Yes Please by Amy Poehler: Book Overview
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a successful comedian and actress? Are you curious about the behind-the-scenes experiences of a Saturday Night Live star?
In Yes Please by Amy Poehler, you'll get an insider's look at the world of comedy and entertainment. This memoir offers a candid and humorous exploration of Poehler's life, from her early days in improv to her rise as a beloved TV personality.
Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through Amy's personal and professional journey, filled with laughter, insights, and relatable moments.
Overview of Yes Please
From her early beginnings in the world of improv comedy to her illustrious career in television and film, Amy Poehler shares candid stories and reflections from her remarkable life and journey in Yes Please by Amy Poehler. Poehler offers insight into her artistic process, delving into the challenges and fulfillment of writing and performing. She reminisces on pivotal moments, such as her time on Saturday Night Live and with the Upright Citizens Brigade.
Poehler also discusses the complexities of relationships, marriage, divorce, and motherhood. With wit and vulnerability, she opens a window into her personal life, musing on lessons learned and the profound impact of her connections with peers, mentors, and loved ones. Through it all, her authentic voice and wisdom shine.
Amy's Journey Into Comedy
Amy Poehler's path to comedy stardom began long before she graced our TV screens. From an early age, she showed a natural inclination for performing. In fourth grade, she relished playing Dorothy, considering it as significant as "Hamlet for girls." Her love for roller skating, organizing dance contests, and concocting bold schemes hinted at her future in comedy. Even in middle school, her vibrant personality and ability to diffuse tense situations foreshadowed her destiny in the spotlight.
During her time at Boston College, Poehler's interest in collaborative humor and impromptu performance blossomed. She joined the university's improv group, My Mother's Fleabag, which set the stage for her future career. After college, her passion led her to Chicago, where she immersed herself in the city's thriving improv scene. She took classes at ImprovOlympic and another renowned comedy institution, honing her skills alongside talented peers.
In Chicago, Poehler experienced the highs and lows of performing on stage. She sometimes transformed into a joke machine, while other times she found herself becoming passive. Her collaborations with comedy heavyweights like Amy Sedaris, Steve Colbert, and Steve Carell significantly shaped her comedic style. Watching 'the Family' at ImprovOlympic helped her sharpen her quick-thinking skills, and she eventually joined Second City's touring company, further cementing her place in the comedy world.
The Birth of Upright Citizens Brigade
In 1997, Poehler's comedy career took a significant turn when she co-founded the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) in New York City. Along with Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh, she gathered at a Chicago diner called Salt & Pepper to discuss their future. Besser's invitation filled Poehler with pride, recognizing her contribution to UCB's growth.
The UCB Four revolutionized comedy performance by showcasing their skits in intimate New York venues like KGB Bar and Tribeca Lab. Their program, known for its unique take on pop culture and satire, played a crucial role in Poehler's development as a comedian. It even landed a three-season run on Comedy Central, further boosting their reputation.
Moving from Chicago to New York wasn't without its challenges. Poehler faced the difficulty of leaving a supportive community, performing for small audiences, and overcoming financial hurdles in her early performances. The West Village, where they settled, had a gritty charm that reflected their transitional period. Despite obstacles like finding housing in a tough market, Poehler and UCB persevered. They established a new hub for live comedy in Chelsea, which became a vital gathering place for performers, even in the aftermath of 9/11. The UCB community's resilience shone through their solidarity and support, remaining committed to creating and sharing comedy even during brief periods of inactivity.
Behind the Scenes at Saturday Night Live
Amy Poehler's time on Saturday Night Live (SNL) offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of sketch comedy and live television. She rubbed shoulders with notable personalities, including a distinguished Shakespearean actor who greeted the cast with a cheerful "Good morning, thespians!" and socialized with stars like Jon Bon Jovi and James Gandolfini.
Her SNL journey intertwined with significant personal milestones. She went into labor after a long night's rehearsal and watched the show she had prepared for from her hospital room. Poehler fondly remembers her early experiences in live sketch comedy, including playing an adult film star on a date, and appreciates how SNL provided a supportive environment during personal and national crises, such as the aftermath of 9/11.
