Wild Card with Rachel Martin: Ilana Glazer Connects with Their Inner Animal

Released on December 12, 2024

In this captivating episode of Wild Card hosted by Rachel Martin from NPR, comedian and actress Ilana Glazer delves deep into personal reflections, parenting insights, and creative endeavors. The conversation is uniquely guided by a deck of cards, turning the episode into an engaging, choose-your-own-adventure dialogue that reveals the layers of Ilana's experiences and philosophies.

1. The Wild Card Format: A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Conversation

From the onset, Wild Card distinguishes itself by eschewing traditional interview scripts. Instead, Rachel Martin and Ilana Glazer engage in a dynamic game using a special deck of cards to prompt meaningful questions. This format allows for spontaneous and honest discussions, creating a natural and intimate atmosphere.

2. Late Rebellion and the Impact of Parenting

Ilana Glazer opens up about their form of rebellion during adolescence, highlighting a delayed response to defiance. At [05:00], Ilana reflects:

"My rebellion came honestly, like I was not secure in it until like the past few years… I had some rebellion and I guess it finally came in the form of having sex and smoking weed in my senior year of high school."

This unconventional rebellion underscores a transition towards personal autonomy, influenced significantly by the responsibilities of parenthood. Ilana explains how becoming a parent necessitated setting boundaries, which in turn redefined their personal and professional life.

3. Childhood Memories and the Journey Through Therapy

Delving into childhood experiences, Ilana shares poignant memories that have shaped their adulthood. At [07:54], they reveal:

"I have found how limited parenting makes the rest of your life really helpful. It has forced me to draw lines that I never wanted to draw before."

A particularly impactful memory involves using the bathroom with the door open, a habit Ilana initially attributed to cultural reasons but later examined through therapy. This reflection highlights the long-term effects of early upbringing on personal boundaries and privacy.

4. Embracing Creativity: Ilana's Standup Special "Human Magic"

Shifting focus to creativity, Rachel congratulates Ilana on their new standup special, "Human Magic," which premiered on Hulu. Ilana describes the special as:

"The first time in which I felt personally organized, you know, and I felt, like, more polished professionally than ever before."

"Human Magic" serves as a return to Ilana's comedic roots, intertwining reflections on early parenthood with humor. The special not only showcases Ilana's comedic talents but also their ability to find joy and laughter amidst the chaos of raising a child.

5. Balancing Social Energy and Alone Time

A significant portion of the conversation explores Ilana's struggle and growth in balancing social interactions with the need for solitude. At [16:29], Ilana candidly states:

"I'm going to say increasingly. But it's tough. I really feed off people. I love people. I love intellectual intercourse… but I'm increasingly comfortable alone."

This admission reveals Ilana's journey towards self-awareness, recognizing the importance of alone time for personal well-being while still valuing deep connections with others.

6. Reflections on Time: A Complex Force

When prompted about time's role in their life, Ilana offers a nuanced perspective. At [23:25], they express:

"I am a planner and I want to make the most of my time. And I decreasingly feel it slipping away as I am more able to practice presence and accept what is."

Ilana grapples with the duality of time as both a limited resource and a relentless force, striving to balance planning with mindful presence to enrich their daily experiences.

7. Sacred Spaces: The Bath as a Sanctuary

Ilana identifies the bath as their sacred place, a sanctuary for relaxation and family bonding. At [26:18], they share:

"The bath… sometimes we get in the bath with her, just her taking a bath and just, like, watching her."

This sacred space serves as a metaphor for intimacy and simplicity, offering a reprieve from the complexities of daily life and a place to connect deeply with loved ones.

8. Predestined Paths and Spirituality in Judaism

Exploring spirituality, Ilana discusses their belief in predestined paths intertwined with free will. At [27:37], they reveal:

"I feel absolutely connected through my bloodline, through my many lives, the different bodies my spirit has inhabited."

Ilana's renewed connection with Judaism provides a spiritual framework that complements their beliefs in destiny and personal agency, fostering a sense of purpose and community.

9. Memory Time Machine: Remembering Kevin Barnett

In the heartfelt concluding segment, Ilana selects a memory to revisit: the loss of their friend Kevin Barnett. At [30:31], they recount:

"Claude is based on our mutual best friend, Kevin Barnett, who passed away in 2019. It was a huge loss for the comedy community, but also the world."

This poignant reflection emphasizes the enduring impact of Kevin on Ilana's life and career, underscoring themes of loss, legacy, and the bittersweet nature of cherished memories.

Notable Quotes

• Ilana Glazer at [05:00]:

  "I didn't quite rebel very much as a child or a teenager. I was very good and was focused on goodness and achieving."

• Ilana Glazer at [09:07]:

  "I have found the limits of how limited parenting makes the rest of your life really helpful."

• Ilana Glazer at [16:30]:

  "I'm going to buck the binary with this answer and say, fuck it… Increasingly."

• Ilana Glazer at [25:09]:

  "I decreasingly feel it slipping away as I am more able to practice presence and accept what is."

Conclusion: Celebrating Creativity and Remembering Loved Ones

The episode wraps up with Rachel Martin highlighting Ilana's standup special and paying tribute to the late poet Nikki Giovanni, who had previously appeared on the show. Rachel also announces upcoming bonus content available through Wild Card+, enticing listeners to further engage with the series.

Ilana's episode on Wild Card offers a rich tapestry of humor, vulnerability, and profound insights into personal growth, creativity, and the complexities of modern parenthood. Through the innovative game format, listeners are invited to connect deeply with Ilana's journey, making it a memorable and inspiring conversation.

Tune in to Wild Card to experience more thought-provoking and entertaining dialogues like this one. Don’t forget to follow the show on your preferred podcast platform and rate and review to help others discover these enriching conversations.