Seth Meyers, a veteran late-night host and SNL alum, joins to discuss the delicate balance of comedy and authenticity. He shares hilarious insights on navigating the pressures of hosting versus being a guest and emphasizes the power of collaboration in comedic success. Meyers reflects on memorable skits, the evolution of late-night humor, and the vital importance of aligning one's on-screen persona with their true self. He also touches on the creative journey that fosters personal growth, showcasing how mistakes can lead to comedy gold.
Seth Meyers highlights the significance of embracing failure as a crucial element for personal and professional growth in comedy.
The influence of Lorne Michaels was pivotal in helping Meyers refine his craft and discover his unique comedic strengths.
Meyers emphasizes the evolution of his on-screen persona, underlining the importance of authenticity to connect genuinely with his audience.
Deep dives
Cologuard and Colon Cancer Screening
The Cologuard test provides a convenient at-home screening option for colon cancer without the invasive prep required for a colonoscopy. Recommended for individuals aged 45 and older at average risk, it allows patients to feel more empowered in managing their health. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider about this test, as Cologuard should not be used by individuals with specific medical histories or those already diagnosed with higher-risk conditions. Positive results from the test always require a follow-up colonoscopy to confirm findings.
Seth Meyers: A Strong Talk Show Host
Seth Meyers is recognized for his exceptional hosting skills, making him a standout figure in late-night television. His generosity and humor shine through in his interviews, as he creates an atmosphere that allows guests to thrive while promoting their work. Meyers is praised for knowing how to set up jokes without overshadowing guests, which contributes significantly to his show's popularity. His ability to remain true to himself, regardless of the role, instills confidence and authenticity in his interactions.
Personal Reflections on Failure
Seth Meyers shares his journey with failure and self-discovery within the competitive realm of comedy and television. He reflects on his early ambitions, once aiming for a behind-the-scenes role as a writer or director rather than pursuing performance. Despite grappling with low confidence during auditions and early career pressures, Meyers learned to embrace failure as a critical stepping stone toward personal and professional growth. His perspective illustrates how navigating through setbacks ultimately shaped his success in late-night hosting.
Lessons from Lorne Michaels
Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind Saturday Night Live, is credited with helping Meyers discover his strengths and refine his craft. The freedom to experiment within a supportive environment shaped Meyers's approach, allowing him to access opportunities that aligned with his unique style. He acknowledges that success can come hand-in-hand with daunting pressures, especially in a high-stakes setting like SNL. Michaels' influence helped him recognize the importance of taste and the courage to embrace failure in pursuit of his vision.
Evolving On-Screen Persona
Seth Meyers discusses the evolution of his on-screen persona as he transitioned from a cast member to the host of his show. Initially, he struggled with the expectation to prove himself and redefine his identity beyond the Weekend Update character. Through trial and error, he realized the value of authenticity in his performance, leading to a more relatable show format. Meyers emphasizes the importance of aligning his public persona closely with his true self to cultivate a genuine connection with the audience.
As a veteran late-night guest, I know a phony host when I see one — and Seth Meyers is as genuine as they come. He’s been a professional funny guy on TV for decades, first joining the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2001, then hosting his own late-night talk show since 2014. Over the years, he’s learned the hard way what works and what doesn’t, stumbling through creative missteps in front of millions of people and, even worse, in front of Lorne Michaels. We discuss standout skits, the legacy of late night, and how having good taste often means knowing when to step aside.
Late Night with Seth Meyers will go live on Wednesday, September 11 at 10 p.m. for “A Closer Look with Seth Meyers: Primetime LIVE Election Special”, an extended edition of the show’s signature A Closer Look segment, examining the previous night’s presidential debate.
Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. And if you want to continue the conversation with other listeners, join the My Lemonada community at https://lemonadamedia.com/mylemonada/
For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.