Selected Shorts: Come Out Swinging – Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Selected Shorts
• Host: Meg Wolitzer
• Producer: Symphony Space
• Episode Title: Come Out Swinging
• Release Date: August 7, 2025
• Description: Selected Shorts features renowned actors bringing fiction to life through diverse voices from literature, film, theater, and comedy. Each episode delves into different themes, offering stories that range from humorous to deeply moving.

Episode Theme: Intimate Combat

Hosted by Meg Wolitzer, the episode titled "Come Out Swinging" explores the concept of intimate combat—the intense and often volatile conflicts that arise between those who know each other best, such as family members or long-term partners. The discussions delve into how deep emotional triggers can lead to dramatic and comedic situations, highlighting the thin line between love and conflict within intimate relationships.

Story 1: "The Car" by Jenny Allen

Performed by Alicia Reiner

Summary: "The Car" narrates the story of a married couple, Steve and the narrator, who embark on a vacation to Tuscany after leaving their children at camp. Their trip is marked by constant navigation struggles, especially Steve's aversion to asking for directions. The tension escalates until they inadvertently drive onto a miniature race track at an Italian amusement park, leading to a humiliating yet humorous confrontation with children in small sports cars.

Key Themes:

• Communication Breakdown: The couple's inability to openly address their frustrations leads to mounting tension.
• Humor in Conflict: Despite the stressful situation, the narrator finds humor in their predicament, contrasting with Steve's frustration.
• Lasting Impact of Conflicts: The incident remains a silent rift in their marriage until the narrator becomes a widow, allowing her to finally share the story.

Notable Quotes:

• Narrator (00:09): "Avoiding your unfinished home projects because you're not sure where to start?"
• Steve (11:07): "I don't want to talk about it ever."
  Timestamp: 11:07

Insights: Alicia Reiner's performance captures the nuanced emotions of both partners—the narrator's lightheartedness and Steve's deep-seated frustration. The story underscores how minor disagreements can escalate into significant emotional barriers, often leaving unresolved tensions that linger long-term.

Story 2: "Your Aunt Thinks She Ramona Africa" by Jade Jones

Performed by Crystal Dickinson

Summary: This story centers around a family cookout where the protagonist's Aunt Titi disrupts the conventional gathering with her unconventional lifestyle choices. Titi, perceived by the family as a "Ramona Africa," embodies free-spirited activism and nonconformity, challenging the family's expectations and eliciting mixed reactions. The narrator grapples with understanding and supporting her aunt, ultimately finding inspiration in Titi's authenticity despite familial skepticism.

Key Themes:

• Generational Clashes: The differing values and lifestyles between Titi and her family highlight generational misunderstandings.
• Acceptance and Identity: The narrator's journey towards embracing Titi's unique identity reflects personal growth and the importance of acceptance.
• Subtle Rebellion: Titi's actions serve as a quiet rebellion against societal norms, inspiring those around her to reconsider their own lives.

Notable Quotes:

• Titi (15:27): "I ain't like all of them."
• Narrator (28:22): "I'm gonna find the nearest maple, the big one in the front yard, and wrap my arms tight around the branches, squeeze with all the life in me, just like my Titi does."
  Timestamp: 28:22

Insights: Crystal Dickinson delivers Titi's character with a blend of strength and vulnerability, effectively portraying the internal and external conflicts that arise from her nonconformity. The story emphasizes the importance of individuality and the courage it takes to defy familial and societal expectations.

Story 3: "Cobra" by Kathryn Heine

Performed by Peter Gross

Summary: "Cobra" delves into the deteriorating marriage of William and Rachel Coburn, who adopt the Konmari Method inspired by Marie Kondo's philosophy of tidying up. As Rachel becomes increasingly obsessed with decluttering, William struggles to retain his sense of self amidst the pervasive changes. The story chronicles their emotional disconnection, the erosion of their shared memories, and William's journey towards acceptance and renewal of their relationship.

Key Themes:

• Transformation and Identity: Rachel's transformation through decluttering symbolizes deeper changes in her identity and their marriage.
• Emotional Distance: The physical act of tidying becomes a metaphor for the growing emotional distance between the couple.
• Hope and Renewal: Despite the overwhelming changes, the story ultimately conveys a sense of hope and the potential for reconnection.

Notable Quotes:

• William (30:59): "Cobra, the erstwhile Cobra, hopes to see some new life emerge, and William fears he may be left out of that new life."
• Rachel/Cobra (58:43): "Life not changed."
  Timestamp: 58:43

Insights: Peter Gross portrays William's internal struggle with remarkable depth, capturing his feelings of loss and longing. The narrative explores how external changes can profoundly impact personal relationships, but also highlights the resilience and enduring love that can help rebuild and strengthen bonds.

Host’s Reflections and Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Meg Wolitzer interweaves her own insights, framing each story within the broader theme of intimate conflicts. She draws parallels between the fictional accounts and real-life relationships, emphasizing that the friction depicted arises from a place of love and deep familiarity. Wolitzer also highlights the potential for both drama and comedy in these emotionally charged interactions, suggesting that such conflicts, while painful, offer opportunities for growth and understanding.

Closing Remarks: Meg Wolitzer concludes the episode by reiterating the complex nature of intimate combat, acknowledging that while conflicts are inevitable in close relationships, they are also avenues for deeper connection and mutual understanding. She encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationships, recognizing the balance between love and conflict.

Notable Quotes:

• Wolitzer (28:59): "Every relationship has its moments of conflict, but these representative stories offer some ideas about how to approach them."
• Wolitzer (58:52): "It's true, every relationship has its moments of conflict, but these representative stories offer some ideas about how to approach them."

Timestamp for Closing Insights:
55:00 – 58:59

Additional Information

• Advertisements: The transcript includes several advertisements for businesses like McDonald's and DSW. As per the summary guidelines, these have been omitted to focus solely on the content-rich segments of the podcast.

• Production Credits: The episode is produced by Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague, with contributions from a talented team responsible for various aspects of production, including recording, mixing, and thematic music composition.

Conclusion: "Come Out Swinging" offers a compelling exploration of the conflicts that arise within intimate relationships, portraying them through diverse and emotionally resonant stories. Each narrative provides unique perspectives on communication, identity, and the enduring power of love amidst turmoil. Meg Wolitzer's thoughtful hosting ties these elements together, making the episode both engaging and insightful for listeners seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities within their own relationships.