This week, Sam Adams, a senior writer at Slate, and Carl Wilson, Slate's music critic, dive into the impactful themes of sexual freedom in the new series 'Dying for Sex,' where a woman explores her desires after a terminal diagnosis. They also discuss the quirky documentary 'Secret Mall Apartment,' uncovering how a group turned a mall space into a hidden living area. Lastly, they celebrate the musical evolution of Lucy Dacus, drawing connections between intimacy and artistry, all while grappling with the nuances of identity and community.
The series 'Dying for Sex' explores the complexities of female relationships and personal discovery amidst terminal illness, emphasizing intimacy and resilience.
The documentary 'Secret Mall Apartment' highlights the innovative use of urban spaces by artists, challenging consumerism and conventional living through creativity.
Lucy Dacus' album 'Forever is a Feeling' serves as a narrative-driven exploration of love and vulnerability, reflecting her growth as an artist.
Deep dives
Cancer and the Gift of Running
The episode highlights a woman's journey of running the Boston Marathon while battling stage four cancer, emphasizing the transformative power of running as a therapeutic outlet. The individual, Anne, allocated her efforts towards raising funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, aiming to help others impacted by cancer. Her story illustrates how physical activity can serve as both a personal challenge and a means to contribute positively to the community. By participating in this marathon, she seeks to inspire others facing similar challenges to find strength and purpose.
Cultural Reflections through Television
A discussion about the show 'Dying for Sex' presents a poignant exploration of how individuals cope with terminal illness through relationships and personal discovery. The series stars Michelle Williams, who portrays a woman undergoing a sexual awakening after her cancer diagnosis, highlighting the intricacies of love and intimacy in difficult circumstances. This narrative not only addresses the realities of dying young but also emphasizes the importance of seizing life’s pleasures amidst despair. The interplay of humor and grief throughout the show provides a relatable lens through which audiences can examine their own relationships and desires.
The Role of Friendship
The bond between the lead characters in 'Dying for Sex' is portrayed as a central theme, showcasing the complexities of female friendship under extraordinary circumstances. Michelle Williams' character shares an intimate connection with her best friend, played by Jenny Slate, navigating both boundaries and deep emotional support. Their relationship enriches the narrative, offering layers of authenticity while addressing shared struggles of identity and existential reflection. Unlike romanticized portrayals of friendship, their dynamic is grounded in the realities of life's challenges, including health crises and personal freedoms.
Artistic Exploration and Community
The episode discusses the documentary 'Secret Mall Apartment,' detailing a group of artists who ingeniously inhabited a hidden space in a shopping mall for four years. Their endeavor served as a commentary on urban space utilization and a creative rebellion against consumerism and conventional living. The film captures their adventurous spirit as they designed a community space, blending art and life while navigating the challenges of secrecy and legality. This narrative not only celebrates youthful creativity but also prompts reflections on the purpose and accessibility of art in everyday environments.
Lucy Dacus and Musical Personal Growth
The episode features an examination of Lucy Dacus' new album 'Forever is a Feeling,' which emerges as a deeply personal work during a pivotal moment in her career. The album is characterized as a narrative-driven exploration of love and intimacy, highlighting her growth as both an artist and an individual. Dacus navigates themes of vulnerability while reflecting on her relationships, established in the context of her fame and past experiences. The intricate lyrics and evocative storytelling evoke emotional resonance, prompting listeners to connect deeply with these reflections on human connection and shared experiences.
On this week’s show, Slate’s own Sam Adams sits in for Julia as they discuss the new Michelle Williams limited series “Dying for Sex,” about a woman who leaves her husband to experience a sexual awakening after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis.
Then, the trio discuss the documentary “Secret Mall Apartment” about a group in Rhode Island who managed to keep an apartment in a busy mall for years in the early aughts. Finally, Carl Wilson joins for a conversation about the new album from Lucy Dacus of Boygenius fame.
In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel talks about art ripoffs and wonders who owns an idea.
