Transcript

Aziz Ansari | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

From Good Hang with Amy Poehler · Episode page · Watch on YouTube

· 1 h 5 min · 13,658 words · 268 timestamped sections

This is the full, timestamped transcript of "Aziz Ansari | Good Hang with Amy Poehler", an episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler published October 14, 2025 (1 h 5 min, about 13,658 words). It mentions 72 people, works and ideas, including Good Fortune, London, South Carolina, Chicken 65, Parks and Recreation.

What is discussed, and when

  1. – 10:00: Aziz Ansari, Chicken 65, Good Fortune, London
  2. – 20:00: South Carolina, L'Oréal Paris, Uber Eats, Jersey
  3. – 30:00: Comedy Cellar, Funny or Die, Greg Daniels, Human Giant
  4. – 40:00: London, Adam Scott, Alan Yang, CJ Watson
  5. – 50:00: Good Fortune, John Wick, Die Hard, Fast and Furious
  6. – 1:00:00: Chicken 65, Greta Garbo, Lil Wayne, London
  7. – 1:04:38: BMW Certified, Aia Xenerys, Amy Miles, Archabald (Archie)

Notable quotes from "Aziz Ansari | Good Hang with Amy Poehler"

  • Memories there. and we're going to talk about his cinematic directing debut Good Fortune. Lots to get into, but before we do that, we want to speak to somebody who knows our…
    about Good Fortune · at
  • It, was, the, education, of, Aziz, I'm, sorry was sort of like the alternate title for parks and recreation. I know him and Plaza feel like they were babies. Even our babies, they were our babies that we raised.
    about Parks and Recreation · at
  • Indian dish that's specifically for children. So, I love it. called chicken 65. And it's it's bright red because of the like the pepper powder.
    about Chicken 65 · at
  • This, episode, is, brought, to, you, by, Uber Eats. Beauty emergencies are bound to happen. How many times have you, oh, I don't know, dug around in your purse and pulled out mascara and thought it was.
    about Uber Eats · at
  • This, episode, is, brought, to, you, by L'Oreal Paris. Youngerlooking skin seems to take a million products these days.
    about L'Oréal Paris · at
  • Were, you, doing, comedy, in, high school or No,, I, grew, up, in, South, Carolina, so, I, you know there was no outlet for anything like that. it was you could dip and spit, into, a, mountain.
    about South Carolina · at
  • That's, right., Oh,, hey,, Watson., What's going on? No, I'm just on set.
    about CJ Watson · at
  • Was like a room that I was waiting in between and it would happened to be like John Wick weekend and like I was watching, some, of the, Wick, stuff., I'm Wow, I can't believe…
    about John Wick · at

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

  • CJ Watson — Person · 2 mentions · first at
  • Aziz Ansari — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Hello everyone. Welcome to this episode of Good Hang. I'm very excited about my guest today. It is Aziz Ansari. So great to have Aziz here in the studio to talk about the past…
  • Tim and Eric — Person · 1 mention · first at
    No,, but, but, that, was, around, and, things like Tim and Eric and Yeah., And, it, was, here's, this, kind of niche vibe. Let's give them a show for, like let's see what they can do for a couple of seasons. Yeah.
  • Greg Daniels — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Together but it was one that I really liked and it was one that Greg Daniels and Mike Sher saw that and ended and it was because it was on YouTube or Funny or Die or whatever and that was what got me the gig on Parks.
  • Adam Scott — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Was and if It's on YouTube the blooper of this and it's me and Do you remember the scene? It's me and Adam Scott and we're having lunch with Joan Calmed.
  • Mo Collins — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Mo, Collins, who, always, is, just, so, funny.
  • Alan Yang — Person · 1 mention · first at
    And directed it. It's so good. when you were doing Master of None, it Master of None feels like a show with Alan Yang that you created.
  • Greta Garbo — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Was making these ham sandwiches that had this special kind of cheese that everybody loved and Greta Garbo didn't like them. So he for her he would do it with turkey and you how…
  • Miss Biola — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Her name was Miss Biola and she cooked southern food. So there would be, Indian food like biryani or whatever and then there'd be like chicken and dumplings and.
  • Lil Wayne — Person · 1 mention · first at
  • Archabald (Archie) — Person · 1 mention · first at
    No,, I, haven't, seen, Archie, and, Abel, in, a long time. What?
  • Archie and Abel — Person · 1 mention · first at
    No,, I, haven't, seen, Archie, and, Abel, in, a long time. What?
  • Jenna Weiss-Berman — Person · 1 mention · first at
    You've, been, listening, to, Good, Hang., The executive producers for this show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss Berman, and me, Amy Polar. The show is produced by The Ringer and…
  • Cat Spalain — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Me, Amy Polar. The show is produced by The Ringer and Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by Jack Wilson, Cat Spalain, Kaia McMullen, and Aia Xenerys.
  • Jack Wilson — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Me, Amy Polar. The show is produced by The Ringer and Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by Jack Wilson, Cat Spalain, Kaia McMullen, and Aia Xenerys.
  • Aia Xenerys — Person · 1 mention · first at
    The Ringer and Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by Jack Wilson, Cat Spalain, Kaia McMullen, and Aia Xenerys.
  • Kaia McMullen — Person · 1 mention · first at
    The Ringer and Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by Jack Wilson, Cat Spalain, Kaia McMullen, and Aia Xenerys.
  • Joel Levelvel — Person · 1 mention · first at
    For Paperkite, production by Sam Green Joel Levelvel, and Jenna Weiss Berman.
  • Amy Miles — Person · 1 mention · first at
  • Aubrey Plaza — Person · 1 mention
  • Billy Wilder — Person · 1 mention
  • Charlie Kaufman — Person · 1 mention
  • Gary Scott Thompson — Person · 1 mention
  • John McTiernan — Person · 1 mention
  • Keke Palmer — Person · 1 mention
  • Michel Gondry — Person · 1 mention
  • Mike Schur — Person · 1 mention
  • Paul Scheer — Person · 1 mention
  • Rashida Jones — Person · 1 mention
  • Rob Huebel — Person · 1 mention
  • Robert Ludlum — Person · 1 mention
  • Ron Howard — Person · 1 mention
  • Tisha — Person · 1 mention

Books & papers

  • Good Fortune — Book · 6 mentions · first at
  • Parks and Recreation — Book · 3 mentions · first at
  • John Wick — Book · 2 mentions · first at
  • Human Giant — Book · 1 mention · first at
    And, so, that, that, show, was, Human, Giant.
  • The Office — Book · 1 mention · first at
    You're doing, but whatever it is, that would be a dream job. And this was like when The Office was on and Mike and Greg were both involved in that and that was, my favorite show like that on the air and so I told him, Whatever you're up.
  • Master of None — Book · 1 mention · first at
    [ __ ] the cast is great and you wrote and directed it. It's so good. when you were doing Master of None, it Master of None feels like a show with Alan Yang that you created.
  • Die Hard — Book · 1 mention · first at
    And my favorite movies were like Terminator 2 and Die Hard. And I still love those movies. Those are some of my favorite movies, but I loved action movies as a kid. when I was a little kid I that you know it's I was.
  • Fast and Furious — Book · 1 mention · first at
    Never talk which, are, you, trying, to, be, in a Fast and Furious movie what's the action movie I, would, more, of, a, boring identity oh, whoa.
  • Parenthood — Book · 1 mention · first at
    When I was about to meet him, I did like a little film festival and I was re-watching like Parenthood and Parenthood., I, just, saw, rewatch Parenthood on the plane. It's so good.
  • The Apartment — Book · 1 mention · first at
    And stuff. What? I'm trying to think. smiling., I, love, some, of, those, old, movies like The Apartment. Like just those things just make me laugh so hard.
  • Being John Malkovich — Book · 1 mention
  • Bourne Identity — Book · 1 mention
  • Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind — Book · 1 mention
  • Terminator 2: Judgment Day — Book · 1 mention

Companies & orgs

Products & tech

Concepts & topics

  • Gen Alpha — Concept · 1 mention · first at
    That had has taken over. It's going to be really interesting this generation like Gen Z and Gen Alpha who have grown up with a phone in their hand.
  • Critical Thinking — Concept · 1 mention · first at
    I, think, this, is, like,, you, know,, it's outsourcing critical thinking. It's making everyone's opinions kind of same.
  • Streaming Era — Concept · 1 mention

Places & events

  • London — Place · 5 mentions · first at
  • South Carolina — Place · 5 mentions · first at
  • New York City, New York — Place · 1 mention · first at
    We've met each other throughout like we've we've in a bunch of different ways in a bunch of different places, but New York City, I will say, feels and I don't, know if, you…
  • Jersey — Place · 1 mention · first at
    Tip of India up until me and my dad left India and went to like he first came to Jersey and he was doing like you know residency or whatever and I you know it really I was…
  • Comedy Cellar — Place · 1 mention · first at
    These weird maybe the universe is saying something. And then I went to a comedy club. I went to the comedy cellar, which I still perform at all the time. And I saw a show and I…

Sponsors

  • Uber Eats — Sponsor · 2 mentions · first at
  • L'Oréal Paris — Sponsor · 2 mentions · first at
  • BMW Certified — Sponsor · 2 mentions · first at
    About all the good things ahead. And now it is time for our Polar Plunge. And today's Polar Plunge is presented by BMW Certified. In a world full of uncertainty, BMW certified…
  • Palmolive — Sponsor · 1 mention · first at
    Palm Olive Ultra removes up to 99% of grease, leaving your dishes sparkling clean. Visit palmolive.com.

