Podcast Summary: Good Hang with Amy Poehler featuring Jack Black

Episode Information

• Title: Good Hang with Amy Poehler
• Host: Amy Poehler (The Ringer)
• Guest: Jack Black
• Release Date: April 22, 2025

Overview In this vibrant and engaging episode of "Good Hang with Amy Poehler," host Amy Poehler sits down with the multifaceted entertainer Jack Black. The conversation delves into their personal lives, careers, experiences on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), and collaborative projects. The episode is peppered with humor, heartfelt anecdotes, and insightful discussions, providing listeners with an intimate look into the lives of two beloved comedians.

Personal Beginnings: Morning Routines and Breakfast Habits

The conversation kicks off with Amy and Jack sharing their morning routines, setting a light-hearted tone for the episode.

• Awkwafina's Breakfast Experience:

  "Yeah, I don't get hungry until later. But I think that's like a cortisol imbalance." (02:46)

• Jack's Breakfast Burrito Anecdote:

  "It kind of feels like I'm at work when I have a breakfast burrito." (03:02)

These exchanges highlight their casual and relatable start to the day, emphasizing their unique approaches to mornings.

Reflections on "Saturday Night Live"

Both Amy and Jack reminisce about their time on SNL, sharing memorable moments and the dynamics behind the scenes.

• Amy on Returning to SNL:

  "It was very emotional because it'd been... I didn't think I would ever be asked back because... Lorne works in mysterious ways." (17:16)

• Jack on SNL Memories:

  "When I did SNL, it was so fun. Love that." (11:01)

• Donna Richards Tribute: Amy and Jack pay homage to Donna Richards, the show's long-time wardrobe supervisor, praising her crucial role in their SNL experience.

  "She grabs you and dresses you from scene to scene, but she has your whole show in her hand." (12:58)

These segments underscore the camaraderie and supportive environment that characterized their SNL tenure.

Collaborative Projects and On-Screen Chemistry

The duo discusses their various projects together, including movies like "Envy" and the upcoming "Minecraft" movie.

• "Envy" Movie Insight:

  "You know, this was an example of... I need to be a better actor. Rachel Weisz was incredible." (32:48)

• "Minecraft" Movie Excitement:

  "It just goes to show, I had a blast making it. I love Jared." (41:59)

• Box Office Success: Jack proudly refers to himself as "the biggest movie star in the world," reflecting on the success of films like "Jumanji," "School of Rock," "Mario Nuts," "Minecraft," and "Kung Fu Panda."

  "Have you heard of Jumanji? Have you heard of School of Rock? Have you heard of Mario Nuts? Have you heard of Minecraft? Kung Fu Panda?" (42:37)

Their discussion reveals the depth of their professional relationship and mutual respect, highlighting the joy they find in collaborating.

Auditioning and Acting Challenges

Amy and Jack open up about their early career struggles, including auditions that didn’t go as planned.

• Amy's Audition Story:

  "My audition was gonna be... I was gonna be the Hulk and just jump around and do... a mimed. It was not gonna get in." (18:07)

• Jack's Self-Sabotage Tactics:

  "I started to like, kind of sabotage it because it was like, basically like, you can't reject me. I'll... I'm gonna reject you." (20:32)

• Shared Audition Experiences: Both recount their unsuccessful auditions for the Coen Brothers.

  "I auditioned for the Coen Brothers as well. And I also had a similar super shitty audition." (20:42)

These candid discussions shed light on the vulnerabilities and insecurities actors face during the audition process.

Improv and Comedy Roots

The conversation delves into their involvement with improv groups and the influence of legendary figures in comedy.

• Jack on Del Close and Improv:

  "Del Close was like this guru, very misanthropic guy... he just made you feel like you were like that improv was its own art form." (27:10)

• Amy on Actors Gang:

  "The actors gang was like the radical political commedia dell'arte... they had a play called Carnage." (24:41)

• Maya Rudolph's Impact: Amy shares her experiences with fellow improviser and friend Maya Rudolph.

  "She was so good at improv, I actually got intimidated." (28:28)

Their discussions highlight the foundational role improv has played in shaping their comedic styles and careers.

Behind the Scenes: "Boys Night Out" Sketch

Amy and Jack reminisce about a unique SNL sketch they wrote together that never made it to the air.

• Sketch Description:

  "Emily Spivey and I wrote a sketch called Boys Night Out. It was about Jack waiting for the boys to arrive. They never showed up and kept ordering more wings. But there was a song." (59:27)

• Memorable Lyrics:

  "Boys Night Out, now we're really rocking and the chicks are roller squawking." (59:31)

This segment showcases their creative process and the fun they had crafting memorable comedy moments.

Hobbies and Personal Interests

Beyond their professional lives, Amy and Jack share their personal hobbies and interests, offering a glimpse into how they unwind.

• Amy's Music Exploration:

  "I did Chrono Marathons where you pick a band and go through their whole catalog. I've heard all of them now." (60:23)

• Walks and Physical Activity:

  "I like to get somewhere between 10 and 20 steps a day." (62:12)

• Cinephile Phase: Amy discusses her newfound passion for watching and analyzing old movies.

  "I've entered my cinephile phase of my life." (62:35)

These insights reveal their diverse interests and the balance they maintain between their hectic careers and personal lives.

Humorous Exchanges and Playful Banter

The episode is interspersed with lighthearted and humorous exchanges that highlight Amy and Jack's chemistry.

• Dance Floor Discussions:

  Amy: "I like to close my eyes because I feel less inhibitions." (53:08)
  Jack: "Have you seen Footloose? It's exactly how it works." (55:25)

• CPAP Machine Conversations:

  Amy: "My CPAP machine was a game changer, changed my life." (36:38)
  Jack: "I want to escape. When I get really nervous, I get quiet and I get really sleepy." (11:57)

These moments add levity and showcase the genuine friendship between the host and her guest.

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode winds down, Amy wraps up by encouraging listeners to enjoy Jack's music and reflect on their shared moments.

• Promotion of "Peaches":

  Amy: "Listen to the song 'Peaches' from the Super Mario movie... it is the most romantic song I've heard in the past 10 years." (65:15)
  Jack: "Stop this podcast. Listen to 'Peaches'." (65:15)

• Final Affirmations:

  Amy: "What do I say about the great Jack Black? He's just the best. And I'm so grateful that he came by. Love him so much." (66:00)

These closing statements reinforce the warmth and appreciation between Amy and Jack, leaving listeners with a positive and uplifting sentiment.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. On Auditioning:

   • "The constant battle is the fear of failure." – Jack Black (19:51)

2. On Improv Influence:

   • "Del Close was like this guru, very misanthropic guy... he just made you feel like you were like that improv was its own art form." – Jack Black (27:10)

3. On SNL Memories:

   • "She grabs you and dresses you from scene to scene, but she has your whole show in her hand." – Jack Black (12:58)

4. On Collaborative Projects:

   • "It just goes to show, I had a blast making it. I love Jared." – Amy Poehler (41:59)

5. On Personal Interests:

   • "I've entered my cinephile phase of my life." – Amy Poehler (62:35)

Conclusion

This episode of "Good Hang with Amy Poehler" offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of Jack Black's experiences, both personal and professional. Through candid conversations, shared memories, and playful interactions, Amy and Jack provide listeners with a rich narrative that celebrates their enduring friendship and passion for comedy and entertainment.