Aubrey Plaza

Summary

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Episode: Aubrey Plaza

Date: August 19, 2025
Host: Amy Poehler
Guest: Aubrey Plaza
Special Guest Appearance: Margaret Qualley

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Episode Overview

This highly anticipated episode welcomes Aubrey Plaza, a beloved alum of Parks and Recreation, acclaimed film and TV actress, and frequent collaborator with Amy Poehler. The conversation weaves through funny, poignant, and deeply personal topics: Plaza’s early life, her career from NBC page to indie film star, her recent grief after losing her husband, her witchy alter-ego, basketball fandom, and the delightful strangeness of her choices—on and off-screen. The episode is both a celebration of their friendship and a candid look at Plaza’s life and creative outlook.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Margaret Qualley Welcomes Aubrey Plaza (00:00–07:39)

• Margaret Qualley joins to express universal love and admiration for Aubrey:

  “Might be the most, like, unanimously loved person ever… even my dad... she reached my dad.” (03:01)

• Amy and Margaret discuss Aubrey’s appeal across ages and her “cat-like” mystique, connecting with adults and kids by being authentically herself.

• The introversion of both Aubrey and Margaret is touched on:

  “Classic case of look at me, don’t look at me... Everyone pay attention. What are you looking at?” (04:55 - 05:10)

• They talk about filming their new movie, Honey Don’t, and the dynamic on set, noting that both Aubrey's characters and real self balance effortlessness with deep care and surprise.

2. Aubrey Arrives: Grief, Dogs, and Howard Stern Vibes (09:08–14:00)

• Aubrey starts off in sunglasses, accompanied by her dog, Frankie (aka Frances Fox, named after Judy Garland).
• Amy acknowledges Aubrey’s difficult year after losing her husband (Jeff Baena). Aubrey candidly describes her grief as being “like the gorge – a giant ocean of awfulness that’s always there. Sometimes you want to dive in, sometimes you look at it, sometimes you try to get away from it, but it’s always there.” (11:52)
• The exchange leads to riffing on horses, Rihanna, and comparisons about beauty and strangeness.

3. Aubrey’s Childhood and Early Career (14:00–21:05)

• Aubrey describes herself as a shy, imaginative kid—“freakish,” with very thin hair and a chaotic upbringing in Wilmington, Delaware:

  “I was kind of like a quiet, lanky, freakish kind of kid... I could just imagine things all day long.” (14:37–15:33)

• First ambitions in theater were modest—she played small chorus roles and felt transformed by her first big laugh as the Ugly Stepsister in Cinderella:

  “When you get your first laugh that you mean to get… it’s like becoming a vampire.” (19:17-19:28; Amy)

• Growing up in Delaware, she discusses early theater, getting her period on stage, and comedic awakenings.

4. The SNL Era: Page, Intern, and Legend (21:05–28:39)

• Aubrey moves to New York and is drawn to UCB and NYU, majoring in film.
• She shares stories about faxing her resume to every SNL department and stumbling into an internship:

  “Do you care about design?” “No.” “Can you start now?” “Yeah.” (26:24-26:45)

• Details her role: finding set blueprints, taking continuity photos, and blending in quietly on set.
• Anecdotes about giving studio tours and getting “encouraged to leave” after making up goofy facts (e.g., about penguins and cold studios).

5. Landing Parks and Rec and Early Days (28:39–36:43)

• Aubrey recounts a whirlwind week: auditioning for Funny People and getting cast as April on Parks and Recreation after a meeting in ripped jean shorts.
• Amy and Aubrey reminisce about meeting for the first time literally on a playground swing set during a promo shoot, paralleling their onscreen and offscreen dynamic.
• April’s character arc is discussed—her secret is that she deeply cares, despite the disaffected exterior:

  “It’s a game of not showing anyone that I really care. Once I locked into that…there was no limit to what could happen.” (36:14–36:43)

6. Behind the Scenes at Parks and Rec (36:43–45:13)

• The organic genesis of April and Andy’s love story:

  “April loves Andy, and April thinks Andy's cool because he's so not cool that he's cool.” (39:17–39:26; Plaza)

• The cast’s surprise when the characters got married, and Amy’s emotional reaction to filming the wedding episode:

  “You cried. I mean, I love a wedding—you cried in the kitchen, off-camera, all day.” (40:32–41:04)

• Aubrey admits she's never watched the show since it aired—she doesn’t even know how to operate streaming or DVDs:

  “I wouldn’t even know how… If it comes on in a hotel room, I literally throw something.” (42:13-43:06)

7. Memories of Guest Stars and Set Antics (45:13–49:32)

• Recalls memorable guest stars, making out with Patricia Clarkson (Tammy One), the mythos of Oren the vampire boy (Eric Eisenhower).
• Aubrey’s infamous prank on NBA player Chris Bosh—pretending to be hair and makeup—goes unrecognized and awkward.

8. Basketball Obsession (49:33–51:34)

• Aubrey is a lifelong basketball fan, especially women’s basketball and the WNBA’s New York Liberty.
• She grew up playing; sister Natalie turned her onto the WNBA. She also played in a women’s league in LA (where she tore her ACL, twice).

9. Film, Witchcraft, and the Creative Life (51:34–55:59)

• Amy marvels at Aubrey’s range: White Lotus, Emily the Criminal, roles with Robert De Niro, and more.
• Aubrey discusses her production company (Evil Hag), her children’s books (including The Legend of the Christmas Witch and the new Luna and the Witch Throw a Halloween Party), and her deeply rooted witchiness:

  “I have ancestral… witches in my life. My family feels like a matriarchy.” (54:47–55:06)

• Plaza traces her fascination with witches to Delaware woods, Basque ancestry, and family history.

10. On Playing a Witch, Self-Produced Projects, and Choosing Roles (55:59–61:21)

• Margaret Qualley's “Salem witch trials” question returns for comic effect (“Honestly, they were fun… everyone was freaking out… so stupid.").
• Aubrey reflects on Agatha:

  “There’s something about cackling, I swear, that is really therapeutic… it feels good, for me.” (57:01–58:16)

• On choosing roles:

  “A lot of it… has to do with what I feel like diving into energetically or character-wise… I tend to really go there.” (58:54–59:08)

• Jokes about doing anything for Tarantino or Glen Powell, but only if she feels up to it.

11. Directing Ambitions and Philosophy (61:21–62:46)

• Aubrey wants to direct a feature film—she’s directed TV but feels “too precious” about her first movie project.

  “I want to have something to say… but also I want to do a movie where I say nothing.” (62:29–62:46)

12. Comfort Movies and What Makes Aubrey Laugh (62:46–66:22)

• Comfort movies: You’ve Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, Moonstruck, and ‘90s romcoms.
• She laughs the hardest with her closest friends, especially her women’s improv group-turned-coven, Bombardo:

  “Those girls make me laugh really, really hard… all my funny friends.” (65:49–66:19)

• Amy observes that Aubrey’s humor and happiness come from her ability to tease and be teased, “a love language.”

13. Closure and Tribute (66:22–67:29)

• Amy thanks Aubrey and highlights the films Aubrey made with her late husband, Jeff Baena (The Little Hours, Life After Beth, Spin Me Round).
• She ends with a resource for those struggling emotionally, acknowledging the year Aubrey has faced with grace.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Grief:

  “At all times, there’s like a giant ocean of just awfulness that’s, like, right there… Sometimes I just want to, like, just dive into it, and sometimes I just want to get away from it… but it’s always there.”
  —Aubrey Plaza (11:52)

• On Comedy Discovery:

  “When you get your first laugh that you mean to get, it’s like becoming a vampire. You’re fully realized.”
  —Amy Poehler (19:17-19:31)

• On April’s Secret:

  “It’s a game of not showing anyone that I really care. Once I locked into that, it felt like there was no limit…”
  —Aubrey Plaza (36:14–36:43)

• On Witchcraft:

  “There’s something about cackling, I swear, that is, like, really therapeutic… It feels good for me.”
  —Aubrey Plaza (57:27–58:16)

• On Not Re-watching Parks and Rec:

  “I wouldn’t even know how… If it comes on in a hotel room, I literally throw something. I throw it.”
  —Aubrey Plaza (42:13-43:06)

• On Choosing Projects:

  “A lot of it has to do with what I feel like diving into energetically… I tend to really go there.”
  —Aubrey Plaza (58:54–59:08)

• On Friendship and Laughter:

  “The best thing that makes me laugh is just funny… all my funny friends.”
  —Aubrey Plaza (66:19)

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Noteworthy Segments and Timestamps

• Opening and Margaret Qualley intro: 00:00–07:39
• Aubrey opens up about grief (The Gorge metaphor): 10:49–12:52
• Childhood in Delaware and stage debut: 14:37–19:17
• SNL page/intern stories: 24:23–28:39
• Landing Parks and meeting Amy: 29:43–35:18
• Developing April’s character: 35:59–36:49
• April/Andy romance and wedding episode: 37:07–41:02
• Not watching Parks and cast banter: 42:11–44:05
• Guest actors and pranks (Chris Bosh): 45:13–49:32
• Basketball passion: 49:33–51:34
• Witch persona, ancestry, and children’s books: 52:11–55:59
• Agatha and cackling: 57:09–58:16
• Selecting roles and working with iconic directors: 58:54–61:21
• Directing ambitions: 61:21–62:46
• Comfort movies & closest friends: 62:55–66:19

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Tone and Content

The tone of the conversation remains playfully subversive, deadpan, and at times deeply sincere—matching the distinctive voice and persona of both Amy Poehler and Aubrey Plaza. There’s a ton of affectionate ribbing, camaraderie, and genuine warmth, especially as they reminisce about formative career moments and personal struggles.

