Good Hang with Amy Poehler – Kristen Wiig

Date: September 30, 2025
Podcast: Good Hang with Amy Poehler (The Ringer)
Guest: Kristen Wiig
Special Guest Contributor (Intro): Bill Hader

Episode Overview

This lively and heartfelt episode of "Good Hang" reunites comedy icons Amy Poehler and Kristen Wiig for an engaging, funny, and occasionally poignant exploration of Wiig’s life, career, creative process, and personality. With early contributions from their SNL contemporary Bill Hader, the conversation weaves through Wiig’s SNL ascent, performances, personal style, creative confidence, private side, recent projects ("Gabby's Dollhouse," “Palm Royale”), and deep shared memories—all filtered through Amy’s signature warmth and humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bill Hader’s Introduction: Admiration and Early SNL Days

• Freshman Year at SNL:
  Bill Hader recalls being in the “freshman” class with Kristen, Amy, and others, emphasizing how Wiig entered the cast “fully formed” and with “massive confidence.”

  • Quote (Bill Hader, 07:25): “There was no, like, equational thing. She was just being goofy, but it didn’t seem disposable at the same time, and that’s really hard.”

• Kristen’s Unique Instincts:
  Hader describes Wiig’s comedy as effortless and instinctual, calling her range “crazy.”

  • Quote (Bill Hader, 06:12): “The range. That’s the word I’m looking for...”

• SNL Memories:
  Anecdotes about iconic sketches—Penelope, Italian man character, and game show sketches—illustrate Wiig’s ability to crack up even castmates.

  • Quote (Bill Hader, 07:49): “When Liza Minnelli came out on stage... I just saw Kristen just try so hard not to laugh.”

• Bill’s Question for Kristen:
  Did her self-confidence and creative clarity exist before SNL, or did she find/hone it at the Groundlings?

  • Quote (Bill Hader, 09:52): “Was that learned and honed, or did she just come out fully formed?”

2. Privacy, Criticism, and Coping as a Public Figure

• Kristen’s Approach to Fame:
  Kristen is open about doing press only out of necessity and values her privacy—especially around her personal life. She deliberately avoids reviews, critiques, and even photos after events to preserve joy in her experience.

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 13:11): “Then I run away... I don’t want to know.”

• Advice to Amy:
  Wiig’s ethos of “remembering the feeling” instead of scrutinizing outside perception resonates with Amy.

  • Quote (Amy Poehler, 14:44): “It’s just like, the idea of the world weighing in on your own...”

3. Personality: Introverted in a Comedy World

• Not an Outgoing Performer Offstage:
  Despite her extroverted onstage persona, Wiig identifies as more introverted—disliking being put “on the spot” in big groups and storytelling in social settings.
  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 16:02): “I’m really bad at telling stories… halfway through, I realize everyone’s looking at me and then I’m like, how does this end?”

4. Origins, Upbringing, and the Journey into Comedy

• Childhood and Rebellion:
  Wiig discusses growing up between Pennsylvania and Rochester, being a “troublemaker” post-divorce, getting into mischief, and how a big move “saved her life.”

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 18:50): “Thank God that… saved my life. Yeah, it really saved my life.”

• Legend of the Psychic’s Advice:
  Clarifies legendary story: A psychic in Tucson, “Psychic Mike,” urged her to move to LA. This, along with a mirror exercise, gave her resolve to quit school and pursue performance.

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 22:28): “He’s like, you should have been in LA a year ago.”

5. Groundlings and SNL: Creative Confidence and Career Breakthrough

• Late Start, Instant Fit:
  After working odd jobs, a friend suggested she check out the Groundlings—a “mind-blowing” experience (“this is what I want to do”).

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 24:07): “That first show... I was just like, this is what I want to do. Wow.”

• SNL Audition and Entry:
  Wiig narrates her stressful SNL audition process, getting the call three weeks into the season and feeling overwhelmed but fearless.

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 28:07): “You guys had done three shows, and they were like, come watch… I got there on, like, Friday... I was so overwhelmed.”

6. Finding One's Creative Voice

• On Confidence and Creating:
  Wiig says her creative process is less “confidence” and more about curiosity—testing personal ideas to find her comedic voice, not trying to anticipate what others, even Lorne Michaels, want.

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 33:23): “I don’t see it as confidence… but I think I kind of wanted to know where I was in the world as far as, like, my point of view.”

• Advice from Will Forte:
  “Never write for... if you think someone else is gonna think this is funny... write if you think it’s funny.”

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 34:17): “Forte told me... don’t do that... write what you think is funny.”

• Failure and Resilience:
  Discusses sketches that bombed, finding them “exquisite” learning experiences, and the shared vulnerability even among comedy’s best.

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 35:31): “You’re seeing your heroes... everyone’s doing their best, and sometimes it doesn’t work.”

7. Iconic SNL Characters and Behind-the-Scenes Tales

• Early Sketches and Recurring Favorites:
  Dissects the weirdness and delight of her debut (“pregnant in the butt”) and beloved recurring characters Target Lady and “A Holes.”

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 36:08): “My character was pregnant... in the butt.”

• Amy’s Favorite: “Surprise Lady”
  Amy’s top Wiig character, for its blend of nervous physicality and “funny and stupid” energy.

  • Quote (Amy Poehler, 43:40): “There’s a lot of Wig in it. She’s nervous but excited and she loves a party and she cannot wait…”

8. Working with Comedy Heroes and Expanding Her Craft

• On Carol Burnett:
  Wiig discusses “Palm Royale,” being overwhelmed to tears meeting Burnett, and her foundational influence.

