Unpacking The Toolbox

It’s the Season 3 finale! And in a hilarious and epic send off, Paul Adelstein, aka Leo Bergen, joins Katie and Guillermo to break down some iconic quotes from the series. Plus, no season finale would be complete without covering the explosive moments leading up to Huck and Quinn’s tabletop scene and Jerry Grant’s death. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie and Guillermo couldn’t be more excited to break down this super steamy episode, and who better to join them than the brilliant director who directed their first sex scene: Debbie Allen! Debbie shares her story from joining Grey’s Anatomy to directing for How To Get Away With Murder before they break down the full episode. Plus, some of the best (most anti-Quinn) Tweets of the Times. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The legendary Kelly McCreary shares her experience on Scandal before being cast in a long-term Grey’s Anatomy role. Then Katie, Guillermo and Kelly break down some iconic moments from the show including Mellie’s slap! But, not before they take plenty of time to pick out cheesy moments from Huck and Quinn. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie and Guillermo don’t have a guest this week. Why? Because the episode focuses so much on Huck and Quinn’s (creepy) relationship, that they decided they wanted to share their own stories about making out in a cemetery, fist fights and what they could definitely not get away with now on set. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was so hard for Katie and Guillermo to decide when to have Jeff join them on the podcast, but he is finally here! And he explores how Shonda Rhimes helped guide him toward finding Cyrus’ character before diving into one of the most heart-wrenching episodes of the season. Plus, Katie and Guillermo get awestruck multiple times from Jeff. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our own beloved James Novak (Dan Bucatinsky) joins to break down an infamous episode and what it was like to find out he was the one killed off. Plus, Katie and Guillermo explore James’ career while acting on Scandal and simultaneously writing on Grey’s Anatomy. And to wrap things up, Scott Foley shares his thoughts on the episode and having to kill James. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You asked and you we answered: President Fitzgerald Grant is back again this season to talk about his recent works in film, and what he thought of this season. Then, Katie and Guillermo break down one steamy episode as this season starts heating up with couples hooking up left and right. Plus, Katie relishes in some Tweets that hate on Quinn! What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two words: Jimmy Kimmel. Not only do Jimmy, Katie and Guillermo gush about their favorite moments from Scandal history, they also cover some of the many appearances on late night TV and the pranks they performed on fellow Scandal cast. Then, Raamla Mohamed joins to talk about her time writing on Scandal and some of the unbelievable moments from this wild, wild episode. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scandal co-star Columbus Short (Harrison Wright) sits down with Katie and Guillermo for an intimate conversation about the show and Columbus’ struggles. As Guillermo’s trailer-mate on set, Columbus shares some of his favorite memories of being on the show and how he got the job. Then, Katie dives into the difficult questions: What happened? What was Columbus going through that led to his downfall and how has he since recovered?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a jam-packed episode, guests Tony Goldwyn and staff writer Zahir McGhee join the show to share some never-before-heard info from behind the scenes. Katie and Guillermo learn how Sally Langton’s crazed speech was written and filmed, plus Tony reacts to being berated by Papa Pope. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Special Guest and TikTok star Sabrina Brier wasn’t directly involved with Scandal (or was she?) but she might just know more about the show than even Katie and Guillermo as they dive into one of the most famous episodes of all time. They cover it all: The teeth, the lick, and yes, even fetching a water bottle for a famous director on set. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The one-and-only Shonda Rhimes joins the podcast this week to talk about her favorite moments of Season 3, the season she lovingly calls “The Hell Or High Water” season. Plus, did Shonda and the writers know where the series was headed? And then Katie and Guillermo break down the most horrific episode of Scandal yet! What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What better episode to guest star the one-and-only Bellamy Young than the origin story of how Mellie became Mellie? This week, Bellamy, Katie and Guillermo deep dive into the making of the famous flashback episode – Cyrus’ hairdo, big Jerry’s despicable act and stories about shooting (and re-shooting) scenes due to an unplanned tanning accident. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do RuPaul’s Drag Race and Scandal have in common? It turns out, quite a lot! Season 13 winner, Symone, was (and still is) a Scandal superfan. Symone joins Katie and Guillermo in gushing over highlights of the series, including some facts about the show that Symone knows more details about! Then, Katie and Guillermo break down a very emotional episode as Olivia confronts the truth about her mom’s death. