
61 segments available
This weeks episode is entitled 'Jimmy Carr: The Easiest Way To Live A Happier Life'. Topics: 0:00 Intro 03:04 Your early years 15:52 Mental health and online connections 23:24 Fatherhood 31:32 Atheism 39:10 Leaving the corporate world for comedy 51:31 Find purpose and knowing you’re enough 58:45 Whats happiness? 01:03:38 Hard work 01:13:04 Branding 01:14:19 Tax avoidance - anxiety and depression 01:22:55 Losing your virginity at 26 01:24:52 NLP - Neuro-linguistic programming 01:36:27 The last guests question Jimmy’s Book: http://smarturl.it/BeforeAndLaughter An in-depth audience Q&A from Jimmy about his book: https://www.momenthouse.com/jimmycarr Jimmy: https://www.jimmycarr.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/jimmycarrfans https://twitter.com/jimmycarr THE DIARY OF A CEO LIVE TICKETS ON SALE NOW 🚀- https://g2ul0.app.link/diaryofaceolive 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
Jimmy Carr reflects on the unpredictability of life and his journey to becoming a successful comedian. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing what you truly want, even when faced with challenges like panic attacks and depression. This segment sets the stage for understanding the personal struggles that shaped his career.
"foreign I've got one [ __ ] life and this is it it was not preordained that I was going to be a successful comedian touring the world and being on TV I just I knew what I wanted to do and then I pursu..."
Stephen Bartlett introduces Jimmy Carr, highlighting the contrast between the comedian's public persona and his deeper philosophical insights. Carr is portrayed as a thoughtful individual who has much to share about happiness and purpose, challenging the audience's preconceived notions of him.
"I think it's a it's a powerful thing to Aspire to you know when you're on a plane and it's going down and the oxygen masks come you have to grab your mask first or you're no good for anyone else you b..."
Jimmy discusses pivotal moments from his childhood, including changing schools and the impact of family dynamics. He reflects on how these experiences shaped his identity and the realization that he could redefine himself, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in personal growth.
"when you clicked on this video I don't know what you were expecting when they told me Jimmy Carr was going to be on the Diary of a CEO I don't know what I was expecting but what I got and what I learn..."
In this segment, Carr explores the concept of self-belief and how it influences one's life trajectory. He argues that our beliefs dictate our experiences and that many people limit themselves based on preconceived notions about their backgrounds and capabilities.
"profound truths that I know I know will change your life but also a very remarkable compelling vulnerable personal story one that starts with his mum and his dad when that starts with dyslexia and fee..."
Jimmy shares his journey of leaving a corporate job to pursue comedy, describing it as a pivotal moment of self-discovery. He emphasizes the importance of finding one's purpose and the courage it takes to follow that path, resonating with many who seek fulfillment in their lives.
"it's so funny because every time I do this podcast I always try and think of a new place to start but having read your story and having read the stories of my guests before they arrive I always end up..."
Carr discusses how changing schools at 16 allowed him to shed his previous identity and reinvent himself. He reflects on the baggage we carry from our past and the potential for transformation when we choose to redefine who we are.
"thinking about childhood again in kind of this new way and thinking well what are the what are the things you would want for your child what would you want to give them and also what were those key mo..."
In this segment, Jimmy talks about his struggles with dyslexia and how he overcame it to achieve academic success at Cambridge. He highlights the importance of perseverance and the belief that anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of their challenges.
"kind of in my mid-20s when the next big kind of sea change of going right I'm going to leave uh a job working for someone and go on an adventure and it was I mean for me that kind of mid-20s thing was..."
Carr explains how comedians excel at pattern recognition, a crucial skill in both comedy and life. He draws parallels between understanding the structure of an essay and recognizing patterns in everyday experiences, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and learning.
"kind of shed this identity that that schooling environment and the teachers that had given you well I think you've got baggage haven't you when you're even when you're 16 you've got baggage you're goi..."
Jimmy discusses how our beliefs can limit us and the importance of challenging those beliefs. He encourages listeners to allow themselves to dream and pursue their aspirations, regardless of their background or circumstances.
