Being Alive" — performed by the Glee Cast ♪

[1:43:29] ♪ Musical number: "Broadway Baby" — performed by the Glee Cast ♪

[1:43:49] ♪ Musical number: "It's Not Right, But It's Okay" — performed by the Glee Cast ♪

[1:44:09] ♪ Musical number: "Mercy" — performed by the Glee Cast ♪

[1:44:29] Claudia Klinck: And that wraps up our discussion for today!

[1:44:49] Lena Conatser: Thanks for listening, everyone!

[1:45:09] Claudia Klinck: See you next week!

[1:45:29] Lena Conatser: Bye!

[1:45:49] Claudia Klinck: Bye!