#563: Sarah Silverman — The Joy of Being Alone, Becoming Your Own Best Friend, Insights from Therapy, and More
The Tim Ferriss Show
The Comedic Journey: Embracing Authenticity
This chapter explores the speaker's transformative experience of writing their memoir and the evolution of their comedic voice. It highlights the importance of authenticity, the challenges faced as a woman in comedy, and the rigorous training received at SNL. Through personal anecdotes, the speaker reflects on the need for resilience and the courage to innovate, even in the face of failure.
Sarah Silverman — The Joy of Being Alone, Becoming Your Own Best Friend, Insights from Therapy, and More | Brought to you by Helium 10 all-in-one software suite to sell on Amazon, Dry Farm Wines natural wines designed for fewer hangovers, and Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement. More on all three below.
Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) is a two-time-Emmy Award-winning comedian, actress, writer, and producer.
She currently hosts The Sarah Silverman Podcast and stars in the HBO Max animated series Santa Inc., opposite Seth Rogen. She will next be seen opposite Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in the feature film Marry Me. Other upcoming projects include TBS’s Stupid Pet Tricks, an expansion of the famous David Letterman late-night segment, and the indie psychological thriller Viral, starring alongside Blair Underwood.
Her first book, a memoir called The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee, which went on to become a New York Times bestseller, is currently being adapted into a musical with the Atlantic Theater Company to premiere in April 2022.
Silverman served as creator, executive producer, and host of the Emmy-nominated series I Love You, America, which streamed weekly on Hulu and saw her connecting with people through honesty and humor. On stage, she continues to be recognized as a force in stand-up comedy. Her latest stand-up special, A Speck of Dust, debuted on Netflix in May 2017 and culminated in two Emmy Award nominations and a Grammy Award nomination. Her additional film and television work includes Battle of the Sexes, I Smile Back, Wreck-It Ralph, Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks The Internet, Masters of Sex, and Bob’s Burgers.
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Sarah continues her story about childhood depression that Jerry Seinfeld interrupted in Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, explains what was going on in her life at the time, and answers the question her stepfather posed: “What does it feel like?” [06:34]
How did Sarah become her own best friend, and does this make her asocial? [10:47]
As a television aficionado, what shows give her comfort and deserve regular revisiting? [17:35]
What does Sarah mean by “comedy stress?” [21:02]
What Sarah discovered about herself and the comedic process while writing her memoir, working on her first feature, and observing Chris Rock. [22:04]
How Sarah’s experience as a writer and performer on Saturday Night Live — and as a basketball player growing up — made her tougher. [28:05]
The aftermath of Sarah’s time at SNL and favorite Charlie Kaufman quotes. [36:30]
On the rise of extremism across the political spectrum, where it seems to be headed, and what we need to remember about the things we consume via social media. [42:19]
The comfort zone of worrying. [46:24]
Sarah’s advice to people who are prone to constant self-flagellation. [48:27]
How has therapy helped Sarah, and how frequently does she attend sessions? Why did she recently switch therapists? [52:27]
Why prompted Sarah to start her own podcast? How does it differ from her comedic work, and how does she choose her participants? [59:47]
Is Sarah becoming her mother? [1:05:28]
How did Sarah get involved as the dramatic lead in the movie I Smile Back, and what did she take away from the experience? [1:08:16]
What did Sarah learn from spending time and working with the late Garry Shandling? [1:11:37]
What would Sarah’s billboard say? [1:14:42]
Grab joy where you can get it. [1:16:34]
Why you should never miss the chance to mourn at a comedian’s funeral. [1:17:31]
What would Sarah’s name be if she’d been born a boy? [1:18:41]
Parting thoughts. [1:19:11]
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