
The Unspeakable Podcast
PREMIUM: Is Anything Funny Anymore? Bestselling humor writer Neal Pollack is still laughing
Oct 8, 2024
Neal Pollack, a multi-talented author and three-time Jeopardy! champion, shares his insights on humor's evolution in a world that often feels grim. He discusses his amusing battle with sofa dermatitis and the triviality of life's quirks. Neal also critiques the cultural commentary found in provocative media, reflecting on today's comedic expression and societal challenges. Look out for his innovative course on 'Writing Humor in Humorless Times,' where he promises to teach students how to find and share laughter in everyday life!
14:29
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Quick takeaways
- Neal Pollack emphasizes the importance of diverse interests to alleviate the pressure of achieving specific writing success, fostering greater creative freedom.
- The podcast discusses the evolving state of humor, encouraging listeners to find absurdity and laughter in everyday experiences despite societal perceptions of less humor.
Deep dives
Finding Joy in Writing
The speaker reflects on personal achievements as a writer, acknowledging that while they may not have reached the heights of bestselling success, they are content with their life and the variety of interests they pursue daily. This perspective highlights the importance of having diverse interests, which can alleviate the pressure often felt by writers to succeed in one specific area. By engaging in different activities, they feel freer to explore their creativity without being bound by the anxiety of external expectations. This holistic approach to life and writing fosters a more enjoyable and fulfilling creative process.
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