Hannah Gadsby didn’t care about making a successful standup special, but success came anyway
Jun 6, 2022
auto_awesome
Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby discusses her groundbreaking stand-up special 'Nanette', her new memoir 'Ten Steps to Nanette', and her experiences growing up queer and neurodivergent in rural Tasmania. She reflects on the emotional journey of writing a memoir, balancing tension in storytelling, childhood game dynamics, developing a sense of humor, anti-gay measures in Tasmania, and navigating historic homophobia in comedy evolution. The interview also includes fun banter about food, names, sad songs, childhood memories, folk music, and social media promotions.
Hannah Gadsby reflects on her upbringing in Tasmania and how it shaped her comedic style.
Gadsby discusses her autism diagnosis and how it influenced her memoir and self-acceptance.
Deep dives
Hannah Gadsby's Memoir and Nanette's Impact
Hannah Gadsby discusses her new memoir 'Ten Steps to Nanette,' reflecting on the success and challenges that followed the groundbreaking comedy special 'Nanette.' Gadsby shares her journey from obscurity to international fame and delves into the complexities of fame and self-reflection within the comedy world.
Personal History and Comedy Evolution
Gadsby opens up about her childhood in Tasmania, highlighting the simplicity of life in Smithton and her unique role in family games. She shares her early struggles with humor, revealing a gradual understanding and intentional use of comedy, especially through out-of-context phrases and TV ads.
Autism Diagnosis and Personal Insights
Reflecting on her autism diagnosis in 2016, Gadsby discusses how the diagnosis reshaped her perspective on life memories captured in her memoir. She uncovers the innocence and naivety that colored her past, providing a newfound self-acceptance and richer insights into her experiences.
Addressing Historic Homophobia and Family Relationships
Gadsby intertwines her personal journey with Tasmania's historical homophobia, shedding light on past struggles and their relevance in today's world. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these struggles to prevent regression, while also sharing touching moments from her family dynamics, particularly her mother's supportive and humorous presence in her life.
Back in 2018, a standup special called Nanette turned the world of comedy on its head. It was written and performed by a relatively unknown comic at the time named Hannah Gadsby. Ever since that special came out, Tom Power has hoped he’d get the chance to speak with Hannah. Now, that time has finally come. In a rare Canadian interview, she told Tom all about her new memoir, Ten Steps to Nanette, and how growing up queer and neurodivergent in rural Tasmania shaped her comedic voice.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode