Soder 106: PH Mickey Ds with Mike Lawrence | Soder Podcast | EP 104
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Nov 4, 2025 
Mike Lawrence, a sharp-witted stand-up comedian and writer, delves into his journey from flipping burgers at McDonald's to mastering roast battles. He shares his experience of discovering his autism while navigating fatherhood and adoption, revealing its impact on his life. The duo discusses the often misunderstood ethics of comedy, and Mike reflects on how his early job shaped his comedy style. They also explore the challenges of parenting in the age of social media, and the ramifications of self-diagnosis culture, adding depth and humor to their conversation.
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Brutal Honesty Sharpens Craft
- Comics who can't accept blunt feedback often misread honest critique as personal attack.
- Mike's direct, autistic honesty helped peers refine jokes even when it annoyed them.
Diagnosis Brought Creative Clarity
- Getting an autism diagnosis gave Mike Lawrence clarity and permission to be himself onstage and offstage.
- The diagnosis made him more comfortable and improved his relationships and craft.
Don't Use Labels As Excuses
- Do the work after any self-diagnosis: seek therapy and practical strategies rather than using labels as excuses.
- Avoid using diagnoses to justify harmful behavior and instead pursue improvement.