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since Scott Foley, aka Jake Ballard, was notorious for fart noises in set, which spread through the rest of the Scandal cast, it’s only appropriate that this episode comes with a content warning: Gas. But when Scott, Katie and Guillermo aren’t discussing mouth noises, they deep dive into how Scott got cast on Scandal, then RE-CAST on Scandal, and the infamous basketball scene with President Fitz. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The unbelievably famous and talented Melora Hardin joins Katie and Guillermo as they break down her guest appearance in a classic case-of-the-week episode. Guillermo is shocked (and horrified) to learn that Melora hasn’t watched TV in 22 years. And Katie gushes over an up-doo French Twist while Melora shares her experiences getting cast on Scandal and The Office. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a new case-of-the-week style episode, guest star Cynthia Stevenson joins Katie and Guillermo to break down an explosive episode. Plus, Katie shares some secret info about Kerry Washington’s time on set. Then Cynthia talks about her style of method acting while Guillermo gushes over a new favorite horror movie connection. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie and Guillermo are no strangers to working on the weekend from their time on Scandal, and they’d record any time day or night, or over a cliff, for the one-and-only Kerry Washington. Kerry shares never-before-told stories from her newly-published book, and deep dives into the development of Olivia’s character. Plus, the OPA team answers your burning fan questions. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back through Hell or High Water! Shondaland royalty, director Tom Verica, joins Katie & Guillermo for the inaugural episode of Season 3 to discuss Kerry’s unbelievable acting in this episode, and the shocking reveals of Papa Pope. Plus Guillermo and Tom reminisce about a blooper with a shake-weight, and Tom shares his favorite recording session from his time on Scandal. Then Katie asks Tom about directing love scenes and all the… spit. What do you think, Gladiators? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 805-298-1474 to share your thoughts about the show, about food, about life, but mostly about the show. We would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back through Hell or High Water! Unpacking The Toolbox premieres with brand new episodes every Thursday starting April 11th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Quinn gets the spotlight of this week’s episode, Katie and G gush over some of their favorite moments including a never-before-shared story about an rewritten line from the pilot. But wait – there’s always room for a mid-way tangent about Rosie O'Donnell, before they get into some of the best Tweets of the season so far. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kicking off the first of what’s sure-to-be many amazing guest star interviews, Katie and Guillermo invite Sam Page (Will Caldwell) to dig into his experience on set as a short-term star. Katie and G can’t stop laughing at Huck’s stank in this episode, and Sam admits how nervous he was working with Kerry Washington. And was an unfortunate first table read the reason it took Sam almost ten years to become a series regular on a Shondaland show? Probably not, but the story behind it is hilarious.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a special episode for Katie and Guillermo, and not just because the episode's title is secretly a bad word. This is the first time we see Huckleberry Quinn, and both Katie and Guillermo are questionably attracted to depressed-angry-sexy-post-bullet-head Fitz. Plus Katie breaks down Fitz and Olivia's hottest sex yet… inside a church maintenance closet at baby Fitz's christening. Classy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nobody Likes Babies, originally meant to be the season finale, was a turning point for the show – There’s no going back after the events in this episode, with Fitz’ dramatic choice. Katie and Guillermo unpack the twists and turns with the esteemed Debra Mooney, AKA Supreme Court Justice Verna Thornton, including diving into Debra’s acting history and what she was really doing in the coffin during her final scene… Plus, are Katie and Guillermo officially getting old (and sleepy)?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Shapiro who plays the infamous Jesse Tyler joins Katie & Guillermo to relive life on set, getting blown up and what it’s like to be married to another actor on Scandal… Katie! Plus, Katie and Guillermo merge their love for food with their dislike for rodents as they talk about eating… Guinea pigs. And, Jesse’s death marks the first (chronological) member of the Scandal body count, a brand new segment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olivia Pope delivers one heck of a knockout speech at the top of episode 211, so naturally Katie & Guillermo gush over their favorite performances from Kerry Washington. Then, Katie dives into what it was like to get news that she wouldn’t be in this episode. Plus, Guillermo learns that Director Tom Verica had a famous role in theatre before he got into directing. This episode is NOT Sponsored by Sialis or Subway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guillermo was once accused of killing Joe Morton (Eli Pope), which he definitely didn’t do. And Katie shares a story of a stalker who kept calling her after Scandal ended. From talks of waterboarding practice runs on set to a debate about Olivia Pope’s amazing gloves, this episode has it all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie and Guillermo practice their eye-hugging with the one and only Darby Stanchfield, AKA Sassy Abby, AKA Big Red, AKA Abby Whelan! Darby shares the story of her stare-down with Shonda Rhimes and what it was like to silently stick her fingers in Joshua Malina’s mouth... Plus, Katie & Guillermo dive into important moments from the episode, like when Huck finally gets laid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Written by Shonda Rhimes herself, Happy Birthday Mr. President is one of the most memorable episodes of Scandal, and Katie & Guillermo laugh, cry and swoon over all the iconic scenes of Olitz. In the hypothetical re-enactment of the episode, Katie thinks she’d be a better Fitz than Guillermo. And would G touch the declaration of independence if given the opportunity? Plus, memories of wrap presents from set. