Ariana Grande - Good Hang with Amy Poehler Recap

Podcast: Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Published: 2025-11-18

Duration: 1 hr 7 min

Guests: Ariana Grande, Bowen Yang

Summary

Ariana Grande shares her journey through music, acting, and personal growth, highlighting her experiences working on 'Wicked' and her collaboration with Bowen Yang.

What Happened

Ariana Grande joins Amy Poehler on 'Good Hang' to discuss her experiences in the entertainment industry, starting with her love for Christopher Guest and the comedic influences from her childhood, such as watching 'Best in Show' and bonding with her father over comedy. She shares her transformative experience working on 'Wicked', emphasizing the importance of authenticity and how it has helped her connect with her art and herself more deeply. Ariana highlights her friendship with Bowen Yang, noting how their genuine bond formed during rehearsals for 'Wicked' and how it contributed to a collaborative and supportive environment on set.

Bowen Yang, who appeared briefly in the episode, shared insights on his creative process and the importance of not forcing friendships in professional settings. He recounted how Ariana played a key role in helping him manage his commitments between SNL and filming 'Wicked', showcasing her supportive nature. Amy and Ariana also delved into the challenges and joys of performing live, with Ariana reflecting on her vocal training and preparation for the role of Glinda.

Ariana talks about her early comedic experiences, including doing stand-up as a child, and how comedy has been a significant part of her life. She expresses her admiration for Mariah Carey, both as a musical influence and a kind person she has had the opportunity to sing with. The conversation further explores Ariana's personal growth, where she discusses the importance of following authentic impulses in her career choices.

The episode touches on the dynamics between Ariana and her family, particularly the amusing story of her brother Frankie's coming out to their grandmother and her reaction. Ariana's family plays a pivotal role in her life, providing a supportive and humorous environment that she cherishes.

Ariana also shares her appreciation for her friendship with Cynthia Erivo during the filming of 'Wicked', highlighting the importance of female solidarity and mutual support in the industry. They made a conscious effort to check in with each other and maintain a positive working relationship amidst the pressures of their roles.

Towards the end of the episode, Ariana and Amy engage in a lighthearted discussion about their shared love for baths and the rituals they have around them. Ariana describes her bath routine as a place for relaxation and productivity, where she often reviews work materials.

The conversation closes with Ariana discussing her ongoing projects, including filming 'Falker-in-Law' with Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, which she describes as a fun and educational experience. She conveys her excitement for future creative endeavors while maintaining a balanced approach to her career and personal aspirations.

Key Insights