Gina or Gheena? (with Gina Gershon)
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In this episode of Choice Words, Samantha Bee welcomes actress and author Gina Gershon to discuss her new memoir, Alpha Pussy, a candid and humorous exploration of her unconventional life, career, and the concept of 'alpha pussy'—a term Gershon defines as the quiet, unshakable confidence to stand your ground, assert your boundaries, and dominate through calm, unwavering presence. The conversation delves into Gershon’s wild journey from a feral cat rescuer to a Hollywood breakout star, her pivotal role in Showgirls, her brush with Prince, and her resistance to industry pressures, all framed by the recurring theme of personal sovereignty. Gershon reflects on how early experiences in the 'Valley'—a place of both danger and freedom—shaped her resilience, and how therapy and storytelling helped her reclaim buried trauma. The episode also touches on the power of audiobooks, the importance of creative focus, and the evolving cultural reckoning with power and accountability, especially in the wake of the Me Too movement. Gershon’s story is one of self-ownership, emotional intelligence, and the quiet strength found in saying no.
Alpha pussy isn't about aggression—it's about calm, unflinching presence and the power to set boundaries without drama.
Your body’s instincts are a valid guide for decision-making; trust your gut over logic when it comes to your well-being.
The most powerful moments of resistance often come from simply looking someone in the eye and not looking away.
Creative work thrives when you allow yourself to percolate—let ideas simmer in your unconscious mind.
You don’t have to be a victim of your past; stories can be rewritten, reclaimed, and transformed into strength.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
California’s Political Chaos and the Need for Unity
Samantha Bee opens the episode with a critique of California’s crowded gubernatorial primary, highlighting how the nonpartisan system has led to Democratic vote-splitting and the rise of Republican frontrunners. She calls for unity and ego suppression among Democrats, setting a tone of civic urgency before introducing her guest.
Introducing Gina Gershon and Her New Book, Alpha Pussy
Samantha Bee warmly introduces Gina Gershon, praising her new memoir Alpha Pussy as both funny and deeply compelling. The conversation begins with Gershon’s love of audiobooks, her storytelling process, and her self-identification as a storyteller rather than a traditional writer.
Louie the Cat and the Origins of Alpha Pussy
“You cannot break eye contact. Stare, stare, calm, calm until finally they go and they roll on their back. And therefore I've become the alpha pussy, right? And at that point, like I'm the dominant figure and I'm no longer their little bitch basically.”
The Prince Encounter and the Birth of a Persona
“I'm like, I have a play to do. He's like why don't you get an understudy? I'm like it's NYU. It's a black box theater. There's no understudies but I felt very dedicated. I thought I couldn't let the rest of the actors down.”
Showgirls, Trauma, and the Power of Storytelling
“It's almost like you have to protect your little creation, you know. And then you almost become the mama bear of your own.”
“She goes, what do I have to be ashamed about? I have no shame. They are the ones who should be ashamed.”
“You cannot break eye contact. Stare, stare, calm, calm until finally they go and they roll on their back. And therefore I've become the alpha pussy, right? And at that point, like I'm the dominant figure and I'm no longer their little bitch basically.”
“I'm like, I have a play to do. He's like why don't you get an understudy? I'm like it's NYU. It's a black box theater. There's no understudies but I felt very dedicated. I thought I couldn't let the rest of the actors down.”
Host
Guest
Gina Gershon
person
Samantha Bee
person
Alpha Pussy
book
Louie
other
Showgirls
media
Prince
person
Los Angeles
place
Giselle Pellico
person
Paul Verhoeven
person
The Wachowskis
person
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