Jenna Fischer discusses career shift from TV to podcasting

Jenna Fischer, known for her role as Pam Beesly on the NBC sitcom ‘The Office’, has shared insights into her career shift from television acting to podcasting. During an appearance on the ‘Dinner’s On Me’ podcast, Fischer explained that the grueling schedule of her 2018 ABC comedy ‘Splitting Up Together’—which involved working 65 to 70 hours per week—made it difficult to balance her professional life with raising her two young children.

Fischer stated that the intense workload led her to decide that being a series regular or lead on a television show was no longer a fit for her lifestyle. Following the cancellation of ‘Splitting Up Together’ in 2019, she pivoted to podcasting. Alongside former co-star Angela Kinsey, she launched the ‘Office Ladies’ podcast, which allows her to maintain a steady income while having greater control over her schedule to be present for her children’s school and extracurricular activities.

Additionally, Fischer reflected on early career memories, including a failed attempt by the ‘The Office’ cast to attract paparazzi attention at a Los Angeles restaurant in 2005. She also shared behind-the-scenes details regarding an iconic improvised moment between Steve Carell and Oscar Nuñez during a third-season episode.