Transcript

Amy Poehler (0:00)

This episode is brought to you by Kerastase. So, you know your hair ages just like skin does, right? Well, good news. Kerastase has dropped their new Chronologist line. It's like a revitalizing spa day for your hair that reverses those pesky signs of aging, like lack of thickness and volume, dullness, dryness and frizz. Use the full range of Chronologist shampoo mask and overnight serum and you'll wake up to visibly fuller, smoother, healthier, and thoroughly pampered hair. Let your locks feel young again. Try the new crinologist line by Kara Stoss. Hello, everyone. Welcome to another episode of Good Hang. Very, very excited about our guest today. It is the one, the only Kerry Washington. Kerry is so talented. She is so good at so many things. And we're going to talk about a lot of those things today. We are going to talk about growing up in the Bronx. The Bronx. And how it shaped her and what she learned from being from there. And we're going to talk about her activism, how she stays connected in a turbulent, often depressing world. We're going to talk about scandal because of course. And we're going to get to the nitty gritty in a lot of that. And we're going to talk about Amazing Race, a random show that we talk about and talk about how good it is for kids. We're going to talk about her new TV show, Imperfect Women with Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara that's coming out on Apple. All of these things are going to be discussed today, but most importantly, we're going to discuss her with someone who loves her. And who is that person? Fitz. That's right. Tony Goldwyn, writer, producer, director, just coming off of directing Shay Joey, a new musical with Savion Glover that is hopefully on its way to Broadway. We're catching Tony right after rehearsal. He's tired and still he can't wait to profess his admiration for his co star. So let's see if we can get him on the zoom horn. Tony, are you there? This episode is presented by Allstate. Checking Allstate first could save you hundreds on car insurance. That's smart. Not checking that the fake roast chicken is in fact a fake roast chicken before chomping into a wing. Rookie mistake. Yeah, checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate. Potential savings vary, subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate North American Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. Tony.

Tony Goldwyn (2:46)

Hi, Amy. How Are you.

Amy Poehler (2:48)

Thank you for talking to us today. Because I have to say that the relationship that you and Carrie had on screen and off screen is really, really wonderful to watch, and people are very invested in it. And what I. What I have to say is what I glean from the way you two interact with each other is a deep mutual respect. Deep, deep respect for the way you work and the kind of people that you are. Can you tell us how you first met?

Summary

Good Hang with Amy Poehler – Kerry Washington (April 14, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this lively episode of "Good Hang," Amy Poehler welcomes acclaimed actress and activist Kerry Washington for a wide-ranging conversation about her roots in the Bronx, career-defining roles, activism, family, and what makes her laugh. The episode opens with a segment featuring Tony Goldwyn (her “Scandal” co-star), who shares insights and questions for Kerry, providing a unique perspective on her work ethic and character. The discussion is filled with humor, warmth, personal stories, and reflections on balancing ambition, activism, and motherhood.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tony Goldwyn on Working with Kerry Washington

Segment: 02:46 – 12:23

How They Met: Tony Goldwyn recalls meeting Kerry at the 2008 Democratic Convention and then reuniting for “Scandal.” He describes always being struck by her chameleonic acting:

"Every time I saw her in a movie, I found myself going, who is that actress in that role? ... Oh my God, that's Kerry Washington." (03:18)
Scandal Origins: Tony shares that he was immediately interested in working on "Scandal" once he knew Kerry and Shonda Rhimes were involved.
Leadership on Set: Tony praises Kerry’s commitment and leadership as #1 on the call sheet, telling a story about how Kerry unflappably set the tone for hard work and professionalism at 4 AM Good Morning America tapings:

"Darby goes up to Kerry, and this is classic Kerry Washington… Darby goes, Kerry, you know, this Good Morning America thing ... And Kerry's like, of course we're doing it, Darby. ... Like, isn't it amazing that they want to put us on their opening of their show?" (07:22)
Activism: Tony admires Kerry’s approach to activism—it's "fully professionalized ... next to maybe Jane Fonda, I've never seen anybody like that." (09:14)
Relationships on "Scandal": Tony compares the cast friendships to “high school best friends” and notes their enduring closeness years after the show.

2. Kerry Washington: Bronx Roots and Upbringing

Segment: 13:13 – 16:53

The Underdog Borough: Kerry describes growing up in the Bronx as giving her resilience and hustle:

"The Bronx is like the underdog borough ... and so there's like a hustle ... a different kind of strength and resilience, I think, from people who are from the Bronx." (13:31)
Class Pride & Visibility: Discussion about class divides, giving credit to nannies, and making working-class contributions visible.
Personal Connections: Kerry shares how Amy’s public gratitude toward her childcare staff resonated—her own grandmother worked in the neighborhood where she went to school.

3. Creative Journey and First Breaks

Segment: 19:06 – 25:47

Decision to Act: Kerry knew she wanted to be an actress halfway through college after a transformative summer conservatory.
Early Career: Booked her first film ("Our Song") during the year she gave herself to “try acting.”

"We were stealing shots on the subway. We didn’t have permits … but it was a story of these three girls growing up in Brooklyn." (24:07)
Sense of Fulfillment: Describes realizing she was “in the pocket”—exactly where she wanted to be—while shooting that film.

