Amy Poehler’s Empathetic Question Resonates After Ariana Grande Shares Touching Story of Her Grandmother
A simple, four-word question posed by Amy Poehler during a recent podcast interview with Ariana Grande has sparked a widespread conversation about grief and the power of empathetic listening. The exchange, occurring on Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast, centered around Grande’s late grandmother, Marjorie, who passed away in June at the age of 99.
Launched in March, “Good Hang” has quickly gained a following for its relaxed and insightful conversations, offering a refreshing alternative to the often sensationalized nature of celebrity interviews. The podcast distinguishes itself by fostering genuine connection, feeling more like a candid discussion between friends than a promotional opportunity.
During the interview, Grande discussed her upcoming “Eternal Sunshine” tour and her experience performing on Broadway. The conversation then turned to her beloved Nonna, prompting a deeply personal reflection. As Grande reminisced about the marinara sauce her grandmother used to make, Poehler responded with a profoundly simple question: “tell me about them.”
This seemingly small gesture unlocked a powerful moment of vulnerability for Grande, who then shared a cherished memory of her Nonna – the day her brother, Frankie, came out to the family. The clip of this exchange quickly went viral, amassing over 13 million views across TikTok and Instagram.
Viewers overwhelmingly praised Poehler’s approach, recognizing the profound impact of allowing someone to share memories of a loved one without prompting or pressure. “’tell me about them’ must be literally the best question you could ask to someone who lost someone,” one commenter noted online. Another shared a personal hope, stating, “I hope someone asks me that same question some day when it’s my Nonna.”
The response highlights a universal need for compassionate acknowledgment in times of loss. The power of Poehler’s question lies in its open-endedness, inviting Grande to lead the narrative and share what felt most comfortable. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful support comes not from offering advice, but from simply creating space for someone to remember and celebrate those they’ve lost.
You can watch Amy’s “Good Hang” episode with Ariana on YouTube or stream it wherever you get your podcasts.
