"RE-RELEASE: Kaley Cuoco"

A Near-Fatal Horse Riding Accident [01:25]

• Kaley Cuoco suffered a severe horse riding accident approximately 12-13 years prior.
• The horse fell on her, crushing her leg and causing a compound fracture.
• She had to sign a waiver before surgery, acknowledging the possibility of losing her leg.

  "I had to sign something yeah that's exactly right and luckily i came out and i was so"

The Compound Fracture Explained [01:50]

• Cuoco describes her injury as a compound fracture where the bone came out of her leg.
• The break occurred near her ankle and knee.
• She recalls hearing the cracking sound and initially mistaking it for leaves.

  "I heard all the cracking oh yeah so i was like are there leaves and it took me like five or ten seconds to actually realize it wasn't just 400 leaves it was my bones"

Miraculous Recovery [02:15]

• Despite doctors predicting she wouldn't walk for three months, Cuoco was walking in a boot within a week.
• She returned to work on "The Big Bang Theory" just two weeks after the accident.
• This rapid recovery was considered miraculous.

  "They literally didn't think i would like walk for three months the the they they thought i would not walk for three months i was walking in a week with a boot"

Lingering Hardware [02:35]

• Cuoco still has pins and rods in her leg from the surgery.
• Doctors advised leaving them in as the surgery to remove them would be too painful if they weren't causing issues.

  "They said honestly the surgery would be such a pain for you like if they're not bothering you leave it"

Early Career Aspirations: Tennis vs. Acting [03:30]

• At 16, Cuoco faced a decision between pursuing professional tennis or acting.
• She played competitive junior tennis throughout Southern California and traveled nationally.
• Ultimately, she chose acting, putting her rackets down at 16.

  "I played tennis my whole juniors when i was younger yeah that's all i did and i really thought i was going to be a professional tennis player"

Return to the Court [04:00]

• During COVID-19, Cuoco reconnected with her childhood doubles partner and began playing tennis again.
• They entered tournaments, finding it a fun, socially distant activity.
• She enjoys playing for fun now, as the competitive aspect had previously diminished the enjoyment.

  "So over covid my girlfriend who is my oldest friend who is my doubles partner as a young when we were really young she's like let's start playing again"

The "Big Bang Theory" Journey [05:30]

• Cuoco discusses the extensive rewrites and revamps of "The Big Bang Theory" before she joined.
• The show shot two pilots that were trashed before the third pilot, with Cuoco, was kept.
• She acknowledges that the show changed significantly from her initial involvement.

  "They did a pie they did i believe two old chuck had the thinning shears out huh 100 you're out yeah"

The Decision to End "Big Bang Theory" [06:05]

• The cast initially believed they would do a 13th season.
• Jim Parsons' decision to leave was the primary reason for ending the show after season 12.
• The news was delivered early in season 12, allowing the cast a full season to acknowledge the ending.

  "Jim really did jim parsons really wanted to be done and he was kind of the first person to call it okay"

Missing the Live Audience [06:45]

• Cuoco loved the experience of performing in front of a live audience.
• She fondly remembers the energy and the camaraderie during the live tapings.
• Her father attended every single taping for 12 years, having his own chair in the audience.

  "I loved it i loved the audience i i thought it would i loved obviously love the schedule it was great"

Early Acting Gigs [07:30]

• Cuoco did numerous commercials as a child, including being the "Barbie girl" for two years.
• She also sang the Oscar Mayer song for a commercial.
• Her parents ensured she had a well-rounded childhood with various activities, not just acting.

  "I did do all those commercials i was the barbie girl for like two years i did like a handful of barbie commercials"

Skipping College for Acting [08:00]

• Cuoco disliked school and asked her parents for permission to get her GED at a young age.
• She felt her future was not in traditional schooling.
• Her parents, particularly her father Gary, were permissive and allowed her to pursue her GED.

  "I hated school i don't need trigonometry yeah yeah exactly it wasn't for me"

"Based on a True Story" Concept [09:00]

• Cuoco plays a realtor obsessed with true crime podcasts in the new show.
• Her character and her husband (Chris Messina) discover a plumber (Tom Bateman) might be a serial killer.
• They decide to create a podcast with him about his crimes instead of reporting him.

