Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode features a conversation between the host and comedian, writer, and actress Kate Berlant, discussing her new HBO comedy special, Parmesan, and her unique comedic philosophy. They explore themes such as the existential dread of phone addiction, the complex dynamics of modern womanhood, and the hidden hostility behind the cultural trope of men wanting funny women. The discussion also touches on Berlant's childhood as an only child in Los Angeles with artist parents, her collaborative bond with fellow comedian John Early, and her idiosyncratic perspectives on ghosts, Los Angeles, and social performance.
The episode opens with the Allstate insurance ad, setting the commercial tone before the show begins.
The hosts welcome listeners and announce comedian Kate Berlant as the guest, outlining the topics to be covered.
The hosts introduce John Early, a fellow comedian, who will provide a pre-show question for Kate.
The hosts explore the dynamic of men’s attitudes toward funny women, a recurring theme in Kate’s comedy.
The episode concludes with a discussion of Kate’s partnership with John Early, highlighting their unique comedic chemistry.
The conversation turns to the hosts’ and Kate’s relationship with phones, addiction, and attempts at digital detoxes.
Kate reflects on growing up as an only child with artist parents and how that shaped her comedic voice.
Kate recounts her unconventional early gigs, including a call-in radio show that taught her improvisational skills.
The hosts discuss how they handle conflict, revealing personal conflict styles and past heated encounters.
Kate recounts a disturbing chimney sweep experience, highlighting boundary violations and emotional fallout.
John Early poses rapid-fire questions about Paris, humor, family, and sexuality, prompting candid responses.
The conversation turns to the creation of the Pug podcast, its focus on product reviews, and the philosophy of perpetual searching.
John Early recounts meeting Kate Berlant when they were twenty-four at a friend's comedy show and instantly forming an inseparable bond.
Sun Damage and Visioninsight
The host and John Early discuss a recent news item suggesting people should wear sunglasses constantly to protect against sun-damaged eyes.
Comedy Isn't Funnyinsight
Berlant's special delves into the provocative idea that comedy itself is not actually funny, a sentiment the host enthusiastically agrees with.
Jennifer Lawrence's Lipsticksstory
Berlant discovers a box of unused lipsticks in the green room left behind by Jennifer Lawrence months prior and decides to take them all.
Internet Addiction Anonymousdata
Berlant admits to attending Zoom meetings for Internet Technology Addiction Anonymous in an ongoing battle against digital overconsumption.
The Danger of Being Funnystory
Berlant shares a formative teenage memory when a popular boy told her that men do not like funny girls because it reminds them of other men.
Stealing School Mapsstory
Recalling her childhood mischievous streak, Berlant admits to unscrewing and stealing large pull-down world maps from her high school classrooms.
The Chimney Sweep Incidentstory
Berlant describes a traumatic encounter with a chimney sweep who left soot all over her white couch and gaslit her about the cleanliness of her home.
“Like, that was the first thing we noticed.”
“And like, and then we'll, and we'll try to answer and she'll do it back to me like, do you think you're funny?”
“And the way you use your body to like ground yourself in performance is so interesting for me to watch.”
“The way you two gently knife each other in the stuff that you do is like fascinating to watch.”
“I think, I think I love it because I come from like the South and which is like the birthplace of.”
“Like, like people are like, you guys are vicious.”
“Watching people fight through the, my favorite thing in the world is screaming fight on the street, safely watching from the window.”
“And so we were like, people will send us these products and then, you know.”
“It's so bright, there's nowhere to hide and yet it only hides you.”
Kate Berlant was seeing a few too many ghosts for a while. Amy hangs with the actress and comedian and talks about why you can't have two class clowns in bed, if she's a nepo baby, and why all curses should be lifted for free. Host: Amy PoehlerGuests: John Early and Kate BerlantExecutive producers: Bill Simmons, Amy Poehler, and Jenna Weiss-BermanFor Paper Kite Productions: Executive producer Jenna Weiss-Berman, coordinator Sam Green, and supervising producer Joel LovellFor The Ringer: Supervising producers Juliet Litman, Sean Fennessey, and Mallory Rubin; video producers Jack Wilson and Aleya Zenieris; audio producer Kaya McMullen; social producer Bridget Geerlings; video editor Drew van Steenbergen; and bookers Kat Spillane and Paige GarbariniOriginal music: Amy Miles Brought to you by PayPal. Learn more at https://paypal.com/payin4Switch today at https://www. Visible.com for just 25/mo. Or get the premium Visible+ pro plan and save $10 on your first month with code HANG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
13,343 words · 6 speakers
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