Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Guest: June Squibb

Date: November 11, 2025

Podcast by The Ringer

Episode Overview

In this charming and insightful episode, Amy Poehler welcomes legendary actress June Squibb for a relaxed, laughter-filled conversation. The two discuss June’s extraordinary career—from her days in 1950s New York theater, to winning roles in film, to her recent performance in Inside Out 2—as well as her views on age, resilience, and the importance of friendship and humor. Guest questions and memorable stories add layers of warmth, making this a must-listen for fans of show business history, creative longevity, and good company.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Will Forte’s Tribute and Question for June (02:34–09:26)

Will Forte’s Guest Call-In: Will joins from a trailer in Georgia, sharing stories from filming Nebraska with June, and noting her professionalism and warmth.
- Memorable Quote:
  Will Forte: "June had the entire script memorized before we even started. I was just blown away by that." (04:46)
The Duality of June: Both Amy and Will discuss how older actors are often either treated as delicate or as gurus, but June strikes the perfect balance—wise, current, and fun.
- Memorable Quote:
  Amy Poehler: "June does not... she's so together with it and in the moment, like, she's not interested in being, like, this wise person who's learned all these lessons." (06:16)
Will’s Question for June: "What is your favorite food, and will you please tell me in song?" (08:05)

2. Enter June Squibb: Early Career and Theater Life (10:04–17:29)

Recalling Old Acquaintances: June and Amy reminisce about crossing paths at award events and June’s work with Scarlett Johansson.
Working with First-Time Directors: June says she enjoys it, as good directors are good regardless of experience—enthusiasm and a willingness to learn matter most.
Meticulous Preparation:
June Squibb: "I learn by just going over and over and over. But in doing that, I'm studying the script. So I know that script backwards and forward by the time I get on set." (11:41)
The New York Theater Scene of the 1950s: June describes moving to NY as "breathing fully for the first time," and living in affordable, now-historic apartments.
- Saw original productions of My Fair Lady, West Side Story, loved the bustling energy and opportunity of postwar NYC (14:25–15:21).

3. Musical Comedy, Cabaret, and Showbiz Grit (15:21–20:25)

Musical Comedy and Writing: Acted, sang, and wrote for cabaret; once performed in an ape head and blue dress long before Cabaret made such acts famous (15:36).
On Risk and Resilience: Amy and June discuss the uncertainties of being an actor then versus now—and how persistence (and luck) are critical.
- Memorable Quote:
  June Squibb: "It's a very difficult career to want." (20:17)
Longevity and Hanging In: Both women agree that survival in show business often comes down to "just kind of getting rejected a lot and just kind of hanging in and believing in yourself." (20:25)

4. Growing Up in the Midwest; Family and Roots (26:23–28:58)

Mother’s Unique Job: June’s mom played piano for silent films, giving June early musical exposure (17:43).
Midwest Influence: Forthrightness and "stick-to-it-iveness" from her Vandalia, Illinois upbringing shaped her work ethic.
- Memorable Quote:
  June Squibb: “It's like you've got a job, so you do it. And no matter what that job is, if it's yours, then you have to do it.” (27:32)

5. Accents, Voice Lessons, and Favorite Dancers (28:35–30:49)

Losing (and Finding) an Accent: Voice lessons helped neutralize her Southern-Midwestern drawl for stage and film roles.
Favorite Dancers and Inspirations: Admires Jacques d’Ambois and Gene Kelly, as well as Donald O’Connor’s underrated artistry (23:50–26:04).

6. Perspectives on Age, Friendship, and Generational Wisdom (32:21–35:08)

Intergenerational Friendship: June enjoys friendships regardless of age and learns from younger people, rather than feeling obliged to dispense ‘wisdom.’
- Memorable Quote:
  June Squibb: "If I like someone, I don't think I ever think in terms of how old they are." (32:57)
How Old Do You Feel?: "35. I always feel I'm 35… as I got older, I kept referring back to 35." (34:02)
On Longevity: Both discuss the cultural curiosity about nonagenarians and how long lives both invite projection and yield perspective.

7. Career Highlights, Working Styles, and Scene Partners (39:09–44:33)

Character Acting Philosophy:
- Memorable Quote:
  June Squibb: "If I'm doing it, it's the most important thing in the film. I've always felt that." (39:09)
- She prepares thoroughly but lets a character develop “in the moment” on set (40:14–40:35).
Favorite Collaborators: Remembers working with Richard Roundtree, Jack Nicholson (“He always made me feel like a peer”), and Fred in Thelma.

