Therapuss with Jake Shane: Session 70 Featuring Meg Stalter – Detailed Summary
Introduction In Episode 70 of Therapuss with Jake Shane, Jake Shane welcomes the renowned comedian Meg Stalter as the special guest. The episode, released on May 1, 2025, delves into Meg's journey in comedy, her experiences working on popular shows like Hacks and Lena Dunham's Too Much, and offers heartfelt discussions on personal growth and relationships.
Personal Updates and Professional Highlights Jake begins the session by sharing his recent trip to New York, highlighting his involvement in the first episode of Hacks. He expresses his admiration for Meg, stating, "She's so hysterical. She's such a pro and I just adore her." (00:10). Although they briefly mention working together on Hacks, they steer clear of discussing the show's specifics to avoid spoilers.
Meg updates listeners on her upcoming "Prettiest Girl in America" tour, expressing excitement about her return to the road. She humorously engages in banter with Jake about her comedic prowess, affirming, "You are my all-time favorite. No one makes me laugh harder." (02:49). Their playful exchange sets a warm and engaging tone for the episode.
Comedy Journey and Evolution A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Meg's evolution in the comedy scene. She shares her early days in improv and stand-up, initially believing she was exceptionally funny but gradually understanding the nuances of comedic delivery. Meg recounts, "I thought the Chuck E. Cheese joke I told was funny. I didn't think the Chuck E. Cheese joke I told was funny. I wanted to do characters, but instead, I learned that you don't have to set it up like that." (12:36). This self-awareness led her to develop unique comedic styles, such as slideshow presentations, which allow her to convey humor more effectively.
Meg also discusses her experience with mock bad comedy sets, which have been critiqued online. She reveals, "I thought it'd be funny to take all the laughs out and make it look like I did really bad. How could they not tell we did that?" (14:36). This experiment showcases her willingness to push boundaries and explore different facets of humor.
Work with Lena Dunham and Too Much Meg enthusiastically describes her collaboration with Lena Dunham on the new show Too Much. She praises Lena's directing skills, saying, "She's the best writer. She's such a good director." (31:11). Their work together in London brings out a blend of Meg's comedic talent and Lena's creative vision, resulting in memorable on-screen moments. Meg shares an anecdote about filming a sex scene, highlighting the humorous side of acting: "We were in the bedroom, and the door swung open—it's so funny and awkward. I couldn't stop laughing during that scene." (32:30).
Personal Relationships and Self-Reflection The conversation takes a reflective turn as Meg and Jake discuss personal relationships and self-awareness. They explore themes of trust, insecurity, and personal growth in the context of modern relationships. For instance, Meg advises on handling insecurities related to a partner's past, stating, "Finding somebody that is loyal to you and you're loyal to them. It's not worth it to mess around." (66:18). Their exchange emphasizes the importance of trust and communication in maintaining healthy relationships.
Creative Projects and Future Plans Meg reveals her creative endeavors beyond stand-up comedy, including her foray into podcasting with her brother. The podcast, titled Confronting Demons with Megan Salter, explores personal and societal issues through humor and candid conversations. She mentions, "He's a tattoo artist, him and my dad are. So I have tattoos from them." (23:17). This project highlights Meg's multifaceted talents and her commitment to meaningful content creation.
Health and Well-being Towards the end of the episode, Jake shares a personal health issue related to his deviated septum and sinus problems. Meg offers compassionate support, encouraging Jake to seek further medical advice despite his doctor's contradictory assessment. Their conversation underscores the importance of listening to one's body and advocating for proper healthcare.
Closing Thoughts and Audience Engagement As the episode winds down, Jake and Meg engage in a lively exchange about astrology, personal quirks, and mutual admiration. Their chemistry is evident, bringing a sense of camaraderie and genuine friendship to the show. Meg concludes by promoting her tour, humorously stating, "You're the funniest and the prettiest. Please, everybody, please come see the Prettiest Girl in America tour."
Notable Quotes
- Jake Shane (00:10): "She's so hysterical. She's such a pro and I just adore her."
- Meg Stalter (02:49): "You are my all-time favorite. No one makes me laugh harder."
- Meg Stalter (12:36): "I thought it'd be funny to take all the laughs out and make it look like I did really bad."
- Meg Stalter (31:11): "She's the best writer. She's such a good director."
- Meg Stalter (66:18): "Finding somebody that is loyal to you and you're loyal to them. It's not worth it to mess around."
Conclusion Session 70 of Therapuss offers an intimate glimpse into Meg Stalter's comedic journey, her collaborative experiences, and her perspectives on personal relationships. Jake Shane and Meg's engaging dialogue provides listeners with both laughter and insightful reflections, making it a compelling episode for fans and newcomers alike.
Timestamps Reference
- (00:10): Intro and thanks
- (02:06): Introduction of Meg Stalter
- (12:36): Meg discusses her early comedy experiences
- (14:36): Reaction to online critiques
- (23:17): Discussion about Meg's tattoo artist brother
- (31:11): Working with Lena Dunham
- (32:30): Anecdote about filming a sex scene
- (66:18): Insights on loyalty in relationships