D (3:12)

Well, so Ben Silverman became Parks and Rec. Ben Silverman was running NBC and they asked, he asked Greg to like do a spinoff. And so Greg's response, typically thoughtful and considered, was, I would love to do another show. If the best idea that I have for a show is a spinoff, then I will do a spinoff. If the best idea I have is something else, I'll do something else. Greg is a real. One of the main things that he gave me in terms of how to do this job is best idea wins. Doesn't matter who it comes from. If it's staff writer or a 25 year veteran co ep or a person who works in costumes or whatever, best idea wins. That's it. And there is no corollary to that. In every situation that you're in creatively, best idea wins. And so that's what he said basically to Ben. And he was like, it's very important to me that you understand that if the best idea I have is not a spinoff of the Office, then we're going to do something else. And Ben was like, totally hear you, buddy. And the next day in the Variety, he was like, office spinoff is coming. Ben just totally ignored him and just announced an office spin off.

B (4:16)

Sure.

D (4:17)

So Greg and I started meeting. Greg asked me to do it with him. So we started meeting. We would go to Norm's Diner in the Valley like twice a week for breakfast. And we would just think of ideas and we would talk about what interested us and what was going on. And we would inch down a little path and then hit a dead end and then inch back and we would. We just met constantly over showing your work. We met all the time, forever, and eventually came up with the idea of like, you know, and, and by the way, just to say it, some of the ideas we talked about were office spinoffs. There were like Craig Robinson and Rainn Wilson and all these people on the show who could clearly be in their own show. So we talked about family shows with them or whatever. Greg was, I think, wary of taking assets away from a show that was very successful in part because of its large, rich cast. We stumbled upon this idea of like, okay, Dunder Mifflin on the Office is a fake company and it's A way to satirize the private sector. What if we create a whole fake town and satirize the public sector? And as we're having that idea, the world economy goes kablooey, and they're talking about, like, massive government bailouts. And we start to realize that, like, the government, obviously federal, really, but also state and local, was, like, gonna be very present in people's lives. Like, people were gonna be, like, looking to the government for help. So we started getting excited about that. I had this idea for an abandoned lot that would be turned into a park over the course of the entire run of the show. Very Wire y idea. I was obsessed with the Wire, as were you.

B (5:55)

Yeah, we share that.

D (5:58)

And I thought, like, the way that the Wire portrayed, like, calcified systems and how slow gears grind and stuff was fascinating to me. And I thought it would be really funny where if you did a show that ideally lasts for a long time, and in the pilot, it's like, we're gonna do this, and then it literally doesn't get done until the very end of, like, nine years later. So that was the idea that I really liked. Greg then was like, what if it's not a lot? What if there's, like, a giant hole in the ground? What if it's a pit? And I was like, that's so much better. And so that idea of all the 73 ideas we had started to, like, fizzy up. And it obviously is not a spinoff of the Office. And Greg, true to his word, was like, this is what we want to do. At some point, we called you because we heard you were leaving, and you were like, I'm theoretically interested in this. Let me know. The show was given a guaranteed 13 episode order, which now is very commonplace at the time was, like, insane. And the Office was gonna be on after the super bowl that year, and this show was gonna launch after the Office. Then you called us back and said, actually, sorry, preggo, that's exactly what you said.

B (7:07)

Yes.

E (7:07)

Prego.

D (7:08)

You said prego.

B (7:08)

Prego. I sent you a telegraph. Prego, stop. Show's off. Stop.

D (7:16)

And, well, you're gonna give birth, like, the week we have to shoot this, so no go. And then, like, I remember very clearly two weeks later, I went into Greg's office and I was like, you know, there's no. Like, we had. We were working on the show at that point pretty strenuously, and I was just like, I just don't think there's anyone but Poehler who can do this. And he was like, I had the same thought last night. And very quickly we made a phone call to NBC and said, if we can get Amy for this, we will give up seven of the 13 guaranteed episodes. Cause we'd only be able to make six.

B (7:46)

Dang.

D (7:47)

And give up the Super Bowl.

F (7:48)

Sl.

B (7:49)

You guys were. I'm so appreciative you did that.

D (7:51)

I mean, the thing was, it was actually a very simple decision because we were like, you know, getting Amy Poehler on your show is a long term decision. Like, that's a decision you make for, like, this. What you hope will be a very long chunk of time, like the super bowl slot is a short term decision. It's like, yeah, you'll get this, like, frisson of energy, but, like, it doesn't last. Like, no one ever. Like, very rarely does that determine the fate of a TV show. And so we then called you back and said, what if you could start shooting three months after you give birth? And then we made the show.

B (8:26)

And it proved to be the most satisfying creative experience I've ever had. And I like more than this podcast. No, this is my number one.

D (8:35)

Number two.

G (8:36)

It's number two.

H (8:36)

Yeah.

B (8:37)

I mean, besides this. Now one of the ways, like, very concrete ways that is, I feel like an example of what I'm talking about, which is like the joy in the details is the. The way you like to name characters.

I (8:50)

Yeah.

B (8:51)

And I think you gave me. I think you allowed me to use this in my book, actually. But you gave me, like a list of possible names instead of Leslie Knope, the character I played on Parks direct. Like, you gave me, like, a bunch of different alternative names. But you also love to name characters left and right. What is it? What is fun about names for you and naming?

D (9:12)

Okay, so it's two things. The first is growing up. First, major comedic influence. Monty Python. Monty Python. Experts at silly, stupid names. Like hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of them. You can go look them up in their sketches, but the actual. The actual thing that's going on here is different. So I would go to actors IMDb pages to see what they had been in when we were casting them in the early days of the show. And you would see, like, woman number two or like, man in crowd or guy with sandwich. And it really bummed me out. That person, like, audition for this and booked this gig and drove all the way across town and, like, put on fake clothes and put on makeup and whatever and had to stand in a certain place, follow a million instructions, say a line or two, and then they yelled cut. And Then that person drove all the way home and they got paid like $600 for like a week's worth of work. And they should be. There should be something better than man number two or man in crowd. And so I decided at that moment, this is early in season one, I think of Parks and Rec, that every character who appeared on the show was going to have a first and last name.

G (10:22)

Amazing.

