Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky: Episode Featuring Beanie Feldstein
Release Date: April 1, 2025
In this poignant and heartfelt episode of Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, host Monica Lewinsky engages in a deeply personal conversation with actress Beanie Feldstein, alongside esteemed guests Sarah Paulson and Ryan Murphy. The discussion delves into themes of reclaiming one's narrative, the emotional complexities of portraying real-life stories, and the universal experiences of grief and loss.
1. Introduction and Guest Background
Monica Lewinsky introduces Beanie Feldstein, highlighting her notable roles in coming-of-age films such as "Lady Bird" and "Booksmart", as well as her portrayal of Monica Lewinsky in "American Crime Story: Impeachment". She reflects on how Beanie's portrayal has influenced her own journey of reclaiming her story.
Monica Lewinsky (00:00): "As I was prepping for this conversation, I started thinking about how much Beanie and her role in impeachment actually helped in my own reclaiming."
2. The Casting Journey: Beanie Feldstein as Monica Lewinsky
Beanie shares the serendipitous nature of her casting, emphasizing the connection she felt with Ryan Murphy and Sarah Paulson. She recounts her initial admiration for Sarah's performances and how her life intersected with the opportunity to portray Monica.
Beanie Feldstein (02:34): "And that was when Ryan Murphy wanted Beanie Feldstein to play you. So it just felt like kismet."
3. Emotional Challenges of Portraying Monica Lewinsky
Sarah Paulson discusses the profound emotional toll of embodying Monica Lewinsky, especially during the filming amid the global pandemic. She candidly describes the difficulty of listening to Monica's tapes, which provided raw and unfiltered insights into her experiences.
Sarah Paulson (10:40): "Listening to the tapes was torturous for me as someone that loves you and was going to play you."
Ryan Murphy adds to the sentiment, expressing the intense responsibility he felt in bringing Monica's story to life authentically.
Ryan Murphy (08:49): "The role pushed me the most, was the hardest on me and the most gratifying."
4. Personal Experiences with Grief and Loss
The conversation shifts to personal stories of grief, with both Sarah and Ryan opening up about profound losses they've endured. Sarah speaks about the sudden death of her brother Jordan, while Ryan shares the emotional impact of losing a loved one during the pandemic.
Sarah Paulson (45:10): "When I was 24. And it was extremely sudden and horrible."
Ryan Murphy (50:56): "Definitely, it shook my whole world, shook my whole family."
5. The Impact of Reclaiming Projects: Experience Camps
Sarah discusses her involvement with Experience Camps, a nonprofit organization that supports children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. She emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive community where grief is openly addressed.
Sarah Paulson (47:53): "The biggest thing that she instills in us as volunteers is using clear and specific language."
Ryan echoes the significance of these initiatives in fostering understanding and compassion within society.
Ryan Murphy (61:54): "If we can add more community and less loneliness around it, that's the goal."
6. The Importance of Language in Grieving
A significant portion of the discussion centers around how language shapes the grieving process. Sarah highlights the necessity of using clear and direct terms when discussing death with children to help them process their emotions effectively.
Sarah Paulson (48:41): "So specifically for kids. And I'm not a clinician, I'm not a therapist, but this is what I've learned."
Ryan Murphy (49:25): "It helps it sink in and it helps them."
7. Community and Connection in Coping with Loss
The guests explore the balance between embracing both joy and grief, particularly in the context of camp experiences where children can express their emotions freely. This duality is portrayed as essential for holistic healing.
Sarah Paulson (51:39): "How sadness and joy exist their best together. That is the heart of what we live at experience camps."
8. Personal Insights and Reclaiming Journeys
Beanie shares her reflections on societal perceptions of grief and public shaming, drawing parallels to Monica Lewinsky's experiences. She underscores the universal nature of loss and the collective journey towards healing.
Beanie Feldstein (53:40): "I feel as if we don't really talk about it because none of us."
Monica adds depth to the conversation by acknowledging the diverse ways individuals process grief, emphasizing the importance of authentic connections over superficial support.
Monica Lewinsky (53:56): "It's creating new societal norms around grief."
9. Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity and Connection
As the conversation winds down, the guests reflect on the enduring nature of reclaiming one's story and the continuous journey towards healing. They emphasize the importance of authentic connections and community support in overcoming personal and collective traumas.
Beanie Feldstein (60:53): "I want the real. I want the connection."
Sarah Paulson (62:18): "Reclaiming how our society sees grief."
Key Takeaways
- Authentic Storytelling: Portraying real-life events requires deep emotional engagement and authenticity to honor the individual's story.
- Grief and Community Support: Creating supportive environments, like Experience Camps, is crucial for individuals, especially children, to navigate grief.
- Language Matters: Using clear and direct language when discussing loss helps in the effective processing of emotions.
- Balance of Emotions: Embracing both joy and grief is essential for holistic healing and personal growth.
- Continuous Journey: Reclaiming one's narrative is an ongoing process that fosters resilience and self-discovery.
Notable Quotes:
- Monica Lewinsky (00:00): "I started thinking about how much Beanie and her role in impeachment actually helped in my own reclaiming."
- Sarah Paulson (10:40): "Listening to the tapes was torturous for me as someone that loves you and was going to play you."
- Ryan Murphy (08:49): "The role pushed me the most, was the hardest on me and the most gratifying."
- Sarah Paulson (48:41): "So specifically for kids. And I'm not a clinician, I'm not a therapist, but this is what I've learned."
- Beanie Feldstein (60:53): "I want the real. I want the connection."
This episode serves as a testament to the power of honest conversations and the strength found in reclaiming one's story. Through shared experiences and mutual support, Monica Lewinsky, Beanie Feldstein, Sarah Paulson, and Ryan Murphy illuminate the path towards healing and self-discovery.