Full transcript with timestamps

Hello everyone. Welcome to this episode of Good Hang. I'm very excited about my guest today. It is Aziz Ansari. So great to have Aziz here in the studio to talk about the past, the present, and the future. And we're going to talk about a lot of stuff today. We're going to talk about the the fact that he skipped first grade because everyone thought he was so smart. We're going to talk about him growing up as an Indian boy in the South. We're gonna talk about um Parks and Wreck, of course, and uh all our memories there. and we're going to talk about his cinematic directing debut Good Fortune. Lots to get into, but before we do that, we want to speak to somebody who knows our guest, who has great feelings and things to say about our guest, and who has a question for me to ask our guest. And we just have my wife, my beautiful, beautiful wife Rashidita Jones, joining us today.

Rashidita, I miss you. I love you. Let's get going. Can you hear me? Rashidita can you hear me? Uh oh, she can't. This episode is brought to you by Palm Olive. Some of the best memories you'll ever make are around the dinner table. You'll never regret trying out those new recipes that may or may not go sideways or putting on a spread so big that your in-laws are still talking about it years later. Brownie points. So, when it comes to the dishes, it's nice to know there's a product that works as hard as you do. Palm Olive Ultra removes up to 99% of grease, leaving your dishes sparkling clean. Visit palmolive.com.

Shop now. This is a disaster. Okay. Um,, how, are, you, guys, over, there? Am, I, Am, I, the, over, there?, Oh., Oh., Oh,, I can look at your face now. Yay.

Oh,, you, couldn't, see, me, before. It, was, a, side, view. Oh,, no., That's, a, terrible, view.

No,, it, was, great., It, was, great., This, is just more direct and intimate. Bones.

Polo. We, just, had, a, a a, tech, fiasco. Fiasco., We, had, a, snafu. I, mean,, it, still, is, a, miracle, that, you can talk to each other in live time.

Yeah. Like, across, regions., So,, I'm, going, to I'm going to stick with that story.

I, still, can't, believe, that, we, have airplanes. Exactly., Exactly., So,, there, you, go. This is a miracle. Our meeting today is a miracle.

Where, are, we, talking, to, you, from, right now? I'm in my f I know the s every time I talk to you I feel like I'm I'm in my friend's sitting room.

Okay. In, London. Well,, what, makes, a, sitting, room?, What's a sitting room?

Good, question., Lots, of, places, to, sit. And, and, and, kind, of, no, other functionality like where you're just kind of sitting and staring at each other, you know?

You're, in, London. I'm, in, London. Ah,, I, miss, you,, friend. I, miss, you,, too., I'm, talking, to, Aziz today and I'm having a lot of um I'm having a lot of nostalgic feelings today.

I, feel, that, I, really, miss, I, really, miss us as a as a cast. Same., And, I, and, I, kind, of, feel, like, we are his aunties a little bit. We are definitely

totally you, you, especially, um, but it, was, the, education, of, Aziz, I'm, sorry was sort of like the alternate title for parks and recreation. I know him and Plaza feel like they were babies. Even our babies, they were our babies that we raised.

Our, beautiful, family,, the, four, of, us. Before, we, get, to, Aziz,, who, like, you,, I think has a like a very specific cultured aesthetic. I'm loving the color brown that you're wearing.

Thank, you, so, much., Because, I, this somebody told me they didn't like this color. I don't remember who it was. And I was like, I do. I don't know why. It's like very 70s to me.

And, I, was, want, I, was, wondering, what, you think the color of the of the color of fall is. I always ask Rashidita these questions cuz she knows. She's in the know.

Well,, there's, a, there's, a, palette, cuz you know like when you have you ever done your makeup test where you're like an autumn or spring or summer?

Yeah,, I, think, we, autumn., You, are, such, an autumn. I, think, you're, you're, a, summer., I, think

I, I, think, I, think, you're, right., And, I very I wanted very much to be a winter. It's kind of the story of my life.

I, love, summer, polos., But, you, love summer. I, do., But, the, colors, feel, a, little, um, I don't know, not substantial, like

too, playful. Yeah., They, feel, a, little, um, juvenile and, I, want, to,, you, know,, and, I, remember looking at the palette and saying, I think I'm a winter. And then Tik Tok said, no way.

No,, ma'am. They, said, blondie, is, not, allowed. But okay, so that's an autominal color that you've got going on.

This, I, would, say, like, an, olive, green,, a wine, like a merllo color is very the color of autumn. Maybe even like a mustard as an accent.

I, can't, even, get, anywhere, near, those colors. They do not work for me. And with that in mind, what do you think is the uh the fashion of the of the season? What what should we be wearing?

Okay. So, people, should, know., Yeah., So,, every season Rashidita and I and um we we try to like name how we're going to dress basically and

and, it's, and, it's, it's, steeped, in, either like a country or a vibe or or like a trend or or like an anti-trend.

What, have, been, some, past, ways, that, we have we've got we've we've named the seasons? I can think of a few. Um, high school art teacher.

High, school, art, teacher., Japanese winter. Tired, ballerina. Tired, ballerina. What's the last one that would just that we kind of found from Tik Tok? It was like frugal chic.

Frugal, chic., Frugal, chic., Right. Like, make, your, own, salads,, bring, them, to work, wear the same like gorgeous sweater every day.

Shop, your, closet., Shop, your, closet. Closet., Mhm., Um,, what, do, we, think, is happening this fall?

What, about, just, like, a, double, f, like functional fall or like Ooh, I, was, just, in, Paris,, which, of, course always the fashion so good in Paris and the way that like girls wear trousers like it just is it's hard to describe why they look so much better on them than anybody else, but there's like always like a front Oh, maybe it's front pleet fall.

Okay,, you, know, what?, Jenzie, loves, their front pleat. I know. I, don't, need, any, more, help, down, there, to feel full.

No, more, pleats, in, the, front., Agreed. Agreed. Okay. Functional flat front.

Functional, flat, front, ball. Okay., You, heard, it, here, first,, guys. Hashtag trending. Okay. You know, we always like to talk well behind our guests back about our guest. What do you love about Aziz? I'm sorry. Aziz is um he's a very insatiably curious human being. He loves to absorb art food fashion film traveling. Like he's just he's so open to experience and I love people who are like that.

I, would, say, that, you're, like, that, too. And then of course like he's just so funny and I always want his take on something um that makes it uh he's a pleasure to be around in that way.

Yeah., What, um, I, feel, like, you, have, you two have probably gone and done some groovy things together like

we've, been, in, a, lot, of, countries together. Yeah. Yeah., And, I, love, being, in, Japan, with Aziz because he'll he'll just he'll just bust out like the best accent and just order in Japanese like a full perfect accent. Yes

he, speaks, Japanese. Yes,, a, little, bit., But, it's, his, accent's so good that he convinces people that he's

can, like, speak, fluently, because, his accent's so good. Whoa,, that's, cool.

Yeah,, very, cool., Is, it, weird, that, every time I hear about other people speaking another language, it I just feel so bad that I don't like I make it about myself.

Fire, of, jeal, fire, of, envy., Same. Well,, people, should, know, that, you studied French for a while

and a, month, babe., A, month, more, than, other, people, honey. Okay., So,, um,, what, question, do, you, have for our guest Aziz today? What do you think I should ask Aziz? Anything you want to know? Yeah, I was, you know, I was thinking about something that would light him up that he'd want to talk about. Um, and again, as we mentioned is he's an extremely cultured individual and, you know, there's probably stuff that people don't really know about him. One thing is that he's an excellent chef and also he loves food. So, A, what's his favorite thing to cook? And B what's his favorite thing to eat?

