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Russell Howard: How To Laugh Through Fear, Anxiety & Imposter Syndrome | E109
66 segments available
This weeks episode 'How To Laugh Through Fear, Anxiety & Imposter Syndrome ' topics: 0:00 Intro 03:22 Your family 07:10 Why you ultimately became a comedian 14:21 Dealing with the high of comedy shows compared to normal life 19:30 Getting into stand up 26:52 What are the key things that got you here? 29:47 How does the laugh impact you 32:10 Looking for the 'bit' in everything 35:52 How do negative reviews impact you? 42:10 Impostor syndrome 44:48 Mental health implications and using fear as a motivator 55:03 Therapy 01:03:07 Your pre show rituals 01:06:00 The lowest moment of your life 01:16:48 What would happen if you could never write a joke again? 01:28:40 Are you happy? 01:35:07 Your Netflix special 01:43:09 The last guests question Russell: https://twitter.com/russellhoward https://www.instagram.com/russellhoward/ @Russell Howard Listen on: Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-diary-of-a-ceo-by-steven-bartlett/id1291423644 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT7XGuZSzAMjoNWlX FOLLOW ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveBartlettSC Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-bartlett-56986834/ Sponsors: Huel - https://uk.huel.com/ Myenergi - https://bit.ly/3oeWGnl
Segments Timeline
The Unseen Russell Howard
In this opening segment, Russell Howard shares a candid reflection on his mental fragility and the unhealthy cycle of seeking laughter as a source of happiness. He discusses the emotional impact of loss and the importance of finding hope amidst misery, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his life and career.
"if they're laughing it's fine if they're not it ain't this is the russell howard we have never seen before when you're low it leaves you mentally fragile but then that makes you work hard and go again..."
Comedy as Lubricant for Life
Russell Howard introduces the concept of comedy as a 'lubricant' that helps us navigate life's pains. He contrasts his public persona with his private struggles, hinting at the vulnerability and depth that will be explored throughout the conversation. This segment emphasizes the therapeutic power of laughter.
"diary of a ceo i hope nobody's listening but if you are then please keep this to yourself i'm funny because of my mum and i'm determined because of my dad you said that right i did say that yeah i fel..."
Family Influences on Humor
Russell discusses the significant impact of his family on his comedic style. He describes his mother as a naturally funny and joyful person, while his father instilled determination in him. This segment highlights how their contrasting personalities shaped his approach to comedy and life.
"and my dad is a very quiet unbelievably determined man who you know when we were kids we'd sort of we'd have us mix in cement um we'd be sort of like you know building kind of walls with him plasterin..."
The Dynamics of Family
In this segment, Russell reflects on his relationships with his siblings and the unique dynamics of his family. He shares anecdotes that illustrate the warmth and eccentricity of his family gatherings, providing insight into how these experiences influence his comedic perspective.
"what about brothers and sisters uh i have a brother uh daniel who's an amazing human being very funny um and i have a sister who is an actress who's uh also incredible um they're very different as wel..."
Comedy and Family Tension
Russell explores the stereotype that comedians often come from backgrounds of family tension and illness. He resonates with this idea, sharing how humor became a tool to ease family dynamics and connect with his father, who found joy in laughter despite his serious demeanor.
"kind of yeah um jimmy carter said something to me which i've been waiting to ask another comedian there's a stereotype that comedians are funny because they're depressed yeah but jimmy carl said that'..."
The Addictive Nature of Laughter
Russell discusses the addictive nature of making people laugh and how it creates a unique energy during performances. He reflects on the thrill of performing for large audiences and the challenges of transitioning back to normal life after such high-energy experiences.
"people laugh it's so addictive and you can literally create your own energy and like you do in arena there's 15 000 people there you're orchestrating this almost societal orgasm where they're kind of ..."
Finding Balance in Comedy
In this segment, Russell addresses the challenge of maintaining a work-life balance as a comedian. He shares insights on the emotional highs and lows of performing and the importance of integrating personal life with his career to avoid burnout.
"yeah what's odd the further you get into it you realize that it's so much fun doing stand-up um and it's such a wild drug effectively because you're doing these massive gigs about 2000 people and ever..."
