Podcast Summary: "Jonathan Van Ness on 'Sex Education for Adults' Comedy Special"
Podcast Information:
- Title: All Of It
- Host: Alison Stewart
- Guest: Jonathan Van Ness
- Episode Release Date: January 22, 2025
- Description: In this episode of ALL OF IT, host Alison Stewart engages with Jonathan Van Ness, a renowned podcast host, author, TV host, and comedian, about his latest comedy special, Fun and Slutty. The conversation delves into Van Ness's approach to sex education, his use of humor to address serious topics, and his personal experiences with gender, sexuality, and advocacy.
Introduction to the Comedy Special
[00:38] Alison Stewart:
Alison introduces Jonathan Van Ness and his new comedy special, Fun and Slutty, describing it as a "sex ed class for adults" that combines humor with personal confessions. She highlights themes of creating a shame-free environment where both audience members and Van Ness share candid stories and feelings, including those about anti-LGBT lawmakers and living with HIV.
Quote:
"We won’t always agree, but our varied perspectives and diversity of experience is what makes New York City great."
— Alison Stewart, [00:38]
Embracing the Term "Slutty"
[01:32] Alison Stewart:
Alison probes Jonathan about his choice to center his special around the provocative term "slutty" and the backlash it has received.
[01:41] Jonathan Van Ness:
Jonathan explains that the negative connotations of "slutty" are deeply rooted in misogyny and societal attempts to control women's and genderqueer individuals' sexuality. He emphasizes reappropriating the term to signify sexual freedom and passionate love for various aspects of life.
Quotes:
"Slutty doesn't have to only mean one thing. It doesn't. I mean, it can speak to sexual freedom, but it also can speak to just like really loving something passionately..."
— Jonathan Van Ness, [01:41]
"That you can use that word doesn't have to shame you. There's power in owning your love of things."
— Jonathan Van Ness, [02:28]
Origin of "Slutty" Affirmations
[02:28] Alison Stewart:
Alison shares her experience following Van Ness on Instagram and asks about the background of his "Slutty" affirmations.
[02:39] Jonathan Van Ness:
Jonathan narrates the inception of his affirmation practice, inspired by a spontaneous self-affirmation in front of the mirror. This moment led him to realize the pervasive negativity surrounding the word "slut" and motivated him to reclaim its meaning.
Quote:
"I just realized how many people had a really negative view of just the word slut."
— Jonathan Van Ness, [02:39]
Themes of Passion and Authenticity
[03:32] Jonathan Van Ness:
Jonathan discusses the importance of embracing multifaceted passions and being true to oneself without seeking validation from others. He emphasizes breaking rigid gender norms and hopes to serve as a role model for those who haven't seen themselves represented in comedy.
Quote:
"You don't have to change yourself to be loved by other people."
— Jonathan Van Ness, [03:32]
Handling Political and Social Issues
[04:52] Jonathan Van Ness:
Jonathan reflects on the challenges of addressing politically charged topics in his show, such as Christian nationalism and gender identity. He shares his background growing up in the church and how it informs his perspective, aiming to hold a mirror to societal issues through humor.
Quote:
"Having come from the church and going to where I am now, I have an interesting perspective that resonates with so many people."
— Jonathan Van Ness, [06:32]
Creating a Shame-Free Zone
[07:54] Jonathan Van Ness:
Jonathan outlines one of his class rules: "No shame." He elaborates on how shame inhibits self-love and personal growth, advocating for acceptance and forgiveness to fully enjoy life.
Quote:
"Shame holds us back from so many different things, and I think that's a really universal experience."
— Jonathan Van Ness, [07:57]
Performance Choices: Fashion and Self-Expression
[08:43] Alison Stewart:
Alison compliments Jonathan’s attire and inquires about his preference for performing in high heels.
[09:02] Jonathan Van Ness:
Jonathan explains his affinity for heels as a form of self-expression and draws parallels between his fashion choices and strong female figures like Nancy Pelosi. He humorously shares the physical discomforts of wearing heels while maintaining their aesthetic value.
