Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Matt Damon

Jul 7, 20261h 13mSummary

In this episode of Good Hang, host Amy Poehler welcomes superstar actor Matt Damon to discuss his storied career, the evolution of his professional life, and his latest project, an epic cinematic take on The Odyssey directed by Christopher Nolan. The conversation is framed by a heartfelt introduction from Nolan, who joins the show to share his admiration for Damon’s empathetic acting style and his unique ability to anchor massive, high-stakes productions with sincerity and focus. Throughout the episode, Damon reflects on the realities of aging in the industry, noting that he has moved into a career phase defined by joy rather than the frantic ambition of his youth. He shares personal anecdotes about his lifelong friendship and creative partnership with Ben Affleck, emphasizing the trust and efficiency that come from decades of shared experience. The two also bond over their shared Boston roots and the surreal experience of witnessing the 2004 Red Sox championship. By moving away from the pressures of early success, Damon highlights a newfound sense of calm and a deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of filmmaking, ultimately revealing what it means to lead with gratitude.

Mindy Kaling

Jun 30, 20261h 2mSummary

In this episode of Good Hang, host Amy Poehler welcomes writer, producer, and actress Mindy Kaling for a candid conversation that spans their long-standing professional connection and personal journeys in the entertainment industry. The episode begins with a guest appearance from Avantica, a star of Kaling’s recent project, who shares her experience working under Kaling’s leadership, praising her curiosity and her talent for fostering community among colleagues. The central discussion between Poehler and Kaling centers on their shared experiences as women navigating the comedy world. They reflect on their early days in the industry, including their experiences as young women in male-dominated writers' rooms and the pressures they faced as aspiring performers in the nineties. Kaling offers insights into her formative years in Cambridge, her time in a college a cappella group, and the creation of her breakthrough play, Matt and Ben, which provided a liberating outlet for exploring creative competition and identity. The two icons also trade stories about their early, unconventional jobs and the evolution of their professional paths, ultimately celebrating the persistence and work ethic required to succeed as a creative mogul.

Greta Lee

Jun 23, 20261h 13mSummary

In this episode of Good Hang, host Amy Poehler welcomes actress Greta Lee for a conversation that spans from their shared history in the New York restaurant scene to Lee's diverse career in theater, television, and film. The episode begins with a segment featuring celebrity chef Alison Roman, who reflects on her friendship with Lee, praising her legendary work ethic, kindness, and effortless hospitality. Throughout the interview, Lee discusses her journey from a classically trained singer and theater performer to her breakthrough screen roles. The pair explores the unique discipline required to navigate the fast-paced world of New York service jobs, which they argue provided a formative foundation for their professional lives. Lee also shares amusing anecdotes about her immigrant parents’ unexpected enthusiasm for Hollywood culture and the "left-brain, right-brain" dynamic of her upbringing. As they revisit their past collaborations, Poehler highlights Lee’s rare ability to balance intense dramatic work with a natural, grounded comedic sensibility. The conversation remains lighthearted and warm, offering listeners an intimate look at the experiences and values that have shaped Lee’s professional trajectory and her enduring dedication to her craft.

Sarah Sherman

Jun 16, 20261h 13mSummary

In this episode of Good Hang, host Amy Poehler welcomes Saturday Night Live cast member Sarah Sherman for a candid and energetic conversation. The episode explores Sherman’s unique comedic style, often described as body horror, and her unconventional path to becoming a standout performer. Reflecting on her background, Sherman discusses her formative years in Long Island, her early obsession with the costume closet in school productions, and her transformative time in the Chicago DIY comedy scene, where she launched the experimental show Hell Trap Nightmare. The discussion delves into the intersection of body image and performance, with the two comics bonding over their shared experiences with physical insecurity and the liberating power of leaning into one's own "disgusting" traits. Poehler highlights Sherman's inherent confidence, which she argues sets her apart in the high-pressure environment of sketch television. They also touch on the collaborative, chaotic energy of the SNL writers' room and the importance of remaining present during the creative process. Packed with humor and insight, the conversation serves as an intimate look at a comedian who consistently turns personal anxieties into bold, memorable performance art.

