Meet Suki Lopez: Actor, Dancer, Designer… and Nina on Sesame Street 🌈💛⭐📺

Speaker A: Going to talk after the podcast, but I'm going to figure out a way to become like the, uh, the coffee getter first for Sesame Street. Can I get you water? Hi, welcome to Sesame Street. I'm Rob. Nice to meet you. The executive director of fun here at Sesame Street. Can I get you a hot chocolate? No, that's good.

Speaker B: Oh, my God, that delicious though.

Speaker A: When vios back to meet the creatives. I don't know the buen Veritos part. That's all I know.

Speaker B: So other, uh, Spanish you got.

Speaker A: We're off to a rough start. Yeah, that's right.

Speaker B: I'll take it. I'll take it.

Speaker A: Yes. Today we are here with Suki Lopez. Suki, thank you so much for being on the podcast. I greatly appreciate you being here.

Speaker B: Of course, I'm happy to be here.

Speaker A: Suki Lopez is an actor, a dancer, designer, and an educator. And you may know her as a role from, uh, Nina from Sesame Street. But beyond that, you have an incredible life in theater and television and in design. There's kind of a cool tie in there. So thank you for being here. I just did a podcast recently and the question I get is like, how do you meet these people? How does it come about? And at the risk of being self indulgent, I just want to say a quick story before the show. I remember that feeling of being a first time parent. Sort of like the feeling of coming home from the hospital. And everyone always talks about that. And it's like one of those things, the cliche. You hear that. It's like that moment when you first get home, you're like, oh my God. I distinctly remember that moment. And I remember when my wife went back to work. I remember I didn't know what to do. So I went back to the old tried and true and I put on Sesame street. And you were there and you had a great energy. It made me feel like I was like, not alone and that it was going to be okay. And it's such a cool full circle to return from sort of a long hiatus to have, uh, you be the first guest in the show. But you wanted to thank you and I found you right on Sesame Street. So if you're asking, that's that's how,

Speaker B: that's how you found me.

Speaker A: That's good.

Speaker B: Really cool. Yeah. And that's, it's a hard time being like a parent, like, yeah, moment. Those first moments of coming home and like, they trust me with this little person. Like, yeah, what am I? Like you have help at the hospital, like Nurses are there and like people are checking in on you. And then you go home and you're like, now what?

Speaker A: I'm out. I distinctly remember my mother in law was like, are you just gonna sit there? Are you staring at the wall? That's good. But anyway, let's get into it. Let's jump into the questions. I'm super excited about this. I know that you are Cuban. I know you're from Miami, I know you are prolific, uh, in the dance space. But tell me about setting out on your creative journey. I know that you were dancing from a very young age. I would imagine you were the girl who was like sitting, singing and everything like that. But tell me about that. Those early days before you were icon, global icon. Suki Lopez, Nina from Sesame Street.

Speaker B: So, yeah, I started dancing when I was little. My mom was a ballerina. My mom was with Miami City Ballet. So like, dancing was always like part of my life. Um, she had her own dance school that she started like, literally right before I was born. So I grew up in a studio. I was dancing by like two and a half and doing ballet. And then, um, every other dance form that was, you know, available to me is, you know, I was, I was doing it, but I loved it. I loved being on stage specifically. Like, I, I can remember like the first times and the feelings of like, oh, the lights and like, people are out there and you get this energy from the audience. And I knew I loved it. And I knew like from early on that I was like, I want to do this, I want to keep doing this. Um, but I was also very creative in other places. And I really, like, I was. I loved art, I loved painting, um, and I loved singing and I got involved in my choir at school. But all of these things were kind of separate from each other until later on in my life when they started to like, blend more. Um, and I figured out ways to put them together. And that's where I kind of found that more success in like blending all these things that I kind of had found that I was good at. But I just never figured out how to piece them together like that. Crossing the dancing, like, I never, I had never even considered putting those two on stage at the same time. And I always loved watching Broadway. I would, I, uh. Because I, I was very into ballet, so I went to New York in the summers and I would do like the Joffrey programs and the ABT programs. So my dad loved Broadway shows and he would take us to see Broadway. And then I remember like that, aha, moment when I was like 12 and I was watching a Broadway show and I was like, oh, oh, I could do this. Like I could, I could sing and dance at the same time.

Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, I love that.

Speaker B: I was like, that seems like something that I would be interested in, but. And I didn't really consider myself an actor at that point. So I just was like kind of on the thing of like, I can't. Oh, I need to figure out the acting thing. Um, even though I had done commercials when I was little, I just didn't.

Speaker A: Little flex.

Speaker B: I had no idea that that was. Yeah, I could do that.

Speaker A: You were born to be a star. I love that so much. I think that one of the things that I really want to get across on this sort of new season of Meet the Creatives is that you can have sort of a yes and mentality. And for many creative people, especially people like myself, like, I kind of have like a, uh, like I'm like a high functioning, like adhd. And I think there are so many people who actually probably would be more creatively expressive and have more fun if they would just sort of do it all. Like you really can. There's something about the human brain that's like, we have to focus on one thing, like achieve the task. But lately I, I see so much of myself and you in this regard. Like you're able to do so much and people like, how do you do? It's like I couldn't see myself doing anything else. I would.

