David Sedaris, a celebrated humorist and author known for his sharp wit and bestselling works like Me Talk Pretty One Day, joins the conversation to explore the overlooked joys of small talk. He shares personal anecdotes from his New York City apartment building, highlighting how brief elevator chats create unexpected connections. Sedaris also humorously recounts his language learning journey with Duolingo, contrasting its quirks with traditional methods. His insights remind us of the significance of simple conversations amidst the chaos of the world.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Awkward Elevator Encounter
David Sedaris recounts an awkward elevator encounter with a neighbor.
He attempted to initiate small talk about tipping doormen, but was swiftly rebuffed.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Icebreaker Question
Instead of asking about tipping, David Sedaris now asks, "How long have you known your dentist?"
This question sparks conversation and avoids uncomfortable situations.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Duolingo Discovery
David Sedaris found the dentist question on Duolingo, a language-learning app.
He uses the app to learn various languages, including Japanese.
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David Sedaris's "Calypso" is a collection of essays that showcases his distinctive voice and his ability to find humor in the everyday. The essays are characterized by their witty observations, self-deprecating humor, and unflinching honesty. Sedaris writes about a wide range of topics, from his childhood experiences to his travels abroad, always with a keen eye for detail and a sharp sense of irony. His work is known for its ability to make readers laugh while also prompting them to think about deeper issues. "Calypso" is considered a significant work in contemporary American literature, further solidifying Sedaris's status as a master of the essay form. The collection's exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the search for meaning continues to resonate with readers.
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
David Sedaris
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is a collection of essays by David Sedaris that delves into his upbringing in Raleigh, North Carolina, his relationships with family members, and his life in New York City and France. The book is praised for its introspective and emotionally resonant storytelling, offering a humorous yet poignant look at ordinary life.
Pretty Ugly
David Sedaris
In 'Pretty Ugly', David Sedaris and Ian Falconer collaborate on a tale that explores the theme of true beauty being on the inside. The story follows Anna Van Ogre, a monster who makes a face that unexpectedly sticks, transforming her into a human-like appearance. The book combines humor with a gross-out ending that will delight children who enjoy quirky stories.
Me Talk Pretty One Day
David Sedaris
Me Talk Pretty One Day is a collection of essays that humorously explores David Sedaris's experiences growing up in a large Greek family, his early career start in performance art, and his life in France. The book details his upbringing in North Carolina, including his struggles with a lisp and his family's eccentricities. It also delves into his adventures as an American in a rural French village, where he navigates cultural differences and language barriers with his signature wit and sarcasm. The essays touch on themes of family, identity, acceptance, and the power of humor in addressing personal flaws and life's challenges[2][4][5].
The news lately has not exactly been a walk in the park. Iran launched hundreds of rockets at Israel, creating the prospect of World War III; we have Trump’s ongoing criminal trial; a TikTok ban; a war in Ukraine; and much of the Ivy League is now co-opted by Hamas. Should we go on?
Today’s episode isn’t about any of that. Because sometimes we just need a breath of fresh air. Cue the one and only David Sedaris—America’s favorite humorist, or at the very least, our favorite humorist.
You might know David from one of his bestselling books like Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Me Talk Pretty One Day, and Calypso. His words are frequently in The New Yorker, and he’s also just come out with a children’s book called Pretty Ugly, which he says has “no message.”
David was on Honestly a few years ago—if you haven’t heard that interview, please check it out; it’s a highlight of this show—and he’s here again today to read an essay he wrote for The Free Press, where he imparts his thoughts on the underappreciated joys of small talk. We hope you enjoy.
Honestly with Bari Weiss 
