Podcast Summary: Good Hang with Amy Poehler Featuring Natasha Lyonne
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host: Amy Poehler
Guest: Natasha Lyonne
Produced By: The Ringer

Introduction

In this vibrant and heartfelt episode of Good Hang, Amy Poehler welcomes the multifaceted actress, writer, and director Natasha Lyonne. The conversation weaves through Natasha’s early life in New York City, her deep friendships, and her journey in the entertainment industry, culminating in the creation and success of the acclaimed series Russian Doll.

Early Life in New York City

Natasha Lyonne opens up about her formative years growing up in Manhattan. She shares vivid memories of living under the ground floor near Curry in a Hurry at Lexington and 28th, highlighting the gritty and bustling environment of New York during her childhood.

[19:12] Natasha Lyonne: "I was a Ford model. Later, I moved to close-ups. I remember casting rooms in Midtown. Also my mother."

Natasha reflects on the challenges of being a child actor, managing adult responsibilities at a young age, and navigating the complexities of life without the modern conveniences like cell phones.

[22:35] Natasha Lyonne: "We didn't have cell phones. We didn't even necessarily know how to use a yellow pages. You just had to sort of, like, know how to kind of sit still and have a sense of where they might reappear."

Friendships with Ronan Farrow and Jeremy O. Harris

Amy introduces her guests Ronan Farrow and Jeremy O. Harris, two of Natasha’s closest friends who provide fascinating insights into her character and life. Ronan describes Natasha as a blend of wild intelligence and generosity, creating an "ideal friend."

[04:21] Ronan Farrow: "She has more intellect in her left pinky than most departments of major universities have. She is truly the most... wild intelligence and wild generosity combined into this sort of atomic bomb of, like, the ideal friend."

Jeremy adds a humorous touch, emphasizing Natasha’s role in community building and her ability to make everyone feel special.

[07:26] Jeremy O. Harris: "And that's why I think she's been the ideal... egg donor for my future sperm."

Journey in the Entertainment Industry

Natasha delves into her early acting experiences, from child roles in commercials and Pee-wee's Playhouse to more significant parts alongside industry legends like Christopher Lloyd and Walter Matthau.

[14:24] Natasha Lyonne: "I'm somebody who's always had this weird chip on my shoulder that I need to shake. It's no longer serving around, like, being a tough guy or being bad or cursing."

She discusses the emotional toll of child acting and how mentors like Nora Ephron played a pivotal role in her personal and professional development.

[25:03] Natasha Lyonne: "Clea and I recently finished a script... and I was like, no, no, no. So Nora and I were very close."

Collaboration with Amy Poehler and the Birth of Russian Doll

Amy and Natasha reminisce about their collaborative efforts, particularly the genesis of Russian Doll. They discuss how the show emerged from their shared desire to explore deep emotional narratives through a quantum physics lens.

[36:40] Natasha Lyonne: "It's really about this dual timeline kind of thing... creating family and all this kind of stuff."

Their brainstorming sessions, filled with creativity and mutual respect, led to a series that resonated deeply with audiences for its unique storytelling and emotional depth.

[35:15] Natasha Lyonne: "If we just kept talking about the bigger ideas... that's how we started getting to this idea of you could go to the same party over and over again."

Mental Health and Community Building

Natasha speaks candidly about her struggles with mental health and addiction, emphasizing the importance of community and support systems. She highlights how creating meaningful connections can be a lifeline during difficult times.

[04:24] Ronan Farrow: "Natasha's the answer to everything, Ronan."

[05:43] Natasha Lyonne: "Sometimes, if you can do what Natasha Lyonne does to the people you love around you and just, like, keep at them and make it happen, I think that is actually the most meaningful way we can form community."

Directing and Poker Face

Transitioning from acting to directing, Natasha shares her passion for the craft and the fulfillment she finds in guiding projects like Poker Face. She describes directing as a team sport that allows her to stay connected and in control of the creative process.

[56:58] Natasha Lyonne: "And what's amazing about Poker Face especially is, like, I am with the crew. Like, in other words, like, me and Rob Harlow, the Dolly grip, we're making the show together. Like, I fucking love that dude."

[54:03] Natasha Lyonne: "Just feels like I'm in my right place. Like my feet are where they're supposed to be."

Personal Insights and Daily Practices

Natasha offers a glimpse into her daily routines that help her maintain balance, such as swimming and meditation. She discusses how these activities ground her and provide mental clarity.

[46:55] Natasha Lyonne: "I have a swimming pool and I'm a swimmer... Some reggae, you know, Brian Eno involved. Depending, like, you know, I'm catching a vibe that way."

Additionally, she touches on her fascination with quantum physics and how it influences her creative work.

[40:45] Natasha Lyonne: "I'm a big science person... double slit experiment is very much the kind of concept behind why Charlie and Nadia die at the same time all the time."

Humor, Laughter, and Mental Well-being

The conversation emphasizes the therapeutic power of laughter. Natasha recounts moments of uncontrollable laughter with friends that serve as essential relief from daily stresses.

[50:25] Natasha Lyonne: "It's shocking that literally, like, hard laughing where you will forget where you are and go to a third space."

Amy and Natasha discuss the importance of humor in coping with life's challenges, highlighting how it acts as a form of "major medicine."

[50:33] Natasha Lyonne: "It's major medicine."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode winds down, Amy and Natasha express their deep mutual respect and affection. Amy recommends listeners read Heartburn by Nora Ephron and watch its film adaptation, underscoring the impact Ephron had on Natasha's life.

[59:26] Amy Poehler: "Natasha talked about so many things, but she mentioned something that I wanted to just remind listeners about as we plunge into our polar plunge at the end of the show. And that is the book Heartburn by Nora Ephron."

The episode closes with heartfelt goodbyes, celebrating the enduring friendship and creative partnership between Amy Poehler and Natasha Lyonne.

Notable Quotes

• Ronan Farrow ([04:21]): "She has more intellect in her left pinky than most departments of major universities have."

• Natasha Lyonne ([36:40]): "It's really about this dual timeline kind of thing... creating family and all this kind of stuff."

• Amy Poehler ([17:58]): "I can't get too precious about anything, and you get athletic in terms of, like, practicing coming up with an idea."

• Natasha Lyonne ([50:25]): "It's shocking that literally, like, hard laughing where you will forget where you are and go to a third space."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Good Hang offers an intimate look into Natasha Lyonne's life, her creative genius, and the profound friendships that shape her journey. Amy Poehler masterfully guides the conversation, allowing listeners to connect deeply with Natasha's experiences and insights. Whether you're a fan of Natasha's work or seeking inspiration from her resilience and creativity, this episode is a must-listen.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the meaningful dialogue between Amy Poehler and Natasha Lyonne.