Idris Elba

Summary

Podcast Title: Good Hang with Amy Poehler
Episode: Idris Elba
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Host: Amy Poehler
Guest: Idris Elba
Additional Guest: John Cena

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Overview

In this vibrant episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Amy welcomes the multifaceted actor and musician Idris Elba to her studio. The conversation delves into Idris's illustrious career, his experiences working on iconic projects like "The Wire", his approach to work and wellness, his passion for music and DJing, and the nuances of British versus American comedy. The episode is peppered with humor, insightful discussions, and memorable exchanges that offer listeners a comprehensive look into Idris Elba’s life and mindset.

Early Life and Career

Idris Elba opens up about his humble beginnings in East London, detailing how pivotal moments and influential figures shaped his journey into acting and music.

Idris Elba [00:23:55]: "When I was doing the Wire, I was not British. I was living in Brooklyn, then New Jersey, and my accent shifted."

The Impact of "The Wire"

A significant portion of the conversation centers around "The Wire", a show that has left an indelible mark on both Idris and its audience. Amy expresses her admiration for the series, while Idris reflects on its cultural significance and his personal connection to it.

Amy Poehler [21:05]: "I'm such a huge fan of The Wire, and I know you talk about it all the time. It is a series that changed my life."

Idris Elba [22:13]: "When Stringer Bell died, there was a part of me that died with that character. It's weird for me to go back and watch it."

They discuss the intricacies of Idris’s character, Stringer Bell, and the profound storytelling crafted by David Simon, emphasizing the show's exploration of systemic issues and personal struggles.

Work Ethic and Comparison with John Cena

Idris shares anecdotes highlighting his relentless work ethic, often drawing comparisons to fellow actor John Cena, who also appears in the episode. The two discuss their dedication and the unique ways they balance demanding careers with personal interests.

Idris Elba [04:46]: "Idris is a robot, Period. End stop."

John Cena [03:22]: "That was your first time working together."

Comedy vs. Drama

Transitioning from intense dramatic roles, Idris delves into his ventures into comedy. Amy and Idris discuss his experiences on comedic projects, including his stint on "The Office", where he played the straight-laced character opposite the show's humor.

Idris Elba [43:22]: "I really loved working on The Office because I did get to be in a comedy. The guys working on the show basically tried to make me laugh all the time."

Hosting "Saturday Night Live"

Idris recounts his memorable experience hosting "Saturday Night Live", highlighting the challenges and joys of performing in a live comedy setting alongside established comedians.

Idris Elba [50:55]: "I had a most amazing time, and I was with comedy giants."

Music and DJ Passion

A passionate discussion on Idris’s love for music and his career as a DJ unfolds. He elaborates on his early days with pirate radio, his connection to house music, and the spiritual essence he finds in DJing.

Idris Elba [54:30]: "Music was my first love. My dad. I have this record, a picture of me holding a Marvin Gay. I'm four years old."

Wellness and Aging

As they navigate through their 50s, Amy and Idris explore the importance of wellness practices such as grounding mats and cold plunges. They discuss the physical challenges that come with aging and the strategies they employ to maintain health and vitality.

Idris Elba [17:05]: "The Earth's electromagnetic frequency vibrates at a certain thing. Grounding mats help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation."

Cultural Differences in Comedy

The duo dives into the differences between British and American comedy, reminiscing about the shows that influenced them during their upbringing. They highlight how cultural nuances shape humor and performance styles.

Amy Poehler [35:25]: "British comedy like Benny Hill was contraband in the US, given to us on VHS tapes."

Idris Elba [37:59]: "People think British accents make us smarter, but that's just a myth."

Current Projects and Collaborations

Idris discusses his latest project, "Heads of State", where he stars alongside John Cena. They delve into the dynamics of working together and the creative process behind the buddy comedy.

Idris Elba [30:07]: "We're playing a fictional president and prime minister. It's a buddy comedy that explores cultural differences."

Personal Anecdotes and Fun Moments

The episode is peppered with light-hearted moments, including Idris and John attempting to wear each other’s jackets, showcasing their playful camaraderie and sense of humor.

Amy Poehler [62:27]: "We're wearing petrol blue jackets. Let's see how far you can get into my dress."

Idris Elba [63:24]: "You're here from my lawyer. He's an expensive jacket."

Wellness Practices

The conversation also touches on unique wellness practices like cold plunges and grounding mats, with Amy encouraging Idris to adopt these habits despite his initial resistance.

Amy Poehler [18:18]: "I'm telling you, it will change your life."

Idris Elba [19:17]: "It's not comfortable, but you're gonna look back and be glad you did it."

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Amy and Idris reflect on the importance of gratitude and perseverance. Idris shares his motivations, rooted in overcoming tough times and cherishing opportunities to work in his passion fields. The episode concludes with a playful exchange as Amy and Idris engage in a mock costume switch, leaving listeners entertained and inspired.

Idris Elba [61:29]: "This ain't work."

Amy Poehler [63:39]: "You're here from my lawyer. He's a very expensive jacket."

Notable Quotes

• Idris Elba [04:46]: "Idris is a robot, Period. End stop."
• Amy Poehler [21:05]: "I'm such a huge fan of The Wire, and I know you talk about it all the time."
• Idris Elba [54:30]: "Music was my first love. My dad. I have this record, a picture of me holding a Marvin Gay. I'm four years old."

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This episode offers a well-rounded glimpse into Idris Elba’s life, balancing serious discussions about his craft and personal growth with humorous and heartfelt moments. Whether you're a fan of his acting, his music, or simply interested in an engaging conversation, this episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler is both enlightening and entertaining.

Transcript

[Amy Poehler]

This episode is brought to you by Degree Cool Rush deodorant. I'm a big fan of people owning their mistakes, like how last year, Degree changed their Cool Rush formula and men were mad. One guy even started a petition so Degree listened, admitted they messed up. And they're now bringing the OG Cool Rush scent back. It's clean, crisp, and fresh. No wonder it's been the number one men's antiperspirant for the last decade. And it's in Walmart and Target and other stores now for under $4. Just look for the light blue one. Degree Cool Rush is back and it smells like victory for everyone. Hi, everyone. Welcome to another episode of Good Hang. I'm very excited about our guest today. It is Idris Elba. Idris is in studio and we're gonna talk about a lot of great stuff. We're gonna talk about growing up in the 80s. We're gonna talk about Stringer Bell, of course. We're gonna talk about cringe comedy, and he's gonna try to convince me to go to Ibiza. So there's gonna be a lot of fun to be had. And we always start our podcasts the same way. We ask somebody who knows our guest to zoom in and give us a question so they can kind of help me get to know them. And we have a real big star zooming in today. It is John Cena. John, look at your suit. You look so nice. Can you hear me? This episode of Good Hang is presented by Walmart School Supplies. We all remember getting them. I remember Trapper Keepers and so many colored pens. But now I'm sure there's a million more things to get. And thankfully, Walmart has essential back to school supplies starting at 25 cents, plus all the latest tech starting at $9. Who knew hello Kitty pencil cases, Nintendo notebooks, food shaped erasers, Chromebooks keyboards, and at low Walmart prices, they even have Lilo and Stitch headphones. Who knew shop walmart.com to score their favorite back to school tech and supplies.

[John Cena]

Oh, you got your beautiful background. You guys have spent so much money on this production. I want to be able to see it. It was just a dot in the corner.

[Amy Poehler]

I want you to be able to see my fake plants and my fake food.

[Idris Elba]

They're great.

[Amy Poehler]

John, it's so good to see you.

[John Cena]

What's in the fake mug?

[Amy Poehler]

This mug. You know what's in this real mug is real Barry's tea, a wonderful Irish tea. My favorite tea to drink.

[John Cena]

Awesome. Excellent.

[Amy Poehler]

Not even a sponsor. What do you have drinking?

[John Cena]

My Own urine.

[Amy Poehler]

John's drinking a yellowy liquid. What do you got in there? What are you drinking?

[John Cena]

No, it's my own urine. I'm going through a Howard Hughes phase. Okay.

[Idris Elba]

All right.

[John Cena]

How are you? How's it going?

[Amy Poehler]

It's great to see you. We haven't seen each other in person since we did a movie together. Well, we.

[John Cena]

No, we bumped into each other.

[Amy Poehler]

We did. That's right.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah. Yeah.

[John Cena]

Some. Some conversations among friends about wine and good stories and sunsets and all that, which I'm very grateful for.

[Amy Poehler]

I loved working with you. I would love to do it again. You're constantly working and doing such great stuff, and I like. I think of our time together very, very fondly. That was a really good time on the movie Sisters.