"write an a grade essay it's not about knowing about history it's about knowing the structure of what that essay looks like and so you kind of lift the structure and go right well I'll just I'll right ..."
In this segment, Carr reflects on the therapeutic nature of comedy and how it can uplift people's spirits. He shares insights on how laughter can create a sense of community and belonging, reinforcing the idea that humor is a powerful tool for connection.
"make we don't even think about them we just think it's oh I'm not the kind of person that does that I'm not the kind of person because I'm not from that background or I'm not I'm not from Showbiz I do..."
Jimmy addresses the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly depression. He contrasts sadness with depression, emphasizing the need for understanding and compassion towards those who suffer from mental health issues.
"you spent a lot of time cheering your mother up yeah I think most Comics I mean the cliche is the comedian is depressed right that's the go-to and it's such a pleasing irony why wouldn't it be because..."
Carr concludes this segment by discussing the historical role of comedians and jesters in society. He reflects on the importance of humor in navigating life's challenges and the enduring legacy of laughter as a means of coping and connecting with others.
"lot of comedians on this podcast right so I think the question to ask is which parent was sick it tends to be you know one of them and it tends to be either physical or mental with my mother was depre..."
Jimmy Carr discusses the critical differences between depression and sadness, emphasizing that while sadness can be circumstantial, depression is a serious medical condition often misunderstood. He highlights the societal tendency to trivialize depression and the importance of recognizing it as a legitimate ailment, akin to physical illnesses like cancer.
"Therapies it feels like there's a whole world that's open now that maybe things might have been different if if it had been you know 20 years later but it felt like she was quite isolated and and depr..."
In this segment, Carr explores the paradox of modern connectivity through technology, where individuals feel more isolated despite being more connected online. He discusses the implications of individualism on mental health, particularly for younger generations, and the need for genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world.
"great you know you do that and you go it's so crazy when you stop and think about suicide as a symptom of depression not as a thing that's a standalone it's a symptom that there's an epidemic of it go..."
Carr reflects on the importance of face-to-face interactions and the empathy that arises from personal conversations. He contrasts this with the disconnect often felt in online interactions, emphasizing the value of real-world connections and the emotional intimacy they provide.
"you there's a great book called Selfie and a great book called tribe I remember sort of reading them back to back and thinking yeah this something's going on here and why why is everyone I got a Glast..."
Jimmy Carr discusses the challenges of living in a digital age where social media creates a facade of connection while fostering loneliness. He shares insights on how to balance digital engagement with real-life interactions to combat feelings of isolation.
"about it but that thing about one-on-one with people people are incredibly empathetic and kind and there's a thing that we're doing now where we're not in a zoom call we're across the table for each o..."
In this segment, Carr emphasizes that personal growth and nurturing relationships are lifelong processes. He challenges the notion that nurture ends at a certain age, advocating for continuous self-reflection and connection with those who positively influence our lives.
"um where people are I sort of quote a lot in the book I use a lot of quotes because I sort of think quotes are the truth like it's everything else has been burnt away there's nothing left but these si..."
Carr shares practical advice on how to enhance personal happiness through meaningful connections. He suggests simple actions, like putting away phones, to foster deeper relationships and improve overall well-being.
"thought of going right who do I like and why do I like them well I like I like Who I Am with people that's why I like them so when I'm with my child I like who I am when I'm a dad I like playing that ..."
Jimmy Carr reflects on his own experiences with fatherhood and the absence of his father. He discusses the significance of finding alternative role models and the impact of nurturing relationships on personal development.
"you put the phone in the safe in the morning and then you have your day and then you check it in the evening you give yourself the the rush of so many foreign and then it's it's interesting though of ..."
In this segment, Carr discusses the profound changes that come with becoming a parent. He shares his thoughts on the emotional journey of fatherhood and the lessons learned from his own experiences.
"that archetype is so important to our development having a mother is you know my mother died I didn't go well I guess you know the older female nurturing um archetype I just I guess I'll live without ..."