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Summary

This episode is a heartfelt, irreverent, and surprisingly intimate conversation between old friends and collaborators. Aubrey Plaza, at once mysterious and accessible, offers a rare, vulnerable look at her journey, her grief, her creative outlook, and her enduring friendships. For fans of Parks and Rec, Plaza’s film work, or the dynamic of comedians who can, as Amy remarks, “tease and be teased”—this episode is a joyfully weird and emotional tribute to finding humor and magic in all corners of life.

Transcript

[A]

Hello, everyone. Welcome to another episode of Good Hang. Thank you for being here. We had. Well, look, we're keeping the Parks and Rec hits coming because we had Adam Scott last week. And we have the great, beautiful, and wonderful Aubrey Plaza joining us. Aubrey, who many of you have wanted to hear from, is here, and we couldn't be more excited. And we talk about a lot of things today. We talk about how we first met on a playground. Um, we talk about her time as an NBC page and why she got fired. We talk about her love of basketball. And we talk about her new movie, Honey don't, which is in theaters this week. Uh, and so there's just so much good stuff. And we're very glad that she was here and that you're here listening. And we always start our episodes the same way. We try to find someone that knows our guest, knows something about them and has a question for them. And we are talking to a great actress today. You know her from the substance and made and many other great films and her beautiful dancing. And it is the beautiful and talented Margaret Qualley. Margaret, hello. This episode of Good Hang is presented by Walmart. Now, everyone's talking about back to school outfits, and we all know how expensive that can be to get the shoes and the pants and the whole thing and the shirts and all the things that you need. But Walmart has the latest back to school styles for boys and girls. Stick starting at just $4. Who knew? So they've got graphic tees and joggers and colorful backpacks, Spider man hoodies, keychain charms, flannel shirts, flared jeans, Crocs. Flared jeans are back. I love it. Who knew? Shop Walmart.com to score their favorite back to school styles starting at just $4. Where are we talking to you from?

[B]

I'm home. I'm home and I'm in a hallway.

[A]

Okay, perfect. It's really good to see you. And I know you're doing press.

[B]

I love your podcast, by the way. I've been listening to it. It's so good.

[A]

Thanks, Margaret. Today is this very special day because we have really our most requested guest coming on Today. Like, it's, you know, people have really, really wanted to hear from and hear me and Aubrey talk about a lot of things, and I'm just so psyched she's here.

[B]

Might be the most, like, unanimously loved person ever. Like, yeah, even, like, my dad's really not, like, you know, he, like, barely has a phone. He doesn't have a tv. But, like, when I. When he found out I was doing a movie with Aubrey. He was like, oh, I love her. Like, man, she's so funny. Like, he's so. He was so excited. Like, she. She reached my dad.

[A]

She's got the dads. She.

[B]

But she's got everybody. Yeah, I just. I just love her. I just think she's the best, you know?

[A]

It's so funny you say that, too, because I was thinking. She's also. Kids really like Aubrey because she acts like a cat, right? So, like, dogs come and meet, greet you at the door, but cats just kind of chill and wait for you to come to them. And kids really like that. She never. You know, Mike, I remember my boys on the set of Parks, and she would just, like, walk by and say something to them, like, on the way past them, and they'd be like, who was that?

[B]

I'd also imagine that she'd, like, talk to a kid, like an adult.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Just meet them where they are. Rough out there, right? Like, yeah, totally.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. She's really, as the people like to say, she's. She appeals to four quadrants. And you guys have worked together. Is this the. Is Honeydont, which is the film that you're. You both are in, that you're the star of. Congratulations. Coming out very soon. It looks so great. And is this the first time you've worked together, the two of you?

[B]

Yeah, we met on set. I was. I've been such a big fan of hers for such a long time, and I think Parks and Rec was probably my intro to her, which is just like, one of the best shows of all time. And you guys together are so special. But I've. I've, like, felt like I. I think she has that quality where you feel like you know her even when you don't. So, like, I already loved her so much, even before meeting her, and I would have been so bummed if she didn't like me.

[A]

I'm projecting this on you, so I. Don't tell me if I'm getting it wrong, but you both, to me, seem like, you know, in some ways, introverted artists in an extroverted business. Like, do you relate to that?

[B]

Definitely. Yeah. I mean, it's like, you know, the classic case of look at me, don't look at me. You know, it's totally. Yeah, right?

[A]

Everybody pay attention. Like, what are you looking at?

[C]

I want to show you something.

[B]

Stop.

[A]

What? So what was it like working together on set? For those that don't know, you guys are. What is your dynamic in the film? And then what was it, like, working together.

[B]

Dynamic in the film is I play this, like, suave detective, and she plays this, like, cool cop, and we kind of hit it off right away, and it kind of feels like we've, like, met our match. Like, I usually, as a character, feel like I'm in the power seat. And when I come across Aubrey's character, that's really challenged, and I think she actually is in the power seat and on set. It's a really fun set. It's Ethan Cohen and Trisha Cook's movie, and they're just great. And, like, they're at once, you know, super accomplished and, like, these, like, great artists, but really don't take themselves seriously. So it's like a. It's a silly, laid back, goofy, fun vibe there. But, you know, Aubry, I think. I think in order for. For somebody to come across, there's, like. There's a lot to be so effortless. Takes some effort, you know, and she's, like.

[A]

She's.

[B]

She cares, like, in the best way. She's thoughtful and considerate and brought so much depth to her character. And it was, you know, just, like, kind of consistently surprising everyone with just, you know, the thing that she does.

[A]

I think you bring up a really good point, which is, you know, she started out anyway, especially on Parks and Rec, playing, like, a very disaffected character. But the secret to that character and Aubrey is that she cares very deeply.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I think people, like, project on her that she's indifferent. And she's definitely not.

[C]

No.

[B]

No.

[A]

I was wondering if you had a question you thought I should ask Aubrey on this day that you'd be curious to know about or, like, you want any topic you think we should cover.

[B]

I don't know why the first thing that came into my mind was the Salem witch trials, but.

[A]

Was she in them? Is that the question? Probably. You? Yeah. What was it like being in the Salem Witch trials? Margaret, we love you. I would love to get you in the stewed anytime. Okay.

[B]

I'd be lucky.

[A]

Oh, buddy. And I know Plaza will be so happy that you did this and surprised and happy that you did it. And also, I know that you and many people in her life have been real big supports and a real circle of love during very tough times. So on behalf of her, I'm gonna say thank you. And it's the easiest to love.

[B]

Thank you for having me.

[A]

Great to see you, cutie pie. This episode is brought to you by Volkswagen. Nice things shouldn't be reserved for people who use summer as a Verb. They should be for everyone. You, me, the guy at your wedding who thought flannel was black tie appropriate. Enter the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. It's elevated, stylish, luxurious, and actually within reach. Did I mention massaging front seats and real wood accents? Visit your local VW Dealer or VW.com to learn more about the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. Aubrey Plaza's here, and she has her sunglasses on.

[C]

And I'll take them off if you want.

[A]

Well, I do, because they. I know, but we'll put them on again. Let me see. I mean, they look very cool. Frankie, what are you doing?

[C]

That's so creepy.

[A]

Plazi's here, and her sweet dog Frankie is here, too. When you wear the glasses, you do look very Howard Stern.

[C]

It's cause. My hair, too.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Right now it's like.

[A]

I mean, it makes you look cool, but as an interviewer, I don't love it. Sorry. Your doggy Frankie is here with you too.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Tell us about Frankie.

[C]

Okay. Have we started?

[A]

Yeah, we started.