D (10:23)

So when you saw instead of if it says man in crowd, you're like, oh, well, that doesn't really count as an acting gig. But if you see Marv Vavma, which is a name I gave a character once, you're like, who the hell is Marvavma? What was Marvavna up to? So I. And it has been that it started with that intention and has become one of the great. Truly, one of the great joys of my life is to give every. Because here's the other thing. Sorry, you can cut all this out, but the other thing is if you name a character Jack Smith, yeah, you can get away with it because there are 10 trillion Jack Smiths. But if you name a character anything even mildly interesting, like Winona Cooper, there's going to be like four Winona Coopers in the state that you're setting the show in. And then the legal comes back and says you can't name your character that

B (11:11)

a lot of people don't know that you have to get names cleared, be

D (11:14)

cleared, and there have to be either none or so many that not any one of them could be. Could think that you're saying anything about them. So I go for none.

B (11:23)

None.

D (11:24)

Yeah. I go for the weirdest names. We had a character recently on the show on a man on the inside named Ophelio pippepipepi. There's no Ophelia Ppeppies anywhere in the continental United States. So you get to use that name. That has been. My goal is to have none have the Google search come up empty with every name of every character.

B (11:46)

Okay. With that in mind, will you please read some of these names that you have invented?

D (11:51)

Yeah.

B (11:52)

Like, just a few here on the bottom of this page.

D (11:54)

Okay. Mona Lisa Saperstein.

B (11:57)

Yes.

D (11:57)

Jenny Slate's character.

I (11:58)

Yes.

D (12:02)

Do you remember all these Trod Frankenstein?

B (12:06)

Okay, tell us about Trod.

D (12:07)

So Trod Frankenstein was a local reporter, or he had a. Like, almost like a little show like this in Pawnee where he would interview political people like Leslie Knobe. A great way to come up with a name that doesn't exist is to take a normal name like Todd, and then Just stick another letter in there somewhere. Todd. And then Frankenstepe is just Frankenstein with a p at the end. Tyrion Fonzarelli. Tyrion Fonzarelli. Obviously a combination of two characters from TV history. Tyrion Lannister and Arthur Fonzarelli. This name goes to Matt Murray. Matt Murray did this.

B (12:40)

Ah, Panther.

D (12:42)

Yeah, Panther. Tyrion Fonzarelli was a writer on Parks

B (12:45)

and Rec, among other things.

D (12:46)

Was a guy in a jewelry store who was buying an engagement ring for his to be betrothed when Anne and. And Chris Traeger were shopping for rings.

H (12:57)

Great.

D (12:58)

Leslie Knope. We know who that is. Gretzky. Susan Pellegrino. Okay. This. So Gretzky. Susan Pellegrino was like the fourth in a series of names that for some reason all involved the last name of the greatest hockey player who ever lived. Wayne Gretzky.

H (13:15)

Yeah.

D (13:15)

I don't offhand remember who Gretzky. Susan Pellegrino is. Also, it should be noted, hyphens. Huge part of my naming process.

B (13:22)

Yeah. I'm so excited.

D (13:24)

It's a way to get another name in there.

B (13:25)

Another name. And also, there's no way that someone's going to have this name.

D (13:28)

No one's first name is Gretzky. Susan Gretzky. Hyphen. Susan Typhoon Montalban.

B (13:34)

Oh, I love Typhoon.

D (13:35)

Typhoon was. Was Donda's hairdresser.

B (13:37)

Yep.

D (13:39)

Typhoon. Also, Matt Murray, I believe, named. Gave Typhoon the first name. Typhoon. We needed a last name. Where do you go for the last name? Ricardo Montalban. Typhoon Montalban. Sessandra Sessasnorp.

I (13:51)

Okay.

D (13:51)

So Sandra Sisasnorp was. I believe I could have this wrong. Was just Sandra. It was like Sandra Snorp.

B (13:58)

Okay.

D (13:58)

And then the legal. Was like. Doesn't. Didn't clear. We found a Sanders. We found a Sanders.

H (14:02)

Norp.

D (14:02)

So guess what you do you add five more S's now. You're good. Summer. Oly Kraken. Frog. Frog.

I (14:09)

Okay.

D (14:10)

This is a Monty Python ripoff straight up.

B (14:13)

Okay.

D (14:14)

Olay O L E with an accent. And I guess just that part in. There's a. There's a Monty Python sketch called, I think Election Night Special, where they're just going through election results and local elections all over the country. And there's a. There's a silly party and a sensible party. So all the people in the sensible party have names like John Smith. And all the people in the silly party have very crazy names. And there's also a very silly party and a slightly silly party. It's if you want names, go watch that sketch. It will, it'll. It'll. It'll sate you. Summer. Olay. Kraken. Frog. Frog. That's a good one. Frog. Frog is a great last one.

B (14:55)

Great one.

D (14:55)

Yeah.

B (14:57)

Okay. So do you think some of your best acting was in Parks and Rec when you had to pretend that you didn't know who Genuine was?

E (15:05)

Do you know? It's still one of my biggest complaints. I remember we did the table read for that and I was like, no, no, no one's gonna buy it because I don't buy it. Okay. Pick anybody else on this cast to try to play that in an honest way. It is so unfair that you're making me do this. It really. Yeah.

B (15:25)

It still hurts because how familiar are you with Genuine?

E (15:30)

We were married. I mean, you know, I live in 90s R&B. That's where my heart is. It's not here. I mean it is with you, but for the most point it's part. It's not present. It's in 90s R&B. So he's a very important figure. Yeah.

B (15:51)

I feel like we've had some hard ass laughs and I was trying to think the other day, like places that we've laughed, deep laughs. And it really does add years to my life. I know that. And I wonder if you could tell the story about when we were on Parks and it was. Cause we talk about it. We've talked about it before when we were in Parks and it was the first season, it was the hunting episode and just kind of set up. We were shooting that whole week way far away, somewhere in California, you know, I don't even remember where. And we had to do a scene with Nick Offerman and that. I think about it sometimes, the way that laugh came, it was like giggles. It was giggle, giggle, Orgasm city. But. But don't worry, we'll cut that. But what do you remember about it? What do you want?

E (16:49)

Well, I remember we were. He maybe ate something weird and we were trying to give him ipecac. Isn't that a.

B (16:55)

So Nick Offerman playing Ron Swanson ate something? Yeah, I don't remember actually what happened in the show.