Love, that., Love, that., Has, he, ever, made anything for you? All, the, time., He, cooks, me, dinner, all, the time. Everything. My My recent favorite is he makes this thing. It's like it's an Indian dish that's specifically for children. So, I love it. Uh called chicken 65. And it it's it's bright red because of the like the pepper powder. And it's delicious.

Yum. Yeah. Ooh., I, want, to, talk, to, him, about, that. And I want to talk about kitchen gadgets in general. Oh

I, just, got, for, myself,, I, like, to, every once in a while get myself a kitchen gadget so that I can continue to uh encourage myself to cook. I just got really long thin tongs like

not, your, not, your, grabby, tongs,, but those long ones that you where you can turn a delicate a delicate mushroom.

Wow. I, wish, we, were, hanging, out, together right now. I, miss, you. I, miss, you,, too.

I, really, want, to, do, a, Tik, Tok, dance, with you. Oh yeah. Um listeners, Rashidita sent me a Tik Tok dance um and said, "I wish we were learning this together." And I watched it and I was like I I don't think I'd be able to learn it. It seems

100%, could, do, that. It, looks, so, cool, cuz, they're, such, good dancers, but it's very simple steps.

You, know,, no, one, is, a, bigger, fan., Could you do the Tik Tok dance and send it

by, myself?, I, will., I'll, send, it, to, you. I'll send it to you. Just don't show anybody. I will send it to you.

Do, that, thing, where, you, make, yourself, a three people. You know how you can do an effect where you can look like three people?

Yes, let's, do, that., Let's, add That's, maybe, your, team, after, they, fix your audio issues can help me do that.

Yeah,, we're, going, to, split, this, into three and, you're, going, to, be, your, own, backup singer.

I'd, love, that., Best, career. Thank, you,, Bones,, for, doing, this., Miss you., Miss, you, so, much, and, love, you, and have fun with

Aziz, Zezers., Baby, Zezy, as, I, call, them,, baby, Zezy. All, right., Thanks,, friend., Love, you. Love you, too.

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God,, this, is, this, is, like, beat, New, York right now. I, know., It's, so, nice, to, be, People, don't know we're recording in New York right now in the fall.

Yeah., Wait,, is, this, on, now? Yeah,, we're, on., Oh,, wa., Okay,, good., I'm glad I didn't drop any racial slurs as I tend to do when I when I usually see when you see me right away. We usually So, what's your favorite right now? And then I say my favorite and then we start hanging out. Yeah. So, God, thank goodness we dropped that tradition.

True., Yeah., No,, we're, rolling., And, all we've been talking about is New York in the fall. That's it. New York in the fall, baby.

But, do, when, you, come, here,, do, you, get like um do you ever want to live here? Well, you still spend time here.

I, Yeah,, I, I, feel, like, I, don't, live anywhere. I'm always just running around. But whenever I come like visiting New York is fun because you you come for and you get a quick hit. You do all your favorite stuff. You see all your friends and then and but if I stayed too long it's too crazy. I'm too too old now.

Yeah,, I, know what, you, mean., It's, it, it is. Your, little, Zezy, is, all, grown, up.

I, know., My, Zezy, is, just, a, He's, an, old man now. I, know., If, you, watch, if, whenever, I, see old parks things I was like I didn't know that me and Aubrey did a show when we were little kids. Like it's really

I, know., How, old, were, you, when, you started on the show? I, was, 13, in, season and then when we finished I just turned 18. I I got my driver's license like in the middle of the run.

A, lot, of, people, don't, know, that, you, were 18 when you were playing Tom Hammerford on Parks and W.

Yeah, it, is, true, though., It, is., You, You, look like a baby. You were a baby.

I, didn't, know, anything., I, The, first seasons I I didn't know how to act or anything. I should not have been on television. NBC should be like, "We got to get Is there any Indian guy that's done more acting that we can outplay this guy?"

We, want, I, want, to, get, into, this,, too, because it is it feels like when we we we've met each other throughout like we've we've in a bunch of different ways in a bunch of different places, but New York City, I will say, feels like, and I don't, know if, you, feel, this, way, when, you come here, that you are reminded of when you were young. Mhm.

There, is, a, feeling, here, like, if, you, were here when you were young, when you come back you feel younger or something. You remember your younger self.

You, you're, trying, to, get, back, that energy. You remember you you remember being outlaid and all this kind of stuff and and uh

cuz, you, were, an, NYU, kid. I, went, to, NYU, and, I, started, doing, comedy then.

Were, you, doing, comedy, like, in, high school or No,, I, grew, up, in, South, Carolina, so, I, you know there was no outlet for anything like that. You know, it was like, you know, you could dip and and

spit, into, a, mountain. You, can, spit, into, a, cup, and, everyone laugh. Spit, into, a, I, just, drank, Mountain, Dew and did. That's all I did in high school.

And, did, you, ever, play, four-wheelers? Were, you, in, a, play, at I, was, in, plays, when, I, was, a, kid., I remember there was some play I did and uh I don't know what the play was, but I played like a a cowboy and I was doing like a big southern accent and I remember I just crushed and kids were coming up to me afterwards like that do it again and and I it was like one of those things I remember.

So, were, you, a, funny, kid? Yeah,, I, like, to, be, funny, in, class, and and um

yeah,, anytime, there, was, anything, that involved public speaking or something, I was always super comfortable. Mhm.

Um, I, remember, when, I, did, like, something where I was like 6 years old, I had to like speak in front of the whole school and it didn't like phase me at all. I don't know why.

It's, so, funny. Yeah,, because, Okay,, so, when, I, was, in school in South Carolina, right, this is in, the, ' 80s., So,, you, know,

a, lot, of, these, people, had, never, even seen Indian people before and I I skipped first grade. I did skip first grade and second grade. like in the middle of first grade, they call my parents and they're like, "Uh, we we got to get him out of here. He's too smart. He already knows all this stuff. I don't know if it's this this other culture you're from or what's happening, but we got to get him the [ __ ] out of this first grade thing. He needs to go to second now.

Get, him, out, of, my, class., He's embarrassing everyone else." And, then, I, went, there, and, uh, I, went, to second grade and it is a little school. So like I'm like, you know, and there's like 30 kids in each class. I grew up in a town of like 8,000 people. So they're like, "Oh, this this little this little brown wonder kid." And so like I'm on the radio and all this radio and there is there's a there's a recording somewhere and when I was a little kid I I had like a southern accent because that's where I grew up and that's where I'm around. So I I I vaguely remember being being on on some radio program and I was like, "My name's Aziz. Sorry. And I'm a first grader at Marbor Academy.

When, you're, told, at, six, that, you're, a smart kid, then you become the smart kid. Were you the smart kid?

I, think, so., But, I, think, it, kind, of annoyed me in a way. Like I I I like I didn't want to be painted with a certain brush., You, know what, I, mean?

Yeah., Yeah., I, bet., I, bet, people, are, just projecting a lot of stuff on you.

And, then, I, went, to, the, school, in, 11th and 12th grade which is in like a science and math school. And uh it's a public school in South Carolina called the Governor's School. And there it's like all the smartest kids from all over South Carolina. And there I was just like this dumb kid that was like smoking weed and telling dumb stories.

And, they, were, like,, "What, happened?, I thought you skipped first grade." Yeah., 11th, grade., You, should, go, back, to 10

expecting., But, yeah,, they, they, kicked you back down. Yeah., Yeah,, I, mean, it, it, it, we, talked, a lot about it when we first met like this idea of growing up in South Carolina in the 80s as a young Indian boy, one of probably the only in your class figuring out

de, not, one, one, of, the, there, there, were in in like first and second grade I sometimes forget this there there was this Tai girl her name was Tisha which does not sound like a Thai name and they used to always be like what's up with you and Tisha? I'm not kidding. I remember there was a play in like first grade. There was like it was a play and for some reason there was Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and it was me and Tisha. We were the stars, you know. Oh. Oh, diversity. No, no. Me and Tisha in Bennettville in like 1988.

