cover of episode Jenny Slate Finds Strength In Sensitivity

Jenny Slate Finds Strength In Sensitivity

2024/11/8
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Fresh Air

Key Insights

Why did Jenny Slate feel like an imposter adult in her 20s?

She felt like an imposter adult because she didn't feel capable or like she was supposed to be doing what she was doing. She still had the same personality and felt like she was just going through the motions without truly understanding her role as an adult.

How does Jenny Slate turn her sensitive and vulnerable feelings into comedy on stage?

Slate's comedy is a direct reflection of her emotional experiences. She doesn't need to transform her feelings into comedy; they are already comedic in nature. Her stand-up involves screaming, imagining scenarios, and reflecting on her relational dynamics, which are inherently funny to her.

What was the turning point for Jenny Slate in realizing her sensitivity as a strength rather than a vulnerability?

Slate's sensitivity became a strength when she started doing stand-up in her mid-20s and realized that her feelings were material for her comedy. She also began therapy, which helped her understand and embrace her sensitivity rather than feeling ashamed of it.

How did Jenny Slate's experience of growing up in a haunted house influence her comedy?

Growing up in a haunted house provided Slate with a unique and fascinating story that she found funny and engaging. She talked about it on stage for a long time, using it as a comedic material that resonated with her audience.

What is the significance of Marcel the Shell in Jenny Slate's career?

Marcel the Shell started as a web series created by Slate and her then-boyfriend Dean Fleischer Camp. It became a successful project that led to an Oscar-nominated film adaptation. Marcel's voice and character have had a significant impact on Slate's career, showcasing her talent in voice acting and comedy.

How did Jenny Slate's firing from Saturday Night Live affect her career?

Being fired from SNL contributed to Slate's stage fright and anxiety about public performance. However, she worked through it and continued to pursue her career in comedy, eventually finding success in stand-up and voice acting.

What is the main theme of Clint Eastwood's film Juror No. 2?

Juror No. 2 explores the moral complexities of the American justice system, highlighting the failings of institutions and the personal dilemmas faced by individuals within the system. It critiques the procedural fault lines and blind spots that can obscure the truth.

Chapters

Jenny Slate discusses her comedy special 'Seasoned Professional' and her book 'Life Form,' focusing on her experiences of getting married, pregnant, and the pain and joys of giving birth.
  • Slate's comedy special 'Seasoned Professional' centers on her experiences of getting married, pregnant, and giving birth.
  • Her new book 'Life Form' covers similar ground but uses surrealist techniques to unpack her experiences.
  • Slate reflects on her feelings of being an imposter adult and her journey to feeling capable and genuine as a mother.

Shownotes Transcript

Comic Jenny Slate spoke with Terry Gross earlier this year about finding comedy in her feelings, motherhood, and growing up in a haunted house. Her latest stand-up special on Amazon Prime Video is *Seasoned Professional *and she has a new book of essays out now called *Lifeform. Justin Chang reviews Clint Eastwood's new film, Juror #2.*Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)