Jenny Slate on Giving Birth During a Pandemic & Worst Valentine’s Day Ever

TL;DR

Jenny Slate discusses her new animated series and experiences as a new mother.

Transcript

our next guest could probably sleep in one of magic johnson's shoes but she has no reason to do that she's got her own house she's a very funny woman with a new animated series called the great north it premieres valentine's day on fox say hello to jenny slate hi jenny how are you hi jimmy hi i'm i'm fine hi hi everything good with you it was good ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Jenny Slate's animated series "The Great North" promises humor and artistic exploration, much like her previous work.
• 👪 Becoming a mother during a pandemic has created challenges but also significant bonding experiences for Slate and her family.
• 🍝 The dynamics of relationship expectations during holidays are humorously showcased through Slate’s past Valentine's Day stories.
• 🛟 The conversation about embracing the absurdity in serious situations reflects Slate's comedic lens on life.
• 🤩 Heritage and family history play a key role in personal naming choices, adding depth to parental decisions.
• 👶 Slate's experiences resonate with many new parents navigating the complexities of childbirth during COVID-19.
• 💢 The preference for in-person interactions underscores a broader sentiment about human connection during the pandemic era.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is "The Great North" about and what character does Jenny Slate play?

"The Great North" is an animated series produced by the makers of "Bob's Burgers." Jenny Slate voices Judy Tobin, who is a 16-year-old girl exploring her artistic side as she celebrates her birthday and transitions into adulthood.

Q: How has the pandemic influenced Jenny Slate's experiences as a new mother?

The pandemic has significantly impacted Slate's experience, especially during childbirth. She describes heightened concerns about safety protocols, including wearing masks, and acknowledges the surreal nature of having a baby amidst lockdown measures, which added an unusual layer to her parenting journey.

Q: What inspired Jenny Slate to name her baby Ida, and is there a special meaning behind it?

Slate chose the name Ida after exploring her family's Eastern European heritage. Although they briefly considered other names, including the quirky "Bagrat," they ultimately decided on Ida, which holds personal significance and reflects their cultural background without any family connection to the name.

Q: Can you share a memorable experience Jenny Slate had while traveling during the pandemic?

Slate humorously compares her experience of cross-country travel during the pandemic lockdown to a famous news story about an astronaut. She and her family faced challenges finding open hotels while traveling, which made the journey feel particularly nostalgic and unusual.

Q: What does Jenny Slate think about Valentine's Day, and what has been her experience with it?

Slate expresses a fondness for Valentine's Day, despite past disappointments with partners. She humorously recounts receiving a used digital camera wrapped in a sock as a gift, highlighting the awkwardness of that experience, which ultimately shapes her current appreciation for the day.

Q: How did Jenny Slate manage her emotions during the delivery of her baby, considering the pandemic restrictions?

Despite the unique stressors of a pandemic birth, Slate shares that her fiancé was allowed in the delivery room, which provided emotional support. However, she humorously notes that the intensity of the experience made her vulnerable, leading to a candid outburst about the state of her own body post-delivery.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jenny Slate introduces her new animated series, "The Great North," which premieres on Valentine's Day and features her voice acting.

• She shares her recent experience of becoming a mother to a baby girl named Ida, discussing the unique challenges posed by the pandemic at the time of her birth.

• The interview highlights humorous anecdotes, including a comical past Valentine’s Day gift, reflecting Slate's comedic personality and relatable experiences.