Parks and Recollection
78 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 3.5K ratingsTreat yo’ self! Join Jim O’Heir - a.k.a. Jerry Gergich - and writer Greg Levine as they *literally* break down every episode of Parks and Recreation. From Ron Swanson’s love of various meats to Leslie Knope’s unwavering commitment to the people of Pawnee (and waffles), each week Jim and Greg relive their municipal glory days with exclusive behind-the scenes stories from the set and writers’ room. And along the way, they’re joined by cast members, writers, and friends of the show - people like Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Aisha Muharrar, and Jon Glaser. Whether this is your first time watching or you feel like a Parks Department regular, grab your favorite Sweetums snack and let DJ Roomba drop the beat!
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Alan Sepinwall: Halloween Surprise (S5E5)
April 16, 2024 04:05 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBRolling Stone’s chief TV critic Alan Sepinwall joins Jim O’Heir and Greg Levine to break down the “fart attack” heard ‘round the world and Ben and Leslie’s heartwarming proposal. Plus, Alan discusses the joys of sitting in on the Parks writers room, the challenge of writing a negative episode review for a show that you love, and the satisfaction of gleaning a wildly successful career out of watching television. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email at ParksandRecollectio...
Darlene Hunt: Sex Education (S5E4)
April 09, 2024 04:05 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBSTDs, paper iPhones, and a robotic congressman—Jim O’Heir and Greg Levine discuss it all in this week’s walkthrough of “Sex Education”. In this episode, Leslie Knope launches a safe sex initiative for Pawnee’s senior citizens, Tom goes on a technology detox after crashing his car while texting, and April and Ben try to decipher if Congressman Murray is actually a robot. Plus, Darlene Hunt (The Big C) joins Jim and Greg to discuss her recurring role as Pawnee’s morality watchdog Marcia Langma...
Jon Glaser: How a Bill Becomes a Law (S5E3)
April 02, 2024 04:05 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBYou just got JAMMED! Jon Glaser (Jeremy Jamm himself!) joins Jim O’Heir and Greg Levine in this week’s walkthrough of “How a Bill Becomes a Law” to break down Leslie Knope’s first encounter with the Pawnee councilman we love to hate, the 311 hotline that leads Ron Swanson to find the love of his life, and the reason Ben and April can’t make it out of the parking garage. Plus, Jon reveals the origin story of his character’s iconic quaff and how well Jeremy Jamm would fit into today’s politica...
Mary Faber: Soda Tax (S5E2)
March 26, 2024 04:05 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MBBroadway star Mary Faber joins Jim O’Heir and Greg Levine to discuss her recurring role as Pawnee’s Restaurant Association member Kathryn Pinewood. In this episode, they discuss soda cups large enough to hold a liquified toddler, the first cries for Leslie Knope’s recall, and the underlying attraction between Pinewood and another one of Leslie’s nemeses, Councilman Jamm. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email at [email protected]!
Ms. Knope Goes to Washington (S5E1)
March 19, 2024 04:05 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBSenator cameos, D.C. location shoots, AND a live pig named Tom—Jim O’Heir and Greg Levine break it all down in this week’s walkthrough of “Ms. Knope Goes to Washington.” In Parks & Recreation’s season five premiere, Leslie is off to the Capitol to visit Ben and apply for a federal grant to clean up Pawnee’s riverbed, leaving Ron Swanson in charge of the The Leslie Knope Employment Enjoyment Summerslam Grill Jam Fun-Splosion. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email at P...
Adam Scott: Win, Lose, or Draw (S4E22)
March 12, 2024 04:05 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MBAdam Scott (Ben Wyatt himself!) joins Jim O’Heir and Greg Levine to discuss his character’s surprising plot twist in Parks & Recreation’s season four finale: “Win, Lose, or Draw”. Plus, the instant connection he felt to Amy in their first scene together, the ballroom dance lessons he took with Jim, and the cryptic note Aubrey Plaza passed him during his first table read. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email at [email protected]!