[John Cena]

That was a great time where you were busy, and I was kind of just playing Pazuzu in the background, so I had a lot of time to hang out, and it was really, really fun. So. And that was actually the first time I'd been in a location because, of course, Sisters was a massive ensemble piece. So, like, you're in. You're doing work, and I'm, like, in a lot of the shots, just fully tatted up. But a lot of my days weren't a lot of heavy lifting. So you kind of gave me my first vacation, like, 15 years. And I really. I'm grateful for that.

[Amy Poehler]

I know. Because no one works harder than you. You are. You work hard.

[John Cena]

Well, you're about to talk to somebody who, I think wins that argument.

[Amy Poehler]

Really? He beats you in the hard work category.

[John Cena]

Idris is a robot, Period. End stop. Like, every. If you think you're working hard, you know, there's always somebody at the next level. Idris is crazy. Like, he. He goes. He goes, yeah.

[Amy Poehler]

That's amazing to hear from you, because I know how you approach your work. It's very professional, very serious. You love it, you have fun, and everybody feels fun when they work with. But you work really hard. So you're telling me that Idris is even more of a machine?

[John Cena]

Yeah, he just, like, I need to shut down, like, when I'm. When it's time to go. All right, cool. And I'm like a 9 to 5 person. Idris will work a full day and then fly to Vegas to DJ for the whole night, and then fly back to work the next morning, and then fly.

[Idris Elba]

Go.

[John Cena]

Go to the studio and make new music. Like, he just. I'm like, I need to be put in my lane and be like, okay, this is the day's Work. Go out and get it. He's everywhere, all at once. I don't know how he does what he does.

[Amy Poehler]

That's one of my questions is literally how do you stay awake?

[John Cena]

Honestly, he does live an AM and PM life. Like an am, pm, AM life, you know, like he's doing his last set at 4am and then he's on set and insane when the camera turns on. Like he's, he's. And he's a great human being. I can't say enough good things about him.

[Amy Poehler]

Your movie Heads of State is coming out on Amazon and thank you very much for that.

[John Cena]

I appreciate it.

[Amy Poehler]

You're so welcome.

[John Cena]

Hope everybody watches and enjoys it.

[Amy Poehler]

It looks so great. And you play a fictional president of the United States and he plays the Prime Minister of the uk.

[John Cena]

Yes.

[Amy Poehler]

Never know if I should say England, the UK or Britain. So that's why I hesitated.

[John Cena]

We got all three, so you're covered.

[Amy Poehler]

Great. Covered. And I have to say, it looks like such a satisfying, timely and fun and juicy film because I would like you to be President. Will you be president? And I'm putting you on the spot.

[John Cena]

They don't let folks who wear coats like this have a chance.

[Amy Poehler]

That's true. You did ruin your chances.

[John Cena]

I took myself out of the position. Yes, indeed.

[Amy Poehler]

You're wearing a very striped coat and they're not gonna let you in, but yeah. That was your first time working together.

[John Cena]

We worked together on a movie called the Suicide Squad, of course, where we played superheroes that were like a buddy comedy almost. But he's got, he's the head down guy, I'm the aloof, ignorant guy. And Peter Safran, the producer of that movie, was like, this is good. We need to do this again. And the thing about heads of state, that's very fun. And you said, you know, you play a fictional president, he plays a fictional prime minister. You being a writer would know that. It's. The sooner you can define those characters and stand for, the more fun you can have. So basically what we have in Heads of State is a buddy comedy.

[Amy Poehler]

It looks so fun. And also, I mean, the can. Can Idris. I'm going to ask him about accents, but can he do a Boston accent? Because you're a Boston boy.

[John Cena]

Yeah, but my Boston accent sucks. It does have like. Yeah, I need to.

[Amy Poehler]

What are you lost at, John? What, you think you're better than us? What you.

[John Cena]

Yes, I do. I do think I. It has gone away. It's been. I don't know what you haven't watched.

[Amy Poehler]

The Karen Reid trial and gotten and brushed up on that family was.

[John Cena]

My phone would not slow.

[Amy Poehler]

God, you have no idea. It's taken the state by storm.

[John Cena]

Maybe I knew if I stopped drinking my own urine and start drinking some Sam Adams.

[Amy Poehler]

It doesn't come back to you? The Boston doesn't come back.

[John Cena]

100% comes back. Every time I go to West Newbury to see my family, my wife is literally like, what happened? You talk different. And it's as you go back and you just get into the vortex, there's.

[Amy Poehler]

Just some friends who you can't say their name without having the accent.

[John Cena]

You cannot. I try, but you cannot.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay, so what question do you want me to ask Idris today? Is there anything you want to know about Idris that you didn't get a chance to ask him or something you think I should ask him?

[John Cena]

So that great question. Idris is somebody I respect and admire and a lot of the driving force there is because he's still so motivated. Somebody who's been an on screen performer and a great one for decades and literally has so many achievements. It would be the same question if you, if you gave me a question to ask you, like, what keeps you going? And in the stories that Idris has shared with me, he comes from very humble beginnings. This is a former automotive assembly line worker who, you know, he was just talking the other day about how he moved to New York and worked the door at a club. And then we go after hours with all the club folks to a special place that you just lock the door and leave at 7 in the morning like he's. Everybody in life has such an interesting story and Idris is no different. But to be where he's at and to still go like he does, I just want to know. I don't, I don't want to know the secret because everybody's story's different, but I really want to know what keeps him so driven.

[Amy Poehler]

You know what I love about you, John? And by the way, I hope someday.

[John Cena]

You come do this, say this houndstooth jacket.

[Idris Elba]

I agree.

[Amy Poehler]

It's this houndstooth jacket that you're wearing and the urine that you're drinking. No, no. What I love about you is you love people. You are a curious person about people you care and see. Like, in my experience with you, you're very interested in how all different types of people approach life.

[John Cena]

Everybody truly does have a story and you can learn from everybody.

[Amy Poehler]

You know, thank you so much for doing this. It really means a lot that you gave the time and I can't wait to see your movie and see you in person. Let's like have a decant some wine somewhere.

[John Cena]

This is the soft open to an actual good hang.

[Amy Poehler]

All right, thanks so much, John. So good to see you, Amy.

[John Cena]

Thanks so much.

[Amy Poehler]

Thanks buddy. Talk to you soon. Bye.

[Idris Elba]

Woohoo.

[Amy Poehler]

This episode is brought to you by Degree Cool Rush deodorant. I'm a big fan of people owning their mistakes. Like how last year degree changed their Cool Rush formula and men were mad. One guy even started a petition so degree listened to, admitted they messed up. And they're now bringing the OG Cool Rush scent back. It's clean, crisp and fresh. No wonder it's been the number one men's antiperspirant for the last decade. And it's in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under $4. Just look for the light blue one. Degree Cool Rush is back and it smells like victory for everyone.

[Idris Elba]

Wait, what?

[Amy Poehler]

Wait. Oh, we're twinning.

[Idris Elba]

Wow. We cue to slow motion music.

[Amy Poehler]

You know, there is a part of me that always tries to think about what the guest would wear. And I do try a little bit unconsciously to just dress for my guests.

[Idris Elba]

Oh, no way.

[Amy Poehler]

You're joking.

[Idris Elba]

You did it.

[Amy Poehler]

Look at us.

[Idris Elba]

We did it. I could take this off and do the T shirt.

[Amy Poehler]

No, I feel like we got it. We have to stay.

[Idris Elba]

We have to stay in this now.

[Amy Poehler]

I'm so thrilled to talk to you today.

[Idris Elba]

Wow, thank you.

[Amy Poehler]

And I, you know, we are the same age.

[Idris Elba]

I think I'm older than you.

[Amy Poehler]

No. 1972, babe. 1971. And we're both Virgos.

[Idris Elba]

And when's your birthday?

[Amy Poehler]

September 16th.

[Idris Elba]

I'm September 6th.

[Amy Poehler]

And I saw that. And I want to ask, and start asking you a question, which is, what does it feel like to be a Virgo?

[Idris Elba]

What does it feel like?

[Amy Poehler]

Do you identify as a Virgo? Do you see qualities in Virgo that you feel on yours?

[Idris Elba]

Okay, so if I'm really honest, I have this weird statistic thing, right? Let's just get this straight. That's all I understand. Okay. There's like, how many billion people on the Earth, right?

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

Are we suggesting that everyone.

[Amy Poehler]

This is very Virgo of you.

[Idris Elba]

I know, but everyone that was born in that particular time period around that time has similar traits. I mean, this is the logic that I find myself wrestling with.

[Amy Poehler]

I understand. You're a challenger, you're a Virgo. It makes sense.

[Idris Elba]

Or is it that everyone you've met that says, hey, are you Virgo? I'm a Virgo. Do you? Do I do. And then that becomes the myth.

[Amy Poehler]

Would this make you feel better? Beyonce is a Virgo. Do you want to be in the club now?

[Idris Elba]

Yep. Okay.

[Amy Poehler]

That's what I thought.

