155. David Sedaris Returns: A Creative’s Dream and a Fact Checker’s Nightmare
Dec 30, 2024
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David Sedaris, acclaimed author and humorist known for his witty autobiographical essays, returns for a lively chat. He and Mike delve into the blurry lines of truth in storytelling and the challenges of fact-checking humor at places like The New Yorker. David shares entertaining anecdotes, including an amusing encounter with Pope Francis. The duo also engages in a hilariously tricky game of F**k, Marry, Kill with Sedaris’ own works, while casually exploring the nuances of authenticity in creative writing and their thoughts on charitable giving.
David Sedaris emphasizes the importance of consistent writing and personal development, highlighting that fulfillment comes from the writing process itself rather than validation.
Sedaris critiques the stringent fact-checking in media, advocating for creative liberties in storytelling that prioritize humor over strict factual accuracy.
Deep dives
Encountering David Sedaris
David Sedaris, an iconic comedy writer, reflects on his unexpected journey to literary fame, which began with his notable work, 'Santaland Diaries.' Despite initially feeling uncertain about his literary prospects before achieving breakout success, he emphasizes the importance of consistent writing and belief in eventual recognition. Sedaris shares insights about continuous personal development and how he never got discouraged, even when observing peers struggle in their careers. He maintains that true fulfillment in writing comes from the act itself, rather than the validation of publishing.
Navigating Creative Challenges
Sedaris addresses the common frustrations writers face, especially when they reach a standstill in the creative process. He suggests that revisiting earlier parts of a work can often provide new perspectives, allowing for alternative paths to emerge. A particularly striking example he provides is of a celebrated novelist discarding hundreds of pages of work, reminding listeners that it's a natural part of the writing journey to let go of what doesn't serve the piece. This reflects Sedaris' broader perspective on creativity, emphasizing resilience and the importance of willingness to start anew.
Meeting Pope Francis
Sedaris recounts his experience meeting Pope Francis, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding the nature of the encounter. He expected a more intimate dialogue but was instead part of a large group meeting. As he humorously critiques the Pope's speech and delivery, he conveys how the event felt anticlimactic compared to his expectations, which showcases his perspective on authenticity and communication. The interaction also sparks reflections on how humor and laughter can bridge divides, highlighting Sedaris' belief in the power of comedy in serious contexts.
The Art of Autobiographical Storytelling
During the conversation, Sedaris tackles the complexities of truth in autobiographical writing, especially as fact-checking has become more stringent in contemporary media. He shares amusing anecdotes about the rigorous fact-checking process at 'The New Yorker’ and expresses concerns over how this paradigm stifles the art of storytelling. He believes that many shared personal stories are altered for the sake of humor and relatability, advocating for the lost art of embellishment in storytelling. Sedaris ultimately embraces his role as a writer who takes creative liberties, prioritizing the art of humor over strict adherence to factual accuracy.
This week Mike has all-timer David Sedaris back on the podcast. Sedaris, of course, wrote Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, and Holidays on Ice, among other classics. The two discuss where the truth lies in autobiographical non-fiction, fact-checking comedy at The New Yorker, and how to navigate storytelling when it's all too personal. Plus, David plays F**k, Marry, Kill, with his own published works and Mike can’t accept the answer.
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