Standup comedian, writer, and actress Aparna Nancherla discusses imposter syndrome, feeling like an outsider, struggles with performance anxiety, and the question of 'What's the point of anything?'
Imposter syndrome is a self-fulfilling prophecy that convinces you that you don't belong and keeps you from embracing your successes.
Struggling with imposter syndrome and constantly questioning one's abilities can hinder personal growth and self-acceptance.
Stand-up comedy and acting can provide solace and a sense of control over one's identity amidst mental health struggles.
Deep dives
Transition to LA and Working on Totally Biased with Kamau Bell
After a couple of years in LA, the summary writer lands a writing job on Totally Biased with Kamau Bell, which takes them to New York. The writers room for Kamau's show is diverse, and although the writer feels like they don't completely fit in, they value the experience.
Imposter Syndrome and Struggling in Writers' Rooms
Despite getting on-air segments and having their jokes used, the summary writer constantly feels overwhelmed and anxious in comedy writers' rooms. They struggle with imposter syndrome and often doubt their abilities, even when there is evidence of their success.
Transitioning to Acting and Overcoming Setbacks
After being let go from a writing job at Seth Meyers, the summary writer starts pursuing acting. They reflect on their previous struggles and setbacks, but continue to push forward and explore new opportunities.
Struggling with Mental Health in College
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses her experience of struggling with mental health issues during college. She explains how she felt lost and lacked passion for her studies, which eventually led to a mental crisis. She also opens up about her body dysmorphia and the pressure to conform to societal ideals. She sought treatment for her eating disorder and started taking antidepressants, which brought moments of euphoria. Despite the challenges, she found solace in stand-up comedy and acting, which provided a sense of visibility and control over her identity.
Navigating Imposter Syndrome
The podcast delves into the theme of imposter syndrome. The speaker shares her personal experience of feeling like an outsider and constantly questioning her own abilities, even when she excelled in certain areas. She discusses the pressure to fulfill others' expectations and the internal struggle of not feeling good enough. While acknowledging that imposter syndrome may never fully dissipate, she finds comfort in accepting the messy nature of life and embracing the fact that resolutions and self-acceptance may not come neatly packaged, but rather emerge through personal growth and self-reflection.
Aparna Nancherla says the self-fulfilling prophecy of imposter syndrome is convincing yourself you don’t belong and acting in a way to prove yourself right. It’s something she’s dealt with no matter what level of success she’s achieved in standup, writing and acting, and something she’s worked to overcome. Aparna and Marc talk about feeling like an outsider even while compiling a list of accomplishments, struggles with performance anxiety, and the persistent question, “What’s the point of anything?”