[Idris Elba]

No, I knew she was a Virgo, actually.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, well, Virgos see each other. They recognize each other. Yeah, it is. Okay. We don't have to get into it.

[Idris Elba]

No, we can.

[Amy Poehler]

But you are in your 50s. I want to ask you, what is it like being in your 50s? What do you think of this decade?

[Idris Elba]

Really interesting, right? Because, you know, we were born when we were 10, 11. The 80s happened. Our consciousness was born at the same time. One of the coolest decades, generationally, ever.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

And we were born into that. Some of the coolest things, art, music, culture, some of the craziest world politics that set the dynamics for where we are right now all happened when we were sort of like our emotions were blossoming and our adolescence were growing. I mean, we're a very unique generation.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay, I. I agree. I love being Gen X. I feel proud of it.

[Idris Elba]

Do you feel.

[Amy Poehler]

I feel like I. Exactly what you said. I feel like we straddled these two different worlds. Like our young world was like our parents, and now we're in future robot times.

[Idris Elba]

That's true. Which, you know, partly we invented because it's like robots, toys 2001. What was that going to be like?

[Amy Poehler]

And we're in it.

[Idris Elba]

We got it.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, I know. We. We watched movies about flying cars, and it's gonna happen.

[Idris Elba]

It's happening. Robots that talk and aliens.

[Amy Poehler]

Do you believe in aliens?

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, of course not.

[Amy Poehler]

Oh, but not astrology.

[Idris Elba]

Well, astrology is based on some weird alien science.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay.

[Idris Elba]

That has left us. Left behind.

[Amy Poehler]

Us aliens left behind.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, yeah. Like, you know. Did you know that these. Anyway, I was gonna say that the other part about being 50 is that I don't love that at this age, the age of being, wellness and consciousness is so upon us, yet our bodies fail us.

[Amy Poehler]

Well, me biggest bummer. I mean, the fact that you can get hurt just getting out of bed, that is the part that just feels like. Well, I mean, what you have to do. You have to use your body still a lot. You use it a lot. In this movie that we're talking about heads of state, how do you stick. Do you have to do, like, what do you do to stay flexible? That's what we have to do is stay flexible. Do you do yoga? Do you do. What do you do for your stretching? Cause I'm trying to get more stretching going.

[Idris Elba]

Really?

[Amy Poehler]

I'M quite. I'm not a very flexible. Like. Do you have tight hamstrings?

[Idris Elba]

Yeah. Tight hip flexors?

[Amy Poehler]

Hip flexors? Yeah. So mine are my hamstrings, which is embarrassing because I'm so short. It's like to not be able to touch your toes. Same height, same hamstring.

[Idris Elba]

Same age.

[Amy Poehler]

So do you do pigeon? Pigeon pose?

[Idris Elba]

Pigeon, no. What does that look like?

[Amy Poehler]

It's the yoga pose where you get your. Like, where you get. You stretch your hips, basically. Do you know that pose?

[Idris Elba]

So you're sitting on your bum and you got your legs like that.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah. You put your knee up and you kind of lean over your knee.

[Idris Elba]

I don't do that.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay, good.

[Idris Elba]

I do. Well, it's the squat.

[Amy Poehler]

Just squatting?

[Idris Elba]

Yeah. You know, like the. Like before we were homo sapien squat.

[Amy Poehler]

You know, you do. You can squat. That's impressive.

[Idris Elba]

Is actually.

[Amy Poehler]

Your knees can handle that.

[Idris Elba]

No.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

Getting down is easy.

[Amy Poehler]

That's the thing. Getting up, you got. You got a guy who helps you get up because you can't get. Once you get down, you're stuck.

[Idris Elba]

No, my pride is, too. There's no guy helping me. Go. I'm like, I'm okay.

[Amy Poehler]

And everyone's like, we're ready to shoot. We're just waiting for Idris to get out of his squat.

[Idris Elba]

Get out of his squat. Good thing about squatting, though, not to be graphic. It's good for the pooping. I was gonna say number two, but we can go with pooping.

[Amy Poehler]

That's really good. A lot of people know that. But, I mean, I feel like my 50s to your point. Age wise, like. Or, like, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, I feel great.

[Idris Elba]

Feel good.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, right. I feel finally like I'm figuring myself out in a way that's very real. And I have a lot, a lot. Enough wisdom and enough ahead of me. And you're kind of the oldest, youngest person. And the youngest, oldest person.

[Idris Elba]

That's right. That's so true. And, you know, your influences change. You know what I'm saying? I think in my 30s and 40s, like, I was sort of, like, blown with the wind a little bit with what was influencing me, what my goals were. And in the 50s, I'm like, no, that wind has to pass around me. I'm not getting as easily influenced.

[Amy Poehler]

Yes, yes, exactly. Right? You're like a steadier tree.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah.

[Amy Poehler]

But it does hurt to get out of a car after a long car.

[Idris Elba]

You know what, though? Wellness.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

So I found people were like, really? That doesn't work. It's like astrology, but grounding mats.

[Amy Poehler]

I love a grounding mat. I have a biomat. Do you have a biomat?

[Idris Elba]

No. Grounding.

[Amy Poehler]

Oh, is that the same thing?

[Idris Elba]

What's a biomat?

[Amy Poehler]

Well, it's like a heated mat.

[Idris Elba]

Oh, no, this is not heated. Oh, this is just grounded. So.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay, talk to me about this.

[Idris Elba]

So basically, you know the Earth's frequency, electromagnetic frequency, is a thing, and it vibrates at a certain thing. You know when you have a radio and it hasn't been grounded into the earth, it will have static. The moment you ground stops that static. And then our bodies work in a similar way. And the information. This suggests that inflammation and blood circulation works better when you sleep on the grounding mat or if you're under a desk barefoot or. And by the way, you can do the same thing if you just stand in your garden in the grass for 20 minutes.

[Amy Poehler]

Well, have you heard the young people say touch grass? It's like a term, basically, which is like, get off your phones, get off the Internet, and go outside and touch grass.

[Idris Elba]

I didn't think it meant that grass. I thought it was different.

[Amy Poehler]

No, it's the real grass. That's the Gen X in you.

[Idris Elba]

There's a touch grass.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah. To go touch pot. Touch pot. That's what they're saying. Go touch pot.

[Idris Elba]

Okay. That whole touch grass thing, I was like, dude, this is a little much. My algorithm is all messed up. I didn't realize.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, that's exactly what it is, is the idea of just, like, getting your feet on the ground.

[Idris Elba]

But it works, and it works for our age because inflammation is a real thing. That stiffness you're feeling.

[Amy Poehler]

Do you. Cold plunge. You've got to get into that. Do you really? I do it all the time.

[Idris Elba]

How often?

[Amy Poehler]

I try to do 11 minutes a week.

[Idris Elba]

What?

[Amy Poehler]

Not all at once.

[Idris Elba]

Why do you do that?

[Amy Poehler]

It's really helped with inflammation. It is a huge. It is. I don't. It's really helped with anxiety. Any anxiety, depression, inflammation. Because you're, like, flooded with a serotonin, you know, you are, like. It's, like, natural.

[Idris Elba]

Yes.

[Amy Poehler]

I'm not gonna run. I can't run. I'm not gonna run. I gotta get some kind of feeling that I've, like, had this, you know, like, big burst, and the cold plunge does it for me. And, like, I don't like to do it.

[Idris Elba]

It's not like I don't like to do it.

[Amy Poehler]

All right, then.

[Idris Elba]

You know it works with you. Talk about shrink. Wait, what? Oh, no, this is not only very uncomfortable, but really killing my ego. What?

[Amy Poehler]

Just do it on your own. Just do it on your own time.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, I'm not doing it, like, naked at the gym.

[Amy Poehler]

I'm telling you, it will change your life. I'm telling you. You know what? You're gonna look back at this interview and you're gonna be like, remember when I was in my 50s and Amy told me to cold punch? And I said, what? And now it's changed. It's gonna change your life.

[Idris Elba]

Okay, you know what? I'll listen to you because I think. And there's some observations that you are making that is really making me think.

[Amy Poehler]

So also, I imagine something about you and tell me if I'm wrong, that you kind of like a forced austerity. Like, you. You don't. You're not afraid of difficult things, right?

[Idris Elba]

Yes. No, I am not afraid of difficult things or challenges that make me uncomfortable.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah. And to choose your own discomfort is like a privilege at our age. Like, I'm gonna be uncomfortable, so. But I'm gonna be in charge of it.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, I agree. I agree with that. What I also enjoy about my 50s, I'm 52, 53 this year, is that I really want to learn more. Yeah, I want to learn. And it's about. Oh, that's new. But how is it connected to what I already know? You know what I mean? And that cusp is really interesting to me. You know, like, we talk about AI and all that stuff. I refer to it as, like, wow, that's the future that we talked about as kids. That was just in our imaginations, and here it is.