  "The general concept is that you uh and christmasina are married the great the great christmasina the best"

Pregnancy During Filming [10:00]

• Cuoco was five months pregnant when filming for "Based on a True Story" began.
• She proposed incorporating her pregnancy into the show, and the writers agreed.
• The pregnancy was seamlessly integrated and worked well for the character and storyline.

  "Guys what if this character was pregnant just spitballing i'm like now think think about your answer first"

A Joyful Filming Experience [10:45]

• Cuoco describes the filming experience as one of the most fun she's ever had.
• She felt empowered and comfortable, wearing comfy shoes and eating what she wanted.
• She appreciated the opportunity to be open about her pregnancy while working.

  "It was one of the most fun experiences i have ever i really mean that"

Directing Ambitions [11:45]

• Cuoco believes she could be a good director because she is efficient and doesn't waste time.
• She contrasts her approach with more meticulous directors who enjoy rehearsing and reviewing playback.

  "I think I could direct I think I would be a good director because I like to get in and get out"

The Power of Chemistry [12:30]

• Cuoco highlights the great chemistry between her and Chris Messina on "Based on a True Story."
• She attributes this to them being genuinely nice people, which translates into their on-screen dynamic.

  "The chemistry between you two guys um i don't know it's just i do i do stuff sometimes and people say hey boy how did you guys get such great great chemistry"

"Based on a True Story" on Peacock [13:00]

• The show is set to stream on Peacock starting June 8th.
• The hosts express excitement and plan a viewing party.

  "Based on a true based on a true story june 8th uh streaming on the cock just so we can say it"

Kaley's Energetic Persona [14:00]

• Cuoco is described as having a vibrant spirit and a fun personality.
• Her energy and effervescence are noted as being genuine, not just a character.

  "She's got great vibe i said sunshine wrapped in skin but maybe it's spirit wrapped in skin huh handsome sunshine"

Big Bang Theory's Phenomenal Success [14:30]

• The show achieved massive viewership, with around 30 million viewers per week at its peak.
• Cuoco acknowledges the show's role in keeping sitcoms alive.
• She notes that her own show, "The Millers," benefited from airing after "Big Bang Theory."

  "Big bang theory had got like 30 million viewers a week like it was insane"

Meeting Tom Pelphrey [15:00]

• Cuoco met her partner, Tom Pelphrey, through their shared manager.
• She initially wasn't ready for a new relationship but met him at the "Ozark" premiere.
• Their connection was immediate, described as a moment where "the world kind of stopped."

  "And when i got there um we were a little late and so everyone was piling into the theater i didn't have a minute to meet him"

Rapid Relationship Progression [15:30]

• Cuoco and Pelphrey got pregnant two months into their relationship.
• They welcomed their daughter, Matilda, who is now five weeks old.
• Cuoco acknowledges their fast-paced approach to starting a family.

  "We've been together for one year we got pregnant two months in we have a baby we were like boom boom boom wow"

The Support System for New Motherhood [16:00]

• Cuoco credits having significant help with their baby for allowing them to manage.
• She highlights the importance of family support, comparing it to historical living arrangements.
• Her mother and Pelphrey's mother are actively involved and supportive.

  "She no she's pretty awesome look i'm not gonna lie i i we have some very nice help"

Learning CPR for Baby Matilda [16:30]

• Cuoco and Pelphrey underwent private CPR sessions for their newborn.
• She found the experience terrifying and expressed concern about remembering the steps.

  "We had these private cpr sessions which by the way was terrifying"

Acting vs. Real-Life Danger [17:00]

• Cuoco discusses the difference between acting out CPR scenes and real-life application.
• She notes that actors often use padding during CPR scenes to avoid actual injury.

  "I remember we had to do cpr and one in a scene in flight i mean they're pretty padded"

The "Big Bang Theory" Pilot Process [18:00]

• Cuoco was the third actress cast in "The Big Bang Theory."
• Two previous pilots were filmed and scrapped before the version with Cuoco was greenlit.
• The show underwent significant rewriting and revamping throughout its early stages.