Speaker B: No. I've had a lot of talks at schools with like the, the juniors and, and senior groups that are going off and my main thing is always like, it's not a plan A and a plan B. They are both your plan A. Like especially in, in, in the world that we're in right now, you can't expect to be an artist and that to be your primary income at the start or maybe even ever. Like that's, that's just the reality. You have to say yes and all the time. So it's like, okay, yeah, this is what I'm, this is what I want to do. But how am I going to finance that with something else that I have? And there's so many ways to do that now with social media, marketing, with graphic design and things that you can do on your own, on your computer. Think ways that you can, you know, basically sell your thoughts and your imagination and your ideas, uh, to people all over the Internet and, and make money on that to finance the big project that you're doing. Whether you're self producing something or whether you're auditioning for work or whether you're, you know, trying to get a big project off, off its feet, like you still, you will always need something on the side. That's why, like that, that thing of like actors always having like you know, a job in a restaurant or, you know, you needed that because you can't audition. I mean auditions don't bring in money and uh, sometimes auditions take a long time and to book something so you can't just like roll, you know, roll through it without anything to back you up. Especially if you're living in a place like New York or la, that's not, it's not realistic. And so I think everybody, you know, gets this weird illogical idea that you can go and just sit there and focus on your craft, on this craft. No so true of acting or focus on the single craft of singing without any income and uh, then book a job and then you're fine. That's not, that's not the reality. The reality is constant. You're constantly auditioning, you're booking jobs, then there's lulls in between. Whether it's in between contracts and you're lucky enough to have something recurring like me or you're, or it's, you know, you're just booking the next thing. God knows, you know, Broadway shows last forever. Like 10 years or they last five minutes. I don't, you know, don't know what you're doing. So you always. I know my, plenty of people on Broadway that are social media managers on the side and they have great incomes, they're very steady, but they a need another place to put their brain. Like uh, you can't just be always thinking about one story and one show. So like that you still need that creative input. And I think this is just for performers. I mean I don't, I'm not going to speak for all performers but I, A lot of performers I know are on you know, some kind of ADHD spectrum. I don't know.

Speaker A: No, for sure.

Speaker B: The neurodivergent brain is great at like the here and now. And so actors have to be present and, and have to be responding in the here and now and they have to be super hyper focused on the here and now. And that is something that those kinds of brains do really well with and with stress, like totally chill and stressed situations in like, let's go in urgency. Urgency is like you. Yes, any urgency. I'm, I'm rolling, I'm doing fine. Everybody else panicking. And I'm chill. I would like to reframe that for. For a lot of people because I think everybody sees it as a detriment. It's like, no, the everybody that's in these spaces are doing well in these spaces because their brain works like this. Like, if brain didn't work like this, it would be very scary to be on stage as an understudy for a role that you've done once and you're doing it in front of an audience of thousands of people with the director there and with, uh, people in the audience that are reviewing the show. That happened to me on west side Story. I was on a two. We were off for two weeks for the holidays. I came back and Anita called out because she was super sick. And I walked into that role after not having done the show for two weeks, knowing that the director was in the audience. David Saint, like, the Broadway director was in the audience and knowing that there were reviewers in the audience. And I was like, okay, all right, here we go. Here we go.

Speaker A: It's now or never.

Speaker B: There's that. That kind of stress is always going to be present. Like, it's just always going to be there. So you. And. And I'm. I find it a great thing that my brain works that way because I wouldn't be able to do that otherwise.

Speaker A: Yeah, absolutely. No, it's so true. And I. I just talked to, and I want to give them a proper shout out. They're going to be super hyped. They're for. They're from Manchester. They have these great accents. It's called the what's yous Mom Thing? Podcast. I want to definitely recommend you for that. And this is going to be the beginning of your podcast Circuit Journey.

Speaker B: My podcast, I love.

Speaker A: Dude, they're awesome. Yeah. Christian and Michael are amazing. They've got amazing accents. They really make me. I'm going to start. I'm going to start faking a British accent. I just decided they sound so good.

Speaker B: Like, they sound just so like, legit.

Speaker A: They are. They are, yeah. Like, they're. I think they've been doing it for a few years, but they had this. This podcast and we were talking about sort of that experience about how when I started this podcast, I was so adamant about, like, seeing like, seeming like a peer, seeming like somebody cool. But like, now I'm the first to be like, last night, in order to make ends meet, in order to make Rent, I was in New York City at, ah, uh, Cipriani's, and on Wall Street, I finally Made it. I finally did it. Shout out to all my haters. All the opps are having a real, real rough year. Um, no, but, like. But I was there last night until, like, you know, until like, 1:00 clock in the morning. Went to bed, like, 2, 3, and I did it. And it's so funny. It's like, people like, oh, you get to do all this cool stuff. It's like, yeah, but you have to be. Especially in today's day and age, in this environment, you have to be grinding it out. And so many people see this sort of destination, and they don't recognize that people do multiple other things. I just saw on TikTok the other day, and I don't know if this is, like, a competitor or whatever, how this works, but I saw, um, one of the girls from Miss Rachel works on Broadway, and the people in the comments section were like, that TikTok sound

Speaker B: like, what are you doing for Ms. Rachel?

Speaker A: Yeah. And she's like, this is actually, like, my main gig. It's actually Broadway. Like, Ms. Rachel's like, something else. Sorry to bring up Ms. Rachel.

Speaker B: No, the stuff that she's doing is amazing. Sesame street and Miss Rachel have done a bunch of collabs.

Speaker A: It just. It just dawned on me. So have you, like, hung out Ms. Rachel before? Is this happening?

Speaker B: No, I haven't, actually. I have not.

Speaker A: That's crazy.

Speaker B: I would love to.

Speaker A: I feel like we're manifesting this. We're manifesting this right now.

Speaker B: We're manifesting one day. One day I get to Miss Rachel.

Speaker A: Yeah. It's all good. Honestly, you are so my daughter, Belle. You two are her favorite. And then after our, uh. We did a preliminary zoom call before this, just to make sure. I think that was probably just you making sure that was normal. Uh, I'm just kidding. Uh, but she was watching Sesame street, though, just like, is this the girl that we just facetime with the other day? She's good like that. She really is that smart. A lot of people say that.

Speaker B: They. No, they. They have. I. I see it because that happened with my kids, too. They were like, is that that you? And they would, like, turn around, look at me?

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: When they got old enough to, like, express it verbally, they were like, mama

Speaker A: M. Oh, my God. That's crazy. We're working on Nina. She doesn't have Nina yet, but we're getting there. We have Mama, dad, dad, and Baba, the three.

Speaker B: Nina's next. Nina next.