[Amy Poehler]

Well, I want to stay in the present and I want to talk about the future, but if you will indulge me a little bit of past, because. And I promise I'll make it fast. But I'm such a huge fan of the Wire, and I know you talk about it all the time. It is many years ago, 20 plus years ago. You've talked about it over and over again. And I won't make you talk about it too much. But it's a series that changed my life. I watched it three times, the series. Three times. I could talk to you about it forever. And also, I feel like not to keep making comparisons. We are dressed the same.

[Idris Elba]

We are dressed the same.

[Amy Poehler]

But I was on a show that meant something to a lot of people still. And, like, you know, almost 20 years later, they come up and they keep engaging in it. So you must get that, too. You must all the time have people say, to you, what I'm saying to you. What is that like?

[Idris Elba]

I mean, the truth is that I actually don't speak about the Wire as much as people might think. Even though I am definitely at least once a day someone says, bro, string a Bell, the Wire, whatever it is.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

And you know, it really does. It surprises me how much impact that show had. In a good way. It surprises me continuously that, you know, multi generationally, it's still being talked as people that weren't even born then.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

Watching the Wire and be like, yo, I saw that. That's incredible. I feel proud. I put a sense of pride. I feel a little bit, though, if I'm really honest, like, I didn't watch the Wire.

[Amy Poehler]

I've heard this. That you didn't watch it.

[Idris Elba]

I didn't watch it. And I feel bad. It's not that I'm not a fan of it. I was there. I made a show that was, you know, so intense and so real, so important. And even though we didn't realize. I didn't realize the importance of the show while making it.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah. Rarely do we.

[Idris Elba]

Right.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

But I didn't participate in its celebration as a viewer, as a fan. And so I feel a little bit like.

[Amy Poehler]

Well, could you say you're celebrating it now?

[Idris Elba]

No, man. Why?

[Amy Poehler]

I mean, you can't watch it now.

[Idris Elba]

No.

[Amy Poehler]

But I bet Idris. I bet you have. I bet you have a feeling about it that might. You might be kinder to yourself and it. Watching it now.

[Idris Elba]

It's not that.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay, so why can't you watch it?

[Idris Elba]

It's more that again, like, I felt the presence of it all my, you know, life since the Wire. Right.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

In terms of its impact. In terms of what? And I also was there making it. So to me, it was almost a bit like I was Stringer Bell. I'm not Stringer Bell. But I also feel like when Stringer Bell. No spoilers.

[Amy Poehler]

Well, look, at this point. Okay, let's get ready. If you're listening. Spoiler. Stringer Bell dies.

[Idris Elba]

Dies. Yikes. There were people watching it.

[Amy Poehler]

Well, they gotta catch up. It's been.

[Idris Elba]

But when Stringer Bell died, there was a part of me that died with that character. And it's weird for me to go back and watch it. I don't like being overly conscious of what my performance is like or whatever, because it makes me conscious about doing it. I like being in it rather than watching it.

[Amy Poehler]

I hear you. That is. That makes me sad that you can't. You can't enjoy how good you are in the Wire. You're so good, Idris. Okay, I know. Okay.

[Idris Elba]

I'm gonna turn into, like, from my twin. I'm taking this. Thank you.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay. Because. Okay, I just have a few questions, which is Stringer Bells. Can you just tell me for the super fans that are listening. And again, if you haven't watched the Wire, skip through this part and how dare you. That final scene when you were killed by Omar and brother Mazon. And you just have this moment where you have. It's a beautiful acting moment where you have to decide where you have to realize that Avon has given you up. Like, it's just your brother. I mean, so Shakespearean this entire show, but that relationship specifically. And you have the tiniest moment that flashes across your face where you, you know, you're resigned to the fact that not only are you gonna die, but you're gonna die, you know, by the hands of someone who you really love. And the acting with you and Wood Harris in that scene previously, when you're on the rooftop and you're. Is such good acting. And I just wanna. I have no question here, but I guess the last line of singing singers.

[Idris Elba]

What'S on the crafty table is what you wanted to know.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, but I think about Stringer's last line because it's such a testament to David Simon and the writers of that show. The writing was so incredible. When Stringer says, like, I guess there's nothing I can say to change your mind. Get on with it then, you know, paraphrasing. But it's his entire arc as a character. He's spent the entire show trying to convince people to, like, that there's another way of doing things. It's. Can you just tell me about that scene and shooting it with Rest in peace, Michael K. Williams.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, man. I mean, it was a really interesting time. I mean, yes, testament to the writing. David Simon and the poetry of what we're saying about beheading the man, the character that is offering a slightly different perspective on this chaotic town, chaotic situation for, you know, the residents, the people of Baltimore, but also the towns across America in this sort of, I would say. What's the word? You know, not culture, but that lifestyle, that this is a perpetual thing that keeps going. And then along comes a spider where he's like, hey, let's try something different. Let's turn this into this and crawl out of this hole. But we kill that character.

[Amy Poehler]

That's why the Wire is so good, because the system is the machine. People keep trying to get up out of the machine, and the system keeps pushing them down.

[Idris Elba]

But the system is also using puppets to do it to each other.

[Amy Poehler]

Right.

[Idris Elba]

So the system isn't really prevalent. It's the strings, no pun, are holding brother in the. Who has his reasons? You've got Omar, who has his reasons. But the system has made everyone blindfolded. And Stringer was like, no, no, no, no, no. Take them off.

[Amy Poehler]

I know, right? I know Stringer had a plan. And what do you ever think about, or did you guys ever talk about if Stringer stayed on, lived as a character, what he would go on to do?

[Idris Elba]

Like, yeah, we did. I mean, a lot, because Stringer is a real person who is still alive. And Stringer went on to become a very successful businessman who, you know, will remain anonymous forever, but successfully built a lot of businesses and, you know, crawled out of the hole. So in dramatic terms, on the Wire, you know, it wouldn't have made sense for Stringer to get out. Although in reality, Stringer did get out.

[Amy Poehler]

Wow.

[Idris Elba]

Okay. But that's not dramatic enough.

[Amy Poehler]

You know, I mean, that.

[Idris Elba]

That's not the story.

[Amy Poehler]

No. And it was a season three gut punch. And it also. I mean, good shows do that is they sacrifice.

[Idris Elba]

They sacrifice. Yeah. And I was for it. I've told the story. I had reservations about how Stringer was dying. I mean, you know, there was various ways that David Simon wanted to depict that, and I was a little bit against some of that. But the actual beheading of Stringer was an important move, I think, you know, just to illustrate to the world that, hey, man, take the blinkers off. You know what I'm saying?

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah. Okay, last question. The character of Bodhi that played by JD in your mentorship with him is one of the many incredible relationships on that show. That is a heartbreaker. It's a heartbreaker what happens to Stringer? And it's eventually a heartbreaker. What happens to JD's character, Bodhi? What was it like working with him? Like a young actor like that?

[Idris Elba]

Amazing, man. Like, you know, he's a fly dude. And he was a fly dude. He was the fly young kid on the scene. Him and Michael B. Jordan, actually.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

And, you know, because he was a little bit younger than us, you know what I mean? He was, like, fresh and green, and he would hang out with his big brothers. And I remember one time he challenged me, he was like, yo, man, I could drink you under the table. I'm like, jay, leave it, man. He's like, no, I'll drink you under the table. And literally I drunk him under the table. Like, he sat under the table. He was like, no, I can't. Okay.

[Amy Poehler]

Like, did you hear my accent? Like, do you know where I'm from? Like, drinking is.

[Idris Elba]

I'm from London, man. But nah. But actually, just in real life, we had that real dynamic, you know what I'm saying? Like, again, he was a younger. He lived in New Jersey as well. So we would travel up sometimes together on a train and whatnot.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay, so mentoring is important to you. Like, you've done it a lot now. And before we move on to Heads.

[Idris Elba]

Of State, the movie that comes out on Prime.

[Amy Poehler]

Thank you. Heads of State with the great John Cena and Priyanka. But you can you talk a little bit about the stuff you're doing with the King's Trust? Love. I love the work that you're doing there. And that was an important thing to you when you were young?

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, yeah. I mean, basically I'm paying it forward, you know, like the King's Trust at the time, Prince's Trust gave me an opportunity via a check and some resources.

[Amy Poehler]

What did it do? You how old and what and they scholarship?

