Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey Reflect on Their Journey with “The Office” Podcast

Around this time last year, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey were wrapping up their in-depth rewatch of Season 8 of “The Office” — the series’ penultimate season — for their widely acclaimed podcast, “Office Ladies.” Since the Emmy-winning NBC comedy made its debut in 2005, Fischer and Kinsey have portrayed beloved characters Pam Beesly and Angela Martin, respectively. Their podcast format involves a meticulous breakdown of each episode, capturing the essence of the series with a minute-by-minute analysis. When they launched the podcast in October 2019, the task of recapping all 201 episodes felt like an overwhelming challenge. In a candid moment during an interview at their recording studio in Hollywood, Kinsey expressed her confidence in completing the project, while Fischer admitted she had doubts about finishing.

Exploring the Popularity and Evolution of “Office Ladies”

“Office Ladies” has emerged as one of the pioneering rewatch podcasts, a format that has exploded in popularity over the years. According to Edison Research’s latest report on the Top 50 podcasts in the United States, “Office Ladies” holds a commendable position at No. 34. Kinsey and Fischer, who have been best friends since the early days of filming, recognized the desire to continue beyond their initial rewatch episodes. With their contract with SiriusXM nearing its conclusion, they began strategizing what the next phase of their podcast journey would look like.

Jenna Fischer’s Health Journey and Its Impact on the Podcast

Approximately a year ago, Fischer faced a life-altering moment when she received inconclusive results from a mammogram. After undergoing an ultrasound and biopsy, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in December. She shared this deeply personal news on Instagram last month to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to inform her followers about her journey, which had previously been known only to a close circle of friends and family.

Making Tough Decisions: Continuing “Office Ladies” During Treatment

When Fischer was confronted with her diagnosis and the subsequent treatment plan—which included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation—the duo faced a pivotal decision. Should they pause the podcast until her recovery was complete? Kinsey placed her full trust in Fischer, knowing her well. “From the very beginning of our friendship, she’s the kind of person who inspires you to be your best self,” Kinsey expressed. Fischer, supported by her husband, Lee Kirk, and their two children, decided she wanted to continue working on “Office Ladies.” The podcast was born out of a profound love for their fans and the series itself, making it a source of strength during challenging times.

Finding Strength Through Friendship and Podcasting

“All the support I needed during this difficult time was already right there in front of me,” Fischer shared, becoming emotional during our conversation. “Angela was one of those essential people, and so was the podcast. I had a job that would help me navigate through the toughest period of my life.” This sentiment highlights the therapeutic nature of their work and how it has enabled them to connect with their audience while navigating personal challenges.

Engaging with Fans Through Detailed Recaps and Interviews

Throughout the course of “Office Ladies,” Kinsey and Fischer have had the opportunity to interview many cast members from “The Office,” including numerous writers, directors, and crew members who contributed to the beloved series. Their episode recaps are incredibly detailed, diving into every frame with precision, yet they often veer into entertaining tangents, discussing topics as varied as the history of blood transfusions and the curious subject of deer penis wine, which was inspired by a memorable line from Rainn Wilson’s character, Dwight. Their upbeat and cheerful demeanor allows them to tackle episodes that may not have aged well while also addressing timely issues, such as the lack of paid maternity leave for actors, which Fischer herself experienced when she returned to work just five weeks after having a C-section. During the pandemic, they provided a comforting presence for listeners, coinciding with a resurgence in the popularity of “The Office,” which saw a staggering 57 billion minutes streamed on Netflix in 2020.

Balancing Parenthood and Podcasting: The Birth of “Office Ladies”

Fischer and Kinsey created “Office Ladies” as a way to remain present for their school-age children while pursuing their careers. Kinsey found herself frequently working out of town, which separated her from her family, stating, “If it was in L.A., I wasn’t getting it.” In contrast, Fischer had a rare job opportunity in Los Angeles but was working “70 hours a week,” often putting her children to bed via FaceTime. What initially started as an experiment to see if they could become “the architects of their own time” has blossomed into an incredibly successful podcast. “Office Ladies” has garnered over 400 million downloads and has more than a million followers on Spotify. Additionally, Fischer and Kinsey published a book in 2022 titled The Office BFFs: Stories From ‘The Office’ From Two Best Friends Who Were There.

Understanding Their Audience: The Legacy of “Office Ladies”

They are certainly mindful of their podcast’s numbers; at launch, Fischer noted, “It was like 10 times more popular than we had projected.” However, their primary focus remains on delivering quality content for their fans. Kinsey emphasized, “I want to do right by the legacy of the show. It means so much to so many people.” Kinsey realized the podcast had gained traction when fans began calling out “Lady!” in reference to one of her and Fischer’s favorite catchphrases, rather than the iconic “Save Bandit!” from a memorable Season 5 episode where Angela throws her cat into a ceiling hole during a crisis.