[C]

Oh, and just like that. Frankie is my dog. Her name is Francis.

[A]

Right.

[C]

Fox. She's named after Judy Garland. That's Judy Garland's real name.

[A]

She's a good dog.

[C]

She's a good dog. She got a little sick this morning. That's why I brought her. I'm not. I'm not. I'm not like, bring my dog to work kind of person. Yeah, so much. But do you ever bring her on set for anything? Do you? No.

[A]

But she's really like with you a lot.

[C]

She is now. Yeah. That's. This is a Reese. Recent this year. Recent kind of thing.

[A]

Yes. Like, she's like. She's like a therapy dog.

[C]

Oh, yes.

[A]

In many ways. And it has always been for you, but it's really been.

[C]

Yeah, she is. She's always been like that.

[A]

Well, I mean, to. Just to get it out of the way. People want to see you. I want to see how you are. They love you. I know they love you, and they want to see you. So you've had this terrible, terrible, tragic year.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

You lost your husband. You've been dealing with that, and you've been looking for all different ways in which to feel and find support. And I think I would, on behalf of all the people who feel like they know you and the people who do know you, how are you feeling today?

[C]

I'm. I mean, right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you. I feel overall, I'm here and I'm functioning And I feel, you know, like, I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I think, like, I'm okay, but, you know, it's like a, A daily struggle. Obviously, this is, like, a really dumb analogy, but. And it was kind of a joke at a certain point, but, like, I actually mean it. Did you see that movie the Gorge?

[A]

No.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

Horror movie.

[C]

It's like a alien movie or something with, like, Miles Teller. Teller. And. But it's like, in the movie, there's, like, a cliff on one side and then there's, like, a cliff on the other side, and then there's, like, gorge in between, and it's, like, filled with all these, like, monster people that are trying to get them. And, like, I swear when I watched it, I was like, that is like. Feels like what my grief is, like, where it's like. Or what grief could be, like, where it's like, at all times, there's like a giant, like, ocean of just awfulness that's, like, right there. And I can, like, see it. And, like, sometimes I, I just want to, like, just dive into it and just, like, be in it. And then, and then sometimes I just, like, look at it. And then sometimes I'm like, I just try to get away from it, but it's always there. It's just always there. And the monster people are trying to get me. Like, Miles Teller. Yeah. And, and, And Anya Taylor. Joy.

[A]

Yes. Who? Anya Taylor Joy, to me, is example of, like, the more beautiful you are, the more spaced out your eyes are.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

And Rihanna. Who? And that's how she says it, guys.

[C]

What about Rihanna?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Rihanna.

[A]

Yes. Check out the clips.

[C]

Not saying it ever.

[A]

Well, Rihanna is so beautiful and her eyes are truly on the side of her head.

[C]

Yeah. Just like a horse and.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

And that's why horses are so beautiful.

[A]

Well, I feel, here's how I feel about horses. I feel like horses are fine.

[C]

You hate them.

[A]

I don't hate them. I don't hate them.

[C]

Let's talk about animals.

[A]

I would love to talk about animals.

[C]

No, no.

[A]

Because I feel, I feel like I, I, I think horses are beautiful and they're a little bit scary to me. And I'm like, I respect them, but I'm not. I don't really want to be.

[C]

And that's not how you feel about Rihanna.

[A]

No. I'd love to truly, like, be in a stall with Rihanna and feed her a sugar cube if she let me. I wanna talk to you about many things today.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

Okay. But the first person I wanna talk to is little Baby Plaza. No.

[C]

Why? Okay.

[A]

No, I don't need you to act like a baby.

[C]

Oh, okay.

[A]

I just mean I wanna talk. We're gonna do role play. We're gon intense. Role play. A bunch of hats.

[C]

No. Okay.

[B]

No.

[A]

But because I love Little Young Plaza and I feel like a lot of people, don't I. I think a lot of people are like, Little Young Plaza out there and they see themselves in you. But can you explain what kind of kid you were?

[C]

Oh, okay. I was. I mean, I think I would say, like, before 7, I think I was, like, pretty shy. Like, I was kind of like a quiet, like, lanky kind of, I don't know, freakish kind of kid. Maybe really thin hair. Like, my ponytail was like. Look like this. Just like one little strand. Basically, I would try to have ponytails.

[A]

But your hair looks really good right now.

[C]

It's got thicker.

[A]

It gets thicker as I get your pieces in.

[C]

No, it's thicker as I get around.

[A]

It's gotten really thick.

[C]

Tina Fey. Watch out, bitch. Watch out, bitch. Watch out. I'm coming for you.

[A]

She's gonna brush that hair like a real brush.

[C]

Tina Fey.

[A]

Nobody's gonna beat Tina's hair. Nobody.

[C]

Watch me.

[A]

Sorry, babe. My money's on Tina. I've seen that hair. It's incredible.

[C]

Watch me. I was definitely around a lot of people. Like, hectic, kind of, you know, childhood, I think. So, like, I was a very. I wasn't, like, definitely an observer, but, like, definitely living in my imagination. Like, I could just imagine things all day long.

[A]

Where did you grow up?

[C]

Grew up in Delaware. Wilmington, Delaware? Yeah. Ever heard of it?

[A]

Nope. Never been. Never heard of it.

[C]

Joe Biden. Land of Joe Biden.

[A]

Joe Biden. Who we met.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Who we met. Well, you've met many times.

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

But, you know, for people. Fast forward to when we were in parks. We got to go to when President Biden was in. Vice President Biden. We got to go to a scene.

[C]

I'll never forget it.

[A]

And it was pretty, pretty exciting.

[C]

It was amazing.

[A]

It was amazing. It was super, super fun. And I've told this story before, but Aubrey stole something from his desk.

[C]

Yeah, I did. I stole. There was. We were getting a tour of his office and of the White House, Right? Yeah. And I saw a little, like, vice president monograms, notebook, piece of paper that said, like, Aubrey Plaza. And then, like, three facts about me. Like, Wilmington, Delaware, Ursuline Academy. We met. We met. Blah, blah, blah. Cause that's what the politicians all do. They get their little and Then you're like, oh, my God. How did he remember, you know? And I swiped it. And Mike Scher was like, you cannot steal something. Do you think? And I was like, oh, shut up, Mike. And he was like, we're literally in the White House. And I was like, we are.

[A]

And you didn't get in trouble. No one ever knew. No one knew. I am kind of surprised that there's no, like, alarm system in there.

[C]

There's nothing in there. It's like a house of.

[A]

It is. It is weird how janky.

[C]

The White House actually is janky as fuck.

[A]

It is janky as fuck.

[C]

I didn't see any cameras.

[A]

And it is like. It's like snl. Like, you go in there, you're like, this is the White House.

[C]

I know.

[A]

Like, this place sucks.

[C]

You're like, that pillow is disgusting. It's like.

[A]

It's like a hotel room used by for a million years.

[C]

I know.

[A]

It is bad.

[C]

That's weird.

[A]

But, you know, now it's gonna be big and beautiful. It's gonna be gorgeous now. Okay, so then you're in Delaware. What kind of shows did you do as a little kid? Like, what were your, like, parts that you were. That you got to sink into, baby?

[C]

Plaza Theater was the Wilmington Drama League. I went there. My older cousin was doing the Crucible. And I remember just watching and being like, oh, my God, this is so cool. And then I auditioned. I think the first thing. Oh, yeah, the first thing I got was Hansel and Gretel. You played chorus? Tree. Tree number four, maybe.

[A]

No, Small trees.

[C]

Yeah, actually. Yeah, I was actually. Fun fact. I got my period on stage at the Drama League.

[A]

You used that. You just used it.

[C]

You were like, I'm gonna use this. I went. I started bleeding. And then my cousin took me in the bathroom. I was like, what's happening? And she was like, you're bleeding. And then I was like, get on out there. The show must go on. And then I did, and I was like.

[A]

And you were like. And you felt totally different. You were like, my tree is a woman now.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

It was awesome. That's exciting. I was mainly in the chorus a lot.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

I always wanted to be, you know, like, Annie or whatever, but I never. But the bigger. The big part that I got that, like, kind of changed things for me was I got the Ugly Stepsister and Cinderella. And I really wanted to be Cinderella, like, everybody.

[A]

And then.

[C]

And then they were like, ugly Stepsister, and I was like, damn it.

[A]

Because I know that's the better part.

[C]

It was the better part. And it taught me, like, I brought down the house with my song, and it taught me, like, comedy is where it's at. I was like, I'm getting all the laughs. I was like, cinderella sucks.

