Podcast Summary: Good Hang with Amy Poehler – Episode Featuring Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Introduction

In this lively episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Amy welcomes guests Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner, the creative minds behind the popular podcast Giggly Squad. Joining them are their supportive mothers, Lenore and Kimberly, who provide heartfelt insights into their daughters' journeys in entertainment and friendship. The conversation seamlessly weaves through various topics, including stand-up comedy, female friendship, experiences on reality TV, managing anxiety, and the evolution of their podcast.

1. Celebrating Female Friendship

The episode opens with Amy expressing her admiration for Paige and Hannah's genuine friendship, highlighting how their bond is a cornerstone of their success both on social media and reality television.

• Amy Poehler [02:17]: "I think their genuine friendship is really nice to be around. That's why you keep coming back."

Kimberly and Lenore share anecdotes about their daughters' inseparable bond, emphasizing the authenticity and support they provide each other.

• Kimberly [03:07]: "The best part of their show is when they're first together... it's like no one else exists."

2. Navigating Reality TV and Public Perception

The conversation delves into Paige and Hannah's experiences on the Bravo reality show Summer House. Lenore and Kimberly discuss the challenges their daughters faced, including stress and the pressure of public scrutiny.

• Lenore [04:24]: "I don't know how Paige has hung in there so long. It wasn't a good fit for Hannah."

Paige and Hannah reflect on the impact of reality TV on their friendship and professional lives, noting how it necessitated a stronger bond to withstand external pressures.

• Paige DeSorbo [10:50]: "We were scared, alone, worried... but our friendship bonded us quickly."

3. The Birth and Evolution of Giggly Squad

Paige and Hannah recount how Giggly Squad emerged from spontaneous Instagram Live sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their organic growth from casual broadcasts to a structured podcast is discussed, highlighting their commitment to humor and authenticity.

• Hannah Berner [14:00]: "We went live every single night for three months... that's how Giggly Squad started."

They touch upon the transition from live interactions to podcasting, emphasizing the natural progression of their creative collaboration.

4. Stand-Up Comedy and Overcoming Anxiety

A significant portion of the episode centers around stand-up comedy as a form of expression and coping mechanism. Paige and Hannah share personal strategies for managing performance anxiety, including the use of beta blockers and humor as a therapeutic tool.

• Paige DeSorbo [20:21]: "Comedy helped me retrain my brain to be kinder to myself."

• Hannah Berner [29:32]: "Taking care of somebody is a great distraction."

They discuss the parallels between their athletic backgrounds and comedic careers, illustrating how discipline and resilience translate across different fields.

5. The Influence of Social Media and Public Feedback

The duo explores the complexities of maintaining their public personas in the age of social media. They discuss the challenges of dealing with negative feedback and the importance of selective interaction with online platforms.

• Hannah Berner [35:13]: "Not everyone is going to like you, and that's okay."

• Paige DeSorbo [43:16]: "People who love dogs are great, but I love people who say they hate cats."

They emphasize the role of platforms like TikTok in providing a space for female comedians to express themselves freely and connect with like-minded audiences.

6. Personal Growth and Embracing Individuality

The conversation shifts to personal growth, where Paige and Hannah share their journeys toward self-acceptance and embracing their unique comedic styles. They highlight the importance of authenticity in both their personal lives and professional endeavors.

• Hannah Berner [24:21]: "If you don't think I'm funny, I hate you."

• Paige DeSorbo [25:48]: "I can never do stand-up because... you have to depend on how much you care."

Their experiences underscore the significance of self-love and the courage to pursue one's passions despite societal expectations.

7. Navigating Relationships and Expectations

Towards the end of the episode, the discussion touches on societal expectations surrounding relationships and marriage. Paige and Hannah critique traditional norms, advocating for personal choice and mutual respect in partnerships.

• Paige DeSorbo [47:22]: "Picking your partner is the most important thing you do in your life."

• Hannah Berner [48:05]: "People expect you to look the best you've ever looked on your wedding day, but that's not realistic."

They challenge the conventional narratives, promoting a more liberated and self-aware approach to relationships.

8. Humor as a Coping Mechanism

The episode wraps up with a lighthearted segment where Amy engages Paige and Hannah in a rapid-fire question round, revealing their playful dynamics and shared sense of humor. They discuss favorite sandwiches, opinions on veneers, and the joys of making each other laugh, reinforcing the essence of their friendship.

• Hannah Berner [50:51]: "I love watching stand-ups and anything on TikTok."

• Paige DeSorbo [52:33]: "Life is sad. So if you don't have a friend making you laugh, what are you here for?"

Conclusion

Amy Poehler concludes the episode by expressing her appreciation for Paige and Hannah's vibrant energy and their contributions to the world of comedy. She encourages listeners to support their endeavors and look forward to their continued success.

• Amy Poehler [57:35]: "Thank you guys so much for doing this. This was so, so fun."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Amy Poehler [02:17]: "I think their genuine friendship is really nice to be around. That's why you keep coming back."

• Hannah Berner [29:32]: "Taking care of somebody is a great distraction."

• Paige DeSorbo [20:21]: "Comedy helped me retrain my brain to be kinder to myself."

• Hannah Berner [35:13]: "Not everyone is going to like you, and that's okay."

• Paige DeSorbo [47:22]: "Picking your partner is the most important thing you do in your life."

Conclusion

This episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler offers an insightful and entertaining exploration of friendship, resilience, and the therapeutic power of humor. Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner's candid discussions provide listeners with relatable experiences and valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of public life and personal growth.