Podcast Title: Office Ladies
Episode: All About Stanley Hudson
Release Date: April 23, 2025
Hosts: Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
Introduction to Stanley Hudson
In this episode of Office Ladies, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey delve deep into the character of Stanley Hudson from The Office. Celebrating National Pretzel Day, the hosts explore various facets of Stanley’s personality, his relationships, and memorable moments from the series.
National Pretzel Day and Stanley’s Love for Pretzels
[02:41] Angela Kinsey: "National Pretzel Day is coming up. It's Saturday, April 26th, and we thought, what better way to honor National Pretzel Day than to do our All About Stanley."
Stanley’s affection for pretzels is a recurring theme in the show. Jenna and Angela discuss the origins of Pretzel Day in Pennsylvania and its significance, highlighting Stanley’s simple yet profound enjoyment of pretzels.
Notable Quotes:
- Jenna Fischer: “One salty, please, extra mustard.” [39:58]
- Angela Kinsey: “Can anyone guess what’s on Stanley’s pretzel?” [38:36]
Exploring Stanley’s Character through the Show Bible
The hosts reference the Office show Bible to provide a comprehensive overview of Stanley’s character traits, likes, and dislikes.
Key Points:
- Stanley Hudson is a seasoned sales representative at Dunder Mifflin for over a decade.
- Likes: Red wine, mystery stories, crossword puzzles, pretzels, and chocolate ice cream.
- Dislikes: Phyllis crying, stinky perfumes, theater, dressing up for Halloween, and feeling underpaid.
- Health Issues: Type 2 diabetes, varicose veins, swollen ankles, and nipple sensitivity.
Notable Quotes:
- Angela Kinsey: “Stanley does not enjoy theater and doesn’t dress up for Halloween.” [08:58]
- Jenna Fischer: “Stanley has a heart attack at work.” [09:41]
Stanley’s Shutdown Moments
Jenna and Angela highlight some of Stanley’s most memorable shutdowns, showcasing his no-nonsense attitude and dry humor.
Highlighted Shutdowns:
-
Take Your Daughter to Work Day: Stanley confronts Ryan about his inappropriate behavior towards his daughter.
[12:35 - 12:50]- Stanley: “Boy, have you lost your mind? 'Cause I'll help you find it.”
-
Did I Stutter?: Stanley shuts down Michael Scott’s attempts to energize the office during a meeting.
[13:02 - 14:03] -
Holiday-Themed Christmas Parties: Expresses his disdain for overly themed Christmas celebrations.
[14:22 - 15:00] -
Silent Shutdowns: Uses intimidating looks to quell office antics without words.
[15:00 - 15:32] -
The Shrut Bucks Exchange with Dwight: Stanley cleverly navigates the quirky office currency system during a conversation with Dwight.
[15:32 - 16:04]
Notable Quotes:
- Stanley Hudson: “Leave me alone, damn it.” [14:03]
- Stanley Hudson: “Don’t ever talk to me again.” [15:52]
Fan Questions and Deep Dives
1. Stanley’s Family Dynamics:
Fans inquired about the number of children Stanley has, given inconsistent references across episodes.
[30:49 - 32:50]
- Jenna Fischer: “Stanley has two kids—Melissa, his daughter in eighth grade, and another child in college from his first marriage.”
2. Stanley’s Love Life:
A significant fan theory suggested a romantic relationship between Stanley and Phyllis, leading to an exploration of behind-the-scenes interactions.
[54:00 - 60:58]
- Deleted Scene Analysis: A tag from the “Doomsday” episode hinted at a possible romantic tension, but ultimately confirmed that Stanley and Phyllis never hooked up.
- Phyllis on Stanley: “Leslie is a real stand-up guy... we would run errands together during breaks.”
Notable Quotes:
- Angela Kinsey: “They have not hooked up before.” [60:58]
- Leslie David Baker (Stanley): “How's Bob doing?” [59:36]
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
The hosts share anecdotes about Leslie David Baker’s portrayal of Stanley, including his audition process and favorite moments from the show.
[22:36 - 30:34]
- Audition Process: Leslie came into his audition with a slightly annoyed demeanor, which added depth to Stanley’s character.
- Favorite Scenes: Stanley reviving after a heart attack and attending Phyllis and Bob Vance’s wedding.
Notable Quotes:
- Leslie David Baker: “I incorporated what I had just gone through, driving through rush hour traffic.” [26:08]
- Leslie on Filming: “He was the person who could remember everyone's name at work parties.”
Stanley’s Life After Dunder Mifflin
In the series finale, Stanley reveals his plans to retire in Florida, carving birds on his porch—a testament to his contentment and love for simple pleasures.
[66:09 - 66:45]
Notable Quotes:
- Stanley Hudson: “I'm living in Florida now. A little town called Florida City, just on the edge of the Everglades.”
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Jenna and Angela wrap up the episode by reflecting on Stanley Hudson’s enduring legacy as a beloved character whose dry humor and straightforward demeanor made him a standout in The Office. They encourage listeners to celebrate Pretzel Day in honor of Stanley’s favorite snack.
[66:43 - End]
Notable Quotes:
- Jenna Fischer: “Have a laid-back Saturday.” [66:43]
- Angela Kinsey: “Thanks so much for writing in you guys.” [66:44]
Additional Highlights
- Pretzel Toppings Discussion: Listeners were curious about Stanley’s pretzel order, revealed from the shooting draft as a simple “one salty, please, extra mustard” [39:58].
- Backstory Questions: Exploration of Stanley’s family and his relationships, addressing fan confusion and providing clarity based on show insights [30:49 - 32:50].
- Memorable Scenes: Discussion of Stanley’s dribbling style in the basketball episode, reflecting Leslie’s creative input [47:48 - 51:04].
Closing Remarks
Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey express their gratitude to listeners for their enthusiastic participation and fan mail, promising more in-depth explorations of The Office characters in future episodes. They also share personal anecdotes about their relationships with fellow cast members, highlighting the lasting friendships formed during the show's run.
End of Summary