Podcast Summary: Good Guys – "A Lena Dunham Renaissance"

Release Date: June 26, 2025
Hosts: Josh Peck and Ben Soffer

Introduction to Lena Dunham's "Girls"

The episode opens with Josh Peck and Ben Soffer delving into Lena Dunham's television series, "Girls." Ben expresses a nuanced appreciation for the show, acknowledging its artistic merit while critiquing its frequent nudity.

Ben (00:39): "Shout out Lena Dunham. I misjudged you, Okay? I misjudged you. This is a wonderful show. It's great. Super talented, super talent."

Analysis of "Girls" and Lena Dunham's Characterization

Ben compares "Girls" to "The Sopranos," positioning it as a cornerstone for the LGBTQ community, while Josh reflects on the show's impact during its airing period.

Ben (01:35): "It's like the gay Sopranos. That's 'Girls' for HBO. It's Sopranos for the LGBTQ community."

They discuss the show's handling of serious topics like mental health and drug use, intertwined with humor and lightheartedness. Ben highlights Lena Dunham's portrayal of her character, Hannah, noting the complexity and self-critique embedded within the role.

Ben (02:39): "It's a lot of mental health, a lot of drug use, a lot of it's serious topics. It's like, the reason that I like it is because it's funny, light hearted, well written, but really does touch on some very serious shit."

Reevaluation of Lena Dunham's Public Image

Josh offers a personal reflection, admitting past criticisms of Dunham and acknowledging her growth and resilience in the public eye. He references Dunham's advice to her younger self, emphasizing personal growth and self-compassion.

Josh (03:14): "I think, like, I have respect for people when they're so universally beat up publicly and then they like somehow walk through it and come out the other side."

Ben counters by critiquing Hannah's character as potentially self-destructive, yet recognizes Lena Dunham's undeniable talent as both an actress and writer.

Ben (05:09): "She's so unbelievably talented. If you can make me hate you that much, you're a brilliant actress and you're a brilliant writer."

Collaborative Dynamics and Creativity

The hosts explore the synergy between Lena Dunham and Judd Apatow, suggesting that Apatow's influence might contribute to the show's effectiveness by balancing Dunham's intense portrayal with his signature lightheartedness.

Josh (07:09): "I think the Judd magic, when it comes to someone very, very talented and then he can come in there from like a 30,000 foot view and just be like, move your troops a little to the left."

Ben agrees, affirming that the combination of their talents is a key factor in the show's success.

Ben (07:34): "Because it's the combo. It's... It's the combo. And yeah, I like it a lot. It's really good."

Olivia, a guest on the show, shares her limited exposure to "Girls" and echoes the hosts' sentiments about giving Lena Dunham grace and recognizing her potential for a positive resurgence.

Olivia (07:38): "I think, you know, as people grow, it's good to give grace. And I'm excited to see what she does in the future too, and hopefully can have like a bit of a, you know, turning point in the public eye."

Ben remains skeptical but open to the possibility of a Dunham renaissance.

Ben (08:19): "Yeah, I don't think she will, but I don't, like, I am not betting on a Lena Dunham renaissance. I'm not."

Personal Anecdotes and Experiences

The conversation shifts to personal stories, including Ben's experience in the hospital and his humorous portrayal of "The Sopranos" characters to help himself sleep.

Ben (09:17): "I would lay my head on the pillow and I would say, hi, Tony Soprano. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you, Ben. Come into my house..."

Josh shares his distressing memory of witnessing a medical procedure, highlighting his sensitivity to such experiences.

Josh (17:13): "I was dating a girl who got a staph infection in her knee... And so I just remember staring in it and then waking up with my legs in the air and a nurse waving, smelling salt under my nose."

Ben empathizes with Josh's experience and contrasts it with the more emotional nature of witnessing his son's circumcision.

Parenting and Privacy Concerns

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussions about parenting, particularly the decision to keep their children’s lives private. Ben explains the couple's strict rule against sharing photos of their children to protect their privacy and safety.

Ben (31:07): "We made a hard and fast rule... The day that I knew that I would never post him is I won't mention who this influencer fashion blogger person is... It was very hard for me."

Josh supports the decision, emphasizing the importance of granting children autonomy over their public presence as they grow.

Josh (31:51): "For me, I guess we're always... say that these kids will have anonymity until one day, if they grow up and they want to be public, they can choose that."

They discuss the challenges of maintaining privacy in the digital age, especially with the rise of social media and the potential for unwanted exposure.

Audience Questions and Discussions

The hosts address listener-submitted questions, offering advice on relationships and financial boundaries.

1. Question about Husband's Habit of Standing to Wipe:

   An anonymous listener asks if her husband's habit of standing to wipe is normal or a deal-breaker.

   Ben (38:00): "Not marrying him over. It's not like he doesn't wipe his ass. That would be not marrying over."

   Ben humorously dissects the behavior, while Josh adds a playful commentary.

2. Question about Extreme Financial Strain in a Relationship:

   A listener seeks advice on navigating financial strain after moving in with a higher-earning partner.

   Josh (45:02): "Like, a cheaper apartment would solve so much of this."

   Both hosts agree on the importance of open communication and mutual support during financial hardships.

3. Question about a Town Grifter Father-in-Law:

   Jessica asks about handling a father-in-law who is perceived as a grifter, borrowing money without repayment.

   Ben (47:37): "Feel very, very terrible for the situation... he probably needs rehabilitation."

   The hosts suggest compassionate approaches, prioritizing the well-being of the individual over financial restitution.

"What Are You Nuts?" Segment

In their signature segment, Josh and Ben rant about minor annoyances, blending humor with relatable frustrations.

1. Brita Water Filters:

   Ben complains about the inefficiency of Brita filters, advocating for sink-mounted filters instead.

   Ben (52:56): "This Brita is a full-time job. You fill it up, you pour it out, it's completely, completely useless."

2. Ticking Clocks:

   Josh expresses irritation over ticking clocks in quiet environments, equating the sounds to a mission impossible scenario.

   Josh (54:04): "This is nuts... Are we done. We've graduated. I get it. It's good in an automatic watch."

3. Tom Cruise's Stunts:

   Ben criticizes Tom Cruise for performing his own stunts, questioning the actor's decision-making.

   Josh (55:03): "Hey, Tom Cruise, get a stuntman. Don't do your own stunts. What are you, nuts?"

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with promotional segments for sponsors such as Shopify, Booking.com, OpenPhone, and ButcherBox, interspersed with lighthearted banter. The hosts encourage listeners to rate the podcast highly and engage with them on various platforms.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben on "Girls" and Lena Dunham's Talent (01:24): "I have respect for people when they're so universally like, beat up publicly and then they like somehow walk through it and come out the other side."

• Josh on Personal Growth and Apologizing (03:14): "I think this is like the time to welcome them back with a warm embrace."

• Ben on Parenting Privacy (31:04): "If you have the money to invest, give it away. Or don't give it at all. Agreed."

• Josh on Ticking Clocks (54:04): "And I thought I was gonna lose it."

Conclusion

In "A Lena Dunham Renaissance," Josh Peck and Ben Soffer navigate the complexities of public perception, personal growth, and the intricate balance of privacy in parenting. Through insightful discussions, humorous anecdotes, and engaging listener interactions, the hosts offer a multifaceted exploration of Lena Dunham's impact and their personal philosophies on life and relationships.