Speaker A: Exactly. I would love to talk about sort of what advice that you would give to sort of like your younger self. I know it's sort of like a cliche thing, but man, if I had a time machine and I can go back and have a conversation with myself, I would love to do that. And I think that it could be the journey of life. Not to be too cliche, but it could be such a winding, crazy road and I would never. Everything that I thought would happen and I'll like, oh, it's going to go like this. It was not like that at all. So I'm giving you, I'm giving you. We're hopping in the time machine. We're using our imagination. If you can go back and give yourself any advice, like, what would you say?

Speaker B: Oof, I have so many things that are coming into my brain right now.

Speaker A: Let's get real. We got to get like real. If you're not crying by getting this episode, I failed as an interview.

Speaker B: Um, I think I would say, like, it's going to be okay. Like I'm a worry body. I worry a lot. And I feel like there were many times where I found myself where I felt like I was like on the, on the wrong road. Right? Like I, I, I started off in la. I didn't like la. I was, I went to the wrong school. It wasn't the right place for me. I wanted to be in New York and I, I transferred my, my first year out of school, which is like, was, you know, a hard thing to do because you just, I uprooted myself from Miami, went to la, was doing what I wanted to be doing, but didn't feel like I was in the right place. And then I had to transfer over to, I transferred to New York for my second year, but I wasn't. Now I, I wasn't getting a degree anymore. I was doing a certificate program which my parents didn't love the concept of. But I, I felt like I, like, I can't waste another year trying to, you know, because if at that point, at the end of that year I couldn't transfer and be within the same like year, you know what I mean? Like, I've had to audition and wait for the next one. And I was like, that's, I can't waste that time. I, I kind of knew, like, I'm a young looking person, like, if I'm gonna work, I'm gonna work now so that I can go home and have a family later. Like, I did have an overarching plan in my head and like, I did end up where I wanted to be. I just didn't get there how I thought I was going to get there. And I think it's just like, I, uh, would, I would just say you're doing great. Trust your gut. And, and like, I wouldn't have made any different choices than I had made. I just would have stressed less about it if possible. You know what I mean? Like, that and that. And I think that other like there. Because there were some like, crucial like, moments. There was that moment. There was the moment after west side Story where I was like, oh my God, I just did my dream show. What do I do now? Like, I just did, uh, the national tour of my dream show. Like, yeah, I could do it I guess again, but like I want, I want to do something else, but I don't even know. Like, I guess I'll keep auditioning but like, I don't feel that the same kind of drive that I had because I was like, I just accomplished a major like, life goal for my, in

Speaker A: my head I've been there recently, like

Speaker B: the place and like, get in the new, in the new groove again. And it was hard. It was hard and I kind of got in a slump. And then thankfully I, I booked Sesame street and that was like, okay, um, and not, that was not expected at all.

Speaker A: And I, well, tell me about that and, and your own, and your own personal story that does not reflect Sesame street or anything.

Speaker B: It was, I, I was, I was in a, I was in a slump because I, I had chosen life that year, basically. I chose my family that year. I, my sister was getting married and I wanted to be around. So I, I, it wasn't like, I wasn't getting work. I was, I was booking stuff, but I was booking stuff that was going to put me out of town in major moments that I knew I wanted to be at. So like, you know, I went to, I was going to do like a regional west side Story and I was like, well, no, I can't do that because it's going to put me out of town during my sister's bridal shower and I'm the maid of honor and I need to be there. So I wish I, I just wasn't willing to compromise on those moments. So I didn't do it. Um, and so that left me like, you know, for six months high and dry where I was like hosting at restaurants in, in Manhattan and like, you know, I guess, you know, co checking and doing, you know, really boring stuff and kind of like deciding, okay, maybe I need to get into the, the design stuff because I need something Creative in my life. I need to do something that is using my ideas. Um, and so I started doing that, and I was, like, doing chalkboard art. Like, you know, like. But then I kept.

Speaker A: This is so, like, like, Millennial coded. I love.

Speaker B: I know. And then the, uh, the, like, the branch company that, like, the HQ of the restaurant group saw my chalkboard art, and they're like, oh, my God, I love what you're doing. Okay, can you do, like, our whole menu on this giant mirror? And I was like, okay, cool, fine. I did the whole menu on the giant mirror. They loved it. And then they're like, can you do the same other restaurant that we have in Soho? And I was like, okay. I'm like, or can you do it in the East Village? And then. So now they started, like, poke, like, taking me around to do their chalkboards in all of their restaurants, and then I ended up in hq.

Speaker A: Wow.

Speaker B: Doing their, like, email blasts and, like, graphic design. So. And then they would ship me off wherever they needed me to do, like, the. The little chalkboard art. So it's funny how, like, stuff like that, like, like, started me down a completely different path, which I've kept doing, like, graphics, graphic work, um, and logos and things for people and for my own, uh, business and for m. Like, mbsa, where I. I, you know, direct and whatever, you know, teach at now.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Uh, so, yeah, so that was weird. And it kind of opened that door. So this is a m. Yes. And moment. It was like, yes, I still am auditioning, but I also need to make sure that I am fulfilled creatively and making money. So that door opened, and I walked right through it, and I was like, yep, this works.

Speaker A: Yeah, definitely.

Speaker B: I. Then I. I. So, yeah, I guess saying. Saying yes. Also the reason that I stayed after west side Story, my husband, who was then my boyfriend. Um, which, again, big no, no in Cuban culture, to live with your boyfriend.

Speaker A: Oh, my God.

Speaker B: Marriage.

Speaker A: Um, so that was meal, I should say. Sorry.

Speaker B: Oh, yeah, we. It was. It was dry. Yeah, it was drama. My mom was better about it because she felt more comfortable with me being with somebody that she knew rather than being by myself. So she. She was kind of more New age.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Uh, dad, he was fine with it. Like, he's always been a little more chill about that. But, like, his parents were like. I mean, they were born in Cuba. Like, no. They were like, absolutely not. Um, but they got over. Was like, we lived there for, like, nine years, ten years. So, um. And, yeah, so everything's fine. Like, they didn't like, disown us, but they were. It was. It was Rocky.

Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah.

Speaker B: Um, so whatever. We were living together, and I had done the Disney Cruise Line contract, and I had done the west side Story tour, so I hadn't been living in New York for, like, two years.

Speaker A: What'd you do for Disney, by the way? I meant to ask you that.

Speaker B: Um. I did Disney Cruise Line. I did.

Speaker A: I know that, but.

Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. So I. I did, like, I played Bell.

Speaker A: No way. Really?

Speaker B: Yes, I did. I played Belle in one of the shows. I mean. Yeah. And like. Or actually, yeah, we have to see,

Speaker A: like, videos and pictures.

Speaker B: I wore, like, the ball gown at, like, the. The farewell show, and it's just like, a wave. I didn't even sit. Like, I could do.

Speaker A: I could do it.

Speaker B: Goodbye. Anything that, like, lets you be a kid and lets you, like, feel joyful feelings. I'm. I'm. I'm here for it.

Speaker A: As I mentioned earlier today, I discovered you as Nina on Sesame street, and you, uh, just had such a kind of a fun, carefree vibe on the show. And, um, I wasn't exactly sure what to make of it, because all the Sesame street stuff that I had seen previously was sort of either older or from the 90s when I was there. And it's changed so much since then. But, um, there's a lot of exciting things happening in Sesame Street. You guys are going to Netflix the whole nine Yards. But in your own personal experience, what is it like a day in the life on the set of Sesame Street? Uh, and how many times are you at cocktail parties when people are like, so, can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street? Does that happen to you all the time? I would imagine it does.

Speaker B: You know, surprisingly, no.

Speaker A: Just you, Rob.

Speaker B: I've gotten that question. I've gotten that question. But it doesn't happen as often as you would think.

Speaker A: Okay.

Speaker B: But there have been times that it, like, it's been weird. Like, there was one time on the

Speaker A: subway where I was like, how do you know?

Speaker B: Like, how do you know me? You're 12.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: How do you. Are you. Grandpa? Yeah. Um.

Speaker A: Do you have a child? Right, yeah.

Speaker B: Yeah. Uh, yeah. And, yeah, it's definitely happened, but it's not. It's really not as often as you would think, because I think I. I carry myself in the world differently than I. And then I carry myself on the show.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: So, like, I don't think that it's that obvious. And. And, like, the little kids aren't going to call it out. Like, they're going to notice it, but they're not. They're. I mean, the target audience is like three.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Like two year olds. Like, maybe can't even say it yet.

Speaker A: Like, yeah.

Speaker B: They can't articulate what's going on. They haven't, they haven't pie together. And it happens like, if you're seeing somebody in passing, it happens so quick.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: So I. I've. It's happened a few times with a little, like kids a little older, where they'll point out. They'll point it out and be like, I know you. Um, but it's most, it's more like at the studio and things like that, where I saw Episode today and like, things like that. So that's really cute because I have like, kids that are watching it at home either, uh, like with their little siblings or, or they watch it themselves because we teach like little three and four year olds also, so that's awesome. Pretty cute. It's pretty adorable. But yeah, day in the life. I mean, like, I feel like, like I said, like, going to, going to work, I'm already happy. You know what I mean? Like, I'm already excited because I know I'm going to be working with Muppets and they're like, just a blast.

Speaker A: Like, what is that? That's the part I care so much about. What. What is that experience? Like, when you're like, and for. You're very humble and very modest? I just want to say, like, in preparation for this podcast, I really tried to like, go through the Internet and try and find like, what episodes you're in so I could, you know, because in your mind, you're just like, they're going to question you and you need to know. But you're in some of these scenes that are just incredibly iconic. Like, uh, for example, like for Bert and Ernie, there's Bert and Ernie and they're singing Rubber Ducky and you're in between the two of them. Like, what. As much detail as you can give me. What is that experience? I need to know what that's like.

Speaker B: I m mean, I think part of me is like, I'm. I'm aware of that, like, of like, how like, cool that is. But I'm also just like, I'm just happy. Like, I'm lucky I get to do it. You know what I mean? I. I go into it every day just like, I'm just happy to be here. I'm just happy. I. And I think maybe that's the artist mentality in me, or maybe that's like, the, you know, the, like, dancer mentality of, like, everything is fleeting.

Speaker A: Mm.

Speaker B: Like, I don't know when my last day is gonna be.

Speaker A: I do get away all the time

Speaker B: when this last moment is gonna be. So I just cherish every moment and every opportunity. Like, you know, I. I'm happy. I'm just happy to be here. I can't. I don't take any of it for granted. And it was the same way with, like, being on stage. It's like, I don't know when my next moment. When my next opportunity to be on stage is like. So I cherish this moment because not everybody gets to do this. I truly see it as, like, um, I'm just happy to be here. I'm just lucky that I get to do this and call it a job.

Speaker A: Do you feel that? Because your tenure at Sesame street has been pretty long, and I had a friend of mine, Sarah Rebar, who worked at Sesame street, shout out Sarah Rebar. Uh, and the whole crew at Sesame street was really, really kind and generous on the last episode. So I promise today we're going to have a nice. This is going to be a brief section. Um, but you've been there for a long time, and Sarah kind of talked about how people there have. Tend to have a long tenure more than, like, most places. And you, like, 10 years of. 10 years plus, I believe, of being on the show. Has your mindset changed as. From sort of, like, you know, you're being thrust into this sort of new role with, like, HBO and all this pressure and all this media stuff to now? Has your mindset sort of changed, or have you always sort of maintained that sort of humble, happy to be here mentality, if you will?

Speaker B: I think I've always had that meant, like, I'm just happy to be here.

Speaker A: Just locked in, bro.