[A]

I bet you have. The same memory that I have is like, when you get your first laugh that you mean to get, like, people laugh at you, but when you get a laugh that you mean to get, it's like becoming a vampire.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, you're like, yeah. You're like, I'm fully realized.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I have all the power.

[C]

Yeah. I can do anything. It's the best feeling.

[A]

Yeah. Okay. Then you graduate, you go to nyu.

[C]

Then I graduated, Then I went to nyu.

[A]

So do you remember, like. Like, arriving in New York City and what that was like?

[C]

It was crazy. Yeah. I was like. I mean, I was so ready to go to New York, mainly because of ucb, which is People Listening is a.

[A]

Sketch, an improv theater that myself and Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh, started in 90. We moved to the city in 96.

[C]

You were arriving when I came to the city in 2002. But, like, growing up, I. I knew about UCB before, you know, I went to New York and, like, how did.

[A]

You know about it? Just curious.

[C]

Like, Neil Casey. I mean, we. Neil is. Was one of my best friends growing up. Is still one of my best friends. He was a bit older than me, and he was really into comedy. He showed me, like, Mr. Show and kids in the hall, and, like, we got really into. And obviously Saturday Night Live was, like, really big for me growing up, too. So, like, we just. Yeah, we were, like, super big comedy nerds. And part of the reason I wanted to go to NYU and go to New York is to take classes at ucb. So that was, like, I was, like.

[A]

Ready, and you were, like, studying in, taking classes at the same time. You were doing both?

[C]

Yeah, I started doing it, like, immediately.

[A]

What were you majoring in at nyu? I don't think I know.

[C]

I majored in film, like, directing and.

[A]

Writing more than almost anyone I know. Love studying, watching and talking about movies. You love movies?

[C]

I love movies. All I need is movies. I don't need anything else or anyone else but movies.

[A]

What do you do with your phone when you're watching a movie? Are you able to fully. You are. You're really good.

[C]

I am. And I'm not just saying that I think I am. I'm also really not good at technology. I'm like, I'm a real boomer person when it Comes to technology.

[A]

No, I will say, when it comes to technology, I have a memory that you've taught me many lessons. But I remember one time I was texting on the set of Parks to someone who was bothering me or asking something from me. I forget what the situation was. And I was composing this really long text, and you grab my phone and you just type no. And you said it.

[C]

Really?

[B]

You don't remember that?

[C]

No, I don't remember anything.

[A]

And it was really. It was very illuminating because it was just basically, like, it really. Underneath, it was like, first of all, don't be, like, beholden to your phone. Like, yeah, life is happening around you. And also, you don't owe anybody any long explanation.

[C]

Wow.

[A]

I know.

[C]

That's.

[A]

So remember that.

[C]

No, I feel like that's something you would do to me. I feel like you taught me how to say no.

[A]

Well, maybe I taught it and then forgot it and you did it back to me.

[C]

Wow. Like.

[A]

Like Karate Kid style. Okay, so then you go to New York. Where do you live when you're in the dorms?

[C]

I go to New York. My parents dropped me off on 3rd Avenue and 11th Street. Oh, my God.

[A]

I used to live right around there. Near Webster Hall.

[C]

Yeah, I lived right on. I lived in the third north dorms, and then I ended up moving. I got out of the dorms earlier than you're, like, technically allowed to because there was, like, a mice issue.

[A]

And so there were too many mice in the. And they were like, you have to leave. Like, the mice took over.

[C]

The mice took over to the point where I will never forget. I was on the top bunk, and I was being very quiet because I was, like, reading a book or something, and like nobody else.

[A]

You're as quiet as a mouse.

[C]

I was as quiet as a mouse. And I literally was just, like, reading for, like, I don't know, maybe 20 minutes or something. And all of a sudden, there was a Thanksgiving Day parade of mice. They were, like, having trumpets. They were like. And they all just started parading back and forth, like, selling things, and it was like a flea market. They came out and they were like. It was insane. Like, I was like, ah. And I was like, I couldn't.

[A]

On your floor.

[C]

On the ground. Like, in our clothes. Like, in our. It was, like, a messy room, too. So it was like. They were just like. Like, they had, like. Were wearing my clothes. They were, like, running around dancing. Like, they were.

[A]

They were like those Richard Scarry books. Remember those things where it was like. Like they were, like, building. They Were like, in little cars.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

You had a dog car?

[C]

Yes. It was insane. And I was like, screaming. I was like, this is fucking disgusting.

[A]

And NYU was like, you gotta get out.

[C]

Yeah. They were like, be quiet and get out. So I got out and then I moved. And then I moved right down the block to second and 11th. I got in with these, like, older musical theater girls that, like, took me in. And then I lived there for a couple years.

[A]

And then you studied at ucb and then a lot of people don't know that you. Well, I mean, I think some people know because you talked about it on snl, but then you found you got an internship at snl.

[C]

Oh, yes.

[A]

How did you get that?

[C]

So I faxed my resume. Remember that?

[A]

That's amazing.

[C]

Where are you looking?

[A]

I don't know.

[C]

At the audience.

[A]

I'm just looking over here. I'm looking at my fax.

[C]

I imagined that there were people there.

[A]

I'm looking. I'm checking to see if I got any other faxes.

[C]

Hello? Yeah, I faxed my resume to every department because there was. There was just, like, a number. There was like, a paper on some wall at NYU that had, like, all the department numbers. It was like 212-66-7212. Like, down or 664. Whatever. It was. 664, 212. No. Yeah.

[A]

I still have a 212 number.

[C]

I'm so jealous.

[A]

I still have a landline.

[C]

That's nice.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

But, yeah, I faxed my resume to every department and I didn't get anything. And then on a Friday night on the week of their. Of the 2005 season, I got a call from the design department and they were like, we got your resume. Like, we need someone. Like, can you come interview? And it was Regina DiCicco, if you remember. Regina, of course. And I was like, yeah. I was like, I'm available. It was like Friday at, like, I wanna say, like, 4pm or 5pm or something. She was like. She's like, how about right now? And I was like, okay. And so then I, like, went up to 30 rock. Like, immediately saw Ben Affleck.

[A]

Sure.

[C]

Just there, who was like, I guess he was hosting that episode. I just, like, remember how crazy it was just walking in for the first time. Because I was just interviewing. So I was like. I didn't know what was going on, but it was a Friday night, so I guess they were blocking or rehearsing. And they had. They had fired the design department. Only ever had one intern. Couldn't cut it mainly because he wanted to be in design. And.

[A]

And they were like, you.

[C]

No.

[A]

Yeah, you can't now.

[C]

He was like, so the blueprints of the. And they were like, get the fuck out of here. Literally, they were like, fuck off. And he was like. And then I came in and they were like, do you care about design? And I was like, no. And they were like, can you start now? And I was like, yeah.

[A]

What is the design part of SNL for people they don't know, like, what is design? What does the design do? Because it's a big. It's a very important part of the show.

[C]

There's. You have to imagine the sets have to be built somehow and very fast. Because basically, as you know, on Tuesday night's the writing night, and then Wednesday night is when all the sketches get chosen. And so there's really only Wednesday to Saturday. And then they have to figure out all the sets in between. I remember what I had to do was like, once the. I was there all Wednesday night, like until three in the morning or whatever. And then once the sketches were picked, I would. They would like, send. They would be like, go in the filing cat, literally in the filing cabinet and find restaurant number 72 or something. And then I would, like, sift through and find these, like, blueprints, I guess, for whatever. And then I would just watch them and they would, like, draw stuff and. And that's it. And then the. The other job I had was to take continuity photos. And that was cool because you guys would be rehearsing and I'd be like. And everyone thought I worked there. I had a camera around, whatever, and I just was like, very quiet and just kind of like taking pictures of the sets, of the plants, of the things.

[A]

I mean, it blows my mind blasey that we were sharing.

[C]

I mean, you were there.

[A]

Like, I stalked you. I think now about the people that are crossing our lives right now that are like, in our proximity that we don't know yet. That it's.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, it's really cool that we were in the same physical space.

[C]

I know each other. It's so crazy. It still blows my mind.

[A]

And then you were giving tours and.

[C]

I was giving tours.

[A]

Yeah. And a lot of people know that you just gave. You just made stuff up.

[C]

I did, yeah. I got fired. I didn't get fired, but I got pretty much encouraged to leave pretty quickly.

[A]

Yeah. What were some things you would make up? Do you remember?

[C]

I mean, no, I don't remember, like, specific thing. I feel like there was one Thing. This is when I was a page. Like, there was one speech I had to give about, like. I guess it was like, Conan's studio or something. That's that studio. And it was, like, very cold. And it was. There was just, like, weird facts where they'd be like, does anyone, you know, know why it's so cold in the studio? And people would be like, why is it so cold? Because of the lights. And I'd be like, no, because in 1956, they had penguins on the show, and the penguins needed to be cold so they wouldn't die. And they forgot to turn the heat down after that. So it's been cold since, like, 1956. And people would be like, well, that's interesting.

