Stories About Death, Sex and Money to Start the New Year

The episode explores the intersection of death, sex, and money through a series of short story performances recorded live at Symphony Space. These narratives delve into the vulnerabilities of human connection, ranging from the awkwardness of early dating and the absurdity of social class to the surreal possibility of reliving past mistakes. Phoebe Robinson performs Alissa Nutting’s "Cat Owner," highlighting the cringe-worthy complexities of modern romance. Peter Francis James presents Oscar Wilde’s "The Model Millionaire," which examines the irony of wealth and generosity. Finally, Amy Ryan reads Seth Fried’s "You Again," a poignant reflection on the fragility of long-term relationships and the potential for second chances. Together, these stories emphasize how fiction provides an emotional outlet for feelings of isolation and shame, offering listeners a space to process life’s messy, unvarnished realities.