Leads leads, of, this, mysterious, play, where there's Mickey and Minnie Mouse, but there was always like, oh, you know

were, you, excited, in, a, way, to, expand, your horizons and go to New York? Yeah, I I I I had always it's so interesting. I was thinking about this you know, the fact that my dad left, you know, my family is all from the southern tip of India up until me and my dad left India and went to uh like he first came to Jersey and he was doing like you know residency or whatever and I I you know it really I was thinking about this a couple weeks ago is how remarkable it was and how scary that must have been to come over there and not know anything.

you know, this is before internet FaceTime, nothing. If you're there you're really gone. And uh same with my mom as well. And And

did, they, come, over, together? My, dad, came, first, and, then, my, mom, came later. Um but I I was just thinking about how there was something in my dad. I asked him about this and he was like "Oh, I always wanted to go." And it's weird cuz I grew up in South Carolina and I think I had a similar thing where I always wanted to go somewhere, you know, bigger with more stuff going on. Yeah, you had that same like drive to to see more of the world basically.

And, luckily, I, I, I, went, to, school, in, New York, which is the greatest place to be if you have that kind of feeling.

So, when, you're, leaving, South, Carolina, you apply to NYU, you apply, you're like, I'm going to go to business school.

I, I, Yeah,, I, didn't, know, what, I, wanted, to do. This is how dumb I was. Yeah,, business, seems, to, be, the, major that a lot of men who don't know what they want to do pick.

Like, my, uncle, has, a, business., I, was like, "Oh, maybe I'll start my own business and I'll major in business." That's that's how silly I was. And then I get there and there's all these kids that are talking about Goldman Sachs and all stuff. I don't even know what Goldman Sachs is. And I'm completely confused. And I had friends that were in Tish, the the film and television school. I was thinking about switching to that or maybe the Gallatin School where you make up your own major.

But, I, never, really, got, it, together., The little combination of laziness and and I also started doing standup like the summer of my freshman year. And I I distinctly remember sitting in a class in my sophomore year and just thinking I'm just going to do something with stand up. At the least I'll be a comedian that does comedy clubs and that that's fine for me.

How, do, you, be, how, do, you, go, do, standup? You're not like what makes you go do standup when you're when you're in college?

It, it, was, one, of, these, weird, things., I was in school my freshman year and I was just sitting around and telling stories and people were laughing and someone was like, "Oh man, you should try to do standup." And then a week later the same thing happened and it was like one of these weird maybe the universe is saying something. And then I went to a comedy club. I went to the comedy cellar, which I still perform at all the time. And I saw a show and I was like, I think I can do this. And and I and I tried it and I I wasn't great. I did well.

Mhm. But, I, was, very, comfortable, with, it, and, I really enjoyed it. And I just wanted to get good at it. I just wanted to get better. I never thought about anything further about, you know, acting or any of that stuff. I just wanted to get good at this. And it really goes back to what you were saying earlier where you get that high of like, you know, oh, I I want that feeling again.

Yeah., And, so, I, uh, I, started, there, and then uh it just kind of went from there.

Well,, when, we, met,, do, you, remember, the first time we met? I was trying to think today. I mean, I don't remember anything.

I, have, so, many, friends, where, I'm, like, when did we first meet? I mean, one of the first times I remember meeting you was so the UCB theater and there was a uh Monday night standup show at 11:00 which is like a tough slot. Monday at 11 is not the prime slot, but they were doing a stand-up show and um Matt Besser, who was a part of UCB, asked me if I would want to do the standup show and I started doing it and I was booking like my favorite comedians and and um I would host it every week and it really took off and I remember one week you came and I was like, whoa. like you just came to see it and said hi and and that that's one of the first times I remember meeting

that's, what, I, was, going, to, say, is, I remember meeting you by seeing you on stage that's back when we could all just you know sleep all day and then go to do a show at 11:00 on Monday night

then, you, go, on, and, you, do you, create, your, own, sketch, show yeah, we, we, did, the, sketch, show, on, MTV yeah

yeah, and, that, was, kind, of, like, 2007 which was such a cool time for I think for comedy at the time because you had

MTV, TV, and, Comedy, Central, and, all, these places like taking big risks on on green apples.

Yeah., And, and, Adult, Swim, and, all, these things. Yeah. Were, you, on, Adult, Swim?

No,, but, but, that, was, around, and, things like Tim and Eric and Yeah., And, it, was, like, here's, this, kind of niche vibe. Let's give them a show for, you know, like let's see what they can do for a couple of seasons. Yeah.

And, so, that, that, show, was, Human, Giant. Yeah. And, you, wrote, and, and, what, did, you, learn from doing a sketch show? SketchU is really hard. I mean, you know, uh that's one of the hardest things to do cuz especially even just from a production standpoint, you know everything is different. There's no consistency. You're always doing new costumes. It's new locations. It's really a hard thing to do. And writing sketches is really hard. But there was one sketch I did that I I wrote uh I think you know we all kind of wrote together but but it was one that I really liked and and it was one that uh Greg Daniels and Mike Sher saw that and ended and it was because it was on YouTube or Funny or Die or whatever and and that was what got me the gig on Parks.

Yeah., And, was, it, Shutter, Books?, No,, it was this it was it was called viral videos and the premise was me and Rob Hub and we were on a talk show that Paul was hosting and Hubil had just made a viral video uh because he he did a video where he cut his penis off and it went viral and he was like so excited. I got you know, two million views and then he's like, "Oh, we have this other guy. His name's, you know, Kevin Griezler. He has a viral video, too. and it's me and and I got like 40 million followers and all I did was just make funny faces like

and, so, he, has, to, reckon, with, the, fact, he has he, could, have, just, made, funny, faces, and he's he's done something a little bit more extreme and uh yeah it was a fun sketch and um but that's what uh Greg and Mike told me they saw and they're like oh we should get

yeah, because, a, lot, of, people, don't, know you were the first person hired for parks

uh, yeah, I, met, with, them, and what, was, that, meeting, like, do, you remember it.

Well,, it, was, so, mysterious, what, they were up to. I had a meeting with them and I told them, "I don't know what you're doing, but whatever it is, that would be a dream job." And um and you know, this was like when The Office was on and Mike and Greg were both involved in that and that was, you know, my favorite show like that on the air and and so I told him, "Whatever you're up to, let me know." And then of course you know, when it all came together with you and Rashidita and everything and and

Well,, I'm, kind, of, learning, when, I, was talking to Plaza when Plaza was here she was uh talking about like her meeting with them too and

Yeah., Yeah., Very, famous, stories., Yeah. Yeah. I, know., And, it's, kind, of, funny., I, kind of forgot the Avengers Assemble feeling of those guys going out and and getting people and bringing them in and talking about like we're going to do something very cool. I mean, it it was it didn't even feel like there was a ton of auditioning. It was more just them picking people that they thought was funny.

Not, only, funny,, and, I, I, feel, like, all, of us whenever we see each other, do interviews, kind of say this kind of stuff at nauseium, but it's so true. But also just the best people I've ever met in my life.

Yeah. Like, really,, I, cannot, believe, it., Cuz we've all done other stuff. And you know, not everybody's

you, know,, look,, we've, all, done, other stuff. I don't talk about everything the way I talk about parts.

You, know,, you, do, some, things, and, some people it's different energy, not necessarily mean or bad, but just something like we all just clicked and there was a vibe that worked with all of us and and and and just to pay respect to you and Mike, you know, when I did Master None with Allan and as I become a director, I I you know, what I learned from you and Mike in terms of how to lead um I mean, I can't thank you enough. It was the the best role model I could ever have. C's see

you, know, I, I, when, I, I, started, watching your podcast and so then Park's clips started coming on YouTube and

when, I, watch, it, sometimes, I, I, just, think about us making it and and the it's funnier for me to watch the bloopers cuz that feels more like my experience

and, oh, gosh, some, of, those, things, that came up I hadn't thought about in so long and they were cracking me up. I saw this clip. It was it was it was I don't remember the context of the episode or whatever, but it's we're in Ron's office and me and Donna there's something called blouch and and and Ron has decided bronze and blush. So me and Reetta start just going bronze and blush bronze and blu. And then I jump on the table and bush run and and me and Rea's dancing is getting crazier and crazier and we're just doing just dancing dancing all over our doing all the crazy stuff and they showed that that was what we shot and then they showed the scene as it aired and it was just like run and it cut.

That's also my favorite thing. It's like I mean I love trying to if I could try to get someone to break you're pretty good. I don't I you know. Yeah

Pepperman's, pretty, high, up, on, that. Agree., He, never, cracked, up. And, oh, man,, I, there, was, a, couple, of times where I almost where where I got like I think he didn't laugh, but I think his musack may have went up a little bit and I remember one thing that you wrote. It was an episode you wrote. I was doing that puppy boys and then the and the puppy started looking at his mustache and I was like, "Hi, Mr. Ponson. I like your mustache. I'm just a little puppy." And it it all I think it almost got

it, almost, got., You're, so, right., I, mean the, the, the, the, the, set, the, the the setup there was like you had you had a chance to play around like you got to try your stuff. I mean the fact that that treat yourself is used on you know cocktail napkins and in Kmart and like it's everywhere. And I I went to some ice cream place one time and they're like treat yourself to a sample. I was like, "Can I have a sample?" I was like "Please don't please don't connect this."

