#563: Sarah Silverman — The Joy of Being Alone, Becoming Your Own Best Friend, Insights from Therapy, and More

17 snips

Jan 13, 2022

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Silverman, a two-time Emmy Award-winning comedian and actress, shares her journey through self-acceptance and the joy of solitude. She discusses the role of humor in navigating deeper emotions and her struggles with depression. Sarah reflects on authenticity in comedy, her experiences at SNL, and the transformative power of therapy. She also examines the impact of social media on connections and the importance of resilience in the creative arts. It's a heartfelt exploration of personal growth and embracing vulnerability.

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ANECDOTE

Depression Onset

Sarah Silverman experienced sudden depression at 13, intensified by excessive Xanax use.
Her stepfather's question about its feeling led her to describe it as "homesickness but at home."

ANECDOTE

Camping Trip Trigger

The onset of Sarah's depression coincided with an eighth-grade camping trip humiliation.
A photo captures the moment depression "took hold" after her mom photographed her upon return.

ADVICE

Be Your Own Best Friend

Become your own best friend, especially after emotionally draining relationships, says Sarah's mom.
Practice self-companionship by enjoying solitude, talking to yourself, and finding humor in simple acts.

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I smile back

Amy Koppelman

In 'I Smile Back', Amy Koppelman portrays the life of Laney Brooks, a suburban mother whose seemingly perfect life is marred by depression, substance abuse, and a troubled past. The novel delves into Laney's inner turmoil and her struggles to maintain a facade of normalcy while grappling with her demons. Through Laney's story, Koppelman explores themes of mental health, family, and the complexities of human relationships.

The Bedwetter

Sarah Silverman

In 'The Bedwetter', Sarah Silverman shares humorous and poignant stories about her life, from growing up in New Hampshire to her experiences with bedwetting and her career in comedy. The book is a collection of essays that showcase her signature irreverence and wit. It also explores themes of family, identity, and the challenges of her early life.

The Zen Diaries of Gary Shandling

Garry Shandling

Fahrenheit 451

Ray Bradbury

In this classic dystopian novel, Ray Bradbury depicts a future American society where books are outlawed and 'firemen' are tasked with burning any discovered. The protagonist, Guy Montag, is a fireman who starts to question his role after encountering Clarisse, a young girl who loves nature and reading. As Montag delves deeper into the world of books, he begins to see the emptiness of his life and the dangers of a society that values entertainment over critical thinking and intellectual freedom. With the help of Faber, a retired English professor, Montag rebels against the system, leading to a confrontation with his fire chief, Captain Beatty, and ultimately joining a group of intellectuals who have memorized books to preserve knowledge for a post-apocalyptic future.

1984

None

George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

Sarah Silverman — The Joy of Being Alone, Becoming Your Own Best Friend, Insights from Therapy, and More | Brought to you by Helium 10 all-in-one software suite to sell on Amazon, Dry Farm Wines natural wines designed for fewer hangovers, and Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement. More on all three below.

Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) is a two-time-Emmy Award-winning comedian, actress, writer, and producer.

She currently hosts The Sarah Silverman Podcast and stars in the HBO Max animated series Santa Inc., opposite Seth Rogen. She will next be seen opposite Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in the feature film Marry Me. Other upcoming projects include TBS’s Stupid Pet Tricks, an expansion of the famous David Letterman late-night segment, and the indie psychological thriller Viral, starring alongside Blair Underwood.

Her first book, a memoir called The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee, which went on to become a New York Times bestseller, is currently being adapted into a musical with the Atlantic Theater Company to premiere in April 2022.

Silverman served as creator, executive producer, and host of the Emmy-nominated series I Love You, America, which streamed weekly on Hulu and saw her connecting with people through honesty and humor. On stage, she continues to be recognized as a force in stand-up comedy. Her latest stand-up special, A Speck of Dust, debuted on Netflix in May 2017 and culminated in two Emmy Award nominations and a Grammy Award nomination. Her additional film and television work includes Battle of the Sexes, I Smile Back, Wreck-It Ralph, Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks The Internet, Masters of Sex, and Bob’s Burgers.

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Sarah continues her story about childhood depression that Jerry Seinfeld interrupted in Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, explains what was going on in her life at the time, and answers the question her stepfather posed: “What does it feel like?” [06:34]

How did Sarah become her own best friend, and does this make her asocial? [10:47]

As a television aficionado, what shows give her comfort and deserve regular revisiting? [17:35]

What does Sarah mean by “comedy stress?” [21:02]

What Sarah discovered about herself and the comedic process while writing her memoir, working on her first feature, and observing Chris Rock. [22:04]

How Sarah’s experience as a writer and performer on Saturday Night Live — and as a basketball player growing up — made her tougher. [28:05]

The aftermath of Sarah’s time at SNL and favorite Charlie Kaufman quotes. [36:30]

On the rise of extremism across the political spectrum, where it seems to be headed, and what we need to remember about the things we consume via social media. [42:19]

The comfort zone of worrying. [46:24]

Sarah’s advice to people who are prone to constant self-flagellation. [48:27]

How has therapy helped Sarah, and how frequently does she attend sessions? Why did she recently switch therapists? [52:27]

Why prompted Sarah to start her own podcast? How does it differ from her comedic work, and how does she choose her participants? [59:47]

Is Sarah becoming her mother? [1:05:28]

How did Sarah get involved as the dramatic lead in the movie I Smile Back, and what did she take away from the experience? [1:08:16]

What did Sarah learn from spending time and working with the late Garry Shandling? [1:11:37]

What would Sarah’s billboard say? [1:14:42]

Grab joy where you can get it. [1:16:34]

Why you should never miss the chance to mourn at a comedian’s funeral. [1:17:31]

What would Sarah’s name be if she’d been born a boy? [1:18:41]

Parting thoughts. [1:19:11]

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Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, Balaji Srinivasan, Sarah Silverman, Dr. Andrew Huberman, Dr. Michio Kaku, and many more.

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