Wild Card: Best of the Deck Wild Card with Rachel Martin – NPR Release Date: December 26, 2024

Named a Top 10 Podcast of 2024 by The New York Times

Overview

In the "Best of the Deck" episode, host Rachel Martin curates the standout moments from the 2024 season of Wild Card. This special edition brings together insightful and heartfelt conversations with a diverse group of guests, including actors, writers, musicians, and legendary figures. Utilizing a unique deck of questions, each guest delves into profound life topics, offering listeners a deep and engaging exploration of fears, joys, and the meaning they derive from their experiences.

Round One

1. Tathy Brodesser Achner – Novelist

Question: Where would you go to feel safe as a kid?
Timestamp: [04:50]

Tathy reminisces about the feeling of safety she experienced while in motion, particularly during car rides with her mother. She reflects on the transient moments during her childhood amidst her parents' divorce, highlighting how being "in transit" became her sanctuary from the pressures of her divided home life.

Notable Quote:
"Being in transit is actually the only time you can stop... I wonder if a lot of sort of working mothers can relate to this. Being trapped in a state where you can't do anything but exist." – Tathy Brodesser Achner [05:30]

2. Rob Delaney – Comedic Actor

Question: What's a moment when a stranger made you feel loved?
Timestamp: [10:15]

Rob shares a poignant memory from elementary school where a stranger wished him a Merry Christmas during a snowy day. This simple act of kindness left a lasting impact, symbolizing genuine human connection and kindness from unexpected places.

Notable Quote:
"It just felt so nice to have an adult stranger look at me... Nothing remarkable, but just a sweet thing." – Rob Delaney [10:45]

3. David Lynch – Filmmaker

Question: What was your form of rebelling as a teenager?
Timestamp: [16:20]

David discusses his compartmentalized teenage life, balancing home, school, and his passion for studio art. His intense effort to keep these aspects separate led to psychosomatic illnesses, ultimately preventing him from being drafted into the Vietnam War—a turning point that allowed him to pursue his artistic endeavors freely.

Notable Quote:
"I've never done anything I've wanted to do to hurt others... but all that tension built up inside led to a psychosomatic disease." – David Lynch [17:00]

Round Two

4. Lena Waithe – Actor and Filmmaker

Question: When did you feel like you found your people?
Timestamp: [22:10]

Lena narrates her experience finding a supportive writers' group, leading to meaningful friendships and collaborations, including with Justin Simeon of Dear White People. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who inspire and motivate personal and professional growth.

Notable Quote:
"Wizard of Oz is like a Bible to life... There's no Emerald City that will feel like home." – Lena Waithe [23:00]

5. Nikki Giovanni – Renowned Poet

Question: What emotion do you understand better than all the others?
Timestamp: [29:40]

Nikki reflects on her deep sense of patience, influenced by her role as the youngest sibling and her long life experiences. She shares heartfelt insights into mortality, resilience, and the enduring impact of meaningful relationships, all while maintaining her characteristic wit and wisdom.

Notable Quote:
"Every morning that I wake up, me and cancer, we're in good shape. Let's take a shower, go about our day." – Nikki Giovanni [30:15]

6. LeVar Burton – Actor and Filmmaker

Question: Has your idea of success changed over time?
Timestamp: [36:50]

LeVar discusses his evolving definition of success, shifting from being busy to valuing the balance between work and leisure. Reflecting on his iconic roles in Roots, Reading Rainbow, and Star Trek, he underscores the importance of conserving energy and managing expectations to sustain a fulfilling and impactful career.

Notable Quote:
"As a storyteller, I've been able to portray the Black experience in America, from our enslavement to the stars. That is very profound." – LeVar Burton [37:30]

Round Three

7. Ted Danson – Actor

Question: How often do you think about death?
Timestamp: [43:00]

Ted opens up about his frequent contemplation of death, using it as a motivator to live gratefully and joyfully. He shares personal struggles with plaque psoriasis and how his mother's optimistic outlook influenced his coping mechanisms, blending humor with philosophical reflections on mortality and legacy.

Notable Quote:
"Instead of living in fear, just say, 'Oh my God, thank you for this blessing that I have.'" – Ted Danson [43:45]

8. Ada Limone – US Poet Laureate

Question: Have you ever had a premonition about something that came true?
Timestamp: [49:30]

Ada recounts a profound premonition regarding her fertility journey, which guided her to embrace a child-free life. Her vivid dream of floating in the Chesapeake Bay symbolizes her internal transformation and the liberation found in redefining personal fulfillment beyond societal expectations of motherhood.

Notable Quote:
"What if my body was only my body? It felt really powerful... What if I'm enough?" – Ada Limone [50:10]

9. Jeff Goldblum – Actor and Musician

Question: Has your idea of what it means to be a good person changed over time?
Timestamp: [55:45]

Jeff explores the evolution of his understanding of goodness, transitioning from superficial manners to a deeper commitment to community and contribution. He cites George Bernard Shaw's influence, embracing the philosophy of using one's life purposefully for the greater good and cherishing life as a "splendid torch" to be passed on.

Notable Quote:
"I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it off to future generations." – Jeff Goldblum [56:20]

Conclusion

Rachel Martin masterfully weaves together these diverse narratives, presenting listeners with a tapestry of human experiences and reflections. Each guest's unique perspective enriches the overarching theme of seeking meaning and connection in life's journey. Whether it's through humor, artistry, or profound personal insights, Wild Card: Best of the Deck offers a compelling invitation to contemplate the myriad facets of existence.

Produced by: Taylor Hutchison, Lee Hale, and edited by Dave Blanchard
Engineered by: Robert Rodriguez
Theme Song: Ramtin Arablouei
Executive Producer: Beth Donovan

Support NPR by subscribing to Wild Card+ for bonus episodes and an ad-free experience at plus.npr.org/wildcard.