Aziz Ansari | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

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.

[Music]. 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. [Music]. 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. >> 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. lipstick and then all of a sudden you. got mascara on your lips and you're. like, "This is not the kind of look I. want to bring to the very fancy dinner. party that I'm about to have." So, now. that Sephora is on Uber Eats, you can. get all your beauty essentials delivered. for the same price as in store. Plus, treat yourself to $10 off when you spend. $50 or more on your first Sephora order.

on the Uber Eats app. Order Sephora on. Uber Eats today. Offer ends October. 30th. One order per customer. Additional. terms apply. See app for availability. Delivery fees may apply. Woohoo! >> This episode is brought to you by. L'Oreal Paris. Youngerlooking skin seems. to take a million products these days. You've got to hand it to the Revita Lift. Triple Power Moisturizer by L'Oreal. Paris. It reduces wrinkles, firms, and. brightens all in one. It's like three.

steps of your routine morphed into one. superpowered moisturizer. You're out the. door faster, your bathroom is less. cluttered, and your skin youthful as. ever. Revitalize your skin care routine. and your complexion with the Revital. Lift Triple Power Moisturizer by L'Oreal. Paris. Order now on Amazon. >> 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.