MODW How did you get into the world of comedy?
SARA I was a bored graduate school student studying to become a high school teacher, and a classmate had just left her job in the talent department at Comedy Central. She noticed that I was unhappy (and, presumably, amusing) and suggested I get into stand-up comedy with all the other unhappy funny people. Around that time, I decided to take a class in sketch comedy at the People's Improv Theater, a comedy theater and school started by actor, comedian, and former Saturday Night Live writer Ali Farahnakian. My teacher, Kevin Allison of the comedy troupe The State, was so inspiring and fun that I started doing weird web videos in addition to stand-up comedy. And that was just about six years ago. Comedy has taken me on adventures from Norway to Los Angeles and quite a few places in between.
MODW Female comic role models and inspirations?
SARA Maria Bamford is just brilliant. She deserves lots and lots of money and fame, and I get happy everytime she gets some kind of high-profile mainstream gig. Like I knew that Target campaign a couple years ago must pay reasonably well, and I was thrilled for her because suddenly all these new people were exposed to how funny she is. She's so, so smart and her reputation as a comic is of a truly kind individual. I don't even know her, so it's possible she is secretly a devilish demon, but I think she's probably a good gal. And if I could morph into anyone, it would be Amy Sedaris.
MODW How would one of your good friends describe you?
SARA Loving, creative, generous, terrible at picking up the phone and calling, great at picking up the phone and texting, sometimes navel-gazey to an annoying degree, prone to depression, stronger than she thinks she is.
MODW If you could trade places with someone for a day, dead or alive, real or fictional, who would it be?
SARA Oprah. And as soon as I turned into her, I would immediately sit down and have a glass of wine and a Xanax. Just thinking about her life stresses me out.
MODW Who would play you in a film reenactment of your life?
SARA Zach Galifianakis. We smell very similar.
MODW Most played song on your ipod?
SARA Right now, it's Florence and the Machine's "Shake It Out."
MODW What helps you relax at the end of a long day?
SARA I lay flat on my back, take deep breaths, and enjoy the crown molding in my bedroom.
MODW What would I find in your refrigerator?
SARA Olives, decaying kale that I never managed to juice or put in a salad, the heads of my enemies. LOL! I would never keep kale in my fridge!
MODW Tattoos or piercing?
SARA Tattoos. Who wants something that's easily removable? I've got three tramp stamps on my lower back, because I'm from New Jersey and old habits die hard.
MODW Go-to style staples?
SARA Black leggings, a pair of boots that stop a few inches short of the knee, and a wrap dress.
MODW Optimist or pessimist?
SARA I'm an optimist about everything but my own chances for success in this crazy world.
MODW People are surprised that I am....
SARA a shiksa. I'm surprised, too.
MODW Most proud of....
SARA (Mostly) overcoming my fear of plane travel.
MODW Beach or snow?
SARA Oh, fuck snow. Beach beach beach beach! So long as I have access to a cool indoor area where I can nap whenever I like.
MODW Very exciting news you just released your new book, "Agorafabulous!" detailing your experiences with agoraphobia and panic attacks, how did you take that difficult part of your life and transfer it into something so humorous?
SARA I find that the best way for me to deal with difficulties is to first feel all the feelings that come up and have a good cry, and then laugh about it. There might be a few years' space between the cry and the laugh, but so long as I get to the laugh, I know I'll be okay.
MODW What advice would you give to others who are struggling wih agoraphobia?
SARA Medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are your friends. If, like me, you can't afford expensive health insurance, check out low-cost or no-cost counseling centers in your area. Just make sure they're affiliated with the local government or a local university -- someplace reasonably reputable. No creepy fake counseling centers, ladies! One of my favorite options for folks is a university-affiliated center where psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers-in-training get their hours for accreditation.
MODW Are there any other new exciting projects and aspirations for 2012?
SARA I'm working on a second book! This one is a YA novel, and I can't wait to get the project
