Logo
    Search

    ICYMI - Ryan O'Connell on Dramatizing His Own Life in "Special"

    enJune 17, 2019

    Podcast Summary

    • The Importance of Community and Self-ExpressionBuilding strong community connections can bring about positive change and support during uncertain times. Embrace individuality and defy expectations to create meaningful impact.

      Building strong community connections can bring about positive change and support during uncertain times. Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network, emphasizes the importance of relying on neighbors for social bonds and disaster preparedness. Meanwhile, in the world of entertainment, the journey of Ryan O'Connell, from writing a personal story to creating a successful TV show, highlights the power of embracing individuality and defying expectations. Both Neighbor to Neighbor and Ryan O'Connell's story demonstrate the importance of community and self-expression in our lives. To learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and Morning Footy, visit canebors.com and subscribe to Morning Footy for football coverage. Remember, it takes a neighborhood to make a difference.

    • Understanding and Accepting DifferencesPeople are more accepting of what they can understand. Embrace your truth and be true to yourself, even in an ableist society.

      People often struggle to understand and accept differences, especially when it comes to disabilities. The speaker, Ryan, grew up with cerebral palsy and felt misunderstood due to its varying appearances. When he was hit by a car at age 20, people assumed he was an accident victim and treated him normally. However, when he revealed his true condition, they reacted negatively. This experience showed Ryan that people are more accepting of what they can understand. The struggle for self-love and acceptance in an ableist society is a long journey, but it's important to embrace one's truth and be true to oneself. The story highlights the human condition's tendency to be more receptive to what we can relate to, and the importance of understanding and accepting differences.

    • Authentic representation of disability mattersDisabled individuals should have the agency and license to tell their own stories for accurate and authentic representation

      Authentic representation matters, especially when it comes to telling the stories of marginalized communities, such as people with disabilities. The person being discussed in this conversation is a writer, creator, and star who has lived experience with a disability. They shared how important it was for them to create an accurate representation of disability, ensuring that their disability was never the punchline or the source of discomfort for the audience. Instead, they emphasized that the powerful should be the target of jokes. The person also shared their reluctance to audition to play themselves in their own show, as they had never planned to be an actor. However, they ultimately took on the role and were able to bring an authentic and accurate representation to the screen. This highlights the importance of giving disabled individuals the agency and license to tell their own stories.

    • Actress's struggle with authenticity in her roleActress's emotional investment in role led to intense, authentic performances, particularly in sensitive scenes, pushing boundaries for LGBTQ+ representation

      Acting in a show based on one's own life while playing a version of oneself presents unique challenges. The actress in question found it difficult to detach from the emotional moments and separate reality from the scene. She felt every emotion deeply and couldn't easily move on to the next moment like a trained actor could. This made for intense and authentic performances, particularly in sensitive scenes like a gay sex scene, which had not been portrayed accurately on TV before. The actress was frustrated by the lack of representation and felt that the scene in the show was an important step towards authenticity. Overall, the actress's inability to detach added to the realism of the show and made for compelling viewing.

    • Depicting authenticity in 'Special' despite challengesThe creators of 'Special' prioritized authenticity in a gay sex scene, acknowledging its potential to be awkward, sexy, and weird, and emphasizing its importance for connecting with audiences and creating meaningful social bonds.

      The creators of the Netflix show "Special" prioritized authenticity in depicting various aspects of life, including a gay sex scene, despite the challenges involved. Ryan O'Connell, the show's creator and lead actor, shared that the peach scene was important to him to portray honestly, acknowledging that it could be awkward, sexy, and weird. He emphasized the importance of getting it right and ensuring that the scene was authentic. The show, which is currently streaming on Netflix, is described as funny, uncomfortable in the right way, and capable of resonating with audiences for multiple seasons. The Daily Show's Trevor Noah praised the show for its potential to connect with viewers and create meaningful social bonds, likening it to the California volunteer network, Neighbor to Neighbor, which aims to foster community connections.

    • Connecting with Community through Kindness and FootballNeighbor to Neighbor fosters community connections through acts of kindness, while Morning Footy brings football fans together through in-depth coverage and discussions.

      Neighbor to Neighbor and Morning Footy offer unique opportunities to connect with your community and engage in passionate interests, respectively. Neighbor to Neighbor encourages community building through acts of kindness and support, making it easier to help neighbors in need and stand together during challenging times. By visiting canebors.com, you can learn how to get involved and contribute to a more connected community. On the other hand, Morning Footy is a podcast that brings football fans together through in-depth coverage of the global game. With discussions on headlines, match previews, analysis, interviews, culture, fashion, and banter, it offers an engaging and entertaining way to stay informed and connected to the world of football. Subscribe to Morning Footy to start your day with the latest football news and insights. Overall, both Neighbor to Neighbor and Morning Footy demonstrate the power of connection – whether it's through acts of kindness or shared passions – and the positive impact it can have on our lives.

