Episode 384
with Mary Norris, Ryan O'Connell, Jackie Kashian, and The Get Ahead
Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello share their favorite words, both literally and figuratively; actor and television writer Ryan O’Connell explains how keeping his cerebral palsy a secret inspired his book and Netflix series "Special;" grammar expert Mary Norris recounts her early days at The New Yorker and her foray into all things Greek; comedian Jackie Kashian isn’t buying the “empathic” abilities of her fellow comics; and soul-rock group The Get Ahead perform “Deepest Light.”
Ryan O’Connell
Actor & Writer
Ryan O’Connell is definitely something special. His new Netflix show "Special" — based on his memoir I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves — tracks his experience as a gay, disabled man who confronts the truth about his identity after years of hiding and half-truths. He's also penned scripts for “Awkward,” “Will & Grace,” and the second “90210” reboot on his way to writing, creating, and starring in the autobiographical series. From writing to performing to showcasing his own self-acceptance, it takes a special talent to be in Ryan O’Connell’s league. Website • Insta
Mary Norris
Editor
You just can’t copy Mary Norris - because she’s the original comma queen. Norris joined the editorial staff of The New Yorker in 1978 and was a copy editor and proofreader there for more than thirty years. She’s also the wickedly funny New York Times-best selling author of Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen, and the upcoming Greek to Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen. Norris’ vise-grip on grammar, irreverent punctuation protocols, and charming linguistic know-how make the rules of good writing simple: whatever Mary Norris decrees to be good writing, is. You don't argue with the comma queen. Website • Twitter
Jackie Kashian
Comedian
If Jackie Kashian isn’t the hero of this story, she’s doing a damn good impression of one. The comic and podcaster released her newest album, I Am Not the Hero of This Story, to critical acclaim and #1 ratings on iTunes and Amazon. The politically-tinged album finds Kashian examining our current world with satire, thoughtfulness, and a hilarious chat about the dystopian present. Kashian is heroically in the thirteenth year of hosting her popular podcast, The Dork Forest, where she talks to people about what they love to do, think about, and collect. Website • Twitter
The Get Ahead
Soul-Rock Group
The Get Ahead, a band comprised of five friends and two couples, has always been focused on growth – in more ways than one. Following their 2017 release, Mind is a Mountain, the band synthesized and deepened their sound in their April 2019 release, Deepest Light. They also grew in more literal ways, as the band’s lead singers, Nathan and Juliet, were married on the Oregon Coast and welcomed their new baby into the world. Listen • Twitter