4. "Scandal" and Stepping into Leadership

Segment: 26:28 – 33:36

Casting and Breaking Barriers: Kerry describes the intense competition for “Scandal’s” lead—“everybody wanted to be Olivia Pope.”
On Shonda Rhimes: Initially finds "Shondaland" intimidating, but quickly commits after meeting Shonda:

"I was like, I will give up my citizenship to live in this land of yours. I loved her." (28:53)
Becoming a "Number One":

"She taught me how to be a number one...step into leadership and not shy away from it..." (29:27) Kerry admits her goal used to be a "happy artist life," never expecting to be a TV lead.
Healthy On-Set Relationships: Kerry and Amy discuss how the cast remained close and secure, even as fans passionately “shipped” their characters.

"We like to fuck with people ... but everyone's secure. That's the key." (32:05)
Motherhood and Work: Kerry had two pregnancies during “Scandal.” The set became family-friendly and included a playroom.

5. Activism & Staying Engaged

Segment: 34:52 – 38:54

Dealing with Fatigue: Kerry shares her approach to activism in a tough world:

"I try to ask myself, what am I able to do today? ... To not do nothing. Because we can all be doing something ... it's time, treasure, or talent." (36:09)
Community as Support: She credits Eve Ensler and Jane Fonda with teaching her that plugging into community activism is restorative.

"Plugging into community actually helps you feel better. Like, being part of something bigger is a balm for your soul." (38:54)
Balancing Fun and Impact: Acknowledges the importance of making activism accessible and not a “drag.”

6. Work Ethic, Parenting, & Leading by Example

Segment: 41:44 – 48:17

On Instilling Drive in Her Kids:

"I feel like they don't have that thing of being from the Bronx ... so I wonder where they'll find it." (45:36)
Sports Mom: Kerry is a “loud cheerer” at her kids’ games, but strives to meet her kids where they are emotionally.

"I try to like sit on the bench with them." (46:52)
Small Town Reporter Approach: Amy shares a parenting trick: reflect kids' feelings back to them, as a “small town reporter,” to encourage talking rather than fixing.

7. Directing and Career Evolution

Segment: 48:57 – 53:37

Directing TV: Kerry loves directing for the opportunity to “help other people do their best work.”
Desire for More: Wants to direct a feature but is mindful of the family time it demands; references Ben Affleck’s family-friendly work style on set.
Imperfect Women: Preview of Kerry’s new Apple series with Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara—a family-friendly, collaborative production that shares lead responsibilities.

8. Personal Growth, Family, and Resilience

Segment: 55:10 – 59:33

Practicing Kitsugi: Kerry’s hobby is the Japanese art of repairing pottery with gold, which she uses as a metaphor for healing family wounds.

"By not making the cracks disappear, but highlighting them with gold, you bring beauty to the broken spaces ... the places where we are wounded are what make us most beautiful." (56:00)
Family Healing and Memoir: Kerry speaks openly now about learning later in life that she was donor-conceived, which has brought more authenticity and grace to her family:

"There's ... so much allowing now in our family and grace. So much more truth ... I’m just so, so grateful." (59:14)

9. Laughter, Family, and Life’s Simple Joys

Segment: 59:37 – 67:45

Kids as Comedians:

"I love when my kids get a good burn on me ... a well-timed comedic burn, it just makes me love them more." (60:28)
Favorite Family TV - The Amazing Race:
Kerry’s entire family obsessively watches “The Amazing Race” for the travel, teamwork lessons, and humor:

"You're also learning ... what makes a good team, what partnership looks like, what respect... it's so, so we love it and we laugh a lot." (62:14)
Would She Compete?: Kerry says she and her husband (Nnamdi) would be a great team—she's got the Bronx hustle, but jokes she’d need to train for the running.
Values in Entertainment: The discussion on "Amazing Race" also highlights values of kindness, teamwork, and karma.

Notable Quotes & Standout Moments

On Leadership:
“She taught me how to be a number one … to step into leadership and not shy away from it.” – Kerry Washington (29:27)
On Parenting:
"I try to like sit on the bench with them ... just give it some time." – Kerry Washington (46:52)
On Activism:
"To not do nothing. Because we can all be doing something." – Kerry Washington (36:09)
On Community:
"Plugging into community actually helps you feel better. Like, being part of something bigger is a balm for your soul." – Kerry Washington (38:54)
On Resilience:
"By not making the cracks disappear, but highlighting them with gold, you bring beauty to the broken spaces..." – Kerry Washington (56:00)
On Fun and Joy:
"A well-timed comedic burn, it just makes me love them more.” – Kerry Washington (60:28)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tony Goldwyn segment: 02:46 – 12:23
Bronx roots & upbringing: 13:13 – 16:53
Deciding to act & early career: 19:06 – 25:47
Scandal & leadership growth: 26:28 – 33:36
Activism, fatigue, and community: 34:52 – 38:54
Parenting & instilling drive: 41:44 – 48:17
Directing career & new projects: 48:57 – 53:37
Kintsugi & family healing: 55:10 – 59:33
Laughter, family, Amazing Race: 59:37 – 67:45

Tone & Style

The episode is natural, energetic, and full of both meaningful insights and quick, witty banter. Amy and Kerry connect as working mothers, artists, and friends. The warmth and mutual respect make for an engaging, honest, and uplifting listen, balancing deep topics with playful tangents and lots of laughter.

Summary

This episode of “Good Hang” with Amy Poehler and Kerry Washington is a deeply engaging and joyful conversation about ambition, resilience, the importance of community, and embracing all parts of one’s identity. Kerry’s insights on leadership, activism, and motherhood are balanced by candid memories and playful humor—especially around what she’s learned from roles like Olivia Pope and what it means to be “from the Bronx.” Full of practical wisdom, relatable stories, and delighted tangents (shout out to “The Amazing Race” superfans!), it’s a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiration, camaraderie, and a really good hang.