PEN15’s Anna Konkle on how life inspires art

PEN15’s Anna Konkle on how life inspires art

From Think from KERA by KERA

May 4, 2026 · 46 min

About this episode

Anna Konkle discusses her childhood experiences and how they inspired her work in comedy.

For children who felt responsible for their parents’ happiness: There’s a way to turn that into joy. Anna Konkle is co-creator and co-star of the Hulu series “Pen15,” and she joins host Krys Boyd to discuss her childhood – when her parents fought all the time and she felt like the peacemaker – her complicated relationship with her father and how she turned that experience into comedy for her critically acclaimed series. Her book is called “ The Sane One .” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

People in this episode

Host: Krys Boyd

Guest: Anna Konkle

Topics covered

  • childhood
  • comedy
  • family dynamics
  • art inspiration
  • mental health

Keywords

  • Pen15
  • Anna Konkle
  • comedy
  • childhood
  • family
  • mental health
  • Hulu

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hulu

Books & works: Pen15, The Sane One

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