Selected Shorts: "Friendly Advice" – Episode Summary
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Host: Meg Wolitzer
Performed by: Various Esteemed Actors
Description: "Selected Shorts" by Symphony Space transports listeners through the magic of fiction with captivating short stories performed by renowned actors. This episode, titled "Friendly Advice," delves into the nuances of giving and receiving advice through three distinct narratives.
Introduction: The Cost of Counsel
Host: Meg Wolitzer
Timestamp: [00:08]
Meg Wolitzer opens the episode by juxtaposing the high cost of professional advice with the accessibility of the fictional counsel offered in "Selected Shorts." She humorously highlights the array of free advice listeners receive, ranging from fixing everyday issues like a printer jam to intricate relationship guidance.
Notable Quote:
“Sometimes funny. Always moving. Selected Shorts connects you to the world with a rich diversity of voices from literature, film, theater, and comedy.”
— Meg Wolitzer [00:08]
Meg transitions from her role as host to embodying a "confident confidant," setting the tone for a deep exploration of meaningful advice in various life scenarios. She emphasizes the importance of discerning valuable advice amidst the often overwhelming and sometimes unhelpful suggestions one encounters in real life.
First Story: "Relationship Advice from Your Aunt Who Has Been Divorced Six Times"
Written by: Meghana Indurti and Tyler Fowler
Performed by: Jane Kaczmarek
Timestamp: [03:01]
Jane Kaczmarek delivers a satirical monologue embodying an aunt dishing out dubious relationship advice based on her tumultuous marital history. The piece humorously critiques clichéd advice and highlights the pitfalls of following ill-considered suggestions.
Notable Quotes:
-
“Number one, settle down. In that order. Don’t aim so high.”
— Jane Kaczmarek [03:01] -
“High standards are for unmarried people. Never trust a Gary.”
— Jane Kaczmarek [05:25]
Jane's exaggerated advice serves as a comedic lens through which listeners can reflect on the quality and source of their own life advice. Her portrayal underscores the theme of questioning the validity and intent behind the guidance we receive from others.
Second Story: "Death by Printer"
Written by: Mira Jacob
Performed by: Rita Wolf
Timestamp: [09:10]
Rita Wolf brings to life Mira Jacob's poignant short story, "Death by Printer," exploring themes of grief, memory, and the quest for connection in the digital age. The narrative follows Shilpa, grappling with the loss of her wife, Asmat, and her attempts to find solace through online tutorials and lurking in the remnants of her past.
Plot Overview: Shilpa struggles with the death of her wife, Asmat, and seeks comfort in fixing mundane issues like a jammed printer. Her reliance on YouTube tutorials, specifically the "Terry Fix It 303" channel, symbolizes her attempt to regain control and connect with memories of Asmat. The story delves into Shilpa's internal battle between clinging to the past and moving forward, culminating in a bittersweet revelation of enduring love and unresolved grief.
Notable Quotes:
-
“Her second survival skill is never saying anything back.”
— Shilpa via Rita Wolf [11:11] -
“Hope this helps you sleep, Shilpa.”
— Terry Fix It 303 via Rita Wolf [20:31]
Insights: The story illustrates the complexities of mourning and the human inclination to seek advice and solutions even in the most personal tragedies. It questions the efficacy of superficial fixes in the face of deep emotional pain and the elusive nature of true comfort.
Third Story: "The Happiest Day of Your Life"
Written by: Katherine Dam
Performed by: Santino Fontana
Timestamp: [22:59]
Katherine Dam's "The Happiest Day of Your Life" is masterfully performed by Santino Fontana, capturing the intricate dynamics of love, jealousy, and self-worth at a wedding reception. The story centers on Wyatt and Nina, navigating their relationship amidst the backdrop of Nina's ex-boyfriends' weddings.
Plot Overview: Wyatt attends one of Nina's ex-boyfriends' weddings, reflecting on their own relationship and the lingering effects of her past relationships. As he interacts with other guests and wrestles with his insecurities, Wyatt grapples with questions about love, fidelity, and his place in Nina's life. The narrative culminates in a heartfelt yet humorous exchange that underscores the complexities of modern relationships.
Notable Quotes:
-
“Do I love you even when I'm like this?”
— Nina to Wyatt [57:00] -
“You threw up a few times. You also apparently told Lillian about that time I tried to get back together with Greg.”
— Wyatt to Nina [57:00]
Insights: The story delves into the less-discussed aspects of relationships, such as the impact of past relationships on present ones and the challenges of maintaining self-esteem within a partnership. It highlights the importance of communication and understanding in overcoming personal insecurities and fostering a strong, supportive bond.
Conclusion: Reflecting on Advice and Relationships
Host: Meg Wolitzer
Timestamp: [20:31 to End]
Meg Wolitzer wraps up the episode by reflecting on the stories presented, drawing parallels between fictional advice and real-life experiences. She emphasizes the human desire for meaningful guidance and the nuanced ways in which advice can shape our lives.
Notable Quotes:
“Don't date a Gary, don't listen to Terry's, and never go all in on the Gregs.”
— Meg Wolitzer [05:25]
Meg encourages listeners to introspect on the advice they've received and to discern its value, much like the characters in the stories learn to navigate their own challenges. She underscores the episode's central theme: the critical examination of who we seek advice from and the wisdom inherent in storytelling.
Final Thoughts
"Friendly Advice" masterfully intertwines humor, poignancy, and introspection through its curated stories, offering listeners a multifaceted exploration of advice in human relationships. By showcasing diverse narratives and performances, "Selected Shorts" invites its audience to reflect on the sources and impacts of the guidance they encounter in their own lives.
Production Credits:
- Produced by: Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague
- Performers: Jane Kaczmarek, Rita Wolf, Santino Fontana
- Production Team: Matthew Love, Drew Richardson, Mary Shimkin, Vivienne Woodward, Magdalene Robleski
- Mix Engineer: Jennifer Nolsen
- Theme Music: "That's the Deal" by David Peterson, performed by the Deardorf Petersen Group
- Support: Dungannon Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts
For more stories and episodes, visit Selected Shorts or find the podcast on your favorite platform.