The Odyssey
Homer
Mentioned 2 weeks ago
Matt Damon
Book Recommendations
Good Hang with Amy Poehler
Come hang with Amy Poehler. Each week on her podcast, she'll welcome celebrities and fun people to her studio. They'll share stories about their careers, mutual friends, shared enthusiasms, and most importantly, what's been making them laugh. This podcast is not about trying to make you better or gi...
Episodes
73
Books
29
Recently mentioned
Latest Recommendations
The Martian
Andy Weir
Mentioned 2 weeks ago
Matt Damon
To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee
Mentioned 4 months ago
Viola Davis
Judge Stone
James Patterson
Mentioned 4 months ago
Viola Davis
Heartburn
Mentioned 4 months ago
What Makes the Guests of 'Good Hang' Laugh
The Art of the SNL Portrait
Mary Ellen Matthews
Mentioned 4 months ago
Stories from ‘Saturday Night Live’
Little Women
Louisa May Alcott
Mentioned 5 months ago
Claire Danes
The Fourth Turning Is Here
Neil Howe
Mentioned 6 months ago
Jennifer Lawrence
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Anne Lamott
Mentioned 7 months ago
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Bird by Bird
Anne Lamott
Mentioned 7 months ago
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Tender Mercies
Kitty Thomas
Mentioned 7 months ago
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Somehow
Anne Lamott
Mentioned 7 months ago
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Most Recommended
Heartburn
40th Anniversary Edition – with a Foreword by Stanley Tucci (Virago Modern Classics)
During the episode, Amy and Regina discussed the book, praising its honest storytelling and successful film adaptation. They highlighted its relatable, human moments and encouraged listeners to check it out. Their tone was enthusiastic, presenting it as a must‑listen recommendation.
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Episode: Regina Hall
Amy and Regina discussed the novel Heartburn, praising it as a great and honest film adaptation and recommending listeners to check it out.
"
I have comfort watches. I've seen Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally 5,000 times. Yeah. And Heartburn. I kind of like Laura Heartburn. Isn't it? Heartburn is one of my-- Heartburn is one of my-- Heartburn is one of my--
Check out Heartburn, everybody. It's so good. And it's so honest.
And I love Heartburn. Even before the--even in the beginning when it was like, should we get married? Remember behind when she had the cold heat? Yes. So good. So human.
Episode: What Makes the Guests of 'Good Hang' Laugh
The host recommended the book, saying it was good, honest, and that they loved it.
"
Check out Heartburn, everybody.
Check out Heartburn. It's so good. And it's so honest. ... I love Heartburn.
The Name of the Wind
In the episode, the hosts highlighted the book as a beloved fantasy novel and part of the Kingkiller Chronicle series. Amy Poehler expressed her personal love for it and excitement about the upcoming sequel. The discussion conveyed strong enthusiasm, indicating a high recommendation for listeners.
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Episode: Maya Hawke
The hosts mentioned The Name of the Wind as a beloved fantasy novel by Patrick Rothfuss, noting it is part of the Kingkiller Chronicle series and expressing excitement for its upcoming sequel.
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He wrote a book called The Name of the Wind. It's part of the King Killer Chronicles. It's a fantasy novel.
I want to mention again a fantasy book that I love. It's called The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.
Harry Potter Hardcover Boxed Set
Books 1-7 (Slipcase)
In the episode, Maya Hawke referenced the series, noting how a mother's protective spell leads to her sacrifice and serves as a common trope. She used the example to illustrate a story element, mentioning the title in passing without recommending it.
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Episode: Maya Hawke
Maya compared a story element to the Harry Potter series, recalling how the mother's protective spell appears in the books and noting the common trope of a parent's sacrifice.
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I kind of remember... Harry Potter's mom protects Harry Potter with a magical spell. I remember the mother dying because the mother always has to die for the kid to be on an independent adventure.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
A Journal of My Son's First Year
It was noted that Anne Lamott had written the book Operating Instructions as part of her prolific career.
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And if you don't know Anne Lamott's work, she is a very prolific and successful author who has written books like OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS and Bird by Bird and Tender Mercies, many, man...
— Episode: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
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Episode: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
It was noted that Anne Lamott had written the book Operating Instructions as part of her prolific career.
"
And if you don't know Anne Lamott's work, she is a very prolific and successful author who has written books like OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS and Bird by Bird and Tender Mercies, many, many works of fiction.
Bird by Bird
Some Instructions on Writing and Life
It was mentioned that Anne Lamott authored the wellknown guide Bird by Bird.
"
And if you don't know Anne Lamott's work, she is a very prolific and successful author who has written books like Operating Instructions and Bird by Bird and Tender Mercies, many, man...
— Episode: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
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Episode: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
It was mentioned that Anne Lamott authored the wellknown guide Bird by Bird.
