Selected Shorts: "Laughing in the Face of Danger" Host/Author: Symphony Space
Release Date: July 3, 2025

Introduction

In the July 3, 2025 episode of Selected Shorts titled "Laughing in the Face of Danger," host Meg Wolitzer curates a collection of poignant and humorous short stories that explore characters confronting perilous situations with wit and resilience. This episode delves into the human tendency to find humor amidst chaos, offering listeners a blend of laughter and insight through masterful storytelling performed by acclaimed actors.

1. "Clicking on Heaven's Door" by Anand Girdedas Performed by Negin Farsad
Timestamp: [04:10] - [09:03]

Summary: Anand Girdedas presents a satirical take on the bureaucratic processes of the afterlife in "Clicking on Heaven's Door." The protagonist navigates the overly complicated enrollment system of St. Peter's Heaven EQ, highlighting the absurdities of modern technology infiltration into even the most divine realms.

Key Points:

• The overwhelming complexity of Heaven's admission process mirrors real-life frustrations with technological dependencies.
• The interaction between the deceased applicant and the Heaven EQ system serves as a critique of data privacy and security in a digital age.
• The narrative employs humor to soften the critique, making a broader statement about human reliance on technology.

Notable Quotes:

• Jessica Keenan Wynn as Heaven EQ System: "A secure password should contain a mix of lowercase letters, uppercase letters, varsity letters, symbols, a phrase from Wittgenstein in the original German, the number of people you've slept with, the secret ingredient in your mother's most closely held recipe, and an excerpt from the nuclear code of a foreign country." ([04:13])

• Protagonist: "I know I suggested it for you. You're still supposed to memorize it." ([04:57])

2. "The Stand In" by Gerald Jonas and Gene Marple Performed by Tony Hale
Timestamp: [11:07] - [25:10]

Summary: Gerald Jonas and Gene Marple craft a comedic narrative around Jack Stebbins, a professional stand-in whose extensive experience in impersonation leads him into increasingly bizarre situations. From childhood gigs to adult assignments, Stebbins' ability to mimic others blurs the lines between his personal identity and his professional facade.

Key Points:

• Exploration of identity and the psychological toll of constantly assuming different personas.
• The comedic tension arises from Stebbins' inability to maintain his composure in critical situations, such as impersonating a doctor.
• Themes of deception, personal boundaries, and the complexity of human relationships are humorously depicted.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Nick Stelmans: "What has he been thinking? And. And what has he been feeling?" ([11:15])

• Stebbins: "Experience always tells. Get me a mouthpiece." ([24:50])

• Narrator: "He was a professional stand in since he was six years old..." ([15:30])

3. "Farnsworth" by David Sedaris Performed by Jessica Keenan Wynn
Timestamp: [29:17] - [47:15]

Summary: In the commissioned piece "Farnsworth," David Sedaris explores the complexities of familial relationships and personal identity through the lens of pet ownership. The protagonist grapples with introducing a sulfur-crested cockatoo named Farnsworth into a household already fraught with interpersonal tensions and societal expectations.

Key Points:

• The story juxtaposes the chaos of raising pets with the emotional turbulence of family dynamics.
• Sedaris uses Farnsworth as a metaphor for control and unpredictability in life.
• Themes of pride, acceptance, and the struggle for personal autonomy are interwoven with comedic elements.

Notable Quotes:

• Protagonist: "You cannot be afraid of something you can laugh at." ([08:45])

• Protagonist: "It's all about her. That really changed our relationship, weakened it." ([40:50])

• Protagonist: "But Scott, never taught him to speak. Rather, he just picked things up on his own." ([43:20])

4. "The Last Customer" by Robin Hemley Performed by Mike Doyle and Jane Curtin
Timestamp: [49:08] - [59:08]

Summary: Robin Hemley delivers a darkly comedic look at the apocalypse through a domestic setting in "The Last Customer." As the world collapses around them, a couple's mundane disagreements escalate amidst the chaos, illustrating how ordinary conflicts persist even in extraordinary circumstances.

Key Points:

• The interplay between personal disputes and global catastrophes highlights human nature's resilience in the face of disaster.
• Hemley uses the restaurant setting as a microcosm for the larger world's disintegration.
• The story underscores the absurdity of clinging to societal norms during times of crisis.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Doyle as Kenneth: "You never listened to me." ([55:05])

• Jane Curtin as Alison: "You're making it into such a big deal." ([52:57])

• Mike Doyle as Kenneth: "We're going to die. Stop worrying about appearances." ([55:52])

Conclusion

"Laughing in the Face of Danger" masterfully intertwines humor with the gravity of confronting life's unpredictable challenges. Through each story, Selected Shorts showcases diverse narratives that reflect the human capacity to find lightness even when facing profound adversity. Meg Wolitzer's insightful commentary ties these tales together, emphasizing the therapeutic power of laughter and storytelling.

Host's Reflections:

• Meg Wolitzer: "No matter how scary the foe or how overwhelming the circumstances, remember to laugh if at all possible." ([59:08])

This episode not only entertains but also invites listeners to reflect on their own responses to danger and uncertainty, encouraging a balanced perspective that embraces both humor and resilience.

Notable Production Credits

• Produced by: Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague
• Team Includes: Matthew Love, Drew Richardson, Mary Shimpkin, Vivienne Woodward, Magdalene Robleski
• Recorded by: Miles B. Smith and Phil Richards
• Mix Engineer: Jennifer Nolsen
• Theme Music: David Peterson's "That's the Deal," performed by the Deardorf Peterson Group
• Supporters: Dungannon Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts

Selected Shorts continues to be a beacon of literary excellence, bringing together exceptional storytelling and stellar performances to engage and inspire its audience. "Laughing in the Face of Danger" stands as a testament to the show's enduring ability to blend humor with the human condition.