[A]

Okay. Then you get. You're, like, doing comedy, doing shows, and we meet, not on snl, even though we're in the same building, but we meet on the set of Parks and Rec. And for people that don't know, like, you had a crazy week when you got hired. You got, like, three jobs that same week. What happened that week you were hired on Parks?

[C]

So I basically, I was, like, trying to get a part in Funny People, the Judd Apatow movie with Seth Rogen and Adam Sandler. And I went through kind of this whole vetting process in New York, and then enough where Allison Jones, who cast that movie and Parks and Rec was called me and was like, all right, like, you made it to the chemistry read stage, so you have to come out to LA and read with Seth and see if you get the part, basically. And so. But I didn't really have an agent or anything, and I kind of had to, like, pay my way, you know, to go out there. So it was, like, a little bit janky, but I got myself out there to do that. And then while I was out in LA for that week to do the Funny People thing, Allison was like, how about I send you on some other things? Like, how do you feel about that? And so, yeah, so one of them was she wanted me to go meet Mike Scher and Greg Daniels, who at the time, were shooting on the Office. And they were shooting. They were on the set of the Office. So she sent me to the set of the Office, and I didn't even. I guess at that time, I didn't realize. Like, I didn't think, like, oh, I could. These meetings will get me a job. I didn't have a job.

[A]

I mean, I think it's one of the things about being young that's kind of nice is you're not really aware what you're actually like, what's at stake?

[C]

No, definitely not that. I mean, if it was an audition, obviously. I know. Like, all right, I'm gonna get the part or not. But, like, general meetings, I didn't really get the vibe of that.

[A]

How old were you then?

[C]

I was 24. 23. 23, maybe, but so then I went to the set of the Office, and I was so starstruck. I see in my horse eye BJ Novak and Mindy Kaling walked by, and I was like, oh, my God. I was like, they're in the show or whatever. And Mike Schur is like, hello. And he's like, at his desk, like. And I'm like, what? And then I just met him for, like. He describes it. He really embellishes this story.

[A]

I think he loves this story.

[C]

He loves it. But he's like. And then I met the weirdest person.

[A]

There's no bigger fan of Aubrey Plaza than Mike Scher.

[C]

Yeah, right.

[A]

He loves it, though, because I think, like. I mean, it just speaks to. Honestly, the fact that. But you've always been yourself, confidently yourself. And you don't have a vibe of, like, you don't. You are the opposite of a pick me, as the kids would say. Like, you do not have that vibe. And that draws people in. And I think he was like, who is this person who seems mad at me while I try to give her a job?

[C]

Yeah. Literally. And why are you wearing jean shorts in a general meeting? Like, ripped jean shorts?

[A]

And you were like, I didn't know what this was.

[C]

No. And then I got a phone call, and they were like, you're on a TV show. I'm like, what? No, but then.

[A]

Which one? What? You're like, the Office?

[C]

Yeah. I literally probably said that I didn't know what was going on. And then they were like, actually, you got the part, but actually, you have to audition to play yourself.

[A]

You don't have to name names. But I wonder who else was up to play you.

[C]

I don't think that anyone.

[A]

Oh, right. It was just one person.

[C]

I think they just made me do it, like, for the network or something. I think I found out later. I mean, maybe not. I don't know. It was probably like, you know, you.

[A]

Sharon Stone and Gina Gershom. Yeah. So you get the part. We're on the set. And then, like, I mean, we could do a whole. Obviously, we could do a whole episode about our experiences there. And there are so, like. I mean, I don't. The best thing about our Relationship, I feel like, is. I don't, like, all, like, a lot of, I think long lasting relationships is you don't always, like, remember how you met. Like, I just remember, like, just. I just have this vision of you being next to me on the set of that show and me being, like, welcome. Like, you know, Leslie was supposed to be, like, welcoming April, and April was supposed to be like, what am I doing here? And Amy was welcoming Aubrey, and Aubrey was like, what am I doing here?

[C]

Truly. Yeah. I mean, I remember when we first met and I think I told you this story. It was the promos that we shot.

[A]

That's right. That's right.

[C]

Which was weird because we hadn't shot the show yet and the rest of the cast hadn't even been cast yet. I think at that point it was just like, Aziz, me, you. Yeah. Maybe another Rashida.

[A]

Yeah. I don't think we had Nick yet.

[C]

Or I don't think so, but they had me and I was there, like, physically there. So they shot this promo of us on a swing set. And that's when I met you, like, officially for the first time. And I think I was literally on a swing like a child, like, and I was like. And I was like, just don't make any sudden movements except swinging. Except swinging. And then you. Which is kind of good. Cause swinging is really good somatically for me. Like, I liked. But then, yeah, you came over and we were both just swinging like little babies. That's how we met on a swing. We met on a playground, which is kind of nice.

[A]

Really nice. And it feels like the show was that, like, it was. It felt like a true, like, playground space. It really was like, we. I mean, I loved and love working with you. I love playing with you. I love acting with you. I love you as an actor. I love you as a person. I love your acting. Blazi. You know how good I think you are.

[C]

I love playing with you.

[A]

And I feel like our dynamic. Well, like, the arc of. In many ways, like, April had the biggest growth in the show. She goes from truly not wanting to be where she is to, like, you know, ending the show, like, with some kind of purpose and a love in her life and like, some also, like a. She kind of stands up for what she doesn't want to do, which is a big part of your 20s. Like, but when you started that character, when you started her, did you have any idea where you thought it would go? Did you have any. You know, did you see.

[C]

Yeah, no, I just. No, I think I Just once I realized, like, oh, what's so fun about this character is that, like, it's a game of not showing anyone that I really care.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

And, like, once I locked into that, it was real. Like, it felt like there was no limit to, like, the growth or, like, what could happen, because if you hint that there's something else going on, it's like you can kind of play with that and also in different ways with every different character. So I feel like maybe on an unconscious level, but I felt like, oh, there's so much to play with, even though it feels really subtle and simple.

[A]

Yeah. That was her secret, is she cared, but she pretended she didn't. And so when it would pop out, it was so satisfying.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

It was so funny and good. And the ways in which she tried to keep those things hidden were so funny.

[C]

Yeah. And then I think just the Andy. April thing was such an organic. Like, I had no idea that was gonna become a thing until that one episode.

[A]

So let's talk about that. So Andy, played by Chris Pratt, and you, April, and Andy, had an episode where a bunch of us were off, like, doing the. Like, a harvest. We're at the Harvest Festival. We're at some festival.

[C]

I don't know where you guys were.

[A]

We were doing something together and.

[C]

Or you were, like, camping or something.

[A]

Oh, yeah, Maybe. Oh, yeah.

[C]

We're in, like, cabin. I don't know.

[A]

And so they put you guys in the office and just said, like, let's see what happens to these two characters when they hang out.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And basically, the chemistry that those characters had was the building block for why they eventually became, like, the. The real romantic love story of the show, other than Leslie and Anne.

[C]

Yeah. Because Anne doesn't deserve.

[A]

Don't talk about Anne.

[C]

Sorry.

[A]

But what do you remember of that day?

[C]

I have a. Well, Greg Daniels directed the episode, which I will always remember, because he was so delighted. Like, he had such a little kid energy, and he was so. He just was, like, very willing to, like, let's just try things. And we had a whole day where we were just playing. It was, like, kind of like what you said, like, the office, like, the bull room or bullpen.

[A]

Yeah, bullpen.

[C]

Yeah, the bullpen. The bull room, the bullpen. Playground. And I. I just remember I have an image of, like, us sitting under the table. We were, like, under that main table for a while. Like, I don't even know what we were doing down there, but we were under there. And I just remember. I don't know, it just felt it was so fun. It just felt like. I remember before then there was. I think it was like the finale of the. Maybe the first season, or I don't remember what season, but there was a very subtle moment where we're all in a group, we're in a circle, and Andy's, like, saying something about his band or he's like, something about, like, I think, like, this band name is cool or whatever, and everyone else is like, no. And April's. And I was just like, I like it. And it was, like, an improvised thing, but I. Do you remember that? Where I remember being like. And then I remember, like, knocking on Mike Schur's, like, door and being like, listen. I was like, april loves Andy, and April thinks Andy's cool because he's so not cool that he's cool. Do you understand? And Mike was like, get out of here. And I was like. I was like, you better listen to me.

[A]

You did.