"
And if you don't know Anne Lamott's work, she is a very prolific and successful author who has written books like Operating Instructions and Bird by Bird and Tender Mercies, many, many works of fiction.
The Grapes of Wrath
In the episode, Cole Escola mentioned having performed in a regional production of the title and said they earned $50. The remark was shared as a brief anecdote rather than a recommendation, and no further discussion of its content or merits was offered.
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Episode: Cole Escola
Cole said they performed in a regional production of the play and earned $50 for the role.
"
I was in, like, a regional production of The Grapes of Wrath. I made $50.
The Outsiders
During the conversation with the guest, the hosts referenced the classic novel while discussing its film adaptation, noting that the movie was great. Amy Poehler mentioned it in passing as part of the dialogue about the adaptation.
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Episode: Reneé Rapp
They mentioned the classic novel when discussing a movie adaptation, noting it was a great film called The Outsiders.
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there was a movie, a great movie called The Outsiders. Do you know that movie? Heard of it.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Viola Davis compared the courtroom drama of Judge Stone to the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, invoking its memorable characters and tension.
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But, you know, even like To Kill a Mockingbird, which, you know, the courtroom was pulsating, you know, Tom Robinson, Mayella Yuo. It was just heartstopping, right? But the characters...
— Episode: Viola Davis
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Episode: Viola Davis
Viola Davis compared the courtroom drama of Judge Stone to the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, invoking its memorable characters and tension.
"
But, you know, even like To Kill a Mockingbird, which, you know, the courtroom was pulsating, you know, Tom Robinson, Mayella Yuo. It was just heartstopping, right? But the characters within it were just as memorable as the trial.
The Fourth Turning Is Here
What the Seasons of History Tell Us about How and When This Crisis Will End
The hosts expressed strong enthusiasm for the title, noting that it explained an 80‑year historical cycle and forecast that millennials would become the next generation of heroes. They highlighted the book’s insight into how each generation resolves periods of chaos, framing it as a compelling framework for understanding the current era.
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Episode: Jennifer Lawrence
They said the book explained 80year historical cycles and predicted millennials would be the next generation of heroes, expressing strong enthusiasm for its ideas.
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There's this book that I'm obsessed with called The Fourth Turning. And it's all about how 80 years of history just keep repeating itself. And we're kind of getting at the end of the chaos era, which makes sense, right? For the past like 20 whatever years. But it's like each generation throughout the years have come forward to save like, you know, different eras from peril. And the millennials are going to be the heroes in the next, the next.
Little Women
by Louisa Alcott | Complete Hardcover Edition
The hosts referenced the book while discussing a reshot death scene, noting how its emotional impact mirrored the moment they were describing. They used the novel as a comparison to illustrate the intensity of the scene, but did not give a formal recommendation.
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Episode: Claire Danes
The hosts referenced the novel while discussing a scene where a character's death was reshot, noting the emotional impact of the story.
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I think of Little Women and you're dying. And I got a little carried away. I told this story to Matthew Reese and he calls me Deathrattle Danes.
Little House on the Prairie
Full Color Edition (Little House, 3)
During the episode, Amy Poehler mentioned the book as a classic frontier series that evoked thoughts of homesteading and gardening. She suggested that listening to its story could provide a soothing, nap‑inducing experience, highlighting its calming effect. Her tone indicated strong endorsement of its comforting qualities.
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Episode: Kate McKinnon
A classic series of frontier novels that Amy referenced as soothing listening while thinking about homesteading and gardening.
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It made me think about Little House on the Prairie and Laura Ingalls Wilder.
If you need to take a wonderful nap, put on an old episode of Little House on the Prairie and the sound of the clipclop of the horses and the music... It's going to knock you out.
The Odyssey
The hosts highlighted the book as a timeless epic whose themes have resonated for millennia, noting its lasting cultural impact. Guest Matt Damon reflected on its representation of aging and described it as a long, meditative journey. The discussion conveyed strong admiration for the work’s enduring relevance.
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Episode: Matt Damon
The hosts said the story was a timeless epic that audiences had read and studied for millennia, and they compared the film's themes to the ancient text's lasting resonance.
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How do you compete with the imagination of people who have read and studied The Odyssey? I mean, it's like you're competing with the idea of The Odyssey in a way.
It's probably the most famous story ever told. I watched it and it's been swirling around in my head, obviously, because of what it represents. But I'm thinking about it as this meditation on aging.
The Odyssey is a long trip.
Talk about The Odyssey, man.
Go see The Odyssey. I mean, The Odyssey doesn't need me to pump it. Everyone in the world is going to go see it.
Cinema Speculation
Amy noted that she read the book to explore the movies that shaped the author's taste, listening to each chapter while watching the referenced films. She highlighted it as a way to gain insight into his cinematic influences and expressed enthusiasm for the experience.