Reality and Comedy
Russell reflects on how comedians often draw from their life experiences, even in difficult situations, to create material. He discusses the constant interplay between reality and humor, emphasizing how personal struggles can lead to comedic insights.
"and the funny thing about all comics is guaranteed if they find themselves in a strange situation sometimes a heartbreaking situation in life there's always a little part of your brain going it could ..."
The Joy of Everyday Life
In this closing segment, Russell shares his thoughts on the importance of enjoying simple moments in life, such as spending time with loved ones and planning fun activities. He emphasizes that these experiences are essential for recharging and finding joy outside of the adrenaline rush of performing.
"think that i know chris martin does a similar thing where you just make little notes of lyrics and woody allen does similar thing woody allen will just write a load of stuff and then he puts it in a u..."
The Role of Relationships in Relaxation
Russell Howard reveals how his girlfriend encourages him to engage more during holidays, contrasting his natural inclination to stay in and work. He discusses the importance of having someone who motivates you to explore and enjoy life, highlighting how relationships can enhance our experiences.
"uh i think i'm a forced relaxer right yeah i think my girlfriend is the reason why i would go on holiday and i think she's also the reason why i would be present on holiday and right she's the reason ..."
The Support of Family in Pursuing Passion
Russell shares how his father supported his decision to pursue comedy, offering him a year to fully commit to it. He reflects on the significance of parental encouragement in following one's passion, contrasting it with the common narrative of parental disapproval in creative careers.
"incredible it was a beautiful kind of summer's day and i smashed the whole thing one of the best days i've ever had in my life because it was incredible and it evoked this kind of the comedy store fro..."
The Journey to Stand-Up Comedy
In this segment, Russell recounts his early experiences with stand-up comedy, starting from writing jokes at 14. He shares the story of his first gig and the challenges he faced, illustrating the journey of a comedian from humble beginnings to finding his voice on stage.
"um shooting stars it was that kind of era but standard wasn't really a thing um and he was the first sort of person that i'd seen who kind of was just funny wasn't an alpha and i was like wow he's lik..."
The Importance of Hard Work and Opportunity
Russell discusses the key factors that contributed to his success in comedy, emphasizing hard work, luck, and seizing opportunities. He shares anecdotes about his early gigs and the importance of persistence in the face of challenges, illustrating the unpredictable nature of a comedian's career.
"and one of the things i found quite peculiar in your story is that your your dad um really pushed you to give comedy a go yeah and that that seems of all the guests i sit here with the thing that has ..."
The Impact of Audience Connection
Russell highlights the critical relationship between comedians and their audiences, explaining how laughter serves as a direct feedback mechanism. He discusses the necessity of listening to the crowd and adapting performances based on audience reactions, underscoring the importance of genuine connection in comedy.
"basically was like right if you want to do this you're 21 go for it give yourself a year don't stop put everything into it and then if if it's not happening in a year you stop you get a proper job and..."
Building Self-Esteem Through Comedy
In this segment, Russell reflects on how successful performances boost self-esteem and the emotional highs that come with making people laugh. He compares the experience to that of a young athlete breaking into a professional team, illustrating the thrill of early successes in a comedian's career.
"he had this amazing quote on his office that that said something like i think it's by t e t s eliot or te eliot that said those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their mind wake in the day t..."
Learning from Failure in Comedy
Russell discusses the inevitable lows that come with a career in comedy, emphasizing how failure can lead to feelings of shame. He shares insights on how these experiences motivate comedians to improve and refine their craft, highlighting the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks.
"it's so interesting when i speak to successful comedians because it's one of the like purest forms of like insanely i say insanely but like if you were trying to reach a lucrative outcome one of the l..."
The Highs and Lows of Comedy
Russell Howard shares the emotional rollercoaster of performing comedy, highlighting how the laughter and applause from the audience can significantly boost self-esteem. He compares the journey of a comedian to that of a young footballer breaking into the first team, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and the impact of both success and failure on a comedian's psyche.
"renew yourself that's the thing um to kind of to stick around you make the audience laugh they all burst out laughing they clap they say oh you're amazing after the gig they say we're going to rebook ..."
