The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott Episode: "Who Are You?" (with SZA, Dan Erickson, and We Know Severance) Release Date: March 28, 2025

Overview

In the "Who Are You?" episode of The Severance Podcast, hosts Ben Stiller and Adam Scott delve deep into the intricacies of Season 2 of the Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning TV show Severance. Joined by creator Dan Erickson, members of the We Know Severance podcast, and special guest SZA, the episode offers an insightful, behind-the-scenes exploration of the show's themes, character developments, and fan interactions. The discussion is rich with analysis, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking questions that illuminate the show's profound narrative.

Season 2 Themes and Discussions

Identity and Self-Discovery The central theme of Season 2 revolves around the question, "Who are you?" This exploration of identity builds upon the foundations laid in the first season, where characters began to recognize their worth beyond their work personas. Amanda Rabinowitz, a guest and creator, elaborates:

"It's like the next step in that eternal question for the show, which is, who are you? And discovering your identity and the sort of messiness of that."
(07:18)

Dan Erickson adds that the season further delves into the characters' consciousness and their relationships, emphasizing the growing emotional stakes:

"The relationships between Mark and Helly and Dylan and Irving... developing real stakes in these relationships that have been earned now over the course of two seasons."
(15:45)

Rebellion and Group Dynamics Season 2 also examines the strength and fragility of the group formed by the characters. After significant acts of rebellion in Season 1, Season 2 tests the bonds between the characters. Amanda highlights moments where tensions arise, leading to pivotal losses that underscore the importance of each member within the group:

"If you lose somebody, then you become more aware of the importance of the people that you still have."
(16:31)

Guest Interviews

Conversation with We Know Severance Hosts

Ben Stiller and Adam Scott engage with Josh Wigler and Melissa Woodward from the We Know Severance podcast. They discuss the neurological aspects portrayed in the show and its alignment with real-world neuroscience. Melissa, a neuroscientist, commends the show's accurate representation:

"There's clearly been so much thought and effort put into that to make it as accurate as, you know, a sci-fi type show can be."
(28:53)

The discussion touches upon the neuroethics of memory suppression, a core concept in Severance. Melissa reflects on the potential benefits and ethical dilemmas of such technology:

"A lot of pushback amongst my classmates talking about potential negative implications... but there was also this really significant component of some people are really experiencing debilitating PTSD."
(32:53)

Interview with SZA

The episode features an engaging interview with SZA, who shares her personal reflections and creative inspirations drawn from Severance. She connects her experiences with the show's exploration of identity and consciousness:

"It speaks to how much we distract ourselves with anything because we welcome that... it's just this place where it's like, no, you're gonna constantly be finding meaning for awful things."
(55:18)

SZA discusses her creative process, influenced by her journey of self-discovery and the themes presented in Severance. She delves into the importance of stripping away distractions to uncover one's true self:

"I started putting shit on my walls and, like, color on my floor after five years of living in this house, it was just all white forever."
(55:35)

Notable Highlights and Quotes

• Daylight Savings Time Conversation: Ben and Adam engage in a light-hearted debate about daylight savings time, showcasing their chemistry and humor.

  "Can we actually suppress a memory?" – Dan Erickson
  (33:52)

• Fan Engagement through Hotline Questions: The hosts address fan questions, offering deeper insights into specific scenes and character motivations.

  "Cut beans... isn't that sort of like a term, like a slang term for being severed?" – Dan Erickson
  (22:00)

• Astrology Segment with SZA: SZA humorously assigns zodiac signs to Severance characters, blending pop culture with character analysis.

  "Mark is giving Taurus because he's grounded, but he's also curious..." – SZA
  (60:16)

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

The "Who Are You?" episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of Severance's second season, intertwining thematic analysis with personal insights from creators, fans, and celebrities. The discussions illuminate the show's profound questions about identity, memory, and human connections, while also highlighting its impact on both creators and audiences alike.

Ben Stiller and Adam Scott successfully navigate complex themes, making the podcast a valuable resource for fans seeking a deeper understanding of the show's narrative and character arcs. The inclusion of thoughtful guests like Dan Erickson and SZA enriches the conversation, offering diverse perspectives that resonate with the show's core messages.

As the podcast concludes, anticipation builds for Season 3, promising further unraveling of Severance's enigmatic storyline and its philosophical inquiries into the nature of self and existence.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript provided and are included to reference the exact moments of notable quotes within the episode.