It seems that the podcast has taken over America. Once classified as a wasteland for the have-been stars and pseudo-intellectuals, podcasts are as big as ever. They’re now treasure troves of life advice, gossip and scandals and (for some twisted reason) the indulgence of society’s obsession with true-crime investigation.
So, in the persisting world of titles like “Smartless,” “Podcrushed,” and “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” you might find yourself asking the extremely valid question: do we really need another celebrity podcast? Amy Poehler says yes.
In March of this year, the SNL alum released the first episode of her podcast “Good Hang,” featuring her longtime friend, collaborator and self-proclaimed “work wife” Tina Fey. Putting a new spin on the traditional celebrity interview, Poehler decided to open the episode not by interviewing the celebrity at all, but rather turning to Fey’s friends and colleagues for funny anecdotes about the actress and suggestions for insightful questions.
Thus, “Good Hang,” aptly named, has proven to be just that: a good hang. Despite an impressive roster of interviewees and special guests such as Paul Rudd, Quinta Brunson and Michelle Obama, Poehler has managed to maintain an atmosphere of lightness and joy, whether it‘s by cackling at Rachel Dratch as she struggles to untangle her headphones or joking with Martin Short about his scarcity of acting accolades. Poehler truly makes her audience feel as though they too are a part of the conversation. In a world where such kindness and grace are not guaranteed, hers is thoroughly appreciated.
In fact, such grace allowed her an exclusive interview with her former “Parks and Recreation” costar Aubrey Plaza: a woman who has recently made scarce public appearances following the sudden death of her husband Jeff Baena in January. Many interviewers might take such an opportunity to capitalize on that tragedy, asking that Plaza dig deep into that sadness for a more substantial and layered interview. However, Poehler only posed one simple question on the matter: “How are you feeling today?” She did not press Plaza for further details regarding the events of Baena’s death. Poehler only asked her to share how she felt in that very moment, allowing for approximately three minutes on the subject, then swiftly shifting to a new topic.
This is the mastery of Poehler. She does not pretend that her interviews are hard-hitting journalistic endeavors but rather hour-long lighthearted conversations with personal anecdotes and lots of laughter. And that’s how it should be. Personally, I do not care to hear more stale interviews about the creative process of my favorite celebrities, or the journey that brought them into fame — especially when that journey is most likely nepotism anyway.
One might declare it is Poehler’s connections, not her interviewing prowess, that grants her such an incredible roster of well-regarded guests, but I’d argue against it. I mean, we all know that if Michelle Obama doesn’t want to be there, she certainly won’t be there. It is her authenticity and kindness that draws these guests in. In fact, the cover image for every episode depicts a still of Poehler laughing sweetly along with her guest of the day. This is a promise she makes to her guests and audience alike. You will laugh, smile and think — but not too deeply — and you will come out of it a little lighter than before, like that feeling after spending quality time with a good friend. And in “Good Hang,” Amy Poehler ventures to be that friend to all.