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defiance is one of the most shocking episodes of all time with its twist ending, and Katie and Guillermo can’t wait to dive in. Don’t come hungry because Huck loves a hoagie, and this episode is a very food-forward conversation. Plus, as Katie says, this is the first time Quinn “isn’t dumb” as she’s on the trail to figure out if Huck was involved in her relocation. #WhatTheHuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time for one of Katie's favorite episodes, which marks the first time B613 is mentioned. Naturally this leads to a big discussion about ghosts and Monica Lewinsky's purse line. Then, Guillermo explains what it's like to use so many guns on set. And Katie points out two flaws in her acting that made it to the final version of the episode. Buckle in, this episode takes Katie & Guillermo on quite a... spin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guillermo tells Katie about his appearance on Ellen where he met Madonna, showing off the large tattoo of her face on his arm. As Olivia Pope joins the other kingmakers of the Defiance Conspiracy, Katie and Guillermo have strong words for Edison Davis and his advances -- back off Senator Pudding Pop! It's Huck's first date with Becky Flynn and Guillermo recalls when Katie fixed his hair in a touching and unscripted moment. As a bonus, Katie shares a story to illustrate why you don't eat dairy on a first date (or a second or a third or a fourth).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie's first acting role ever was an episode of Private Practice, and she thanks the director of that episode for getting her into the Scandal fam. Katie & G also discover the things the actual president has to pay for. This episode may also be peak Scandal, as it hints toward some very spoiler-y things to come in later seasons. And... do all roads lead to Fitz' bedroom? Plus, sending out good vibes to Katie and Guillermo's mannequin doppelgangers, who still out there somewhere.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bienvenidos a Unpacking the Toolbox where Guillermo gives Katie a Spanish lesson, and Katie shares more about her life and kids while trying to record. Nothing can stop Katie and G from chatting about this episode -- Not now and not while they were shooting the show. Our resident hacker Huck explains what Thorngate is and how Scandal always seemed to mirror real life. This episode also marks the first time we see Huck's toolbox, and Mellie Grant's famous "Get over her!" speech. Get ready to take a drink (of Whiskey) every time Guillermo finds which horror movie a guest star appeared in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s no secret that Scandal had a lot of plot threads happening all at once – Defiance, Huck in alcoholic’s anonymous, Olitz, Abby and David Rosen, plus the case-of-the-week to boot! Which is why it’s completely understandable that Katie and Guillermo get confused as to what’s going on in this episode. Twice. But don’t worry – they dive into the amazing performances of Kerry Washington and the guest stars, and even cover some of the pressing questions like… Who’s the top in James and Cyrus’ relationship? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joshua Malina, our resident David Rosen and king of lawyer-speak is here to join Katie and Guillermo as they dive into life on set, prepping (or not prepping) before filming, and pranks on set. Josh messed with everyone on set except for Shonda Rhimes and Guillermo, and he explains exactly why. Then, Josh explains his casting process, and how he became a series regular. Plus, Katie & G break down some amazing quotes from the episode and realize that Katie is a terrible driver. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an emotional episode, Katie and Guillermo welcome Kerry Washington to dive into life at the end of the first season, and what the future held for the Scandal fam. Kerry shares her casting story, how she felt destined for the role and the importance of being true to yourself on the screen. Plus, Kerry jokes how her romance with Fitz was her second-longest relationship after her husband, and Katie discovers a brand new nickname for Guillermo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The one-and-only President Fitzgerald Grant joins Katie & Guillermo on this week’s episode to talk about everything from joining the Scandal cast, to what it was like directing the crazy OPA team. Plus, Tony Goldwyn shares his experiences breaking into the limelight as a sex symbol at 50 years old, being killed by Jason in Friday the 13th, and the “one minute” scene. And no episode would be complete without Katie & Guillermo talking about food – namely how Guillermo couldn’t eat on set as Homeless Huck, and why Katie thinks they should all make jam in Vermont.