Aisha Muharrar: Bus Tour (S4E21)
March 05, 2024 05:05 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBThe writer most compared to Leslie Knope, Aisha Muharrar (Parks and Rec, Hacks, The Good Place) joins Jim O’Heir and Greg Levine to discuss “Bus Tour”. In this episode, Aisha breaks out her Parks notebook recounting the time Amy Poehler helped her out of a jam, the logistics of maneuvering a full-sized campaign bus through a small Los Angeles neighborhood, the hidden sweetness of April Ludgate, and just how many pies to the face Jim had to endure while filming. Got a question for the Pa...
The Debate (S4E20)
February 27, 2024 05:05 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBDust off your podium - Jim O’Heir (Jerry Gergich himself!) and writer Greg Levine are back to discuss “The Debate”! In this episode, Jim and Greg break down Leslie Knope’s face-off with a slew of Pawnee’s City Council hopefuls (including local porn star Brandi Maxxxx and Sweetums heir Bobby Newport), Andy Dwyer’s one-man reenactment of the movie “Roadhouse”, and Ron Swanson’s scaling of a telephone pole. Plus, they dive into which character’s backstory would make the best prequel series in o...
Parks and Recollection Announcement
August 25, 2023 17:16 - 2 minutes - 2.37 MBJim and Greg are pressing pause on Parks and Recollection until the SAG-AFTRA strike is resolved. Please stay subscribed to this feed, and follow @teamcocopodcasts on socials for the latest news on Parks and Recollection!
Live Ammo (S4E19)
August 22, 2023 04:05 - 53 minutes - 49 MBJim O’Heir (Jerry Gergich himself!) and writer Greg Levine are here to discuss a very “West Wing” episode of “Parks & Rec!” “West Wing” super-fan Greg walks us through all the references, from the episode’s title to the appearance of guest star Bradley Whitford. They also discuss working with animals, Greg’s tours of the “West Wing” Oval Office, Ron Swanson’s reluctant yoga journey, and much more. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email at ParksandRecollectionTownHall@g...
Hadley Hall Meares: Lucky (S4E18)
August 15, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 70.2 MBHow “Lucky” are we? Jim O’Heir (Jerry Gergich himself!) and Greg Levine are back to discuss Season 4, Episode 18 - it’s “Lucky!” They discuss the return of Ron’s post-coital polo shirt, Jerry’s mechanical envelope-stuffing method, Andy’s Women’s Studies exam, why it’s so fun to see Sean Hayes play an asshole, and much more. And stick around for an interview with our friend, Hadley Hall Meares, discussing her time as Amy Poehler’s stand-in on “Parks & Rec!” This episode was recorded on July ...
Rob Lowe: Campaign Shake-Up (S4E17)
August 08, 2023 04:05 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBRob Lowe returns to talk “Campaign Shake-Up!” Rob and our hosts Jim O’Heir and Greg Levine discuss this episode’s appearance from the legendary Carl Reiner, how a magazine cover altered the character of Chris Traeger, the comedic talent of Kathryn Hahn, and much more. This episode was recorded on July 13, 2023.
Norm Hiscock: Sweet Sixteen (S4E16)
August 01, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBParks writer Norm Hiscock (whose illustrious writing credits include King of the Hill, Saturday Night Live, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine) joins Jim O’Heir and Greg Levine to discuss “S4E16: Sweet Sixteen” (written by… Norm Hiscock!). They discuss Jerry’s leap year birthday, R&B star Ginuwine, the joys of a simple plot, Wheels for Meals on Wheels, and Jim’s emotional backstory for this episode. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email at [email protected]! ...
Dave Returns (S4E15)
July 25, 2023 04:05 - 49 minutes - 45 MBJim O’Heir (Jerry Gergich himself!) and Greg Levine are here to discuss “Dave Returns!” They discuss Adam Scott’s tour de force performance in this episode, the triumphant return of Mouse Rat, Jim and Greg’s shared love for “We Are the World,” what if Jerry had a Duke Silver-style alter ego, and much more! Treat yo’ self and give it a listen! Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email at [email protected]! This episode was recorded on June 26, 2023.
