Benign Narcissist

Emma Forrest is a novelist, screenwriter and film director, and on 'Benign Narcissist', she examines the streak of narcissism that many creatives wrestle with, and how they attempt to tame it and alchemise it into art. Her interviews dive deep into both vast and nascent careers, encompassing directors, screenwriters, poets, playwrights, choreographers, painters, photographers and architects. In each episode, Emma traces her guest’s work, discussing how the impulse towards self-absorption can be repurposed for the greater good.

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Episodes

Episode 07 - Amit Rahav

Israeli actor Amit Rahav, 25, is best known for his role as Yanky Shapiro in Netflix's 2020 phenomenon 'Unorthodox'. He grew up in Tel Aviv, where he was neighbourhood friends with Shira Haas, who plays the runaway wife he attempts to track down in the multi-award-winning miniseries. Nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for his work on the show, Rahav is definitely an independent spirit himself, and it's a delight to talk to him about childhood anxiety, his army service, how OCD and religio...

Apr 11, 2021•48 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Episode 06 - Jasmine Lee-Jones

Twenty-one-year-old Londoner, Jasmine Lee Jones, was a student at The Guildhall School of Music & Drama in 2019 when her first full-length play, 'seven methods of killing kylie jenner', was produced by the Royal Court Theatre. The play had a sell-out run, culminating in Jasmine being awarded Most Promising Playwright by both the Evening Standard and the Critics' Circle. That was before the world - and theatre - shut down... Here Jasmine talks to Emma about the toxic synthesis of capitalism a...

Mar 28, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Episode 05 - Anoushka Shankar

Anoushka Shankar, sitarist and composer, was trained in her art from age seven by her father, Ravi Shankar, eventually traveling the world as part of his ensemble. When she began to explore music on her own, it was via electronica, collaborating with Karsh Kale on the album 'Breathing Underwater'. Over her career she has earned seven Grammy nominations. Anoushka's record 'Land of Gold' focused her listeners on the plight of refugees, and she remains a committed activist for this cause. She has c...

Mar 13, 2021•51 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Episode 04 - Porochista Khakpour

Born in Tehran in 1978, Porochista Khakpour is the award-winning author of the novels 'The Last Illusion' and 'Sons and Other Flammable Objects', as well as the memoir 'Sick' and the essay collection 'Brown Album'. A frequent New York Times contributor, here she shares with Emma the traumatic experiences that have shaped her creative process: from the refugee experience in '80s California, to US health care failings, to having to have dinner with Marilyn Manson. For levity, there's also at least...

Feb 26, 2021•46 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Episode 03 - Tim Burgess

Tim Burgess is the lead singer of The Charlatans, as well as a memoirist and the mastermind behind 'Tim's Twitter Listening Party'. Tim talks us through creative time and place, from Manchester to LA to Seven Sisters (!) And, of course, that most vast and confusing time and space: pandemic.

Feb 13, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Episode 02 - Indira Varma

For her role in the play 'Present Laughter' - portraying the very understanding almost ex-wife of Andrew Scott - Indira Varma received a 2020 Olivier Award (making her the first person of South Asian descent to win one!) In 2018, she starred at the National Theatre in Patrick Marber's adaptation of 'Exit The King', opposite Rhys Ifans. On television, Indira has captivated viewers in everything from 'Rome' to 'Luther', though she's perhaps best known on the small screen for her role on 'Game of T...

Feb 03, 2021•50 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Episode 01 - Scott Frank

Scott Frank directed and co-created 'The Queen’s Gambit'. At last count it had been viewed by 62 million households, making it the most watched scripted miniseries in Netflix history. Scott discusses his long career - which includes Academy Award nominations for 'Out Of Sight' and 'Logan' - and reveals how his early experience working with teenage genius, Jodie Foster, bled into his creation of the heroine of 'The Queen’s Gambit’.

Jan 21, 2021•54 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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