All Of It - Episode Summary: "A Stage Four Cancer Patient Discovers Her Sexuality in 'Dying for Sex'"

Host: Alison Stewart
Guests: Jenny Slate (Actor), Kim Rosenstock (Co-Showrunner)
Release Date: April 8, 2025

Introduction

In this poignant and thought-provoking episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the sensitive and deeply human narrative of "Dying for Sex", a new dramatic comedy series adapted from a true story podcast of the same name. The episode features an insightful conversation with Jenny Slate, who portrays Nikki Boyer, and Kim Rosenstock, the co-showrunner of the series. Together, they explore the intricate dynamics of friendship, love, and personal awakening amidst the challenges of terminal illness.

Overview of "Dying for Sex"

"Dying for Sex" is inspired by a true story chronicled in a podcast that follows Molly, a 44-year-old woman battling stage four breast cancer. Facing her mortality after multiple rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, Molly makes the courageous decision to leave her unfulfilling 15-year marriage. She embarks on a journey to explore her sexuality and live her remaining days to the fullest, accompanied by her best friend, Nikki, portrayed by Jenny Slate.

Alison Stewart introduces the series:
"It's a show of big, messy, reflexively uncomfortable feelings. The kind that requires a mastery of tone and a uniformly game cast." (Variety Review, [00:32])

Interview with Jenny Slate: Portraying Nikki

Jenny Slate brings depth and authenticity to the character of Nikki, Molly's unwavering supporter. During the interview, Jenny shares her experiences and the emotional landscape of portraying someone so intimately tied to Molly's journey.

Conversations with the Real Nikki Boyer

Jenny discusses her interactions with the real Nikki Boyer, highlighting the profound impact these conversations had on her portrayal:
"She answered everything as honestly as she could. Sometimes it was a question that she had not thought about before." ([04:05])

These discussions allowed Jenny to embody Nikki not just as a character, but as a real person grappling with grief, love, and the complexities of supporting a friend through terminal illness.

Admiration of the Friendship Between Nikki and Molly

Jenny expresses deep admiration for the genuine bond between Nikki and Molly:
"Nikki's gaze, attention, and listening capability never wavered. She was an incredible listener." ([05:52])

She emphasizes how their friendship creates an "infinity loop" of mutual support and recognition of each other's worth, showcasing a vibrant and resilient relationship that is central to the series.

Portraying Specific Scenes: The Messy Bag

One standout moment in the series is the scene where Nikki empties her bag on the floor, a metaphor for her chaotic yet wholehearted approach to supporting Molly.

Kim Rosenstock reflects on this scene:
"It's every day of my life. I feel a real kinship with Nikki... She is fully able to rise to the occasion." ([14:54])

Jenny elaborates on the contents of Nikki's bag, revealing layers of her personality and the humorous balance she maintains amidst chaos:
"There's like two unwrapped crumb cakes in there... a trophy that I am not. I imagine Nikki was at like a drunken game night..." ([16:54])

This scene encapsulates Nikki's messy yet steadfast dedication, adding both humor and realism to the narrative.

Insights from Co-Showrunner Kim Rosenstock: Adapting the Podcast

Kim Rosenstock provides an in-depth look at the challenges and creative decisions involved in transforming the "Dying for Sex" podcast into a television series.

Maintaining the Podcast's Intimacy

Kim discusses the inherent differences between audio and visual storytelling:
"We cannot give audiences the same feeling that we had listening to this podcast... It was like, how do we give that intimacy?" ([07:48])

To bridge this gap, the team focused on making the story present and unfolding, rather than retrospective, ensuring the emotional weight remains palpable.

Expanding on Nikki's Journey

Unlike the podcast, which primarily captures Nikki as the receiver of Molly's stories, the series allows for a deeper exploration of Nikki's personal growth and emotional arc:
"We have an opportunity to build out Nikki's journey as the caretaker..." ([08:03])

This expansion adds depth to Nikki's character, highlighting her transformation and the reciprocal nature of her support for Molly.

Balancing Tone and Fidelity to the True Story

While staying true to the heart of the podcast, Kim and her team took creative liberties to enhance the narrative:
"We gave Molly this emotional experience that she had longed for in real life." ([08:03])

This decision not only honors Molly's real-life desires but also adds a layer of fulfilling closure to her character within the series.

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It masterfully navigates the delicate themes of life, death, love, and personal discovery. Through the heartfelt discussions with Jenny Slate and Kim Rosenstock, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how "Dying for Sex" transcends its podcast origins to become a nuanced and emotionally resonant television series. The focus on authentic relationships and the courage to explore uncomfortable yet essential aspects of the human experience make this episode a compelling exploration of culture and context.

Notable Quotes:

• Kim Rosenstock:
  "This is exactly the kind of thing I want to be writing about and putting out into the world." ([02:03])

• Jenny Slate:
  "Nikki is really kind of like full service valet... a little bit of like a therapist, sometimes too much." ([12:34])

• Jenny Slate:
  "She's not organized. She is really, really emotional... but she is down for anything." ([13:00])

• Kim Rosenstock:
  "The story is this friendship, this love story between these two friends." ([08:03])

All episodes of "Dying for Sex" are available for streaming now on Hulu. Stay tuned to All Of It for more in-depth conversations about the cultural phenomena shaping our world.