Podcast Summary: Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard – Episode Featuring Sarah Paulson

Air Date: [Insert Air Date]
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, host Dax Shepard is joined by co-host Monica Padman to delve deep into the multifaceted career and personal life of the acclaimed actress Sarah Paulson. Known for her versatile roles in television and film, Paulson shares intimate insights into her journey, challenges, and the creative processes that have defined her illustrious career.

Early Life and Upbringing

Sarah Paulson opens up about her unconventional upbringing, marked by frequent relocations due to her mother's decision to move for personal reasons. Growing up as an Irish twin, just 17 months apart from her younger sister, Elizabeth, Sarah discusses the dynamics of her family life.

Sarah Paulson [15:54]: "I got away with a lot more than my sister did, funnily enough."

She reflects on her childhood behaviors, highlighting her penchant for honesty compared to her sister's more truthful nature.

Sarah Paulson [16:36]: "My sister was much more honest and I was a big fat liar."

Career Beginnings

Without pursuing a traditional college education, Sarah's dedication to acting manifested early on. She recounts her first Broadway experience as an understudy for the esteemed actress Amy Ryan at the age of 19.

Sarah Paulson [46:12]: "I was 19 years old. I didn't go to college. I was like, I'm gonna try to do this."

Despite initial setbacks, including pilots that didn't get picked up, Sarah's resilience and passion for the craft kept her moving forward.

Breakthrough Roles and Collaborations

Sarah discusses her pivotal role in "Nip/Tuck", which marked her first appearance alongside Ryan Murphy, leading to a fruitful collaborative relationship.

Sarah Paulson [50:30]: "Ryan was there, and she just sort of threw her arm around me and said, can't you find something for her to do on the show?"

Her collaboration with Ryan Murphy further blossomed through roles in "American Horror Story", where her ability to portray diverse characters earned her critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations.

Sarah Paulson [57:33]: "Nominated for Emmys for all of those."

Additionally, her performance in "12 Years a Slave" showcased her range, intertwining intense dramatic work with her natural acting prowess.

Personal Challenges and Perspectives

Throughout the conversation, Sarah delves into personal struggles, including managing anxiety and the complexities of maintaining personal relationships amidst a demanding career.

Sarah Paulson [88:48]: "I'm figure out what your feelings are and process them."

She candidly discusses her relationship with her mother, highlighting the challenges of her upbringing and the impact it had on her emotional well-being.

Sarah Paulson [26:27]: "You have to figure out who you're supposed to be supporting."

Sarah also touches upon the intensity of portraying complex and often dark characters, emphasizing the emotional toll it can take.

Sarah Paulson [35:50]: "I got really, really."

Views on Social and Political Issues

One of the notable segments of the episode revolves around Sarah's insights into political discourse, particularly the emphasis on factual accuracy versus understanding underlying societal fears.

Sarah Paulson [08:12]: "People just want to be told the thing that will make them feel like part of a group."

She critiques the simplistic narratives often presented in political dialogues, advocating for a deeper exploration of the foundational issues that drive public sentiments.

Future Projects and Legacy

Looking ahead, Sarah expresses excitement about upcoming projects, including her latest film "Hold Your Breath" set to premiere on Hulu. She reflects on the creative decisions behind her roles and the continuous evolution of her career.

Sarah Paulson [74:50]: "I think that decision was really for myself."

Notable Quotes

• Sarah Paulson [15:54]: "I got away with a lot more than my sister did, funnily enough."

• Sarah Paulson [46:12]: "I was 19 years old. I didn't go to college. I was like, I'm gonna try to do this."

• Sarah Paulson [57:33]: "Nominated for Emmys for all of those."

• Sarah Paulson [88:48]: "I'm figure out what your feelings are and process them."

• Sarah Paulson [08:12]: "People just want to be told the thing that will make them feel like part of a group."

Conclusion

This episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard offers a profound look into Sarah Paulson's life, both personal and professional. Through candid conversations and heartfelt reflections, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the dedication, resilience, and passion that drive one of today's most talented actresses. Sarah's ability to navigate complex roles while addressing personal challenges serves as an inspiration, showcasing the depth and versatility required to excel in the competitive world of acting.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the transcript provided and may vary slightly based on the actual podcast audio.