[Idris Elba]

14, 15 years old. I auditioned to get into the national theater's youth program, which is called the National Youth Music Theater. And they were doing a production of Guys and Dolls. And I got in. My drama teacher encouraged me to go for it. I went in and I got the audition. But I didn't realize you had to subsidize your board because they flew around the world. We were going to Japan, we went to Greenland. I mean, we taking this production. It was a semi professional production, but you had to pay for it. My parents couldn't afford it. And my drama teacher said, hey, you know, the Prince's Trust. I'm like, sorry, are you talking about Prince Charles? Well, you want me to audition for Prince Charles? No, not for Prince Charles. But he has a trust where he helps young people. And I was like, he's never gonna help me. Why would you? I'm a kid from East London, blah, blah, blah. Anyway, I auditioned, I got the gig, and I got the money that he helped me with and the resources to help, you know, get me into this theater thing. And ever since, you know, I mean, without a doubt, that really structured how I thought my sort of myself as an actor. You know, it was a professional theater. I was singing around the world, and this was what I wanted to do. Just at that point in my age where I wasn't sure I liked it.

[Amy Poehler]

What made you think it like for what was the thing? Were you watching movies and like what made, you know, you wanted to be an actor?

[Idris Elba]

There's two things really. It was my teacher.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

Ms. McPhee, her and coach. I went to a boys school. Okay. She was a lovely blonde, blue eyed teacher.

[John Cena]

Interesting.

[Idris Elba]

See what's going on. But she was just really lovely, nurturing figure in my life at the time at boys school where no one really took drama seriously.

[Amy Poehler]

Sometimes it just takes one teacher to change your life, real focus.

[Idris Elba]

And she was like, you can go for it. It was mentorship. Right. And also there was an actor called Paul Barber who was in a film called the Full Monty.

[Amy Poehler]

Oh yeah, yeah.

[Idris Elba]

And he's a black actor in that film. And he came to this school just to sit amongst the boys and say, hey, what do you think about acting? And we were like, aren't you the guy that takes your clothes off in the full Monty? Da da da da. But I was just like gassed. I was so moved by his storytelling and the fact that he came, he was famous, he's on tv, came to our school to talk about acting. So those are the two real, like, if I can remember junctions where I was like, okay, acting might be a thing, crystallization of that. And ever since, you know, I realized that, you know, I can do it exactly the same. It's an intervention moment of just a young person who isn't sure.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

Having a conversation and being like, let's examine what you want to do.

[Amy Poehler]

I mean, sometimes it kind of scares me. Well, not sometimes. What is scary is that the slightest change changes the direction of your life, especially around that age. And the positive version is what you talk about, right? Which is like, you see someone that you want to emulate and you just realize, like, this is the way my life's going to be. And then in the same way, like the tiniest bit of nudge the wrong way and you're off on a track and then you're.

[Idris Elba]

That's so true. You know, in our generation, right. You know, human empathy, we got a lot of our sort of magic from tv. And those are unilateral moments where we all sat, watched the same shows, whatever they were. And those were our influences, right. All at the same time. Whether it's America, Europe, we were all watching the same sort of thing. The Fonz, Happy Days, you know, whatever it was right now. And if an uncle or an auntie spoke to you about what you want to do, you know, that conversation meant something because you weren't getting A phone you weren't staring at a phone. Which has all these different influences now. Young kids are influenced by so much, they're just overstimulated. And a lot of it is negative. A lot of it's pitting themselves against things they'll never be able to afford or have this elevated sense of self. Where in us day, I think, I hate to say in our day.

[Amy Poehler]

Well, we're really sounding really old right now. If we're gonna talk about phones, we're screwed.

[Idris Elba]

We are.

[Amy Poehler]

I mean, my phone is my best friend.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, yeah, right.

[Amy Poehler]

I mean, I don't want to talk about my best friend like that.

[Idris Elba]

I've got an AI voice. That's my best friend.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah. So you know, we're sucked in too.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, we are. But the truth is though, we at least had the benefit of the monoculture and we had human intervention that actually could have that ripple butterfly effect.

[Amy Poehler]

But the monoculture different in the UK and the. And I'm constantly surprised by how comedy. When we were growing up, we were not watching the same things, really. There were.

[Idris Elba]

So you weren't watching the Funds.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay, I was watching Happy Days. But there must have been. There must be American shows that you. Comedy shows that you hear about that didn't make it over there. Because I know when we were watching British comedy, it was like contraband. Like it was given to us on VHS tapes.

[Idris Elba]

Like Benny Hill.

[Amy Poehler]

Well, Benny Hill.

[Idris Elba]

Oh my God.

[Amy Poehler]

That was what we got. We got Benny Hill non stop. Which is like. I guess it was. It was Monty Python, Benny Hill. But there were like so many shows. Like mash. Okay, I loved mash. You watched mash. Did you watch the Norman Lear shows? Like all in the Family?

[Idris Elba]

See all in the Family?

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah. Which was based off of the British show.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, that famous British.

[Amy Poehler]

Famous British show. Something. I'll get it. But. But there was like all these like, famous, like the Jeffersons. Good Times. Do you know them?

[Idris Elba]

We. I know later on in life they weren't. Yeah. Did you get Desmonds?

[Amy Poehler]

No Desmonds. Wait, I don't even know what Desmond's is.

[Idris Elba]

Desmonds is the barbershop show, man. It was a black show. It was comedy. It was like. I don't wanna say the Cosby's, but it was a family that run a barbershop. It was hilarious.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah. So we. There were versions of each other's comedy at the time that we didn't know about each other, which I think is so interesting. Cause we're so aligned. But there was something specific about UK and US comedy at the time, in the 70s and 80s, where you, like, found out about people's stuff and it felt like you were seeing it for the first time.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Amy Poehler]

I mean, I can remember, like, learning about. Yeah. Steve Coogan, for example, and no one knowing who he was.

[Idris Elba]

Or like, I remember coming to New York. New York City.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

In the early 90s and speaking with my accent. And black folk, Black people were saying to me, wait, what? Why are you speaking like that? Yo, listen to this, dude. They didn't know. No idea.

[Amy Poehler]

They didn't think that there were black British people.

[Idris Elba]

Yep.

[Amy Poehler]

Wow. America continuing to really represent.

[Idris Elba]

No, but to your point about monoculture, like, our shows, you know, our culture did not. You know, ABC was not picking Desmonds. You know what I'm saying?

[Amy Poehler]

We did not. We had really flat versions of each other. It felt like Americans were, like, you know, confident and loud and taking up too much space. And the Brits were reserved and polite, autistic. Secretly better than us. I mean. And I do think that the accent gets you. The accent gets you. People think people with British accents are very smart.

[Idris Elba]

This is. This is a. This is true, actually. You're right. We somehow give a sense of. That the way we speak is. Makes us more intelligent. You're right. I've dined off this for a long time.

[Amy Poehler]

I would, too.

[Idris Elba]

I'm not that smart.

[Amy Poehler]

I was gonna say that growing up is realizing that British people are not any smarter than you.

[Idris Elba]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. That's not. I. What?

[Amy Poehler]

That's what it is.

[Idris Elba]

How did we get that?

[Amy Poehler]

That's being an adult.

[Idris Elba]

You're right. You're right. Facing the truth.

[Amy Poehler]

It is because. Because it's so hard. Easy get sucked in. But you have to. I want to talk about your comedy. Like what you were watching as a young person and getting into comedy because you've done quite a bit of comedy and, you know, you're doing more of it now, which I think is so cool. But for a second, about accents, you have had to do a lot of accents, a lot of different accents. Are you playing Nelson Mandela or you're playing, like, you know, an African warlord and you're playing. And you do them really well. Is there one that you can't do American. That is not true. Your American accent is. No one knew you were British. Well, you know, when we watched the Wire. No one. Idris.

[Idris Elba]

This is. You know what it is? The truth is, when I was doing the Wire, that I was not British. I was, like, living in Brooklyn, then New Jersey, and In the depths of New Jersey, near Newark. And at that junction, you know, I'd. Living in America for four or five years. Like, my accent shifted.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

And Alexa Fogle, the casting director, directive of the Wire, she was like, by the way, don't come in here with that British accent.

[Amy Poehler]

Now I see why you don't watch. Now I get it.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah.

[Amy Poehler]

You don't watch the Wire because you're thinking about your accent.

[Idris Elba]

Of course.

[Amy Poehler]

But also, I'm here to tell you it's. And I. I have a thing about Brits and their accents.

[Idris Elba]

You do?

[Amy Poehler]

Yes.

[Idris Elba]

Okay.

[Amy Poehler]

Because they win a lot of awards. And their. Their accents are like. Let me tell you something, sir. Like, they. You're like.

[Idris Elba]

It's like. No, you don't.

[Amy Poehler]

Everyone knows. And it's like.

[Idris Elba]

You are.

[Amy Poehler]

Well, I like how you say hbo. You've said hbo.

[Idris Elba]

I've said that, yeah. H, H, hbo.

[Amy Poehler]

Hbo. That's good. Thank you.

[Idris Elba]

I haven't done any sort of regional English or English accents like, you know, Wells.

[Amy Poehler]

Oh.

