Transcript

Jenna Fischer (0:00)

Lately I have been thinking a lot about choices, but especially about how good it feels when you make a decision that really works for you. Maybe you're committing to a long term goal like saving money for a new car, a future home, a vacation.

Angela Kinsey (0:16)

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Jenna Fischer (0:41)

State Farm Personal price Plan can help you create an affordable price. When you choose to bundle home and auto insurance, you have options to choose from to help best fit your needs.

Angela Kinsey (0:53)

Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with their personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

Jenna Fischer (1:02)

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Angela Kinsey (1:19)

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Jenna Fischer (1:31)

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Angela Kinsey (1:45)

Modern day makeup that's clean, strategic and multifunctional for effortless routines. For a limited time, our listeners get a free Shimmer face oil on their first purchase when they use Code Free Office Ladies at checkout.

Jenna Fischer (2:00)

Just head to Jonesroadbeauty.com and use code officeladies at checkout and after you purchase they will ask you where you heard about them. Please support our show and tell them our show sent you. I'm Jenna Fisher.

Angela Kinsey (2:16)

And I'm Angela Kinsey.

Summary

Office Ladies — All About Jan Levinson (Gould) with Melora Hardin

Release Date: April 29, 2026
Hosts: Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey
Guest: Melora Hardin

Episode Overview

This “All About” episode of Office Ladies is dedicated to Jan Levinson, the iconic and complicated character from The Office, as portrayed by Melora Hardin. Jenna and Angela are joined by Melora herself for an in-depth, candid conversation addressing fan questions, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights into Jan’s evolution. The episode explores Jan’s most memorable storylines, Melora’s process, and her unique dynamic with Steve Carell. They also touch on Melora’s broader career (including Back to the Future and The Rocketeer), her outlook on success and failure, and favorite Jan moments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

[03:36] Introducing the "All About Jan" Episode

The episode celebrates Jan Levinson, prompted by strong fan demand.
Jenna shares: "Jan Levinson is one of the most brilliant creations in TV history." (03:20, Lauren W., letter)

[04:55] The Office “Show Bible” on Jan

Jenna offers a rapid-fire rundown of Jan’s canonical traits:

Full name: Janet Levinson
Stressed out; smokes or sniffs candles
Good at public speaking (per Jan), great limbo dancer (per Michael)
Dislikes Dwight, hates that he has her cell number
Loves Liz Claiborne blouses, Ann Taylor earrings
Divorced and a victim of identity theft in the same year
Sees a psychiatrist, heavy drinker (prefers martinis, vodka tonic)
Scrapbooks, drinks soy milk, enjoys videotaping sex, had breast implants
Becomes a single mom via sperm bank and works at the White Pages
“She is divorced and was a victim of identity theft all in the same year.” (05:45, Jenna)

[07:06] Favorite Jan Moments (Extended Roundtable)

Jenna, Angela, Matt Beagle, and Sam Kiefer share top Jan scenes, with Melora reenacting or commenting:

Jenna: Jan’s Emotional Confession to Michael

“[Jan] can barely get out ‘be with you’ … there’s this big pause and then it just comes out: be with you.” (08:41, Jenna)

Matt: Jan Discusses Divorce at Chili’s

“You were really brave. I mean, you put your arms out there, you slit your wrist. That’s true. You said, world, this is my blood. It’s red, just like yours.” (09:43, Michael/Jan)

Sam: Jan & Michael’s Tense Bathroom Scene

“No means please don’t slam me up against the wall right here. ... You’re acting inappropriate, Jan. I’m acting inappropriate?” (10:48–11:09, Jan/Michael)
Angela: “The two of them are so good together.” (11:20)

Angela: Jan’s Wild Spiraling After Being Fired

Melora as Jan: “You know, my full time job could be our relationship. I could wear stretch pants and wait for you to come home at 5:15. It could work.” (13:46)
Jenna: “Could you imagine a whole life with someone who turns on a dime so quickly like that?” (14:08)

[18:00] Reuniting With Melora in Person

Melora hasn’t watched The Office since it aired; Jenna and Angela encourage her to rewatch, especially with her own children.
“You are on the fan favorite list of, like, Office characters.” (19:24, Angela to Melora)
Melora credits “lightning in a bottle” casting and collaborative energy for the show’s magic.

[22:48] Fan Q&A: Crafting Jan & Her Chemistry with Steve Carell

Did Melora invent backstory for Jan?
- “Jan was so visceral to me ... Steve and I had such an interesting chemistry, that distinct push-pull, attraction-repulsion.” (23:19)
Chemistry with Steve Carell:
- Their improv backgrounds and mutual “comfort with the unknown” made scenes electric.
- “He could throw a ball—could be a curveball—and I would get so excited by that and catch it ... and he was exactly the same way.” (25:20)
Jenna on Melora’s improv: “What makes Jan so fun is that you’re both [a pitcher and a catcher].” (27:15)

[29:27] Behind-the-Scenes Inspiration for Jan’s Quirks

Melora’s real-life love of candles inspired Jan’s candle business.
“He gave Jan the candle business because, you know, Melora loves candles.” (32:15, Melora on Greg Daniels)
Jan’s “Warhol” portrait was inspired by a painting of Melora at home.

[33:51] Prop Keepsakes & Jan’s Legacy

Melora kept the “Jan Warhol” painting and her Dunder Mifflin parking sign.

