Kerry Washington
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In this heartfelt episode of Good Hang with Amy Poehler, legendary actress Kerry Washington opens up about her multifaceted life—from her roots in the Bronx to her groundbreaking role as Olivia Pope on Scandal. She reflects on how her upbringing instilled a fierce work ethic and resilience, shaped by a community that demands hustle and pride. Washington shares deeply personal stories, including her emotional journey of discovering she was conceived via sperm donation after being raised with a different family narrative, and how this revelation brought greater authenticity and grace to her family. She discusses her commitment to activism, not as a side gig but as a fully integrated part of her life, inspired by figures like Jane Fonda and Eve Ensler. Her approach to parenting, leadership, and even directing emphasizes empathy, presence, and community. The conversation also dives into her joy in everyday moments—watching Amazing Race with her kids, practicing kitsugi (the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold), and finding humor in her children’s sharp wit. Throughout, Washington radiates warmth, intelligence, and a grounded sense of purpose, proving that strength, visibility, and joy can coexist.
Lead by example with joy and humility—your energy shapes the culture around you.
True activism is sustainable when it’s integrated into your life, not just performed.
Healing begins when families stop performing perfection and embrace honest, vulnerable connection.
Children thrive when they feel safe to be seen, challenged, and even teased with love.
Breaks and wounds aren’t flaws—they can become sources of beauty and strength when honored.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Welcome to the Hang: Kerry Washington’s Legacy
Amy Poehler introduces Kerry Washington as a cultural icon, setting the tone for a deep dive into her life, career, and values. The episode begins with a sponsor plug for Allstate and a preview of Tony Goldwyn’s admiration for Kerry.
Tony Goldwyn’s Love Letter to Kerry
“That's quintessential Kerry Washington. I mean, I want to talk to her about that because she has this work ethic that's really, really, you can feel it and it's, you know, it feels very collaborative and inclusive.”
The Bronx: Where Hustle and Heart Are Born
“The Bronx is like the underdog borough. It's like the forgotten borough. You know, like Brooklyn had Spike Lee and Queens has all the airports... but the Bronx is like the forgotten borough and people... don't expect much of you when you're from the Bronx.”
From LSATs to Acting: A Sliding Doors Moment
“I remember sitting on the train. And a plane going over and thinking, nope, there's nowhere else I want to be. Wow. I want to be right here. How cool.”
Olivia Pope: A Teacher of Leadership
“She taught me how to be a number one at work and in my life. She taught me how to step into leadership and not shy away from it and to be team captain, to not be afraid of it.”
“By highlighting them with gold, you actually bring beauty to the broken spaces and you honor that the places where we are wounded and broken are what make us most beautiful.”
“I remember sitting on the train. And a plane going over and thinking, nope, there's nowhere else I want to be. Wow. I want to be right here.”
“We're just not as afraid to hurt each other as we used to be. And that's huge.”
Host
Guest
Kerry Washington
person
Scandal
other
Tony Goldwyn
person
Shonda Rhimes
person
Amazing Race
other
Nandi Washington
person
Jennifer Lopez
person
Gwyneth Paltrow
person
Kitsugi
other
Imperfect Women
other
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