In a world filled with breaking news and daily chaos, sometimes the best remedy is laughter. Enter Sydnee Washington and Marie Faustin, the comedic duo behind MESS, the hit podcast from iHeart Podcasts and Big Money Players.
Each week, they deliver razor-sharp humor, unfiltered commentary, and candid conversations with celebrity guests, offering listeners a hilarious escape from life’s ups and downs.
A Podcast That’s As Relatable As It Gets
Unlike the polished and often out-of-touch nature of some celebrity podcasts, MESS is refreshingly raw and authentic. It’s like eavesdropping on your funniest friends spilling all the tea—except the tea is their own lives.
Every episode is packed with witty banter, real-life reflections, and those laugh-out-loud moments that make you feel like you’re part of the conversation.
From awkward dating stories to the absurdity of adulthood, Washington and Faustin hold nothing back.
In an interview between the duo and Girl Talk HQ, Sydnee Washington describes MESS as “a private FaceTime that’s very much a public, inside look at how we are so unserious in a too-serious world.”
Their chemistry is undeniable, and their back-and-forth is so natural that even their guests get swept up in the fun.
Past episodes have featured Matt Rogers, Bowen Yang, Matteo Lane, and Amber Ruffin, with each guest bringing their own comedic flavor to the mix.
The Art of Finding Comedy in Chaos
Washington and Faustin approach comedy as a way to process the messiness of life.
“Life feels like that meme with the dog in the burning house drinking a cup of coffee saying, ‘I’m fine,’” Washington jokes during the sit down with Girl Talk HQ. “Comedy is us as the dog—we know bad things are happening, but we gotta keep it pushing and make fun of all the crazy things happening. If I can get a teeheehee or an LOL on your lowest day, I’ve done my job.”
Their comedic voices have been shaped by legends like Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes, and Dave Chappelle, but Washington also draws inspiration from her circle of fellow comedians, including Zainab Johnson, Matteo Lane, and Michelle Buteau.
“They are literally doing all the things that bring them joy,” she says. “I know every day they wake up being themselves, and fans just get to experience that while they are onstage.”
Unscripted, Unfiltered, and Unexpected
While stand-up comedy follows a structured format, podcasting is a whole different beast. Washington explains that the beauty of MESS is its unpredictability:
“Stand-up has a formula—you set up the joke, then hit with the punchline. But on the podcast, we just say whatever comes to mind, and sometimes the most random moments are the funniest. Marie and I just rely on vibes and go with the flow. We don’t ‘try’ to be funny on the pod—it just happens.”
One of the most beloved segments is Mess of the Week, where the hosts share personal mishaps and relatable struggles.
“It’s ridiculous and shows the audience we aren’t afraid to chat about our own messes,” Washington adds.
Must-Listen Moments
With a rotating lineup of hilarious guests, MESS never has a dull moment. Washington recalls Caleb Hearon as one of her favorite guests, saying, “He became the host for a bit and asked all the right questions.” And of course, there was the time Marie had a “digging in her bag” moment that left everyone in stitches.
For those looking for comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, MESS is the perfect listen.
You can catch new episodes on iHeart Podcasts, follow the show on Instagram, and stay up to date with all things Sydnee and Marie. Because if life’s a mess, you might as well laugh about it.