Speaker B: Like, I. I was. I'm similar to what you were saying. Like, I've just. Like, I've always had a childlike mentality. I've always felt young at heart. I think I cried at my seventh birthday because I was getting older and I didn't want to get older. I was like, I want to be like, I want to go to Neverland. I don't want to get older. Like, I just. I knew that, like, being a kid was awesome, and, like, I just didn't want to get older. And then I cried again on my 21st birthday because I was like, I'm just kidding. No, actually was my 20th birthday because I was like, there's nothing to gain here. I'm 20. I'm not even 21. Can't drink yet. So, like, just. What, what is 20? You just feel old.

Speaker A: Yeah. And you still look so young, too. Like, you really do. I was looking at, like, from the, the early videos to now. You. You do have, like, a very young face.

Speaker B: Thank you. I get that. I get that a lot. And I always, like, I, except for children who say, they're like, you know, I'm like, oh. They're like, how old are you? And I say, guess, and they're like, 60. And I'm like, no, no, I regret asking. Adults always, always assume I'm younger than I am. And I think that's just, I think that's just my, my energy level and my, like, gusto,

Speaker A: the New York word I would use.

Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. So, yeah, I think I just carry myself younger than I am. But I, I, I've always felt like a kid. I've always want, I always want to hang out with the kids. I always want to, like, be at the coloring table. I always, like, so being, you know, being on a show that, like, is geared towards kids and has Muppets and, like, being able to. I think that's why I was, like, so, like, good in my audition was because I was talking to the Muppet. Like, we're peers. Like, we're hanging out, having a good time. It's not like, you know, like, talking down to a child. I never talk down to them because I feel like I'm at their level where we're the same, you and me.

Speaker A: I wholeheartedly agree with you 100%.

Speaker B: That's the, that's, that's the, the piece of the puzzle that I, I, I don't give myself credit for, like, having that skill because I think it's a skill to be able to communicate with a kid on their level. So. Yeah.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: And I'm actually writing a, an interactive journal, like a goals journal for kids. So. And I think that, that I, that's when I kind of started to realize I'm like, okay, I can use this tone and help kids, you know, uh, because nobody writes like that for kids, like, to help them be better and be like. And, and there's kids that have, like, big goals and like, big, like, aspirations, and they don't know how to, how to get it done or, or like, they're fighting their own, they're fighting for their own attention against social media, against TV and, and games and, and whatever, so they don't have time to sit with their thoughts. So if they Have a tool to help them sit with their thoughts and, like, ruminate a little bit and just kind of slow down and think about what it is that they want. I feel like that's. That's something that's missing, so.

Speaker A: Yeah, definitely. And there's. There's a level of respect, and if you give it to them, like, I have, like, with my. My niece, Shout Out Ashlyn, uh, and my nephew, too. Love them both, um, and all the other family members who I have failed to.

Speaker B: Yeah.

Speaker A: You got to mention here on the. On the Sesame street episode. But, you know, she's always. We've. We've always. I've known her since she's been born, and we've always had a great relationship, but our relationship really started to. To sort of, like, bloom and become real when I started to recognize her as, you know, I always tried to, like, talk to her like a kid. And you're so quick to sort of do that. It's a very, like, you know, like, the 90s. Parents are picking on that. Like, you're a kid. It's because I said so. But when I started. When I started to recognize her and really see her, I think she's in, like, like fifth grade or sixth grade or something like that. But she is an incredible dancer. You got your. Your. Your dance studio probably, like, dances against her or whatever. She's, uh, you know, but. But in her mind, she's. And. And in reality, she's, you know, she's locked in. She's, like, doing dance recital. She has friends. They have conversations. You know what I mean? She has, like, big opinions on, like, fashion and stuff like that. It's like, to me, I'm like, oh, hey, little girl. Um, I'm actually doing that relationship sort of a disservice because I forget she's awesome and she's really competitive and has nuanced thoughts and stuff like that. And it's like the moment that I started treating her with the respect that she deserves and not like, hey, you're my little niece, and just start pushing her and shoving her and joking around. I saw her really as a person. Now we have such a great relationship, and she talks to me, and I don't change the inflection of my voice when I talk to her. And it really is. It's rewarding, I think. And as a. As a new parent, I think it's an important lesson to learn that kids want to be respected. And I think that. And to tie it all back together.

Speaker B: Yeah. You don't have to Change your tone. You don't have to talk to them.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Your friend. Like, they're. They are people.

Speaker A: Yeah. Uh, all people.

Speaker B: They're just little people.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: And I think. I think a lot of people, you know, like. Yeah, I, I think a lot of people assume that kids don't understand or can't understand, and they are very delicate with what they say or converse, having conversations with them. And I, I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum there because I feel like if they're asking the question, you should answer it. You can m. You. If it's a. If it's an edgy question, you can just answer it with one word and move on. And that might be enough, but, like, skirting around it makes it feel like that is a taboo topic and you can't ask that question.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: And then they stop coming to you, and then they stop asking questions. And you want to be the person that they come to and ask questions.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Not. They're going to ask somebody else and who knows what answer they're going to get? So I'd rather be the person they come to. They know that they can come to me. I'm. Nothing is taboo. I will answer it in. In the, you know, best way I can without, you know, getting into it, you know.

Speaker A: Do you think that your. I do. Sorry. Not to try to. Do you think that your time working in children's television and then mentoring with all your dancers, do you think that that's informed your role as a parent? And then. And if so, like, and if so, how.

Speaker B: Yeah, I. Yeah, for sure.

Speaker A: So that was actually. That was my first, like, adult, real interview question.

Speaker B: Uh, yeah, no, no, I, I think so. For sure. The stuff I've learned through Sesame Street, I get to. I get to sit in on, like, curriculum meetings and things like that, and they, like, let us know, like, the goals for the script. So, like, I understand what, what the message we're trying to get across is, and I understand they, they do so much research to find out what it is that kids need for each season or, like, what, like what's. What are the, the weak points for. For kids at that moment. And they, they create episodes to target those. So, um, so I learned a lot throughout the years, uh, about how to communicate with kids and also just be. I, I realized that I am the model for the adult on how to talk to the kids. And I realized, oh, that's. That's important. I, I didn't realize that other people didn't know how to communicate with their kid or like what language to use or what was okay or like that they could play, that they could have fun, that they could, you know, be a little loose and, and it's not, you're not going to lose respect from the kid. You're not going to be seen as less important because you went down to their level or because you're at their level, you know.

