Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

The Ziwe Interview

Writer and comedian Ziwe has made a career out of conducting charged and satirical interviews. She joins us this week to discuss her debut essay collection, <a href="https://linktr.ee/blackfriendbyziwe?lt_utm_source=lt_share_link#303182249">Black Friend</a> (5:45), the backstory behind her essay<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/09/25/best-foot-forward"> WikiFeet</a> (10:19), her early affinity for broadcast news (13:06), the influence of satirists Jonathan Swift and Stephen Colbert (15:10), and her early, formative experiences working in comedy (35:05). On the back-half, Ziwe reflects on the making of her YouTube series Baited (38:06), a memorable episode with Aparna Nancherla (41:30), her pandemic pivot to IG live (43:30), and the Showtime variety show that followed (46:30). To close, a philosophy on art-making from Ira Glass (50:40) and what Ziwe hopes for in her next chapter (56:15).See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso is a weekly series of intimate conversations with artists, activists, and politicians. Where people sound like people. Hosted by Sam Fragoso. New episodes every Sunday.