[C]

You knocked her. It was like. I mean, yeah, it was more like.

[A]

Just a little conversation, but it was like a layer to that character because you become his advocate. Like, and that's the part of April that is another interesting layer is, again, she acts like nothing matters, and she's completely disaffected, but she's actually very fiercely loyal and sticks up for people she believes in, which I think is a character trait of you, too, Plazi. You're a very loyal friend. You're a really, really protective friend, and you really stick up for people who you love. And that side of it was so great, because then we got to see her, like, manage him, care about the band, see potential for him that he didn't see in himself, and he was just like, I can't believe how lucky I am. And I remember when the writers had you guys get married, we were all like, what?

[C]

I know. That was insane.

[A]

What do you remember of that day, shooting it?

[C]

There was a lot of crying. You cried.

[A]

I mean, I love a wedding, you cry.

[C]

I remember you, like, cried in the kitchen, and then you were, like, crying, like, off camera, and I was like, stop.

[A]

I cried that much?

[C]

Yes, you did. You, like, literally cried all day. It was so weird.

[A]

I was so happy. You were in love.

[C]

You were, like, crying all day. There was like.

[A]

I was like, I was not crying all day.

[C]

I was like, we're not even the camera. I was like, we're in my trailer. Like, why are you doing this? And you were like, how do you feel? I'm like, oh, my God.

[A]

No idea.

[C]

I'm ordering a salad for lunch. Like, this is my job.

[A]

I was crying because you were crying so hard and I was worried that we weren't going eat to get the shot. I was crying cuz I was sad at how much you were crying.

[C]

I don't think so. I think that you thought it was real.

[A]

And yes, I. I assumed it was legally binding.

[C]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

But it was so good. And. And the. And the vows were so funny.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And the wedding was so stupid.

[C]

It was so funny.

[A]

This episode is brought to you by J.C. penney. Yes, JCPenney. And if you've been there recently, you know it's the place to go for jaw dropping looks at brag worthy prices. They've got something special for every style and budget. Not to mention rewards and deals that make finding those hidden gems even sweeter. If you already shop JCPenney, you're already in on the secret. But if not, it's time to ask. Wait, am I sleeping on JCPenney? Shop jcpenney.com. yes, JCPenney. Okay. I mean, I guess. Like, when do you watch. Have you rewatched Parks and Rec?

[C]

Nope.

[A]

What? I'm finding this out.

[C]

Okay, I wouldn't even know how.

[A]

Shut up.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

Ask me how you've never.

[A]

The big giant screen that you watch your movies on.

[C]

How does it work? Go bloop, bloop, bloop. These days I wouldn't.

[A]

And go to. Go to.

[C]

Go to what?

[A]

Type in where the search is. How?

[C]

Someone tell me Peacock. No.

[A]

Yes. Yes. Go there. Or go to itunes.

[C]

I wish I knew how.

[A]

Or go to, you know.

[C]

Just pick.

[A]

Up your controller and just wreck into it and it'll come up.

[C]

Okay. It's probably not the right one.

[A]

Go to your DVDs. You love your DVDs.

[C]

I wish I had one right now, but.

[A]

So you've never rewatched it?

[B]

No.

[A]

I don't know what's wrong with you guys.

[C]

If it comes on in a hotel room, I literally throw something. I throw it. Adam says I will literally break the tv.

[A]

Adam says watching the show makes him sad. Nick has told me he has not rewatched it.

[C]

Liar. He jerks off to it every night. You know, he sits there and like, touches himself.

[A]

You're so bright. He's got it on right now. Nick.

[C]

Nick Shrek. Tammy. You're right.

[A]

He does watch it for Tammy. His real life, Megan Mullally.

[C]

They get off on that. They watch it.

[A]

They watch. You're so right. They watch it together. And they. And they just slap each other in the face.

[C]

They're disgusting.

[A]

They're so disgusting. Nick, I know you're listening. You're not fooling anybody.

[C]

I remember, like, that episode with. With April and Ron, that very first. I love that episode when we got to play together. I remember, like, knocking on his door and being like, I canceled all your meetings today or whatever. And us just the silence. The silences between us.

[A]

The thing that I love so much about Leslie and April's relationship is that Leslie had a plan for April that. And she kept kind of whispering to April, you know, like, 2016, a version of, like, feminism. Like, you can do it all. You can do whatever you want.

[C]

She was like, women belong in the kitchen. That. That game I love to play, the trad wife thing. She was always, like, so good. I mean, maybe we must respect our man. And Leslie Knope would be like, no, April, no. She'd be like, you must bend over for your man.

[A]

I feel like you. Did you improvise that? It feels like somebody would have improv two more things about parks. We had so many fun guest stars come in and, like, you connected with some of them in interesting ways.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Who do you remember? Just, like, love. Like, just being like, oh, I just like loving the. Because I feel like my job on set was to be, like, welcome, you know, and you got to just come up later and be like, what do you think of this? Like, you definitely.

[C]

I'd be like, it's kind of crazy around here, isn't it? Want to see something insane or whatever? Yeah, yeah.

[B]

You were the cool.

[A]

You were the cool kids.

[C]

I mean, one of the ones I'll never forget is Patricia Clarkson.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

Totally made out with her. Never made it on the show.

[A]

Still talk about it if I made out on the set, not in the trailers.

[C]

Oh, sure.

[B]

Yeah, sure.

[A]

Yeah, sure. Although Patty would probably be fine with both. That was incredible. And April really fell for Tammy one.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, she was Tammy Wan. Yeah, yeah, sure.

[A]

I mean, one could argue that Ron's mom was the original Tammy.

[C]

Oh, right, right, right.

[A]

Played by Paula Pell.

[C]

Oh, yeah, that was a good one.

[A]

Yeah. Tammy. But she was Tammy 1, and Mullally was Tammy 2. Who else did you.

[C]

I loved her. Fuck. My brain is so broken. Okay, Remember Sam Elliott?

[A]

I'll throw some people out.

[C]

You love Sam Elliott. Sam Elliott, always. I love Sam.

[A]

Elle, you love the actor that played Oren on Parks and Rec.

[C]

Oh, my God, Oren.

[A]

Remember Oren, played by Love Orin?

[C]

He was so funny and so weird.

[A]

He was so funny.

[C]

He was like a vampire boy that was always lurking in the shadows, Eric Eisenhower.

[A]

Eric played Orin, but Eric wasn't really the vampire boy, I think, in real life. But he.

[C]

No, but in character. But he was very method.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

And I really appreciated that. Even when we weren't shooting, he'd be kind of like, did you try the hummus? Or whatever? And I'd be like, yes, Warren, I. You know.

[A]

Yes, whatever.

[C]

Who else?

[A]

You also helped us. You helped us secure the mayor, Connie. You really helped us get Bill Murray on stage.

[C]

Bill Murray. All you have to say to Bill Murray is, you're playing a cadaver. And he's like, I'm in. Do you remember when. I don't know if you remember this, but do you remember when Chris Bosch was on the show? The basketball player? Chris Bosh? He was a Miami Heat player.

[A]

Oh, yes.

[C]

And he was a.

[A]

Was he in, like, we all, like.

[C]

Had, like, different beat basketball, Like Roy.

[A]

Yeah, we had. Yes. Yeah. Chris Bosch. Yes, Chris Bosch. He was with, like, Aziz. And was he like, John Ralphio? Yeah. Entertainment720.

[C]

Yeah. But, like, I don't know if you know this story. It was a very quick story, but it was so stupid. But I was a really big Chris Bosch fan. So, like, I was like, oh, my God. Like, I can't believe he's coming. Like, this is insane. I was like, I wanna play a prank on him. Do you know this?

[A]

No.

[C]

And so he had to go through hair and makeup. But, you know, he, I think, had very little hair and, you know, whatever. Didn't need makeup. Cause he's a guy or whatever. But you know how they always put them through the works.

[A]

Anyway. Yeah.

[C]

So I was like, I'm gonna pretend to be the hairstylist. And I think it was Terry maybe was in there. And you know how she had those glasses or whatever. So I was like, terry, give me your glasses. Or I can't remember. Whatever. And I'm thinking, like, this is gonna be hilarious. Cause it's gonna be me. And he'll be like, ha, ha, ha. It's you. So I, like, pretend to be Terry. I'm like, at her station. And then he goes through, like, makeup first. And they're like, you look good. You know, a little powder and you're good. And then he went. And he was like, yeah, yeah, thanks a lot. And then he sat down in my chair, and I was like, well. And I looked at him, and I was like, what are we gonna do today? And I was, like, doing, like, a dumb thing. And he didn't make any eye contact with me. He Was just looking down, and he was so sweet, but he didn't make eye contact. He was just like, yeah, whatever you think, oh, no.

