Podcast Summary: Presenting: Julia on Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Podcast: Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Lemonada Media)
Episode: Presenting: Julia on Good Hang with Amy Poehler
Date: December 17, 2025
Host: Amy Poehler
Guest: Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Episode Overview

This episode is a crossover hangout between two comedic icons: Amy Poehler hosting Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Good Hang. Julia is on to chat about the new season of her own podcast (Wiser Than Me), her career, friendship with Amy, and reflections on aging, comedy, and what brings wisdom and joy. The energy is heartfelt, hilarious, and honest, with stories from SNL, sitcoms, friendship, family, and surviving career and life upheavals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Conversation Starter with Tony Hale

(00:53 – 12:51)

Amy introduces Tony Hale (Veep co-star, Arrested Development) to ask Julia a question.
Tony reminisces about codependent relationships his characters have had with Julia (Veep/Selina and Gary) and his mom (Lucille on Arrested Development).
Tony asks: "What did your mom do right? What did she give you that built your foundation?" (08:23)
- Leads to later reflections on parent–child relationships and generational wisdom.
Fun improvisation ("Too Deep" podcast idea), and speculation about Tony’s Marvel-ineligibility due to carrying tampons for everyone.

Memorable Quote:
Tony on Julia’s leadership:

"Whoever's number one on the call sheet... typically sets the tone. Let me tell you right now, it is a gift for the next seven years that we have on that show of what she gave us." (06:34)

2. Photo Competition: Who Has More on Their Phone?

(18:04 – 19:43)

Amy and Julia compete over who has more phone photos.
- Amy: 82,014 photos
- Julia: 56,276 photos
Discussion about generational tech anxiety, cloud storage, and relying on their kids to handle digital archives.

Tone: Playful, self-aware, and a bit technophobic.

3. What Makes a Good Podcast Interview?

(20:30 – 23:23)

Julia discusses curating Wiser Than Me:
- Importance of deep research, understanding the guest, and aiming for authentic, non-superficial conversations.
- Amy and Julia relate to being “good students”—always working hard, preparing, and being curious.

Quotable:
Julia:

“This podcast was born out of my own curiosity... I really need to come to the table understanding who these people are and how to have an authentic conversation that isn't just your normal fuck around.” (21:31)

4. The Impact of Female Comedy Icons

(24:07 – 26:48)

Julia on interviewing Jane Curtin (original SNL cast):
- Acknowledges Jane’s boundary-setting (“I’m not hired as a writer and won’t work Mondays and Tuesdays”).
- Marvels at the unconscious influence of women like Jane Curtin and Carol Burnett growing up: “They get into your bloodstream without your knowing it.” (25:20)
- Importance of “see it to be it” in television.

5. Emmy Rivalry & The Art of Comedy Bits

(28:04 – 32:22)

Amy calls Julia the “LeBron James of TV”; Julia laughs and deflects, credits luck.
They reminisce on funny awards-show bits, switching speeches, women being “fun-competitive.”
Insight on keeping award shows light and funny.

Quotable:
Amy:

“If you win for a comedic role, try to be funny when you give a speech.” (31:07)

6. SNL Beginnings and Tough Starts

(32:43 – 36:48)

Julia’s first experience, moving with her Chicago sketch group (Practical Theater Company) to SNL in 1982. Tough reception as “the new group,” with predecessor’s friends unhappy.
Recounts cringe-worthy first table read in harsh fluorescent lighting: “Even saying it, my armpits are going bananas right now.” (35:09)

7. Seinfeld—The Road to Cultural Icon

(36:01 – 41:12)

Julia on joining Seinfeld: Network insisted on adding a woman, so Elaine was created.
Amy and Julia joke about never focusing on sex appeal on their characters (“Oh, fuck, I should have been sexy”). (39:02)
Pregnancies during filming and missed “sexy” sitcom trends.

8. Friendship, Family, and Parenting

(48:35 – 49:56)

Amy praises Julia’s close family and supportive marriage; Julia jokes (“FYI, we’re separate and getting divorced,” 49:00).
Amy cast Julia’s son Charlie in “Moxie” for his first professional job; Julia is grateful he had a good, kind first boss.

9. The Magic of Chemistry on Sitcoms

(50:48 – 51:11)

Julia on Veep:
- Show was fun, missed the cast.
- Strong showrunner leadership (Armando Iannucci, Cari Lizer).
- Amy and Julia both miss the unique energy and camaraderie on their respective shows.

