Quick Read
- Amy Poehler publicly thanked boyfriend Joel Lovell during her 2026 Golden Globe acceptance speech for Best Podcast.
- Joel Lovell is a veteran magazine editor and influential podcast executive.
- His career includes roles at The New York Times Magazine, This American Life podcast, and the first two seasons of Serial.
- Lovell was most recently the executive editor of Pineapple Street Studios, which closed in June 2025.
- Poehler and Lovell were reportedly first linked in October 2024 and made their red carpet debut at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party.
When Amy Poehler took the stage at the 2026 Golden Globes to accept the inaugural award for Best Podcast, her speech was a characteristic blend of humor, humility, and heartfelt gratitude. Amidst playful jabs at fellow nominee NPR and a sweet nod to her parents, Poehler delivered a poignant thank you that resonated deeply: “Thank you to Joel Lovell. I love you. Thank you for everything.” This public declaration shone a spotlight not just on her triumph for “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” but also on the accomplished man by her side, Joel Lovell, a figure whose own extensive career in media, particularly in the burgeoning podcast landscape, is as impressive as it is influential.
Lovell, who accompanied Poehler to the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, is far from a newcomer to the world of storytelling and audio innovation. While Poehler graced much of the red carpet solo, inside California’s Beverly Hilton hotel, the couple was seen beaming and walking hand-in-hand, a quiet affirmation of their shared journey. Their presence together at this high-profile event underscored a partnership that extends beyond personal affection, deeply rooted in a mutual appreciation for compelling narratives and the power of audio.
Beyond the Spotlight: Who is Joel Lovell?
Joel Lovell’s professional trajectory paints the picture of a true media veteran, transitioning adeptly from the hallowed pages of print journalism to the dynamic frontier of podcasting. A native of upstate New York, Lovell’s academic beginnings at Cornell University were initially geared towards medical school. However, a burgeoning interest in reading and writing fiction led him down a different path, culminating in a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan in 1994. This foundational shift from science to the arts proved to be a pivotal decision, shaping a career dedicated to crafting and curating powerful stories.
After earning his MFA, Lovell honed his craft by teaching undergraduate fiction writing at the University of Michigan. This academic stint provided him with a deep understanding of narrative structure and compelling prose, skills that would prove invaluable in his subsequent career in journalism. He then pivoted to the fast-paced world of magazines, leaving an indelible mark at several prestigious publications. His early career included a tenure at Harper’s Bazaar, a significant step into the realm of high-profile editorial work. From there, he moved to GQ, further solidifying his reputation as a keen editor with an eye for compelling content.
Perhaps most notably, Lovell served as the deputy editor of The New York Times Magazine, a role that placed him at the heart of one of the world’s most respected journalistic institutions. His tenure at the magazine undoubtedly sharpened his editorial acumen, exposing him to a vast array of subjects and narrative styles. This rich experience in long-form journalism laid the groundwork for his eventual transition into the audio world, where the demand for meticulous storytelling and engaging narratives is equally paramount.
A Partnership Forged in the Audio Revolution
Lovell’s move into podcasting wasn’t just a career change; it was a deep dive into an evolving medium where his editorial expertise found new expression. He became an executive editor at the critically acclaimed This American Life podcast, a pioneering show that revolutionized audio storytelling and remains a benchmark for narrative journalism. His involvement with such a foundational project speaks volumes about his understanding of the medium’s potential and his ability to shape its direction.
Even more impactful was his work on the first two seasons of the groundbreaking Serial podcast. Serial, an investigative journalism podcast, became a cultural phenomenon, captivating millions and demonstrating the immense power of serialised audio narratives. Lovell’s hand in shaping these early, highly influential seasons positioned him as a key architect in the podcast revolution, helping to define the standards for investigative audio content that would follow.
Most recently, Lovell served as the executive editor of Pineapple Street Studios, a podcast production studio co-founded by Jenna Weiss-Berman, who Poehler also specifically thanked in her Golden Globe speech as “the best podcast producer in the biz.” This connection highlights the intertwining professional circles of Poehler and Lovell, suggesting a shared understanding and passion for the podcasting industry. While Pineapple Street Studios ceased operations in June 2025, Lovell’s work there continued his legacy of fostering high-quality audio productions.
Poehler and Lovell’s relationship reportedly began in October 2024, according to People. Their public appearances have gradually increased since then, with their official red carpet debut occurring at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar party. Lovell also joined Poehler at the Academy Awards last year, indicating a steady and supportive presence in her life. Their appearance at the 2026 Golden Globes, culminating in Poehler’s heartfelt public acknowledgment, cemented their status as a notable couple in the entertainment and media landscape.
Amy Poehler’s Golden Triumph and Personal Reflections
Poehler’s win for “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” marked a significant moment, not just for her but for the recognition of podcasts as a legitimate and impactful form of media at a major awards ceremony. Her podcast, launched in March 2025, quickly captured listeners’ attention by inviting “celebrities and fun people to her studio” to discuss their careers, mutual friends, shared enthusiasms, and “most importantly, what’s been making them laugh.”
During her acceptance speech, Poehler, who previously won a Golden Globe for her performance in “Parks and Recreation” in 2014, playfully expressed her surprise and gratitude. After Snoop Dogg, who presented the inaugural award, handed her the trophy, she joked, “this is exactly how I pictured it: Snoop giving me the award.” Her humorous jab at NPR (“just a bunch of celebs phoning it in. So try harder”) showcased her signature wit, while her subsequent articulation of the podcast’s mission revealed its deeper purpose: “an attempt to try to make a very rough and unkind world filled with a little bit more love and laughter and laughing with people, not at them.”
Beyond the stage, Poehler shared her personal hopes for her podcast’s reach, revealing a desire for iconic figures like Meryl Streep or even Snoop Dogg to be among her listeners. Her admiration for Streep is well-documented; she recounted sharing a dressing room with the legendary actress at “SNL50: The Anniversary Special," a moment she cherished. “I never rehearsed as hard as Meryl Streep is in this one moment,” Poehler quipped, highlighting Streep’s dedication and her own more improvisational style.
The public acknowledgment of Joel Lovell at such a career-defining moment for Amy Poehler underscores more than just a romantic partnership; it highlights a convergence of two influential careers within the evolving media landscape. Lovell’s profound contributions to groundbreaking audio projects like ‘This American Life’ and ‘Serial’ position him not merely as a supportive partner but as a significant force in the very industry where Poehler is now experiencing new triumphs, suggesting a relationship built on mutual respect for craft and a shared vision for impactful storytelling.