Fresh Air Podcast Summary: Natasha Rothwell Checks Back Into 'The White Lotus'

Episode Overview In this episode of Fresh Air, hosted by NPR's Tonya Mosley, Natasha Rothwell—a multifaceted talent known for her acting, writing, and series creation—discusses her return to HBO's critically acclaimed series The White Lotus. Rothwell delves into her character's evolution, the thematic depth of the show, her experiences in the entertainment industry, and personal insights into her life and creative journey.

1. Natasha Rothwell's Return to The White Lotus

Natasha Rothwell rejoins The White Lotus for its third season, set in Thailand. As Belinda, a spa manager navigating the complex dynamics between staff and affluent guests, Rothwell explores deeper themes of entitlement and servitude that have been pivotal in each season of the series.

• Belinda's Character Development: Rothwell discusses how Belinda transitions from a sympathetic spa manager in Hawaii (season one) to a participant in the resort exchange program in Thailand. This shift allows her to experience both sides of the guest-staff relationship, highlighting her character's growth and resilience.

  Natasha Rothwell [05:43]: "She's taking a pretty big swing going to a country she's never been to before. She's going there by herself at first until her son can join her. When someone does something like that, it speaks to their optimism."

2. Behind the Scenes: Production Insights

Rothwell provides a candid look into the production differences between seasons, especially contrasting the COVID-restricted filming in Hawaii with the more expansive setting in Thailand.

• Impact of COVID on Season One: Filming during the pandemic imposed strict limitations, making season one feel almost like a "Zoom TV show" with confined locations.

• Return to a Broader Canvas: Returning to Thailand, Rothwell emphasizes the comforting continuity of the show's core team despite its international expansion.

  Natasha Rothwell [07:37]: "It felt very comforting to land in Thailand and remember that it is just, at the end of the day, a group of people just trying to make some art."

3. Exploring Themes: Servitude, Privilege, and Representation

The conversation delves into the intricate themes The White Lotus navigates, particularly focusing on servitude, white privilege, and the portrayal of marginalized voices.

• Belinda as a Moral Compass: Rothwell describes her character as a moral center within the narrative, serving as a benchmark against which other characters are measured.

  Natasha Rothwell [12:58]: "Belinda serves as such an interesting ruler to measure the other characters against."

• Representation and Code-Switching: She highlights the importance of Belinda's ability to navigate different social spaces, reflecting real-life experiences of code-switching among marginalized individuals.

4. How to Die Alone: Success and Setbacks

Transitioning to her work on Hulu's How to Die Alone, Rothwell shares the bittersweet triumph of winning an Independent Spirit Award despite the show's cancellation after one season.

• Creative Challenges: She expresses disappointment over the show's premature cancellation, attributing it to the broader industry's lack of support for series led by Black creators.

  Natasha Rothwell [14:01]: "Television, led by black stars and shows that are centering marginalized voices aren't getting the support and placement that they need."

• Personal Resilience: Rothwell remains optimistic, affirming her commitment to continue creating and fighting for inclusive storytelling.

5. From SNL Auditions to Writing Success

Rothwell recounts her journey from auditioning for Saturday Night Live (SNL) to becoming a writer and contributing memorable content, including Taraji P. Henson's acclaimed monologue.

• SNL Audition Experience: She describes the intense audition process, highlighting her impressions of Maya Angelou and Kenan Thompson, which earned her a callback and eventual writing opportunities.

  Natasha Rothwell [23:27]: "I had a drunk Maya Angelou impression... And then I did an impression of Kenan, which was just making looks with my eyes."

• Writing Collaboration: Collaborating with Taraji P. Henson, Rothwell crafted a dynamic monologue that showcased Henson's comedic prowess and heartfelt storytelling.

  Natasha Rothwell [24:45]: "I worked with Taraji P. Henson on her monologue, which I'm so excited."

6. Personal Reflections: Growing Up and Embracing Neurodiversity

Beyond her professional endeavors, Rothwell opens up about her upbringing in a military family, frequent relocations, and her recent diagnosis of ADHD.

• Military Upbringing: Moving extensively due to her father's Air Force career instilled in her a sense of adaptability and curiosity about diverse cultures.

  Natasha Rothwell [32:59]: "There’s no kind of... I didn’t lament my upbringing. I was just, like, curious of people who didn't live like that."

• ADHD Diagnosis: Discussing her journey with ADHD, Rothwell reflects on the challenges of self-acceptance and the freeing revelation that came with her official diagnosis.

  Natasha Rothwell [36:16]: "Knowing that those were my brain's just wired differently... it was kind of a painful diagnosis in that respect, but then so freeing."

7. Advocacy and Representation: Language and Inclusivity

Rothwell emphasizes the power of language in fostering an inclusive environment, particularly regarding the use of the word "fat."

• Reclaiming Language: She advocates for the neutral and positive use of terms that have been historically stigmatized, setting clear boundaries for respectful dialogue on set.

  Natasha Rothwell [18:07]: "The word fat is not pejorative. So when you are on set and you're using this word in a pejorative way, no, that is not accepted."

Conclusion

Natasha Rothwell's multifaceted career and personal insights offer a compelling glimpse into the complexities of modern storytelling, representation, and self-discovery. Her contributions to The White Lotus and beyond underscore the importance of diverse voices in shaping contemporary narratives.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Character Growth:

  [05:43] “She’s taking a pretty big swing going to a country she’s never been to before...”

• On Production Continuity:

  [07:37] “It felt very comforting to land in Thailand and remember that it is just...”

• On Representation:

  [12:58] “Belinda serves as such an interesting ruler to measure the other characters against.”

• On ADHD Diagnosis:

  [36:16] “Knowing that those were my brain's just wired differently...”

• On Language and Inclusivity:

  [18:07] “The word fat is not pejorative. So when you are on set...”

This comprehensive discussion with Natasha Rothwell not only highlights her artistic endeavors but also her commitment to fostering inclusive and meaningful storytelling in the entertainment industry.