S4E8 Rosie Wilby

The Longest Day Podcast

In this episode of "The Longest Day," Rosie Wilby recounts her most challenging day, which also marked a pivotal moment in her life and career. On January 3, 2011, Rosie was abruptly dumped by her partner of five years via email. The shock and pain initially left her devastated and unable to process the breakup for years. Over time, however, this experience became the catalyst for a new creative direction.
Rosie eventually used this painful experience as the foundation for a trilogy of comedy shows focused on the psychology of love. This journey led her to create the podcast "The Breakup Monologues," write two books on relationships, and speak at various festivals about human connections and breakups. In the immediate aftermath, Rosie experienced a whirlwind of emotions and sought the support of friends. Remarkably, she performed a gig that evening, using her raw emotions to create a memorable and genuine comedy performance.
Rosie explores themes of communication, human connection, and the complex nature of grief in breakups. She reflects on how humour can serve as a defence mechanism and a way to process pain. She also discusses the societal implications of comedy, particularly for someone who doesn't fit the "default" comedian mold, and the challenge of balancing humour with self-compassion.
Using personal experiences in her art, Rosie acknowledges both the healing aspects and the potential for self-harm in revisiting painful memories. Despite the difficulties, she views breakups as opportunities for personal growth and transformation, allowing individuals to reinvent themselves and open up to new possibilities. Rosie's story is a testament to resilience and the power of creativity in overcoming personal challenges, finding joy and strength in unexpected places.