Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers: ZOSIA MAMET Got Her Knees Stuck at the Tower of London

Hosts: Seth Meyers and Josh Meyers
Guest: Sasha Mamet
Release Date: February 4, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers, Seth and Josh Meyers welcome actress and writer Sasha Mamet as their guest. The discussion revolves around Sasha's unique childhood experiences, memorable family vacations, and humorous mishaps, particularly focusing on her infamous incident at the Tower of London.

Early Life and Family Dynamics

Sasha begins by sharing insights into her early life, highlighting the frequent moves between Vermont, Massachusetts, and Los Angeles due to her parents' careers. “Our house was in Cabot, where the cheese comes from,” Sasha reminisces at [29:02], setting the stage for a childhood marked by transitions.

She delves into the strained relationship with her older sister, describing it with vivid metaphors: “She was like the hold music in her life,” [33:57]. This detachment created a challenging family environment, shaping Sasha's resilient and independent nature.

The European Adventure and the Tower of London Mishap

One of the most memorable stories Sasha shares is her family's trip to Europe when she was seven. Visiting France, Italy, and London, she fondly recalls iconic sites but vividly describes an unsettling experience at the Tower of London.

During a hot summer day tour, seven-year-old Sasha became bored and mischievously stuck her knees into a fence. “We were probably there for like 10 minutes and it was so hot that my knees swelled and I couldn't get them out,” she explains [37:08]. The situation escalated, necessitating a call to the fire department.

A janitor arrived with an unconventional solution: “He pulled out like a big thing of dish soap and he just covered me in dish soap and pops me out,” Sasha narrates [37:22]. The crowd's reaction was overwhelming, leading her to express immense shame: “They cheered so loud and I wanted to crawl inside of myself and die,” [38:37]. This incident not only left a lasting impression but also became a humorous yet humbling memory shared with the Meyers brothers.

Life in Amsterdam and Fashion Ventures

Sasha discusses her time in Amsterdam, which significantly influenced her personal style. Josh shares a humorous anecdote about Sasha's fashion show at the Club Warehouse, where she debuted a quirky outfit that left onlookers astonished: “They were like just gobsmacked. It was a real moment,” [14:48]. This experience is immortalized in family photos, symbolizing Sasha's bold and creative spirit.

Challenging Vacations with Her Father and Stepmother

The conversation shifts to vacations with Sasha's father and stepmother, which were often fraught with tension. Sasha describes her father's aversion to vacations due to his rigid nature and how her stepmother forced him into the practice. Their trip to Kauai was particularly chaotic, marked by a historic hurricane, power outages, and her father's persistent discontent.

A standout moment from this trip involved her father nearly getting a tattoo of a gecko while heavily intoxicated: “He was sitting in the chair in a red Speedo holding a bottle of vodka,” Sasha recalls [61:05]. Her intervention prevented what she describes as “the dumbest thing I've ever done,” illustrating the strained yet protective sibling dynamic.

Sibling Relationships and Manipulative Dynamics

Sasha offers a candid look into her relationships with her siblings, emphasizing the manipulation by her older sister. She recounts a bizarre incident where her sister and a friend concocted a fabricated ceremony about growing a penis when turning 13: “He was a master manipulator,” Sasha admits [42:53]. This manipulation fostered distrust and shaped her approach to relationships and honesty.

Speed Round: Quick Insights

The episode features a lively speed round where Sasha answers rapid-fire questions, revealing more about her personality and preferences:

• Ideal Vacation: Relaxing [68:08]
• Favorite Means of Transportation: Train [68:13]
• Version of a Vacation Family: A fictional portrayal of the Zuckers [68:25]
• Stranded on a Desert Island With: Her husband [69:25]
• Hometown Preference: Los Angeles over Randolph, Vermont [69:42]
• Recommendation for LA as a Vacation Destination: Cautious but honest feedback [70:38]
• Grand Canyon Experience: Found it spectacular and expressed interest in mule treks [70:44]

Memorable Family Moments and Reflections

Sasha reflects on her European trip memories, including being locked out of her hotel room in Venice and spending time alone in a foreign city. “They prefer it doesn't happen,” she muses [39:34], highlighting the fear and confusion of navigating such situations as a child.

She also discusses summers spent without shoes, swimming in the ocean, and attempts at sailing and tennis, despite her lack of skill: “I just can't hit the tennis ball with a racket,” Sasha jokes [43:57]. These memories underscore her adventurous yet sometimes challenging upbringing.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt reflections on the impact of family trips on personal growth and relationships. Sasha shares regrets, such as not preventing her father's impulsive tattoo decision, and the enduring effects of childhood experiences on her adult life. Seth and Josh express their appreciation for Sasha's openness and storytelling, reinforcing the podcast's theme of exploring the complexities of family vacations.

Notable Quotes:

• “It's like a magnet. We just can't help but be pulled towards it,” – Sasha Mamet on being a horse girl [18:15]
• “They cheered so loud and I wanted to crawl inside of myself and die,” – Sasha Mamet recounting the Tower of London incident [38:37]
• “He was a master manipulator,” – Sasha Mamet about her sister [42:53]
• “I just can't hit the tennis ball with a racket,” – Sasha Mamet on her lack of tennis skills [43:57]

Insights and Conclusions:

Sasha Mamet's stories offer a profound look into how family dynamics and childhood experiences shape one's identity. From humorous mishaps like getting stuck at the Tower of London to the serious implications of sibling manipulation, the episode underscores the intricate balance between family bonds and individual growth. The Meyers brothers effectively highlight the enduring impact of these trips, making the episode both entertaining and emotionally resonant for listeners.