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Episode: Jack Black
Amy mentioned that she reads Tarantino's book to learn about the movies that shaped his taste, listening to chapters while watching the referenced films.
"
I read this book, Cinema Speculation, by Quentin Tarantino. And he just talks about the movies that shaped him and that he loves.
The Martian
A Novel
The book was briefly referenced when the hosts discussed Matt Damon, noting his role in the film adaptation and the title's popularity. Amy mentioned the connection to emphasize Damon’s recognizable work, without offering a recommendation. The mention served mainly as a cultural reference rather than an endorsement.
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Episode: Matt Damon
Matt Damon was described as the actor from The Martian, highlighting the novel's popularity and his role in its film adaptation.
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He's the guy from The Martian or We Bought a Zoo and then Good Will Hunting and then he's Jason Bourne.
The Bourne Identity
During the episode, Aziz Ansari mentioned the title while saying he would like to star in an action film reminiscent of the book. His comment highlighted the story’s spy‑thriller vibe as a source of creative inspiration, but no formal recommendation was made.
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Episode: Aziz Ansari
Aziz expressed that he would like to do an action movie similar to The Bourne Identity.
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I would like more of like a Bourne identity.
Luna and the Witch Throw a Halloween Party
In the episode featuring Aubrey Plaza, she announced a new Halloween-themed title she co-wrote with Murph, describing it as a fun party book for the season. The mention was brief and promotional, highlighting the book's theme rather than providing a detailed endorsement.
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Episode: Aubrey Plaza
The conversation mentioned that Aubrey Plaza and Murph had a new book released titled "Luna and the Witch," described as a Halloween party book.
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You and Murph... we have a new book coming out... It's called Luna and the Witch. Throw a Halloween party. It's a Halloween party.
Boxing Day (The Donora Story Collection)
In the episode, Hayley praised the title for its validation of women's experiences, saying it resonated with her reading. Amy also expressed admiration for the author, highlighting a broader appreciation for influential women. Their comments conveyed a strong endorsement of the book.
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Episode: Hayley Williams
Hayley mentioned reading Kathleen's book and how validating it was to read about women's experiences. Amy later mentioned bowing down to the great Kathleen Hanna, referencing her as an incredible activist and musician.
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it's so validating by the way, to read books like your book and Kathleen's book and, and read about women.
And always bow down to the great Kathleen Hanna.
Heartburn
40th Anniversary Edition – with a Foreword by Stanley Tucci (Virago Modern Classics)
In the episode featuring Natasha Lyonne, the hosts highlighted the title as an intense character study of a marriage breakup, praising its beautiful, honest storytelling. Amy recommended listeners read the book before watching the movie adaptation, reflecting strong enthusiasm for the work.
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Episode: Natasha Lyonne
It was highlighted as an intense character study of a marriage breakup and was praised as a beautiful piece of honest storytelling.
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I remember my first gig, Heartburn. I was just an extra asleep on a lap; it felt like a big deal in my house.
That is the book Heartburn by Nora Ephron. I would advise reading the book and then watching the movie.
The Art of the SNL Portrait
In the episode, host Amy Poehler highlighted the newly released collection of Mary Ellen Matthews' iconic SNL photographs, expressing excitement about seeing the images and praising the photographer's work. She encouraged listeners to check out the title, noting it showcased many memorable SNL figures and called Matthews the best photographer around. The overall tone was an enthusiastic endorsement.
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Episode: Stories from ‘Saturday Night Live’
The book, which features the incredible photographs taken by Mary Ellen Matthews of SNL figures, was recently released. The host expressed excitement about seeing the book and hearing about the photographer's job.
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And just recently, her new book, The Art of the SNL Portrait has come out.
So many of them are in your book. The Art of the SNL Portrait, your book. I'm so excited to see it in your little paws.
Well, everyone should check out The Art of the SNL Portrait. Mary Ellen Matthews, the best photographer around.
This American Woman
A One-In-A-Billion Memoir
In the episode featuring Zarna Garg, host Amy Poehler highlighted the title as a New York Times bestseller she had read and found moving. She praised it as a page‑turning memoir that was fascinating, hopeful, and at times dangerous, urging listeners to check it out. The overall tone was highly positive.
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Episode: Zarna Garg
The book was highlighted as a NewYorkTimes bestseller that Amy Poehler had read and found moving and pageturning, praising its fascinating and hopeful portrayal of Zarna's life.
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We're going to talk about your book, This American Woman, the hit bestselling New York Times bestseller.
Your book, which I had the pleasure to read and loved and told you, and it really was moving.
Look, I've read a lot of autobiographies and blurbed a lot. And this reads like a pageturner. This is--your life is really, really fascinating, extreme, hopeful, at times dangerous.
Your book, This American Woman, check it out.
Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.