[Idris Elba]

Or you know, Liverpudlian or any of those. I'd love to.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

But boy, if I get them wrong.

[Amy Poehler]

No, let's try it right now.

[Idris Elba]

No, I'll go. You go first.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay. I'm gonna think about Paul McCartney. Just think about the Beatles. Right. That's all you need to do.

[Idris Elba]

Okay.

[Amy Poehler]

Liverpool.

[Idris Elba]

Liverpool.

[Amy Poehler]

Liverpool.

[Idris Elba]

Hey. Hey, lad. What's going on? No. Oh, my days.

[Amy Poehler]

See, you're too hard on yourself.

[Idris Elba]

No. Because I'm gonna get memed.

[Amy Poehler]

I'm asking you to do it. Anyone listening? No one's gonna meme you.

[Idris Elba]

Okay. Do Welsh. Can you do Welsh? Tom. Tom Jones.

[Amy Poehler]

Oh. Oh, yeah. Hi. Well, I'm Welsh. Let me say that.

[Idris Elba]

Right. Okay. Hello. Boyle. Boyle from Wells. Eh, Boyle? Eh.

[Amy Poehler]

That is so they.

[Idris Elba]

I can't go back to Wales now.

[Amy Poehler]

This episode is brought to you by Uber Eats. Summer is here, and you can now get almost anything you need for your sunny day delivered with Uber Eats. What do I mean by almost? Well, you can't get a summer blockbuster delivered, but you can get a block of cheese, a cabana, that's a no. But a banana, that's a yes. Get almost. Almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now for alcohol, you must be legal drinking age. Please enjoy responsibly. Product availability varies by region. See app for details. This episode is brought to you by Pure Leaf Iced Tea. You know that point in the afternoon when you just hit a wall? Yeah, same. It's three o' clock in the afternoon. You know, you have so much work Ahead of you. And you just want to take a nap. Well, that is why you should keep pure leaf iced tea in your fridge. It's real brewed tea from real tea leaves with bold flavor and just enough caffeine to snap you back into it. Next time you need to hit the reset button, grab a pure leaf iced tea. Time for a tea break. Time for a pure leaf. Okay, so talk about comedy, your relationship to it, because I think people probably think you're very serious.

[Idris Elba]

Yes.

[Amy Poehler]

And I've learned that you're not. So I bet people assume you're mad, you're serious, you're tough.

[Idris Elba]

I'm an actor.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah. And they come up to you and they take you there, and you probably are like, I like to have fun like everybody else.

[Idris Elba]

I'm a little goofy. I'm very goofy.

[Amy Poehler]

You are. You're a little. You're a goofball.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, a little bit. But, you know, I like playing dramatic roles. I do. I just also, when it comes to comedy, most of the comedy I've done has been the straight guy that isn't meant to be funny. So when I did the Office.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, tell us about that. How'd you get that job?

[Idris Elba]

I mean, I got that job because I think John Krasinski was a big Wire fan. He was like, we need that guy. We need that guy. Paul Feig.

[Amy Poehler]

Yes, Paul Feig. Great director.

[Idris Elba]

Great director. But it was a part of that casting process for me, and, you know, it was described as this guy who's a bit like Stringer Bells, Real serious as a businessman, but, you know, you don't laugh at anyone. You don't suffer falls and da, da, da. And I was like, okay, but first of all, the UK Office.

[Amy Poehler]

Incredible. Oh, the biggest fan.

[Idris Elba]

Better than the American Office?

[Amy Poehler]

No.

[Idris Elba]

What?

[Amy Poehler]

Different? Not better, but in many ways. I've talked about this with Mike Schur, who created Parks and Rec and who went on to. Who started working on the American Office and did Parks and Rec and many other shows. And I remember when he was going to do the American Office, I thought, this is a terrible idea, because the British Office was so good. It was a complete specific pov. And we thought, no way. But then we heard that Steve Carell was hired, and I knew Correll from Chicago, and I was like, like, he's funny. He's really good. And suddenly it was like, oh, this is just gonna be a different version. So I would say, I can't. I can't compare the two, but I do have a special place in my heart for The British version, because it was the first one I saw.

[Idris Elba]

Me too. And the cringe humor. This is what is cringe humor. And I think the Brits do cringe humor better. Not better, but do it well, because we're so repressed.

[Amy Poehler]

Totally.

[Idris Elba]

Because anything is, like, embarrassing. We're like, oh, my God. And in America, where it's larger personality, America's embarrassing. Well, use again.

[Amy Poehler]

No, America's embarrassing. There, I said it.

[Idris Elba]

Well, no, no, what I mean is that Americans are okay with big personalities coming in. That's part of the comedy, you know, fabric. However, I really loved working on the Office because I did get to be in a comedy. Right. And the guys working on the show basically tried to make me laugh all the time. And the joke was that you're not gonna get me. And the more silly they got, the more I stayed straight, and that became the comedy. It was amazing. It was a lot fun.

[Amy Poehler]

So you're good at keeping a straight face?

[Idris Elba]

No, I mean, I'm a proper. I want to be in the stupid side. I want to be doing stupid shit. But the gig was that I. I stayed really serious.

[Amy Poehler]

Even just now. You got very serious.

[Idris Elba]

It was a lot of fun. It was am. It was amazing. And then, since then, some of the comedy stuff I've done is really playing the straight guy.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

In heads of state.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah. You get to. You get to get in there. Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

But we're still playing on the trope of repressed British prime minister.

[Amy Poehler]

Right.

[Idris Elba]

Doesn't like this big American personality, and we're still playing with that. So. But.

[John Cena]

Yeah, but.

[Amy Poehler]

But. But, like, do you want to do more comedic stuff? Do you like it? Isn't it fun? It is fun because I got to say, like, your job, a lot of the stuff you do, it combines a lot of things I don't want to do. Running, shooting nights.

[Idris Elba]

Yes.

[Amy Poehler]

So many night shoots on the wire. Like, I watched, and I was like, ugh.

[Idris Elba]

Crying.

[Amy Poehler]

Crying. Like, jumping. But you've said that you like all this action stuff. You like doing stunts.

[Idris Elba]

I do. I do.

[Amy Poehler]

What do you like about it?

[Idris Elba]

It's a choreography. It's a dance, you know, I love learning a new fight. And I love. Like, I'm always convinced that I can make it look realer. You know, you see someone that's, like, kicking butt. But I want to make it look a little bit more real. I love it, though. I love the, you know, the technicalities of it.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

I like fighting.

[Amy Poehler]

Do you?

[Idris Elba]

Well, I mean, I like to fight. That's plainly it.

[Amy Poehler]

I Mean, I mean, I think about. Like, I do sometimes have fantasies about doing an action film that requires very little talk. Cause that's the one thing I like about action films is, like, your day is just walking. Like, the porn identity. Like, a shooting day is just him walking from one train station to the other wearing a leather jacket. What a dream.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Amy Poehler]

So in this movie, you're working with John Cena. The great John Cena.

[Idris Elba]

The great John Cena.

[Amy Poehler]

Tell me about you and John. Worked together first in Suicide Squad.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah. How do you guys get along? What do you think about John?

[Idris Elba]

You know, I think everyone had a bit of a crush on John Cena, right? The wrestler. You know, he's like this big personality, cool, big wrestling type. And then, you know, I watched him transition into acting and thought, wow. Like, yeah, you know, the wrestlers tend to be great at performance regardless, so they end up transitioning to acting in really cool ways. And I felt Jon was one of those transitions that did really good. Yeah, I liked him. Then when I got to work with him in Suicide Squad, I mean, first of all, when you ever met John Cena?

[Amy Poehler]

I did. He was in a movie that me and Tina Fey were in called Sisters, and we spent, like, a couple weeks together. He's a Renaissance man, dude. He loves wine and art and classical piano. Yeah, He's a very sweet, like, artistic, tender guy. Find him to be very emotional and sweet.

[Idris Elba]

I agree. And it turns out that, you know, when I met him, I thought he was gonna be this goofy, big character, and he's like, hey, Idris, how are you? Nice to meet you. I'm a really big fan of your work. And I'm like, what's going on? React. I'm more goofy than John is.

[Amy Poehler]

You did the thing that happens to you where people were like, idris is very serious. You were like, john is so funny. And John was like, I'm kind of serious.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, he's very serious.

[Amy Poehler]

And you were like, I'm a goofball.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah. When I first. When we. When I walked into his trailer one time, we're gonna just run some lines. And then I was like, oh, there's a. There's a grand piano in here. Why is that? He's like, oh, yeah, I'm teaching myself to learn classical piano. Anyway, so about these lines, I'm looking at him like, whoa, what now? First of all, he has fingers the size of, like, you know, like, one of John's fingers, you know, so. Playing the piano.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

Anyway, I was fascinated.

[Amy Poehler]

Giant fingerprint.

