Unpacking The Toolbox

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...

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/...

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 pre...

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. #WhatTheHuck See omnystudio.com/...

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...

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 touch...

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 goo...

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 f...

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 gue...

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 d...

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 Kati...

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 co...

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...

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...

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 dar...

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 omnystud...

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 n...

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 privac...

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 so...

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 path...

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 befo...

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 Kati...