Good Hang with Amy Poehler: Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer Episode Summary

Release Date: July 22, 2025

In this heartfelt and engaging episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Amy welcomes Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, the creative forces behind the critically acclaimed show Broad City. Filmed in New York City, the conversation delves deep into their collaborative journey, the significance of female friendships in the workplace, and the personal growth they've experienced over the years.

Introduction and Background

The episode begins with Amy Poehler introducing her guests, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, highlighting their pivotal role in the growth of her production company, Paper Kite Productions. Amy sets the stage by outlining the topics to be discussed, including the creation and impact of Broad City, the dynamics of female friendships, and their reflections on life as millennials and "Zillennials."

Notable Quote:

Amy Poehler [03:27]: "We're here in the studio and next door to Paper Kite offices, which you co-run, and we're talking to Abbi and Ilana about Broad City."

Roles at Paper Kite Productions

Abbi and Ilana introduce themselves as co-presidents of Paper Kite Productions, overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes not only Broad City but also other significant projects like Russian Doll, Difficult People, and Harlem. They emphasize their passion-driven approach to selecting projects and their commitment to fostering creative endeavors within the company.

Notable Quote:

Ilana Glazer [04:05]: "We're producers. We don't produce as a team. We actually produce separately... We really, we really love every second of doing it."

Origins of Broad City

The conversation transitions to the inception of Broad City. Abbi recounts her first impressions after watching the show, noting its authentic representation of female friendships and millennial experiences. Kate Arend shares her astonishment at finding characters on television that mirrored her own friendships and life dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

Abbi Jacobson [04:28]: "I knew I was in the right place because I felt like I was making something that actually genuinely represented my life and the types of friendships I was having."

Kate Arend [05:16]: "I remember being like, holy shit, I've never seen queens like this on TV before."

The Power of Female Friendships

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the importance of female friendships both in the workplace and beyond. Abbi and Ilana share anecdotes illustrating their deep bond, characterized by brutal honesty and unwavering support. They compare their relationship to that of their characters, Abby and Alana, highlighting how effective communication and mutual respect have sustained their friendship through the demanding process of creating and producing a long-running show.

Notable Quotes:

Kim Lessing [07:42]: "We always refer to [Broad City] as our North Star. It represents our ethos as a company."

Kate Arend [08:27]: "Friendship is so important to us... we have to be brutally honest with each other."

Creating and Developing Broad City

Amy delves into how Broad City became a benchmark for Paper Kite Productions, serving as an inspiration for young female creators. The guests discuss the show's unique portrayal of scrappy underdogs and the relentless pursuit of personal goals, traits that resonate deeply with Paper Kite's mission.

Notable Quotes:

Kim Lessing [08:08]: "They have a lot of elements that we really resonate with, like scrappy underdogs and women who love each other."

Ilana Glazer [08:24]: "Abbi and Alana were like our mirrors—messy, determined, and deeply caring."

Million Dollar Advice Podcast

Transitioning to their own endeavors, Abbi and Ilana introduce their podcast, Million Dollar Advice. This segment explores their initiative to provide work-related advice, drawing from their extensive experience in the entertainment industry. They emphasize the importance of mentorship and confidence-building, mirroring the support they received from Amy.

Notable Quotes:

Abbi Jacobson [11:55]: "Million Dollar Advice is about giving people confidence and showing that someone believes in them."

Kim Lessing [12:12]: "Our advice is so good. Minimum, it's million dollar advice."

Memorable Moments from Broad City

Abbi and Ilana reminisce about pivotal moments and guest stars on Broad City, sharing behind-the-scenes stories that highlight the show's authenticity and comedic brilliance. They recount episodes featuring personalities like Kelly Ripa and Lady Gaga, illustrating how these interactions enriched their creative process and deepened their connection to the show.

Notable Quotes:

Ilana Glazer [45:30]: "RuPaul just cracks me up. He was so, like, studying his lines."

