The New Yorker Radio Hour: Nikki Glaser at the Top of Her Game

Hosted by David Remnick | Release Date: April 22, 2025

In the April 22, 2025 episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, host David Remnick engages in an in-depth conversation with renowned comedian Nikki Glaser. The episode delves into Glaser's meteoric rise in the world of comedy roasts, her creative process, personal struggles with self-worth, and her perspectives on political humor. Through candid discussions and insightful anecdotes, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Glaser's journey to the pinnacle of her comedic career.

Nikki Glaser's Rise in Comedy Roasts

David Remnick opens the discussion by highlighting Nikki Glaser's significant impact on the traditional format of comedy roasts. He remarks on her exceptional performance in the Netflix-hosted roast of NFL quarterback Tom Brady, calling it "a phenomenon" and commending her as an "overnight sensation."

David Remnick [00:18]: "Over the past few years, Nikki Glaser has breathed some new life into this old ritual. In fact, she really owns the roast form these days."

Glaser reflects on her unexpected ascent, emphasizing her long-standing dedication to comedy over 22 years.

Nikki Glaser [02:09]: "I really come from a place of, like, I probably don't deserve to get noticed. I'll just keep working."

Preparing for a Roast

The conversation transitions to the meticulous preparation behind Glaser's acclaimed roasts. She unveils the collaborative nature of her work, involving her team in crafting and refining jokes.

Nikki Glaser [04:26]: "So you start writing jokes, and then you start getting jokes sent in from the people that are on your team. And by the way, everyone does this. No one admits that they do it." [04:26]

Glaser explains how she tests her material in various settings to gauge audience reactions, ensuring her performance resonates effectively.

Nikki Glaser [05:37]: "You just read jokes all day, you try to make them better, and then you put a set together and then you start going out and you." [05:37]

Challenges of Success: Self-Worth and Anxiety

Despite her outward success, Glaser candidly discusses her ongoing battles with self-worth and anxiety. She acknowledges that newfound fame has not alleviated her internal struggles.

Nikki Glaser [09:35]: "It's done nothing. I'm trying to let it in." [09:35]

She delves into her imposter syndrome, revealing a persistent fear of being exposed as less talented than perceived.

Nikki Glaser [10:25]: "I just have imposter syndrome. I just, you know, constantly feel like I've tricked someone or someone's gonna realize that I'm not as talented as I am or as people think that I am." [10:25]

Navigating Public Perception and Social Media

Glaser shares her experiences with public scrutiny and social media criticism. She recounts a specific incident where outdated photographs sparked negative comments, leading her to confront harsh perceptions of her appearance.

Nikki Glaser [15:16]: "I did Jimmy Fallon and I saw one of the pictures where I'm like walking, like I'm walking out and I'm like, ah. Like, my face is like, eh. And I was like, where have I seen that face?" [15:16]

Despite her efforts to remain detached, she admits moments of vulnerability when encountering derogatory remarks online.

Nikki Glaser [17:35]: "It's really. I go, oh, they are being mean." [17:35]

Political Comedy and Censorship

The dialogue shifts to Glaser's cautious approach to political humor. She expresses concerns about potential backlash, including doxxing and death threats, emphasizing the importance of safety in her comedic expression.

Nikki Glaser [18:24]: "I'm not saying it's happening right now. I'm not saying it's happening anytime soon, but it's within the scope of possibilities." [18:24]

Reflecting on a past performance, Glaser contemplates her delivery and the balance between humor and sincerity.

Nikki Glaser [21:29]: "I would have chosen different jokes and different delivery. I feel bad about the delivery and I feel bad like, I didn't go harder." [21:29]

Personal Life and Living Situations

Glaser opens up about her personal life, particularly her choice to live in St. Louis with her parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. She describes the supportive yet humorous dynamics of her family life, highlighting the challenges and comforts of living at home at the age of 36.

Nikki Glaser [23:28]: "I live in St. Louis. Because I went back for Covid. I was living in New York during..." [23:28]

She candidly discusses the tension between her successful career and the "failure to launch" narrative, illustrating her reliance on family for emotional support.

Nikki Glaser [24:08]: "It was awesome. I didn't want to go. They kind of were like, listen, you got to move on." [24:08]

Future Aspirations and Self-Acceptance

Concluding the interview, Glaser shares her aspirations for personal growth, focusing on self-acceptance and exploring spiritual journeys such as ayahuasca and mushroom trips.

Nikki Glaser [25:34]: "I want to work on my self-acceptance. I want to do like ayahuasca. I want to do like mushroom trips. Like, I want to do some spiritual journey." [25:34]

She humorously addresses the physical challenges of such endeavors, linking them to her past experiences with bulimia.

Nikki Glaser [26:10]: "Do you know how bulimic I was in college? I can handle it." [26:10]

Conclusion

David Remnick wraps up the conversation by acknowledging Glaser's continued success and her multifaceted approach to comedy and personal well-being. The episode offers a nuanced portrayal of Nikki Glaser, balancing her public achievements with her private vulnerabilities, and underscores her relentless pursuit of growth both on and off the stage.

Notable Quotes:

• Nikki Glaser [02:09]: "I really come from a place of, like, I probably don't deserve to get noticed."

• Nikki Glaser [04:26]: "Everyone does this. No one admits that they do it."

• Nikki Glaser [10:25]: "I just have imposter syndrome... feel like I'm not as talented as people think that I am."

• Nikki Glaser [18:24]: "It's within the scope of possibilities."

• Nikki Glaser [25:34]: "I want to do some spiritual journey."

Nikki Glaser continues to tour and expand her comedic repertoire, including hosting the Golden Globes again next year. Her journey exemplifies the complexities of balancing public acclaim with personal introspection, making her a compelling figure in contemporary comedy.