Podcast Summary: Ep. 374 Petty Good or Petty Bad with Kira O’Sullivan

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Stacks
• Host: Tracy Thomas
• Guest: Kira O’Sullivan
• Episode Title: Petty Good or Petty Bad with Kira O’Sullivan
• Release Date: June 4, 2025

1. Introduction

In Episode 374 of The Stacks, host Tracy Thomas welcomes Kira O’Sullivan, an accomplished actor, comedian, SNL writer, and co-host of the Petty Crimes podcast. The episode delves into the nuances of pettiness, storytelling, and the impact of literature on personal and professional life.

2. Kira’s Background and Relationship with Books [00:40 - 03:34]

Kira shares her nomadic upbringing, having moved across multiple states due to her father's trucking job. This frequent relocation fostered her deep love for reading, as books became her primary companions during her formative years.

Kira O’Sullivan [00:03]: "Things hold value because of how much they matter to us."

Her diverse experiences across New Jersey, Michigan, Ohio, and New York enriched her literary tastes, transitioning from fantasy and YA novels in her youth to adult fiction and autobiographies.

3. The Concept of Pettiness [04:37 - 27:27]

The conversation shifts to pettiness, exploring its roots in personal experiences and cultural perceptions. Kira attributes her petty tendencies to her challenging name pronunciation and her frequent interactions with real estate agents during her childhood.

Kira O’Sullivan [05:27]: "Saying my name wrong is not a nickname."

Tracy and Kira discuss how pettiness can be both constructive and destructive, differentiating between petty actions and outright malicious behavior. They highlight how small grievances, when magnified, can lead to significant interpersonal drama.

4. Petty Crimes Podcast [17:48 - 21:35]

Kira introduces her Petty Crimes podcast, a unique blend of true crime and comedy focusing on interpersonal drama rather than violent crimes. Each episode dissects a listener-submitted petty incident, deliberating guilt and appropriate "sentencing."

Kira O’Sullivan [17:55]: "It's a true crime comedy podcast where we only investigate basically, interpersonal drama."

She emphasizes the show's commitment to highlighting how seemingly trivial disputes can hold substantial personal significance, reinforcing the idea that storytelling can amplify the weight of everyday occurrences.

5. Book Recommendations and Reading Habits [35:22 - 48:27]

Tracy and Kira engage in a lively book recommendation segment. They discuss favorite reads, disliked titles, and strategies for managing multiple books through a combination of physical and audiobook formats.

Tracy Thomas [38:00]: "I think that's normal."

Kira shares her penchant for summer-heavy reading and her method of alternating between audiobooks and physical copies to maximize her reading time despite a busy schedule.

6. Memoir vs. Autobiography [53:19 - 54:40]

The duo delves into the distinctions between memoirs and autobiographies, emphasizing the subjective nature of memoirs based on personal memories and emotions versus the factual recounting in autobiographies.

Tracy Thomas [53:24]: "Memoir is based in memory. It's usually supposed to be about one event or topic."

They discuss the challenges of interpreting memoirs, especially when personal recollections differ from others' memories of the same events.

7. Influence of Books on Career [56:11 - 60:04]

Kira reflects on how memoirs by figures like Amy Poehler and Tina Fey inspired her to pursue a career in television writing, particularly at Saturday Night Live. She recounts her interactions with these influential women, highlighting the profound impact their stories had on her professional aspirations.

Kira O’Sullivan [57:18]: "They didn't impact me and make me think that I could be a television writer and be a woman in comedy and write for Saturday Night Live."

8. Favorite Adaptations [59:34 - 63:00]

The conversation transitions to book-to-screen adaptations. Kira praises the Little Fires Everywhere TV series for surpassing the book's quality and lauds Legally Blonde as a standout example where the adaptation enhanced the original material.

Kira O’Sullivan [59:38]: "I read Little Fires Everywhere, and then I watched Little Fires Everywhere. I did enjoy it more on TV."

Tracy shares her enthusiasm for Legally Blonde and its subsequent musical adaptation, expressing excitement over the upcoming prequel series on Amazon Prime.

9. Audience Interaction and Questions [28:12 - 35:22]

Tracy addresses a listener's request for book recommendations on historical events, suggesting titles on the War on Terror. Kira adds to the list by recommending Irish literature, reflecting her personal interest and heritage.

Kira O’Sullivan [35:22]: "Brooklyn by Colton Tobin, and I'm thinking of Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt."

10. Conclusion and Book Club Announcement [63:36 - 65:10]

As the episode wraps up, Tracy announces the next Stacks Book Club selection: The Art Thief by Michael Finkel. She encourages listeners to read the book by June 25th for an in-depth discussion with Kira O’Sullivan in the upcoming episode.

Tracy Thomas [63:36]: "Our book club pick this month is The Art Thief by Michael Finkel, which we will discuss on Wednesday, June 25th with Kira O’Sullivan."

Kira expresses her excitement about the selection, and both hosts extend heartfelt thanks to listeners and supporters, highlighting the community aspect of The Stacks.

Notable Quotes:

• Kira O’Sullivan [00:03]: "Things hold value because of how much they matter to us."
• Tracy Thomas [05:05]: "You should have a strong opinion about it because it's your literal name."
• Kira O’Sullivan [17:55]: "We only investigate basically, interpersonal drama."
• Tracy Thomas [35:22]: "Gina, I just released my nonfiction reading guide in May."
• Kira O’Sullivan [57:18]: "They didn't impact me and make me think that I could be a television writer and be a woman in comedy."

Key Takeaways:

• Pettiness as a Storytelling Tool: Both hosts explore how minor grievances can be amplified in storytelling, adding depth and relatability to narratives.

• Influence of Literature on Personal Growth: Kira underscores the role of memoirs in shaping career aspirations and personal resilience.

• The Power of Community in Reading: The episode emphasizes the importance of book clubs and shared reading experiences in fostering a connected literary community.

• Adapting Literature for the Screen: Discussions highlight the potential for adaptations to not only stay true to but also enhance the original literary works.

Conclusion

Episode 374 of The Stacks offers a rich exploration of pettiness, the impact of literature on personal and professional life, and the joys of shared reading experiences. With Kira O’Sullivan’s insights and anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how everyday interactions and personal histories shape our relationship with books and storytelling.