Podcast Summary: "COVID Positive: What ‘Good’ Came Out Of The Pandemic?"
Podcast: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Josh Gondelman, Comedian and Writer
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "COVID Positive: What ‘Good’ Came Out Of The Pandemic?" hosted by Alison Stewart on All Of It, a WNYC show dedicated to exploring culture and its consumers, Alison reflects on the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 quarantine. The episode delves into the profound changes the pandemic brought to daily life, relationships, work, and social interactions. The focus is on uncovering silver linings and positive transformations that emerged during these challenging times.
Guest Introduction
Josh Gondelman joins Alison in the studio. A comedian and writer known for his insightful humor, Josh brings a personal perspective to the discussion, sharing his experiences and the positive outcomes he gleaned from the pandemic period.
Personal Reflections on the Pandemic
Alison Stewart initiates the conversation by prompting Josh to reminisce about the early days of the lockdown.
- Josh Gondelman (01:56) shares, “There is a substantial amount that I have blotted out of my memory with a rag. But I honestly think that it was such a hard time and there was so much loss and sadness. And the thing that got me through it was really cementing the fact that my wife and I really do get along.”
Josh emphasizes the importance of his relationship with his wife, highlighting how spending extended time together strengthened their bond during the isolation.
Finding Joy and Building Connections
The discussion transitions to how individuals found joy and maintained friendships amid the pandemic's restrictions.
- Josh Gondelman (02:46) reflects, “I really try to think about being fortunate to have made it through okay and in good health... I was the same guy I always thought I was. We definitely cooked a little more, baked a little more.”
He credits virtual gatherings, such as Zoom game nights, as pivotal in maintaining and strengthening long-distance friendships, stating, “Zoom Game night is something that I love to do when I'm not allowed to leave the house.”
Listener Stories: Silver Linings
Throughout the episode, listeners call in to share their positive experiences from the pandemic. Notable stories include:
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Sarah from Manhattan (06:20) shares, “My son came home during the shutdown, and it was such a beautiful bonding experience. He and I are just so much closer now.”
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Cindy from Brooklyn (09:53) discusses enduring activities, “A weekly Boggle game online and a book club that started with friends from London. We're still doing it.”
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Mohammed from Pennsylvania (11:06) talks about taking up new hobbies, “I built a chicken coop and started raising birds. I also learned how to make wine and beer to gift to friends.”
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Alisa from Brooklyn (12:38) recounts her educational journey, “I went to college in spring 2020, completed my undergraduate in psychology, and recently finished my master's. It was like jumping off a cliff into something I always wanted to do.”
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Trey (16:08) reflects on reconnecting with friends through dedicated activities, “I started taking long walks and made appointments with old friends to catch up during these walks. It created deeper connections.”
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Pauline from Queens (17:06) shares her health journey, “I lost about 40 pounds by exploring my neighborhood, exercising, eating healthier, and doing yoga during the pandemic.”
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Laura from Harlem (22:51) speaks about balancing career and family, “I had a baby during the pandemic, and working remotely allowed me to maintain my career trajectory while being a parent.”
Community and Mutual Aid
Josh Gondelman (07:07) highlights the emergence of mutual aid networks, stating, “The bubbling up of really robust mutual aid networks is something that is so beautiful and hopefully durable through that period and beyond.”
He emphasizes the importance of investing in local support systems, noting, “Investing in local systems of support for people that need it was a wonderful growth that those networks became more dense and strong.”
Creative Endeavors and Personal Growth
The episode also touches on how creativity flourished during lockdowns.
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Josh Gondelman (08:09) shares his professional experience, “Working on Desus and Mero remotely was a challenge, but it was incredible to keep the show up and running. At home, creativity shifted to activities like making cocktails and playing Scrabble.”
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Alison Stewart (09:12) mentions her personal project, “I started needlepointing during the pandemic and recently had my project made into a pillow, marking the five-year anniversary of the quarantine.”
Josh adds, “I learned that I am the same guy I always thought I was. I cooked more, baked more, and appreciated being around people.”
Reconnecting and Maintaining Relationships
Listeners also discuss the redefinition of friendships and maintaining connections.
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Dan from Huntington (18:55) shares his experience with online trivia calls, “Creating trivia Zoom calls with fellow comedians was one of the best things that came out of COVID for me. It was awesome to see everyone's face and reconnect.”
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Josh Gondelman (20:22) echoes the sentiment, “Playing games like Code Names with old friends was a fun way to reconnect. It helped maintain those relationships despite physical distance.”
Health and Wellness
Personal health transformations are highlighted as positive outcomes.
- Pauline from Queens (17:06) discusses her weight loss journey, “I lost about 40 pounds by exercising, eating healthier, and doing yoga during the pandemic. It was a small shimmer of light in a tough time.”
Josh adds, “I learned how to stay in and sit still, which was a new skill for me.”
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with reflections on enduring positive changes and renewed appreciation for community and personal relationships. Alison Stewart and Josh Gondelman emphasize the importance of these silver linings as lasting benefits from a tumultuous period.
Notable Quote:
"The bubbling up of really robust mutual aid networks is something that is so beautiful and hopefully durable through that period and beyond." — Josh Gondelman (07:07)
Looking Forward
Alison teases the next episode featuring actor Jason Isaacs discussing the new season of White Lotus and composer Hans Zimmer, indicating a continuation of exploring cultural impacts and creative endeavors beyond the pandemic.
Contact and Participation: Listeners are encouraged to share their stories and join the conversation by calling 212-433-WNYC or engaging via text and social media platforms.
All Of It continues to serve as a companion and curator of New York City's rich cultural landscape, fostering a community where diverse perspectives and experiences contribute to the city's greatness.