Operation Ann (S4E14)
July 18, 2023 04:05 - 50 minutes - 45.8 MBHappy Galentine's Day! This week, Jim O'Heir and Greg Levine are talking "Operation Ann." Leslie Knope makes it her mission to find Ann Perkins a Valentine's date, Ron Swanson proves himself to be a master puzzle-solver, and, for one beautiful moment, Chris Traeger contemplates a life with Jerry Gergich. It’s an excellent Valentine’s Day episode - treat yo’ self and give it a listen! Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email at [email protected]! ...
Kevin Dorff: Bowling for Votes (S4E13)
July 11, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 64.5 MBComedian, actor, and writer Kevin Dorff (known for his work with Conan O'Brien and his appearances on shows like The Office, 30 Rock, and White House Plumbers) joins Jim O'Heir and Greg Levine to discuss his role as Derek in “Bowling for Votes.” Yes, this is the episode where Ben Wyatt punches a guy. It’s also the episode where: Jerry Gergich gives a stranger his social security number, Tom Haverford stumbles upon the most effective (and most embarrassing) bowling technique in history, a...
Campaign Ad (S4E12)
July 04, 2023 04:05 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBJim O’Heir (Jerry Gergich himself!) and writer Greg Levine are back to discuss S4E12 of Parks and Rec - it’s Campaign Ad! Jim and Greg discuss the arrival of Bobby Newport, Paul Rudd’s method acting, the Better Better Business Bureau, Greg’s brief turn as a film star, and so much more. Treat yo’ self! Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email at [email protected]!
Mike Scully: The Comeback Kid (S4E11)
June 27, 2023 04:05 - 56 minutes - 51.8 MBWriter Mike Scully (The Simpsons, King of the Hill) joins Jim O'Heir and writer Greg Levine to talk about one of our favorite Parks episodes: it’s S4E11, The Comeback Kid (written by Mike Scully)! They discuss one of the all-time funniest Parks & Rec bloopers, Ben Wyatt’s descent into madness, a delightful three-legged dog named Champion, and, most importantly, that chaotic scene on the ice rink. Give it a listen and treat yo’ self! Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email ...
Jason Mantzoukas: Citizen Knope (S4E10)
June 20, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 56.8 MBJason Mantzoukas joins Jim O’Heir (Jerry Gergich himself!) and writer Greg Levine to discuss “Citizen Knope” and his role as the Fragrance King of Pawnee: Dennis Feinstein! They discuss Jason’s various roles in the Schur-verse (Parks and Rec, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place), a major change in Leslie’s political campaign, Jerry’s perfect Christmas gift, Barney Varmn's accounting firm, and much more. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email at ParksandRecollectionTownHal...
Rob Lowe: The Trial of Leslie Knope (S4E9)
June 13, 2023 04:05 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MBOur friend and (former host of this very podcast!) Rob Lowe joins Jim O’Heir and writer Greg Levine once again to discuss the wonderful world of Pawnee! This week, we’re talking S4E9: The Trial of Leslie Knope. They discuss Rob's viral 9-1-1: Lone Star moment, the evolution of Chris Traeger’s character, the amazing Helen Slayton-Hughes (better known to Parks fans as court stenographer Ethel Beavers), the power of specificity in comedy, and a very important revelation about Jerry Gergich's bi...
Chelsea Peretti: Smallest Park (S4E8)
June 06, 2023 04:05 - 52 minutes - 47.9 MBThe hilarious Chelsea Peretti (Netflix, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) joins Jim O’Heir (Jerry Gergich himself!) and writer Greg Levine to discuss the best writer’s room snacks, an important moment in Ben and Leslie’s relationship, working with the brilliant Harris Wittels, and much more. It’s Season 4, Episode 8 (directed by the brilliant Nicole Holofcener): “Smallest Park!” Chelsea also discusses her upcoming feature directorial debut, “First Time Female Director" - co-starring and produced by Amy P...
