Amy Poehler Interviews the Star of Her Sure-to-Be-Massive New Show, 'Difficult People'

On Difficult People, Julie Klausner is having a hard time. In real life, things are looking up—and her executive producer, Amy Poehler, couldn't be more pumped.

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Amy Poehler: Tell us what the show is about!

Julie Klausner: It's about me and my friend Billy Eichner and how, when the two of us met, we felt like outsiders in a community that we loved more than anything. We had frustrations about feeling like there's no place for exactly what you do, and with the people who have found their place. And knowing you're not supposed to have jealousy because it's bad for you, but having it anyway.

Amy: What was writing for yourself like?

Julie: Like when your parents say, "Pick out anything," at Toys 'R' Us.

Amy: Could you imagine doing anything else?

Julie: Every once in a while, I'm like, "Oh, what if I just say fuck it and open a bakery in Vermont?" But I would never do that!

Amy: Sometimes, I think: I'll just live in Dublin and repair bikes.

Julie: That's less give-y up-y than mine. But—no, I spent so much time fucking doing this. I'm going to die trying. Giving up is a choice to be miserable, whereas aspiring toward something is a way to work through being miserable to get what you want. When I got what I wanted, I was really happy.

Amy: Yay! Yay for that!

Julie: People who say, "Be careful what you wish for"—nope! As soon as I got a TV show, boy, life is great! "No quick fix"? I beg to differ!

This article appears in the August issue of Marie Claire, on newsstands July 21.