Allison Janney Talks “The Diplomat,” Paul Newman, Psychics & More on Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky

Allison Janney Talks “The Diplomat,” Paul Newman and Psychics With Monica Lewinsky

Allison Janney is back on Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, with the podcast revisiting one of its favorite conversations as Janney heads into Emmy season for her work on Netflix’s The Diplomat.

The conversation reaches far beyond one television role. Janney looks back at the early-career guidance she received from Hollywood legends Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, and how that relationship helped shape the actor she would become.

She also connects the dots between two major political dramas in her career. The West Wing introduced Janney to Bradley Whitford, who now plays her on-screen husband in The Diplomat — even as Janney admits political roles are actually more of a stretch for her than audiences might assume.

Then things get a little more mystical. Janney talks about psychics, astrology and her own experiments with self-exploration, including experiences with ketamine, MDMA and mushrooms, and how those experiences changed the way she looks at herself and the world around her.

The episode also turns personal as Janney reflects on her friendship with the late Matthew Perry and the complicated tenderness of loving people who can carry pain and brilliance at the same time.

Watch Allison Janney on “Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky”

From Paul Newman and The West Wing to The Diplomat, psychics and a few unexpected detours, Janney gives Monica plenty to work with. Watch the full conversation below.

Sources: Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, Apple Podcasts.