The Treadmill of Comedy
In this segment, Howard discusses the unhealthy cycle of seeking validation through laughter and the deep shame that can follow a poor performance. He reflects on the duality of comedy, where laughter represents success, but silence can feel like failure. This tension drives comedians to continuously improve and adapt their material.
"the the interesting as well is how quickly it crumbles down if it goes badly and i've got a friend of mine al pitcher who's a comic in sweden and we talk about this a lot where when you're low it irre..."
The Power of Silence
Russell Howard explores the significance of silence in comedy, noting how great comedians like Dave Chappelle masterfully use pauses to captivate their audience. He reflects on his own journey to understand the value of silence in performance, contrasting it with the immediate feedback of laughter and the challenge of gauging audience engagement.
"who [ __ ] thinks they're captivating that's the hardest thing i find is to kind of you can never know whether you've been captivating or dull because the sound is the same i mean it's sort of that we..."
The Comedian's Mindset
Howard humorously describes the chaotic thought process of comedians, likening it to a constant stream of ideas and jokes. He shares anecdotes about how his mind races with humor in everyday situations, illustrating the unique perspective that comedians bring to the world around them.
"and this joke sums up the brain that comedians have where and i'll do his impression if there's fans of mitch out there forgive me for this but it works better if you try and do is hear me kind of goe..."
Navigating Social Media as a Comedian
In this segment, Russell Howard discusses the challenges of social media for comedians, describing it as the 'worst comedy club in the world.' He emphasizes the difference between performing live, where the audience is there to laugh, and the unpredictable nature of online interactions, where negativity can overshadow positive feedback.
"lot of time playing around in your head um and then you kind of go oh that might be something you know like we would the other day um talking to a friend about sperm donors and somebody had had uh the..."
Imposter Syndrome in Comedy
Howard candidly addresses the prevalence of imposter syndrome among comedians, sharing that even legends like Billy Connolly experience self-doubt. He explains how this feeling can drive comedians to work harder and improve, highlighting the necessity of humility and preparation in the pursuit of success in comedy.
"when after you've done a gig or you know can you remember a time where you you like go on google you go on the daily mail or something you twitter and you look at articles of what people are saying of..."
The Importance of Hard Work
In this segment, Russell Howard emphasizes the need for hard work and preparation in comedy. He argues that without a healthy dose of imposter syndrome, comedians risk becoming arrogant, which can lead to failure. He stresses the importance of performing in smaller venues to build confidence before tackling larger audiences.
"your manager said i'll get on twitter that'll help yeah well what what i do and what i love about social media is i like making things and then putting it on there and so putting clips of stand up or ..."
The Evolution of Comedy
Howard reflects on the evolution of comedy and how the landscape has changed with the rise of social media. He appreciates the new generation of comedians who create their own platforms, contrasting it with his own traditional path through live gigs and television, and discusses the significance of honing material in a live setting.
"my agent then say oh we should put this bit from the show on i didn't even know i haven't got my logins i don't know really yeah yeah just because yeah but but but and also maybe it's because i'm 41 a..."
The Weight of Imposter Syndrome
Russell Howard discusses the pervasive feeling of imposter syndrome among comedians, including legends like Billy Connolly. He emphasizes that a healthy degree of self-doubt can drive personal growth and artistic development, but it also poses psychological challenges. Howard reflects on the necessity of hard work and preparation to combat arrogance in performance.
"you'll like the mac and cheese which is just selling like absolutely crazy unsurprisingly um you like the cinnamon and you like the banana flavor those are my recommendations i know a lot of people lo..."
Living with Anxiety and Fear
In this segment, Howard shares his experiences with anxiety and how it influences his performance. He explains that the anticipation before a show is nerve-wracking, but once on stage, he finds joy and relief. The conversation touches on the mental health implications of living with constant self-scrutiny and the importance of finding balance in life.
"you uh you don't grow as an artist do you know what i mean but it can be tough to deal with psychologically right because it sounds like it must be similar to living with a sense of like self-scrutiny..."
