Podcast Summary: Fresh Air – "Best Of: Ariana Grande / Inside A Dominatrix's Dungeon"

Episode Overview Released on February 8, 2025, NPR's Fresh Air presents a compelling episode titled "Best Of: Ariana Grande / Inside A Dominatrix's Dungeon." Hosted by Tonya Moseley, this episode delves into two distinct yet gripping narratives: Ariana Grande's transformative role in the Oscar-nominated musical film Wicked and author Brittany Newell's exploration of San Francisco's BDSM underworld in her novel Softcore. Additionally, literary critic Maureen Corrigan offers insightful reviews of seminal New York City literature.

Section 1: Ariana Grande on Her Role in Wicked

Introduction to the Role Ariana Grande joins Tonya Moseley to discuss her groundbreaking portrayal of Galinda in Wicked: The Musical Film, a prequel to the classic The Wizard of Oz. The film has rapidly become a cultural phenomenon, earning 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Grande.

Childhood Connection and Inspiration Grande shares a personal connection to the Wicked musical, recounting her first experience watching it on Broadway at the age of ten. She credits this early exposure to theater for shaping her artistic journey.

Ariana Grande [00:58]: "We're aliens. We are the best kind of nerd, by the way, and some of us are so lucky to have it."

Auditioning Process and Vocal Training Discussing the rigorous audition process, Grande reveals she auditioned three times, initially performing for both Galinda and Elphaba. She underwent extensive vocal training with her coach, Eric Vitro, to adapt her voice to a coloratura soprano suitable for the role.

Ariana Grande [07:14]: "I had started training with my vocal coach, Eric Vitro, three months before my first audition to train my voice to sing in a coloratura soprano placement."

Character Development and Themes Grande delves into the nuanced relationship between Galinda and Elphaba, highlighting themes of sisterhood, unconditional love, and the complexity of good versus evil. She emphasizes how both characters embody traits present in all individuals, making the story resonate universally.

Ariana Grande [15:36]: "I think people, pieces of both of these women exist within all of us. And I think that's what makes it hit home the way that it does."

Behind-the-Scenes Insights Grande provides a behind-the-scenes look at the film's production, including the decision to perform live vocals on set to preserve authenticity. She praises her co-star Cynthia Erivo, highlighting the seamless chemistry and mutual respect between them.

Ariana Grande [17:05]: "She's the best in the whole world. She really is, I swear."

Cultural Impact and Audience Reception Grande reflects on the film's role in inspiring a new generation of theater enthusiasts and its accessibility to a broader audience through cinema. She expresses gratitude for the community's positive reception and the film's ability to foster a sense of belonging among viewers.

Ariana Grande [26:11]: "It's an incredible privilege to be a part of this version of it and to have it be so accessible to so many people."

Section 2: Maureen Corrigan's Book Reviews

Review of This Beautiful, Ridiculous City by Kay Sohini Literary critic Maureen Corrigan reviews Kay Sohini's graphic memoir, which narrates her journey from the suburbs of Calcutta to the vibrant streets of New York City. Corrigan praises Sohini's ability to intertwine personal growth with a rich tapestry of New York's literary canon.

Maureen Corrigan [32:12]: "Sohini tells a vivid, multi-dimensional New York story of her own."

Review of A Town Without Time by Gay Talese Corrigan explores Gay Talese's collection of essays that capture the essence of New York through meticulous journalism. Highlighting Talese's knack for uncovering the overlooked facets of the city, Corrigan underscores the timeless relevance of his work.

Maureen Corrigan [32:45]: "Talese reminds us that New York is already riddled with ghosts, many of them tough-talking and hard-drinking."

Section 3: Brittany Newell on Softcore

Introduction to Softcore Author Brittany Newell discusses her novel Softcore, a provocative exploration of San Francisco's dive bars, strip clubs, and BDSM dungeons. Newell draws from her personal experience as a professional dominatrix to craft a narrative that delves into the complexities of desire, loneliness, and human connection.

Character Analysis: Ruth/Baby Blue Newell introduces Ruth, the protagonist known as Baby Blue, a stripper who becomes a dominatrix following her ex-boyfriend's disappearance. Ruth's journey reflects themes of self-discovery and the search for meaning amidst chaos.

Brittany Newell [35:52]: "Ruth is lonely and it actually has made me reflect a lot on my writing in general."

Balancing Fiction and Reality Addressing questions about the autobiographical elements of Softcore, Newell clarifies that while the novel is fictional, it incorporates subtle influences from her real-life experiences and observations within the BDSM community.

Brittany Newell [36:07]: "I think it's a completely valid question. And I catch myself doing it as a reader, too."

Empathy and Non-Judgment in Dominatrix Work Newell emphasizes the importance of empathy and non-judgment in her role as a dominatrix, paralleling her skills as a writer. She discusses the emotional labor involved in maintaining boundaries while deeply understanding her clients' desires and vulnerabilities.

Brittany Newell [46:47]: "What makes a good writer is also what makes a good dominatrix, which is empathy and curiosity and bravery."

Challenges and Ethical Considerations The conversation touches on the psychological demands of dominatrix work, including the emotional toll and the necessity of maintaining professional boundaries. Newell advocates for starting such work at a mature age to better handle its complexities.

Brittany Newell [49:05]: "I think how taxing it can be on your psychic state is something that, yeah, you should take care of yourself in that way."

Future Directions and Personal Growth Newell reflects on her transition from academia to sex work, driven by her desire for autonomy and the allure of uncovering hidden human stories. She underscores the transformative power of her work and its impact on her personal and professional life.

Brittany Newell [41:43]: "I had the bizarre and, like, gorgeous but also very weird experience of publishing my book right when I graduated."

Closing Thoughts

The Fresh Air episode masterfully intertwines the luminous journey of Ariana Grande's ascent into acting with the raw, unfiltered exploration of human desires in Brittany Newell's Softcore. Through engaging interviews and insightful reviews, Tonya Moseley presents a multifaceted look at contemporary arts and issues, highlighting personal growth, societal themes, and the intricate dance between public perception and personal authenticity.

Notable Quotes

• Ariana Grande [07:14]: "I had started training with my vocal coach, Eric Vitro, three months before my first audition to train my voice to sing in a coloratura soprano placement."

• Ariana Grande [15:36]: "I think people, pieces of both of these women exist within all of us. And I think that's what makes it hit home the way that it does."

• Brittany Newell [36:07]: "I think the ways that it is nonfictional are sort of subtler than one might realize."

• Brittany Newell [41:43]: "I had the bizarre and, like, gorgeous but also very weird experience of publishing my book right when I graduated."

• Maureen Corrigan [32:12]: "Sohini tells a vivid, multi-dimensional New York story of her own."

Conclusion This Fresh Air episode serves as a rich tapestry of modern storytelling, blending celebrity insights with profound literary critiques. Listeners are offered a deep dive into the transformative power of art and the hidden worlds that shape our understanding of self and society.