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Katie starts this episode stuffed from an enormous lunch, it’s the perfect time for she and Guillermo to break down their favorite on-set meals, as well as how eating on camera can be the ultimate acting challenge. Then, Katie and Guillermo get into the shocking events of the episode, including the introduction of Charlie, “Huck-cam” and the return of the tear stick (or lack thereof!) in their emotional performances. Plus, Katie exposes her inability to name former presidents before reading some hilarious Tweets of the Times. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During their rewatch of this shocking episode all about President Fitz’ affair with a young intern, Katie and Guillermo decided there was no better guest to bring on than the infamous Amanda Tanner herself, Liza Weil. Liza opens up about her difficulties during the audition process, all the way to the moment she asked to be in the harness when Amanda Tanner was pulled out of the river. Plus, Katie and Guillermo discuss hiking, enormous wine glasses and the necessity of letting out a little air during tense scenes… which of course means fart sounds galore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie and Guillermo gush about how cool Harrison was in the early episodes of Scandal as the OPA team handles a twist-filled case. Huckleberry Quinn throws in some twists of their own as they discuss epic monologues, how hard it can be to cry under pressure, and… Tony Goldwyn’s abs? Plus, they both share some very personal feelings about the episode, and a possible connection they found on the dark web. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie and Guillermo dive into the second episode of Scandal while sharing some dirty little secrets of their own: Guillermo has a piece of the Scandal set in his home and Katie was terrified of having an on-screen fling with Gideon Wallace, played by Brendan Hines. It’s an episode that breaks down continuity errors, G’s special fan encounters, and… champion figure skater Oksana Baiul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The one-and-only creator of Scandal, Shonda Rhimes joins Katie and Guillermo in their inaugural episode of Unpacking The Toolbox, covering the famous pilot that started it all. Guillermo is shocked to learn where “Gladiators in suits” came from, and Katie shares her once in a lifetime casting story. Plus, Shonda discusses never-before-heard details about the development process for the show, but not before Katie and Guillermo applaud themselves for still fitting into their Scandal shirts from ten years ago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Linda Lowy, casting director for major productions including so many of Shondaland’s hit series, shares the unbelievable story of how she found her way into Hollywood. Plus, Katie, Guillermo and Betsy dive into the many secret functions of a casting director and how much the casting process has improved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The incredibly talented Lyn Paolo joins Katie, Guillermo and Betsy to unpack the industry with a focus on costume design from period pieces to DC politics. Lyn’s path to success was one of hard work and creating deep bonds that have stood the test of time. Plus, everyone wears clothes… So how does Lyn navigate something that everyone might have an opinion on?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multi-talented composer Chad Fischer joins Katie, Guillermo and Betsy to unpack the career path of a lesser-known but vital role in all productions. Betsy and Chad break down the intricacies of scoring television. And Chad walks everyone through his incredible trajectory from indie drummer to master composer, filled a little bit of luck and a whole heap of hard work in every aspect of music and sound.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Katie, Guillermo and Betsy to unpack his career path is Oscar-winning makeup artist Sergio Lopez-Rivera. His love for fashion and design at a young age led him on an incredible journey from Spain to LA, beginning as a driver for some famous names that led to a breakout career filled with heartfelt moments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In solidarity with SAG-AFTRA and in the hopes to bring meaningful, exciting content to their fans, Katie and Guillermo, with the help of Shondaland executive producer, Betsy Beers, will be delivering BONUS EPISODES, bringing on unsung guests in the industry to discuss their journey to TV/Film notoriety, and "Unpack The Industry" for the fans. The first episode takes a deep dive into the crazy paths to success for both Katie and Guillermo. DON'T WORRY, GLADIATORS! Once the strike is over, we will be back to the rewatch episodes you know and love!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone wants to know-- who is the mole?? Katie and Guillermo unpack this plot-heavy episode with legendary producer, Betsy Beers. Betsy's executive produced every Shondaland hit series and is a wealth of Scandal lore, including insight into how the show got started and her close relationship with Shonda Rhimes. Betsy was the host of the original Scandal podcast with her co-host Shonda, back before podcasting was cool. This episode was recorded on May 31, 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an emotional episode, Katie and Guillermo welcome Kerry Washington to dive into life at the end of the first season, and what the future held for the Scandal fam. Kerry shares her casting story, how she felt destined for the role and the importance of being true to yourself on the screen. Plus, Kerry jokes how her romance with Fitz was her second-longest relationship after her husband, and Katie discovers a brand new nickname for Guillermo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.