Fresh Air: Jenny Slate Finds Strength In Sensitivity

Hosted by Terry Gross for NPR's Fresh Air, this episode delves into the multifaceted life of comedian and actor Jenny Slate. From her experiences with motherhood to her acclaimed voice acting roles and personal struggles with stage fright, Slate offers an intimate look into how her sensitivity shapes her artistry and personal growth.

1. Introduction to Jenny Slate

Jenny Slate is a versatile comedian, actor, and voice artist known for her roles in "Parks and Recreation," "Bob’s Burgers," and the Oscar-nominated animated film "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On." In her recent endeavors, Slate has released a comedy special titled "Seasoned Professional" and a book of essays called "Lifeform," both exploring themes of marriage, pregnancy, and motherhood. Slate's work often intertwines humor with deeply personal narratives, providing audiences with a unique blend of laughter and introspection.

2. Navigating Motherhood and Personal Identity

Jenny Slate candidly discusses her journey into motherhood, sharing the complexities and emotional challenges that accompany pregnancy and childbirth. Reflecting on the profound experience of having a child, Slate expresses a sense of disbelief and detachment initially:

Jenny Slate [01:38]: "I had a baby. I'm not trying to skirt the issue or like deny it. Like I did it, I did it. She's there. But like, it does still feel like I'm, like it wasn't me."

As she transitions into her role as a mother, Slate grapples with reconciling her newfound identity with her established self. She acknowledges that while she feels capable and rightful in her new role, her inherent personality remains unchanged:

Jenny Slate [03:18]: "Do I feel capable? Do I feel like I'm supposed to be here doing what I'm doing? Yeah, I do. But I still have the same personality that I've always had."

Slate also touches upon the diminishing of her "cheaper vanities" through the exhaustion of parenting, highlighting a shift towards more meaningful connections and responsibilities.

3. Embracing Sensitivity as Both Strength and Vulnerability

Slate delves into how her heightened sensitivity is perceived by others and its impact on her relationships. She articulates the constant internal dialogue she experiences when interpreting others' emotions and expressions:

Jenny Slate [04:45]: "Sensitivity, insecurity... it's the constantly checking to see if the other person how they're perceiving a situation or like, what does your face mean?"

This hyper-awareness often leads to anxiety and stress, as Slate continuously seeks understanding and reassurance from those around her. However, she also recognizes the importance of these traits in fostering deep, respectful relationships, particularly with her husband:

Jenny Slate [05:41]: "There's very little that happens in my head that's not going directly into my husband's face."

4. Transforming Vulnerabilities into Comedy

Despite the challenges her sensitivity presents, Slate adeptly transforms her vulnerabilities into comedic material. She explains that her personal experiences naturally translate into her stand-up performances, allowing her to explore and exorcize her emotions through humor:

Jenny Slate [07:28]: "If you asked me to tell you what it is right now, it would look the way it looks when I'm doing standup."

Slate emphasizes that her comedy isn't contrived but rather a genuine reflection of her life, making her performances both relatable and engaging. This authenticity not only endears her to audiences but also serves as a therapeutic outlet for her own emotional processing.

5. The Creation of Marcel the Shell

One of Slate's most beloved projects is "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On," an Oscar-nominated animated film that originated from a web series she co-created. Slate narrates the creative process behind Marcel, highlighting the collaborative effort with Dean Fleischer-Camp in bringing the tiny shell to life:

Jenny Slate [23:33]: "We didn’t have the character yet and so we got him from the wedding... He is 100% responsible for the character design."

The character of Marcel emerged organically from spontaneous voice work and creative experimentation, ultimately becoming a symbol of Slate's ability to infuse life and personality into even the smallest of characters. She shares how Marcel serves as an extension of herself, often using the voice to communicate more freely and connect with her daughter:

Jenny Slate [26:42]: "A lot of times there's a running commentary... it's really how to get into it. And she... she thinks he lives inside of me."

6. Voice Acting and Bringing Characters to Life

Slate's talent extends beyond Marcel, as she has lent her voice to various animated characters across popular shows and films. She discusses her approach to voice acting, explaining how she tailors her voice to fit each unique character:

Jenny Slate [29:10]: "In Bob’s Burgers, I kind of just talk like this. I play a character named Tammy... I’m just kind of like, a mean girl voice."

Her versatility is evident in her ability to shift between different vocal styles, from the assertive Tammy in "Bob’s Burgers" to the more relaxed Judy in "The Great North." Slate attributes much of her success in voice acting to her natural inclination towards creating distinct and memorable voices without formal training.

7. Overcoming Stage Fright and SNL Experiences

Jenny Slate candidly recounts her time on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), where she faced significant challenges that contributed to her stage fright. Contrary to popular belief, Slate attributes her departure from SNL not to a specific incident but rather to a lack of fit within the social dynamics of the show:

Jenny Slate [36:25]: "Yeah, I think I generally just didn’t fit in. Didn’t fit in socially."

Her experience with SNL, coupled with the public nature of her firing, amplified her anxieties about performing and being judged. Slate discusses how these experiences led her to therapy and a deeper understanding of her anxiety-related behaviors, such as sleep eating and persistent worries about how others perceive her.

Jenny Slate [39:58]: "It's like a major sign of anxiety... But I can tell when I am fretting and worrying because I usually wake up around three in the morning and have to go and have like a little snack."

Despite these hurdles, Slate emphasizes her determination to continue performing, even as stage fright remains a persistent challenge. She reflects on the cathartic nature of performing, despite the internal struggles it entails:

Jenny Slate [41:16]: "I'm looking for catharsis... It really, really messes with me. The stage fright."

8. Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity and Growth

Throughout the interview, Jenny Slate exemplifies how embracing one's sensitivities and vulnerabilities can lead to profound personal and professional growth. Her ability to transform personal challenges into creative expressions not only enriches her work but also offers inspiration to others navigating similar struggles. Slate's journey underscores the power of authenticity in art and the importance of understanding and supporting one's emotional landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Jenny Slate [01:38]: "I had a baby. I'm not trying to skirt the issue or like deny it. Like I did it, I did it. She's there."

• Jenny Slate [04:45]: "Sensitivity, insecurity... it's the constantly checking to see if the other person how they're perceiving a situation."

• Jenny Slate [07:28]: "If you asked me to tell you what it is right now, it would look the way it looks when I'm doing standup."

• Jenny Slate [22:56]: "I talk in Marcel's voice sometimes without realizing it."

• Jenny Slate [36:25]: "I think I generally just didn’t fit in. Didn’t fit in socially."

Jenny Slate's interview on Fresh Air provides a nuanced exploration of how personal sensitivities can shape one's creative path and personal relationships. Her candid reflections offer valuable insights into the intersection of vulnerability, artistry, and resilience.