Deep Character Insights

[34:00] Did Jan Really Love Michael? Who’s Astrid’s Father?

“Jan did love Michael as much as she could. I just think she was quite broken around love.” (34:21, Melora)
She sees Michael as childlike—a contrast to her first husband—and their imbalanced dynamic felt “hot.”
BOTH Melora and Jenna agree the Jan/Michael relationship was honest and mutual—if deeply dysfunctional.
Astrid’s father: not Michael (due to vasectomy storyline), not Hunter (despite fan theories), but a sperm donor.
- “She would be very meticulous ... I bet she didn’t get the one where you can find your father.” (40:42, Melora)

[42:46] Favorite and Dream Jan Storylines

“Nobody can really look at Jan and not see the Dinner Party storyline being sort of brilliant.” (42:46, Melora)
Melora loves scenes where Jan’s life tangles with other characters, like “Dinner Party” and the later scene with Pam.
Jan’s “Mommy Song” slideshow for Astrid in Season 9 was almost entirely improvised by Melora (44:15).
- “That is so bonkers ... I don’t know how you guys got through that without laughing.” (Angela, 44:18)
Melora sang/improvised several of Jan’s musical moments—including the infamous slideshow song and “Son of a Preacher Man.”

On Wanting More of Jan

Melora wishes “Dinner Party” aftermath and Jan/Michael’s home life had more room to develop:
- “I could have watched a spinoff that was Jan in some kind of neighborhood group chat.” (51:21, Angela)

[55:42] Breaking & Bloopers

Hardest scene to keep a straight face?
- “Obviously the one in the dinner party ... None of us could get through that ... Steve broke, Jenna couldn’t get through that, John couldn’t get through that.” (55:55, Melora)
“You know it’s bad when the crew stops laughing because they’re just trying to get you to stop laughing.” (57:16, Melora)

[58:44] Most-Quoted Jan Lines

“If you burn it, you buy it.” (58:44)
“I guess that makes me the devil.” (58:54)
“That’s what she said.” (of course—the deposition scene and season 3’s jokes get repeated to Melora constantly).
- “Why is this so hard? That’s what she said.” (60:12, Jan in “Cocktails”)
- “No, it’s really perfect. And it was quite early in the show.” (Melora on the line, 60:24)

[60:50] Melora Reflects on Resilience, “Back to the Future,” and Failure

Recounting how she lost the role of Jennifer in Back to the Future because she was taller than Michael J. Fox:
- “For me to be where I am, I would have had to have failed much more than I’ve succeeded ... It’s important ... to fail.” (61:41 and following)
Melora’s advice: “You don’t want to live in heartache. Heartache is just like suffering, like a low grade suffer. You want to live in heartbreak where you just give yourself ... and risk heartbreak. ... But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep getting your heart broken. You should.” (63:15–65:00)

[67:05] Other Showbiz Stories: Friends, Monkeys & The Rocketeer

Friends Guest Star:
- Melora shares her connection with David Schwimmer and her comfort working with animals, describing the infamous monkey scene.
- “David really didn’t like the monkey at all ... but it all went well, and we were lucky and it was fine.” (69:32, Melora)
The Rocketeer:
- Melora’s cameo as the South Seas lounge singer, her memorable recording session with James Horner.
- “To be in a room like that ... it was beautiful.” (76:29, Melora tears up recalling the experience)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“Jan was so visceral to me ... Steve and I had such an interesting chemistry.” — Melora Hardin ([23:19])
“It’s playing the truth—because that’s the highest brow of comedy.” — Angela Kinsey ([27:38])
“Jan did love Michael as much as she could. I just think she was quite broken around love.” — Melora ([34:21])
“You don’t want to live in heartache ... You want to live in heartbreak.” — Melora ([63:15])
“I could have watched a spinoff that was Jan in some kind of neighborhood group chat.” — Angela ([51:21])
“Why is this so hard? That’s what she said.” — Jan, as quoted by Angela ([60:12])
“It’s not just what is true, but what is good for us as human beings. It’s important ... to fail.” — Melora ([61:41])

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

03:36 – All About Jan Introduction & Fan Letter
04:55 – Jan’s Show Bible Rundown
07:06 – Favorite Jan Moments / Clips Roundtable
18:00 – Melora Joins, Reflections on Cast Dynamics
22:48 – Fan Q&A: Jan’s Backstory, Chemistry with Steve
29:27 – Real-life inspiration for Jan's quirks
33:51 – Jan memorabilia and props
34:00 – Did Jan love Michael? Is Hunter the father?
42:46 – Jan’s Best Storylines & Dream “What-Ifs”
44:15 – “Mommy Song” Improvisation
55:42 – Breaking on Set / Funniest Bloopers
58:44 – Most Quoted Jan Lines
60:50 – Losing “Back to the Future” and Lessons on Failure
67:05 – Friends, the Monkey, & The Rocketeer

Closing Thoughts

This episode is a treasure trove for The Office fans and anyone who loves great comedy acting. Melora Hardin’s perspective on Jan’s inner life, her improv process, and her gratitude for the show’s enduring impact make for a lively and heartfelt listen. She offers genuine wisdom on both performance and life—leaving listeners with a sense of Jan’s complexity, the fun chaos behind iconic scenes, and Melora’s own resilience and artistry.

Next week: Jenna and Angela share their personal travel journals in a special Office Ladies episode.