Fear as a Motivator
Howard explores the paradox of using fear as a motivator in his career. He recounts how the fear of failure drives him to prepare thoroughly for performances. The discussion includes references to other high-achievers, like Johnny Wilkinson, and the costs associated with success, highlighting the need for self-kindness amidst the pressures of performance.
"i don't know of another way of doing it how do you have you suffered with anxiety though yeah massively i like it sort of but i think it's sort of that thing like right i have these gigs if i don't do..."
Finding Joy Beyond Work
In this reflective segment, Howard emphasizes the importance of seeking joy outside of work. He shares personal anecdotes about creating joyful experiences with friends and family, suggesting that happiness should not solely come from professional achievements. The conversation highlights the need for balance and the pursuit of fulfilling experiences in life.
"better motivator than fear to make good stuff like if it if it exists i mean do what do can you recognize that do you have what what is there another thing that you have i guess excitement if you coul..."
The Cost of Success
Howard discusses the sacrifices that often accompany success, drawing parallels with other high-profile individuals. He reflects on the pressures of performing in arenas and the mental toll it can take. This segment underscores the idea that achieving one's goals often comes with significant personal costs.
"completely get it it's a trade-off right if you want to achieve the goal you need this unfortunately i always think this i think i think everything has a cost yeah um and everything good in my life th..."
Post-Pandemic Audience Dynamics
In this insightful discussion, Howard observes how audiences have changed post-pandemic, expressing a renewed desire for connection and experience. He contrasts British audiences with their American counterparts, noting a shift in receptiveness and enthusiasm. This segment captures the evolving landscape of live performance and audience engagement.
"but it was like you're playing snooker you know get all the reds then then knock the rest of them down done you know what i mean but it's that lovely kind of controlled snooker brain jojo end of the s..."
Creating Memorable Experiences
Howard shares his philosophy on crafting memorable live shows, emphasizing the importance of ambition and creativity. He reflects on the joy of performing and the desire to create unforgettable experiences for audiences. This segment encapsulates his vision for future performances and the impact of shared experiences.
"were sat with this disease lurking not knowing where our lives were going to become we kind of felt like we were sort of immune from something this this heavy happening to us and it didn't happen to e..."
Therapy and Coping Mechanisms
In this candid segment, Howard discusses his experiences with therapy and the coping mechanisms he's developed to manage anxiety and fear. He shares insights on the importance of seeking help and finding healthier ways to navigate the pressures of his career. This conversation highlights the significance of mental health awareness in the entertainment industry.
"one of the things you said was um just a couple of moments ago was that you've seen someone to help you with uh that kind of fear living in fear yeah state that we described what do you mean by you've..."
The Philosophy of Self-Improvement
Russell Howard reflects on his philosophical approach to life and creativity, expressing a desire for practical tips and pointers for self-improvement. He contrasts this with a more passive enjoyment of life, emphasizing the need for active engagement in personal growth.
"get stuff from that you know i'm i'm very much a from a philosophical point of view or a therapy point of view i need pointers and tips to make me better i'm not uh enjoy every sandwich kind of a guy ..."
The Creative Process in Comedy vs. Music
Russell compares the creative processes of comedians and musicians, expressing envy for musicians who can jam and create in a studio. He highlights the unique challenge comedians face in crafting jokes live in front of an audience, showcasing the dynamic nature of stand-up comedy.
"sort of having a chat about the process and i have my friend uh james bay uh the singer we particularly during the during kobe we spoke a lot about uh everything and about creativity and talking to li..."
Therapeutic Conversations
In this segment, Russell discusses the therapeutic nature of conversations with like-minded individuals. He shares insights on how discussing creativity and personal experiences can lead to deeper understanding and comfort, likening it to a workout for the brain.
"whereas the musicians i know are very envious of the way the comedians create which is you go in front of a crowd and you create with not for you know it would be like the comparison like chris martin..."
Fascination with Psychology
Russell reveals his fascination with psychology, particularly in understanding the minds of criminals and serial killers. He expresses a desire to explore the psychological patterns behind their actions, linking this interest to his own podcasting endeavors.
"a conversation like this is a really nice workout for your brain where we're both in kind of like a strange dream-like state where we're kind of having a deep conversation um we're kind of riffing but..."
