Iliza Shlesinger, the inimitable stand-up comedian, talks about growing up Jewish in conservative Texas, doing stand-up comedy in parking lots, and navigating societal expectations of women. The podcast also includes discussions about youthful antics, childhood games, and the fear of rejection in dating.
Women are expected to shine but not too brightly, leading to a never-ending goalpost of success.
Women face higher expectations to be vulnerable and open, while men are not held to the same standards.
Deep dives
Navigating societal expectations as a woman
In her book Girl Logic, the author explores the constant navigating that women do to meet societal expectations. One of the most absurd expectations for women is the constant requirement to be humble. Women are expected to shine, but not too brightly or it might upset others. Additionally, there is a tendency for women to offer up trauma as a way to validate their success, which adds another layer of complexity to societal expectations. These expectations keep women preoccupied with what level of success is acceptable, making it a never-ending goalpost.
Navigating the Demands on Women
The podcast episode explores the various demands and expectations placed on women in society. It discusses how women are often expected to be vulnerable, open, and bear their souls, while men are not held to the same standards. The episode also touches on the judgment and criticism women face from both men and women, highlighting the challenges of navigating societal expectations and finding a balance.
Based on a Lie: The Inspiration Behind 'Good on Paper'
The host and guest discuss the true story that inspired the film 'Good on Paper.' Eliza shares her personal experience of dating someone who turned out to be a chronic liar, where every aspect of their relationship was based on falsehoods. The conversation delves into the process of discovering the lies, the emotional impact it had, and how this experience became the inspiration for the movie.
Today's guest is Iliza Shlesinger, the inimitable stand-up comedian, best-selling author, and podcaster. She opens up about growing up Jewish in conservative Texas, confronting her crush while in her high school mascot regalia ("a gigantic foam hornet head"), and doing stand-up comedy in parking lots.