Speaker A: Yeah, for sure.

Speaker B: So I think that that definitely informed that piece. And then, yeah, working with kids, I, I, my, I work with kids of all ages. Um, and so now I think it's the other way around with the studio in some cases because now with my daughter, she's five and I'm seeing what she's capable of and what she's not capable of and not because she's not like more because of just like.

Speaker A: Right.

Speaker B: Like developmentally not there yet.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: So I, I think I did learn a lot about the expectations that I should put on certain ages, um, physically because of like just developmental leaps and

Speaker A: like meeting them where they are. Yeah, yeah.

Speaker B: Between a two year old and a three year old is insane.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Like, so, you know, it's like I, I was like, maybe we should open a two year old class. I'm like, now I understand why two and a half is the, yeah, like the go to. Like. Yeah, you can start at two and a half if you want. Three is definitely like the age to start. You can if, if you have an old, you know, soul in a two year old, you know, and like, you know, your kid, like there's a two year old and there's a two year old. Like they're completely different because their personalities are different, you know, so there are some kids that are going to do great in a ballet class at age two. And then some kids are like two and a half, I would say. And then some kids are just not ready. They haven't gone to daycare, they haven't been, they haven't separated from their parent at all. They, you know, like they, they are just, they're still learning how to walk. They're still learning, you know, so that you can't, the expectations are huge on a, ah, on somebody that's that young.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Um, because we have, you know, a curriculum that's kind of like set and it's like this is what we're doing in this class, whether you're two and a half, three or four. Like this is the beginner level, you know, move up from there. Uh, but it's, yeah, so it, it definitely opened my mind to what Kids are capable of developmentally. And then on the other side. On the opposite side, I feel like working with the older kids is preparing me to work with my daughter and prepare her for things like not sheltering her from her mistakes, not sheltering her from a bad experience. Because I see a lot of parents doing that, um, trying to make sure that their kids never feel any negative feelings, any bad feelings. And it's kind of part of life. Like, so, like, yeah, losing is a bad experience. So, yes, people are. People are putting their kids into competitive stuff, but then they are doing everything they possibly can to shelter them from the. The negative experience of losing.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Or the negative experience of being not selected or whatever it is. Right. And it's like, um, you have to. That part of it is, like, understanding. Like, that is part of it. That's part of why we're in this, because it builds that character. It gives them the drive, and it makes them understand. That's like, you know, cause and effect. Like, you work hard, you win, and sometimes you work hard and you don't win. And that has nothing to do with you. Uh, like, sometimes it has to do with who else was there? Was there somebody better? And if there was somebody better, did you watch them? How much better were they?

Speaker A: Right. How much harder did they work than you? Right. Yeah, exactly. Yeah.

Speaker B: Uh, like, learn something from it. Because I see a lot of kids also just, like, not really checking out the competition and not really, like, they're so focused on themselves that they're not looking at the bigger picture and learning from the other people, even in classes. Like, these kids are, like, not, like, not necessarily. Like, they're very focused on themselves, uh, and they're not taking in what else is going on around them. So, like, you could. The same note gets given multiple times. Yeah, everybody's making the same mistake.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: But get the note they're not doing. It's like the. That. That thing of, like, okay, so how am I going to. How am I going to help my daughter have the mental. Have that mentality that I hope that. That I'm trying to help these kids have, which is like, be. Be. You know, be focused on yourself, but also be a team player. Be. Be like, take every opportunity to learn. Take every opportunity to listen and. And. And apply.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: So, I mean, she's a little young for that right now. Elementally, I'm, like, aware.

Speaker A: You're ready, though. You're already locked in.

Speaker B: I know that, like, you know, I don't. I don't want to shelter her from negative stuff. It's like, yeah, that, that happened because A, B and C. And if, if you, if you want to work harder, we can do that. Let's, let's, you know, let's, let's set up some goals. Let's make a plan for how we can be better so that, you know, but, but you got to know that. Yeah, this is part of it, right?

Speaker A: That resilience.

Speaker B: There's always going to be, you know. Yeah. And if there's no sun without the rain.

Speaker A: Yeah, there we go. That's so good.

Speaker B: And appreciate the sunshine if it doesn't rain every now and then, for sure.

Speaker A: And I think this is something that, and it's so funny how these things can apply to children and I think they can apply to adults too. I think I'm actually struck by that so many times how, for example, for Sesame street, um, you know, some of these lessons that are so sort of like elementary and childlike are actually very applicable to, to real life. I think that's one of the reasons why Sesame street resonates with both young people and parents. Um, but sort of these, these same themes that you're saying are sort of the same sort of things that I try and echo to like, college level students and stuff like that. And, you know, I'll go in to some of the best design schools in the country. Like, I was like a guest, uh, guest professor, I guess you would say, like, at sva. And these kids were being like, nice to each other and it was like a design critique and they're being like, nice to each other. I'm like, you guys should be like, doing like WWE SmackDown on each other because, like, because like, the real world is such. Especially like, I can really only speak my own experience. But, like, especially in New York City, it's just so intense and there's people that are so about it and I tell them, it's like, hey, listen, you guys can come in here and be nice to each other and tell each other that this work is great. It's not. A lot of this is like, really, I'm like, listen, it's like I, I support what you guys are doing. And I, I am. I see how there's lots of moments of like, you guys are sort of like, you know, expressing your creative ideas. But a lot of this stuff, I can tell that you really didn't give it. You like, put your best foot forward and in the real world, they're just gonna, they're just gonna be like, so what were you thinking when you Made this, like, just out of curiosity, like, just some weird, like, creative director. And then they were gonna be like, okay, all right, have a great day. Bye. And then, like, you're gonna get let go from your job. And I try and tell them. It's like, I would, you know, I would rather leave today and have you guys, like, kind of be annoyed by what I'm saying, but have you to push yourself and, uh, to push yourself to do more. Because, like, in the real world, it's like, the level of resilience that you're gonna need is so far past this, like, Mickey Mouse level kind of stuff that we're doing here.