Luckily,, the, person, did, put didn't, put, them, together., Yeah., I, mean, I I that's become part of the lexicon. And I can remember that moment, which by the way, it's so funny in that moment. Treat yourself because you guys say treat yourself 2011. And I'm like, oh my gosh, 2011. Remember that?

And, then, there, was, one, in, the, future that was like, treat yourself 2014. It's like it's 2025. What's happening? But I remember that episode deeply because it felt like it was a great example of the writers and the producers realizing like what made you laugh, what made Aziz laugh like what would be like a what would be fun for us? Like that's what they started doing so well.

Yes., I, think, they, they, just, the, more they got to know us and it was such a good group that you could just be like what happens if we put these two together and then of course we had like the greatest people coming in and doing bit parts and they were all just so funny and the characters another clip I watched that and I think you know talking about breaking this was is the hardest scene I've ever had to film in my entire acting career and it was and and and if It's on YouTube the the blooper of this and it's me and Do you remember the scene? It's me and Adam Scott and we're having lunch with Joan Calmed.

Yes., The, great, Mo, Collins. Mo, Collins, who, always, is, just, so, funny. And she said we're at a lunch and she says, "I'm going to go powder my nose amongst other things." And then she walks away. And then Adam comes to me and goes, and then Ben is supposed to say, "Uh, dude, is she going to go powder her vagina?" and we couldn't do it. And and this is the only time I think this ever happened on parks or anything where me and Adam were like just let's just film the rest of the stuff and we'll come back to that.

We'll, come, back., We'll, just, come, back, to the cuz we couldn't do it. And then cuz cuz it's just the most absurd task cuz he'll be like, "Okay, no, no, we got it this, time.", Okay., All right., All right, guys. Ready? Okay. Amongst other things is she you know, he could have said, "Dude, she had no power vagina." But we couldn't get through it.

And, Mo, was, so, funny, doing, it., How, she was like stumbling out of the table.

Yeah., And, then, she'd, add, some, other thing. And you're like, "You can't do that. I just stealed myself." And now you just did this other funny thing. That's not fair.

Oh, my., I, love, I, love, a, blooper., I, love bloopers in general. I love a blooper.

Yeah., But, watching, these, parks, bloopers was after I watched your thing, it put me on the algorithm. It was It was It was, so, fun., Oh,, and, you, know what, I, also wanted to say when we're in the in the parks and recreation world for a second my kids loved Aziz. They're in their late teens and when they see you on TV they go, "Oh, is turkey sandwich in this?" So, yes, my kids were little when they when I was uh shooting that show and they would come and visit and Aziz you're really good with kids

and, you, do, a, thing, that, they, love,, which is you kind of like I, don't, It's, funny., You, realize sometimes with kids with with people and kids either people like come on too strong and just like want to want want to interact and kids are like or they just you know they don't know or they're like hello young person. But Aziz would basically do these bits with them that would make them laugh so much. One of them is you would walk by my oldest and pretend to be on the phone with his best friend. Oh, what was his name?

Watson., Watson. That's, right., Oh,, hey,, Watson., What's going on? No, I'm just on set.

Yeah., And, my, oldest, would, just, kind, of listen and be like "Wait,, he's, talking, to, my, friend?", Like he was like 5 years old. And the other day as as you were just like doing funny bits with them and one day you were you were holding or eating a turkey sandwich and they started laughing and pointing at you and saying "Turkey sandwich, turkey sandwich whatever." And you loved that. I just remember you thinking it was so funny. And the other thing I just wanted you you you, mentioned, like, your, algorithm and your phone taking you to parks clips. I did want to talk to you today about your relationship to your phone.

What, is, your, relationship, to, your, phone now? I, I, try, to, stay, off, everything, as, much as I can. I

How, do, How, do, you, do, that?, Teach, me, your ways. I, I, um, uh I I have I don't have email. I haven't had email for like 10 years.

Incredible. Yeah., But, I, have, I, have, an, assistant. Okay., All, right., But, still, that, means there's also stuff like

you, know, like, flip, phone, and, if, I, get really lost I I got to either ask, people, or, or, just, call, my, wife, and be like hey

I've, had, to, do, that, before, like, call, my wife and I and it to the point where she's like kind of used to it

but and, if, you, know, I, hail, taxis, and, if there's not a taxi sometimes I'll call and be there's no one around.

So, you, don't, use, like, an, Uber, app?, I, I usually, in in, London, there's, taxis, all the time. You can handle them. And here too., Yeah., In, New York., Yeah.

Well,, why, do, you, why, do, you, have, that kind of relationship with your phone?

It, just, gives, me, more, space, to, think., I mean, I heard something about like Tarantino doesn't even have a phone. Chris Nolan doesn't have a phone. I was like, whoa, those guys are able to get a lot of stuff done. Maybe there's something to it.

It, does, feel, like, the, the, the eventual next step will be just that will be people like breaking up with their phones in that pretty consuming and uh yeah I I but that that's just me. I don't know I

no, I, relate, and, I, I'm, genuinely, asking because I feel like my relationship with my phone has just just gotten deeper and more

time, on, parks, you, told, some, told, me something about how your phone fell in the pool or something and you didn't have for a couple days and you're like this is the greatest thing ever.

Yeah,, it, definitely, feels, like, something that had has taken over. It's going to be really interesting this generation like Gen Z and Gen Alpha who have grown up with a phone in their hand.

I, saw, a, Gen, Alpha, kid, one, time, at, the airport and they had a flip phone. I guess it was like cuz some parents get their, kid, a, flip., All right,, I'll, get you flip phone. Sure. So, I saw that and then I had I had mine and I saw the kid and I went like this and dapped her flip phone and she was completely confused.

You, know,, another, thing. Can, I, see, your, flip, phone? God,, this, thing, doesn't, even, work, that well. Um I but another thing is I one time I was eating in in a restaurant in London and I heard my phone going off and I checked and nothing was going on but it was another dude that had a flip and then we just started talking and um he we were talking about all this and just joking about how like oh what do you do when you get lost and all this kind of stuff and uh you know classic flip phone guy combo and um and then he said you know the thing I think you got to avoid now is is the chatbot and I was like oh 100%.

Okay,, let's, talk, about, that., The, AI, not, the, AI,, but, just, chatbot. Chatbot, or, I, I, think, I'm, not, even calling it right, but the thing where you type the chat GBT. I call it chatbot. Yeah, but it's chat GPT. See, I don't even know the name.

Agree. I, think, this, is, like,, you, know,, it's outsourcing critical thinking. It's making everyone's opinions kind of same. This is my feeling, you know, and and I think people using it instead of Google most of the time it's wrong. And and it's just kind of like telling you what you want to hear so you can keep asking you questions and you know I someone showed me some commercial where it's like someone said like no how do I make a dinner for this girl that makes and I'm like why I would rather someone call someone and and ask someone or maybe have some sort of conversation a human thing like I it just seems like it's like outsourcing

it, is thinking, and, and, it's, like, killing, some bit, of, humanity, and, I, don't know, it, it kind of makes you I was reading some article where it said like it's making everyone a little more basic.

Ooh, yeah, that's, real., I, think, that's real. You know I've always found you to be a very curious person who's kind of interested in why we do things. Like you you're very interested in the why of like why people make choices. And I feel like definitely the last few standup specials that I've seen you do definitely have that feeling. And what is it? Are you doing standup right now? Are you out doing it at all or

I'm, I'm, just, been, promoting, the, movie now,, but, I, think, I'm, going to, go, out, um in in after the movie in like October November. Um

and, do, new, all, new, material, or, do I've, been, doing, stuff, about, like, being married and and uh you know I we're trying to like have a kid talking about all that stuff.

So, what's, it, like, being, married? Is, it, fun, being, married? No,, I, love, my, wife, very, very, much., She's great that's ever happened to me. Yeah you met her a handful of times and uh yeah, she's great.

How, did, you, meet? Uh, we, met, in, London, and, uh, you, know,, we did long distance for a while and then uh yeah, I I was like, "All right

how, has, being, married, changed, you?" I, just, feel, like, all, the, other, stuff doesn't really matter to me anymore

you, know?, I'm, just, like,, "Oh,, wow., This this person is is everything to me." And just to to have that person to come home to and to hold and that that uh that's it kind of makes everything else seem like it's less important.

