Good Hang with Amy Poehler: Episode Featuring Quinta Brunson
Release Date: April 8, 2025
In this engaging episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Amy welcomes Quinta Brunson, the multifaceted comedian, writer, and showrunner behind the critically acclaimed sitcom "Abbott Elementary." The conversation delves deep into Quinta's journey in the entertainment industry, her influences, the creation of her beloved characters, and the importance of representation in media. The episode is enriched with anecdotes, humor, and heartfelt insights, making it a must-listen for fans and aspiring creatives alike.
1. Introduction to Quinta Brunson
Amy opens the episode by introducing Quinta as a "funny and smart" mogul who is instrumental in revitalizing the sitcom genre. She emphasizes Quinta's role as a driving force in the industry, highlighting her leadership and creative prowess.
Notable Quote:
"Quinta is not only funny and smart and gracious and a seemingly great boss, but is a mogul. Is kind of just a incredible driving force in an industry and kind in many ways saving it from extinction." ([00:00])
2. Early Connections and BuzzFeed Experience
Quinta shares her foundational experiences at BuzzFeed, where she collaborated with fellow creatives like Kate Peterman, Zach Evans, and Ash Perez. This period was pivotal in honing her comedic writing and understanding large-scale audience engagement.
Notable Quotes:
"Quinta, to me, has always been so amazing at how forward-thinking she was. She was really adamant that the Internet was a stage for her to play in." ([06:07])
"Writing for BuzzFeed was the best way to learn how to do it for massive audiences, which is a skill that I still see writers, peers, they don't technically teach you that in school." ([24:13])
3. Influences from Classic Sitcoms
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the classic sitcoms that shaped Quinta's comedic sensibilities. Shows like "Coach," "Mary Tyler Moore," "King of Queens," "30 Rock," "Parks and Recreation," and "The Office" are mentioned as key inspirations.
Notable Quotes:
"Coach was a show that was very formative for me. I forgot my mom and I, we loved Coach." ([14:12])
"I see a destination for your characters. But very important to me when it comes to making a sitcom. When I visit sitcoms like Parks or the Office and I think about where those characters began and where they end, that is what inspired me to tell that story about a different set of characters." ([16:33])
4. Character Development and Representation in "Abbott Elementary"
Quinta delves into the intricacies of creating Jeanine, a character inspired by herself. She emphasizes the importance of authentic representation, especially for Black women in media, and discusses the challenges and responsibilities that come with it.
Notable Quotes:
"Jeanine started in a place where I think I think a lot more about Janine than I think shows up on screen... But I knew from the beginning this is a girl who had a weird relationship with her mother." ([17:24])
"I don't think it's slovenly or bad. Jeanine looks in the mirror and thinks, 'This is a good outfit. You did it, girl.'" ([17:24])
5. The Power of Female Friendships
The episode highlights the strength and significance of female friendships in Quinta's life. She credits her relationships, especially with her colleague Kate Peterman, for providing unwavering support and shared experiences that have been instrumental in her personal and professional growth.
Notable Quotes:
"Our friendships are super important. We all kind of remember for each other." ([29:32])
"Kate and I particularly have been through so much together as friends, as women, as comedy writers." ([29:41])
6. Navigating Fame and Public Perception
Quinta reflects on the challenges of fame, particularly the blurred lines between her public and private personas. She discusses how audiences can become deeply connected to characters, leading to intense reactions both positive and negative.
Notable Quotes:
"People asking me on the street... It's like the opposite effect of someone being like, 'I don't like what you're doing with Gregory.'" ([21:05])
"Watch it because it's storytelling, and it's AI so it gets it wrong a lot. And it also makes me feel good." ([56:03])
7. Embracing Vision and Determination
Quinta emphasizes the role of vision and determination in her success. She speaks about her strategic moves, such as leaving Philadelphia and leveraging her BuzzFeed platform, which were crucial steps towards mainstream recognition.
Notable Quotes:
"I made every single move in my life so that this could happen to me, including leaving Philadelphia." ([33:34])
"Vision, you can feel, see something. You're working in accordance with something. I'm a big believer in that." ([33:34])
8. Light-hearted Moments and Humor
The conversation takes delightful turns with humorous exchanges about corporate slang, AI-generated cat videos, and playful banter about athletes. These segments showcase Quinta's wit and Amy's comedic rapport.
Notable Quotes:
"Do you know the comedian Lisa Beasley? She does a corporate character called Corporate Aaron." ([03:27])
"Quinta, you're the captain of a huge ship." - Joke about being increasingly in charge ([11:24])
"Don't go up to Quinta and pick her up." ([50:44])
9. Finale: Promoting "Abbott Elementary" and Reflecting on Comedy's Impact
As the episode winds down, both Amy and Quinta reflect on the comforting power of comedy, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. They advocate for the importance of shows like "Abbott Elementary" in providing joy and solace to audiences worldwide.
Notable Quotes:
"Comedy is like a comfort. There's some kind of giant warm feeling I get from being a part of anything that special." ([42:40])
"Please watch 'Abbott Elementary.' It's on Hulu." ([42:25])
Conclusion
Amy Poehler's conversation with Quinta Brunson offers a deep dive into the making of "Abbott Elementary," the importance of authentic representation, and the enduring influence of classic sitcoms on modern comedy. Through laughter and insightful dialogue, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Quinta's journey and the impactful work she continues to produce.
Final Thoughts:
"Quinta Brunson, you are amazing and so talented, and it means a lot that you came. And you're the best, Quinta." ([57:05])
Join the Conversation: For more insightful discussions and to catch episodes featuring your favorite celebrities and creatives, subscribe to Good Hang with Amy Poehler on your preferred podcast platform.