Speaker B: And I think that's. I think that's like a. I'm like

Speaker A: the Abby Lee dance studio of design.

Speaker B: Yeah. It's like, there's. There's.

Speaker A: Are you guys friends, by the way? I feel like you would, like, know her or something.

Speaker B: No, I do not know. Oh, nude. Opposite side of the spectrum of Abby Lee. I'm like, no. I try to go at it from the positive. Like. Like, hey, I. I asked them, and similar to, like, what you're saying, like, it's like, let's be critical of ourselves, but, like, in a positive way where it's like, it's gonna make us better. So it's like, you guys think that that was good? Like, what would you give yourself? Like, I asked that. And if they don't. If. And they're honest, they're like, that wasn't our best. Yeah, that was. That was like a six. And I was like, okay, so can we make it a 10? Yeah, like, you know, like, what do we need to do? That's that. And. And I think making them part of that process, right? Of the critiquing process is like, let's identify those things that we didn't do that well so that we can make them better. And I think a lot of the times people just brush that over and they're. They're. Or they're just. In dance specifically, it's like, do this, do this, do this, do this, do this. Straighten your knees, point your toes. Straighten your knees, point your toes. Is the same. Same, like, things over and over. But, like, if you don't get to the root of that problem, the fundamentals of it, why is it not happening? It's probably because they're not putting enough energy into it. Or it's probably because they're not understanding how to get from point A to point B. And they're. They're, you know, like, they. They don't have a clear link.

Speaker A: Yes, 100%.

Speaker B: Um, how do you get the clear link? You. They have to identify that. Yeah, it's kind of in. Like, you have to. You have to, like, put the wires together for them. I think the only way to do that is by. By letting them think about it. By letting these. So. So by critiquing each other, they have to think about it. And then when they think about it, they're like, oh, yeah, that design is missing something. What's it missing? Okay, it's missing texture, uh, you know, or whatever it is. And then they can identify what it's missing, and then they will bring it to their work. And it's like, oh, well, I'm missing texture in mind. Let me fix that in mind.

Speaker A: Yeah. 100.

Speaker B: I. But I think a lot of kids don't have the language to do that, or teenagers. All I'm talking kids, like, everywhere, like, in this generation of kids don't have the language to critique each other because they were. They. They were like that. They were gentle parented. And like, our generation is, like, not happening anymore. We're not just parenting. We're not doing it. It's not working. It's not about protecting. You can't protect from everything. You just have to give them the tools to handle it.

Speaker A: The pressure sort of, like, needs to be there. I think that a lot of people are afraid of that, the failure and stuff like that. But, like, my friend Juan, who's. Who's Colombian. Shout out. I have a. Every. I have, like, the Latin United Nations. You're now representing Cuba. We have Juan for Colombia. We have Shout Out. John Rivera, Puerto Rico. Boricua. Let's go. Sorry. But I get pushed into these environments where it's like, really, really high pressure. And recently it sort of has, like, ratcheted up. And we were doing this event the other day, and the details don't really matter, but he was just like, hey, like, look at me. Get it right. Read this thing, and we're gonna nail this. Okay. Okay. He's like, take a deep breath. I can tell you're not breathing. Go in. And there was like, oh, I have 10 minutes left. This is perfect. Um, and there's no better feeling than when that moment comes and you rise to the occasion and you do it. It's sort of like that trade off of like, yes, it's a lot of pressure. Yes, it's really scary. This is like the moment you've dreamed about. Like, will I rise to the occasion? And sometimes I Don't rise to the occasion. But when I do, though, nothing better.

Speaker B: Yeah, it's true. That's like, it's an epic high that you feel like. That's like, whoa. Like, I don't know, it's. It's. You feel so full. You feel so, like, exuberant and you feel like you're, like, on top of the world. Like, you know, that's. It truly is. Like, when you're able to overcome a challenge like that and, uh, under, under immense pressure and you're able to come out on the other side and, and feel like you succeeded, it's like, wow, I can do anything.

Speaker A: Yeah, you have to. You have to, like, get. They have to come out of your shell. And that's why I try and tell like, these, like, young students. It's like, you have to come out of your shell and you have to just like, you have to be willing to fail because by, like, you're going to fail and fail and fail. But when you do, when you finally get your moment, you finally have that Game seven moment. Rude. It's like.

Speaker B: But it's true. You have to. If you're not. If you're not willing to fail, you will never get there because, um, not be able to. Unless you are willing to fail. Unless you're willing to fall on your face, you'll be able to have the privilege of that.

Speaker A: Yeah, and I keep coming back to that word like, like resilient. But, like, that muscle for me works really well now. And I know it. Like, I had something happen recently where it's like sort of the all show them thing kicked in and I was like, been here before. It's time to stunt on people. I have been down bad. Like, the chips are down. Like, I love it. I eat it. I eat up the opportunity. So. Okay, let's do it. Okay, perfect. Uh, thank you so much for doing this, Zoom. Uh, I absolutely loathe your company. I hope you file for bankruptcy. I also, during the Sesame street portion, I realized that my computer microphone was on and not this one, but you heard me, so I'm assuming it went through.

Speaker B: I heard everything.

Speaker A: But Zoom, I just want to let you know, count your days. You're numbered. I'm going back to Skype. I'm going back with Microsoft. I hate it. We will have an in person, uh, 4K Suki Lopez live from Miami beach episode one day I'll redeem myself. I'm in, uh, or right here in, uh, New York. So it's good. Next time you're Filming. I'm gonna be the person who, like, holds your. Holds your bag. Was like, great take, Suki. Here we go. A little closer with Bert. Nerdy next time. That's good. Oh, and I told you I would ask you, but I just. Who are your. If you had to say one. If people ask you, let's say outside of Elmo because you're actually. This is actually such a trip, though. Uh, because I have seven minutes. Don't worry. Zoom will cut me off and I'll make sure that I'm done. It's so weird to think about that your friends with Elmo. That's just like. It's crazy. You know what I'm saying? Like, you're like, your role, your custom made role was to be like the. To work at the bike shop, to have all these different jobs, but you're Elmo's bestie. Elmo's parents trust you when they leave and you need to babysit and it's bath time. You're that girl. That's insane. That's pretty crazy.