[A]

And you were like.

[C]

And I was like, well, I think that you're looking pretty good, sir. And he'd be like, yeah, so I'm good. All right. And I'd be like, well, you're not that good. And then I was like. I just kept it going and someone videotaped it.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[C]

So awkward. Didn't recognize me at all. Didn't know who I was. Don't think he ever knew who I was. Not once.

[A]

Chris Bosh isn't gonna be watching the show before he comes into the show.

[C]

He didn't know. He's too busy. I was. He thought I was.

[A]

He thought you were a hair person.

[C]

And, like, the PAs are like, we really need him on set. I'm like, well, he's almost done in my department of hair. And then basically it just died.

[A]

And he never. He never.

[C]

Nope.

[A]

Well, Chris is probably listening. So now, you know.

[C]

Never. Not once did you even work with.

[A]

Him on set that day?

[C]

Never saw him again. Literally never saw him again ever in my life.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

I mean, people should know. You're a big basketball fan.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean, you're. You're. You. You're a big WNBA fan.

[C]

Yeah. I love it.

[A]

You're a big Liberty fan and many other teams.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

What do you like about basketball? What do you like? You're.

[C]

You're.

[A]

You're good at basketball.

[C]

Thank you. Welcome. I grew up playing basketball. I. I just love the game. My sister and I, we just were a ball ballin kind of family. My dad was, like, coaching our teams, and I went to an all girls high school in Delaware called Ursula Academy, and we were really known for our basketball team. Like, first we would, you know, be the best in the state. Elena Delladon went to my school, and she's, like one of the best WNBA players ever. So I just kind of grew up loving the sport. And then, yeah, my sister Natalie really introduced me to the W. And it was kind of before the kind of Caitlin Clark effect, as they call it. She. Well, we. But even before that, before that, we joined a women's basketball league in la. And there was a lot of parks, people like Alison Becker, you know, a lot of comedians. Shana Mawe tweet, Shawna Molly Tweep was on. Was on one of the teams. And there was a whole movement, like, around that time, like 10 years ago in LA, where like, just women were playing Basketball. And, like, really playing. Yeah. And it was so fun. And then kind of after that, I tore my ACL on the court.

[A]

That's. I mean. Pretty baller.

[C]

Yeah. I mean, it's happened twice. It did it again last year.

[A]

I know, It's. It's. It's very cool.

[C]

Thank you.

[A]

I know it's the biggest pain in the ass. Like, it's a nightmare to Terry Racl, but, like, being iced on the court, it looks cool.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Well, the first time it wasn't so cool. Cause I was actually playing in. I was wearing a wig and I was playing in disguise and.

[A]

Truly, you were pretending to be the hair department.

[C]

I was, yeah. I was pretending to be Terry.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

On the court.

[A]

Okay, so we gotta talk about your other stuff. There's so much stuff that you've done. Like, I. You know, I don't even. I don't even know where to start. Plazi. You're such a good actor. I. You've done for people that perhaps don't know. You have done a million gazillion movies. You've been in White Lotus. You've done Emily the Criminal. One of my favorite performances of yours. You've done. You've worked with. What's his name? You know, the most famous. You work with Michael Caine.

[C]

Robert De Niro.

[A]

Robert De Niro. You've worked with the other Mike. Bobby De Niro. You've worked with the other guy, Coppola.

[C]

You've worked.

[A]

You've been in his movies.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

You've been in. You've been in, like, incredible. Incredible. Black Bear. You've been in. I mean, I should note your IMDb.

[C]

It's enough.

[A]

Is that enough? Yeah, it feels like it's not. It just scratched the surface. Plaz. So I guess my question to you is. And it is a genuine question. Hold on. Agatha.

[C]

Down, down, down the road. Down my witch'.

[A]

Road. I mean, a lot of people think that you were playing yourself in Parks and Rec, but is it true that you were actually playing yourself in Agatha?

[C]

Of course. Yeah. That was the closest, the most blurred the lines have ever gotten for me. When I was holding the dagger in the woods.

[A]

I mean, that was so exciting to watch. I mean, that. That part was bananas.

[C]

It was crazy. And.

[A]

The response to that show. Talk about your hag heads. Talk about your heads.

[C]

I know. My baby Hags love that shit.

[A]

Baby hags.

[C]

Sorry, they're called baby hags.

[A]

Please excuse me. Baby hags, people. I mean, there's something about you that, like, is just witch adjacent. Like you organically have a witch vibe, as you said. You were called that early on. Like, what is it about your fascination? You've written about the Christmas witch. You've played a witch. Christmas Witch is your great children's book, and it's a great book, by the way. Thank you, Ewan Murph.

[C]

You know, we have a new book coming out that just came out on the shelves right now.

[A]

Oh, tell us about it.

[C]

It's called Luna and the Witch. Throw a Halloween Party. It's a Halloween party.

[A]

Yes. What do you love about. What is it about that witch? Your production company is called Evil Hag. What is it about witches and you?

[C]

I, you know, it's like, I can't pinpoint exactly where that seeped in, but I will say I grew. I think where I grew up has a. There's a witchy vibe in the woods of Delaware. First of all, it's an old state. The first state, in fact. And so I think I kind of grew up kind of always, I don't know, feeling witchy in the woods. But also, I think that there's a bloodline thing happening, you know, in my family with the women in my family. I think.

[A]

Wait, say again?

[C]

Like, I think I feel like I have ancestral, like, witch witches in my life. Like.

[A]

Well, I mean, you really. Your family feels like a matriarchy. Like, you have sisters, really strong women in your family, and it feels like that's been. And that feeling has been passed on.

[C]

Definitely on both sides, too.

[A]

On both sides, right. On your dad's side, too.

[C]

And I have, like, Basque blood. And I found out about this years ago when I went to visit. I went to visit, like, the area where supposedly, like, some of my family's from. And there's this town called Zugaramerdi, which is on the border of France and Spain and northern Spain in the Basque region. And it's apparently where, like, all thousands of witches would, like, convene in this. In these caves, which I went to visit. And. And, like, the, you know, we talk about Salem witch trials. Like, that was like, 200 witches. What? You love that shit. Boston.

[A]

Well, that was. It's funny that you bring up the Salem rich witch trials.

[C]

Why?

[A]

Because we talked to Margaret Qualley today about it.

[C]

You did?

[A]

Yes. Who is so nice.

[C]

I know. I love her.

[A]

I know. And she loves you.

[C]

I know. We have a really sweet little connection.

[A]

There, and we got to talk about. And, you know, it's my favorite part of this, in many ways, is to hear, is to talk. Well, behind Someone's back. And she was saying, which, you know, I know firsthand because of the love and support I feel from you and our history together. But she was talking about how, like, you are a real girls girl. You are like, you know, you really support women, you love women, you take good care of them, you feel supported and loved by them, and you surround yourself with really strong, interesting women who you learn from and teach to all the time. But her question was, what were the Salem witch trials?

[C]

Like, what, bitch? Honestly, they were fun.

[A]

Alexis.

[C]

They were fun. Alexis.

[A]

Alexis. They were fun.

[C]

They were fun. They were hilarious. Like, everyone was freaking out. And I was just like, you guys are like, so stupid.

[A]

Like, but I definitely can see you back in the day being on this.

[C]

Ugh, I would love it.

[A]

What do you think that was the best part about playing a witch on Agatha?

[C]

The best part for me was just like, cackling because I had this one scene, like, this one part at the end where, like. And I don't even know who, why, but it was, I think, cackling. There's something about cackling, I swear, that is, like, really therapeutic.

[A]

Well, it's probably somatic. Like, you've.

[C]

It's. It's like screaming.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

But it's like you. You think like, why are witches cackling? Where does that come from? I feel like it must be some old timey way that women were, like, working out their rage and. Because I'm not very tapped into that. My rage and whatever. But, like, when I really let loose and am able to like, cackle or whatever. Like, it, it's. I don't know, I just. It feels good for me. And I really took that and ran with it and like the scene in Agatha where I'm like, sitting. I'm like sitting on top of the house and like the. And I'm on a wire because I'm like flying down there and she's down on the ground going like, ew. You know, and like screaming at me. And I was just like. And I was cackling like crazy, but I went really crazy with it and.

[A]

And it felt good.

[C]

Felt good. It felt really good to just be like, just let loose.

[A]

Speaking of Margaret Qualley movie, Honey don't.

[C]

Honey don't.

[A]

You're in it with her.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And who directed it? And how did you. And how did you tell us about it?