E (17:01)

I was like determined as a nurse. I was like, you have to throw up. Like, you can't. You're gonna get sick. And he's like, I'm fine. And we were trying to get this like liquid in his mouth. And you know, it's Hollywood, so things that happen like on camera don't actually happen in real life. So it was written that we, like, hold him down and he's resisting us and we give him this thing. But, like, you don't know. You don't know how small you are. Because I think both of us, like, I'm always like, I'm like a tall person, right? Like, I ask people.

B (17:37)

Yeah. I feel like I'm tall if I

E (17:38)

feel tall, but I'm not, and I'm not.

B (17:41)

How tall are you?

E (17:42)

Five three and a half.

B (17:43)

Yeah. Yeah, I'm five two.

E (17:45)

And Nick is solid. Yeah, he's a solid dude.

B (17:48)

Yeah, he's like a Midwestern corn fed dude.

E (17:51)

Dense and, like, and muscular. And he. We were trying to hold him down, and he was whipping us around with such ease. Like, we couldn't. We actually, the both of us could not hold him down. And he was like, literally, he'd just go beep. And we would just fly off the bed in each direction. We could not stop one of us.

B (18:11)

We each had one arm. Yeah. And he would. It felt like just the flick of a wrist. Because he was being gentle.

E (18:18)

He was being gentle.

B (18:19)

Yeah. He wasn't fighting for his life.

E (18:22)

Yeah. No, no.

B (18:23)

And we could not get him to stay down.

E (18:26)

Could not. Could not.

B (18:27)

And I remember that feeling also. I think there's something fun about wrestling. Like, there is so good. It's so good. And being thrown around is so fun.

E (18:36)

Yes.

B (18:36)

And he was throwing us around, and I feel like I just. Like, if I was to picture it in my mind, you were just like, whee. Like, I could just see you going past me in your hair going, wha. And then your legs going, wee. And me. And I just remember, like, Rashida, like, I remember seeing you flying by, which can't be true, but I feel like

E (18:58)

we were tumbling all over the floor. Like, every time we got back on the bed, we were like. And we were kind of like, in each. We were both trying to be, like, on top of him and then, like, just flipping over really quickly.

B (19:10)

And I think, too, because Nick is such a lovely, genius, gentle guy in general. We knew there was something about us that knew we weren't gonna get hurt.

D (19:16)

It was safe.

E (19:16)

It was safe. Yeah.

B (19:17)

But he was making, like, grunting bear sounds. It was really, really, really.

E (19:23)

It was really fun.

B (19:24)

That was a really. I mean, I'm trying to think of, like, there was so many good crack up moments. Crack up moments. I'm a hundred years old.

E (19:31)

What a crackup.

B (19:32)

But I'm just like.

E (19:33)

I was like, there's that spot in Andy and April's house. Remember? Where we could never get a scene done. Just that one.

B (19:41)

That literally dead spot. Yeah, yeah, it was ha.

G (19:44)

Yeah.

E (19:44)

And then I remember there was one time you were like Rasheeda. Cause I could not get through it. But I really, it felt like haunted. It did not feel like it was my fault.

B (19:52)

Yeah, I'm sorry I said that. There was a couple times I would see bloopers for the show and I'd be like, amy, no.

E (19:57)

But those days were so long. They were, they were long. And it was fun until it wasn't. You're like, oh my God, it's 10pm

B (20:03)

we just wanna go home.

E (20:03)

I know.

B (20:05)

And there was a scene for people that care. There was a spot in that, on that set where anyone who stood there couldn't get their lines. And then of course it became self fulfilling prophecy in many ways. But there was just a lot of deep laughs and deep laughs off camera. Like, one of the things I treasure, and there's so many things I treasure about my friendship with you was that we would be talking like this and we'd be just talking and talking and just like talking about our day and talking about life. And then they would just go, action. And then we would just talk like Leslie and Ann and we'd do our scene and be like, we kind of, I'll speak for myself. Kind of knew. It kind of didn't.

H (20:50)

Right.

B (20:51)

And then they'd cut, they'd work on it and we would just go back to talking like it was like a dream job.

E (20:57)

We filmed in between our conversations. And also, I think I remember very clearly in the pilot because we had already been friends for years when we shot the pilot and they were doing one of those spy shots and we were in your office and we were talking and it was like, you know, other people were like, oh, this is great. Like, this is a thing that really works. Their friendship. We're really gonna be able to sell it. And we're like, duh, duh, no kidding.

G (21:19)

What do you mean?

B (21:20)

I mean, they really did base the entire show, at the end of the day on the fact that Leslie and Ann were, you know, each other's number one.

E (21:28)

Yeah, yeah. Not hard to do.

B (21:31)

No. And I mean, we've talked about this before, but when we first started the show, I think it was like, it was kind of like we were trying to figure out who was gonna play what part and who was gonna come on board. And kind of like the beginnings of that show were, I'll say, a little clumsy.

E (21:54)

Crunchy. Crunchy, crunchy. Can we talk about it.

B (21:58)

Yeah, I would love to.

E (21:59)

Oh, my God. Yeah, it was crunchy.

B (22:01)

Because I think for. I don't think a lot of people know this. For the. I think we both were worried that we had taken each other's part.

E (22:10)

Like. Yes. So I had been on hold for this untitled thing that was gonna. That Greg and Mike were gonna write. And I had done a year on the Office and they let me go, which made sense. It made sense. I was born.

B (22:27)

You had such a tough job there because everybody wanted Jim and Pam. Totally. And then guess who shows up. A very likable cool. And everyone was like, oh, no, wait, I love Carrie.

E (22:37)

It did not feel that way. People did not like me. Like, fans were not about it, but they had to create tension for the relationship to be earned later. So I was the third point in the triangle. It's fine. I, like, accept it. But anyway, so Mike was like, we're working on this other show. I'll put you on hold. We don't know what it is yet. Remember, people thought it was like a spinoff of the Office for a second. But anyway, so they kept kind of deciding, changing the main characters of the show when they pitch it to me. The boss was a guy and they didn't know if they were gonna cast me or not. But I remember you were extremely pregnant. Yeah. We'd just gotten back from Italy.

B (23:16)

You and I were in Italy. Yeah, that's right.

