Dying For Sex: Episode 9 - Jenny Slate, Elizabeth Meriwether, and Kim Rosenstock on Throwing Out the Rules

Release Date: April 16, 2025

Introduction and Context

In Episode 9 of Dying For Sex, host Nikki Boyer engages in an in-depth conversation with Jenny Slate, along with co-creators Liz Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock. This episode delves into the transformative journey of adapting the beloved Wondery podcast into an FX limited series, exploring themes of friendship, love, vulnerability, and the delicate balance between humor and tragedy.

Casting Jenny Slate

The episode opens with Nikki reminiscing about the casting process, highlighting Molly’s vision for the TV adaptation. Molly envisioned a character with depth and strength, akin to Michelle Williams:

Nikki Boyer [00:05]: "...she wanted somebody with depth, someone who was a force, someone. Well, like Michelle Williams."

When it came to playing herself, Molly suggested Jenny Slate:

Nikki Boyer [00:05]: "Jenny Slate walked in and she nailed it without even trying to be me. She was everything I had hoped for and somehow more."

Jenny Slate reflects on her decision to take on the role, emphasizing her admiration for Molly's courage and the character's unapologetic expression of anger:

Jenny Slate [05:53]: "...I loved her courage. I liked her instant boil anger, because I don't express anger in the same way."

Adapting the Podcast into TV

Liz Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock share their excitement and challenges in transforming the podcast into a television series. They discuss their immediate connection to the podcast's unique blend of themes—death, sex, and friendship—and how it inspired them to create a series that remains true to Molly and Nikki's story.

Liz Meriwether [26:03]: "It's so good to hear your voice."

Kim Rosenstock [26:10]: "I do love you guys. I feel very, you know, I'm very connected to both of you in a very cool way."

Crafting Key Scenes

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around key scenes that capture the essence of the story. The first meeting between Molly and Nikki is highlighted as a pivotal moment that establishes their deep bond:

Nikki Boyer [08:11]: "We were like, what? And we just were smiling and hugging... it felt like someone I had known for a very, very long time."

Another crucial scene is when Molly reveals her stage IV breast cancer diagnosis to Nikki. The creators aimed to blend humor with the gravity of the situation, ensuring the scene felt authentic and emotionally resonant:

Liz Meriwether [36:40]: "We are starting this show with a scene where one woman tells her best friend that she has cancer. But it needs to be funny."

Handling Intimacy and Nudity

Discussing the portrayal of intimacy, Liz and Kim emphasize their commitment to authenticity and sensitivity. They deliberate on how to depict sexual scenes without objectifying or voyeurizing the characters, ensuring that the intimacy serves the narrative and character development.

A noteworthy decision was to include male frontal nudity, a choice driven by character dynamics rather than traditional storytelling norms:

Liz Meriwether [43:39]: "It felt right in this framework of her being in the more, you know, top or sort of dom position and the man being more submissive."

Kim Rosenstock [44:10]: "It felt like those men felt so safe with Molly that they could be so open and vulnerable."

Emotional Journey of the Creators and Cast

Jenny Slate shares her personal growth through the project, reflecting on how embodying Nikki allowed her to confront her own fears and insecurities:

Jenny Slate [15:55]: "I've been thinking that there's something deeply wrong with me for basically my entire life... I was able to really start to let that go during this."

The creators and cast express the emotional depth involved in bringing such a personal story to the screen, acknowledging the cathartic experience it provided.

Challenges in Adaptation

Adapting a nuanced podcast into a visual medium posed several challenges, including deciding which elements to retain or omit. The team discusses difficult scenes that were ultimately cut, such as the "Tickle Fetish" subplot, illustrating the delicate balance between maintaining narrative integrity and respecting the story's emotional weight.

Liz Meriwether [32:09]: "We talked a lot about how are we gonna understand what's happening for Molly while she's having sex... and also really tell Nikki's story, too."

Relationships Behind the Scenes

The deep-rooted friendship between Liz and Kim significantly influenced the creative process. Their collaborative history, spanning over two decades, fostered a trusting environment that was crucial for adapting such a heartfelt story.

Liz Meriwether [27:04]: "I actually owe my entire career to Kim."

Their seamless collaboration extended to working with Nikki Boyer, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared vision.

Impact and Goals of the Series

The creators express their hopes that the series will not only entertain but also resonate personally with viewers. They aim to depict the complexity of emotions, demonstrating that joy and sorrow can coexist, reflecting the true essence of human experience.

Jenny Slate [20:27]: "I hope that people are entertained... that the mixture is really where truth lies and that it's really worth it."

Nikki shares her mixed emotions about releasing the series, acknowledging the impending grief but also the pride in commemorating Molly's legacy.

Nikki Boyer [21:09]: "It feels like the biggest love letter in the whole world."

Conclusion

Episode 9 of Dying For Sex offers a profound exploration of the collaborative effort behind adapting a deeply personal podcast into a compelling TV series. Through candid conversations, the episode highlights the dedication to authenticity, the emotional journeys of the cast and creators, and the unwavering commitment to honoring Molly's story. The episode serves as a heartfelt tribute to friendship, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Notable Quotes

• Nikki Boyer [00:05]: "Jenny Slate walked in and she nailed it without even trying to be me. She was everything I had hoped for and somehow more."

• Jenny Slate [05:53]: "I loved her courage. I liked her instant boil anger, because I don't express anger in the same way."

• Liz Meriwether [36:40]: "We are starting this show with a scene where one woman tells her best friend that she has cancer. But it needs to be funny."

• Jenny Slate [15:55]: "I've been thinking that there's something deeply wrong with me for basically my entire life... I was able to really start to let that go during this."

• Nikki Boyer [21:09]: "It feels like the biggest love letter in the whole world."

Through these insights and reflections, Episode 9 of Dying For Sex encapsulates the heart and soul invested in bringing Molly and Nikki's story to a broader audience, celebrating the enduring power of friendship and the human spirit.