The Power of Practical Hacks
Russell discusses practical hacks and quotes that help him reach a better mental state. He reflects on the significance of pre-performance routines and superstitions, sharing how these rituals prepare him for performing in front of large audiences.
"documentaries trying to understand the pattern in what made them like from their childhood and their dad said this and then kid on the playground punched him and then they just started killing people ..."
Pre-Show Rituals and Superstitions
In this segment, Russell shares his unique pre-show rituals, including a football warm-up routine with his team. He explains how these traditions help him feel prepared and relaxed before stepping on stage, emphasizing the importance of mental readiness.
"too icky did for me you you always have murderinos don't you is that what i do if you're a big fan you're a murderer oh really wow wow that fit in um one of the things you were touching on there about..."
Reflecting on Life's Lowest Moments
Russell opens up about the lowest moment of his life, the death of his grandfather. He shares heartfelt memories and the profound impact this loss had on him, illustrating the deep connection he had with his grandfather and the lessons learned from that experience.
"called top secret in in london and um it's very very small and before that you i'm literally in an alley that thinks of piss um looking at notes so so it's it's always looking at notes thinking what y..."
Finding Meaning in Loss
Continuing his reflection, Russell discusses the bittersweet nature of his grandfather's funeral, highlighting the sense of belonging and pride he felt in his family. He emphasizes the importance of family ties and the legacy left behind by loved ones.
"so superstition yeah like yeah and i just and i kind of like i spend a lot of time with my tour manager kumar the mighty kumar kamala garan um and um just chatting about stuff and just being kind of l..."
A Heartfelt Tribute
Russell Howard shares a poignant story about his cousin Shane, who passed away at a young age. He reflects on the pride his family felt for Shane's bravery during his battle with cancer and how his death impacted the family. This segment captures the bittersweet nature of loss and the strength of familial bonds during difficult times.
"and my there's a beautiful photo of my cousin shane who who died when he was he was 18. and he was on a scrambler motorbike and our granddad when we were about eight she used to look at that and just ..."
Finding Strength in Grief
In this segment, Russell discusses the profound sadness of losing his grandfather shortly after his cousin. He describes the emotional turmoil of receiving the news while in Mexico and how the funeral became a moment of reflection on family love and legacy. This highlights the duality of grief and the celebration of life.
"and yet this is the the fascination of life i was in mexico and it happened and my mum ran me up and said granddad's dead i'm so sorry [Music] just look um literally seconds later there was a there wa..."
Humor Amidst Heartache
Russell recounts a humorous moment during his grandmother's funeral, where family members struggled to contain their laughter at his cousin's choice of attire. This segment illustrates how humor can emerge even in the darkest times, showcasing the resilience of family and the importance of shared memories.
"you know i've never done who do you think you are i know who i am i'm you know i know where i come from and i know my people and i feel proud to belong to those people um and the funeral of my grandma..."
The Weight of Loss
Russell reflects on the emotional weight of losing both his grandparents within a short span. He discusses the impact of their deaths on his understanding of life and death, revealing how late exposure to loss can be jarring. This segment delves into the complexities of grief and the lessons learned from such experiences.
"died and uh it was horrific six weeks later yeah six weeks later and then we went to the um went to the funeral again and stuart rocked up with that same leather jacket and you're like [ __ ] me man a..."
Cherished Memories
In this segment, Russell shares fond memories of his grandmother, highlighting her quirks and the joy she brought to his life. He reflects on their shared experiences, including making flapjacks, and how these memories contribute to his sense of identity and family legacy.
"would they would you know joined at the hip yeah they used to just kind of yeah yeah maybe it was that it was just kind of yeah it was just but also there was such constants and i just wasn't i'd neve..."
The Impact of Heartbreak
Russell discusses the concept of dying from heartbreak, particularly in the context of his grandmother's passing shortly after his grandfather. This segment explores the emotional connection between loved ones and how grief can manifest in unexpected ways, emphasizing the depth of human relationships.
"then put them in the bin [ __ ] weird yeah i know yeah and the reason we kept doing it is because it really annoyed my mum because she's like what are you doing jesus christ what's wrong with you and ..."
