Fresh Air Reflections on Being Fat in a Thin World
Jul 2, 2024
Ian Karmel, a stand-up comedian and former co-head writer for The Late Late Show with James Corden, shares his journey of growing up in a thin-obsessed world. He discusses how he used humor to cope with his weight and reflects on his significant weight loss. Karmel highlights the societal pressures faced by those growing up fat, the complexities of fat humor, and the impact of body image stigma. He also dives into the crafting of comedy, particularly the challenges of writing for live shows, and explores the emotional depth found in the Hulu series 'The Bear'.
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Roller Coaster Humiliation
- Ian Karmel recalls a humiliating childhood experience of being unable to close the safety bar on a roller coaster.
- A bystander then shouted a cruel joke from the movie Austin Powers.
Fat Jokes in the 90s
- 90s comedy often used fat people as the punchline, which Karmel found both funny and hurtful.
- He points out the lack of positive fat role models in media during his childhood.
Doctor Visit
- Karmel avoided doctors for over a decade until a heart attack scare prompted him to seek medical help.
- He recounts the doctor's callous recommendation of bariatric surgery and lifelong blood pressure medication.