E (23:18)

We were in Italy and it was very hot.

B (23:20)

That's right.

E (23:21)

And a day later you were like, let's go to lunch. I need to talk to you about something.

B (23:26)

Do you remember where we went past test?

E (23:27)

Yes, I do.

B (23:28)

In New York City.

E (23:29)

I do.

B (23:30)

Oh, God. And I said, let's talk about something.

E (23:32)

Yeah. And you said, no, no, no, you.

B (23:35)

And I was like, I want you to raise this bab.

E (23:39)

It's yours.

B (23:40)

This baby is yours.

E (23:41)

I know that's impossible and you need to accept it, but you. No. I actually hold this moment as like a gold standard of friendship and being able to take care of your oneself and the person that you love at the same time. I really do. Polos. Because what you did and how you did it was very hard because you took me to lunch and said, I'm so sorry, but they offered me the part. Both of us thinking it was the same part. I was on hold for being created by a friend of ours. And so I immediately started crying in pasties. And you held my hand and you were so warm and you were so. There was something about it. Where you were like, I know. I'm sorry, buddy. But you also. You didn't, like, do the thing that I sometimes do where I'm codependent, where I'm like, I know I suck. I'm the worst person. I don't even deserve it. Like, whatever I would say to try to make the other person feel better, which doesn't work. You didn't do that. You, like, held your space. And you also comforted me at the same time, which was like, a very beautiful thing.

B (24:38)

I wonder what Scher's version of this is.

E (24:41)

Let me tell you. Because I left him a message almost immediately. Cause I'm not shy. And I was like, oh, I'm such an idiot for thinking I could even be on the show. Like, anybody wants me on the show. Of course, I didn't get this. Like, Amy's like a, you know.

B (24:55)

Oh, my God, what a mean part of yourself to be.

E (24:57)

Very mean. Very mean. That's a person we're trying to not invite to the show. A dinner party anymore. But so I called him. I was like, hey, would love to talk to you. He was on a plane and he landed. And he's like. I was like, mm. You wanna tell me what's going on? Cause it would have been really nice for you to tell me and not Amy to tell me that I wasn't getting this job. And he's like, no, no, no, back up. We changed the boss. It's a woman. And Amy's playing the boss. And I was like, you. Oh, my God. Like, we might be working together.

H (25:28)

Yeah.

B (25:28)

It kind of went from oh, no to oh, my God, we might be the two women. Yes.

E (25:35)

And I still wasn't cast. Cause I still had to do a bunch of chemistry reads after that. But that became, you know, this huge possibility of, like, my life being the best, from the worst to the best.

B (25:48)

God, I'm sweating even thinking about that.

E (25:51)

They just hadn't decided things. And they were trying to build around you, I think, is what happened around that character. So I think they had just done that. And I think you wanted to tell me as soon as possible because we were so close, which was the right instinct. And Mike decided to get on a plane, which was his instinct.

B (26:11)

And he just flew for hours. He just went to different places, and he never got off the plane. And that's what execs do. That's what a powerful person does, is they get on the plane.

E (26:20)

They just get on as many planes as possible. My phone was off.

B (26:25)

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G (26:57)

Your little ZZ's all grown up.

B (26:59)

I know. My ZZ is just. He's an old man now.

G (27:03)

I know if you watch. Whenever I see old Parks things, I was like, I didn't know that me and Aubrey did a show when we were little kids. Like, it's really.

B (27:12)

How old were you when you started on season?

G (27:14)

I was 13 in season one. And then when we finished, I just turned 18. I got my driver's license, like, in the middle of the run.

B (27:22)

A lot of people don't know that you were 18 when you were playing Tom Haverford on Parks and Rec.

G (27:26)

Yeah.

B (27:27)

It is true, though. It is. You look like a baby. You were a baby.

G (27:33)

I didn't know anything.

H (27:35)

Yeah.

G (27:35)

The first seasons, I didn't know how to act or anything. I should not have been on television. NBC should have been like, we gotta get. Is there any Indian guy that's done more acting?

B (27:44)

A lot of people don't know. You were the first person hired for Parks.

G (27:48)

Yeah, I met with them and they.

B (27:49)

Yeah. What was that meeting like? Do you remember it?

G (27:51)

Well, it was so mysterious what they were up to.

I (27:54)

Yeah.

G (27:54)

I had a meeting with them and I told them, I don't know what you're doing, but whatever it is, that would be a dream job. And. And, you know, this was like when the Office was on and Mike and Greg were both involved in that, and that was, you know, my favorite show like that on the air. And so I told him, whatever you're up to, let me know. And then, of course, you know, when it all came together with you and Rasheeda and everything, and.

B (28:18)

Well, I'm kind of learning. When I was talking to Plaza, when Plaza was here, she was talking about, like, her meeting with them, too.

G (28:25)

Yeah, yeah. Very famous stories.

B (28:27)

Yeah.

E (28:27)

Yeah, I know.

B (28:28)

And it's kind of funny, I kind of forgot the Avengers Assemble feeling of those guys going out and. And getting people and bringing them in and talking about, like, we're gonna do something very cool. I mean, it didn't even feel like there was A ton of auditioning. It was more just them picking people that they thought was funny.

G (28:47)

Not only funny, and I feel like all of us, whenever we see each other, do interviews, kind of say this kind of stuff ad nauseam, but it's so true. But also just the best people I've ever met in my life.

A (28:59)

Yeah.

G (29:00)

Like, really, I cannot believe it.

D (29:02)

Cause we've all done other stuff.

G (29:03)

And, you know, not everybody's. You know, look, we've all done other stuff. I don't talk about everything the way I talk about parks. You know, you do some things, and some people, it's different energy. Not necessarily mean or bad, but just something. Like, we all just clicked, and there was a vibe that worked with all of us. And just to pay respect to you and Mike, you know, when I did Master none with Alan, and as I become a director, what I learned from you and Mike, in terms of how to lead, I mean, I can't thank you enough. It was the best role model I could have ever had.

B (29:37)

Cease. Let me see if you can guess how many times, how many episodes of Parks you did. Would you know to guess?

A (29:47)

I would say between 7 and 13.

B (29:52)

10. 10.

G (29:54)

Okay.

B (29:55)

Between 7 and 13.

E (29:57)

That.

A (29:58)

It's kind of right between.