Carr recounts his journey through education as an undiagnosed dyslexic, reflecting on the challenges he faced and how they shaped his determination to succeed. He emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and the value of education in overcoming personal obstacles.
"shifts that have occurred in you because of those two events I suppose I mean I got I was kind of late to fatherhood I think because um I think it was I think psychologically I think maybe I didn't wa..."
In this segment, Carr critiques the unthinking choices that led him to a corporate job after university. He reflects on the societal pressures that influence career decisions and the importance of making conscious choices aligned with personal passions.
"not it was nice I mean I think I wouldn't recommend it to young people because I think it's um Cambridge is still now very anachronistic it's like going to college in the 1950s it's like a time machin..."
In this segment, Carr discusses the feelings of aimlessness he experienced in his mid-20s while working at Shell. He describes the lack of purpose in his life and the realization that many people struggle to find what truly makes them happy. Carr encourages listeners to pursue their passions, even if it requires significant effort and self-reflection.
"dumbest thing in the world I mean you know everyone with any kind of education has educated themselves because really what do you remember from colleges years ago yeah like it's whatever you're readin..."
Jimmy Carr talks about the importance of taking responsibility for one's life choices. He reflects on the expectations placed on individuals by society and parents, and how it can lead to a lack of personal accountability. Carr emphasizes the need for self-empowerment and the significance of recognizing when to take charge of one's own path.
"you wrote about that in the book The Two Adventures we all have in our lives which is finding your purpose and obviously going in the pursuit of it what sounds like yours happened crazy early like kic..."
Carr shares his journey of losing his religious faith and how it impacted his perspective on life. He discusses the liberation that comes with realizing that this life is the only one we have, and the excitement of living authentically without the constraints of religious dogma. This segment highlights the transformative power of questioning beliefs and finding personal meaning.
"be 16 year olds listening to this going yeah I'm not blaming anyone for anyone anything I'm just I'm I'm doing this myself where do you draw the line I think I was about 25. you think 25 is where you ..."
In this segment, Carr explores the idea of what remains when religious beliefs are stripped away. He discusses the importance of understanding the essence of one's identity and values after losing faith. Carr encourages listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and what truly matters to them in life.
"people that are you know people you know oh well I live as a um uh you know a hippie commune with no belongings you're still putting money at the center yeah exactly you're kind of it's still the focu..."
Jimmy Carr recounts his transition from a corporate job at Shell to pursuing a career in comedy. He reflects on the moment he realized he was in the wrong field and the importance of following one's passion. Carr emphasizes the challenges and rewards of taking the leap into a creative career, highlighting the significance of doing what you love.
"what's essential you what's the thing that's left when there's nothing that's interesting you go through trials in life you go through you know hard times and what remains and when you lost your faith..."
In this segment, Carr discusses the concept of purpose and how it drives his work as a comedian. He reflects on the responsibilities that come with being an entertainer and the importance of serving an audience. Carr emphasizes that having a clear purpose can make the challenges of life more manageable and fulfilling.
"I've got an audience to serve every night You've Got 2 000 people that need to laugh for two hours three times a minute and that's my boss right so I've got to lean into I've got to make sure that the..."
Jimmy Carr shares his transition from a corporate marketing executive at Shell to pursuing a career in comedy. He reflects on the dissatisfaction he felt in his corporate role and the pivotal moment when he realized he was in the wrong career path. This segment emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to pivot in life and the freedom that comes with leaving behind a conventional job.
"off huel is there to make sure that my health and my nutrition is ticked off at the same time as my professional Ambitions that's the role it's always played in my life it's in me right in on that mom..."
In this segment, Carr discusses the concept of 'finding your edge'—the unique talent or passion that sets you apart. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication in honing that skill. Carr encourages listeners to identify what they enjoy and excel at, suggesting that this self-awareness is crucial for achieving success and fulfillment.
"wall and there's no finer like like ripping up your CV metaphorically going I never need this again no one needs to know how I did in my apples ever again no one gives a [ __ ] about my degree I mean ..."