10. The Vital Power of Female Mentorship

(60:02 – 61:02)

Julia on hosting SNL post-cast member stint, feeling the “female power” in the new, strong ensemble.
Amy and Julia bond over influence, mentorship, and the importance of seeing women thrive in comedy.

11. Tony Hale’s Question: What Did Your Mom Do Right?

(56:28 – 58:45)

Julia: “My mother is a very intellectually curious person, and I think some of that has rubbed off on me... and my mother has a very good sense of humor.” (57:13)
Key bonding moments: Watching comedy shows together as a child, sharing laughter: “I remember sort of feeling like I was partnered with her in enjoying this extraordinarily funny ping pong bit.” (58:45)
They discuss how laughing together bonds families.

12. On Getting Older, Grief, and Finding Meaning

(62:08 – 64:36)

Amy reflects on the privilege and complexity of aging.
Julia discusses public experience with breast cancer:
- Forced to go public due to VEEP hiatus.
- Found value in helping others and self-soothing by soothing others:
“There is a lot to be said in self-soothing by soothing others. That’s a... that’s a real thing.” (64:21)
Both highlight laughter and service as vital “elevators out of the basement” during tough times.

13. Favorite Comfort TV, Viral Videos, and Survivor Skills

(66:44 – 73:08)

Julia loves viral dog videos: “It is attacking an apple slice... it’s war!” (67:02)
Lifelong Survivor and Amazing Race fan, but admits she’d immediately quit under pressure.
Both rave about the show Alone—the psychology of tapping out, and how people’s minds start to convince themselves out of the game.
Fantasize about watching TV together with snacks and chips.

14. Closing Moments & Reflections

(73:34 – end)

Julia and Amy affirm their admiration and value in their friendship.
Amy: “...the privilege it is to just get older. There’s so many people that aren’t here that want to be here. Like, how great to be alive, basically.” (62:08)
Amy gives a shoutout to Anne Lamott, whose wisdom and humor she admires—and whom Julia interviewed on Wiser Than Me.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Julia on wisdom and legacy:

"I came to the table understanding who these people are and how to have an authentic conversation that isn't just your normal fuck around." (21:31)
Julia on her mother:

"My mother is a very intellectually curious person, and I think some of that has rubbed off on me...and my mother has a very good sense of humor." (57:13)
On female mentorship:

"You inspire me every time I see you engaging, like, I feel very inspired by you. Like, you turn on a switch for me often where I see you doing something and I’m like, right, that's the kind of engagement I'm supposed to be doing." – Amy to Julia (61:02)
Tony Hale on codependency in Veep:

"I worship. She was Jesus to me... I never heard [her insults], I just heard poetry when she was screaming at me." (06:02)
Julia on surviving grief and illness:

"There is a lot to be said in self-soothing by soothing others... it's a real thing." (64:21)
Julia on Survivor/Amazing Race:

"What I would do is pretend to break my leg and get Air Vac out." (68:37)

Highlighted Timestamps

Tony Hale’s question & codependency riff: 05:19–06:34
Photo competition: 18:10–19:43
What makes a good interview: 20:57–23:23
On Jane Curtin and early SNL: 24:07–26:48
Awards show bits & ‘LeBron James’ debate: 28:04–32:22
SNL Chicago group tough start: 33:00–36:48
Pregnancy on Seinfeld & friends vs sexy sitcoms: 39:02–41:38
Julia’s reflections on Veep & old sitcom chemistry: 50:48–51:11
Hosting SNL as first female former-cast-member: 60:02–60:26
Tony’s question: What did your mom do right?: 56:28–58:45
On grief, cancer, and uplifting others: 62:08–64:36
Comfort TV and survival shows: 66:44–73:08

Conclusion & Takeaways

This episode is classic Poehler–Louis-Dreyfus: sharp, honest, and rolling in comedic chemistry. Listeners get insights into the making of iconic sitcoms, the real work behind podcasting, the challenges and privileges of aging, and the importance of laughter and real connection. With warmth and wit, Julia and Amy model why women supporting women—through comedy, mentorship, and friendship—is winning in every sense.

Podcast Summary: Presenting: Julia on Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Conversation Starter with Tony Hale

(00:53 – 12:51)

Amy introduces Tony Hale (Veep co-star, Arrested Development) to ask Julia a question.
Tony reminisces about codependent relationships his characters have had with Julia (Veep/Selina and Gary) and his mom (Lucille on Arrested Development).
Tony asks: "What did your mom do right? What did she give you that built your foundation?" (08:23)
- Leads to later reflections on parent–child relationships and generational wisdom.
Fun improvisation ("Too Deep" podcast idea), and speculation about Tony’s Marvel-ineligibility due to carrying tampons for everyone.