Quote:
"If Speaker Pelosi can do this in heels all day, every day, I'm not gonna complain about heels."
— Jonathan Van Ness, [09:02]
Audience Engagement and Reactions
[10:38] Alison Stewart:
Alison asks about audience interactions during his tours, specifically whether attendees willingly shared their stories or if he had to encourage them.
[10:50] Jonathan Van Ness:
Jonathan highlights the enthusiastic and open responses from audiences in Belfast, North Ireland, and Portland, Oregon, noting the warmth and willingness of these communities to engage in talks about shame and personal experiences.
Quote:
"European crowds really brought the heat in a way that talks about lacking shame. It was amazing."
— Jonathan Van Ness, [10:50]
Patriotism and Personal Identity
[13:01] Alison Stewart:
Alison mentions Jonathan's statement of being a patriot and requests him to elaborate on this aspect.
[13:10] Jonathan Van Ness:
Jonathan ties patriotism to traditional notions of masculinity, such as bravery and resilience. He shares a personal anecdote about his childhood in Hannibal, Missouri, wearing heels and facing harassment, which he equates to the courage required to express his authentic self as a genderqueer individual.
Quote:
"The bravery that it took for me to wear heels and express myself is the same bravery I use every day to be who I am."
— Jonathan Van Ness, [13:10]
Humor and Serious Topics: HIV Awareness
[22:50] Alison Stewart:
Alison brings up Jonathan's discussion of rehab and HIV in his special, surprised by the depth amidst the humor.
[21:09] Jonathan Van Ness:
Jonathan shares his perspective on integrating serious topics like rehab and HIV into his comedy. He believes that humor can dismantle stigma and shame, making it easier to address and heal from these issues. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing conversations about HIV prevention and the threats posed by policies limiting access to preventive measures like PrEP.
Quote:
"Shame thrives in secret and darkness. Exposing everything to light is essential for healing."
— Jonathan Van Ness, [23:13]
The Impact of Social Media Algorithms
[15:30] Jonathan Van Ness:
Jonathan discusses his relationship with social media algorithms, particularly TikTok, and how they influence his viewing habits. He explains how algorithms prioritize content to maximize user engagement, often leading to extended screen time and exposure to diverse, sometimes unexpected content.
Quote:
"The TikTok algorithm knows me better than I know myself. It can pull your attention in ways you don't anticipate."
— Jonathan Van Ness, [17:48]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Throughout the episode, Jonathan Van Ness intertwines humor with poignant insights on sexuality, gender identity, mental health, and social advocacy. His ability to navigate and articulate complex issues through comedy offers listeners both laughter and thoughtful reflection.
Final Quote:
"You gotta expose everything to light because healing happens in transparency and acceptance."
— Jonathan Van Ness, [23:13]
Closing Remarks: Alison wraps up the conversation by reiterating the essence of Jonathan's special as a unique blend of comedy and sex education that addresses topics often omitted from traditional educational settings. She commends Jonathan for his bravery and authenticity in sharing his story.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Jonathan Van Ness ([01:41]): "Slutty doesn't have to only mean one thing. It doesn't. I mean, it can speak to sexual freedom..."
- Jonathan Van Ness ([03:32]): "You don't have to change yourself to be loved by other people."
- Jonathan Van Ness ([07:57]): "Shame holds us back from so many different things..."
- Jonathan Van Ness ([13:10]): "The bravery that it took for me to wear heels and express myself is the same bravery I use every day to be who I am."
- Jonathan Van Ness ([23:13]): "Shame thrives in secret and darkness. Exposing everything to light is essential for healing."
This episode of ALL OF IT offers a comprehensive exploration of Jonathan Van Ness's approach to using comedy as a tool for education and empowerment, highlighting his commitment to creating inclusive and honest dialogues around culture, sexuality, and personal growth.