Jimmy Carr and Steven Bartlett delve into the usefulness of personality tests in understanding oneself better. They discuss various tests, including Myers-Briggs and Jordan Peterson's assessments, and how these tools can guide individuals in discovering their strengths and preferences. This segment highlights the significance of self-awareness in finding one's purpose and direction in life.
"could be better than you last year that's the key thing because take that thing if you can find out what that is for you and then apply some hard work and time that's your luck be lucky I always say t..."
Carr and Bartlett explore the concept of 'enough' in relation to wealth and happiness. They discuss how societal pressures can lead to an endless pursuit of money and status, often at the expense of true fulfillment. This segment encourages listeners to reflect on what 'enough' means for them personally and the importance of finding balance in life.
"that's surprising well you know it's it's interesting it's almost like a um a um a horoscope like Everyone likes their horoscope right because everyone's a little bit egotistical and like I wonder wha..."
In this thought-provoking segment, Carr and Bartlett discuss the deeper quest for purpose beyond material wealth. They reflect on the midlife crisis phenomenon and how achieving success can sometimes lead to existential questions about meaning and fulfillment. This conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding one's motivations and desires in the journey toward a satisfying life.
"it's interesting because as I reflect on my childhood I was clearly the one of the big drivers for My Success was insecurity broke family black kid in all white school um parents were never in the hou..."
Carr makes a distinction between jealousy and envy, arguing that while jealousy is destructive, envy can serve as motivation. He explains how envy can help individuals identify what they truly want in life, turning it into a positive force for personal growth.
"been that way there was a there's a you know it was in ancient Rome people wanted to be famous and wanted to be adored and wanted to be that's like uh it's valid and and you know how do you deal with ..."
Jimmy Carr explores the balance between feeling grateful for what one has and the drive for further achievement. He discusses how gratitude can coexist with ambition, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's current blessings while still striving for more.
"Force for good so that thing of like when you were a kid and you're looking at the other kids and they're suited and booted and clean and tidy going to school and their parents are there and you go ri..."
In this segment, Carr shares insights on the value of failure in the journey of a comedian. He highlights how embracing failure can lead to growth and success, encouraging listeners to view setbacks as essential learning experiences.
"going but I also want to go further and farther and I think the great thing about being a comic is we're brilliant with failure we made friends with failure a long time ago we've died many times on st..."
Carr discusses the concept of flow states as a key to happiness. He describes how engaging deeply in activities can lead to a sense of fulfillment and joy, urging listeners to identify and pursue their own flow states in life.
"then the other the the question was about no you did because you were famous Beyond you reframed my point which was um about knowing you're enough you're afraid to gratitude and when and gratitude and..."
In this segment, Carr examines how expectations can shape our experiences of happiness. He argues that lowering expectations can lead to greater satisfaction, contrasting the disappointment often felt during highly anticipated events with the joy found in unexpected moments.
"on happiness is its expectations exceeded oh yeah because listen what a birthday's a [ __ ] right New Year's Eve's [ __ ] waste of time amateur drinkers I've never had a good New Year New Year's Eve i..."
Jimmy Carr critiques the narrative surrounding hard work, suggesting that while it is essential, it is often misrepresented. He emphasizes the importance of working smart and finding one's niche rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach to success.
"it's kind of it's kind of important you know once you commit to something it's like you you know you it's fine but you can't be like all these different I think it's it's overwhelming at the moment wh..."
Carr discusses the importance of identifying and honing one's unique strengths rather than striving for mediocrity. He encourages listeners to focus on their talents and pursue paths that align with their natural abilities for greater success and fulfillment.
"and I don't care how there's two great myths in our society right there's one myth there's Talent and ideas and there's another myth which is hard work they're both [ __ ] total [ __ ] [ __ ] because ..."
In this segment, Carr explores the concept of the inner critic and how it can serve as a motivator. He shares his personal experiences from Cambridge, where feelings of inadequacy pushed him to work harder. Carr encourages listeners to acknowledge their inner critic, as it often reflects a reality that can drive personal growth and success.
