Podcast Summary: Good Hang with Amy Poehler – Episode Featuring Paul Rudd

Release Date: May 6, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Amy welcomes the beloved actor Paul Rudd to discuss his illustrious career, personal anecdotes, and insights into comedy and friendship. The conversation delves into Paul's early career struggles, memorable projects, and his forthcoming film Friendship alongside Tim Robinson.

Friendships and Early Encounters

Paul Rudd shares the origins of his long-standing friendship with John Hamm and how their paths intertwined through mutual friends.

• Meeting Jon Hamm:

  • [04:03] Paul recalls meeting Jon Hamm in St. Louis through mutual friends. “Paul came back with Preston, the older brother, for Thanksgiving or something one weekend. And he looked like Michael Hutchins. He had like long curly hair... operating at a much higher level than anybody we had really ever run into at that point in our lives.”

• Developing the Friendship:

  • [05:10] As Paul moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, he spent spring breaks hanging out with Jon and other friends. “We were hanging out in LA, really just making a scene in 1991, 92... He was the first one of us that really got famous. It was very, very cool.”

Auditioning for Clueless and the Haircut Fiasco

Paul recounts his amusing experience auditioning for the iconic film Clueless and how a spontaneous haircut almost cost him the role.

• The Audition Process:

  • [16:06] Paul describes his audition for Clueless, expressing excitement about the character dynamics. “I liked reading the script... They said, what about Read for the part that I wound up playing, which is Josh character.”

• The Haircut Mishap:

  • [17:25] In a bold move, Paul decides to cut his long hair before hearing back about his audition. “I went into a restaurant, and Amy Heckerling, who directed the movie, was eating there. She looked at me and was shocked by my new haircut.”

• Outcome:

  • [18:35] Despite the setback, Paul's dedication pays off as his hair grows back in time for filming, allowing him to secure the role. “By the time it got to filming, my hair had grown enough that it worked.”

Working Together on Wet Hot American Summer

Paul and Amy reminisce about their collaborative experience on the cult favorite Wet Hot American Summer, highlighting the camaraderie and memorable moments from the set.

• On-Set Memories:

  • [22:03] Paul shares nostalgic memories of working with Amy and the rest of the cast. “We were all kind of starting off... We had great leaders in Michael Showalter and David Wayne.”

• Challenges Faced:

  • [22:28] They discuss the difficulties of shooting in unfavorable weather conditions. “It rained the whole time, 25 of the 28 days... We had to pretend it was sunny and it was freezing cold.”

• Humorous Incidents:

  • [25:22] A funny encounter with David Hyde Pierce is recounted, emphasizing the light-hearted atmosphere on set. “David Hyde Pierce showed up... We were all like, what is this guy gonna think?”

Insights into Comedy and Personal Work Ethic

The conversation shifts to Paul's philosophy on comedy and his approach to acting, shedding light on his relaxed yet dedicated work style.

• Healthy Attachment to Work:

  • [19:22] Paul reflects on his non-competitive nature in the acting world. “I don't feel competitive with other actors. I'm a real big fan of a lot of other actors.”

• Fun Over Stress:

  • [19:41] He emphasizes that acting should be enjoyable. “I think this should be fun. It's a really fun job. You respond to comedy in the same way I do and that it should be a fun experience.”

• Conflict Resolution:

  • [20:52] Discussing conflict styles, Paul humorously admits to having yelled in anger but generally prefers to check out or ride out conflicts. “My conflict style is probably different depending on who I have a conflict with.”

Upcoming Film: Friendship with Tim Robinson

Paul teases his upcoming project Friendship alongside Tim Robinson, exploring themes of male friendship and loneliness.

• Film Overview:

  • [44:49] Paul describes Friendship as a movie addressing the loneliness epidemic among men and the complexities of forming meaningful connections. “It's a movie about the loneliness epidemic of men and the attempt at making a friend and then what goes wrong.”

• Personal Reflections:

  • [46:06] He shares his thoughts on the importance of cultivating genuine friendships. “The pinnacle, the height of it is just being with the people that I love and really laughing with a bunch of friends. It's the greatest.”

Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

Throughout the episode, Paul and Amy exchange light-hearted stories and personal reflections, reinforcing their close friendship and shared sense of humor.

• Humorous Exchanges:

  • [43:04] The duo engages in playful banter about mundane topics like peeing in bottles, showcasing their chemistry. “You get to pee in bottles… Straight white males get to pee in bottles.”

• Memorable Moments:

  • [37:07] Paul reminisces about his character Bobby Newport on Parks and Recreation, highlighting the charm and humor of the role. “Bobby Newport was the rich son who just wanted to have a good time.”

Final Thoughts and Farewells

As the episode concludes, Paul and Amy share heartfelt sentiments about their enduring friendship and the joy of working together.

• Celebrating Friendship:

  • [52:46] Paul emphasizes the value of long-term friendships and mutual support. “One thing that really makes me laugh... it's just the best thing there is.”

• Encouraging Movie Experiences:

  • [63:56] They advocate for the unique experience of watching movies in theaters, contrasting it with home viewings. “When you watch something in the theater, you’re sharing that moment with others. It's the opposite of your own mortality.”

• Closing Remarks:

  • [61:22] Paul expresses his gratitude and excitement for the future projects. “You're the best. Thank you for doing this.”

Notable Quotes

• Paul Rudd on Friendship:

  • “The pinnacle... is just being with the people that I love and really laughing with a bunch of friends. It's the greatest.” [46:06]

• Paul on Comedy:

  • “I think this should be fun. It's a really fun job.” [19:41]

• Amy Poehler on Shared Experiences:

  • “You want to encourage people to shout out at the movie theater.” [63:56]

Conclusion

This episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler offers an intimate look into Paul Rudd's career, his philosophies on comedy and friendship, and his personal experiences in the entertainment industry. The heartfelt and humorous exchange underscores the deep bond between Amy and Paul, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.