B (30:00)

That's amazing.

A (30:01)

But it was such a huge impact on my life. Like, it's still the thing I get most recognized for.

B (30:07)

Really?

F (30:08)

Yes.

A (30:09)

And I just remember. Well, first of all, you were the most incredible. Number one on a call sheet because you had dance parties at lunch every day. And anybody that walked on that, like, set just was filled with such confidence and such joy, which is. I had the greatest time on that show.

B (30:28)

I have such. I don't have the greatest time.

A (30:31)

That's where we kind of fell in love.

B (30:32)

But that's really Katherine. Where we, I think, actually met.

A (30:35)

Met.

B (30:35)

My first kind of, like, real memory is in the trailer of Parks and Rec. And we used to. Catherine is talking about dance parties, and we used to do a thing where just like, after lunch, we would play three songs. The great Autumn Butler, our makeup artist, had great taste in music. And we would just kind of dance around for two or three songs. Yeah.

A (30:55)

The best.

B (30:56)

I think, for me, a way to honestly just keep my energy up. Yeah. But it became a way to meet people in the trailer. And I remember two things I loved about you right away. How much you love to laugh. People that know, you know that, like, you. You love to laugh.

A (31:11)

If someone's gonna break in a scene, it's this professional over here, you know,

B (31:16)

I don't do you think you break a line?

A (31:18)

I have to be really serious in my mind.

B (31:21)

Like, if I have.

A (31:22)

Because if it starts to happen, it is tears.

B (31:25)

Yeah.

A (31:26)

And mucus.

B (31:26)

But you. I have seen you in bloopers, and you're hanging in.

A (31:31)

Yeah, I do hang in.

B (31:32)

You hang in.

A (31:32)

I do. Yeah.

B (31:33)

You, in fact, go in harder. I think when people are like, I have to.

A (31:38)

I know it's a survival technique. I just have to dig in a little bit. I do. I go harder.

B (31:43)

I feel like every time I've done a scene with you. You are so good at improvising. In fact, a lot of your character on Parks and Rec, Jen Barkley's moments were improvised.

A (31:55)

Were they really?

B (31:56)

Well, one of the favorites, one of TikTok and memes and gifs and gifs is poncho.

A (32:02)

Poncho was.

B (32:03)

So let's talk about what happened. For people that have never seen that, what is it? Tell us what that scene was.

A (32:09)

Well, I went to Ben and Leslie's house. I'm speaking as Jen Barkley, my character. I'm first person.

B (32:15)

Well, for people that aren't watching, she just transformed.

A (32:17)

I just transferred.

B (32:18)

Her eyes turn dark, and she's a completely different person.

A (32:21)

A lot more hairspray. I went to their house. They have children. I am not into children at all. I wore a plastic poncho so that I wouldn't get any sticky fingers or crap all over me. And at some point, the kids rushed by with pain paint. Nail me with the paint. And it's some take just to make you guys laugh.

B (32:43)

I don't even.

A (32:44)

Did not have any idea it was gonna be any. I just swung my arms open and went, poncho, Poncho. And that really has become.

B (32:52)

It has. It's like Batman's cape. I mean. Oh, that was the best.

A (32:59)

Like, I just wanting to make you guys laugh and just having so the. The energy was so loose. So I like. It's funny you say that improvising again. I can do it if I know who I am and, like, the given circumstances and like that, I feel like I feel really free in that department. But just.

B (33:15)

Well, you know how, like, we were on set a lot and I would watch you work and I would say the same thing about Adam. And I wonder, too, if it's because of your. Both of your training. But I would watch the way you two worked, and you would have a moment where you'd stay really, really loose, but just right before the scene. And I can think of a couple scenes. The great scene Where Jen Barkley is telling Leslie. No. Basically, you know, you have to start. Oh, you have to start thinking bigger, which is a huge moment in the show. I love the writing in that scene.

A (33:50)

Oh, my God, that scene.

B (33:51)

Mike Schur and the writers, like, I just love how they slowly took care of Leslie and they sent people in to give her these messages.

H (34:01)

And.

B (34:01)

And Jen Barkley is just this, like, Gen X ball buster.

A (34:06)

Yes.

B (34:07)

Who. Who kind of sees something that Leslie doesn't. Anyway, in that moment, when you're giving that speech, I remember very clearly right before the scene, you just took a moment. And I think we joked about it later because I was like. It was like watching. It was watching a real actor. Oh, God. You were on Parks and Rec. You only did five episodes.

H (34:34)

Do you know that?

B (34:35)

I know, but you played a character that stood the test of time. I mean. I mean, if only. If only we had Bobby Newport. Just a guy who wants to be liked.

A (34:46)

Yeah.

H (34:47)

And who.

B (34:48)

I know.

I (34:48)

If only. Right.

B (34:49)

I mean, Bobby, at the time means.

I (34:51)

Well, just doesn't quite grasp any of it.

B (34:54)

He wants to go to the after party. Bobby Newport, played by you, was the. The rich son of the Sweedum's family. The family, the Newports, that owned the big factory in the fictional town of Pawnee. That Parks and Rec took place. And Bobby Newport ran against Leslie. And it was like, what Bobby had that Leslie could never get was that. Gee whiz, I can't believe I fell into this. Like, I just wanna have a good time, you guys.

C (35:25)

Yeah.

I (35:25)

I think that's even a line. That's how Bobby feels about abortion, isn't it?

E (35:30)

Oh, yeah, right.

B (35:31)

What did he say about abortion?

I (35:32)

I guess my thoughts on abortion are just like, why don't everybody just have a good time?

B (35:36)

I just want everybody to have a good time. I mean, come on, guys.

I (35:40)

What?

B (35:40)

And Bobby kept getting flustered by Leslie wanting it. Cause he wants it. Like, there's that great scene where he's like, can you just drop out of the race? Cause I want it.

I (35:50)

Yeah.

F (35:51)

Yeah.

B (35:51)

Cause I want it.

I (35:52)

I want it. Come on, please. You could do it.

H (35:55)

Just do it.

I (35:56)

Come on.

B (35:58)

And people were like, I don't. I love the guy. He's great. And he doesn't seem to want it. Yeah. And he doesn't know anything, but neither do I. That's.

I (36:06)

You know, Leslie. Nope. Is capable and great for that job. Bobby Newport is not.