I, mean, sorry, I, love, it., I'm, so, happy, for you. I'm excited to hear what you say on stage about marriage and relationship because um I've always known you to be a a person who's um has who has a lot of love to give. Oh.

Oh,, thank, you. Get, those, tears, going,, Aziz. Let's, get, those, tears, going., Chop, chop. Before we talk about Good Fortune, your new film, which looks amazing, and holy [ __ ] the cast is great and you wrote and directed it. It's so good. Um, when you were doing Master of None, it Master of None feels like a show with Alan Yang that you created.

Yeah. It, feels, like, when, I, was, when, I, was looking up and and going over your stuff and being reminded of it almost feels like a different time in television that it was precoid.

Yeah., I, mean,, was, it, it's, like, a, time capsule in New York now that show, you know, it's about 10 years old now, you know, when we were making it. And um that was when Netflix first came out. And this was this was a time when Netflix was like, you remember people would be like, "Oh, there's a new Netflix show." You know, they had so few. And so every show got their shine. And you know, when Allan and I made that show, the idea of like, "Whoa, this guy this guy that's got the brown face is starring in the show, like that was like not really happening, you know." And um

uh, yeah,, and, they, let, us, kind, of, really do what we wanted. Like you know, when people talk about, oh, you know, getting notes, they hadn't even hired people to give, notes, yet., You, know what, I, mean? And then the first season did really well. So the second season was like "Yeah, just keep doing your thing." And uh and and and it was it was just a radically different time. And now streaming and making shows and all these things have become much much different.

Yeah., The, whole, industry, is, so different. And I remember you guys feeling excited about um about doing that. What was it like to leave an ensemble and then be like the lead of a show? And and the

Well,, that's, the, other, thing, about, Parks is is Parks is not only you you're you're on this great show, but everything's taken care of. Like you just show up and you're like, "Treat yourself. Good night. See you, Z. Thanks so much. Great day at work." And and and that is not what you do on Master. Not what I did on Good Fortune. You you have to pick you know, people I think sometimes

you, know,, they're, like,, "What, is directing?" You don't really, it's kind of a vague thing. And and it's really you're just deciding everything, you know? You're like, "Okay, well, okay. Where where does the scene take place? Okay, a restaurant. Okay, let's go drive around and look at how many restaurants got to pick the restaurant. What are the people wearing?" You're you're making so many decisions. You're crafting everything and you're there and then and you have to, you know, I I'm writing everything, too. So, you have to write it and then you have to figure out how everything's going to look and make all these decisions and then you have to edit it and you have to make sure it all works. And it's a much more involved process. Uh and and just acting is a much different, you know, simpler gig you know.

Um what, part, of, directing, surprises, you that you like so much? I, just, love, these, moments, where, you've written something and you have your actors and you know, you had in your head certain way and then someone does something a little surprising or it just goes to another level. and and you know when I I was looking at some behind the stuff scenes for good fortune and this I really enjoyed the stuff where I wasn't acting and I was just over the side and like you know it was like Hanu and Seth and they were doing something that was cracking me up and I was just you know laughing in and you know trying not to

mess, up, the, scene, and, um, those, moments are super fun. I mean there's another there's a scene where they're like riding in a car and and um they were like okay do you want to follow them in the van be on the radio? I was like oh those radios always cut out I'm just going to hide in the back seat. So I was like curled up like this and I was just like yelling jokes and and you know Seth and Kiana are so iconic and like hearing them say the jokes like the way you have it in your head but also a little funnier. I mean that that when it really feels like you're a little kid playing those those are the best parts. You know what I mean?

Totally., and, and, and, also, to, be, allow yourself to still do that because sometimes I think you know when you're working on anything that you created no matter it doesn't have to be a film it can be anything that you made and you like hand it over and and people then start to work on it it's hard to not to not be too um rigid about it like you want you have an idea of how it's going to go and it's supposed to go that way and

the, reason, why, we, work, with, other, people is to collaborate. Yeah., Yeah., to, and, to, play, like, that, and to see what they have to say and and I love collaborating with actors, which is something I learned from um from our experience on Parks, you know, Mike and all the writers, they would take all these little things like, "Oh Offerman's into woodworking. Maybe that oh, he plays a saxophone, maybe, you know,

and, and, I've, always, spent, a, lot, of, time trying to get to know the people that I work with and try to figure out how to put more of them into it and try to understand who they are to help write the character better, make it feel more like them." Um, let's talk about Good Fortune because that cast is Okay, so first of all, is Kano as nice as he seems.

He, He's, the, best. He, seems, incredible. Yeah,, he's, the, best., And, he's, also, he's like the sweetest guy, but he's also like the coolest guy in the world. Like he kind of balances both things. Like you know, we'll do like rehearsals at my house or whatever and Kean will show up like on a motorcycle. Like he looks like he drove from an anime movie straight into reality. Then he gets out, he's wearing like all black. He's got like a backpack from the future. He takes it off. He's got boots on and and he's just the coolest. And me and Seth are just like

I, mean, I, don't, know., I, don't, like, that Kean was still driving a motorcycle. I want him off that motorcycle for for insurance purposes.

Is, riding, that, motorcycle., I'm, like No. No. He loves his motorcycle. Yeah.

And, Seth, and, Kiki, you've, worked, with before. Kiki is the best. You, got, to, meet, Kiki., Kiki, is, one, of, my favorite people.

I, have, met, Kiki. You, have?, I, got, the, privilege, of, doing her podcast. Oh,, you, did?, We, did, her, podcast,, too., It was so fun.

So, fun., Kiki, and, I, have, had, dinner,, not to brag, by ourselves, just the two of us.

She's, like, in, Australia, now., We, rarely get to see each other. She, works, all, the, time., She's, so, She, is so naturally funny. I've described Kiki. She is a a movie star. Hilarious.

She, once, told, me, her, aunt, died, in, a, way that was really funny, and I was like "How did you do that?" I'm laughing and you tell me till your aunt died.

She, is, so, quick., She, She's, so, sharp. She's so talented. I mean, she's just as good a singer and performer as she is an actress.

We, had, the, scene, where, me, and, Kiki, are dancing and I was like working with some choreographer and then Kiki is just like, "Oh, yeah." And then just does all this crazy stuff. And I'm like, "Oh

yeah., She, is, a, she's, so, talented.", And, I mean, the cast is really awesome. How did you um I guess like how did you let everybody play an experiment on the like was did was it a was it that kind of set like did you

Yeah,, I, mean, I, think, look, if, you, cast the right people it's all going to come together in a and gel in a nice way and and you know I I spent a lot of time rehearsing with everybody so we kind of

Okay., Do, you, like, to, rehearse? I, like, to, spend, a, lot, of, time., So, we because you know when you're actually on set, that is the most precious time when the camera's rolling to get to that moment. It it's so precious and you're always don't have enough time blah blah. So the more time I can spend with these people beforehand and rehearse and kind of

make, sure, everything, sounds, right beforehand and and you know rewrite things to make it really sound like them, then when we get on set there's just less we're already kind of almost there.

Yeah. U, but, of, course, once, you're, there, in, the place with the clothes and everything else, you come up with new ideas. they're so comfortable with you know Keanu at first I think Keanu was a little he as a comedy guy as much as me and Seth but he he got into it and he he would improvise and stuff a little bit

and, I, I, told, Seth, I, was, like, could, you imagine if like we did an action movie how how awkward like kind of what I'm

I'm, going, to, push, back, on, that, because, I feel like we would be great as an action movie. I Cuz I want I want us to be able to do more action.

Really? Don't, you, wish, you, could, do, a, film, where you get to just say one line a day?

Oh,, yeah., Kiana, barely, speaks, in, those movies. What do you, mean?, You, know,, when, I, was, a, kid,, my favorite movies were all action movies. And my favorite movies were like Terminator 2 and Die Hard. And I mean, I still love those movies. Those are some of my favorite movies, but I I loved action movies as a kid. when I was a little kid I that you know it's I I was I mean I I like comedy and all this stuff but

I, feel, like, once, you, start, talking, you it's diminishing returns like once you actually start talking in film everyone's like oh that's how they talk oh they're saying that like but if you never talk

like, which, are, you, trying, to, be, like, in a Fast and Furious movie what's the action movie

I, would, like, more, of, like, a, boring identity oh, whoa just, walking, through, the, streets, of, a European city

I, like, that leather, jacket, I, feel, like, everyone would like if if I did that everyone would go like on the screen.