[C]

Mr. Ethan Cohen directed it of the Coen brothers. And Ethan wrote it with his wife Trish, Trisha Cook. And how did I get involved in it?

[A]

Like, how do you pick? Why do. I mean, I find the way you choose parts really interesting. How do you choose what you're gonna do next?

[C]

I mean, I think it's just. It's a. I mean, a lot of the things that I do, I feel like, are somewhat self generated. Cause I produce like five movies and, you know, I read scripts and, you know, I've done. I like that approach.

[A]

You've developed things from the ground up.

[C]

Yeah. Like, I mean, I did that. Really. That's what I've done a couple times. But then, you know, as an actor, you also get offers sometimes, you know, But I think people think a lot of times that, like, actors just like sit there and wait and are sifting through like 10 offers or whatever, but it's never like that. It's always kind of different than that. But this one, I don't know how I choose. I think a lot of it's kind of has to do with like, what I feel like kind of diving into energetically or like, character wise. Cause I tend to really, like, go there and so I don't. There are certain things that I just. Even if the script's like, really good, or if it's like, you gotta work with, you know, Glen Powell or whatever, it's like, I don't.

[A]

But you gotta work with.

[C]

I know, but I don't want to. You gotta. I can't.

[A]

You can. No, he's Neighbors with Jack McBrayer.

[C]

I don't. All right, fine, I'll do it. I'm definitely interested in, like, doing the opposite of what I just did or like, you know, the. The honey don't thing to me honestly was like, mind blowing. That Cohen brother wanted to work with me, you know, I was like, oh.

[A]

My God, like, everybody wants to work with you, honey.

[C]

Tarantino, where the are you?

[A]

Tarantino, do your earmuffs.

[C]

Close your earmuff, Tarantino.

[A]

I'll do anything. I'll do anything. Absolutely anything you want. I am her manager. Manager. She will not do anything. And the feet are off the table.

[C]

Tarantino, it's Aubrey. Guess what? I'll do anything you want, babe.

[A]

It's extra for the feet, honey.

[C]

Naked in heels. Tarantino.

[A]

Immediate call from Quentin Tarantino.

[C]

Good. Can't wait.

[A]

God, I can't wait for whatever is the scary ass shit he's gonna make Put me through again.

[C]

Don't care. You think I didn't care before? How about now? Definitely don't care about anything.

[A]

No, Quentin, No. We're gonna. Okay, but so you what? But this brings Me?

[C]

But you.

[A]

But what do you like? Because you have worked with a lot of different directors. You work and you. And do you want to direct? Right?

[C]

Yes.

[A]

I mean, you have directed already, but you want to do that more.

[C]

Yeah, I mean, I've never directed a.

[A]

Well, you've directed tv.

[C]

No, I haven't.

[A]

You haven't?

[C]

Well, I direct. I directed. Yes. I directed an episode of a Showtime show called Cinematoast.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

That Jeff created.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And it was a quar. It was during the pandemic, and it was a really, really cool show, and I loved my episode. Unfortunately, I don't think you can watch it anymore. I don't think it exists.

[A]

It just went away.

[C]

I think Showtime, like, literally just erased it.

[A]

It's kind of weird about some tv. Like, we were making jokes about how to find parks, but some TV just is like, it's gone away. It just goes away.

[C]

It's weird.

[A]

I mean, I guess when I was growing up, that is what happened with tv. You couldn't watch it again.

[C]

Yeah, that's true.

[A]

But it just went away.

[C]

That's true.

[A]

But now it feels weird that it goes away.

[C]

Yeah, but. Yeah, no, I haven't directed. I want to direct a movie, but, like, I'm. I'm scared, girl. I know, but you know what it is? It's like I. I wanna. I know, but I. It's like I want. I'm a little bit. Like I'm being too precious about it. Yeah, yeah, I know.

[A]

Yeah. You just gotta just do it.

[C]

But I wanna have something to say. I have something.

[A]

I want to have something to say. I wanna.

[C]

Shut up. I mean, I wanna say. What?

[A]

Sorry.

[C]

What?

[A]

Sorry, I interrupted. What do you wanna say?

[C]

I literally don't know.

[A]

What do you wanna say?

[C]

Because I don't wanna say anything. I want to do a movie where I say nothing. How about that? It's called Seinfeld the Movie.

[A]

Okay, and so what would be like as we wrap up, back to movies. What are the movies that, like, give you. What are the movies like? What are your comfort movies? You know, speaking of comfort, just a reminder that Frankie's been asleep under your chair the entire time. Best dog ever.

[C]

Best dog ever.

[A]

Dakota Johnson was on, and she brought her dog.

[C]

She thinks she's better than me.

[A]

Sorry. No, it's not a competition.

[C]

Okay?

[A]

Frankie wins best dog for sure.

[C]

Yeah, she does.

[A]

Okay, but comfort movies.

[C]

Comfort movies. You've got mail.

[A]

Love you got mail.

[C]

Speaking of Tarantino, on his top 10 favorite movies of all time.

[A]

Yeah. But guess what? If he Made it.

[C]

What?

[A]

It'd be like you got mail, you open up the envelope, there's a finger in it.

[C]

No, he would never. Oh, yeah, he would never.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

You've got mail. I love that movie. That's like a real comfort movie. When Harry Met Sally. I think like a lot of like 90s like, Rom coms are really comfort movies for me. Like, I grew up, like on all those movies like Sleepless in Seattle and.

[A]

And just I watched two on a plane recently. Parenthood and Moonstruck.

[C]

Oh, my God. Moonstruck is.

[A]

Parenthood's so good too.

[C]

Love Moonstruck.

[A]

Moonstruck. Okay. And then I ask everybody this, like, and this is maybe, you know, this is like, take some more import for you this year probably than other times. But like, what do you. What makes you actually laugh? What do you do when you really wanna, like, deeply laugh? Where do you go? Do you watch something? Do you read something? Do you go to friends? Do you like.

[C]

I mean, there's certain. I would say there's just certain people that make me laugh. I don't laugh a lot when I watch things.

[A]

It's like a question about. I've asked a lot of people because to me it's like, it's. It's basically like, how do you, how do you stay happy above the line laughing? How do you stay on the cliff and not in the gorgeous.

[C]

Hmm.

[A]

May I tell you what I've observed that you've been laughing at? I do feel like, I feel like the way in which your friends know you and you know them. Like the way you like, create family and the way that you feel like safe around people and the way that you can like laugh at yourself. You have a very good sense of humor about yourself. Yeah. You are. You're able to get teased really hard and you love to tease.

[C]

Yeah, I like that. I like teasing.

[A]

I do too. And it's a, it's. I think it's a love language. I don't know if it's east coast, I don't know if it's whatever. But like, to me, like, the more comfortable I am with someone, the more I, I want to tease them and want to be teased by them.

[C]

Yeah, I would say yeah. Like my closest friends, like, like Bombardo, you know, my. All my group of my women friends that we were in an all girl improv group, but then we turned into a coven legit. We call ourselves Bombardo. Like, we do. We have like a text chain and we do like zooms and we do like trips and Those girls make me laugh really, really hard. Also, we all known each other for so long. I took my oldest. That's the best thing that makes me laugh is just funny. All my funny friends.

[A]

Wow. Plazi. We did it.

[C]

We did.

[A]

We really did it. Okay, great job. Thank you for doing this. Means a lot that you came.

[C]

I think I got the part.

[A]

You got the part. You got the part of yourself.

[C]

Okay. Finally, after all these years, we needed.

[A]

You to audition for the part of you in the podcast. And congratulations.

[C]

Thank you so much.

[A]

Thank you. Aubrey Plaza, AKA April Ludgate, my daughter, sister, wife, friend. And we all wanted you to be here and we're really glad you are. And that was so fun and funny and always a good hang with you. So thank you for coming and today's polar plunge. I just want to talk and just remind people of the beautiful films that Aubrey Plaza and her late husband Jeff Baena made together. They include Little Hours, Life After, Beth, Spin Me Round. They're all really great, beautiful, funny films that you should check out. And check out Jeff Baena's work. He's an incredible writer and director.

[C]

And.

[A]

His work is really special. And it leads me to say that if someone you know or you yourself is struggling emotionally or thinking about suicide, you can call the National Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline at 9 8, 8, if you're outside of the U.S. visit Spotify.com resources for information and resources you've been listening to. Good hang the executive producers for this show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss Berman and me, Amy Poehler. The show is produced by the Ringer and Paper Kite. For the Ringer, production by Jack Wilson, cat Spillane, Kaia McMullen and Alaya Zaneris. For paper kite kite production by Sam Green, Joel Lovell and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music by Amy Miller.