B (36:13)

No. And Bobby was, I think, was thinking, like, maybe I'll just get it and then. Leslie, you can do it.

I (36:17)

Yeah. How about that. That's a good compromise.

B (36:22)

What are your memories of doing that character? Such a funny character. You were so great.

I (36:26)

Thank you, Amy. My memories of that were. I can't believe I get to work with my favorite people in the world. You and Adam and Katherine and Rasheeda. It was like, this is the dream. I mean, this is. You know, I remember when you were talking to Tina on the very first episode you did where you were saying you feel like. Like the. How the great thing that can happen if you are able to sustain enough of a career that you can get to a point where you work with your friends or you get to work with people you really like. Because it's not work. It's just. It's just the best. And I mean, it was such a fun character, obviously. And the show is so great, and you're so great in

A (37:14)

was.

I (37:15)

It was just. It was a dream.

D (37:18)

It was a dream.

I (37:19)

And, you know, and I was. I loved it. I loved every second of it. I loved hanging out with all you guys.

B (37:26)

It was so fun.

I (37:27)

It was really fun.

B (37:28)

It was. And that. And it was. Those scenes were so funny. Like, you got to do the stupidest talk about fun. Stupid. The stupidest stuff.

I (37:37)

Yeah. Well, there's nothing. There's nothing funnier to me than unearned confidence.

B (37:45)

Yeah.

I (37:46)

Like just. Just somebody feels like they, you know, I've got it figured out, and it's like, no, you don't. Yeah, but. But if it's. And if it's. If it's, like, nice, unearned, like, if it's fun, it's really funny. If it's not nice, unearned confidence. But that was the thing of, like, he had a lot of kind of unearned confidence, but he had.

E (38:09)

He was.

B (38:10)

Yeah, he wanted to have a good

I (38:12)

time, but he's a nice.

D (38:13)

He was sweet.

B (38:14)

He was sweet.

I (38:14)

And that. And that was. And that was a fun. That was kind of. That's a fun thing to get to play. It's a fun kind of character to get to play.

B (38:23)

Would we describe him as, like, guyless? Is that the word?

I (38:26)

Yeah, I think that's a good way to do it. Yeah, there's.

B (38:29)

Yeah, I know that word.

F (38:30)

So.

I (38:30)

Just wanted to do it. That's a really good.

C (38:31)

By the way.

I (38:32)

Of course you do.

B (38:33)

Fucking guy word anyway.

I (38:34)

Is a fucking great word.

B (38:35)

Fucking great word.

F (38:36)

God damn.

B (38:41)

Spring is here and there's a whole new way to chai at Starbucks that's made perfect for you. Choose your sweetness. Dial it up or keep things light Add a touch of pistachio, a hint of strawberry or vanilla, or make it a spring classic with lavender. Because this season, there's endless ways to chai at Starbucks. 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?

H (39:17)

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, 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. But I didn't really have an agent or anything, and I kind of had to pay my way to go out there. So it was 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 Schur 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. 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 realize.

E (40:32)

I mean, I think it's one of

B (40:33)

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?

H (40:39)

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.

B (40:48)

How old were you then?

H (40:49)

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.

B (41:20)

I think he loves this story.

H (41:22)

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

B (41:25)

I'm like, there's no bigger fan of Aubrey Plaza than Mike Scher.

H (41:28)

Yeah. Right.

B (41:30)

He loves it, though. Because I think, like, I mean, it just speaks to. Honestly the fact that 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.

H (41:54)

Person. Yeah.

B (41:55)

Who seems mad at me.

H (41:56)

Yeah.

B (41:57)

While I try to give her a job.

H (41:58)

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

B (42:03)

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

H (42:05)

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 which one?

B (42:14)

What? You're like, the Office?

H (42:16)

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.

B (42:27)

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

H (42:31)

I don't think that anyone.

B (42:32)

Oh, right. Just one person.

H (42:34)

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's probably like, you know, you, Sharon

B (42:43)

Stone and Gina Gershon. 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?

H (43:29)

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.

B (43:38)

That's right.

H (43:39)

That's right. 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, maybe another Rashida.

E (43:52)

Rashida.

H (43:53)

Yeah.

B (43:53)

I don't think we had Nick yet, or.

H (43:55)

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. And I was like. And I was like, just don't make any sudden movements.

B (44:15)

Except swinging.

H (44:16)

Except swinging. And then you. Which is kind of good, because 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. Really nice.

B (44:31)

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 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.

H (44:52)

I love playing with you.

B (44:53)

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.

H (45:33)

No.

B (45:34)

Yeah.

H (45:34)

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.

B (45:49)

Yes.

H (45:49)

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.

B (46:18)

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.

H (46:24)

Yeah.

B (46:24)

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

H (46:31)

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.

B (46:41)

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.

H (46:56)

I don't know where you guys were.

B (46:56)

We were doing something together and.

H (46:59)

Or you were, like, camping or something. Oh, yeah.

A (47:01)

Maybe.

E (47:01)

Oh, yeah.

H (47:03)

I don't know.

B (47:03)

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.

H (47:08)

Yeah.

B (47:09)

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

H (47:20)

Yeah. Cause Anne doesn't deserve.

B (47:24)

Don't talk about Anne.

H (47:25)

Sorry.

B (47:28)

But what do you remember of that day?

H (47:30)

I have a vid. 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. The bullpen. The bull room. The bullpen. A playground. And 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 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 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, you. I was like, you better listen to me.

B (49:04)

You did. You knocked her under.

H (49:05)

It was like. I mean, yeah. It was more like just a little conversation.

B (49:11)

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 very. 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?

H (50:05)

I know. That was insane.

B (50:07)

What do you remember of that day, shooting it?

H (50:09)

There was a lot of crying. You cried.

B (50:11)

I mean, I love it when you cr.

H (50:15)

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

B (50:19)

I cried that much?

H (50:20)

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

B (50:24)

I was so happy. You were in love.

H (50:25)

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

B (50:27)

I was, like, not crying all day.

H (50:29)

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, no idea. I'm ordering a salad for lunch. Like, this is my job.

B (50:39)

I was crying because you were crying so hard, and I was worried that we were. You weren't gonna get the shot. I was crying. Cause I was sad at how much you were crying.

