AT: Not at all. At least I didn't think so at the time. I used to get put out of class for talking a lot, but you know, when you're trying to make people laugh, you don't really think you're funny. I was very practiced at not fitting in, so I was like, "I don't care if I'm weird. I'm gonna be out there!" And I was -- totally into metal, really wild...but bookish. I still brought home the grades.
PB: Controlled rebellion, eh?
AT: Yep. Go out and smoke after school, go home and do my math homework.
PB: What makes you laugh?
AT: Just about anything. I laugh at everything. That's why I'm never depressed. I broke my arm when I was 11. Thought it was the funniest thing in the world. That comes from my dad. His life philosophy is, "You're still breathing? Walk it off."
PB: What was that the most bizarre clip you saw while hosting Talk Soup?
AT: That honor would go to the Jerry Springer one where this woman had a meat fetish. Seriously! She had this thing for meat! And she was talking about that to Springer and, all of a sudden, she lifts up her dress and she has meat -- just cuts of meat duct taped all over her body! You should have seen the look on her boyfriend's face!
PB: Tell us a sexy story.
AT: Do you have any idea what it's like when you try and make home porn? Believe me, the pros are called pros because they're good at it. I mean, you think you're hot at the time, while you're doing it. But then you look at yourself on-screen and it's like, "OK, it's Wild Kingdom time at our house." My husband and I tried it. We looked like charging hippos. Best to leave it to the pros.
PB: How does your husband feel about being such an integral part of your routine?
AT: He doesn't mind. He knew me before I became a comedian, then when I was struggling to make it as a comedian, so he's always been very supportive. And he knows that the stuff I talk about onstage is different from our life. He doesn't take it seriously. Plus, I put him through law school, so he's like, "Go ahead, honey, do your thing."
PB: Do you think it's a good idea to laugh during sex?
AT: No. No! I mean you don't want the guy to think you're laughing at him. You know, the whole size thing -- guys are very sensitive about that. You at least need to warn him ahead of time.
PB: You have a bit in your routine about oral sex. Generally, do men have a clue when it comes to "going downtown"?
AT: No. Not a clue. But they can learn. They should learn! It's a really great part of a relationship! So, so important! I mean you can judge the quality of your relationship by whether or not you have that between you. I know that's how my husband nailed me down.
PB: How would you drop a downtown hint to the guy who just wasn't on that bus?
AT: Don't say anything right then! You have to do it when you're not engaged -- when you're in neutral territory -- sexual Switzerland. Then just say something like, "I really liked what you were doing, but it would really be great if we could...." Then, of course, it's his turn and you just have to hope he doesn't suggest anything to do with whips.
PB: Let's talk about the Tao of the word "cunt." You make reference to it in your routine. Explain your philosophy.
AT: It's really about women not being afraid or intimidated by what people say about them. By words. I mean that word is just the ultimate offense. You've really gone off the deep end and women have to take ownership of that word, of any negative words, to take the sting out of them. We have to have thicker skins and not let words affect us so much. Just suck it up and walk it off.
PB: So if I coin your phrase and tell you your live show was "cuntilicious," you'll take that as a compliment?
AT: Yes. Absolutely
