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Employee of the Month — Society & Culture
Employee of the Month

We spend most of our time working, so what does it take to (mainly) love what you do? How do even the most gifted, talented, intelligent, ambitious, disciplined, imaginative, inventive, and lucky people develop their point of view, find meaning, serve a greater good, deal with work place politics, rejection, finances, boredom, red tape, logistics, and creative roadblocks? What are the perks or enjoyable about forging your own path? Catie Lazarus and her guests delve into beauty, banality and absurdity of work, jobs, and labor.

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Copyright: © Catie Lazarus

Latest Episodes:

DAVEED DIGGS, talks about why he hates Pier 1 and how he snagged a starring role in Hamilton. Jul 19, 2015

Show notes

DAVEED DIGGS, a rapper, actor, and now Broadway star in Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton, stopped by Employee of the Month at Joe's Pub to reveal why Diggs hated working at Pier 1. You'll get to hear him freestyle rapwith Jelly D. and Shockwave, who are both the MC's for Employee of the Month Show's house band, and bandmates of Daveed's in Freestyle Love Supreme. In this episode, which was taped live, you will also here Jelly D. and Daveed rap and Shockwave beatbox the Employee of the Month rap up as I give out awards to all of my guests from the live taping in May 2015 at Joe's Pub. To hear my conversations with those guests, The New York Times columnist Nick Kristof, Emmy nominee Anna Chlumsky, and soul singer Lee Fields, as well as Lee Fields singing, subscribe to Employee of the Month's podcast.

This is part 1 of a two part interview with Daveed, who plays Jefferson and Lafayette in Hamilton on Broadway.

Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to Employee of the Month and the rest of your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Employee of the Month show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or visit slate.com/employeeplus to get access wherever you listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ANNA CHLUMSKY, an Emmy nominee, rates Zagat and getting a big break on Veep Jul 12, 2015

Show notes

ANNA CHLUMSKY made a name for herself with a starring role in the cult classic film MY GIRL. She didn't need a psychic to know that challenging, complex roles were far less likely to land on a female actor's doorstep and Chlumsky left the biz. After attending University of Chicago and dabbling in publishing, a psychic helped Anna reconsider her decision to quit acting. She returned to entertainment and got a big break, when Armando Iannucci cast Chlumsky in the hysterical British political farce IN THE LOOP, and then again in his television series VEEP on HBO. Three years later, she finds herself nominated for her first Emmy Award. We spoke about her career in our interview, which was taped live at Joe's Pub.

Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to Employee of the Month and the rest of your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Employee of the Month show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or visit slate.com/employeeplus to get access wherever you listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LEE FIELDS, soul singer, performs and speaks about his 45 year career, James Brown, and Kanye West. Jul 09, 2015

Show notes

In the sixties, Southern soul singer Lee Fields hit the R&B scene, and due to an uncanny resemblance to James Brown, he had to figure out how to carve out his own niche. In our interview, which was taped live at Joe's Pub, Lee Fields speaks about his prolific career as well as the resurgence of soul, which Lee, as well as Charles Bradley and Sharon Jones, have spearheaded.

Lee also graciously sings from his latest album FAITHFUL MAN, and you can hear how his sublime voice can seamlessly dance from James Brown-style funk to lo-fi blues to contemporary Southern soul. Enjoy and you can check him out live or get his records: http://leefieldsandtheexpressions.com

Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to Employee of the Month and the rest of your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Employee of the Month show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or visit slate.com/employeeplus to get access wherever you listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NICHOLAS KRISTOF on tech brands like Apple and Google, and their lack of social responsibility. Jul 02, 2015

Show notes

Nicholas Kristof was first featured in print at 14 months old, although he didn't get his first byline till years later. At age fifteen, he made the local news for his political activism and was named "Neighbor of the Week."

Since then, Kristof integrated his interest in reporting and social activism and, as a result, has received numerous awards, including Two Pulitzers and, most recently, the Employee of the Month Award. He's probably best know for writing a column for The New York Times, which focuses mainly on human rights abuses, gender parity, genocide, and other critical global social issues. He also co-authored multiple books with his wife, Sheryl WuDunn, including HALF THE SKY and A PATH APPEARS, both of which shed light on tangible examples of how people can become civically involved. In addition to agitating for reform through his writing, Kristof has mentored many budding journalists through a program he started with The New York Times.

Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to Employee of the Month and the rest of your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Employee of the Month show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or visit slate.com/employeeplus to get access wherever you listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

JUSTIN SAYRE, a writer for 2 Broke Girls & The Comeback, sings about girls who want to have fun. Jun 18, 2015

Show notes

There are those who add multi-hyphenates to their resume, hoping to throw their hands into any rings that might take them, and then there are polymaths, like Justin Sayre. Equally dexterous at writing for television, theater, and now print, he's also a consummate host of an utterly unique live show and crooner. In this episode, taped live at Joe's Pub, we spoke about his bitingly funny and shrew monthly show, The Meeting: Order of Sodomites, as well as writing for Two Broke Girls. He also performed two beautiful songs. Once you hear his sardonic wit, you'll know why I recommend checking out his debut book, Husky, which comes out in the Fall.

Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to Employee of the Month and the rest of your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Employee of the Month show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or visit slate.com/employeeplus to get access wherever you listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BETTY HALBRIECH, Bergdorf's iconic personal shopper, gets the last laugh. Jun 10, 2015

Show notes

In our interview, the wry and effervescent Betty Halbreich dispels any myths that fame or success is ever handed to you. At age 86, Betty is finally getting the public recognition for having helped style actresses, be it in front of the camera, like on "Sex And the City" or off, as with Candice Bergen, Joan Rivers, and Jane Curtain. Even though Bergdorf created a job for her as their first ever (and longest running) personal stylist, Betty describes her job more as a "clothes therapist." Her visionary style speaks for itself. Still, it wasn't until Betty wrote a shrewdly unsentimental memoir I'LL DRINK TO THAT, which chronicles her experience reinventing herself professionally and personally, that those of who can't afford and/or prefer not to wear Prada understood her depth, courage, and wit. She's been enjoying the limelight since she stole the show in the 2013 documentary "Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's."

Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to Employee of the Month and the rest of your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Employee of the Month show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or visit slate.com/employeeplus to get access wherever you listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OLYMPIA DUKAKIS talks about getting her Oscar stolen before fencing me in a duel. Jun 05, 2015

Show notes

In 1987, Olympia Dukakis became world famous when she won an Oscar for her role in Moonstruck, and became the first (and hopefully only) winner to have her award stolen. Dukakis speaks about the robber and which Look Who's Talking made the most money. A former champion fencer, Olympia beats me in a duel. It should be a surprise to no one, since Olympia, even at 83, is a tour de force. She is currently touring a one woman show and working on a film with Bryan Cranston.

Our interview was taped live at Joe's Pub and the fencing foils were generously lent to us courtesy of Brooklyn Fencing. (The aluminum foil I used is courtesy of Reynold's Wrap.)

Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to Employee of the Month and the rest of your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Employee of the Month show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or visit slate.com/employeeplus to get access wherever you listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CINDY CHUPACK talks about writing for Modern Family vs. Sex-And-The City, Lean In, and directing. May 31, 2015

Show notes

My favorite Employees of the Month are those who work hard, find duly deserved success, artistically and (ideally) financially, and never lose their humility. Enter Cindy Chupack. In our interview, the writer turned director spoke candidly about the subtle forms of sexism women face, even writing for progressive shows, like Modern Family or directing in Manlywood. She also generously baked cookies for the audience, flew them across the country, and shared them as well as her hilariously candid books, “The Longest Date: Life as a Wife" and "The Between Boyfriends Book.”

We're living in a potentially pivotal period for women, particularly in entertainment. There are a growing number of female comedy darlings in entertainment, like Amy Schumer, Tina Fey, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, and Amy Poehler, but overall Hollywood has miles to go.

Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to Employee of the Month and the rest of your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Employee of the Month show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or visit slate.com/employeeplus to get access wherever you listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ADRIAN MARTINEZ talks about being Ben Stiller and Will Smith's sidekick (and secret weapon). May 12, 2015

Show notes

Having worked in showbiz for over 20 years and in over 100 films, Adrian Martinez has carved out a niche as a character actor. Hollywood loves to pigeonhole actors, be it as a "nosy neighbor," "leading man" or "villain." For anyone with a modicum of dynamism, it can be stifling, if not suffocating. But being dubbed a "character actor" can offer longevity career wise and some wiggle room to show some personality. The job requires you to make the most of your screen time, despite never knowing what may end up on the cutting room floor, and you must play well with others. Enter Martinez. Naturally a ham, the New York born and raised Martinez developed legitimate acting chops as an actor and member of LAByrinth theater. In our interview, we spoke about the late Philip Seymour Hoffman's influence and the perks of playing a sidekick to box office stars, like Will Smith (Focus), Ben Stiller (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty), Will Ferrell (Casa de Mi Padre), and Zach Galifianakis (It’s Kind of a Funny Story).

Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to Employee of the Month and the rest of your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Employee of the Month show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or visit slate.com/employeeplus to get access wherever you listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DANIEL FRIEDMAN, suit designer for LGBTQ, will sleep in his suit to get you yours. May 08, 2015

Show notes

Due to a lithe frame, shorty Daniel Friedman always needed his suits to be tailored. So when the aspiring architect was forced to rethink his career, Friedman bet he could deliver custom suits better than what he could find. Industrious and ambitious, the Brooklyn born and raised Friedman started Bindle and Keep, a bespoke suit boutique. His design instincts, hunger to break even, and savvy understanding of social media paid off. What set Friedman ultimately apart was that he adapted his designs according to his customers unique needs. Sure enough, he won over fans, like Murray Hill, which inspired a following among the LGBTQ community. Friedman went from ironing suits by hand in his boxers to running a flagship store in Brooklyn. He will open up satellite boutiques in San Francisco and Washington, DC. Dressed in a handsome, wool tweed three piece suit, Friedman spoke to me about breaking in and coming up with fake e-mail addresses to seem more professional.

Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to Employee of the Month and the rest of your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Employee of the Month show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or visit slate.com/employeeplus to get access wherever you listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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