Podcast Summary: "Pluribus" Shows A Future Where Everyone’s Happy, and That’s the Problem

Podcast: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart (WNYC)
Guest: Carolina Wydra (Zoja on "Pluribus")
Date: January 12, 2026
Episode Focus: Exploring the world, concepts, and acting challenges of "Pluribus," Apple TV’s hit sci-fi series, with one of its stars.

Main Theme / Purpose

This episode of All Of It centers around a cultural “watch party” for Apple TV’s widely-discussed show "Pluribus." Host Alison Stewart speaks with Carolina Wydra, who plays Zoja—the on-screen liaison for a global hive mind. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes exploration of the show’s high-concept narrative, the unique process of embodying a collective consciousness, and the artistic and personal journey of Wydra in bringing Zoja to life.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction to "Pluribus" and Carolina Wydra

(00:29–01:59)

• The series envisions a world where an alien virus has joined humanity into a single, harmonious consciousness, eliminating conflict and individual suffering.
• Only 13 people remain unjoined, including Carol, a romance novelist who lost her wife during the joining.
• Zoja, played by Wydra, is sent to persuade Carol to assimilate.
• The show is a major hit, noted as Apple TV’s highest-watched.

2. Carolina Wydra’s Journey to "Pluribus"

(02:01–07:35)

• Wydra describes her surprise at being called to audition after time away from acting to focus on family, and not having a manager or agent at the time.

• The project’s secrecy: Initial scripts were highly confidential; she learned the scope only late in the process.

• The audition process involved personal initiative, serendipitous support from actress-friend Caitríona Balfe, and a nerve-wracking test without traditional Hollywood representation.

  “Out of the blue I got an email ... when I heard the name Vince Gilligan, it was always a dream of mine to work with him ever since, you know, Breaking Bad.” — Carolina Wydra (02:07)

  “I was screaming ... they want to test me for this show and I don’t have representation ... It was such a mind-blowing and surreal moment.” — Carolina Wydra (06:00)

3. Describing and Preparing for Zoja

(07:37–12:31)

• Zoja is described as a character who is simultaneously everyone and no one, representing the collective mind of humanity.

• Wydra used dream work and meditation, drawing from Jungian psychology, to access Zoja’s “subconscious.”

• The challenge was tapping into emotional and intellectual “perfection,” as the hive mind possesses supreme emotional intelligence and tranquility.

  “To play someone that is everyone—the whole world, billions of people in one person—was very intimidating and very exciting.” — Carolina Wydra (03:26)

  “They don’t feel pain or negative feelings like a normal person would ... They live in this blissful, happy, joyous, unflappable world. So how do you tap into that?” — Carolina Wydra (09:44)

• Physical preparation included relaxation techniques, meditation, and specific research into spiritual leaders and emotional intelligence.

4. On-Set Experiences and Unique Skills

(12:31–13:42)

• Wydra recounts being trained to taxi a C130 airplane for an episode, showing commitment to authenticity.

  “After a day of rehearsal ... they felt confident the next day for me to taxi the plane, which was pretty incredible.” — Carolina Wydra (12:40)

5. Audience and Caller Questions

(13:42–17:05)

• Caller Julie asks what Wydra would do if immune from the hive:

  • Expedition to Antarctica
  • Sushi prepared by the world’s best chef
  • Private painting lesson or conversation with Rothko (or Georgia O’Keeffe)

  “If I was in the hive mind, I would love to be in Vince Gilligan’s brain ... I would love a trip to Antarctica ... I’m a huge Rothko fan, so I would love to sit and watch him paint.” — Carolina Wydra (13:55)

• Challenges of playing a character who can’t lie: Maintaining detachment and not mirroring other actors’ emotional turmoil.

  “I’m a very empathetic person ... not being able to go on that [emotional] journey with [Rhea Seehorn’s Carol], but just hold space for her and not mirror her emotions, that was challenging at times.” — Carolina Wydra (15:27)

6. Relationship with Rhea Seehorn (Carol)

(16:43–18:17)

• Wydra and Seehorn worked closely to develop their on-screen dynamic, especially in emotionally intense scenes.

• They maintained open dialogue and mutual trust, with showrunner Vince Gilligan deeply involved.

  “She’s truly so giving and so open and so there ... It took a lot of trust on both parts to hold space for each other to go to these places.” — Carolina Wydra (17:05)

7. Production Values and High-Quality Crew

(18:17–19:12)

• Wydra describes the show as a “high-budget” experience with top-tier crew, demanding patience but rewarding it with unmatched quality and camaraderie.

  “To be part of that is so special. And I’m like, we’re all so grateful, genuinely grateful that we have this magnificent crew that shows up on that level.” — Carolina Wydra (18:26)

8. Voice Work and Embodying Zoja

(19:12–19:52)

• Wydra discusses how Zoja’s voice is distinct: it is higher, softer, and lighter compared to her natural deeper register, reflecting Zoja’s serenity.

  “I feel Carolina lives in the deeper register, and Zosia lives in the higher register ... something happens when I step into Zosia’s shoes where I feel a lot lighter.” — Carolina Wydra (19:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Playing Zoja:

  “To play someone that is everyone ... was very intimidating and very exciting.” — (03:26)

• On Preparation:

  “They don’t feel pain ... they live in this blissful, happy, joyous, unflappable world.” — (09:44)

• On Dream Collaboration:

  “I would ask my team: I will play a chair. I would do anything to be in the Vince Gilligan universe.” — (07:37)

• On Zoja’s Emotional Detachment:

  “Just hold space for her and not mirror her emotions, that was challenging at times.” — (15:27)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Show premise and context: 00:29–01:59
• Wydra’s audition journey: 02:01–07:35
• Zoja in the script and acting approach: 03:22–09:44
• Training for specific scenes (C130 plane): 12:31–13:42
• Audience call about individuality: 13:42–15:12
• Acting challenges (cannot lie, emotional resonance): 15:19–16:27
• Dynamic with Rhea Seehorn: 16:43–18:17
• High-budget production reflections: 18:17–19:12
• Voice work: 19:12–19:52

Conclusion

The episode delivers a multilayered exploration of "Pluribus"—from its speculative premise about collective happiness to the challenges and rewards of personifying a hive mind. Wydra’s candid reflections and behind-the-scenes stories highlight the intellectual and emotional complexity of the show and her character. The conversation, lively and insightful, gives both fans and newcomers a vivid sense of why "Pluribus" has become such a cultural touchstone.

For more cultural conversations, tune in to "All Of It" on WNYC with Alison Stewart.