Simon Rich, a comedic genius known for his work on Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, and The New Yorker, shares his insights on writing humor. He discusses the delicate art of comedic storytelling and character development, revealing how discarded ideas can spark new narratives. The conversation touches on the absurdity of aging, especially through the lens of Super Mario's milestone birthday. Rich's new book, 'Glory Days: Stories,' adds a humorous twist to middle age, making audiences laugh while reflecting on life's challenges.
Simon Rich's comedic writing, particularly in 'Glory Days,' skillfully combines humor with emotional depth, inviting readers to engage with relatable characters facing modern life challenges.
The podcast highlights the differing experiences individuals have with comedic mediums, illustrating how some, like the narrator's son, may prefer auditory comedy over written formats despite literary competence.
Deep dives
Emmett's Reluctance Towards Reading Comedy
The narrator discusses his son, referred to as Emmett, who enjoys various forms of comedy but has a peculiar aversion to reading comedic material. Despite being a competent reader, he finds written comedy lacking in humor, suggesting that the format may dampen the fun. The narrator attempts to bridge this gap by introducing Emmett to Simon Rich's book 'Glory Days,' known for its comedic content, but Emmett remains resistant, preferring to engage with comedy through auditory experiences like audiobooks. This highlights the complexity of humor and the different mediums through which individuals connect with it, suggesting that some people may relate more to performance than written jokes, despite their literary skills.
Mitochondria's Role in Aging
The episode delves into the biological aspects of aging, emphasizing the critical role mitochondria play in cellular energy production. Over time, mitochondrial efficiency declines, affecting overall quality of life as one ages. Swiss researchers have developed a postbiotic named mitopure that specifically targets this issue by enhancing mitochondrial function through the substance urolithin A. This innovative approach aims to rejuvenate cellular energy levels, offering potential benefits for longevity and a better quality of life as individuals grow older.
Exploring Characters in 'Glory Days'
In a discussion about Simon Rich's new book 'Glory Days,' the narrative revolves around various characters facing life challenges, particularly focusing on a modern retelling of the David and Goliath story from Goliath's perspective. Rich describes Goliath as an underdog struggling with personal issues, including financial instability and the pressures of parenting, which adds depth to his character. The protagonist's journey reveals themes of empathy and social commentary, contrasting the traditional heroic narrative by giving voice to the seemingly less favorable character. Rich's clever characterizations challenge readers' perceptions of success and failure, making the story both humorous and poignant.
The Use of Humor in Addressing Serious Themes
Throughout the conversation, the integration of humor in serious narratives emerges as a focal point, highlighting Rich's skill in blending comedy with deeper emotional themes. He reflects on how humor can provide a lens to explore real human experiences, such as loneliness or societal pressures, without merely resorting to satire or outright comedy. Rich emphasizes the importance of relatable characters and emotional depth to engage readers fully, especially in comedic contexts. This approach not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on their own lives through an accessible and humorous narrative framework.
Today on the show, we are talking about comedic writing with Simon Rich. He has, after all, written for Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, and The New Yorker, so he knows a bit about trying to be funny on the page. And he's out with a new book, Glory Days: Stories, in which he makes light of entering middle age.