Revisionist History
A Treat for the Die-Hards
Thu Feb 16 2023Description
The episode discusses the importance of endings in storytelling and explores different perspectives on endings. It features a conversation between the host and comedian Mike Berbiglia about their obsession with endings in books and shows. The episode also delves into the reasons why the speaker never wanted to have a child and how they ended up having one. It examines two different endings for the story, ultimately choosing one that showcases genuine moments of joy and change. The episode concludes with listener reactions and a favorite episode.
Insights
Endings carry significant weight in our evaluation of stories
Endings can significantly impact our overall impression of a story. They are often more important than beginnings.
Anecdotes vs Stories
Anecdotes conform with expectations, while stories betray expectations. Stories that make unexpected turns are considered more authentic.
Importance of Genuine Moments
The chosen ending of the show reflects genuine moments of joy and change, challenging cliches about parenting.
'The King of Tears' Episode
'The King of Tears' episode is a favorite among listeners, featuring George Jones's funeral and Alan Jackson singing 'He Stopped Loving Her Today'.
Chapters
- Rosetta Stone offers lifetime unlimited subscription for language learning at 40% off
- The host of Revisionist History shares excerpts from live shows in New York and Philadelphia
- The podcast explores the reasons why the speaker never wanted to have a child
- Endings carry massive disproportionate weight in our evaluation of stories
- Anecdotes vs Stories
- Listener Reactions and Favorite Episode
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00:00 - 08:01
- Major League Baseball and T-Mobile for Business collaborate to enhance the game with 5G solutions
- IBM consulting provides AI-powered software to automate supply chains
The podcast explores the reasons why the speaker never wanted to have a child
07:46 - 15:41
- The chosen ending shows the speaker, their wife, and daughter laughing together on a couch
- The speaker reflects on becoming all the cliches of annoying parents and seeing the world through their baby's eyes
- They share a funny moment with their daughter hiding and tricking them, which brings them all joy
- The speaker hopes that their daughter will be one of those who can change traditions and make a positive impact in the world
- The ending of the show mocks people with children and surprises those who expected it to continue mocking parenthood throughout
- The goal of this ending is to show that even though there are cliches about parenting, there can still be genuine moments of joy and change
- The speaker mentions an example from the movie 'Big' where the main character chooses to be small again after experiencing being an adult
- In regards to their own show, they had an alternate ending involving a vacation at the beach that evoked feelings about living in a dystopia. However, it was deemed too sad for the overall tone of the show
Endings carry massive disproportionate weight in our evaluation of stories
15:21 - 22:56
- Evaluations of other people are front-loaded, while evaluations of stories are back-loaded
- Screenwriters and authors often focus more on the beginning of their stories than the ending
- Endings can significantly impact our overall impression of a story
- The podcast discusses the importance of endings in storytelling
Anecdotes vs Stories
22:38 - 29:57
- An anecdote is a narrative that conforms with your expectations, while a story betrays the audience's expectations
- The podcast gives examples of how they approach storytelling in Revisionist History
- In the episode 'Free Brian Williams', the defense of Brian Williams ends with an attack on him for not defending himself
- In the episode 'I Love You, Waymo', the sarcastic title is contradicted by the hosts throwing beach balls at a Waymo car and running in front of it to see its reaction
- The conclusion is that autonomous cars like Waymo are not practical because people misbehave around them
Listener Reactions and Favorite Episode
29:30 - 37:02
- Some listeners thought the episode was sponsored content or an ad
- Listeners expected a story that conforms with their expectations
- A real story should betray expectations and make unexpected turns
- 'The King of Tears' episode is a favorite, featuring George Jones's funeral and Alan Jackson singing 'He Stopped Loving Her Today'
- Revisionist History credits and thanks