[Idris Elba]

But He's a really lovely guy. I think he and I knew that, you know, working together, we could play into the dynamic of, you know, I'm not naturally comically funny, but I can play against someone that is really trying to, you know, is really funny in that way.

[Amy Poehler]

But what is naturally comically funny? I mean, like, it's kind of. But it's an interesting. You bring up something very interesting, which is like. I think sometimes people don't realize that playing the scene is, like, pretty much the same. If you're doing a comedy or a drama, like, you just gotta play it real.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, that's true.

[Amy Poehler]

Have you hosted snl?

[Idris Elba]

Yes.

[Amy Poehler]

And how was that experience?

[Idris Elba]

It was a classic. Everyone talks about it.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah. Sorry, no. Who was the musical guest?

[Idris Elba]

Khalid. Oh, yeah, Khalid. Yes.

[Amy Poehler]

What year was that? Sorry?

[Idris Elba]

What year was that? It was the year that I did that very fast famous film I was promoting.

[Amy Poehler]

Yes. What year was that? Because we'll never be able to find out. I have a laptop here. We can never find it out. What year did Idris host? Can we find out? And what is the name of the British show that all in the Family was based on?

[Idris Elba]

You're gonna come back.

[Amy Poehler]

Jenna.

[Idris Elba]

Please tell me that's what happens if you can't let things go. I know.

[Amy Poehler]

Forget it.

[Idris Elba]

I know.

[Amy Poehler]

Memory is. It's done. Because we have too much stuff to think about.

[Idris Elba]

This is true.

[Amy Poehler]

The storage is full. Sometimes I like to think about. About dragging files in my brain to trash. Like, I'm not gonna need to know that anymore. I don't.

[Idris Elba]

Wow.

[Amy Poehler]

Because I mean, I Dragon files dragging it to trash to make some room. Don't you feel like all the lines you had to learn as an actor, like, sometimes I'm like, it just has taken up too much space in my head.

[Idris Elba]

No, I don't. No, no, that's it.

[Amy Poehler]

Are you good at learning lines?

[Idris Elba]

I'm good at learning the sense of things and then the lines will follow.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, yeah.

[Idris Elba]

I hate when, like, it's like, okay, you have to go address at 5 o' clock to pick up that person. I'm like, what? But if. If I understand that you and I having a debate about something, I'll remember the lines based on that.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Idris Elba]

But snl, which was what year? Classic.

[Amy Poehler]

Not that far. Not that long ago.

[Idris Elba]

It was a seminal year.

[Amy Poehler]

So in 2019, when you hosted SNL.

[Idris Elba]

Yes.

[Amy Poehler]

What was that like? Was it fun doing it? Like, you had good. You had a good time?

[Idris Elba]

I had a most amazing time. It was really hard. But I had the most amazing time, and I was with comedy giants, you know?

[Amy Poehler]

But see, SNL growing up was not big in the UK when you were growing up. Right?

[Idris Elba]

That's right. It's really true.

[Amy Poehler]

It's really true. And now they're. I think they're starting one over there.

[Idris Elba]

Yes. Yeah. I'm trying to be a main, really character.

[Amy Poehler]

You want to be in the cast?

[Idris Elba]

Yeah. Is that weird? You know?

[Amy Poehler]

No. Just go in there and say, you know what if you showed up and said, I'm in the cast? Everyone would be like, okay, I assume.

[Idris Elba]

He is doing it, and they'll see how goofy I am. How the rock writer sessions, how really funny. I come up with the wackiest shit.

[Amy Poehler]

Well, that was always the toughest thing, Idris, is when a. When a host would come in and be like, I'm really funny, and be like, okay, I did. I'd be like, okay. They'd be like, I know I'm usually pretty serious, but I love to do characters.

[Idris Elba]

And was like, dude, let me tell you, I was that guy. I remember the first writing meeting, I walked in and everyone was like, hey, Idris, man, we love you, man. What's going on? What time it takes you guys? What are you into? What are you thinking? They're, you know, soft. Them are hanging. They're like, okay, what are you doing? What do you want to do? I was like, yo, man, I got this idea about these football presenters, and they're like, you mean football? As in what kind of football? I'm losing?

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, man.

[Idris Elba]

But they were kind.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, they were like, idris, thank you so much for your ideas.

[Idris Elba]

You know what? There's so much here to work with. We're gonna regurgitate it. We're gonna come back, you take a break.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, you know what? Do less. They were like, you know what? Take a break this week. Have fun.

[Idris Elba]

I had a great meeting with Pete, though, in his office. Walked in. What's up, Pete? Yo, sit down, man. What you want? Yo, I love that bit that you was talking about, man. I love football. It was actually a really good week. I had the most incredible.

[Amy Poehler]

People don't know that you walk around from office to office and you just kind of go into everybody's office.

[Idris Elba]

Yes.

[Amy Poehler]

And you're just like, meeting. It's like speed dating or something. And you're just like, getting people's ideas. I'm sure you got pitched a lot of like, I have an idea where you're a guy who, you know, you're a bouncer and you throw people out of a club. Okay, I have another idea where you're a boxer and you beat me up. I have another idea. I bet you got a lot of, like.

[Idris Elba]

I got a lot of. What are we doing? Like a James Bond?

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

I'm really trying to stay away from that. Like, come on, man. It's James Bond. Like, no, I want to stay away from that.

[Amy Poehler]

You're like, I just want to play gig. I just want to play, like, little giggly characters who are real goofballs.

[Idris Elba]

I want to be really unrecognizable.

[Amy Poehler]

And everyone's like, oh, hell, this guy doesn't want to do his. He doesn't want to pitch his fastball.

[Idris Elba]

We want to do some Stringer Bell shit, you know, where you're like, stringer Bell on the hood, whatever.

[Amy Poehler]

But before we wrap it up, I want to talk a little bit about your relationship to music, because I feel like we've been talking a little bit about it today. But, you know, like, there's this musicality to the stuff that you do, and. And it's obviously influenced by your actual love of music. You talk about it a lot, how it. You know, talk about acting coming at a certain time. Like, music came to you at a young point in your life. When did you start, like, speak to how important music is to you and when you. Especially when you were a young person and growing up in East London.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, I mean, definitely. Music was my first love. First. First love. My dad. I have this record, a picture of me holding a Marvin Gay. I'm four years old, and I'm about to put it on the turntable. That was, like, my earliest memory of music and listening and being able to put the record on. By the time I was, like, 14, I was convinced I wanted to be a radio host. That was what I wanted to do. I wanted to talk on the radio and play music. And at the same time, I was getting introduced to acting and what. And the first show I did was a musical. I was singing. All right, I wasn't musical. I didn't play. Learn to play the guitar. Guitar. I could play the drums, but I could. I wasn't really a musical guy in the sense of, you know, making music. Okay. I just loved music. And at the same time I was doing acting, I became a radio host on pirate radio. And I was on pirate radio around 15, 16 years old. Shouldn't say that, but yeah.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

And it was the 80s.

[Amy Poehler]

Nobody cared. We had jobs at 12.

[Idris Elba]

You could go to jail, though. Back in the Day for being on pirate radio.

[Amy Poehler]

Oh, really?

[Idris Elba]

Oh, yeah, man. The mean streets.

[Amy Poehler]

That'd be pretty funny if they were like, what are you in jail for? And you were like, being on the radio and everyone was like, oh, drive.

[Idris Elba]

Time, six to eight. What?

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, they got me. They got me on drive time.

[Idris Elba]

Hard times. But no, you could go to jail for pirate radio. But the truth is, you know, I think the music. Because I really leaned into playing music, and then I started buying equipment, drum machines. This is the 80s. This is where the drum machines were growing. And that electronic sound, you know, music and acting was like, doing this at the same time. So music became my sort of my guilty pleasure.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, yeah. Like for. Just for you.

[Idris Elba]

Just for me.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

And when I would dj, I would love it. You know, actually coming to New York because the vinyl shops, that's when I started to really come to New York. Late 80s, early 90s.

[Amy Poehler]

What a time. You talk about the spirituality of house. Like, house music is really important to you.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, yeah, really.

[Amy Poehler]

Like, it's that. What is it about it that hooks you? And what do you think? How does it hook people?

[Idris Elba]

It's. It's the mono moment. That mono moment that, you know, everyone feeling that new instrument come in, it's a bit like being at church. I don't know if you're religious. I'm not. But that spiritual vibe of adding layers of a mono moment everyone can join into is like magic. When I'm on the dj, when I, you know, I just played Coachella with Cascade, who shout out to. Cascade's an amazing DJ. I think we have 15,000 people.

[Amy Poehler]

Wow.

[Idris Elba]

And we're doing it back to back. And it's a spiritual moment to have that many people going. Let's go.

[Amy Poehler]

And how do you stay up so late?

[Idris Elba]

Yes.

