Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
155. David Sedaris Returns: A Creative’s Dream and a Fact Checker’s Nightmare
Dec 30, 2024
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.
50:47
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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