After their respective exits from Saturday Night Live, beloved comedians Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner are set to reunite on the highly anticipated second season of Nwodim’s Ambie Award-winning interview podcast, Thanks Dad. This deep dive into their enduring friendship and Nwodim’s burgeoning post-SNL career offers fans an intimate look at their journey, now under the banner of iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players Network.
The comedy world is buzzing as Ego Nwodim, a standout performer during her seven seasons on Saturday Night Live, embarks on an exciting new chapter. Just a month after her departure from the iconic sketch comedy show, Nwodim is already making headlines with significant career moves, most notably the return of her critically acclaimed podcast, Thanks Dad.
This upcoming season holds special significance for fans, as Nwodim will kick things off with a reunion alongside former SNL castmate and close friend, Heidi Gardner, who also recently announced her exit from the show. Their combined talent and palpable chemistry promise a podcast experience filled with laughter, candid revelations, and a nostalgic nod to their shared history.
A New Home for ‘Thanks Dad’ and Expanding Horizons
The second season of Thanks Dad is making a significant leap, transitioning to iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players Network. This partnership, announced on October 24, 2025, positions Nwodim’s podcast for broader reach and expanded creative freedom. The move marks a strategic step for the podcast, which earned a prestigious 2025 Ambie Award for Best Interview Podcast during its inaugural season on Headgum. Radio Online reported on the network change, highlighting the show’s blend of “humor, heart, and candid conversation.”
Nwodim expressed her excitement about the new collaboration. “I’m so thrilled to be partnering with iHeartPodcasts, Will Ferrell and Big Money Players for Season 2 of ‘Thanks Dad’!” she stated. “This season, I’m speaking with a broader range of guests, while staying true to the heart of the podcast — to connect, inspire and bring some joy.”
While the first season featured prominent figures like Andy Cohen, Randall Park, Kyle Mooney, and Bill Burr, the new installment promises to move beyond the original premise of interviewing famous fathers. Future episodes will showcase a diverse range of guests, including renowned journalist Tamron Hall and Grammy-winning artist Miguel, offering fresh perspectives and enriching dialogue for listeners.
Ego and Heidi: Friendship Forged in the Halls of SNL
The premiere episode of season two, debuting on Tuesday, October 28, is highly anticipated, largely due to the much-awaited reunion of Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner. The two comedians, who shared a dressing room during Nwodim’s first year on SNL, cultivated a deep bond that fans have cherished. Variety shared details from their upcoming conversation.
Their on-air discussion will delve into the intricacies of their friendship, offering behind-the-scenes insights into their time at SNL. Listeners can expect candid stories about Gardner’s mom’s “wacky ex-boyfriends,” their mutual admiration for actor Jack Black, and even the hilariously intimate detail of “Facetiming naked in the shower.” This level of personal sharing underscores the genuine connection between the two performers.
Recalling their early days, Nwodim acknowledged the role their shared dressing room played in their bond. “It made us close quick, but it doesn’t have to work that way,” Nwodim said. “It could also not make you close… but I’m so grateful we got so close and we got to share that year. Because I wonder if we would have been as close as we are if we didn’t have that.” Gardner confidently responded, “We would have figured it out.”
Life After Saturday Night Live: A Flourishing Career
Nwodim’s decision to depart Saturday Night Live after seven unforgettable seasons, a move announced in September, was driven by a desire to explore new creative avenues and focus on other opportunities, including the continued growth of her podcast. As she eloquently stated on Instagram upon her exit, “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight.”
Her post-SNL journey has quickly gained momentum, demonstrating her versatility as a performer and creator. Beyond the podcast, Nwodim is set to make her off-Broadway debut with a one-woman comedy show at Lincoln Center Theater’s Claire Tow Theater in New York City. This highly anticipated show, directed by Zhailon Levingston, is scheduled to run from November 19 to November 23, 2025.
This off-Broadway engagement is part of Lincoln Center Theater’s The Comedy Series, which will also feature performances from other notable comedians like Jerrod Carmichael, Vir Das, and Sam Jay throughout late 2025. Nwodim’s foray into live theater marks an exciting expansion of her artistic endeavors.
From Viral Sketches to the Big Screen
During her tenure on SNL, Nwodim became celebrated for her memorable characters and viral sketches, including “Miss Eggy” and “Lisa From Temecula.” These performances established her as a distinctive and powerful comedic voice, earning her NAACP Image Awards nominations in both 2024 and 2025.
Her talents are also translating to the silver screen. Nwodim recently wrapped production on Matt Spicer’s Little Brother, an upcoming Netflix comedy film. The ensemble cast features a stellar lineup of talent, including John Cena, Eric Andre, Michelle Monaghan, Christopher Meloni, and Sherry Cola. This project further solidifies Nwodim’s presence across various entertainment platforms.
The move to Big Money Players Network, founded by fellow SNL veteran Will Ferrell and iHeartMedia, places Nwodim alongside a robust slate of comedy podcasts. This network is home to popular shows such as The Ron Burgundy Podcast, Las Culturistas With Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, and Bombing with Eric Andre. This strategic alignment underscores Nwodim’s standing as a formidable force in the comedy landscape.
Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim will release new weekly episodes every Tuesday, available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms, with video versions also accessible on YouTube. Fans eagerly await this new chapter in Nwodim and Gardner’s careers, promising more laughs, insights, and genuine connection.
