Lesley Arfin, known for Love, Girls, and Dear Diary, talks with Sean about the movie Permanent Midnight. They discuss addiction, sobriety, identity, and the challenges of working in showrooms. They also reflect on personal experiences with drug addiction and discuss the importance of anonymity in recovery programs. The speakers explore the tension between commercial success and artistic integrity, reflect on past ego-driven behavior, and discuss the fear and allure of starting a real relationship. They also touch on attitudes in meetings, childhood trauma, addiction as a disease, character manipulation, and experiences in the labor and delivery room.
Addiction can provide a sense of control and escape from the pressures of life.
Maintaining sobriety while working in the entertainment industry can be challenging.
Addiction can impact relationships and self-perception, causing addicts to push away genuine connections.
The podcast explores the personal struggles and consequences of addiction, highlighting the destructive nature of drug dependency.
Deep dives
Jerry Stahl's journey into drugs and Hollywood
The podcast episode explores the story of Jerry Stahl, a writer and drug addict, who wrote a memoir called 'Permanent Midnight' which is the basis for the film. The episode delves into his background, his experiences with addiction, and his writing career in Hollywood. It discusses the challenges of being a drug addict in the entertainment industry and the impact it had on Stahl's life and work.
The allure of drugs and self-destructive behavior
The podcast episode highlights the allure and initial enjoyment of drugs and self-destructive behavior. It explores how addiction can provide a sense of control and escape from the pressures of life. The episode also delves into the characteristic patterns of behavior exhibited by addicts, such as prioritizing drugs over relationships and opportunities.
The struggles of maintaining sobriety in the industry
The podcast episode addresses the challenges of maintaining sobriety while working in the entertainment industry. It discusses the pressures faced by creative individuals, constant temptation, and the need to navigate social situations where drug use may be prevalent. The episode emphasizes the importance of working on personal flaws and patterns of behavior to support long-term recovery.
The impact of addiction on relationships and self-perception
The podcast episode explores how addiction can impact relationships and self-perception. It highlights the tendency for addicts to push away genuine connections and sabotage opportunities for love and support. The episode emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the importance of addressing underlying issues to break destructive patterns.
The struggles of addiction and the impact on personal relationships
The podcast episode delves into the personal struggles and consequences of addiction. It highlights how addiction can impact personal relationships, as seen through the main character's turbulent affair and the strain it puts on his relationship with the mother of his child.
The destructive nature of drug dependency
The episode explores the destructive nature of drug dependency and the lengths to which an addict will go to fuel their addiction. It showcases instances of risky behavior, such as taking drugs at inappropriate times and bringing a child along to a drug deal.
The challenge of getting clean and the fear of sobriety
The podcast episode touches on the challenge of getting clean and the fear that can arise when faced with sobriety. It presents the protagonist's struggle to maintain sobriety and the terror he experiences when confronted with the realities of his new sober life.
The journey of self-reflection and personal growth
The episode also touches on the journey of self-reflection and personal growth that the protagonist goes through. It explores his realization of the importance of addressing his addiction and the need to make changes in his life for the sake of his well-being and the well-being of his child.
Sean talks to Lesley Arfin (Love, Girls, Dear Diary) about the movie Permanent Midnight. They discuss writer Jerry Stahl’s portrayal of addiction and their journeys with sobriety.
Every episode is available at Patreon.com/TheFlagrantOnes on The Bundle Tier with selected episode available for free here!
