Amy Poehler just made Golden Globes history.
The beloved “Parks and Recreation” star took home the inaugural Best Podcast award for “Good Hang With Amy Poehler,” marking a significant milestone for both her career and the evolving entertainment landscape.
Her win represents something bigger than just another trophy—it signals how podcasting has officially entered the mainstream awards conversation.
And Poehler’s journey from comedy icon to podcasting champion happened in just 10 months.
A Rapid Rise to Golden Globe Glory
“Good Hang With Amy Poehler” launched from Paper Kite Productions and The Ringer less than a year ago. Despite being relatively new to podcasting, Poehler’s show became an instant sensation.
Early episodes featured conversations with comedy heavyweights like Martin Short, Ike Barinholtz, and Quinta Brunson. She also reconnected with her “Weekend Update” co-anchor Tina Fey and “Parks and Recreation” co-star Rashida Jones, creating genuine moments that resonated with listeners.
Humble Acceptance With Signature Humor
In her acceptance speech, Poehler acknowledged her status as podcasting’s newest player while maintaining her characteristic wit.
I just want to say that I know I’m new to this game. I have great respect for this form. I have great respect for all the people that I am nominated with.
Then she delivered a perfectly timed jab at the podcast industry’s current state.
I’m big fans of all of you – except for NPR! Just a bunch of celebs phoning it in. Try harder!
The joke landed perfectly, poking fun at how saturated podcasting has become with celebrities from film and television.
Full Circle at the Golden Globes
This moment carried special significance for Poehler at the Globes ceremony. She’d previously received three acting nominations for her iconic role as Leslie Knope on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.”
More notably, she served as host for the ceremony four times, sharing duties alongside Tina Fey. Now she stood on the same stage accepting her first Golden Globe trophy.
The Heart Behind the Podcast
Poehler’s speech revealed the deeper purpose driving her podcast work.
This is an attempt to try to make a very rough and unkind world filled with a little bit more love and laughter, and laughing with people, not at them. We just have such a good time making it. Thank you so much for letting us make more.
Her words captured what makes “Good Hang” special—it’s not just entertainment, but an intentional effort to create connection and joy during challenging times.
Podcasting Takes Center Stage
The category itself made waves at the ceremony. Presenter Snoop Dogg handed Poehler her trophy while teasing his own potential podcast ambitions.
Y’all better hope I never get in the game. Actually I’m in a game: representing podcasts. It is popping right about now.
Host Nikki Glaser launched the category with a pre-recorded sketch parodying Nicole Kidman’s iconic AMC Theatres commercial, substituting movie magic for podcast enthusiasm.
The Competition Was Fierce
Poehler faced formidable competition in this inaugural category. Nominees included:
- “Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard” – Known for intimate celebrity conversations
- “Call Her Daddy” – Alex Cooper’s cultural phenomenon
- “Smartless” – The comedy trio of Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes
- “The Mel Robbins Podcast” – Motivational content from the bestselling author
- “Up First” – NPR’s daily news briefing
These nominees were selected from 25 eligible podcasts invited to submit entries, determined by Globes data partner Luminate.
What This Means for Entertainment’s Future
The Best Podcast category follows the Globes’ 2024 launch of Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television. Both represent strategic moves by the ceremony to recognize top talent in an expanding entertainment industry.
Personality-driven productions now sit at the center of audience attention. Traditional boundaries between film, television, and digital media continue blurring.
Podcasting has evolved from niche medium to mainstream powerhouse—and now it has Golden Globe recognition to prove it.
A Legacy of Laughter
Poehler’s Golden Globe win cements her status as a multi-platform entertainment force. From “Saturday Night Live” to “Parks and Recreation” to hosting duties and now podcasting excellence, she’s consistently delivered authentic connection through comedy.
“Good Hang” lives up to its name precisely because Poehler brings genuine curiosity and warmth to every conversation. She laughs with guests, not at them—creating space for vulnerability alongside humor.
In less than a year, she proved that being “new to this game” doesn’t matter when you approach it with respect, talent, and heart. The Golden Globe now sitting on her shelf confirms what listeners already knew: Amy Poehler really is the best hang around.