Ted Danson chats with comedian Eric Andre about his unique projects like Bad Trip and The Eric Andre Show. They discuss Eric's comedy style, dealing with anxiety, and personal loss. The episode covers topics like creating lovable pranks for movies and navigating the entertainment industry, as well as exploring therapy, performance anxiety, and MDMA therapy for PTSD.
Eric Andre blends structured narrative with improvisation in 'Bad Trip'
Eric Andre's journey from poverty to success highlights the need for coping mechanisms like therapy
MDMA therapy can effectively help process trauma and alleviate PTSD symptoms
Deep dives
Eric Andre's Diverse Career and Comedic Style
Eric Andre, a versatile individual in comedy, acting, TV hosting, and music, is renowned for pranks on YouTube and the 'Eric Andre Show'. Ted Danson was nervous meeting him for an interview. Andre starred in the movie 'Bad Trip,' a comedy that captivated Danson. The film highlighted the kindness of Americans, portraying the working class positively.
Navigating Pranks and Structured Narratives in 'Bad Trip'
In 'Bad Trip,' a movie blending pranks and storytelling, Eric Andre adopted a lovable, accidental-prankster persona. Influenced by Chris Farley, pranks were structured to involve peril, engaging those being pranked. The movie emphasized a structured narrative amidst improvisational interactions, similar to the approach in 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.' Despite challenges, Eric Andre is proud of the movie, reflecting a decade-long journey to create it.
Eric Andre's Journey from Standup to Acting and Overcoming Anxiety
Transitioning from music to comedy, Eric Andre started stand-up in a comedy-rich Boston atmosphere, gradually moving to New York and LA. He faced a decade of poverty before finding success. Auditioning was nerve-wracking, leading him to therapy for anxiety issues. Andre's journey underscores the inner turmoil and stress of pursuing a creative career, highlighting the need for coping mechanisms like therapy and meditation.
Dealing with Anxiety Before Performing
Before performing, the speaker memorizes lines by repeating them five times in a monotone manner to build confidence and muscle memory. They believe that a certain level of anxiety is essential to avoid boredom and phoning it in during performances. The speaker also discusses managing full-blown panic attacks and the importance of maintaining a level of pre-show jitters for a successful performance.
Using MDMA Therapy for Trauma Processing
The speaker shares their experience with MDMA therapy for processing trauma, particularly useful for veterans with PTSD. They explain the therapy process involves talk sessions to pave the way for MDMA sessions where access to trauma is facilitated. By rerouting neuropathways, MDMA therapy helps process trauma effectively, alleviating triggering symptoms associated with PTSD responses.
Ted Danson is a little nervous about being pranked as he sits down with the uniquely talented actor and comedian Eric Andre. Eric is the mastermind behind riotous and absurd projects such as Bad Trip and The Eric Andre Show, and Ted is curious to know what goes on in that head of his. They discuss the humanity that runs throughout Eric’s work as well as his journey of dealing with anxiety and personal loss. Bonus: Eric asks Ted how he got into acting.