Desperately Devoted to Brenda Strong aka Mary Alice Young
38min - This week on Desperately Devoted, we’re joined by the voice of Wisteria Lane herself, Brenda Strong! For eight seasons, Brenda guided us through every scandal, secret and casserole as Mary Alice Young, and now she’s pulling back the curtain on what it was like to watch the entire show unfold from the narrator’s chair. In this episode, the hosts chat about: Turning an unexpected obstacle into an opportunity, and why 'the obstacle is the path'; The constant tug of war between work and home that so many moms feel; Why planning your own funeral might be one of the kindest gifts you can leave behind. Brenda’s advice to her younger self: relax, trust your gut, and let your heart lead. The freedom that comes with getting older, and the friendships that grow richer over decades. Brenda also shares: How she landed the role, flying back from a Shakespeare production in Montana to audition for producers who kept their eyes closed the entire time; The simple note from Michael Edelstein that unlocked Mary Alice’s voice; Watching every performance before recording, and how the cast’s choices shaped her narration; What happens when strangers recognize her voice at a coffee shop, or on a call with the billing department; Her own rose petal proposal story in Kauai, and why she finally said yes on the side of the road; The two times she narrated live on set, including a moving goodbye to Kathryn Joosten. They also revisit Season 2, Episode 1: 'Next,' including: Marcia Cross’s powerful restraint as Bree, from retying Rex’s tie to breaking down at the empty dining table; Larry Shaw’s clever scene transitions and hidden Easter eggs; The moment the housewives realize they aren’t just neighbors, they’re friends. And a friendly reminder, you can catch new episodes of Desperately Devoted every Monday and Thursday, exclusively on Hulu. Audio is available on iHeart or wherever you get your podcasts on Mondays and Thursdays!