Bridget Everett On Not Fitting In, Then Finding Her People
Oct 21, 2024
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Bridget Everett, a renowned star of HBO's 'Somebody Somewhere' and raunchy cabaret performances, shares her journey from feeling out of place in Manhattan, Kansas, to finding her voice in New York. Joining her is Jeff Hiller, who plays the supportive friend Joel in the series. They delve into the emotional nuances of navigating grief, self-worth, and the importance of community. Bridget's anecdotes about her family dynamics and her upbringing reveal how humor and music shaped her path, making for an engaging conversation about authenticity and connection.
Bridget Everett's journey illustrates how returning to one's roots can evoke both feelings of isolation and the joy of rediscovering community connections.
The podcast emphasizes that navigating grief can complicate friendships, especially when romantic relationships start to interfere with platonic bonds.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Grief and Moving Forward
The series focuses on Sam, a 40-something woman grappling with grief after her sister's death. Despite returning to her hometown to help, Sam feels lost and struggles to find joy outside of singing. Her initial state showcases a deep sense of insecurity, indicating that loss impacts not only relationships but also one's sense of self-worth. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that while Sam seeks comfort in friendship, her unresolved grief poses challenges to her emotional well-being.
Finding Community and Belonging
Sam’s journey highlights her initial feeling of being an outsider within her hometown, especially after returning from New York. Her friendship with Joel, a gay man she reconnects with from high school, opens doors to a welcoming LGBTQ community that offers her support and friendship. Through these connections, Sam experiences the growth of her social circle, reflecting the importance of finding a community where one feels accepted and understood. However, this connection also brings to light her struggle with feeling unlovable, as she grapples with sharing her best friend Joel with his romantic partner.
The Impact of Romantic Relationships on Friendships
The dynamics of friendships shift significantly when Joel starts dating someone new, which causes Sam to feel neglected and insecure. Their past bond, once strong, becomes strained as Sam grapples with feelings of exclusion and sadness. This change brings forefront the theme of how romantic relationships can affect close friendships, especially for individuals like Sam, who are hesitant to open up emotionally. The narrative effectively explores the nuances of friendship, emphasizing that romantic love can sometimes unintentionally overshadow platonic connections.
The Integration of Humor and Raw Emotion
Bridget Everett’s character embodies a mix of comedic bravado while simultaneously confronting deep emotional issues. Her cabaret performances serve as both an escape and a means of self-exploration, wherein she uses humor to address serious themes. This intertwining of comedy with poignant moments allows for a unique portrayal of a character dealing with both the absurdities of life and the weight of personal loss. Ultimately, the series showcases how laughter and music can be powerful tools in navigating complex emotions and life’s challenges.
Growing up in Manhattan, Kansas, Bridget Everett and her "blue sense of humor" never quite fit in. After moving to New York City and developing a cabaret show, she returned home for her HBO show Somebody Somewhere. The series is semi-autobiographical, about a woman struggling with self-worth and grief as she finds her people and her voice. Subscribe to Fresh Air's weekly newsletter and get highlights from the show, gems from the archive, and staff recommendations.