8. Behind the Scenes on Landmark Films (45:08–48:01)

Connections Through Friendship: Margo Martindale tipped June off to the role in Nebraska and was her neighbor.
Persistence Pays Off: June’s agents had to convince directors like Alexander Payne twice—once for About Schmidt, again for Nebraska—to give her a shot via audition tapes.
- Memorable Anecdote:
  Alexander Payne told June, "I saw that tape and knew you had to do it." (46:34)

9. Will Forte’s Song Request Answered (48:21–49:09)

June’s Favorite Food: Pupusas—her cook’s homemade version is her favorite.
Sings About It (lightheartedly):
June Squibb (singing): "Pupusas, pupusas, I love you." (48:55)

10. On Family, Mentorship, and Loss (49:39–53:02)

Working Motherhood: June describes her son, a director/writer, and being a small, close family in NYC.
Her Husband as Mentor: Late husband Charles, an acting teacher, reshaped her approach, gave tough love, then stepped back before his passing to make her independent:
June Squibb: “He said, you know what you’re doing, you do it.” (52:14–52:33)

11. Friendship, Hobbies, and Joy (54:07–57:49)

Friendships: Deep, decades-long female friendships are a source of mental excitement and support.
What Makes Her Laugh: She watches Saturday Night Live (loves Colin Jost and Michael Che), The Neighborhood (Max Greenfield and Cedric the Entertainer), and sketch comedy in general.
Old Friends in Comedy: Ruth Buzzi was a significant friend and collaborator from New York days (55:24–55:42).
Seeing Lenny Bruce Live:
Amy Poehler: "Let's play this game… Lenny Bruce!"
June Squibb: "I didn't see him in Chicago." (57:13–57:25)
Life Cycles and Change: June reflects on how, despite worry in turbulent times, “it passed” and hopes the present climate will, too (57:49–58:06).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Preparation: "I know that script backwards and forward by the time I get on set." — June (11:41)
On Diversity in Showbiz: "Half the battle is hanging in there, just kind of getting rejected… believing in yourself." — Amy (20:25)
On Friendship Across Ages: "If I like someone, I don’t think I ever think in terms of how old they are." — June (32:57)
On Her Approach to Roles: "If I’m doing it, it’s the most important thing in the film." — June (39:09)
On letting characters develop: “I have none. So what happens is, what happens hits me, and then that’s how I react.” — June (40:29)
On Living to 100: “My agents say I’ll still be working, so…” — June (25:27)
Will Forte’s Song Request:
June (singing, on pupusas): "Pupusas, pupusas, I love you." (48:55)

Timestamps for Major Segments

Will Forte Tribute & Guest Q: 02:34–09:26
June on Early Theater & Family: 10:04–17:29
NYC Theater Stories & Cabaret: 15:21–20:25
Midwest Upbringing: 26:23–28:58
Accent Training & Dance Heroes: 28:35–30:49
Views on Age & Friendship: 32:21–35:08
On Acting and Collaborators: 39:09–44:33
Film Breaks & Margo Martindale: 45:08–48:01
Favorite Food (Song): 48:21–49:09
Family, Mentorship, Loss: 49:39–53:02
Female Friendship, Comedy: 54:07–57:49
Final Reflections: 57:49–end

Tone and Language

Throughout, the tone is candid, witty, and warm—true to Amy’s comedic roots and June’s engaging storytelling. The podcast maintains a relaxed, conversational flow, punctuated by nostalgia, laughter, and genuine admiration.

Final Moments

Amy and June vow to become friends ("I’d love for us to be new friends!"—Amy, 58:45), sip their (now-cold) mochas, and Amy ends with heartfelt thanks:
"Amazing artist and person. Thank you so much for coming in." (58:28)

For Listeners New and Old

This episode is a joyous celebration of artistic resilience, female friendship, intergenerational creative sparks, and the power of staying curious—at any age. Whether you’re an aspiring performer, longtime fan, or just in need of a good hang, you’ll find this hour with Amy Poehler and June Squibb as delightful and inspiring as it is funny.

