Get 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 questio...
May 10, 2022•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tammy 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 question ...
May 03, 2022•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today'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 DMB. ...
Apr 26, 2022•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Grab 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 que...
Apr 19, 2022•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Can 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 questio...
Apr 12, 2022•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast It'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 Pawne...
Apr 05, 2022•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast We'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 que...
Mar 29, 2022•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast Pawnee 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 Pawneean...
Mar 22, 2022•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our 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: ParksandRecollectio...
Mar 15, 2022•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today 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 Pawnee ...
Mar 08, 2022•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Rob and Alan welcome Jim O'Heir aka Jerry Gergich to Pawnee. In "Park Safety" Leslie goes on a crusade to improve park safety after Jerry is mugged. On today's pod find out why this episode was terrifying for Jim, which director Carl Lorthner is based on, and why Jim had to eat charcoal tablets while filming! Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email: ParksandRecollectionTownHall@gmail.com Or leave a 30-Second voicemail at: (310) 893-6992 Leslie holds a drawing to determine who w...
Mar 01, 2022•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Call animal control! Today Rob and Alan are talking about the 18th episode of season two. In "The Possum" Leslie puts together a task force to catch a famous town-possum. In this episode you will hear all the similarities between animal control and classic clowning, who Harris Wittels was originally cast as, and the Parks seed that grew into Oscar nominee Paul Raci's incredible career! All of this, and some pretty darn interesting facts about our animal friends the possum. Got a question for the...
Feb 22, 2022•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Pawnee is flush with guests! Today Rob and Alan welcome the legendary Ben Schwartz on the pod to talk about the 17th episode of season 2. In "Woman of the Year" Leslie is upset when Ron wins an award typically meant for women. On today's episode find out why Ben made it a game to make Retta laugh, how this episode helped loosen-up the character of Jean-Ralphio, and which character Ben originally auditioned for. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email: ParksandRecollectionTownHa...
Feb 15, 2022•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Happy Holidays from Pawnee! Today Gay Perello makes her second appearance on the pod, this time to celebrate with Rob and Alan. In "Galentine's Day" Leslie and Justin try to reunite Leslie's Mom with an old flame, only to discover he's a total loon. On today's episode find out how many ice cream sandwiches Chris Pratt can eat in one sitting, why there were 3 pages of gifts Gay was asked to make, and how the writers lost Yang for an entire week! Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an...
Feb 08, 2022•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast Every day in Pawnee is a sweet treat, and today Rob and Alan are having seconds! In "Sweetums" Leslie and Ron become adversaries when a dishonest candy company vies for a concessions contract. On today's episode find out why the Pawnee citizens can be swayed by candy, where you can buy a "what's crackin'" belt buckle, and why this episode marks the shift from documentary to hilarious comedy. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email: ParksandRecollectionTownHall@gmail.com Or leav...
Feb 01, 2022•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today in Pawnee Rob and Alan are headed to a friend's home. In "Leslie's House" Leslie abuses her power when she brings in community center teachers to help throw a dinner party to impress Justin. In today's episode your hosts discuss the writer's choice to make Leslie a hoarder, a joke that sparked the creation of Tigertail, and how architecture can affect an audience. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email: ParksandRecollectionTownHall@gmail.com Or leave a 30-Second voicemai...
Jan 25, 2022•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Another guest joins us in Pawnee! Today writer Katie Dippold (Haunted Mansion, The Heat) breaks down one of her favorite episodes she's written. In "The Set Up" Ann sets Leslie up on a blind date, and the date does not go as Leslie had hoped. On today's pod find out the writer's room obsession with the 2002 film Swimfan , see the origin of Leslie's Biden crush, and hear everybody's idea of what they want "the club" to be. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email: ParksandRecolle...
Jan 18, 2022•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's the Holidays in Pawnee while Rob Lowe and Alan Yang watch the 12th episode of season two! In "Christmas Scandal" A meeting with a disgraced councilman lands Leslie in the middle of a scandal. On today's episode find out the origins of the character Alexa Softcastle, the mystery note in the writer's room that read "Blood Diamond Phillips", and this episode's unique connection to SNL. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email: ParksandRecollectionTownHall@gmail.com Or leave a ...
Jan 11, 2022•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Come along for another life changing journey to Pawnee! Today Rob and Alan stick together while watching the 11th episode of season 2. In “Tom’s Divorce” Leslie finds out Tom and Wendy are splitting up, and tries to lift his spirits. On this episode find out the unique connection Jerry has with dinosaurs, the origin of the Ron Swanson breakfast meme, and which Taco Bell actor possibly marries Wendy! Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email: ParksandRecollectionTownHall@gmail.com...
Jan 04, 2022•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Everyone loves a trip to Pawnee! Today Rob and Alan venture off into surprisingly familiar territory when they watch the 10th episode of season two. In “Hunting Trip” Leslie tries to prove she can hang with the guys by inviting herself on Ron's annual hunting trip. On this episode find out which cast member wants to ruin Alan’s life, get a masterclass in improv-Amy Poehler, and hear a little memory from our buddy Chris Pratt about working with Aubry Plaza. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall...