Memorable Quote:
Tony on Julia’s leadership:

"Whoever's number one on the call sheet... typically sets the tone. Let me tell you right now, it is a gift for the next seven years that we have on that show of what she gave us." (06:34)

2. Photo Competition: Who Has More on Their Phone?

(18:04 – 19:43)

Amy and Julia compete over who has more phone photos.
- Amy: 82,014 photos
- Julia: 56,276 photos
Discussion about generational tech anxiety, cloud storage, and relying on their kids to handle digital archives.

Tone: Playful, self-aware, and a bit technophobic.

3. What Makes a Good Podcast Interview?

(20:30 – 23:23)

Julia discusses curating Wiser Than Me:
- Importance of deep research, understanding the guest, and aiming for authentic, non-superficial conversations.
- Amy and Julia relate to being “good students”—always working hard, preparing, and being curious.

Quotable:
Julia:

“This podcast was born out of my own curiosity... I really need to come to the table understanding who these people are and how to have an authentic conversation that isn't just your normal fuck around.” (21:31)

4. The Impact of Female Comedy Icons

(24:07 – 26:48)

Julia on interviewing Jane Curtin (original SNL cast):
- Acknowledges Jane’s boundary-setting (“I’m not hired as a writer and won’t work Mondays and Tuesdays”).
- Marvels at the unconscious influence of women like Jane Curtin and Carol Burnett growing up: “They get into your bloodstream without your knowing it.” (25:20)
- Importance of “see it to be it” in television.

5. Emmy Rivalry & The Art of Comedy Bits

(28:04 – 32:22)

Amy calls Julia the “LeBron James of TV”; Julia laughs and deflects, credits luck.
They reminisce on funny awards-show bits, switching speeches, women being “fun-competitive.”
Insight on keeping award shows light and funny.

Quotable:
Amy:

“If you win for a comedic role, try to be funny when you give a speech.” (31:07)

6. SNL Beginnings and Tough Starts

(32:43 – 36:48)

Julia’s first experience, moving with her Chicago sketch group (Practical Theater Company) to SNL in 1982. Tough reception as “the new group,” with predecessor’s friends unhappy.
Recounts cringe-worthy first table read in harsh fluorescent lighting: “Even saying it, my armpits are going bananas right now.” (35:09)

7. Seinfeld—The Road to Cultural Icon

(36:01 – 41:12)

Julia on joining Seinfeld: Network insisted on adding a woman, so Elaine was created.
Amy and Julia joke about never focusing on sex appeal on their characters (“Oh, fuck, I should have been sexy”). (39:02)
Pregnancies during filming and missed “sexy” sitcom trends.

8. Friendship, Family, and Parenting

(48:35 – 49:56)

Amy praises Julia’s close family and supportive marriage; Julia jokes (“FYI, we’re separate and getting divorced,” 49:00).
Amy cast Julia’s son Charlie in “Moxie” for his first professional job; Julia is grateful he had a good, kind first boss.

9. The Magic of Chemistry on Sitcoms

(50:48 – 51:11)

Julia on Veep:
- Show was fun, missed the cast.
- Strong showrunner leadership (Armando Iannucci, Cari Lizer).
- Amy and Julia both miss the unique energy and camaraderie on their respective shows.

10. The Vital Power of Female Mentorship

(60:02 – 61:02)

Julia on hosting SNL post-cast member stint, feeling the “female power” in the new, strong ensemble.
Amy and Julia bond over influence, mentorship, and the importance of seeing women thrive in comedy.

11. Tony Hale’s Question: What Did Your Mom Do Right?

(56:28 – 58:45)

Julia: “My mother is a very intellectually curious person, and I think some of that has rubbed off on me... and my mother has a very good sense of humor.” (57:13)
Key bonding moments: Watching comedy shows together as a child, sharing laughter: “I remember sort of feeling like I was partnered with her in enjoying this extraordinarily funny ping pong bit.” (58:45)
They discuss how laughing together bonds families.

12. On Getting Older, Grief, and Finding Meaning

(62:08 – 64:36)

Amy reflects on the privilege and complexity of aging.
Julia discusses public experience with breast cancer:
- Forced to go public due to VEEP hiatus.
- Found value in helping others and self-soothing by soothing others:
“There is a lot to be said in self-soothing by soothing others. That’s a... that’s a real thing.” (64:21)
Both highlight laughter and service as vital “elevators out of the basement” during tough times.

