Jen and Alli are a formidable, hilarious, real and relatable comedy duo. Their killer sketch show Blogologues has taken off and led to an improv based show that’s innundated with rave reviews. Their comedy is grounded in truths; a lot about relationships and breakups. The girls aren’t afraid to tell it like it is, but use humor to remind us that it’s not so bad, and how helpful it can be to laugh together and remember that you’re not the only one that’s had a bad date (or ten!). Here’s what they had to say about all things love, brekaups and bounce backs!
What do you do and why do you do it?
Jen & Alli: We use live comedy and performance to look at how technology is affecting communication and identity. WTF does that mean?! In our sketch show, Blogologues, we take Reddit threads, Yelp reviews, even Breitbart, and reimagine them with unlikely characters and scenarios. In our improv-based show, How To Break Up By Text, we perform and analyze text break-ups submitted to us on-the-spot.
When we’re not performing IRL, we’re making creative projects online. In our forthcoming podcast with The Daily Dot, 2 Girls 1 Podcast, we interview people behind internet posts and communities. And our upcoming web series, 2 Girls 1 Show, combines real interviews with scripted shenanigans as we…make a live show about the internet. Our lives are kind of meta.
These days, everyone has a voice and, for better or worse, they can easily share their message with the world. Without vetting or context, words can be wildly misinterpreted, which is where the sadness and the fun begins. Heh. The desire to keep up with and use technology has fundamentally changed the way people speak to and understand each other. As actors and comedians, that’s interesting for us. As humans, we want to get people thinking about what it means to connect with other humans in-person. So, in addition to our creative projects, we teach communication workshops worldwide.
What’s the best gift you ever got?
Jen: I once had a boyfriend open his hands like a book and read from this imaginary “card” why he cared for me. Much better than Hallmark.
Alli: Hahah, Jen, that’s the worst gift ever. Jk love you but he got you the gift of nothing. Anywho, the best gift I ever got I received this week. My friend bought me this little book “Reasons You’re Awesome”. She filled it out with 50 reasons. It’s incredible. I’m going to take it with me wherever I go.
What’s the worst gift you ever got?
Jen: Maybe I’ve blocked it out, but I can’t think of one terrible gift. Even if I didn’t like it, I can see why the person who got it for me thought I would! (Though, if we’re defining “gift” loosely, I could say a broken heart.)
Alli: Aw, that was so sad!! Yeah, I can’t really think of a terrible gift. I’ve gotten lame gifts that I’ve never used and promptly forgotten, but I can’t say there’s a “worst gift”. Sorry!!
What’s your advice for all things love, sex and dating?
Jen: For me, I’d say walk the line between making it all special and important (because it is), and allowing some of it to be fun and, yes, even meaningless (and yes, I’m mostly talking about sex here). Go with your desires and intuition in these realms; they won’t lead you astray, even if they guide you into challenging situations. Love, sex, and dating are all about connection- to others and to yourself. If you’re not connecting, move on to the next transformative experience.
Alli: Whoa, big question! Hmm. I think I’m going to go with something somewhat cliche but true: Assess the possibilities and know what you’re comfortable with. Like, really, truly know what you’re comfortable with and where your boundaries are. And that’s a personal choice that doesn’t need to match anyone else’s ideas. For instance, I have a friend that kept sleeping with guys on the first date, and then would always cry about it. There’s nothing wrong with sleeping with a dude on the first date if you’re comfortable with that and you know that you’ll personally feel fine no matter what happens. If you sleep with someone on the first date, you may or may not hear from the person again. No one knows! So don’t do it if you’re uncomfortable with the possibility and will end up crying. Ultimately, only you can look out for yourself in all things love, sex, and dating.
What’s your go-to pick me up?
Jen: Having a strong cup of coffee or a bar of chocolate. Walking in nature. Flirting.
Alli: Reading or walking.
Tell us about your first heartbreak…
Jen: I was a late bloomer and didn’t have my heart broken until I was just out of college. So much of the helplessness I felt post-relationship was wrapped up in how hard it was to step into adulthood overall — with my home, my career, and helping a sick parent. I couldn’t let my ex go for many years, really until I had my next big relationship. And I learned that heartbreak does not get any easier, but at least being aware that it will be hard actually helps.
Alli: Hmm. I think heartbreak is terrible every time and it’s annoying how quickly your married friends forget. ;P
– Tell us about a time you Bounced Back better than ever
Jen: When I was 26, I dated a man I’d been low-key in love with for a decade, who was a bit older than me, and who I really looked up to in a lot of ways — I thought he was fiercely smart, outgoing, ambitious, and adventurous. When he ended the relationship after a year, I remember knowing I had a choice to stew and resent him, or try to take on some of those qualities myself. So I pushed myself towards things that had previously scared me (200-hour yoga teacher certification!) and lived my life more consciously. While I felt a fundamental shift on a personal level, the biggest result was reconnecting with an acquaintance from college (hi, Alli!), who became my long-term business and creative partner!
Alli: Whoa, I didn’t know I came out of that! I won’t put his name here, but go Jen’s ex! Thanks for that. For me… my ex snored. It was a weird and amusing moment when I woke up one morning and realized it was the first time I’d slept through the night in about two years. I don’t know if that really answered your question, but there you are!