Dec 28, 2021•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Gifts! Jobs! Parties! All three are alive and well in Pawnee. Today producers Greg and Schulte reflect on their time with Parks and Recollection, talk with legendary Parks and Rec prop creator Gay Perello, and plot their own podcast spin-off! All of this and a really fun, extremely unique giveaway for a lucky Parks and Recreation super-fan, on today's BONUS episode!
Dec 26, 2021•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Come one come all to Pawnee! Today Rob and Alan congregate to watch the ninth episode of season 2! In “The Camel” Leslie and the Parks Department compete to come up with a new mural design. On today’s episode you’ll hear about the unearned confidence of Sewage Joe, the difference between bottle-episodes and a story-driven arc, and how the B story came about from a delirious night of writing! Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email: ParksandRecollectionTownHall@gmail.com Or leav...
Dec 21, 2021•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Love is in the air around Pawnee. Rob and Alan dive into another classic episode of Parks and Rec. In "Ron and Tammy" Leslie learns the library department, run by Ron's ex-wife, wants to take over the lot. On today's episode find out why Nick and Megan were perfect together as antagonists, which books are approved for the Pawnee Library, and the secrets behind Ron's breakfast photo. Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email: ParksandRecollectionTownHall@gmail.com Or leave a 30-Se...
Dec 14, 2021•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Directions to Pawnee are simple! Today Rob Lowe and Alan Yang are visited by director Dean Holland as they review S2E7 (Dean's first episode!) On "Greg Pikitis" Leslie tries to stop a high school kid who vandalizes the park every Halloween, while Ann's party is a dud until Tom as T-Pain saves the day. Find out about behind the scenes Halloween parades, who was in the dinosaur costume, the Ron Swanson 1-10 scale, and what makes the funniest script—all on today's amazing episode! Got a question fo...
Dec 07, 2021•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Enjoy the Pawnee outdoors with a bang! Today Rob Lowe and Alan Yang watch the 6th episode of season 2. In "Kaboom" the parks department build a playground with help from an exciting organization. In today's episode you'll find out why originally S2E6 had a PSA at the end, the makeup room dance parties, and if Pawnee has such a large body of water! Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email: ParksandRecollectionTownHall@gmail.com Or leave a 30-Second voicemail at: (310) 893-6992 Le...
Nov 30, 2021•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Another good friend has travelled to Pawnee! Today Fred Armisen joins Rob Lowe and Alan Yang to reminisce on the fifth episode of season two. On "Sister City" Leslie hosts the P&R Department of Boraqua, Venezuela, Pawnee's sister city—while Tom becomes an errand boy and April plays hard to get. In today's episode find out what it's like to act on a show that isn't SNL, how long Fred was allowed to improvise in each scene, and the influence "Martin" had on Fred. All of this and a next level tip o...
Nov 23, 2021•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Pawnee is a gift to us all and today Rob Lowe and Alan Yang dive into the 4th episode of the second season of Parks and Recreation! In "Practice Date" a nervous Leslie gets ready for her first date with Dave, by going on a test date with Ann. In today's episode Find out how nervous Duke Silver made the writer's room, the amazing Perd Hapley audition, and how Greg Daniels would deal with the stress of ending The Office—all on Harris Wittels first writing credit of Parks! Got a question for the Pa...
Nov 16, 2021•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Pawnee, the most beautiful town in America. Today Rob Lowe and Alan Yang put down the score cards as they discuss season 2 episode 3 of Parks and Recreation. In 'Beauty Pageant' Leslie is excited to be a local pageant judge, but frustrated when her viewpoints on the ideal woman don't align with the other judges. On today's pod you’ll find out the difference between some significant joke writers, if Leslie is a time traveller, and why it’s important to have a diverse writer’s room. All of this an...
Nov 09, 2021•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s another bright and shiny day in Pawnee! Alan Yang and Rob Lowe have all the supplies necessary to review the second Parks and Recreation episode of season two. In “The Stakeout” Leslie's curiosity gets the best of her, when a stakeout she planned with Tom, to find a local criminal, actually has her spying on Ann and Mark. In today's episode find out why the character of Tom became more fashion forward, what happened when Alan gave a Rent-a-Swag jacket to his mom, and which aspects of this e...
Nov 02, 2021•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Parks department is back—and so is the Recollection team! Today Rob Lowe and Alan Yang talk about the season 2 Parks and Recreation premiere. In “Pawnee Zoo,” Leslie promotes a local zoo by marrying two penguins. When both birds end up being male, it causes a bit of a stir. Today we get a look at what it takes to rap poorly, Tom being besties with Joan Callamezzo, and the intense work that went into every character’s name on the show. It’s another great day in Pawnee! Got a question for the ...
Oct 26, 2021•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
