Every Tuesday, acclaimed actress and comedian, Amy Poehler, invites you to escape the woes of your life with her award-winning podcast “Good Hang with Amy Poehler.” Each week, Poehler chats with a different guest about their careers and everyday lives.
In the introduction of her first episode, which premiered in March 2025, Poehler said, “I just want to make it clear … I’m not here to change your life, I don’t care if you get any better, I don’t have advice for you – I just want us to have fun and lighten up a little.”
With an emphasis on a whole lot of laughter, Poehler has done just that.
Each episode follows the same format where Poehler begins with a one-to-two-minute introduction, giving listeners a glimpse into the episode. Before the main interview begins, Poehler speaks with someone who personally knows the guest over Zoom. Through these flash interviews, Poehler gains unique insight on her guest and asks for a question or two to include in her main interview.
The bulk of each episode is centered around her conversation with her guest. While many of her guests are old friends or colleagues, she delves into every episode with the same enthusiasm and joy, regardless of her familiarity with the guest. The podcast’s guests have ranged from Seth Meyers to Michelle Obama, encompassing celebrities from different facets of stardom. Poehler jumps around through each guest’s careers, mutual connections and shared enthusiasm, focusing on moments of joy and what makes them laugh.
Each episode ends with a segment called the “Poehler Plunge,” in which Poehler shares something that is making her laugh these days.
It is clear through Poehler’s interactions with every guest that she is genuinely interested in their lives and their responses to her questions. She doesn’t simply read off a script. Instead, she builds a rapport with each guest that makes it feel as though you’re viewing a phone call between two old friends.
The podcast’s first episode featured Poehler’s long-time comedy partner and best friend, Tina Fey. The two discussed the differences between the expectations of men and women in comedic settings and in their personal ventures (i.e., the podcast).
“Guys get to just, like, goof around and have fun and it be like straight comedy escapism, and our stuff has to be about menopause, which also is important,” Poehler said.
“One of the reasons why I want to do this podcast, as I’ve watched so many men do the bare minimum … I’m truly giving 25%, which [is most people’s] 75%.” Poehler said, in the podcast’s third episode with Rashida Jones.
This past year, the Golden Globes introduced a “Best Podcast” category. “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” was nominated, alongside five other podcasts, including “SmartLess,” which is co-hosted by Poehler’s ex-husband, Will Arnett. In a pre-show interview with Entertainment Tonight, all three hosts of “SmartLess” admitted they thought Poehler was going to take home the award.
Poehler did in fact take home the Golden Globe for Best Podcast. During her acceptance speech, she said, “I just want to say that I know I am new to this game. I have great respect for this form. I have great respect for all the people that I am nominated with.”
Poehler has emphasized time and time again that the primary purpose of “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” is to focus on laughter, joy and the good things in life. While she often ribs at the “norms” of podcast culture, all she wants to get out of each episode is a good laugh and a good hang.
