Neal Brennan interviews Al Madrigal, comedian known for 'The Daily Show,' about loneliness, ADHD, starting stand-up, coping with grief, struggles with alcohol, social anxiety, and setting priorities. They discuss personal anecdotes, career challenges, and reflections on family dynamics and comedy experiences.
Dealing with ADHD challenges and the importance of addressing mental health.
Combatting negative thoughts and social anxiety using coping mechanisms.
Finding unexpected solace and personal growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prioritizing family over professional success and creating a healthy work-life balance.
Deep dives
The Impact of ADHD and Grief
The speaker discusses how ADHD has affected his life and that of his daughter, emphasizing the struggle with constant racing thoughts and impulsive behavior. He also delves into the impact of grief, mentioning that he did not properly grieve his father's death, leading to depressive feelings. The speaker highlights the importance of addressing these mental health issues.
Dealing with Negative Thoughts and Social Anxiety
The speaker shares the challenge of having a 'low light reel' of negative thoughts, constantly focusing on past mistakes and self-criticism. He mentions using tools to combat these thoughts, such as writing down positive accomplishments. Additionally, the speaker reflects on his social anxiety, expressing discomfort in large social gatherings and discussing the pressures of Hollywood.
Reflections on COVID-19 and Self-Discovery
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the speaker found unexpected solace in the isolation and slowdown of life. He appreciates the time spent with family and the opportunity for self-discovery. The speaker acknowledges the positive impact the pandemic had on his mental health, allowing him to address underlying issues and find peace.
Overcoming Pressure and Struggles in Hollywood
The speaker opens up about the pressures faced in Hollywood, including the need to succeed in auditions and social settings. He shares instances of feeling the weight of financial dependency and social anxiety, leading to over-talking and self-doubt. The speaker reflects on the challenges faced in the entertainment industry and the personal growth experienced.
Positive Aspects of COVID-19 Isolation
The podcast episode delves into the speaker's unexpected appreciation for the COVID-19 isolation period, highlighting the benefits of slowing down and focusing on introspection. The speaker shares insights about enjoying the time spent with family and finding moments of self-discovery and mental peace amidst the challenges of the pandemic.
Balancing Comedy Career with Family Time
The speaker discusses his decision to prioritize spending time with his family over performing stand-up comedy regularly. He shares how seeing an older comic express regret for not being present in his kids' lives made him realize the importance of being there for his own family. This led him to stockpile material for his comedy specials while maximizing his time with his wife and kids during their formative years, creating a healthy work-life balance.
Navigating Social Anxiety and Finding Happiness
The speaker opens up about battling social anxiety and learning to navigate social gatherings by focusing on gratitude and self-check-ins. He emphasizes the importance of mental health and happiness above financial success. Additionally, he addresses the lack of Latino representation in the entertainment industry and his efforts to create shows with predominantly Latino ensembles to help address this issue, showing his commitment to supporting diversity in media.
Neal Brennan interviews Al Madrigal ('The Dust Up' podcast, 'Lopez vs. Lopez,' 'Shrimpin' Ain't Easy,' 'The Daily Show') about the things that make him feel lonely, isolated, and like something's wrong - and how he is persevering despite these blocks.