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Guest: June Squibb

Date: November 11, 2025

Podcast by The Ringer

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Will Forte’s Tribute and Question for June (02:34–09:26)

Will Forte’s Guest Call-In: Will joins from a trailer in Georgia, sharing stories from filming Nebraska with June, and noting her professionalism and warmth.
- Memorable Quote:
  Will Forte: "June had the entire script memorized before we even started. I was just blown away by that." (04:46)
The Duality of June: Both Amy and Will discuss how older actors are often either treated as delicate or as gurus, but June strikes the perfect balance—wise, current, and fun.
- Memorable Quote:
  Amy Poehler: "June does not... she's so together with it and in the moment, like, she's not interested in being, like, this wise person who's learned all these lessons." (06:16)
Will’s Question for June: "What is your favorite food, and will you please tell me in song?" (08:05)

2. Enter June Squibb: Early Career and Theater Life (10:04–17:29)

Recalling Old Acquaintances: June and Amy reminisce about crossing paths at award events and June’s work with Scarlett Johansson.
Working with First-Time Directors: June says she enjoys it, as good directors are good regardless of experience—enthusiasm and a willingness to learn matter most.
Meticulous Preparation:
June Squibb: "I learn by just going over and over and over. But in doing that, I'm studying the script. So I know that script backwards and forward by the time I get on set." (11:41)
The New York Theater Scene of the 1950s: June describes moving to NY as "breathing fully for the first time," and living in affordable, now-historic apartments.
- Saw original productions of My Fair Lady, West Side Story, loved the bustling energy and opportunity of postwar NYC (14:25–15:21).

3. Musical Comedy, Cabaret, and Showbiz Grit (15:21–20:25)

Musical Comedy and Writing: Acted, sang, and wrote for cabaret; once performed in an ape head and blue dress long before Cabaret made such acts famous (15:36).
On Risk and Resilience: Amy and June discuss the uncertainties of being an actor then versus now—and how persistence (and luck) are critical.
- Memorable Quote:
  June Squibb: "It's a very difficult career to want." (20:17)
Longevity and Hanging In: Both women agree that survival in show business often comes down to "just kind of getting rejected a lot and just kind of hanging in and believing in yourself." (20:25)

4. Growing Up in the Midwest; Family and Roots (26:23–28:58)

Mother’s Unique Job: June’s mom played piano for silent films, giving June early musical exposure (17:43).
Midwest Influence: Forthrightness and "stick-to-it-iveness" from her Vandalia, Illinois upbringing shaped her work ethic.
- Memorable Quote:
  June Squibb: “It's like you've got a job, so you do it. And no matter what that job is, if it's yours, then you have to do it.” (27:32)

5. Accents, Voice Lessons, and Favorite Dancers (28:35–30:49)

Losing (and Finding) an Accent: Voice lessons helped neutralize her Southern-Midwestern drawl for stage and film roles.
Favorite Dancers and Inspirations: Admires Jacques d’Ambois and Gene Kelly, as well as Donald O’Connor’s underrated artistry (23:50–26:04).

6. Perspectives on Age, Friendship, and Generational Wisdom (32:21–35:08)

Intergenerational Friendship: June enjoys friendships regardless of age and learns from younger people, rather than feeling obliged to dispense ‘wisdom.’
- Memorable Quote:
  June Squibb: "If I like someone, I don't think I ever think in terms of how old they are." (32:57)
How Old Do You Feel?: "35. I always feel I'm 35… as I got older, I kept referring back to 35." (34:02)
On Longevity: Both discuss the cultural curiosity about nonagenarians and how long lives both invite projection and yield perspective.

7. Career Highlights, Working Styles, and Scene Partners (39:09–44:33)

Character Acting Philosophy:
- Memorable Quote:
  June Squibb: "If I'm doing it, it's the most important thing in the film. I've always felt that." (39:09)
- She prepares thoroughly but lets a character develop “in the moment” on set (40:14–40:35).
Favorite Collaborators: Remembers working with Richard Roundtree, Jack Nicholson (“He always made me feel like a peer”), and Fred in Thelma.

8. Behind the Scenes on Landmark Films (45:08–48:01)

Connections Through Friendship: Margo Martindale tipped June off to the role in Nebraska and was her neighbor.
Persistence Pays Off: June’s agents had to convince directors like Alexander Payne twice—once for About Schmidt, again for Nebraska—to give her a shot via audition tapes.
- Memorable Anecdote:
  Alexander Payne told June, "I saw that tape and knew you had to do it." (46:34)

9. Will Forte’s Song Request Answered (48:21–49:09)

June’s Favorite Food: Pupusas—her cook’s homemade version is her favorite.
Sings About It (lightheartedly):
June Squibb (singing): "Pupusas, pupusas, I love you." (48:55)