Abbi Jacobson [46:01]: "Lady Gaga tweeting about the show was monumental. We even met her!"

Personal Growth and Creative Evolution

The discussion shifts to their personal growth over the decade since Broad City. Abbi talks about her venture into painting and her aspirations to hold an art exhibition, while Ilana reflects on motherhood's impact on her creativity and organizational skills. They share how their experiences have shaped their artistic expressions and professional trajectories.

Notable Quotes:

Abbi Jacobson [54:16]: "A big goal of mine would be to get back into painting and have a show."

Ilana Glazer [53:33]: "Motherhood has organized everything for me appropriately... it's been so creative."

Impact of Broad City’s Conclusion

Amy and the guests discuss the poignant ending of Broad City, emphasizing its message of individuality and community. They reflect on how the final scenes served as a passing of the baton, allowing the audience to see themselves as the protagonists of their own stories.

Notable Quotes:

Abbi Jacobson [16:29]: "We were showcasing that there are thousands and millions of Abby and Alanas out there."

Amy Poehler [17:07]: "You gave the show back to the people that loved it, which is why it sticks around."

Navigating Relationships in the Workplace

A recurring theme is maintaining healthy relationships in a collaborative and often high-pressure work environment. Abbi and Ilana share strategies they employed to keep their friendship strong while handling the complexities of producing a television show, such as setting clear boundaries and ensuring open communication.

Notable Quotes:

Kate Arend [50:41]: "Boundaries and space were crucial... being like, see ya later."

Ilana Glazer [50:53]: "Taking space was essential to not let stress fester."

Closing Reflections and Future Endeavors

As the episode draws to a close, Abbi and Ilana express their gratitude towards Amy for her unwavering support throughout their journey. They discuss upcoming projects, including Ilana's Broadway debut and Abbi's Prelude fellowship program, underscoring their commitment to nurturing new talent and exploring diverse creative avenues.

Notable Quotes:

Abbi Jacobson [55:29]: "Prelude is a fellowship program for early career storytellers where we mentor and support them."

Ilana Glazer [58:24]: "Having people who believe in you is what fueled us to do everything we've done since."

Conclusion

This episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler serves as a celebration of collaboration, friendship, and creative resilience. Through candid conversations and shared memories, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer offer listeners an intimate glimpse into the making of Broad City, the sustaining power of female friendships, and their ongoing contributions to the world of comedy and beyond.

Notable Quote:

Ilana Glazer [69:02]: "You are an icon... we're so grateful."

Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps:

• Amy Poehler [03:27]: "We're here in the studio and next door to Paper Kite offices, which you co-run, and we're talking to Abbi and Ilana about Broad City."

• Abbi Jacobson [04:28]: "I knew I was in the right place because I felt like I was making something that actually genuinely represented my life and the types of friendships I was having."

• Kate Arend [05:16]: "I remember being like, holy shit, I've never seen queens like this on TV before."

• Kim Lessing [07:42]: "We always refer to [Broad City] as our North Star. It represents our ethos as a company."

• Abbi Jacobson [11:55]: "Million Dollar Advice is about giving people confidence and showing that someone believes in them."

• Abbi Jacobson [16:29]: "We were showcasing that there are thousands and millions of Abby and Alanas out there."

• Amy Poehler [17:07]: "You gave the show back to the people that loved it, which is why it sticks around."

• Abbi Jacobson [54:16]: "A big goal of mine would be to get back into painting and have a show."

• Ilana Glazer [53:33]: "Motherhood has organized everything for me appropriately... it's been so creative."

• Ilana Glazer [69:02]: "You are an icon... we're so grateful."

This episode not only provides a nostalgic look back at Broad City but also offers valuable insights into sustaining creative partnerships and the enduring power of friendship. Abbi and Ilana's reflections are a testament to their growth as individuals and as collaborators, making this episode a must-listen for fans and aspiring creators alike.