Sarah McLachlan - Good Hang with Amy Poehler Recap

Podcast: Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Published: 2026-02-17

Duration: 1 hr 3 min

Guests: Sarah McLachlan

Summary

Sarah McLachlan discusses her journey from a bullied teenager to a successful musician, her experiences with Lilith Fair, and her views on being a woman in the music industry.

What Happened

Sarah McLachlan talks about her early life in Canada, mentioning how she was bullied in school but found solace and redemption in music. She shares the story of her first public performance where the microphone cut out, and people didn't believe it was her singing. Despite these challenges, she pursued her passion and secured a record deal at 19.

Sarah describes the moment she first heard her song on the radio, which was a significant validation for her. She reflects on her songwriting process, particularly how some songs like 'Angel' came to her effortlessly, and how she's seen them impact people deeply over the years.

The conversation shifts to the Lilith Fair, a music festival she co-founded that celebrated female musicians and defied industry norms by proving that women could sell tickets. She recounts the initial skepticism from promoters and how the success of the festival was a gentle rebellion against those who doubted it.

Sarah discusses her experience with Lilith Fair, emphasizing the community and camaraderie among the female artists who participated. She highlights the importance of providing a supportive environment, which was an extension of her ethos of respect and care for everyone involved.

Sarah also talks about her daughters and the joy of having them sing on her latest record. She shares insights into her parenting journey, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she's learned about communication and empathy.

The episode touches on broader themes of women's empowerment and the societal changes Sarah has witnessed throughout her career. She reflects on the judgment women face, both in the music industry and as mothers, and the importance of having open conversations on these topics.

Sarah wraps up by discussing her hobbies and interests outside of music, such as jewelry design and her love for surfing and skate skiing. She shares her sleep routine and the role of red light therapy in maintaining her well-being.

Key Insights

• Sarah McLachlan co-founded Lilith Fair, a music festival that challenged industry norms by proving female musicians could successfully sell tickets, despite initial skepticism from promoters.
• The song 'Angel' by Sarah McLachlan was written effortlessly and has had a profound impact on listeners, highlighting the emotional connection her music can create.
• Sarah McLachlan's daughters contributed vocals to her latest record, reflecting her approach to parenting that emphasizes communication and empathy.
• Sarah McLachlan incorporates red light therapy into her sleep routine as part of her strategy for maintaining well-being.