The relentless pace of live broadcasts meant constantly creating and performing new skits, like The Barack Obama Variety Half Hour, and managing last-minute changes. The frenetic costume changes, grueling rehearsals, and the thrill (and terror) of live performances were all part of the SNL experience. Saturdays demanded quick adaptability and composure during multiple comedic performances. Poehler candidly shares that the job's challenges sometimes led to stress, fatigue, and occasional crying fits, but she always pushed through, maintaining her sense of humor throughout.
Navigating the Entertainment Industry
In the unpredictable world of entertainment, Poehler learned that success often comes from a combination of luck, perseverance, and relationships. She recalls an instant connection with Seth Meyers that would significantly shape her career trajectory. Poehler emphasizes that success in the industry is often unpredictable, formed through personal relationships and serendipitous occurrences. She shares stories of unplanned meetings and associations with fellow SNL alums, acknowledging that the friendships and bonds formed are as integral to a career as any individual accolade.
Poehler's career wasn't without its challenges. She faced rejections, received critical feedback that led to introspection and growth, and navigated an industry where success can seem fleeting. She openly discusses the complex emotional challenges actors face, including the deep unease from rejections and the pervasive imposter syndrome that plagues many artists behind the scenes. Despite these hurdles, Poehler maintains her wit and optimism, using anecdotes (like an incident at a prestigious television awards show) to illustrate her resilience. She admits that her unwavering commitment to her craft sustains her, even in the face of inevitable setbacks like rejection and criticism.
Marriage, Divorce, and Motherhood
Amy Poehler's personal life has been as eventful as her professional one. She candidly discusses her decade-long marriage to Will Arnett and the challenges they faced during and after their separation. Poehler doesn't view the end of their marriage as a failure, echoing a famous comedian's joke that a successful marriage shouldn't end in divorce.
She openly addresses the emotional aspects of divorce, including feelings of loneliness and the awkwardness of discussing it with still-married friends. Poehler even humorously notes how divorce can spread and affect social dynamics. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to co-parenting their children effectively.
Poehler's reflections on motherhood are equally candid and touching. She recalls the deep bond formed with her sons, Archie and Abel, sharing their adventures chasing the moon and the captivating bedtime stories. She describes pregnancy as an empowering and magical time, and speaks of the immediate, profound love felt upon a newborn's arrival, even amidst concerns about the birthing process and the baby's health.
However, Poehler doesn't shy away from discussing the difficulties of raising children. She talks about dealing with sleep deprivation and recovering from a C-section. Yet, amid these challenges, she treasures joyful moments like falling asleep next to Archie, her heart overflowing with love.
Poehler also addresses the complexities of balancing career and motherhood in a society that often prescribes traditional roles for women. She humorously imagines sharp retorts to intrusive comments about her personal life, showcasing her wit and resilience in the face of societal expectations.
The Writing Process and Creative Challenges
Amy Poehler's insights into the creative process shed light on the true challenges of writing, dispelling romanticized notions of authorship. While she sees writing as a channel for power and creativity, allowing control over narratives and dialogues, she's candid about the loneliness and obstacles that come with it. She describes the book-writing experience as so arduous and thankless that she wondered if her editors were plotting her downfall.
Poehler writes in short bursts, taking advantage of moments late at night, during commutes, on flights, or in brief intervals between other obligations. She challenges the idea that inspiration strikes unexpectedly, expressing regret that there's not enough discussion about the monotony of writing, especially when juggling childcare responsibilities. Interestingly, she found collaborating on a TV show's screenplay more enjoyable and less burdensome than the solitary task of writing a book.
The contrast between writing and her previous experiences on SNL and in various acting roles is stark. Poehler reveals the imperfect circumstances of her book's creation, sometimes writing topless for comfort, and describes the process as challenging and monotonous, but occasionally very fulfilling.
Embracing Change and Personal Growth
Poehler's reflections on aging offer valuable insights into personal growth. She shares an epiphany at age thirty-seven that prompted her to consider starting a family, signifying her acceptance of life's various phases. She discusses the mastery of time, suggesting that embracing the present moment is the only way to effectively control its flow.
