*Podcast Summary: "Sarah Silverman" Episode of Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson
Release Date: May 28, 2025

In this emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating episode of Where Everybody Knows Your Name, hosts Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson engage in a heartfelt conversation with acclaimed comedian Sarah Silverman. The discussion delves deep into personal experiences, the evolution of comedy, and the complexities of grief, offering listeners a blend of humor, vulnerability, and profound insights.

Introducing Sarah Silverman

The episode opens with Ted Danson warmly welcoming Sarah Silverman, highlighting her multifaceted career as a stand-up comedian, actress, writer, and even a musical composer.
Ted Danson [01:05]: "Sarah Silverman. You know her from her many roles across TV and film, including SNL, Mr. Show, the Sarah Silverman Program, Wreck-It Ralph, and many more."

Sarah’s latest endeavor, her Netflix special Post Mortem, is introduced, focusing on grieving the loss of her parents. The hosts express excitement about her work.
Sarah Silverman [01:30]: "It's called Post Mortem and it's about grieving the loss of her parents."

Behind the Scenes of Bored to Death

The conversation transitions to Sarah and Woody's collaboration on the HBO series Bored to Death. They reminisce about memorable scenes, including a humorous moment where Woody's character asks them to massage his feet.
Woody Harrelson [02:04]: "Yeah, I made them rub my feet. It was such a great scene for me."

Sarah shares her anticipation for Woody’s upcoming special, expressing admiration for his comedic talents.
Sarah Silverman [04:15]: "I cannot wait to see what you do with it in Post Mortem."

Navigating Grief and Loss

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the profound topic of grief. Woody opens up about the passing of his parents, sharing poignant memories and the emotional turmoil he experienced.
Woody Harrelson [06:11]: "Oh, my parents. My dad and my stepmother died. It'll be two years ago in May now. And, you know, we were really close."

Sarah parallels her own experiences with losing her mother, detailing the emotional challenges and the coping mechanisms she employed.
Sarah Silverman [14:49]: "I watched my father, who was kind of not emotionally available... and I'd watch my mother be kind of the pacifist and the understanding and the taking care of people's feelings."

Their candid exchanges provide listeners with a raw and authentic look into how public figures handle personal tragedies, emphasizing the universal nature of grief.

The Matt Damon Viral Sensation

Shifting gears, the trio discusses a viral moment involving Matt Damon on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Woody shares the behind-the-scenes effort to create a humorous song, highlighting Matt Damon's commitment and the spontaneity of the project.
Woody Harrelson [23:42]: "We wrote the song in a fury of just like, wah. And we recorded it and one of the guys did Matt's voice."

Sarah reflects on the enduring humor and relevance of the sketch, noting its "evergreen" quality.
Sarah Silverman [23:25]: "It was great. It does."

The Evolution of Comedy and Free Speech

A substantial segment of the conversation delves into the challenges comedians face in the current socio-political climate. Woody candidly discusses his past comedic material that he no longer finds appropriate, reflecting on the responsibility that comes with humor.
Woody Harrelson [29:32]: "Racist. And, you know, and in my view, it was like... I'm liberal. I'm not racist. So I can say racist things in comedy."

Sarah adds her perspective on the permanence of comedic content in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of intent versus perception.
Sarah Silverman [33:29]: "I had all my little spiritual, religious, philosophical thoughts... but I realized... I don't know."

They explore the fine line between edgy comedy and offensive material, acknowledging the evolving standards and the need for continual self-reflection.

Personal Reflections on Relationships and Identity

The dialogue transitions to more personal topics, including Woody's thoughts on marriage and his relationship with Rory. Woody expresses his unconventional views on marriage, highlighting the desire for lifelong commitment without formal ties.
Woody Harrelson [45:16]: "I don't want to do it. I don't want to get the government involved. I will promise him to love him forever."

Sarah shares her journey towards self-acceptance and the challenges of balancing vulnerability with her public persona.
Sarah Silverman [50:36]: "I was raised... It took me therapy in many years, into my 40s before I went, okay, yes, I am the silhouette won't change that much."

They also discuss the impact of societal expectations on personal identities, particularly focusing on masculinity and feminism.
Woody Harrelson [52:11]: "Women have always had to be able to see the world through a male lens in order to survive, men don't need to do that in order to survive."

Final Thoughts and Mutual Appreciation

As the conversation wraps up, there is a heartfelt exchange of admiration and gratitude among the hosts and Sarah.
Sarah Silverman [53:27]: "I admire you so much and I'm sorry, I don't know that I put up all these barriers of who am I... I've had so much fun talking to you."

Woody Harrelson [53:44]: "I love you. I want to be friends in real life."

Conclusion

This episode stands out for its profound exploration of personal loss, the evolution of comedic expression, and the intricate dynamics of human relationships. Sarah Silverman's openness about her grief and Woody Harrelson's reflections on his parents' passing offer listeners a deeply personal glimpse into the lives of these beloved figures. The conversation seamlessly blends humor with serious discourse, making it both engaging and enlightening.

Notable Quotes:

• Woody Harrelson [02:04]: "Yeah, I made them rub my feet. It was such a great scene for me."
• Sarah Silverman [14:49]: "I watched my father, who was kind of not emotionally available... and I'd watch my mother be kind of the pacifist and the understanding..."
• Woody Harrelson [29:32]: "Racist. And, you know, and in my view, it was like... I'm liberal. I'm not racist. So I can say racist things in comedy."
• Woody Harrelson [45:16]: "I don't want to do it. I don't want to get the government involved. I will promise him to love him forever."
• Sarah Silverman [50:36]: "It took me therapy in many years, into my 40s before I went, okay, yes, I am the silhouette won't change that much."
• Sarah Silverman [53:27]: "I admire you so much and I'm sorry, I don't know that I put up all these barriers of who am I..."

This episode of Where Everybody Knows Your Name masterfully balances humor with heartfelt conversations, providing listeners with both laughs and meaningful reflections. Whether you're a long-time fan or a first-time listener, this episode offers valuable insights into the lives and minds of some of the most influential figures in entertainment today.