Digest

This podcast episode features an interview with Jen Flans, a veteran producer for The Daily Show, affectionately known as the "keeper of the flame." The episode delves into Jen's journey at The Daily Show, starting as a PA in 1998 and working her way up to showrunner. She discusses the significant changes in technology and production methods over the years, highlighting the evolution of the show. Jen also shares her insights into the core values and principles that have guided The Daily Show through its various evolutions, emphasizing the importance of having fun, creating quality content, and ignoring external pressures like ratings. The episode explores Jen's personal struggles with self-doubt and how she perseveres by focusing on the team and the show's success. She shares her "fake it till you make it" attitude and the importance of not letting people down. Jen also reflects on her experience as a woman in comedy and late night, acknowledging the lack of female representation in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of diversity and perspective in the creative process and how it benefits the show. The episode concludes with Jen offering advice to aspiring TV professionals, emphasizing the importance of hard work, learning from different roles, and being honest with oneself and others. She encourages aspiring showrunners to work their way up and gain experience in various aspects of production.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Daily Show's Keeper of the Flame

This episode introduces Jen Flans, a long-time producer for The Daily Show, who is affectionately referred to as the "keeper of the flame." The episode begins with a discussion about John Stewart's Emmy win and his shout-out to Jen.

00:00:44

Jen Flans' Journey at The Daily Show

Jen shares her journey at The Daily Show, starting as a PA in 1998 and working her way up to showrunner. She discusses the significant changes in technology and production methods over the years, highlighting the evolution of the show.

00:22:30

The DNA of The Daily Show

Jen discusses the core values and principles that have guided The Daily Show through its various evolutions, emphasizing the importance of having fun, creating quality content, and ignoring external pressures like ratings.

00:25:50

Overcoming Challenges and Perseverance

Jen candidly discusses her struggles with self-doubt and how she perseveres by focusing on the team and the show's success. She shares her "fake it till you make it" attitude and the importance of not letting people down.

00:28:40

Women in Comedy and Late Night

Jen reflects on her experience as a woman in comedy and late night, acknowledging the lack of female representation in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of diversity and perspective in the creative process and how it benefits the show.

00:32:56

Advice for Aspiring TV Professionals

Jen offers advice to aspiring TV professionals, emphasizing the importance of hard work, learning from different roles, and being honest with oneself and others. She encourages aspiring showrunners to work their way up and gain experience in various aspects of production.

Keywords

Q&A

• How has The Daily Show evolved over the years, and what are the key elements that have remained consistent?

  The Daily Show has evolved significantly since its inception, with different hosts and creative approaches. However, the core values of humor, satire, and social commentary have remained consistent, ensuring the show's relevance and impact.

• What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in television, particularly women who aspire to become showrunners?

  Jen advises aspiring TV professionals to work hard, learn from different roles, and be honest with themselves and others. She emphasizes the importance of gaining experience and building a strong foundation before aiming for leadership positions.

• How do you balance your role as a leader with the need to create a supportive and inclusive environment for your team?

  Jen believes in empowering her team, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and take on new challenges. She fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected, ensuring the show's success.

Show Notes