Her career has been significantly influenced by technology and ambition. Poehler recalls her early involvement with digital media, which she refers to as the beginning of the swift rise of the digital age. She shares stories that highlight her Boston roots and her determination to never view her background as a setback, demonstrating her persistent resilience and strength.
Technology and Human Connection
Poehler has a complex relationship with modern technology. She compares her phone to cigarettes, viewing it as equally detrimental and disruptive to her productivity. Her hesitation to use social media stems from the pressure to disclose personal details and engage in self-promotion, though she's open to joining a network that aligns with her principles.
Despite technological advancements, Poehler emphasizes the enduring importance of human interaction. She advocates for preserving social ties by using private group messaging as a more personal alternative to public social media platforms. She believes that authentic interactions, akin to the freedom found in dance, foster feelings of empowerment and joy.
Through her "Smart Girls" initiative, Poehler is committed to offering inspiring digital content and championing role models beyond the realm of celebrity. She aims to expand this into camps and develop resources that counteract the adverse effects commonly found in the digital environment.
The Power of Relationships
Throughout her career, Amy Poehler has built a vast network of relationships with colleagues, family members, and industry professionals. These connections have significantly impacted both her personal life and professional growth.
Her friendship with fellow comedian Tina Fey stands out as particularly significant. For nearly two decades, they've worked together as a comedic duo, starting in Chicago's theater scene, progressing to SNL, and eventually collaborating on several films. Their work on iconic sketches, like the Palin-Clinton parody, showcases their deep working relationship. Their bond extends beyond the screen, encompassing shared successes in various aspects of life and a foundation of mutual support and non-competitive solidarity.
Poehler recounts numerous experiences that highlight this collaborative spirit. Their initial connection was forged through a joint exhibition in Chicago called "Women of Color." Their relationship deepened through shared experiences on SNL's demanding schedule, becoming mothers around the same time, and co-hosting prestigious award ceremonies. The pair even share meaningful mementos like dog tags engraved with Pleasant Tomorrow, symbolizing their special connection.
The Parks and Recreation Family
Amy Poehler's ability to form meaningful relationships extends to her Parks and Recreation co-stars. The show became like a family to her, with the cast prioritizing intelligence and authentic quality over surface-level appeal. Poehler fondly remembers the unique attributes of each cast member, valuing their shared moments and praising the diverse talents and strong bonds formed throughout the show's run. She recalls meaningful interactions with Nick Offerman, significant support from Aubrey Plaza during difficult times, and a strong partnership with Adam Scott that marked an important moment when he joined the series.
Poehler's initiative to create a gathering for non-Emmy recipients, including people like Jon Hamm, showcases her skill in fostering camaraderie among peers through shared experiences, enhancing the collaborative nature of her professional endeavors.
The Influence of Family and Mentors
Amy Poehler's upbringing played a crucial role in shaping her personal development. Her parents provided unwavering support, even hosting watch parties for her UCB engagement and commemorating the event with a personalized license plate featuring the UCB logo on her father's car. Her grandparents, especially her musically inclined grandfather, created a nurturing and creative environment that offered Poehler support and affirmation during her formative years.
Her parents struck a perfect balance between encouragement and practicality, creating a secure environment that fostered her creative exploration. They believed in her potential while keeping her grounded, blending humor with wisdom. This combination of support and practical advice equipped Poehler to handle future challenges in her career path.
Beyond her family, Poehler acknowledges the profound impact of key mentors on her journey. She cherishes early friendships and the kindness she received when new to the industry. Her improvisational theater skills flourished under the guidance of distinguished personalities like Charna Halpern and Del Close. Poehler's gratitude towards these individuals reflects their significant influence on both her comedic career and personal life.
The benevolence she received from these relationships—ranging from maternal advice to the encouragement of early friends and the nurturing of her improv mentors—underscores the significant impact these bonds have had. Amy Poehler's reflections show a deep appreciation for her peers, enriching not only her comedic career but also her personal experiences.