Colman Domingo

Jun 9, 20261h 13mSummary

In this episode of Good Hang, host Amy Poehler welcomes actor Colman Domingo for a warm and expansive conversation that touches on his upbringing, his artistic journey, and their shared passion for dance. The episode opens with a special guest appearance by director Steven Spielberg, who shares insights into his creative process, his method of using kitchen settings to help actors relax during auditions, and his experience working with Domingo on the film Lincoln. Spielberg highlights Domingo’s rare ability to prioritize the project as a whole over his own role, noting his unique blend of empathy and collaboration. Following Spielberg’s departure, Domingo and Poehler engage in a lively discussion about their personal histories, including Domingo’s childhood in Philadelphia. He speaks movingly about his mother, Edith, whose unwavering belief in his potential and intelligence helped shape his confidence and imaginative world. The two also compare notes on their mutual love for dancing, reflecting on how movement serves as a form of expression and a way to navigate social anxiety. From his early days as a self-described shy bookworm to his eventual move to San Francisco, Domingo offers a thoughtful look at the evolution of his identity and career.

Tom Holland

Jun 2, 20261h 15mSummary

In this episode of Good Hang, Amy Poehler welcomes actor Tom Holland to discuss his life, career, and the importance of genuine human connection. The conversation begins with a guest appearance by Jacob Batalon, Holland’s close friend and Spider-Man co-star. They reflect on their long-standing friendship, growing up together in the public eye, and the unique bond they share, which they believe is crucial for portraying authentic relationships on screen. Batalon praises Holland’s supportive and grounded nature, highlighting his generosity and integrity as a person and professional. Poehler and Holland delve into his upbringing in a creative, comedy-filled household with his parents and three brothers. Holland shares stories about his childhood, his relationship with his brothers, and the valuable lesson his father taught him about the importance of giving one’s best effort, even when feeling vulnerable. They also explore Holland’s deep-rooted passion for dance, detailing his background in Billy Elliot and his excitement about returning to dance for a new film role. The episode is a warm, insightful look at a superstar who prioritizes kindness, hard work, and the maintenance of meaningful friendships.

Lena Dunham

May 26, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of Good Hang, host Amy Poehler welcomes Lena Dunham to discuss her memoir, FameSick, and the evolution of her life and career. The conversation moves beyond the typical press tour narrative, focusing on personal growth, the transition into her forties, and the ways she has learned to navigate the pressures of the entertainment industry. Dunham opens up about overcoming the productivity myth—the pervasive idea that personal value is tied solely to output—and shares her journey toward setting healthier boundaries. A highlight of the episode is the duo's discussion on the nature of mentorship and friendship. Poehler and Dunham explore the wisdom passed down by icons like the late Nora Ephron, reflecting on how women can support one another in an often demanding industry. They also bond over their shared, secretly introverted natures, contrasting their public-facing personas with their preference for quiet, parallel-play gatherings at home. With humor and vulnerability, the two touch upon everything from the quirks of their personal lives, such as pet care and sleep hygiene, to the deeper, more serious work of finding self-acceptance and peace amidst a high-pressure public life.

Paula Pell

May 19, 20261h 12mSummary

In this episode of Good Hang, host Amy Poehler welcomes writer, performer, and actress Paula Pell for an intimate and wide-ranging conversation about their decades-long friendship, the craft of comedy, and their shared Midwestern roots. The episode begins with a surprise appearance from Kim Kardashian, who discusses her current collaboration with Pell on a new film and shares her own admiration for the supportive, creative community within the comedy world. As the conversation continues, Pell opens up about her unique perspective on life and performance. She reflects on her early years feeling like an "old soul," her formative experiences performing at Disney’s Pleasure Island, and the challenges of navigating her youth as a closeted lesbian in the 1980s. Pell also shares heartfelt stories about her family’s natural wit and how she channeled her experiences with "joyful losers" into her writing during her time at SNL. Throughout the episode, the two friends share a deep appreciation for the art of harmonizing, the technical nuances of comedic timing, and the importance of finding real human connection through the stories they create.

Ryan Coogler

Gwyneth Paltrow