13. Favorite Comfort TV, Viral Videos, and Survivor Skills

(66:44 – 73:08)

Julia loves viral dog videos: “It is attacking an apple slice... it’s war!” (67:02)
Lifelong Survivor and Amazing Race fan, but admits she’d immediately quit under pressure.
Both rave about the show Alone—the psychology of tapping out, and how people’s minds start to convince themselves out of the game.
Fantasize about watching TV together with snacks and chips.

14. Closing Moments & Reflections

(73:34 – end)

Julia and Amy affirm their admiration and value in their friendship.
Amy: “...the privilege it is to just get older. There’s so many people that aren’t here that want to be here. Like, how great to be alive, basically.” (62:08)
Amy gives a shoutout to Anne Lamott, whose wisdom and humor she admires—and whom Julia interviewed on Wiser Than Me.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Julia on wisdom and legacy:

"I came to the table understanding who these people are and how to have an authentic conversation that isn't just your normal fuck around." (21:31)
Julia on her mother:

"My mother is a very intellectually curious person, and I think some of that has rubbed off on me...and my mother has a very good sense of humor." (57:13)
On female mentorship:

"You inspire me every time I see you engaging, like, I feel very inspired by you. Like, you turn on a switch for me often where I see you doing something and I’m like, right, that's the kind of engagement I'm supposed to be doing." – Amy to Julia (61:02)
Tony Hale on codependency in Veep:

"I worship. She was Jesus to me... I never heard [her insults], I just heard poetry when she was screaming at me." (06:02)
Julia on surviving grief and illness:

"There is a lot to be said in self-soothing by soothing others... it's a real thing." (64:21)
Julia on Survivor/Amazing Race:

"What I would do is pretend to break my leg and get Air Vac out." (68:37)

Highlighted Timestamps

Tony Hale’s question & codependency riff: 05:19–06:34
Photo competition: 18:10–19:43
What makes a good interview: 20:57–23:23
On Jane Curtin and early SNL: 24:07–26:48
Awards show bits & ‘LeBron James’ debate: 28:04–32:22
SNL Chicago group tough start: 33:00–36:48
Pregnancy on Seinfeld & friends vs sexy sitcoms: 39:02–41:38
Julia’s reflections on Veep & old sitcom chemistry: 50:48–51:11
Hosting SNL as first female former-cast-member: 60:02–60:26
Tony’s question: What did your mom do right?: 56:28–58:45
On grief, cancer, and uplifting others: 62:08–64:36
Comfort TV and survival shows: 66:44–73:08

Presenting: Julia on Good Hang with Amy Poehler

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Summary

Podcast Summary: Presenting: Julia on Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Conversation Starter with Tony Hale

2. Photo Competition: Who Has More on Their Phone?

3. What Makes a Good Podcast Interview?

4. The Impact of Female Comedy Icons

5. Emmy Rivalry & The Art of Comedy Bits

6. SNL Beginnings and Tough Starts

7. Seinfeld—The Road to Cultural Icon

8. Friendship, Family, and Parenting

9. The Magic of Chemistry on Sitcoms

10. The Vital Power of Female Mentorship

11. Tony Hale’s Question: What Did Your Mom Do Right?

12. On Getting Older, Grief, and Finding Meaning

13. Favorite Comfort TV, Viral Videos, and Survivor Skills

14. Closing Moments & Reflections

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Highlighted Timestamps

Conclusion & Takeaways

Summary

Podcast Summary: Presenting: Julia on Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Conversation Starter with Tony Hale

2. Photo Competition: Who Has More on Their Phone?

3. What Makes a Good Podcast Interview?

4. The Impact of Female Comedy Icons

5. Emmy Rivalry & The Art of Comedy Bits

6. SNL Beginnings and Tough Starts

7. Seinfeld—The Road to Cultural Icon

8. Friendship, Family, and Parenting

9. The Magic of Chemistry on Sitcoms

10. The Vital Power of Female Mentorship

11. Tony Hale’s Question: What Did Your Mom Do Right?

12. On Getting Older, Grief, and Finding Meaning

13. Favorite Comfort TV, Viral Videos, and Survivor Skills

14. Closing Moments & Reflections

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Highlighted Timestamps

Conclusion & Takeaways