    Recent Episodes from The Daily Show: Ears Edition

    Triumph the Insult Comic Dog Poops on TDS | Behind the Show

    Triumph the Insult Comic Dog Poops on TDS | Behind the Show

    Triumph the Insult Comic Dog makes a special appearance on the Ears Edition to poop on all things Daily Show, much to the chagrin of TDS writer/producer, Matt O’Brien. Matt is then joined by longtime collaborator, Robert Smigel, to discuss Triumph’s recent TDS focus group with undecided voters as well as Triumph’s early segments that got him thrown out of practically every RNC and DNC convention he went to. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    3M’s Forever Chemicals and a Therapist’s Take on Election Cycle Anxiety | Guest Spotlight

    3M’s Forever Chemicals and a Therapist’s Take on Election Cycle Anxiety | Guest Spotlight

    ProPublica reporter Sharon Lerner joins Michael Kosta to discuss her investigative piece into 3M’s use of forever chemicals and the company’s failed efforts to conceal them. Also, psychotherapist and author Lori Gottlieb sits with Jon Stewart to explain how the anxiety of presidential election seasons make it a popular time for people to seek out therapy.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Jon Stewart Breaks Down Trump's Blatant Debate Lies and Biden's Senior Moments | Lori Gottlieb

    Jon Stewart Breaks Down Trump's Blatant Debate Lies and Biden's Senior Moments | Lori Gottlieb

    Jon Stewart goes live after CNN's presidential debate to unpack Biden's senior moments and Trump's blatant lies. And psychotherapist and best-selling author of "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" Lori Gottlieb discusses the impact of the debate on mental health and anxiety. They break down the difference between productive and unproductive anxiety during an election cycle, clashing with people on social media and how to deal with the existential fear perpetuated by news outlets. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    SCOTUS Ruling Makes Bribing Easier | Sharon Lerner

    SCOTUS Ruling Makes Bribing Easier | Sharon Lerner

    Michael Kosta reports on the highs and lows of yesterday’s primaries, the Supreme Court’s ruling that makes it easier for politicians to accept bribes as “tips,” and AI’s effect on the music industry as record labels scramble to protect their artists from fake tunes. Plus, a helium-leaking spaceship from Boeing has left two astronauts stranded, and Ronny Chieng joins with updates from the ISS. Then, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog sits down with a group of undecided voters and tries a handful of tactics to get them to make up their damn minds, from sandwich comparisons to Cheesecake Factory metaphors. And ProPublica reporter Sharon Lerner sits down to discuss her latest piece in collaboration with The New Yorker on 3M’s use and concealment of forever chemicals.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Infowars Shuts Down, Julian Assange Goes Free & China Visits Far Side of the Moon | Peter S. Goodman

    Infowars Shuts Down, Julian Assange Goes Free & China Visits Far Side of the Moon | Peter S. Goodman

    Michael Kosta reports on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s prison release, Alex Jones’s shameless cash grab as his conspiracy network Infowars shutters, and a new Surgeon General advisory warning against, uh, gun violence? Plus, China one-upped America’s lunar landing by visiting the far side of the moon and Josh Johnson shares some advice on how the U.S. can reassert its supremacy. Also, Lewis Black tackles big companies like Chick-fil-A and Apple, as well as fire departments and hospitals, expanding into the summer camp space. And, Peter S. Goodman, New York Times global economics correspondent and author of “How the World Ran Out of Everything: Inside the Global Supply Chain,” discusses American business and consumer reliance on a rickety supply chain, the need for anti-trust enforcement, and creating a more resilient supply chain that’s not just optimized for big box retailers and investors.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Michael Kosta Covers Trump's Accusal of Biden Drug Use Ahead of Debate | Paul W. Downs

    Michael Kosta Covers Trump's Accusal of Biden Drug Use Ahead of Debate | Paul W. Downs

    With Biden and Trump set to face-off in their first presidential debate of 2024, Michael Kosta is taking a look at each candidate’s preparation. While Joe Biden is practicing being insulted at mock debates, Trump is lowering expectations, accusing Biden of doping, and making up some new words, like “refuttal.” Desi Lydic and Troy Iwata weigh in with a debate over the best type of debate prep. And, with a quarter million dollar investment from his parents, a garage to work from, and MC Hammer khakis, Jeff Bezos had everything he needed to start the empire known today as Amazon. From launching Amazon to launching a shuttle into space, Bezos has solidified his place as history’s most powerful nerd. Then, Emmy-winning writer, actor, and co-creator of the hit Max series “Hacks” Paul W. Downs talks about his multi-hyphenate role at the show, what it means in comedy to be a “hack,” how people outside of showbiz can relate to the character of Deborah Vance, and how The Daily Show brought him and his “Broad City” co-star Ilana Glazer into each other’s lives.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Related Episodes

    City Creatures

    City Creatures

    City Creatures: Does a crowded street make you care less about your fellow man? Population density manipulates organisms in subtle and shocking ways. Join Robert and Julie as they look at how animals and humans respond to cramped conditions and depleted resources.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    This Week's Top Stories - Sexual Harassment in the Metaverse & Eric Adams Secretly Eats Fish

    This Week's Top Stories - Sexual Harassment in the Metaverse & Eric Adams Secretly Eats Fish

    Facebook's Metaverse users experience virtual sexual harassment, New York City Mayor Eric Adams's veganism is called into question, Ronny Chieng and Roy Wood Jr. talk sports, and more.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Height, Health and Human Happiness

    Height, Health and Human Happiness

    Tall people. Short People. Somewhere-in-between people. What are we to make of human height and its relationship to overall health and personality? Robert and Christian explore in this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. All heights welcome.

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.