H (50:46)

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

B (50:49)

Yeah, I assumed it was legally binding. Yeah.

A (50:52)

Yeah.

B (50:53)

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

H (50:58)

Yeah.

B (50:58)

And the wedding was so stupid.

H (51:00)

It was so stupid.

B (51:01)

Okay. I mean, I guess, like, when do you watch? Have you rewatched Parks and Rec?

H (51:07)

No.

B (51:08)

What? I'm finding this out. Okay.

H (51:10)

I wouldn't even know how.

B (51:13)

Shut up. Okay. Okay.

H (51:18)

Ask me how you've never.

B (51:21)

The big, giant screen that you watch your movies on.

H (51:24)

How does it work? Go bloop.

B (51:25)

Bloop.

H (51:25)

Bloop. These days I wouldn't.

B (51:26)

And go to. Go to.

H (51:28)

Go to what?

B (51:28)

Type in where the search is. How?

H (51:31)

Someone tell me.

A (51:32)

Peacock.

H (51:34)

No.

B (51:34)

Yes. Yes. Go there or go to itunes.

H (51:38)

I wish I knew how.

B (51:40)

Just pick up your controller and just sit and wreck into it and it'll come up.

H (51:45)

Okay. It's probably not the right one.

B (51:47)

Go to your DVDs. You love your DVDs.

H (51:50)

I wish I had one right now, but.

B (51:52)

So you've never rewatched it?

A (51:54)

No.

B (51:55)

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

H (51:57)

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

B (52:04)

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

H (52:09)

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

B (52:18)

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

E (52:21)

Nick.

B (52:21)

Nick.

H (52:22)

That's right, Tammy. You're right.

B (52:25)

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

H (52:28)

They get off on that. They watch it together.

B (52:29)

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

H (52:34)

They're disgusting.

B (52:35)

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

H (52:49)

I don't know if you remember this, but do you remember when Chris bought Bot Bosch was on the show? The basketball player? Chris Bosh. He was a Miami Heat player.

B (52:58)

Oh, yes.

H (52:59)

And he was. He in, like, had, like, different beat. Basketball, like Roy.

B (53:04)

Yeah, we had. Yes.

G (53:06)

Yeah.

B (53:06)

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

H (53:13)

Yeah. But, like, I don't know if you know the story. It was a very quick story, but it was so stupid. But I was a really big, big Chris Bosh 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 want to play a prank on him. Do you know this?

B (53:27)

No.

H (53:27)

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 because he's a guy or whatever. But you know how they always put them through the works anyway, so I was like, I'm going to 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 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.

E (54:29)

Oh, no.

B (54:29)

And you were like.

H (54:30)

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.

B (54:41)

And then I was like.

H (54:42)

I just kept it going, and someone videotaped it.

G (54:45)

Oh, my God.

H (54:46)

And it was 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.

B (54:52)

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

H (54:55)

He didn't know.

B (54:55)

He's too busy.

H (54:56)

I was. He thought I was.

B (54:58)

He thought you were a hair person.

H (54:59)

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.

B (55:09)

And he never. He never.

H (55:10)

Nope.

B (55:11)

Well, Chris is probably listening, so. Never knows.

H (55:13)

No, never. Not once.

B (55:14)

Did you even work with him on set that day?

H (55:17)

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

F (55:22)

Every single day, someone tells me Parks got them through the pandemic. And I heard you mention it on a previous episode.

B (55:30)

Every single day. People say, I watched it during COVID I watch it with my kid. My kid's going through a hard time. I like to watch it at night because I. I have a lot of anxiety. Like, I cannot believe the way that that show continues to be a medicine for people. It's.

F (55:49)

It's so nice.

B (55:50)

Awesome.

F (55:50)

Isn't that nice?

B (55:51)

And Ben and Leslie.

F (55:52)

I know.

H (55:53)

I know.

F (55:54)

We just.

B (55:55)

We.

F (55:55)

Do you remember we were texting just a Couple months ago and just kind of commented on how nice they are.

B (56:02)

They're so nice. They're so much nicer than us.

F (56:04)

So much nicer than us.

B (56:06)

And they're so nice to each other.

F (56:08)

I know.

B (56:08)

And every. Every woman deserves a Ben. Every woman deserves a partner like Ben who roots for you and, like, looks at you and is just like, that's my gal. Like, everyone deserves that kind of relationship.

F (56:24)

Leslie, from the word go, loved Ben. Oh, beyond like, I now, looking back, it's like they were just in love with each other immediately.

B (56:36)

And their arc, so juicy.

F (56:38)

The writers.

B (56:39)

Mike and the writers, because they meet, and they're just like, well, what's your deal?

H (56:43)

Yeah.

F (56:44)

Oh, yeah. It was like. And then. And then they like each other, but then they can't.

B (56:49)

They can't be together.

F (56:50)

They can't be together, which is like, really?

B (56:52)

I mean, they probably could have been together.

F (56:54)

I know it didn't matter, but.

B (56:55)

And then they have to.

F (56:56)

And Mike was like, this is totally fake and whatever, but we just need to have Rob care about you two being together. And it worked, and it was. Made it even hotter.

B (57:06)

And Ben was like, I want you. Like, Ben kept putting Leslie's. You know what it is? They kept putting each other's needs over their own. They cared about what the other one needed, and they respected each other. Like, they really liked what the other one did. And it was the best thing about that relationship is how, you know, with the exception of Anne, who is, of course, Leslie's number one.

F (57:31)

Of course I've accepted that.

B (57:33)

Yeah. Is the way that they just rooted for each other? Yes, they really rooted for each other.

F (57:42)

I haven't seen a ton of it. Makes me sad to watch the show. Cause I miss it.

B (57:46)

Why did you say that? Why does it make you sad?

F (57:49)

Because I miss it. Like you were saying, we really appreciated being there every day, and it was so fun. And also just sort of walking in that building, and then suddenly you're there, and the hallways and the. It was so fun, and the people just loved everybody.

B (58:08)

I think one of the things that was so fun about what we got to do is the camera helped us. At least it helped me have my feelings about, you know, I tell people, like, of course you. Of course we love Ben. We got to like Ben. We watch Ben, watch Leslie, and we love Leslie. So, like, when people love Leslie, we love them. And we got to watch Ben love her because the camera, like, we got to do so much indirect stuff. Like, we didn't have to face to face. All the time we had feelings, our characters had feelings for each other because of the camera.