[Amy Poehler]

Because you have to stay up so late.

[Idris Elba]

Yes, yes. That's what DJs do.

[Amy Poehler]

I know. It's such a nighttime exercise.

[Idris Elba]

No, come on, Amy, you gotta come out with me one time, man.

[Amy Poehler]

I mean, I would have to go to bed at 7pm and wake up at 4am and meet you out. Like, there's no way I could get to the other side at 4am have.

[Idris Elba]

You been to Ibiza? No. That is seems okay. Life begins at 50. All right.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay. First of all, I would only want to go with someone who knew Ibiza well. But I'm already stressed thinking about how late I would have to stay up. Like, I'm already even thinking about I. The longest power nap.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Amy Poehler]

But it's incredible.

[Idris Elba]

Do you think that whole power nap thing really works?

[Amy Poehler]

No, I can barely nap. I mean, I. I truly. I would have to go to bed at 7pm and then be like, I'll see you at the club at four. But it is. But I mean, I love to dance, I love music, but I just. I can't do the. I can't do the hours. It's not easy to be an actor and a dj.

[Idris Elba]

It is not. No. I think there's a cell. There's a energy cell that gets awakened with the naughtiness.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

You know what I'm saying?

[Amy Poehler]

It's like, okay, Ibiza. Ibiza. Sounds very. Sounds very.

[Idris Elba]

Ibiza. Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza.

[Amy Poehler]

Sounds very stressful.

[Idris Elba]

No, you'd love it. Trust me. You know, flip, flop, sunshine, all day, foam. You can have an ice bucket thing.

[Amy Poehler]

An ice bucket thing. Why do I.

[Idris Elba]

No, you know, like the plunging thing.

[Amy Poehler]

Oh, yeah. You know what? If I could. If I could cold plunge in Ibiza, I would be.

[Idris Elba]

You can do anything in Ibiza, believe me. Ibiza.

[Amy Poehler]

That's what stresses me out.

[Idris Elba]

Idris.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay, so we're gonna finish with two questions because we always start our podcast with asking somebody to speak about our guest. I always talk to somebody who knows our guest to give me a question. Ask them. And so we talked to John Cena before this.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah, what?

[Amy Poehler]

And we just talked. We just zoomed with him and. And he wanted me to ask you. And it's such a John question, I think, and it's so indicative of what you talk about. Like, both of you have such an incredible work ethic. You really, you know, you work hard. You're very professional. Both of you are like, for lack of a better term, like, going for it. You really have a lust for life and learning, like you said. And his question was kind of like, basically, you work really hard. What motivates you? It's such a female question. What motivates you?

[Idris Elba]

Okay. I mean, look, I don't want to end on a low note, right. But I became successful around the age of 35 years old. Okay? And up until that point, life wasn't always great. There was some very tough times. You know, I've spoken publicly about some of the times I've gone through both my parents, you know, working class, didn't have much at all. All right? So I've been, you know, reasonably. I would say poor. Just reasonably, you know, living a life that is very opposed to where I'm living for longer than I have been famous or successful. And there's Part of it, which is like, I don't want to let this, so I'll just keep chucking for it. But the second thing is, really and truly is that I used to work nights on the night shift at Ford Motor Company in Dagenham, East London. Okay. That is grim. It's a grim job. All right. Nothing compares to doing that. So when I get an opportunity to come and work with you, to come and work on a set, it doesn't even feel like work.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

Now to everyone else, it's like you guys are working really hard, but actually.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah, it's not that hard.

[Idris Elba]

It's not that hard.

[Amy Poehler]

I mean, it's not compared to real hard jobs.

[Idris Elba]

No, exactly.

[Amy Poehler]

It's not. I agree.

[Idris Elba]

And obviously we get to do very different things, you know, in a job like that. I did the same thing every night. Every night for two straight years. My dad did the same job for 25 years. So I consider this a privilege.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah.

[Idris Elba]

This ain't work.

[Amy Poehler]

Yeah. So what motivates you is gratitude, basically? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. And what is making you laugh these days? How do you go? What do you walk, watch, read? You know, listen to that. Like, where are you finding your comedy?

[Idris Elba]

The studio was really funny to me. Self referential. But I loved it. I thought it was really good writing. I'm laughing at myself letting go of some of my tough man shit and being a bit goofy. I actually enjoy when people go, what? Yeah, I enjoy doing that.

[Amy Poehler]

I've seen you do like, you're doing some really, like. I have a really fun TikTok idea I want us to do later. Oh, wow. I have to talk to your team about it.

[Idris Elba]

I didn't. No Shiba. See?

[Amy Poehler]

No. Yeah, I do. And listeners, if you don't know this as we wrap up, but Idris and I are wearing the exact same thing right now. We're wearing. How would you describe this color?

[Idris Elba]

Petrol blue.

[Amy Poehler]

Yep.

[Idris Elba]

It's a. I was thinking, you know, do you watch football? Soccer.

[Amy Poehler]

Ish.

[Idris Elba]

Ish. Right at the end of a really great game, there's a tradition where the greatest players against each other. They train.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay, let's train. Drink shirts.

[Idris Elba]

We're going to drink.

[Amy Poehler]

We're going to drink shirts.

[Idris Elba]

Let's do it, buddy. All right.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay. This is exciting.

[Idris Elba]

This is exciting.

[Amy Poehler]

And I have a feeling this is going to.

[Idris Elba]

This is not going to fit. No, I get this.

[Amy Poehler]

Let's see how far you can get into my dress.

[Idris Elba]

Technically, you don't have to wear it because usually it's full of sweat by.

[Amy Poehler]

The way the shirt smells. Great, listeners, if you wanted to know, the shirt smells great.

[Idris Elba]

Oh, wow. Okay, hold on.

[Amy Poehler]

Oh, I like this look. You're just trying to get one sleeve. Just one sleeve.

[Idris Elba]

This one's good.

[Amy Poehler]

Just one tiny jacket. But tiny jackets are funny. Tiny jackets are so funny. Look, we did it. We traded.

[Idris Elba]

Okay. This is funny.

[Amy Poehler]

It's gonna be good comedy where like.

[Idris Elba]

Yes, but I don't laugh.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay. Very straight. Yeah, play it very straight where you're. We're in some kind of shrinking machine or. You know what it is? It's a body switch comedy. It's really what it is. Okay, we should be in the back.

[Idris Elba]

Let's go all the way, buddy. Let's go. Idris, show the why.

[Amy Poehler]

Well, I enjoyed working for hd.

[Idris Elba]

Yeah. Because, you know, I watched it nine times.

[Amy Poehler]

Well, I don't watch it. I.

[Idris Elba]

And I have to say, Stringer, when he did that scene, I'm just gonna show you.

[Amy Poehler]

Oh, my God. Okay, sign us up. We're ready. We're ready. Idris, thank you so much for this time together.

[Idris Elba]

Good times.

[Amy Poehler]

This was so good. My jacket is completely ripped. Literally. Can't. He can't even get it over his wrist. He can't get it over his wrist.

[Idris Elba]

It's. Cause I'm tough.

[Amy Poehler]

He's just.

[Idris Elba]

I really can't get.

[Amy Poehler]

You're here from my lawyer. He's a very expensive jacket.

[Idris Elba]

Thank you.

[Amy Poehler]

That was so fun. Thank you. Thank you so much for doing this. I really, really appreciate it. And congrats on your movie.

[Idris Elba]

Thank you.

[Amy Poehler]

Okay, today's polar plunge is brought to you by Wayfair, here to help you make your home your happy place. So that was a great interview. Idris is so much fun. I hope I wasn't too much of a Wire geek when I was interviewing him, but I could have asked a million more questions and made the entire episode about that, but I tried to restrain myself. But we did talk about a lot of other things, and we talked British comedies, and so I thought I could use this polar plunge to talk about shows that maybe you didn't know about, that you should try to find somewhere on your TV or your phone. Brass Eye the Day Today. Alan Partridge. Look around. You'd French and Saunders. We also realized that the show that all in the Family was based on was Till Death Do Us Part. It took us the entire episode to get it, and it's because we're in our 50s, but, yeah, there's a lot of British comedy. Oh, and Desmond's. I'm gonna check out Desmond's now that Idris has brought it to my attention. So a lot of good comedy in the UK, especially in the 80s and 90s, that didn't always come over here. So check it out. But you know what you really should check out is Wayfair because it makes you turn your home into a happy place. Express your style. Create a space you love. Cozy sofas, smart essentials, free shipping, easy setup. Head over to Wayfair.com find something that's just your style today. That's W-A-Y-F-A-I-R.com Wayfair Every style, every home. Okay, thanks for listening. Bye. You've been listening to good hang. The executive producers for this show are Bill Stevenson 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 Zaneras. For Paper Kite, production by Sam Green, Joel Lovell and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music by Amy Miles.