Podcast Summary: "From Modern Love: Bridget Everett Says a Best Friend Can Be Your Greatest Love"

Introduction In this insightful episode of The Interview, hosted by The New York Times, actress, singer, and comedian Bridget Everett joins Anna Martin to delve deep into the themes of platonic love and the profound impact of best friendships. Drawing parallels between Bridget's character in the HBO series Somebody Somewhere and real-life experiences, the conversation explores the nuances of maintaining meaningful friendships amidst life's complexities.

1. Exploring Somebody Somewhere and Its Genre

Bridget Everett discusses her role as Sam Pyre in the HBO series Somebody Somewhere, highlighting the show's unique blend of genres.

• Genre Classification: Bridget admits the challenge in categorizing the show, noting its mix of romantic comedy, ensemble slice of life, musical elements, and genuine moments of humor and intimacy.

  "I think of it as, you know, people say dramedy, but kind of just a slice of life. Some tender moments, some, you know, and maybe a fart." [03:24]

• Authenticity in Storytelling: The inclusion of real-life elements, such as humorous and awkward moments, adds authenticity to the narrative.

  "Because that's real life... Maybe not for you, but for people I know." [03:44]

2. The Centrality of Friendship in Sam and Joel’s Relationship

The heart of the conversation revolves around the deep friendship between Sam and Joel, portrayed by Jeff Hiller.

• Sam and Joel’s Bond: Bridget emphasizes the warmth and unwavering support in their friendship, illustrating how Joel helps Sam rediscover her love for singing.

  "She's kind of like a little, like, you know, got a little more of an edge. But most importantly, there's a really wonderful, warm chemistry between the two of them." [08:56]

• Defying the "No New People" (NNP) Rule: Sam initially adopts a protective stance against forming new relationships but gradually opens up, mirroring Bridget's own efforts to embrace new connections.

  "I just love it... And it's a real primary thing for Sam. Her friends are her people, and it's not like she's looking for a romantic love. She's looking for her person." [09:38]

3. Personal Reflections on Friendship and Self-Worth

Bridget shares her personal experiences with self-doubt and the importance of feeling valued in friendships.

• Connecting Through Shared Passions: Bridget relates to Sam’s connection to singing, describing it as a vital link to her emotions and self-expression.

  "There's a way that I can connect to my emotions when I'm doing that that I can't sometimes do otherwise." [04:45]

• Navigating Changing Dynamics: Reflecting on her own life, Bridget discusses the challenges of remaining a central figure in a friend's life when they enter new relationships.

  "Sometimes you need your friend to let you know that they have this new, wonderful, romantic relationship. And... I am happy for my friend, and Sam is happy for Joel." [31:26]

4. Reading and Reflecting on Victor Lodato’s Essay

Bridget reads Victor Lodato’s essay, "When Your Greatest Romance Is a Friendship," which resonates deeply with her and the themes of the show.

• Essence of Platonic Romance: The essay narrates a profound platonic relationship between Victor and Austin, highlighting that some of the most significant romances are rooted in friendship rather than romance.

  "Some of the greatest romances of my life have been friendships. And these friendships have been, in many ways, more mysterious than erotic love." [25:08]

• Impact on Bridget: She expresses how the essay reinforced her belief in the depth and significance of platonic relationships, offering hope and validation for those seeking meaningful friendships.

  "I just think about the possibility of keeping yourself open and... it reminds me to stay open." [26:24]

5. The Intersection of Friendship and Romantic Relationships

The discussion delves into how friendships evolve when one or both parties enter romantic relationships.

• Balancing Act: Bridget explains the emotional complexity of maintaining friendships when life brings new romantic entanglements, acknowledging feelings of being second fiddle but also recognizing the enduring value of platonic bonds.

  "You have to kind of acclimate and adjust. And sometimes you need your friend to let you know that they have this new, wonderful, romantic relationship." [31:27]

• Finding Validation and Acceptance: Emphasizing the importance of being reassured in friendships, Bridget highlights how affirmations from friends help in feeling valued and necessary.

  "It's to be reminded... It's like looking someone in the eyes and saying, you matter." [32:40]

6. Cultivating Close Friendships in Adulthood

The conversation addresses the challenges of fostering deep friendships amid adult responsibilities and societal expectations.

• Prioritizing Relationships: Bridget admits the difficulty in maintaining central roles in each other’s lives but expresses a desire to be a more integral part of her friends' lives again.

  "My dream is to have a central. You know, be central in a friend's life again." [35:22]

• Hope and Inspiration: Drawing inspiration from Sam and Joel's relationship, Bridget advocates for staying open to unexpected yet fulfilling friendships.

  "Seeing something like this is like. It just is a dream, and it gives me a lot of hope." [32:28]

7. The Language of Friendship and Romance

Bridget and Anna discuss the appropriateness of using romantic terminology to describe deep friendships.

• Embracing the Term "Romance": Bridget is comfortable with describing profound friendships as romances, suggesting that love doesn't always have to be romantic or sexual.

  "I love it. I say that all the time. I'm like... you are in love with them in some degree." [37:27]

• Need for Nuanced Language: The conversation hints at the possibility that our existing language may not fully capture the depth of platonic relationships, advocating for a broader understanding of love.

Conclusion Bridget Everett’s candid discussion on The Interview sheds light on the invaluable role of friendships in our lives. By intertwining her experiences with her character Sam’s journey in Somebody Somewhere and reflecting on Victor Lodato’s poignant essay, Bridget eloquently conveys that the deepest romances often reside in the bonds of friendship. This episode serves as a heartfelt reminder of the profound connections that enrich our lives beyond the realm of romantic love.

Notable Quotes:

• "Some of the greatest romances of my life have been friendships." — Bridget Everett [25:08]
• "It's to be reminded... You matter to me." — Anna Martin & Bridget Everett [32:40]
• "I just think about the possibility of keeping yourself open and... it reminds me to stay open." — Bridget Everett [26:24]
• "I love it... you are in love with them in some degree." — Bridget Everett [37:27]