The Treaty (S4E7)
May 30, 2023 04:05 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MB“We got the freaking Moon!” Jim O’Heir (Jerry Gergich himself) and writer Greg Levine are discussing Season 4, Episode 7 of Parks and Recreation - it’s “The Treaty!” A meeting of the Pawnee Central High School's Model UN club leads to a historic face-off between Leslie and Ben, Ron and Tom interview some terrible job applicants (including Kyle Mooney and the show’s actual accountant!), and Chris seeks dating advice from his co-workers (including, for some reason, his girlfriend’s father). It...
Natalie Morales: End of the World (S4E6)
May 23, 2023 04:05 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBHail Zorp! Actress/director Natalie Morales (who Parks fans know and love as Lucy!) joins Jim O’Heir (Jerry Gergich himself!) and writer Greg Levine to discuss one of our favorite Parks episodes: End of the World. The three discuss the surprise return of Lucy, Andy Dwyer’s bucket list, the finances of Entertainment 720, and much, much more. See Natalie in the upcoming comedy film “No Hard Feelings” (starring Jennifer Lawrence) this summer!
Sarah Wright Olsen: Meet ’N’ Greet (S4E5)
May 16, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 69 MBIt’s a Gergich family reunion! Sarah Wright Olsen (aka Millicent Gergich) joins her TV dad Jim O'Heir and writer Greg Levine to discuss her days on Parks, her TV mom Christie Brinkley, and much more. Jim and Greg also recap a great Halloween episode of Parks, featuring rubber nipples, blood orphans, and the spookiest man in Pawnee - Orin. Treat yo’ self!
Pawnee Rangers (S4E4)
May 09, 2023 04:05 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBThe episode that birthed a cultural phenomenon - Jim O’Heir and writer Greg Levine are here to discuss “Pawnee Rangers,” better known as the “Treat Yo’ Self” episode! Yes, it’s the B-story that (accidentally) changed the way we talk about self-care forever. Jim and Greg discuss Treat Yo’ Self Day, the Pawnee Rangers vs Pawnee Goddesses, Greg's stint as Pierre, Chris' budding romance with Jerry's daughter, and much more. You will not want to miss this episode!
Mo Collins: Born & Raised (S4E3)
May 02, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 70.3 MBJim O'Heir (Jerry Gergich himself!) and writer Greg Levine are joined this week by actress and comedian Mo Collins, who Parks fans know and love as Joan Callamezzo, the host of Pawnee Today. They discuss one of our favorite Parks scenes of all time - and explore what makes Mo such a gifted comedic performer. Jim and Greg also discuss Leslie’s shocking birthplace, Ann’s quest to make Ron and April enjoy chatting with her, and much more. Treat yo’ self!
Ron and Tammys (S4E2)
April 25, 2023 04:05 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MBJim O'Heir (Jerry Gergich himself!) and writer Greg Levine are here to discuss another great episode of Parks and Recreation: Ron and Tammys. They discuss the brilliant Patricia Clarkson's performance as Tammy One, why we all idolize Paula Pell (who plays Ron's mom, Tammy Zero), and Jim explains the secret behind proper jug chugging. Treat yo’ self!
Rob Lowe: I’m Leslie Knope (S4E1)
April 18, 2023 04:05 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBWelcome back to Pawnee! Today Rob Lowe ushers in a new era of Parks and Recollection, handing over the reins to our new hosts: the great Jim O’Heir (Jerry Gergich himself!) and writer/script coordinator Greg Levine. Our hosts discuss the show’s jam-packed season four premiere, featuring the start of Leslie’s city council campaign, the first appearance of Tammy One, and an important revelation about Jerry’s, ahem, package. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email: ParksandRec...
