SNAFU with Ed Helms S4E5: Desi Lydic and the 1977 NYC Blackout
Nov 5, 2025
Desi Lydic, a comedian and correspondent for The Daily Show, joins to dive into the chaos of the 1977 NYC blackout. They discuss the event's technical causes, how it unleashed looting and social breakdown, and the stark contrast with the calmer 1965 blackout. Desi shares insights on thriving in NYC's eccentric culture while addressing the emotional toll of satirical news. They also reflect on the blackout as a metaphor for our current societal challenges and Desi's humorous takes on what she'd change if she were mayor.
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Madonna Overwrites A Graduation Tape
- Desi Lydic recalled taping over her cousin's graduation with Madonna's provocative MTV performance by accident.
- The family watched the wrong VHS at a Christmas gathering, leading to humiliation and punishment.
Cascade Failure From Small Technical Faults
- The 1977 blackout was a cascade of technical failures and human maintenance lapses that culminated in a citywide collapse of power.
- Small issues like a loose nut and unmanned generators multiplied under extreme storm conditions into systemic failure.
Baseball Game Turns Apocalyptic
- Shea Stadium went dark during a Mets game and players described the blackout as an eerie, apocalyptic moment.
- Mets third baseman Lenny Randle said he thought, “this is my last at bat. God is coming for me.”