Confronting Mortality
In a candid moment, Russell and his guest discuss their lowest moments in life, including the emotional impact of family loss. This segment highlights the vulnerability that comes with confronting mortality and the lasting effects of such experiences on personal growth.
"strong yeah never seen him be emotional yes that's the weirdest thing quiet passive just and then you know to see him cry is yeah that's very difficult to understand as a kid and then the other one is..."
The Essence of Comedy
Russell reflects on what it would mean to never write or perform comedy again. He discusses the importance of laughter in his life and how it serves as a coping mechanism during tough times. This segment emphasizes the role of humor in navigating life's challenges and the deep connection between laughter and emotional well-being.
"i don't know it's hmm i think you'd go back to you i'd end up being what i was when i was younger i'm just desperately trying to make people laugh and and just sort of i'd just be a a bit of a nuisanc..."
Laughter as a Coping Mechanism
In this segment, Russell elaborates on how laughter acts as a lubricant for life, providing relief from pain and hardship. He discusses the universal nature of laughter and its ability to soothe, illustrating how humor can transform difficult experiences into moments of joy.
"we go [Music] but why don't that's the new advert for christmas sorry come on carry what we're gonna say but why don't why do you have that that need and i like i don't so if you said to me i could ne..."
The Joy of Making Others Laugh
Russell expresses his passion for making people laugh and the satisfaction it brings him. He discusses the deep connection between humor and human experience, emphasizing how laughter can create a sense of escapism and relief from life's burdens.
"and laughter provides respite um for me and it and and that's and it's so deeply human everyone has has irrespective of whether you have a an easy blessed life everyone has had moments of trials and t..."
Stories from the Road
Russell shares a memorable experience from his travels, including a touching encounter with a woman involved in making affordable coffins. This segment highlights the beauty of human stories and the unique perspectives gained through travel, showcasing how these experiences enrich his comedic narrative.
"absolutely true but then you know i'm 41 now and i kind of know who i am i'm kind of needy most comics are because i've been asked to write sort of my autobiography quite a few times and it's like jus..."
The Beauty in Sadness
Russell Howard shares a poignant story about a woman who makes coffins for babies, highlighting the beauty and humanity in her work. He reflects on the power of storytelling in stand-up comedy and the importance of finding deeply human stories that resonate with audiences.
"making a coffin for a baby it blew my mind and i looked at this twinkly-eyed lady i was like how do you do that how do you get yourself in a place to make something that sad and she kind of looked at ..."
Yowie Hunting Adventures
In a humorous anecdote, Russell recounts his experience with a woman who goes yowie hunting in Australia. He describes the absurdity of the situation and how it led to a moment of panic and laughter, illustrating the unpredictable nature of storytelling in comedy.
"interesting but you don't find them if you sat down writing a book you gotta get out there and you you've kind of got to put yourself in peculiar situations i met a lady that goes yowie hunting turns ..."
The Magic of Live Comedy
Russell discusses the spontaneity of live performances, sharing a funny incident involving his brother and a conversation about veterinarians. He emphasizes how unexpected moments can create magic during a show, showcasing the unique connection between comedians and their audiences.
"and the great thing about stand-up you can rotate your stories they're like hey do you want to hear this hey do you want to hear that you know or things can happen from nowhere my brother is an ex lik..."
Sustainability Journey
Russell reflects on his personal sustainability journey, discussing his transition to an electric bicycle and his plans for an electric car. He highlights the importance of making conscious choices and how these changes have positively impacted his life.
"correct story for that night is is my point that that that sometimes and it was so hilarious in that moment it couldn't have been more perfect yeah yeah and then all the ushers the work there and go t..."
Moments of Happiness
In a candid conversation, Russell explores the concept of happiness, sharing his thoughts on fleeting moments versus long-term contentment. He discusses the role of gratitude in his life and how it helps him navigate through ups and downs.
"the if you can't see this i'm holding up my hand if you're listening on spotify or apple this is one of their renewable energy products if you're watching on youtube you'll you'll see this this is cal..."
The Weight of Happiness
Russell and Steven Bartlett delve into the complexities of happiness, discussing how societal pressures can affect one's perception of joy. Russell shares his experiences with ambition and the importance of recognizing moments of happiness amidst challenges.