Parks and Recollection is back on April 18th!
April 14, 2023 20:11 - 43 seconds - 679 KBYour favorite Parks and Recreation rewatch podcast is back with new hosts! Jim O’Heir (Jerry Gergich himself!) and writer/script coordinator Greg Levine are taking the reins, and they couldn’t be more excited to have you along. Each week, Jim and Greg will talk through a new episode of Parks and Rec, breaking down all our favorite moments and characters. Join them in Pawnee every Tuesday, beginning Tuesday, April 18! Special guests include Rob Lowe, Jason Mantzoukas, Chelsea Peretti, and...
Li'l Sebastian (S3E16)
July 26, 2022 04:00 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MBToday Rob Lowe and Alan Yang have a huge show for a small horse when recapping the season three finale of Parks and Recreation. In "Li'l Sebastian" Leslie and the Parks Department organize a memorial for a departed friend. In this episode you'll find out how an awkward encounter in the writer's room caused one of the funniest jokes on the show, which character is like Colossus from The X-Men, why changing Tom's career trajectory was important, an update on Biff Yeager, and a huge bombshell i...
The Bubble (S3E15)
July 19, 2022 04:00 - 46 minutes - 43 MBThe hilarity is popping in Pawnee, when Rob Lowe and Alan Yang discuss S3E15 of Parks and Recreation! In "The Bubble" Leslie's mom makes a pass at Ben, not knowing that he and Leslie are dating. On today's episode the team share how fun it is to have Chris interacting with all of the parks department, Greg gives insights on his first writing credit, and why it took so long to get Marlene back in an episode! All of this and some surprising data about opening credits. Got a question for the Pa...
Road Trip (S3E14)
July 12, 2022 04:00 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBGrab your banjo and put on your seatbelts because today Rob Lowe and Alan Yang are watching S3E14 of Parks and Recreation! In "Road Trip" Chris sends Leslie and Ben on a trip to the capital while Tom's new game creates tension between April and Andy. In this episode you'll hear why the rare bonding moment between Ann and April was important, Mike Schur's love of Neutral Milk Hotel and hate for hot fruit, how RoLo's Banjo improv came to be, and why creating a mix CD is a true artform. All of ...
The Fight (S3E13)
July 05, 2022 04:00 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MBPawnee is full of clearances and apologies when Rob Lowe and Alan Yang tackle S3E13. In The Fight Tom invites everyone to the Snakehole as he debuts a new drink, and Leslie encourages Ann to apply for a job with the city. On today's episode find out how front loading the B-story helped the slow burn of the A-story, why Janet Snakehole has a Mid-Atlantic accent, and which actors improvised their drunk talking heads. All of this and some interesting talk about agents! Got a question for the Pa...
Eagleton (S3E12)
June 28, 2022 04:00 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBCall your friends and welcome them to Pawnee. Today Rob Lowe and Alan Yang are watching S3E12. In "Eagleton" Leslie is forced to deal with a former beloved colleague-turned bitter enemy when a neighboring town separates a shared park with a fence. On this episode find out how amazing it was to work with Nicole Holofcener, why a trash fight convinced Parker Posey to be in this episode, what in this script made Rashida cry, and why Alan never keeps ice cream in his home! Got a question for the...
Jerry's Painting (S3E11)
June 21, 2022 04:00 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBYou never know when inspiration will strike while visiting Pawnee—and today Rob Lowe and Alan Yang are inspired by S3E11 of Parks and Recreation! In "Jerry's Painting" Chris deals with community uproar over Jerry's new painting, and Ben tries to help teach Andy and April responsibility after he moves in with them. On today's episode you'll hear why Ben couldn't just live alone, how it was important for Chris to deliver non-jokes in a humorous way, and how a misbehaving Leslie strengthened th...