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 44:42): “When I met her, I just fully cried, and I was not expecting it... she’s just the greatest person.”

• Music and Art:
  Wiig uses music to unlock creativity and has always had artistic pursuits. She’d love to record music but is daunted by the process.

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 45:59): “Music is definitely the thing that I need to create anything else.”

9. Parenthood, Ageing, and the Joy of Home Life

• Early Bedtimes and “Best Years” of NYC:
  Amy and Kristen reminisce about partying in New York and now loving 6pm dinners, bed by 9.
  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 48:18): “I love to eat dinner at 6pm... I want to be home.”

10. Recent Project: “Gabby’s Dollhouse”

• Voice Acting & Family:
  Discusses joining the film for her kids (they're fans), the positivity of the project, and the emotional resonance of the premiere.
  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 49:31): “My kids love Gabby’s Dollhouse... this was gonna go a long way for me at home.”

11. What Makes Kristen Laugh & Watching TV in 2025

• Comedy Reluctance:
  Finds it hard to watch comedy or scripted content (because “I notice the hair is different...”), preferring reality shows for the “non-acting” authenticity and mental escape.

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 53:50): “I can’t do it. ... I get lost in TV as a kid, but now I’m noticing, did they eat before?”

• Bravo’s Real Housewives, esp. Salt Lake City:
  Wiig is a “Bravo gal,” obsessed with “Salt Lake City”—its fashion, drama, and why it’s the perfect escape show. She breaks down the notorious “Sprinter Van” scene and offers Amy recommendations for where to start in the sprawling Housewives franchise.

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 55:13): “It’s just bonkers. Everything that makes... I love it so much.”

12. Playful Philosophies and “Woo-Woo” Beliefs

• Anthropomorphism:
  Both share a childhood tendency to personify objects (“I feel bad for inanimate objects... this one’s been alone for so long...”).

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 51:31): “I remember... there was one left over... I was like, well, that one’s been by itself for so long.”

• Beliefs in Past Lives, Ghosts, and Psychic Advice:
  Wiig is all-in (“Oh my god, yes!”), recounts a dream visitation, and even tele-consulted a “ghostbuster.”

  • Quote (Kristen Wiig, 60:55): “Yes. I mean, I probably do [believe in past lives, God, ghosts, astral projection]. ... My house felt different [after a ghostbuster distance session].”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bill Hader on Wiig’s SNL Entrance:
  “She just made it look fun. It wasn’t science, just her being loose and goofy. It didn’t seem disposable—it was memorable and fun.” (07:25)

• Kristen Wiig on Creating for Herself:
  “The more I would put up that I thought was funny, the more I could hone what works and what doesn’t.” (33:23)

• Kristen Wiig’s First SNL Sketch:
  “My character was pregnant... in the butt.” (36:08)

• Kristen Wiig on Carol Burnett:
  “When I met her, I just fully cried, and I was not expecting it... she’s just the greatest person.” (44:42)

• Amy Poehler on Surprise Lady:
  “There’s a lot of Wig in it. She’s nervous but excited and she loves a party and she cannot wait…” (43:40)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Bill Hader’s Intro & SNL Reflection: 02:34–11:15
• Wiig on Fame & Privacy: 12:22–14:44
• Wiig on Social Anxiety/Introversion: 15:15–16:36
• Wiig’s Childhood, Rebellion & Move to LA: 17:01–23:26
• Joining & Fitting Into SNL: 24:07–29:23
• On Creative Confidence & Advice from Forte: 33:23–34:31
• Early SNL Sketches & Characters: 36:08–38:23
• Bridesmaids Success: 38:23–40:06
• Surprise Lady & Sketch Creation: 42:25–44:17
• Carol Burnett & Palm Royale: 44:38–45:59
• Music, Art & Creativity: 45:59–46:51
• On Ageing, Nightlife, Parenting: 47:28–49:03
• Gabby’s Dollhouse: 49:23–50:18
• Watching Comedy & Reality TV: 53:45–56:52
• Deep Dive on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: 54:44–59:30
• Anthropomorphism & Woo-Woo Spirituality: 51:02–63:25

Episode Highlights: The Original Tone

This episode strikes a warm, open, and often goofy tone, with Amy and Kristen both riffing naturally, finishing each other’s jokes, and affectionately teasing out quirks (obsessive object empathy, rituals, sleep schedules, and “woo-woo” spirituality). Laughter is abundant—with Wiig bringing her signature self-deprecation, and Amy contextualizing her broader legacy.

For New Listeners: Why This Matters

• Learn about Kristen Wiig’s comedic origins, evolution, and why her SNL legacy endures.
• Get unique personal and creative wisdom—how to be true to yourself and not chase outside approval.
• Hear never-before-shared stories about finding one’s voice, failing publicly, and the shared insecurities of famous comedians.
• Enjoy an affectionate comic deep-dive into “dumb” sketches, musical side-quests, the highs/lows of work-life in comedy, and why reality TV is pure soul-balm.
• Gain recommendations for Wiig’s and Amy’s best work, plus a Real Housewives entry guide from the master herself.

Final Note

This episode is a cozy hangout that moves seamlessly from the ridiculous to the sincere, offering fans insider stories and universal creative wisdom. For anyone interested in comedy, the creative process, or just after some restorative friendship energy, it’s a must-listen.

Host/Guest Attributions Maintained. Timestamps for Key Quotes and Segments Included.