"state of flux with that like you know i can be super low and super uh sort of depressed about oh [ __ ] how the jokes are [ __ ] this week in the show god i've got they haven't got the stuff you know ..."
The Privilege of Comedy
Russell reflects on the privilege of being a comedian, discussing the joy of creating laughter and the importance of recognizing the value of one's work. He emphasizes the need to appreciate the moments of joy in life and the significance of sharing those experiences with others.
"yeah that's a very good answer i'll take that one okay your manager said you're you're the hardest working comic he's he's ever met right yeah well i just like is that toxic people in this in our soci..."
Finding Humor in Seriousness
In this segment, Russell discusses the importance of humor in addressing serious topics. He shares his belief that laughter can be found even in difficult situations, encouraging a light-hearted approach to life's challenges.
"ultimately you know in my case um and in mind like this is yeah but but but my point being it's sort of like there's no there's nothing wrong with having low moments and everyone does and it feels lik..."
The Essence of Laughter
Russell introduces his upcoming Netflix special, 'Lubricant,' describing it as a love letter to laughter. He discusses the significance of humor in human connection and the joy of sharing funny stories that resonate with audiences.
"are your upcoming netflix special you called it lubricant i now know why yeah yeah but tell me what we can expect from this special in and how it was conceived and what makes it you know i guess worth..."
Evolving as a Comedian
Russell reflects on his evolution as a comedian, noting a shift towards being more thoughtful and relatable in his performances. He expresses a desire to create a deeper connection with audiences through shared experiences and humor.
"talked about how as a comedian you have to kind of have this like self-evolution what what evolution in the comedian that you are in this special lubricant have you observed in yourself um i'm slower ..."
The Value of Humor
Russell Howard discusses the often-overlooked value of humor in our lives. He argues that laughter is a vital release and reflects on how it can be a source of connection among people. Howard shares anecdotes about the absurdity of societal outrage, emphasizing that humor can help us navigate serious issues while fostering understanding and empathy.
"trying to kind of i try and talk about you know i quite like being able to talk about serious stuff for example you know we you know talk about cancer culture or woke like the amount of times you hear..."
The Importance of Laughter
In this segment, Howard emphasizes the critical role laughter plays in human experience. He humorously notes that only a few animals, like dolphins and rats, laugh, highlighting the uniqueness of this human trait. He discusses the significance of laughter as a coping mechanism and a form of respite, reinforcing its importance in our daily lives.
"and there is actually a way of of of making the people that are that succumb to that and the people that think it's [ __ ] you can bring them together through really pissed funny stories um or true li..."
Lubricant: A Comedic Respite
Russell Howard introduces his upcoming special titled 'Lubricant,' explaining the title's significance and the themes of respite and humor it encompasses. He shares insights into the creative process behind his stand-up special and the documentary 'Until the Wheels Come Off,' which chronicles the challenges of performing during the pandemic. Howard expresses excitement for both projects and their potential to uplift audiences.
"vaccine i'm busy just kind of trying to get this rat to giggle but um but yeah so that's lubricant is it december 14th december 14th comes out and it was it was respite um that's it's the it was to sh..."
Three Words to Make the World Happier
In a thought-provoking moment, Russell Howard is prompted to answer a question about what three things he would give to the world to make it happier. He humorously navigates the challenge of providing single-word answers, touching on themes of climate, mental health, and food. This segment showcases Howard's introspective nature and his desire to contribute positively to society.
"on the same day so that then the the doc is on the same day so special so yeah well yeah we have one i'm excited for both i actually did get the chance to watch the trailer all right nice and it was h..."
A Thank You to Comedians
As the conversation wraps up, Russell Howard receives heartfelt appreciation for his contributions to comedy and mental health. The host acknowledges the vital role comedians play in uplifting spirits during challenging times, calling them national treasures. This segment highlights the importance of humor in society and the impact of comedians like Howard in providing relief and joy.
"now i'm going to ask you to do the same but before i do that i just want to say a huge thank you for coming today because i've watched you on screen for many many many years i find you hysterical but ..."