Speaker B: But I like. Yeah.

Speaker A: Outside of iconic episode, by the way, love that. It's just. It's just the one that comes up when the baby's screaming and having a mental breakdown. That's the first one that comes up. I've watched it numerous times. I also love the art direction of Elmo having, like, mud all over his face. Fantastic. But once again, Zoom is killing the vibe. I hate Zoom so much. Outside of Elmo, who would you say is your. Is your favorite Sesame street character? Do a few. Do a few. I don't want to get you in trouble with the good people between.

Speaker B: Uh, because. Because it's like, I also.

Speaker A: These are friends of yours.

Speaker B: You know, it's like, so it's hard to pick because I feel like, you

Speaker A: know, like the underneath people. Yeah.

Speaker B: Like, I know the puppeteers.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Picking the puppeteer. But I'm going to say, like, to work with. Like, to work with. I love working with Abby Kadabi because she's a riot. Like.

Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah.

Speaker B: Yes. And you never know what's going to come out. And like, sometimes, like, you know, she's like, poof. A pickle into the. You know, like, you just don't know. You just don't know. And even if it's in the script, like, you still don't know. Like, it's.

Speaker A: Yeah. I watched your. Your interview, I guess, with like, Dish network from, like, 10 years ago when you and Abby Kadabi and Abu Kadabi is just crashing out Am. Do you ever have a. Are they trying to get you again? Five minutes and 33 seconds. Zoom. Um, I don't think you know my. I can really refine my vocabulary and we're killing time right now. Uh, do you. Are they are the puppeteers who have a great reverence and respect for. As I mentioned about all the Jim Henson stuff. We're going to go to the Jim Henson exhibit together. Um, we're going to bring bell. I'm manifesting this now. Um, are they. Are they trying to get you. Is there any sort of, like, they're trying to get you to laugh kind of thing? Do you ever have time. You have to, like, redo takes and you ever have, like, the pressure of, like, they're down on the floor. I need to get this taken. It's like. That's the one question.

Speaker B: Yeah, there's a lot. There's always a lot of, like, rush. Like, uh, a rush against the clock. Like, it's. We have five minutes to lunch. We got to get this one.

Speaker A: Yeah, yeah.

Speaker B: Like, there's. There's going to always be a rush against the clock somewhere. Yeah, so there's that. But, yeah, there's been times where it's like. I mean, if it's. If it's a funny moment and. Yeah, especially if they're ad libbing, because sometimes that'll happen because they're like, amazing comedians and improv artists essentially, too.

Speaker A: Yeah. Um, so, yeah, Elmo's hilarious. Some of the improv is so funny.

Speaker B: Uh, like, I. I'll just crack up and I'm like, I wasn't supposed to. Yeah, right there. Like, it's happened. Luckily, most of the time I'm just. I'm reacting to them so I can truly just, like, laugh, because that's what I would actually do. That's what Nina would do, too.

Speaker A: Yes.

Speaker B: Uh, because they're being.

Speaker A: You're a lot like her, honestly. It's almost like, indiscernible. Like, you really are that girl.

Speaker B: I tried to be as. As honest as I can. I'm bringing myself to Nina. Like, Nina is me. I am Nina.

Speaker A: Like, I am her. She is me.

Speaker B: I am m. She's the chipper I version of me. And, like, the version that I bring into the studio is similar with the way with a certain audience, you know, like my younger kids that I. I'm a little extra excited with them. Um, so, yeah, that's. That's the version, I think that goes to Sesame street, but that's perfect. Very much the same.

Speaker A: Yes. We have. We have three minutes? I. You, uh, can take all three miserable minutes that this horrific company, which I will not be naming again, has given us. Where can people find you online? You have three minutes of shameless self promotion.

Speaker B: Oh, wonderful.

Speaker A: Actually, technically, like, 2 minutes and 30 seconds, because Zoom is insufferable.

Speaker B: So you can follow me on Instagram at Suki Lopez. Okay. I, uh, don't make crazy content. I just. It's just me.

Speaker A: If you need a content guy, if you need somebody to be there.

Speaker B: Dance stuff. Sometimes it's Sesame Street. Sometimes it's just me and my life and my kids and just hanging out. Uh, and food, because I like food. And then, uh.

Speaker A: Oh, yeah, it's bringing Bell.

Speaker B: Oh, Belle,

Speaker A: hold on. Zoom is m messing us up here?

Speaker B: Yeah. Just two minutes.

Speaker A: Hurry up. Two minutes.

Speaker B: Hi, Bill. Hey.

Speaker A: Hi, Bill.

Speaker B: Hello. Look at those eyes.

Speaker A: She's, like, moving the microphone. All right, thank you so much for doing this. We still have two minutes left, but I'm gonna give you a minute back of your time to use some corporate jargon, but, uh, thank you for doing this again. As I stated earlier in the podcast, you know, I really. One of the scariest moments I think of my life was, like, just recognizing, like, oh, my God, like, what have I signed up for? I need to be a parent. I need to do this, and I don't know where to begin. And I really. It's such a beautiful full circle to be here with you today, so thank you. When I sent the invite, there was a part of me that's like, I might be wrecking Sesame street for myself, but that's a. That's something that I'm. I'm willing to do, and you're totally awesome, and we're best friends now, so it's good.

Speaker B: I love it. I love it.

Speaker A: Thank you. Thank you. Suki Lopez, Nina from Sesame Street. Everyone, we out. Goodbye.

Speaker B: Thank you.