Soulmates (S3E10)
June 14, 2022 04:00 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBGrab your food rakes because today Rob Lowe and Alan Yang are swiping right on S3E10! In "Soulmates" Leslie is matched up with Tom on an Internet dating website, while Chris and Ron compete in a hamburger cook-off. On today's episode find out why clarity in comedy helps the audience laugh, how copyright trouble helped make better comedy, and why RoLo loves this episode! All of this and why Danny Glover's love for prop food is rivaled only by Chris Pratt's. Got a question for the Pawnee Town ...
Andy and April's Fancy Party (S3E9)
June 07, 2022 04:00 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBToday Rob Lowe and Alan Yang are celebrating love in this landmark Parks and Recreation episode! In "Andy and April's Fancy Party" April and Andy's dinner party turns into a surprise wedding. On today's podcast you'll hear why this unwieldy script gave the actors more drive, how airconditioning can be funky on set, the silliness of a rare Donna and Ann B-story, and why Tom Cruise had a tooth removed in The Outsiders. All of this and the first appearance of Orin! Got a question for the Pawnee...
Camping (S3E8)
May 31, 2022 04:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBPack your bags because Rob Lowe and Alan Yang are heading to the Disney Ranch to recap S3E8 of Parks and Recreation! In "Camping" Leslie takes the whole department camping in order to brainstorm new ideas. On today's episode find out how this episode mirrored the writer's room retreats, why team building exercises didn't always help build the team, and some insider knowledge on a filming technique called the Texas Switch. Come for the Parks and Rec recap, stay for the NCIS lore! Got a questi...
Harvest Festival (S3E7)
May 24, 2022 04:00 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBIt's a festival of massive proportion on today's episode, when Rob Lowe and Alan Yang recap S3E7 of Parks and Recreation. In "Harvest Festival" the day before the fest, a local Native American leader places a "curse" on the event because Leslie refuses to give in to his demands. On today's episode find out what happens when the entire town of Pawnee comes together, the origin of Li'l Sebastian, we get to the bottom of the Matchbox 20 / Rachel Ray mystery, and why a drone shot was necessary f...
Indianapolis (S3E6)
May 17, 2022 04:00 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBToday we're taking a trip, as Rob Lowe and Alan Yang recap the sixth episode of Parks and Rec's third season! In "Indianapolis" Leslie and Ron journey to Indianapolis to receive a commendation from the state. On today's episode find out why S3E6 could have been the last episode for Chris Traeger, how the Ron Swanson meat meme evolved, how blocking for tv works, and the rare dramatic turn in this episode that raised the stakes! All of this and your host's favorite steakhouses! Got a question ...
Media Blitz (S3E5)
May 10, 2022 04:00 - 42 minutes - 39 MBGet your stories straight, because it's another great day in Pawnee. Today Rob Lowe and Alan Yang tackle the fifth episode of season three of Parks and Rec. In "Media Blitz" Leslie hits the Pawnee media circuit to promote the Harvest Festival, but Ben freaks out on air when his past is exposed. In today's episode you'll hear the writing team's favorite line ever delivered on the show, why some characters had goofier names than others, and why UCB performers did so well on the show. Got a que...
Ron and Tammy 2 (S3E4)
May 03, 2022 04:00 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBTammy is back! Today Rob and Alan talk about the very powerful fourth episode of season three. In "Ron and Tammy 2" Ron breaks up with Tom's ex-wife, and decides to get back together with Tammy. In this episode find out what happens when you try and save the integrity of a script from a pile of wild jokes, what kind of dog Chris Traeger would be, how Ben's awkward nature is based off Mike Schur, and why it was ok to take liberties with the reality of the show when Tammy shows up. Got a ques...
Time Capsule (S3E3)
April 26, 2022 04:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBToday's episode shines like glitter when Rob Lowe and Alan Yang revisit the third episode of season three of Parks and Recreation. In "Time Capsule" A crackpot handcuffs himself to a pipe in Leslie's office and demands that "Twilight" be placed in the Pawnee time capsule. In today's episode you'll hear why Rob wishes he could work with a giant lizard, what happens when you're required to shoot episodes out of order, how entertaining it is to work with Will Forte, and the divisive nature of D...
