Ellie Kemper Talks Motherhood, 'The Office' & Making The Most Of Summer

Speaking of cycles - I would say you've had something I'd say is really rare in Hollywood: a career that's lasted, evolved and still feels exciting. How would you describe this chapter of your career?

Kemper: Oh, first of all, that's a huge compliment! Thanks for saying that. I would say this chapter feels very specific in that I always say this to my husband all the time, where I'm like. 'Motherhood really changed things,' because it did! It's like, oh, right, now I'm raising two children. And so, that balance with work has been different for me, because it's like anybody, any parent who is working, it changes your work and your parenting when you become a parent, because now you're doing two things.

So, I would say this chapter is just more about balance than it was before. And I'm figuring that out. Week by week, to be honest with you. But it also informs what you choose to work on, because your point of view changes a little bit. And also, the logistics of work change. What you're available to work on. But again, that's for any career, not just acting.

And I feel like with that being said, your kids will one day - and hopefully soon - appreciate your projects like The Lego Movie and the Elephant & Piggie Show. I feel like those career decisions will be something they'll have to appreciate in time.

Kemper: Yes! I will say the Elephant & Piggie Show is the first thing I did that I specifically mentioned to them because I wanted them to have some respect for me, and I mentioned it because they love those books and they were excited about that. So point proven.

Now, I can't let you go without talking about The Office. One of my favorite episodes is "Stress Relief," the fire drill episode, so I've always wanted to know: Do you have a favorite episode - or episodes - that you like to revisit?

Kemper: I'm going to be selfish because my favorite episode to film was "Secretary's Day," because it was all about Erin. So I was like, yes! And I got to improvise with Steve Carell in that restaurant scene. So that week was so magical, and I believe Mindy [Kaling] wrote that. Steve directed it. It was my favorite one. It was so much fun. It was just so much fun on every level.

Captain Bob's Summer Quest is available as a free download at piratesbooty.com .