"school teaches this may be the wrong lesson School teaches us a lesson about mediocrity and being all-rounders and yet we live in a world that does not reward all Rounders who gives a [ __ ] about all..."
Jimmy Carr reflects on how feelings of inadequacy can fuel ambition and drive individuals to achieve extraordinary things. He discusses the balance between motivation from self-doubt and the potential dangers of relying too heavily on external validation. Carr emphasizes that success can come at any age, encouraging listeners to pursue their passions regardless of their stage in life.
"expand on the idea well look the the idea of the inner critic is going look I I went to uh uh fancy University right and I think Cambridge is where imposter syndrome was built and there's there's a lo..."
Carr challenges the notion of genius by highlighting the hard work behind successful individuals. He argues that while talent is important, it is the dedication and effort that truly lead to success. This segment encourages listeners to recognize that extraordinary achievements often stem from relentless work rather than innate brilliance.
"messing around the audience the the showing off the work that I've done in the gym the muscle memory of knowing how to make people laugh great but I'm gonna arrive ready there's something really inter..."
In this segment, Carr discusses the importance of finding joy in the work you do. He suggests that true fulfillment comes from engaging in activities that you are passionate about, rather than merely chasing a paycheck. Carr encourages listeners to identify what they can commit to for the long term without feeling it is a burden.
"crisis is over but that thing of like going well you're gonna you know people people do people do extraordinary things if they if but they they put the work in and and I think people lean into the myt..."
Jimmy Carr briefly touches on his journey towards sustainable living, sharing his experience of transitioning to an electric bicycle. He introduces his sponsor, Myenergi, and discusses the importance of renewable energy solutions in modern life, emphasizing the need for eco-friendly practices.
"well how hard could you work quick one as many of you know I've been trying to make my life a little bit more sustainable as it relates to energy ever since I sold my Range Rover Sport and bought an e..."
Carr explains how branding plays a crucial role in his comedy career. He discusses the importance of perception and how first impressions can shape an audience's experience. This segment highlights the visual aspect of performance and the necessity of presenting oneself effectively on stage.
"you check out the Eddie it's um it's a real game changer for a product and one that I'm going to be installing in my home scene paychecks you talked about one of the lessons you brought over from your..."
In this candid segment, Jimmy Carr shares his experience with tax avoidance schemes and the public backlash that followed. He reflects on the moral implications of his actions and the lessons learned from being publicly shamed. Carr discusses the emotional toll of the situation and how it affected his mental health.
"segue yeah well I mean the tax thing is really it's quite an interesting thing when you get publicly shamed uh that you cut you know you learn a lesson I totally missed that oh okay well I mean it's w..."
Carr opens up about his struggles with panic attacks and anxiety, describing the overwhelming feelings that accompany them. He shares his coping mechanisms and the importance of discussing mental health openly. This segment aims to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage others to seek help.
"or and then it kind of snapped back and it was okay but the sensation of what it would be like to be canceled I've had that that kind of you know not PTSD I haven't been a Bomb Blast but you know you ..."
In this vulnerable segment, Jimmy Carr discusses his experiences with depression, including the first time he encountered it in his early twenties. He emphasizes the importance of talking about mental health and how sharing experiences can help others feel less alone. Carr's openness aims to inspire those struggling with similar issues.
"and then I had the meds I had like the beta blockers and the Valium and the stuff I got like prescribed enough to send me down a black hole and then I didn't take anything I just had them as a Talisma..."
Jimmy Carr opens up about his experiences with depression, recalling the first time he encountered it in his early twenties. He describes the overwhelming nature of depression and how it can strip away the joy of life, while also acknowledging that these feelings are a natural part of the human experience.
"scary and then I had I had one in Australia a couple of years ago in 2018 where I and I could kind of see what it was like there's a bit of your mind that's like always uh you know aware and it was li..."
Carr reflects on the relationship between grief and depression, suggesting that feeling down can be appropriate in certain contexts, such as mourning a loss. He discusses the idea that melancholy can have its own beauty and significance, and how societal pressures may influence our mental health.