F (58:47)

That's right.

B (58:49)

I mean, and it's such a beautiful genre, that mockumentary. Cause it allows you to just even create space. Space and depth in the shot. People are just not in the same room.

F (59:00)

That's right. And, like, I remember we always used to say we loved it when there were spy shots through, like, blinds because it made our acting better. Do you remember that?

B (59:08)

Yes.

F (59:09)

Do you also remember this thing we used to do where sometimes we would be doing a scene and we'd be like, okay, I can't. I'm not someone who can predict the future 100%. But I will say it was like. Like a couple times a season. I will say. I can say with 100% certainty that neither of us will ever win an award for acting for this scene. You would say it sometimes. And sometimes.

B (59:40)

Let's just. I mean. And also on the other side, I would sometimes say, you know, I said this on the podcast. Like, I would say, like, adam, your acting is so good. You'd be like, shut up. We're in the middle of the scene. Like, because it was like, oh, my God. My God. I mean. But. Oh, yeah. I mean, that's what I love about working with you. And I just feel like before we end, like, I just want to feed our fans a little bit more, which is what. What do you think was the most romantic scene between Bennett, Leslie.

F (60:10)

Oh, man, it's so sweet.

B (60:14)

I know. But what's the most romantic?

F (60:16)

The most romantic, I think. I think. Well, there are a couple of nominees.

B (60:23)

Okay.

F (60:24)

But I think. I think maybe Smallest Park, Because I

B (60:30)

just heard a little groan. I hope it's a good groan.

F (60:33)

Someone just being like,

B (60:37)

I love smallest Parks.

F (60:38)

Me too.

B (60:39)

Nicole Hollis centered a great.

F (60:41)

Chelsea wrote that.

B (60:42)

Chelsea Peretti wrote that episode.

F (60:45)

And I remember really, like, feeling connected. Shooting that and just being like, this is kind of feeling, like, how special it was.

B (60:56)

Yes.

F (60:56)

Making the show. And that was. Yeah, that was. But I don't know.

I (61:03)

What.

F (61:03)

What do you think?

B (61:04)

Well, I have a lot. I. I mean, I feel like that was such a big one. I feel like some of the. I have such a affinity for the beginning. Beginnings parts of Ben and Leslie, because I do think it also just reminded me of, like, we were. You know, the show was deciding that they were gonna love each other, too.

G (61:22)

Yeah. Yeah.

H (61:23)

And

B (61:26)

I really love this tiny moment when they realize they have. They, like, the same spot when they like to sit under the sunflower mural.

F (61:36)

Well, I love that moment when I ask you if you know where that mural is, and your response is really, It's a rewindable moment.

B (61:46)

I love that moment between both of us because. And of course, Parks then pays it off years later. Years later by sitting underneath it.

G (61:55)

Yep.

B (61:57)

I also, you know, when we shot Ben and Leslie's wedding, it was so fun. It was like we were all just sitting there all day, goofing around, and it was so fun.

F (62:07)

And like, I think we had real champagne too.

I (62:09)

Maybe.

B (62:10)

Probably did. Yeah, he probably did. And then that probably became a problem later in the day.

F (62:15)

Yeah, probably Champagne. Not something to have when you're. When you have like a 10 hour work day ahead of you. Are you asked all the time if there were. There'll be a more Parks or a reboot or something. I always feel like that's. It's been. It's done. Like, it was perfectly done. Like, how do you do that perfectly?

B (62:35)

Maybe they should do like Muppet Babies. They should do like Parks and Rec babies.

F (62:38)

That's right.

B (62:39)

Like everyone is.

F (62:39)

All of us. Like that in Instagram thing where everyone's.

B (62:43)

Oh, yeah, babies. They should do AI Babies.

F (62:47)

But like a whole series.

B (62:48)

Yeah.

F (62:49)

Of all of us just in a crib together.

B (62:51)

Yeah. But they should do it like present day where like, the politics are really dark and mean and so it should be like tiny babies fighting each other.

F (63:00)

They hate each other. It's like apocalyptic political babies and they're all like.

B (63:05)

Are like, oh, no, I hate you so much. I mean, yay.

F (63:12)

I hate you. Because we made the show in an era where public service was encouraged and valued.

H (63:19)

Right.

F (63:20)

And funded. Yes, it was. Or, I mean, you know, I'm sure it was. Wasn't as funded as much as it should have been, but it was funded at least. It's an entirely different tone to American life.

B (63:34)

You know when you have that feeling sometimes, like you wish you could go back to high school and enjoy it.

F (63:38)

Right.

B (63:38)

That's how it felt. Like we actually got to do it in real time.

F (63:41)

Yeah. Because it was genuinely goofy and funny.

I (63:45)

Yeah.

F (63:46)

Like the best jokes.

B (63:48)

What is your. What's your. One of your favorite joke. What is one of the favorite funny scenes you got to do? So many.

F (63:54)

So many. I mean, I always think of you guys on the. On. On the ice. At the ice skating rink with Gloria. Stefan.

B (64:01)

Yeah.

F (64:02)

I mean, that is. I remember at the table read. That was. We couldn't stop laughing because it was so funny.

B (64:08)

Yeah. Mike Scully wrote that episode and.

F (64:10)

Oh, Mike Scully.

G (64:11)

Sebastian.

B (64:12)

We got to walk across that ice. And I remember just thinking, this is so fun.

D (64:19)

Oh, my God, what a fun job.

F (64:20)

I wasn't even in that scene.

B (64:22)

Yeah, that's right. Yeah, that's right. Sorry. We should probably just Photoshop you.

F (64:26)

We should put me in that scene. That's why I brought it up. I feel like it would I deserve it.

B (64:33)

Okay, you guys ready to watch it?

H (64:34)

Yeah.

B (64:35)

Yeah. Okay, here we go.

E (64:36)

Yes.

F (64:37)

Really exciting.

E (64:39)

Amy, are you gonna play it from your.

B (64:41)

Oh, I'm supposed to play it. I'm supposed to play it. Here we go. 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 Alaia Zaneris. For Paper Kite, production by Sam Green, Joel Lovell, and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music by Amy Miller.