10. On Family, Mentorship, and Loss (49:39–53:02)

Working Motherhood: June describes her son, a director/writer, and being a small, close family in NYC.
Her Husband as Mentor: Late husband Charles, an acting teacher, reshaped her approach, gave tough love, then stepped back before his passing to make her independent:
June Squibb: “He said, you know what you’re doing, you do it.” (52:14–52:33)

11. Friendship, Hobbies, and Joy (54:07–57:49)

Friendships: Deep, decades-long female friendships are a source of mental excitement and support.
What Makes Her Laugh: She watches Saturday Night Live (loves Colin Jost and Michael Che), The Neighborhood (Max Greenfield and Cedric the Entertainer), and sketch comedy in general.
Old Friends in Comedy: Ruth Buzzi was a significant friend and collaborator from New York days (55:24–55:42).
Seeing Lenny Bruce Live:
Amy Poehler: "Let's play this game… Lenny Bruce!"
June Squibb: "I didn't see him in Chicago." (57:13–57:25)
Life Cycles and Change: June reflects on how, despite worry in turbulent times, “it passed” and hopes the present climate will, too (57:49–58:06).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Preparation: "I know that script backwards and forward by the time I get on set." — June (11:41)
On Diversity in Showbiz: "Half the battle is hanging in there, just kind of getting rejected… believing in yourself." — Amy (20:25)
On Friendship Across Ages: "If I like someone, I don’t think I ever think in terms of how old they are." — June (32:57)
On Her Approach to Roles: "If I’m doing it, it’s the most important thing in the film." — June (39:09)
On letting characters develop: “I have none. So what happens is, what happens hits me, and then that’s how I react.” — June (40:29)
On Living to 100: “My agents say I’ll still be working, so…” — June (25:27)
Will Forte’s Song Request:
June (singing, on pupusas): "Pupusas, pupusas, I love you." (48:55)

Timestamps for Major Segments

Will Forte Tribute & Guest Q: 02:34–09:26
June on Early Theater & Family: 10:04–17:29
NYC Theater Stories & Cabaret: 15:21–20:25
Midwest Upbringing: 26:23–28:58
Accent Training & Dance Heroes: 28:35–30:49
Views on Age & Friendship: 32:21–35:08
On Acting and Collaborators: 39:09–44:33
Film Breaks & Margo Martindale: 45:08–48:01
Favorite Food (Song): 48:21–49:09
Family, Mentorship, Loss: 49:39–53:02
Female Friendship, Comedy: 54:07–57:49
Final Reflections: 57:49–end

June Squibb

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Summary

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Guest: June Squibb

Date: November 11, 2025

Podcast by The Ringer

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Will Forte’s Tribute and Question for June (02:34–09:26)

2. Enter June Squibb: Early Career and Theater Life (10:04–17:29)

3. Musical Comedy, Cabaret, and Showbiz Grit (15:21–20:25)

4. Growing Up in the Midwest; Family and Roots (26:23–28:58)

5. Accents, Voice Lessons, and Favorite Dancers (28:35–30:49)

6. Perspectives on Age, Friendship, and Generational Wisdom (32:21–35:08)

7. Career Highlights, Working Styles, and Scene Partners (39:09–44:33)

8. Behind the Scenes on Landmark Films (45:08–48:01)

9. Will Forte’s Song Request Answered (48:21–49:09)

10. On Family, Mentorship, and Loss (49:39–53:02)

11. Friendship, Hobbies, and Joy (54:07–57:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Major Segments

Tone and Language

Final Moments

For Listeners New and Old

Summary

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Guest: June Squibb

Date: November 11, 2025

Podcast by The Ringer

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Will Forte’s Tribute and Question for June (02:34–09:26)

2. Enter June Squibb: Early Career and Theater Life (10:04–17:29)

3. Musical Comedy, Cabaret, and Showbiz Grit (15:21–20:25)

4. Growing Up in the Midwest; Family and Roots (26:23–28:58)

5. Accents, Voice Lessons, and Favorite Dancers (28:35–30:49)

6. Perspectives on Age, Friendship, and Generational Wisdom (32:21–35:08)

7. Career Highlights, Working Styles, and Scene Partners (39:09–44:33)

8. Behind the Scenes on Landmark Films (45:08–48:01)

9. Will Forte’s Song Request Answered (48:21–49:09)

10. On Family, Mentorship, and Loss (49:39–53:02)

11. Friendship, Hobbies, and Joy (54:07–57:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Major Segments

Tone and Language

Final Moments

For Listeners New and Old