"and do you think these things are interesting question to ask and probably quite naive but do you think these things are a symptom of the way we live our lives panic attacks depression or do you think..."
In this segment, Carr explores various coping mechanisms for mental health issues, including the potential benefits of alternative therapies like Ayahuasca. He shares anecdotes about friends who have found relief through unconventional methods, while cautioning against taking medical advice lightly.
"you know I'm sure if I was doing um Ayahuasca every weekend I'd have less panic attacks but at the moment I don't feel kind of drawn towards that world but I'm kind of aware that that exists I've kind..."
Jimmy Carr candidly discusses his late experience losing his virginity at 26, challenging societal expectations around sexual experiences. He emphasizes the importance of normalizing different timelines for personal milestones and encourages others to embrace their unique journeys.
"I might be normal you describe that as being a fear I remember very distinctly trying to have sex when I was 16 and just being totally [ __ ] terrified because I thought my penis was I thought it was ..."
Carr introduces Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and its impact on his life. He explains how NLP can reshape one's perception of reality and improve communication, sharing insights from his own experiences with the technique and its potential benefits for personal growth.
"NLP neuro-linguistic programming yeah Peter Jones was talking to me a lot about this one when we were having our breaks and Dragons Den and what role has NLP played in your life what is it done for yo..."
In this segment, Carr discusses the concept that our beliefs shape our experiences. He reflects on how changing one's mindset can open up new possibilities and opportunities, emphasizing that individuals often limit themselves more than external factors do.
"right yeah you imagine um London yeah and the size of London and what it is what you have in your head isn't the real thing it's your perception of it it's your perception of how things are in this ro..."
Jimmy Carr humorously reflects on the idea that life is about the journey rather than the destination. He shares his aspirations for growth in comedy and life, highlighting the excitement of exploring new avenues and the importance of enjoying the process.
"of time worrying about other people oh what if they don't help me what if they don't you're going to be the thing that holds you back you said that the best goals are those without like the destinatio..."
In a profound conclusion, Carr summarizes the meaning of life as 'enjoying the passage of time.' He reflects on the improbability of existence and the importance of appreciating every moment, encouraging listeners to embrace life fully.
"about me and that's a very exciting prospect and so writing a new show so I'm sort of halfway through a tour and I kind of push the [ __ ] it button and recorded a special it's going to come out at Ch..."
In this segment, Carr discusses the refreshing approach of his book, which combines humor with self-help concepts. He contrasts his style with other self-help authors, suggesting that humor can make profound ideas more accessible. This approach builds trust with readers and encourages them to explore deeper philosophical thoughts.
"is about it's about all I got and it's enough thank you um I I found your you know your book incredibly refreshing for so many reasons because it was laced with humor but because it was so inclusively..."
Jimmy Carr shares insights on confronting the inner critic and the importance of self-acceptance. He discusses how honesty is a superpower for comedians and how it can lead to personal growth. This segment emphasizes the significance of being okay with who you are, even in vulnerable moments, as a foundation for happiness.
"marijuana this is like some really mellow weed and it'll lead you in a different direction like maybe okay well I need to read some more stuff by him or I need to investigate that or that sounds inter..."
Carr explores the idea that individuals are responsible for their own happiness. He discusses the impact of personal happiness on those around us, likening it to the necessity of putting on your own oxygen mask first in an emergency. This segment encourages listeners to reflect on their happiness and its broader implications.
"look you are where you are it's not where you can end up and you know I think I get the feeling a lot of people listening to this podcast are looking for something they're looking for kind of a steer ..."
In this thought-provoking segment, Carr reflects on the profound question, 'Are you happy?' He discusses how this question can strip away distractions and reveal one's true essence. The conversation highlights the importance of self-reflection and the evolving nature of happiness, encouraging listeners to sit with the question and consider their own state of being.
"it is I saw Chappelle the other week really yeah and I shock people yeah and he disturbs people yeah and what I need to do is disturb people yeah yeah I mean you have all the everything it takes to do..."