Well,, that's, a, sometimes, sometimes people send me stuff that's more serious. I'm like, they're just going to think I'm too silly to be this guy.

I'm, and, it's, going, to, hurt, the, movie., I can't do it for you. I, know, what, you, mean., I, can't, show, up, as the villain and people aren't going to be like, "She's too nice. She's going to change her mind." I do think it's amazing when people like decide to do a a 180 as an actor and then they play someone really horrible and you're just like, "Oh no, we love that person." And now they're

Some, people, can, do, it,, you, know?, Even when Keanu and I one day we were doing some press stuff together and and there was like a room that I was waiting in in between and it would happened to be like John Wick weekend and like I was watching, some, of the, Wick, stuff., I'm like, "Wow, I can't believe he did this and then plays this very silly guy in my movie." And it's the same guy. It's it's it's really impressive. He just also has um a great reputation for being a wonderful person, Keanu. Like it just seems like you know, those kind of things um just get out into the world and he just seems like he's handled his giant fame and his like very long um

yeah,, he's, been, a, long, long, time., Yeah. I mean, when I was about to meet him, I did like a little film festival and I was re-watching like Parenthood and and

Parenthood., I, just, saw, rewatch Parenthood on the plane. It's so good. It's, incredible.

It, is., It's, so, good. I, I, during, that, weekend, that, it, with, the John Wick weekend, they showed Parenthood, too, and I was watching in between and I was just very

different. I know. Do you Are there films that you go back to that are like your comfort watches? It's like if you're if you're if it's a rainy day and you're like I'm going to, put, on, a, movie., Do, you, like, to watch films?

I, I, love, watching, films, and, and, there's definitely like a film nerd element to my wife to my life and and um

uh, yeah,, the, movies, I, go, back, to, a, lot. I love you know I you know working on this I I and and all the time when I'm writing I revisit a I revisit like Being John Malovich a lot. I love that. I love Eternal Sunshine. Smile Eternal Sunshine. Um, those two I visit a lot. I love those. And then I love watching just older movies, too.

Me,, too., I, mean,, I, I, I, feel, like, the, the joy of getting older is like looking back and realizing, oh, there's a lot of stuff I still haven't seen, you know?

Oh,, yeah., It, never, ends. I, know. I, mean,, that's, the, thing, that, got, me into being more diligent about watching film was, you know, I realized, oh, all these directors that I love, whether it's like Scorsesei or Paul Thomas Sanders, whatever, they've seen every movie. And I was like, that can't be a coincidence. I got to be honest sometimes it's overwhelming. Like the way people who make films talk about films definitely makes me feel like stressed.

Oh,, I, had, to, go, on, like, TCM, or, whatever and I was like, "Hey man, I I might get some things wrong here cuz like Scorsese will be like and and the person that did the craft services here um you know, he was making these ham sandwiches that had this special kind of cheese that that everybody loved and uh Greta Garbo didn't like them. So he for her he would do it with turkey and you how

totally, tell, it's, like, I, don't, know, I don't know it I know it's just and and it and it definitely feels like that feeling like when you have an oral exam in school like

watching, parks, and, recreation, and, you know any Polish kids call it these I'm sorry turkey sandwich

how, do, you, remember, all, this I, know, it's, intense, okay, speaking, of food though turkey sandwich and food I want to talk to you about food

sure okay, before, we, wrap, Because, I, feel, like the food, your relationship to food is is ties in into the bigger idea of you like trying to open yourself up to a lot of stuff in life like being curious.

Sure. You, growing, up,, what, was, the, food, you were eating growing up? I, My, mom, would, cook, Indian, food, and there was a woman that took care of us. Her name was Miss Biola and she cooked southern food. So there would be, you know, Indian food like biryani or whatever and then there'd be like chicken and dumplings and

incredible. Weirdly, I, think, would, eat, a, little, bit of both. So, I, grew, up, on, southern, food, and, Indian food.

Okay., And, then, when, did, you, become, when did you start realizing like I I actually care very much about what I eat and I want to learn how to cook and be a good cook.

It's, interesting, you, ask, because, I, think people think of me as like oh that was all the restaurants. Like I know I actually like just cook at home all the time now. I love to cook and and that um uh

I, think, it, happened, and, a, lot, of, it, was during co I started cooking more and more and it was kind of what our day was based around. It's like oh we're going to cook cuz I I was in London during co and and the farmers markets and stuff didn't close and you kind of walk around and and so food became a way to kind of structure your day a little bit.

Yeah. Um, but, during, CO, I, wanted, to, learn, all my mom's recipes and uh so I asked my mom to help me cuz Indian food is very intimidating. I I um but it's not a Wait, do I ever send you those cookbooks I make? I make these cookbooks for friends. Uh I got to send you one. I'm sorry.

No, I'll, send, you, all, of, them. Wait,, wait., So So, you, like, transcribed your mom's recipes?

Not, all, of, them,, but, like, every, year like during Christmas time, I make this. I'm so sorry I haven't sent it to you. I'll send it to you. No worries. But uh yeah, I uh I I just whatever I've been cooking that year and I've done I started during co and then and I just kind of kept it going.

Oh,, that's, awesome., But, Indian, food, is what I really love to cook. What, What, makes, Indian, food, like, for, for a person just cooking like hard to cook? Why, is that?

It's, nothing, hard., It's, just,, you, know, I would ask I'm like, "Oh, how much of that, coriander, powder, did, you, put in?" It's like, "I don't know. I didn't me," you know, and you're like, "Wait, but but and you're scared that you're going to mess it up." But it's not like baking, you know, where like, "Oh, if you put like a teaspoon too much, it's not really going to screw it up too much." And the other thing that's super helpful is YouTube. if you can because you can watch there's all these people in in uh like you know aunties and stuff in India that have YouTube channels and they show you how to cook everything and seeing it visually makes it a little less intimidating and you just got to do that first trip to the Indian store and and get I always think that term is kind of funny that's what everybody calls like the Indian grocery store they call the Indian store but that sounds like

you're going and buying Indian people no, you're, not ingredients but, uh, you, just, got, to, get, all, the, stuff and they keep in the pantry and then it's like oh yeah everything's like "Oh, yeah. Slice some onions and some little ginger garlic and then some spices and then maybe a tomato and then you put the chicken in, stir it around 20 minutes, it's done." But

wait,, can, I, tell, you?, So,, I, cooked, for Rashidita like, a, week, ago. Mhm.

She, lives, really, close, to, me, and, uh, her family came over and she brought her little kid and she was like I was like cooking Indian food and she's like, "Can you make something for him? Something not too intense." I was like "Oh, I got it. I got to make him chicken 65." That's like it's like chicken like Indian chicken nuggets almost. They're like little pieces of chicken. Little kids love it. So every little and every kid loves it. And so I made him Chicken 65 and he ate it and then he started going crazy. He just like had so much energy. And then I realized it's because the chicken 65 they put red food coloring in it to make it bright red and the red food coloring has that dye that makes the kids go crazy.

Go, crazy., It, got, him, pumped, up. Yeah., So, now, whenever, they, come, over, I just make a bunch of chicken 65 and he goes nuts. Well, it is so funny they say that because we do a thing here on the podcast where we like to talk to somebody before the podcast. We talk well behind their back

and, I, get, a, question, and, I, just, talked to Rashidita. Oh,, well. And, Rashidita, just, told, us, that, you, made her chicken 65.

She, loves, it., She, was, like, she's, like she she was like let's comfort her again. I was like what do you watch chicken 65?

She, loves, it., And, and, you, know, in, many ways I we both we Rashidita and I feel like we were your auntie at times on that show and I know Rashidita and you guys like and she was talking about like how you know what we were talking about earlier that you are um like what she really respects about you is the way that you're a curious person always trying to um learn more about yourself and the world. And her question was um and she was you know saying you're a very very good chef.

Oh chef, or, cook?, What, would, you, say?, Chef cook a little more seems like someone else has to call you.

