Selected Shorts: "No Filter" – Detailed Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: Selected Shorts
- Host/Author: Symphony Space
- Description: Our greatest actors transport us through the magic of fiction, one short story at a time. Sometimes funny. Always moving. Selected Shorts connects you to the world with a rich diversity of voices from literature, film, theater, and comedy. New episodes every Thursday, from Symphony Space.
- Episode: No Filter
- Release Date: April 10, 2025
Introduction: Exploring the Divide Between Public and Private Selves
Host: Meg Wolitzer
Timestamp: [00:08]
Meg Wolitzer opens the episode by delving into the inherent dissonance between how individuals perceive themselves and how they present themselves to the world. She draws parallels to the curated personas often showcased on social media platforms like Instagram, where users strive to appear "real and raw" despite the absence of visible imperfections such as warts or wrinkles. Wolitzer reflects on the addictive nature of social media, likening it to deep rabbit holes that consume users' time and energy, ultimately questioning why people invest so much of their authentic selves into these platforms. She posits that humans are inherently wired for storytelling, yearning to connect with others even if the narratives shared aren't entirely genuine. This theme sets the stage for the episode's exploration of stories that navigate the friction between private identities and public facades.
Notable Quote:
"We want to tell your truth honestly, but you can never forget that there's an audience out there." – Meg Wolitzer [02:15]
Story 1: "Unselfie" by Amy Bender
Author: Amy Bender
Reader: Alicia Reiner
Timestamp: [03:27 – 21:29]
Summary: "Unselfie" introduces us to an unnamed protagonist who frequents George's bar, a less depressing venue compared to its counterpart, Benford's. She describes herself as someone who appears "unattached" and likens herself to a balloon or a cloud, emphasizing her detached nature stemming from the absence of her parents since childhood. Her interactions are brief and often superficial, characterized by fleeting connections and humorous exchanges with strangers.
The narrative takes a poignant turn when she meets a woman embarking on a road trip to Nebraska to meet her birth father, who found her through Facebook. This interaction forces the protagonist to confront her deeply buried truths about her own past. As the conversation unfolds, she reveals the convoluted and mysterious circumstances surrounding her parents' death, highlighting her struggle to maintain a semblance of normalcy despite the unresolved questions that haunt her.
The protagonist discusses her aversion to mirrors, a trauma-induced behavior linked to the aftermath of her parents' demise. This physical detachment from self-reflection symbolizes her broader struggle with identity and acceptance. The story culminates with her attempt to disconnect from the woman's intense focus on her own narrative, ultimately choosing to distance herself to preserve her fragile sense of self.
Notable Quotes:
"The most obvious examples these days come from social media, where posts often feel like confessions or requests for approval." – Meg Wolitzer [04:30]
"I can see how happy he was to do a small action I had requested and he said something about my lack of vanity which meant nothing to me at the time.” – Protagonist [14:45]
“She is simply too much for me to think about, and when I tried, my brain flashed with white like a broken machine.” – Protagonist [09:50]
Reader's Commentary: After the reading, Alicia Reiner shares her admiration for Amy Bender's storytelling prowess. She describes "Unselfie" as a "beautiful story" that intertwines deep insight with humor, likening it to a Virginia Woolf short story. Reiner commends the narrative's meandering yet profound nature, expressing a renewed interest in Bender's works.
Notable Quote:
"Amy is an incredible writer and it made me actually want to read more of her stories." – Alicia Reiner [22:03]
Story 2: "Best Western" by Louise Erdrich
Author: Louise Erdrich
Reader: Patricia Callamber
Timestamp: [25:57 – 55:16]
Summary: "Best Western" narrates the tumultuous marriage between the protagonist and her husband, Ricky Zaks, a passionate yet troubled tenor in the Flathead Valley Choir. The story begins with their life on the road, performing across various venues from Oregon to Michigan. The protagonist highlights her role as the visual asset of their duo, focusing on appearance and presentation, while Ricky's soulful voice captivates audiences.
Their marriage, initially fueled by love and mutual admiration, begins to strain under Ricky's relentless pursuit of sleep and his inability to cope with the stresses of their touring lifestyle. The protagonist recounts instances of Ricky's growing irritability and emotional distance, culminating in tense confrontations that reveal deeper fissures in their relationship.
A pivotal moment occurs during a performance at the Thunderbird Motel in Minneapolis St. Paul, where Ricky's frustration and unmet needs lead to a heartbreaking scene. The protagonist's attempts to maintain her facade and cater to Ricky's demands ultimately result in a breakdown of their union. The narrative intricately weaves themes of identity, self-worth, and the destructive nature of unaddressed emotional turmoil.
Notable Quotes:
"I was the visual asset. But Ricky's voice carried us an Irish lilt, a touch of Hungarian soul, even moments of clear falsetto." – Protagonist [28:45]
"He never meant to stay here. This was a stopping place, a way station on the road to somewhere else." – Protagonist [34:50]
"I didn't know what else to do. I kept smiling as we got into the car, as we drove." – Protagonist [45:30]
Reader's Commentary: Patricia Callamber reflects on the subtle dynamics presented in "Best Western," emphasizing the story's exploration of the protagonist's internal struggles and the external pressures that erode her sense of self. She notes the absence of the protagonist's name, highlighting how Ricky's critiques dismantle the carefully constructed image she maintains. Callamber appreciates the narrative's depiction of moving beyond mediated self-experiences, suggesting a liberation from the need to constantly manage one's public persona.
Notable Quote:
"There's such a telling absence in the story. We hear so much about Ricky, but Ricky never says our protagonist's name, not once." – Meg Wolitzer [55:16]
Conclusion: Embracing the Authentic Self
Host: Meg Wolitzer
Timestamp: [55:16 – End]
Meg Wolitzer wraps up the episode by reflecting on the stories presented, underscoring the central theme of unveiling one's true self beyond societal filters and expectations. She draws connections between the narratives of "Unselfie" and "Best Western," highlighting the protagonists' journeys towards self-discovery and the challenges they face in reconciling their internal identities with their outward presentations.
Wolitzer encourages listeners to embrace authenticity, suggesting that shedding the metaphorical filters—much like abandoning selfies—can lead to a more genuine and fulfilling existence. She thanks the readers and invites the audience to engage further with Selected Shorts through live performances and online platforms.
Notable Quote:
"Honestly, selfies aside, if it's time to go without a filter, I think that's the way to do it." – Meg Wolitzer [55:30]
Additional Insights:
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Production Credits: The episode is produced by Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague, with a talented team including Matthew Love, Drew Richardson, Mary Shimkin, Vivienne Woodward, and Magdalene Robleski. Readings are recorded by Miles B. Smith, and programs at the Getty Center in Los Angeles are recorded by Phil Richards. Theme music is by David Peterson’s "That’s the Deal," performed by the Dierdorf Petersen Group.
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Support and Accessibility: Supported by the Dungannon Foundation and public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Selected Shorts is produced and distributed by Symphony Space. Listeners are encouraged to attend live shows, participate in tours, or join livestream audiences to experience the magic firsthand.
Final Thoughts: "No Filter" masterfully navigates the complexities of self-identity in the modern age, juxtaposing personal narratives that grapple with authenticity and societal expectations. Through the evocative performances of Alicia Reiner and Patricia Callamber, listeners are invited to reflect on their own expressions and the masks they may wear in daily interactions. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing one's true self amidst the pressures of external validation.