Issa Rae joins Rachel Martin on Wild Card to discuss childhood memories, aspirations, and beliefs. They explore the impact of loss, the concept of failure, relationships, and existential beliefs. Through a playful card game, Issa reflects on various topics, adding a fun and intriguing element to the conversation.
Creating a space for vulnerable conversations through a card game
Embracing failures as opportunities for growth and continuous effort
Deep dives
The Concept of Wild Card Show
Wild Card is a show from NPR that features a card game designed to create a space for guests to get vulnerable and discuss deep joys, fears, and experiences. Through playing this game, guests engage in intimate conversations that allow for deeper reflections. The game serves as a tool to break guests out of rehearsed narratives, promoting thoughtful and meaningful discussions.
Making Sense of Failures and Decisions
Issa Rae shares her perspective on failures, emphasizing that she doesn't view them as true failures unless she completely stops pursuing something. She reflects on a personal failure related to not taking college as seriously as her father desired, acknowledging the impact of her choices. Rae's belief in continuous effort and growth shapes her mindset, highlighting the importance of learning from past decisions.
Embracing Silence and Inner Reflection
Issa Rae discusses her comfort with silence and solitude, highlighting the value of introspection and personal space. She expresses a preference for solitude in various activities like traveling or watching movies alone. Rae shares her intrigue about the idea of a silent retreat while recognizing the power of silence in fostering self-reflection.
Connecting with Lost Loved Ones
Issa Rae opens up about staying connected with loved ones who have passed, emphasizing the significance of memories and signs in preserving their presence. She shares a touching practice of associating hummingbirds with the presence of a specific family member, illustrating how symbolic gestures help maintain connections. Rae reflects on the emotional impact of memories and moments that honor the memory of lost family members.
Check out your new NPR podcast listen: Wild Card with Rachel Martin. On the show, Rachel rips up the typical interview script and invites guests to play a game about life's biggest questions. In this episode, she talks with actor and writer Issa Rae. They discuss questions you can try asking a loved one, like: What's a moment when you felt proud of yourself as a kid? How do you stay connected to people you've lost?