I'm, not, that, good., I'm, not, that, great. Um, if, you, get, the, right, hat,, you, become a chef. You just put it on. Um but um as a cook, she wanted me to ask you what is your um favorite thing to cook? Uh I love to cook Indian food and I love cooking stuff. I think there's something special about the food you ate growing up and the food your family made. And um I think there's some you know one time I went to India and I stayed for a little extra time and and I asked my family I was like oh who's like really like kind of the, mean, cooks, like, who, can, I, learn from? And I stayed for a couple days with this uh some people that were a little bit distant relatives like my aunt sister or something like that. And um they showed me so much stuff and and and uh

they, were, cooking, in, their, home, and showed you. Yeah., And, just, learning, like, home, food that comes from your family. I think there's something special about it and and you know cuz that's I think that's something important to pass down and and you know my own my own parents you know they're they're all healthy and everything but you know you start thinking about their their time and and and just like oh wow like uh it's a piece of your family history that I think is cool to try to preserve. I feel like you also took cooking lessons somewhere else too. Did you go to Italy or

in, season, two, of, Master?, That, also, gave me a big help to be comfortable in the kitchen. So it it made it less intimidating. But uh season 2 took place in Italy. So before we filmed it, I I went and lived in this town in Italy and I I uh learned Italian a little bit and and I worked in these kitchens and these places and and these these people did not really know who I was and I was like, "Yeah, I'm working on a TV show." And they're like, "Oh, okay." And then but they they let me work in the kitchens and I I I uh

I, learned, a, lot, from, these, these, people that were there and they were so nice and um it it kind of gave me some confidence to to kind of start with the Italian food. And then I there was a couple of Indian things I could make but then when during co I really started I had more time. I had nothing to do. So I was just like okay I'm going to keep pushing this. I always say this, I did not grow up cooking at all. And my I had a busy working mom who, you know, in I grew up in the 70s and early 80s, so I didn't have a ton of, you know, we we didn't have like a cooking family. And I always say it's never too late to start trying because it is very like lowrisk high reward. Like try a dish and if it doesn't work, you just nobody knows. You can just throw it away. Like you can just And when it does work, you feel like incredible. Repetition is the father of learning.

Yes. Lil, Wayne, said, that. He, did. He, did. Yeah. Amazing. I, mean,, I, don't, know, if, he, was, quoting someone else.

Maybe., Maybe., Maybe., Um,, we'll, see. We'll look it up. What are you laughing at these days? What are you watching reading? I know you're not addicted to your phone. You have a flip phone. Um, but what are you what do you do to laugh? Where do you go

for, laugh?, What, did, I, watch, to, laugh recently? I, know, cuz, it's, kind, of, hard, when, comedy is your job.

Yeah., You, don't, watch, as, much, comedy sometimes. I, don't, you, and, and, you, know, when, you when you when you come from the stand-up world, we all know that the way standups laugh is they just watch each other and go.

Yeah., Yeah., Yeah., It's, a, different thing. They, go,, "Yeah,, that, was, funny.

What, was, I, laughing, at, recently?" I, know., Anything, that, you, do, when, you're trying

I, just, my, You, know,, every, now, and, then my wife will show me some silly internet thing. She she showed me something and it was like it was like a meme of like a dolphin look. It was like looking happy and it was like me letting the flight attendant know I'm ready for a snack and it was a dolphin just like like just stupid stuff like that.

Let's, look, up, that, dolphin. I I, think, it's, a, dolphin. I, love, a, meme.

Um, yeah,, those, kind, of, things., Um, movies and stuff. What? I'm trying to think. Um

smiling., I, love, some, of, those, old, movies like The Apartment. Like just those things just make me laugh so hard.

Um you, don't, you, don't, go, on, Tik, Tok, or anything like that, right? No,, I, never, really, been, on, Tik, Tok.

I, mean,, I've, seen, videos., I'm, not, like, a you know, I've seen some of the stuff. Some of that stuff has made me laugh but sometimes I see the stuff I don't understand.

It's, not, him. It's, not, him. Oh,, yeah., Yeah., Yeah., Yeah. Well,, it's like, a, cookie., That's, pretty, close., But the the the one my wife sent me, the the dolphin had a better smile. I got to find it. I got to send it to you later.

Um,, do, you, watch, anything?, Are, you watching any shows right now that like is is, you know, uh, I mean, it it's an interesting time right now for comedy. I mean, Good Fortune is a great example of like there's not a lot of just straight comedies out there in the world right now.

To, be, like, an, original, idea, that's, a comedy that's in theaters. Like to have even one of those three now

is, wild., It, is. And, I,, you, know,, Seth, and, I, were, always talking about this of how we wanted the movie to be theatrical and how, you know, I remember going in New York when I was in school going to see like Anchor Man and, you know, 40 version, all these movies and just being in like a back theater and just dying and and I think that's that's something I miss and I hope I hope it comes back and I hope more people get to make comedies and and um that we get that back cuz it's so much better to be in a group and laugh.

You know, if you go to a live show, you know, if you go to a live show at like a UCB or standup tour, there's so many people there and you don't realize how much the other people that experience is part of it. Like if you come see me do stand up at a theater, it's oh man we're having a great time. But I just came to your house and just started doing standup and you're sitting by yourself. That's

I'd, be, like,, how, did, you, get, into, my house? This, is, not, a, good, experience., This, is But that to me is like the, you know streaming a movie and being on your phone at the same time is like not the same thing. I know. It's back to the phone. It's back to the phone. And the the theater is still the only place where you're not allowed to be on your phone.

I, love, going, to, the, movie, theater., It's so fun. I'm, so, happy, that, you, came,

Z., I, I, I, got, to, tell, you,, I, I, you, know, when whenever uh I I was like, "Okay, we got to do this press tour for the movie." I was like "Oh, well, I know one thing I'll be looking forward to very much." And that was this and spend time with you.

Same. Um, it's, it's, it's, always, a, pleasure, when we get to see each other. And uh thank you for having me.

Turkey, sandwich., I'm, so, happy, that, you came. Hold, on, one, second. Hey, Watson. Yeah. Yeah. I'm just finishing up the pod. Um, okay. I'll see you there.

What? How, do, they, know, what? No,, I, haven't, seen, Archie, and, Abel, in, a long time. What?

I, don't, know., I, think, I, think, they're, in their, 20s., All right., Take, care,, Watson. Bye.

Thank, you,, Aziz., Sorry,, for, coming, by, um and hanging. It was so great to see you and to go down memory lane and um talk about all the good things ahead. And now it is time for our Polar Plunge. And today's Polar Plunge is presented by BMW Certified. In a world full of uncertainty, BMW certified pre-owned vehicles are the real deal. They come with a BMW certified warranty, genuine BMW parts, and an additional 3 years of 247 roadside assistance. Visit bmwusa.com/certified-preowned to learn more. So, for this Polar Plunge, I just want to stick up for my phone a little bit. I feel like we've we've been pretty hard on the phone uh in this episode, and we've talked about how bad it is for us. And look, I agree but my best friend gives me a lot of things. It helps me track my other friends and send them creepy texts like "Uh, I see that you're at the airport.

Have a good flight." My phone lets me buy things by just going beep just sweep swiping it across a thing and you don't even, know., You, don't even, have, to, take out your credit card. My phone um it just tells me about all the awful news that's happening minute by minute all over the world. And if I missed it, it pops up to remind me. So just take it easy on my phone, okay? It's my best friend and um it's never let me down. Uh but but seriously, help help me help me get away from it. Uh please help. So today's Polar Plunge was presented by BMW Certified. As a BMW certified owner you receive the performance you expect plus the warranty and assistance you deserve. Learn more at bmwusa.com/certified-preowned.

Thank you, Aziz. Thank you for everyone listening to GoodHang, and we'll see you again. Bye.

You've, been, listening, to, Good, Hang., The executive producers for this show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss Berman, and me, Amy Polar. The show is produced by The Ringer and Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by Jack Wilson, Cat Spalain, Kaia McMullen, and Aia Xenerys. For Paperkite, production by Sam Green Joel Levelvel, and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music by Amy Miles. really good. Hey

Questions about this episode

What is discussed in "Aziz Ansari | Good Hang with Amy Poehler"?

In order: 0:00 Aziz Ansari, Chicken 65, Good Fortune, London; 10:00 South Carolina, L'Oréal Paris, Uber Eats, Jersey; 20:00 Comedy Cellar, Funny or Die, Greg Daniels, Human Giant; 30:00 London, Adam Scott, Alan Yang, CJ Watson; 40:00 Good Fortune, John Wick, Die Hard, Fast and Furious; 50:00 Chicken 65, Greta Garbo, Lil Wayne, London; 1:00:00 BMW Certified, Aia Xenerys, Amy Miles, Archabald (Archie).

What is mentioned in this Good Hang with Amy Poehler episode?

72 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Good Fortune, London, South Carolina, Chicken 65, Parks and Recreation, CJ Watson. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Aziz Ansari | Good Hang with Amy Poehler"?

The episode runs 1 h 5 min; the transcript is about 13,658 words in 268 timestamped sections.

More from Good Hang with Amy Poehler

About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated November 19, 2025.