Interview: Breakup Monologues Author & Podcaster Rosie Wilby
Ahead of a live recording of Rosie Wilby’s podcast The Breakup Monologues at The Poodle Club, we caught up with the comedian and author to talk heartbreak, influences, laughter as the best medicine, and Unmissable Things To Do in London!
The Breakup Monologues – Live Podcast Recording | The Poodle Club | 13 February | £8.30
Hi Rosie, thanks for taking the time to answer some of our questions. Tell us about your book The Breakup Monologues.
I really want to tell you all about the novel that I’ve just finished writing, although that’s still top secret. Look out for more news later this year! Meanwhile, the latest book I’ve had out is The Breakup Monologues. It’s a funny, personal and inclusive look at the psychology of heartbreak combining memoir and science with a few of my favourite breakup stories that I’ve heard on my podcast of the same name. Readers have told me the book has really helped them to feel less alone in their relationship struggles – and to have a good chuckle along the way. The book recently came out in a new dinky-sized handbag edition with a new cover. Or fans of my radio shows over the years can hear me narrating the audio version.
Who or what have been influences in your writing and speaking career?
I’m influenced and inspired by queer female comedy colleagues like Jen Brister who I worked with on the circuit for many years. We used to meet for coffee in Edinburgh and compare notes on how disastrously our Fringe shows were going. But she’s doing very well now of course! And I’m much more in the books and podcasting world these days. Though I still dabble in standup. It’s a bit of an addiction. You can never really escape.
What advice would you give to those suffering heartbreak at the moment?
Firstly, I’d say read my book! Haha. But more seriously I’d recommend reaching out to friends, exercising, getting outdoors in nature, cuddling a dog or a cat (borrow one if you haven’t got your own). All these things start to produce the happy chemicals you‘re withdrawing from when an important person is suddenly gone.
Can comedy help mend a broken heart? And do we need to be mended at all?
Comedy and laughter really can help us to connect, communicate and heal. Feeling seen when I spoke about my breakup onstage was what really helped me to recover. It’s an interesting question about whether we need to be mended. I’m all for the idea that the tough experiences we go through make us more resilient, creative and emotionally intelligent. In other words, we grow. So it would be a shame if one day we could just take a pill and feel better after a heartbreak. We might not do the essential reflection, learning and healing required. In the book I discuss the ethics of a future where we could do just that.
What are your favourite London haunts?
I always love a wander round the Southbank. However, several guests on my podcasts have said it is a bad first date venue and any subsequent relationship is cursed! I’m also particularly fond of the quirky little indie bookshops and comedy venues.
On Galentine’s Day, I’m hosting a live recording of The Breakup Monologues podcast at The Poodle Club in Sydenham. It’s a very intimate, inclusive, independent comedy club with wonderfully camp decor and friendly hosts. I’d love to see some people there to come and be part of the audience.
Join Rosie and her brilliant guests discussing their best and worst breakup stories on 13th February at The Poodle Club – book tickets now!
Or if you can’t make it, but want to snuggle up with Rosie’s book for an alternative Valentine’s read, buy a copy here and support your local bookstore!
I am Joint Editor at To Do List. I like free, cheap & offbeat London, especially: cabaret, art, theatre, pop-ups, eating out, quirky films, museums, day trips, social enterprise & much more.
