Fresh Air: Best Of – Sarah Silverman & Cole Escola
Released on May 31, 2025
Hosted by Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley, this episode of NPR’s award-winning "Fresh Air" features in-depth conversations with comedian Sarah Silverman and Broadway’s Cole Escola. The episode delves into Silverman’s emotionally charged Netflix special, “Post Mortem,” and Escola’s innovative Broadway comedy, “O Mary.” Additionally, music critic Ken Tucker reviews new albums by Willie Nelson and Ken Pomeroy.
Sarah Silverman on “Post Mortem”
Exploring Personal Loss Through Comedy
Sarah Silverman returns to "Fresh Air" to discuss her latest Netflix comedy special, “Post Mortem,” which intertwines humor with the profound grief of losing her father and stepmother within nine days of each other. Silverman opens up about the delicate balance of making comedy out of such personal tragedies.
"I was at zero again... the only material was what was going on in my life," — Sarah Silverman [05:36]
Incorporating Real-Life Experiences
Silverman shares how her father's eulogy became a foundation for her special, allowing her to blend heartfelt memories with her signature comedic style.
"Everyone called my dad Schleppie... and he said, ‘Schleppie, I got bad news for you. I don't think you can be my emergency contact anymore.’" — Sarah Silverman [06:41]
Catharsis Through Performance
Discussing the emotional journey of creating and performing the special, Silverman reflects on how confronting her grief on stage served as a therapeutic process.
"The tour was so cathartic... I couldn't wait to tell this new crowd about these people." — Sarah Silverman [10:18]
Ken Tucker’s Music Reviews
Ken Pomeroy’s “Cruel Joke”
Tucker highlights Ken Pomeroy’s debut album, describing her music as a blend of acoustic country twang with poignant storytelling. He praises her ability to convey complex emotions through her lyrics and melodies.
“Pomeroy seeks forgiveness... her narrators hope to quell fears through relationships.” — Ken Tucker [27:02]
Willie Nelson’s “Oh, What a Beautiful World”
Tucker reviews Willie Nelson’s latest album, noting Nelson’s enduring talent and his masterful interpretation of Rodney Crowell’s songs. Despite his age, Nelson’s voice remains a vessel of deep emotion and intimate storytelling.
“Willie Nelson perfected decades ago... his quiet miracle draws you in close.” — Ken Tucker [29:19]
Cole Escola on “O Mary”
Reimagining History with Comedy
Cole Escola introduces her Broadway comedy, “O Mary,” which presents an intentionally exaggerated and humorous portrayal of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. The play explores Mary’s addiction to alcohol, not as a result of the Civil War, but due to her longing for her true love, cabaret.
“Mary is a woman with a dream that no one around her understands... I feel that way.” — Cole Escola [39:08]
Personal Inspirations and Creative Process
Escola discusses how her personal experiences and fascination with storytelling inspired the creation of “O Mary.” She emphasizes the importance of subverting audience expectations to deliver fresh and engaging performances.
“I knew that comedy relies so much on expectation that if I know there's a shared expectation by the wide audience, then it's easier to subvert it.” — Cole Escola [37:55]
Building a Community Through Performance
Reflecting on her early days in the cabaret scene, Escola shares how her experiences shaped her approach to writing and performing, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
“Our Hit Parade at Joe's Pub... it was truly where I cut my teeth and learned how to perform.” — Cole Escola [40:14]
Conclusion
This episode of "Fresh Air" masterfully intertwines humor with deep emotional narratives, showcasing how personal loss and historical reinterpretation can coexist within the realm of comedy and performance. Sarah Silverman’s “Post Mortem” serves as a poignant example of using art to process grief, while Cole Escola’s “O Mary” highlights the innovative reimagining of historical figures to explore contemporary themes. Ken Tucker’s insightful music reviews further enrich the episode, offering listeners a diverse array of artistic expressions that resonate on multiple levels.
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