Sex, Comedy and Context: A Live Conversation with Trevor Noah
Mar 19, 2024
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Esther Perel and Trevor Noah discuss the intersection of comedy and therapy, the healing power of humor, and the art of listening in a live conversation. They explore how humor connects individuals, the importance of genuine listening, and the role of laughter in facing challenges and traumas.
Stage fright stems from pressure and over-preparation, while nerves relate to fear of the uncertain.
Listening involves more than just hearing words; attentiveness to body language and shared experiences is key.
Deep dives
Stage Fright vs. Nerves
Trevor and Esther discuss the differences between stage fright and nerves. Trevor highlights that stage fright involves an inability to perform due to pressure or over-preparation, while nerves are tied to the fear of the uncertain, like the moment before a big event. They explore the importance of shifting expectations to alleviate stage fright and emphasize that curiosity and an absence of preconceived notions play crucial roles in navigating performance anxiety.
The Power of Listening
Esther and Trevor delve into the art of listening, with Esther sharing that listening goes beyond hearing words. She emphasizes that attentiveness to body language, facial expressions, and shared experiences shapes the speaker's communication. Trevor adds that real listening embodies curiosity and requires a willingness to engage with the unknown.
Building Intimacy from Small Talk
The conversation touches on the decline of small talk in modern society and how shared experiences, like those on airplanes or in restaurants, initiate meaningful connections. They propose that acknowledging shared contexts enhances engagement in small talk, fostering relationships and building connections in seemingly ordinary interactions.
Embracing Off-the-Record Moments
Esther and Trevor express the desire for more off-the-record experiences, where interactions are unfiltered and intimate. They stress the value of moments grounded in privacy, intimacy, and vulnerability, advocating for a return to genuine, personal exchanges unaltered by external influences. Trevor's tour title 'Off the Record' symbolizes this aspiration for authentic, unadulterated connections.
Not all conversations with Esther have to happen behind closed doors. Last week, Esther sat down with Trevor Noah, live from the Vox Media Podcast Stage at SXSW in Austin, for a candid look at the state of comedy in the world we live in. The two of them uncovered some surprising similarities between being a comic and being a therapist. Esther showed Trevor a few ways to become a better listener and Trevor in return helped Esther prep for her new live tour.
If you want to be part of that show too- Esther invites you to an evening unlike any other. Join her as she shines a light on the cultural shifts transforming relationships and helps us rethink how we connect, how we desire – and even how we love. To find a city near you, go to https://www.estherperel.com/tour2024
For Trevor Noah's Off the Record tour visit https://www.trevornoah.com/shows
To hear more from Trevor Noah head over to his podcast, What Now? With Trevor Noah: spotify.link/trevornoah
Want to learn more? Receive monthly insights, musings, and recommendations to improve your relational intelligence via email from Esther: https://www.estherperel.com/newsletter