  "They did a pie they did i believe two old chuck had the thinning shears out huh 100 you're out yeah"

Preparing for Fame and Fortune [19:00]

• Cuoco describes her rise to fame as a slow, uphill climb rather than an overnight sensation.
• Having been in the business since age five, she felt more prepared for the success of "The Big Bang Theory."

  "I hated him in this word whatever this fame or whatever i was such on a slow like uphill climb"

Connecting with Johnny Galecki [20:00]

• Cuoco speaks highly of her "Big Bang Theory" co-star Johnny Galecki, calling him a "nice guy" and a "sweet soul."
• She mentions he has moved to Nashville and is enjoying life there.

  "I know I know a few people but I certainly know Johnny a little bit such a nice guy"

The Genesis of "Based on a True Story" [21:00]

• Tom Pelphrey was reading the script for "Based on a True Story" early in their relationship.
• Cuoco read it and found it hilarious, deciding she had to be a part of it.
• She humorously admits to "stealing" the script from Jason Bateman's trailer.

  "He goes I'm reading this based on a true story I I can't do it because I've got this other show yes"

Incorporating Pregnancy into the Show [22:00]

• Cuoco suggested writing her pregnancy into the show, which was initially unplanned.
• The writers were receptive, and the pregnancy became a natural part of the storyline.
• She was five months pregnant when filming began and wrapped just four weeks before giving birth.

  "Guys what if this character was pregnant just spitballing i'm like now think think about your answer first"

A "Queen" on Set [23:00]

• Cuoco felt treated like a "freaking queen" during filming due to her pregnancy.
• She enjoyed the freedom to eat what she wanted and wear comfortable shoes.
• She felt empowered by working while pregnant and showcasing that it's possible.

  "It was awesome because i got to i i mean what job I got to eat what I wanted I was treated like a freaking queen"

The Serial Killer's Identity [24:00]

• Cuoco expresses a desire to have played the serial killer character in "Based on a True Story."
• She praises Tom Bateman's performance as the plumber who may be a killer.

  "I would have killed to play that killer I want to play"

Second Season Hopes [25:00]

• Cuoco is eager for a second season of "Based on a True Story."
• She describes the filming experience as one of her most enjoyable.
• She praises the writing, concept, and the chemistry with co-star Chris Messina.

  "I would do a second season in a heartbeat let's get it done let's get this done today"

The Secret to Great Chemistry [26:00]

• Cuoco believes great on-screen chemistry stems from genuine niceness between actors.
• She states that working with someone who isn't a "dickhead" makes chemistry easier.

  "The chemistry is not not a mystery if you're not working with a dickhead yeah yeah exactly"

The "Scrunchie Bit" [27:00]

• Jason attempts to do a bit involving a scrunchie, referencing Cuoco's hairstyle.
• Cuoco humorously plays along, acknowledging her fondness for the 80s accessory.

  "I always do my scrunchie I've never seen the scrunchie oh I've seen the scrunchie for 20 years yeah"

Jason's Golfing Woes [28:00]

• Cuoco discusses Jason's slow play and perceived crankiness on the golf course.
• She suggests his low blood sugar might be contributing to his mood and play.
• She jokes about being a potential "sports psychologist" for him.

  "Apart from the fact that jason I think you're malnourished and your blood sugar is abnormally low"

A Fond Farewell to Kaley [29:00]

• The hosts express their enjoyment of having Kaley Cuoco on the show.
• They praise her energy, personality, and performance.

  "Kaylee love you thank you you crushed this you know you crushed this thank you"

Remembering "The Big Bang Theory" [30:00]

• Cuoco reflects on the immense success of "The Big Bang Theory."
• She emphasizes that her vibrant personality seen on the show is authentic.

  "She was so great on big bang theory and and so funny and fun yeah just like yeah just had so much life to her"

Birthday Wishes and Show Sign-off [31:00]

• The hosts offer birthday wishes to Will Arnett.
• They conclude by mentioning the "Smartless" podcast's production team.

  "Happy birthday to you happy birthday to you happy birthday sweet sweet willy arnett happy birthday"