Flu Season (S3E2)
April 19, 2022 04:00 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBGrab your waffles and chicken soup—today Rob Lowe and Alan Yang are watching an iconic episode of Parks and Recreation. In "Flu Season" Leslie gets sick right before an important fundraising pitch for the Harvest Festival while Chris tries frantically to avoid catching the bug. In today's episode you'll hear why Rob saying "Stop Pooping" was so important, the impact of "Spa-nee" on treating one's self, and how the Harvest Festival storyline helped keep Chris and Ben as main characters. Got a...
Director Dean Holland: Go Big or Go Home (S3E1)
April 12, 2022 04:00 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBCan you believe season 3 is here? Alan and Rob are back with director Dean Holland to talk through the season premiere! In “Go Big or Go Home,” Leslie plays matchmaker with Ann and Chris in hopes of securing a bigger budget for the parks department. On this episode you’ll hear about the labor that went into Ron Swanson's Pyramid of Greatness, how Chris Traeger came to be a three-dimensional character, the ups and downs of the editing room, and how Alan’s hometown inspired Ice Town! Got a...
Freddy Spaghetti (S2E24)
April 05, 2022 04:00 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBIt's the end of Season 2, but just the beginning of the podcast now that RoLo is on the screen! Today Alan Yang and Rob Lowe discuss the season 2 finale of Parks and Recreation. In "Freddy Spaghetti" Leslie tries to skirt the rules to hold a children's concert in the vacant lot. In this episode you'll hear why you never see the inside of Ann's house, how Chris came into his own character, a writer's horror story from Producer Greg, and a little gift from Mark Rivers. Got a question for the P...
The Master Plan (S2E23)
March 29, 2022 04:00 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBWe've made it! Today Alan and Rob talk about an incredible turning point in the Parks and Recreation universe—the 23rd episode of season 2. In "The Master Plan" Everyone is excited about celebrating April's 21st birthday except Leslie, who is preoccupied with the prospect of her budget being cut by the state auditor's office. On today's episode you'll hear the secret to the Chris Traeger cadence, the origin of the "Ann Perkins!" tag line, and the classic Tom Cruise / Kenny G synthesis! Got a...
Costume Designer Kirston Mann: Telethon (S2E22)
March 22, 2022 04:00 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBPawnee fit check! Today Parks and Rec costume designer Kirston Mann joins Rob Lowe and Alan Yang to talk about the 22nd episode of season 2. In "Telethon" Leslie struggles to fill the overnight hours at a local telethon when Tom and celebrity guest Detlef Schrempf are sidetracked at the Snakehole Lounge. On today's episode you'll hear why Ann Perkins is the best dressed person in Pawnee, how Kirston helps get to the bottom of the Ron Swanson suit mystery, as well as a unique story about Pa...
Susan Yeagley: 94 Meetings (S2E21)
March 15, 2022 04:00 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBOur friend Susan Yeagley AKA Jessica Wicks joins us in Pawnee today—to speak with Alan and Rob about the 21st episode of season 2! In "94 Meetings" Leslie goes all out to save a gazebo on the historical register from being destroyed. On today's show you'll hear how Susan made her character more nuanced the second time around, how working with Amy was like working with a Jedi, and the secret origin of April's nickname! Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email: ParksandRecoll...
Summer Catalog (S2E20)
March 08, 2022 05:00 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBToday in Pawnee we're flipping through another episode as Rob and Alan take on the 20th episode of season 2. In "Summer Catalog" Leslie decides to take Ron and the past directors of the Parks Department out for a picnic lunch, while Tom enlists the help of Ann and Mark to pose for the catalog cover photo. On this pod you'll hear about Rob's first visit to the set, how Mark's story initiated its close, and the unique call back to our previous episode "The Stakeout." Got a question for the Paw...