Selected Shorts • Symphony Space

Dive into the latest "Selected Shorts" podcast episode where speakers like Meg Wolitzer, Kirsten Vangsness, Kimberly Guerrero, and Jane Curtin bring to life riveting tales that unearth the profound relationship between humanity and the natural elements. Each story in this episode delves deep into how our environment, challenges, and the basic elements of nature shape our identities, personal freedom, and perceptions of the world around us.

The narratives featured range from a tale of newfound independence amidst a storm to the complexities of border crossing identity struggles, and the enchanting re-discovery of childlike wonder through flight. In exploring these themes, the podcast crafts a juxtapose of characters who encounter both literal and figurative crossroads, forcing them to confront fundamental questions about who they are. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences of finding joy in adversity, standing firm in their identity, and rekindling the amazement of their youth.

Dive into the intriguing world of "Selected Shorts" as Aparna Nancherla, Andy Richter, and Paget Brewster unfold the narrative of a woman at a pivotal point in her life. In an episode that challenges traditional familial structures, the thought-provoking tale, "Variations on the Same," examines the complexities of managing twin flames of a past and present marriage under the same roof. The woman, standing at the crossroads between embracing a new beginning or remaining in the disarray of the familiar, navigates through a medley of relationships that define her existence.

The protagonist's resistance to societal expectations, particularly concerning romantic relationships and motherhood, paints a portrait of individuality and resilience. The episode delicately explores her personal growth as she balances conflicting emotions towards her ex-husband and current partner, offering a rich insight into her internal conflicts. Through her eyes, listeners are invited to contemplate the nature of love, the courage it takes to forge one's own path, and the bittersweet realization that sometimes our choices come with unforeseen entanglements.

Selected Shorts invites listeners to enter the realms of family dynamics and intergenerational relationships with a powerful narrative delivered by speakers Meg Wolitzer, Kaneza Schaal, and James Naughton. In this poignant episode, the intimate ties between mothers and daughters are explored, unveiling the complexities and the unwavering connection that persist even beyond the veil of death. The episode delves into the mystical elements that bind these relationships, as well as the inherent strength conveyed across the lineage of formidable women, painting a picture of the ancestral legacy of resilience.

The episode also tenderly examines the unique bond formed between grandchild and grandparent through the eyes of a young girl and her supportive grandfather. In a story of sorrow and mutual understanding, the narrative highlights the grandparent's gentle comprehension and the challenges faced while nurturing a child in the midst of grief. The podcast further contemplates the painstaking efforts to preserve family unity and comfort following life-altering events, capturing the silent yet profound efforts of adults as they strive to shield and understand the youngest members of the family in times of distress. "Selected Shorts" weaves these threads of family affection into a heartfelt reflection on the deep and often silent bonds that shape our lives.

Dive into the fascinating intersection of literature and film with Selected Shorts as they explore tales that have made the leap from the written word to the silver screen in conjunction with the Tribeca Film Festival. Notably, Meg Wolitzer and actors like Marin Ireland, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Andrea Martin lend their voices to bring these stories and their cinematic counterparts to life, illuminating the rich potential of short stories as springboards for visual storytelling.

Witness the captivating journey of Richard Matheson's "Button, Button" as it evolves from a printed page into gripping screen manifestations, including "The Twilight Zone" and "The Box", which offer viewers a profound exploration of morality under stress. Delve also into the whimsical world of Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky," as it augments the fantastical realm of "Alice in Wonderland" adaptations, and observe how Mary Orr's "The Wisdom of Eve" seamlessly transitions into the celebrated film "All About Eve," solidifying its protagonist as an iconic figure in the canon of memorable villains. These adaptations highlight the timelessness of narrative fiction and its thrilling reimaginings through the art of film.

Explore the less discussed intricacies of matrimonial discord in the latest episode of "Selected Shorts," featuring narrations by Meg Wolitzer, Kristine Nielsen, Keir Dullea, and a special appearance by Louise Erdrich. Dive into the paradox of how minute, everyday disagreements can lead to the breakdown of even the most solid partnerships, with stories that reveal the delicate threads holding marriages together.

Whether it's a quirky debate about the allure of silver screen icons or the nocturnal disturbances of a snoring spouse, this episode of "Selected Shorts" highlights the often-overlooked disturbances that can tear at the fabric of marital harmony. As the speakers narrate tales of couples facing these challenges, listeners are invited to reflect on the power of seemingly trivial irritations and how they can cumulatively erode the foundation of a long-term relationship.