After a live recording in New York in the United States earlier this month, executive producer Jenna Weiss-Berman discussed how Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler became a consistent chart-topper on Spotify’s podcast charts and the first winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Podcast. The show has released more than 70 episodes since launching in early 2025.
Weiss-Berman attributed the show’s performance to hard work and deep research, as well as Poehler’s hosting. Poehler set the tone on an early episode: “Enough with improving ourselves! And listening to stuff about how we’re supposed to get better, and better, and better.” Weiss-Berman said the podcast was designed as a happy place, not a space for heavy news or self-improvement.
Developing the show#
Weiss-Berman said she and Poehler discussed the project for almost two years before it launched. Poehler had already made three limited audio series playing characters, and Weiss-Berman described her as a “massive podcast head” who listens to everything.
“I think you should host one as yourself,” Weiss-Berman recalled telling Poehler. She said Poehler is a private person, so hosting as herself felt “a little scary” at first. The team wanted a specific tone and asked every guest what was making them laugh.
The title came from a meeting with Bill Simmons. The show was originally being shopped as Whatever Works. “So it sounds like what you’re talking about is a good hang. Maybe that’s your title,” Simmons said, according to Weiss-Berman.
Guests and emotional moments#
Weiss-Berman said Poehler is curious, nonjudgmental and skilled at making guests feel comfortable. “Every guest who comes in, afterwards, they’re all, like, ‘That was so great,’” she said.
Some guests cry on the show because they feel seen, Weiss-Berman said. Seth Meyers was the first to cry while discussing Poehler’s support during his early days at Saturday Night Live.
Early episodes leaned on Poehler’s friends, including:
- Tina Fey
- Martin Short
- Seth Meyers
- Rachel Dratch
Weiss-Berman said those relationships will always be part of the show, but the team now receives at least 10 to 15 pitches a day from major stars. Poehler also knows many people from hosting the Golden Globes, and guests feel comfortable with her even after only a couple of meetings. The main question, she said, is “are they going to be a good hang? That’s really the bar for us.”
Why the show connects#
Weiss-Berman said listeners want joy, escape and loving connection. She listens to news podcasts all day and considers them important, but said people sometimes need an hour that feels like “a sweet, warm bath.”
“Sometimes I see Amy laughing so hard that she puts her face down on the table, and I know that we have a good moment,” Weiss-Berman said. She described Poehler as one of the greatest comedians in the world, and said the show also creates space for guests to share heavy material. “So the show is a lot of things,” she said.