Transitioning to a New Era: “Office Ladies” Moves to Audacy

In August, “Office Ladies” transitioned from SiriusXM to Audacy. While they are reluctant to criticize their former network, they made their displeasure known when SiriusXM unexpectedly laid off their longtime sound engineer, Sam Kieffer, without prior consultation. Reflecting on the change, Kinsey reminisced about their early days at the podcasting company Earwolf, describing it as “a small little group within the vast entertainment industry,” expressing their desire to find that sense of community again. During their search, they met Jenna Weiss-Berman, Audacy’s podcast chief, and felt an immediate connection, trusting their instincts. After joining Audacy, they quickly brought Kieffer back onto the team.

Strategic Growth and Engagement: Success of “Office Ladies”

Weiss-Berman was able to provide “Office Ladies” with a robust minimum guarantee on ad sales, although she refrained from disclosing specifics. She also offered Fischer and Kinsey the “white-glove” guidance they were seeking. Upon reviewing their impressive metrics, Weiss-Berman was astonished; despite many podcasts experiencing a decrease in viewership due to changes in Apple’s iOS, “Office Ladies” continued to grow, with listeners engaging with every episode and tuning in rapidly. Weiss-Berman highlighted their impressive 1.1 million Instagram followers, noting, “The engagement is incredible,” and mentioned that they receive heartfelt messages from fans daily. Additionally, the podcast’s Facebook group, with over 72,000 members, has become a positive, supportive community online. As a special surprise for Fischer and Kinsey during the finale episodes, a group of 300 members, organized by musician Suresh Singaratnam, created their own version of the song “All the Faces,” performed by “The Office” co-star Creed Bratton in the show’s closing moments.

Captivating Conversations: The Dynamic Duo of Fischer and Kinsey

“They could discuss anything, and they would retain their audience,” Weiss-Berman explains. “Listeners tune in to hear them chat because they are not only hilarious and relatable but also true best friends with a remarkable rapport and dynamic.” This genuine connection between Fischer and Kinsey is a significant part of the podcast’s charm, allowing them to explore various topics while maintaining an engaging atmosphere.

Exciting Future Plans for “Office Ladies” and Beyond

The future of “Office Ladies” promises to be even more exciting, as announced in an early October episode. In what they are dubbing “Office Ladies 6.0,” Fischer and Kinsey will continue their deep dives into “The Office.” Their first “6.0” episode, which premiered last week, featured an interview with Allison Jones, the casting director responsible for assembling the show’s iconic ensemble. They are also planning a visit to “The Office” creator Greg Daniels’ new project, tentatively named “The Paper,” which is expected to debut on Peacock next year. With themed episodes and character studies on the horizon, they are kicking off with an in-depth exploration of Michael Scott, portrayed by Steve Carell. “I’ve been trying to figure out Michael Scott’s origin story,” Fischer admits. “And I’m pretty sure the writers from ‘The Office’ are tired of hearing from me. But I can’t give up.”

Reviving “Office Ladies”: A Fresh Take with “Second Drink”

They will also be re-broadcasting “Office Ladies” from the beginning, adding new material to each episode. This encore series is called “Second Drink,” a playful nod to the Season 2 premiere, where a tipsy Pam enthusiastically declares her drink a “second drink!” Initially, they considered restarting the rewatch, but Fischer reflected, “I started re-listening to the podcast and thought, ‘Lady, we didn’t miss that much!’” This fresh take allows both new and returning listeners to experience their favorite moments with added insights.

Future Aspirations: Balancing Personal Lives with Career Goals

Fischer participated in the “Mean Girls” musical film earlier this year, but she regards herself as currently on hiatus from acting. “I believe taking a break will ultimately make me a better actress in the long run,” she shares. Now cancer-free, she dreams of moving to New York with her husband once their children leave home, so she can pursue theater. Kinsey, on the other hand, is open to acting roles that allow her to stay close to her family. She recently filmed a Hallmark Christmas movie over the summer, exclaiming, “My mom is over the moon!”

Reflecting on Their Podcaster Growth Since 2019

Since their inception in 2019, Fischer and Kinsey have evolved significantly as podcasters. It was Oliver Hudson, Fischer’s co-star from the short-lived ABC sitcom “Splitting Up Together,” who suggested she might want to start a podcast, based on her love for comfortable living and spending time at home. He saw the potential in her passion.

Building a Legacy: The Journey of Fischer and Kinsey

They feel immense pride in what they have created together. “We take our time because we’re parents and have many other commitments,” Fischer states. “But I am incredibly, deeply proud of what we have built.” The journey has brought them closer, allowing them to celebrate their friendship and shared experiences, which have been instrumental in shaping their podcast and their lives.

A Friendship Forged in Laughter: Reminiscing on “The Office”

Their bond has grown immensely since they first connected 20 years ago during the filming of “The Office.” After a long night of shooting, Kinsey and Fischer walked back to their trailers hand in hand, playfully reenacting the opening credits of “Laverne & Shirley.” They sensed someone trailing behind them and turned to find Steve Carell, the star of the show, watching them with a smile. “He looked at us and said, ‘No matter what happens with the show, this is what you guys will take from it,’” Kinsey recalls, highlighting the enduring impact of their friendship.