Hannah Berner, a comedian and podcaster known for her 'Han on the Street' videos, shares her fascinating transition from a college tennis champ to a stand-up star. She introduces Mike to the term 'zaddy,' sparking a lively discussion about dating older partners. The conversation dives deep into the emotional ups and downs of performance and familial expectations while blending humor with personal stories. Hannah also reflects on the dynamics of male-female friendships and the importance of humor in navigating relationships, all while promoting pet adoption.
Hannah Berner shares her transformative journey from competitive tennis to stand-up comedy, revealing the liberating nature of self-expression in performance.
She discusses the significance of humor and emotional support in relationships, emphasizing how past experiences have shaped her comedic perspective.
Berner draws parallels between the mental challenges in sports and comedy, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability in both fields.
Deep dives
From Tennis to Comedy
Hannah Burner shares her unexpected journey from aspiring professional tennis player to stand-up comedian, noting that she never envisioned a career in comedy as a child. She humorously reflects on the competitive nature of her tennis career, where she was often hard on herself, leading to a mental shift when she transitioned into comedy. Unlike tennis, which she described as a solitary sport filled with pressure, she found comedy liberating and an opportunity for self-expression without the need to outdo anyone else. This change allowed her to adopt a more positive relationship with her craft, focusing on self-encouragement rather than self-criticism.
Red Flags in Relationships
Burner discusses her experiences with relationship red flags, particularly highlighting a former partner who only allowed her to hang out on Sundays. She candidly admits that despite significant warning signs, such as his lack of emotional support and feeling comfortable no matter how poorly he treated her, she overlooked these issues due to his attractiveness and the admiration others had for him. Moreover, she explains how important it is for her to feel funny around a partner, as humor plays a vital role in her happiness. This perspective allows her to explore the comedic potential of her dating experiences and the lessons she has learned from them.
The Support of Family and Mentorship
Burner reflects on the complex relationship with her father, who was also her tennis coach, expressing the dichotomy between his support and the pressure she felt to win. She notes that while he instilled confidence in her, it often came with the high expectation of performance, leading to feelings of inadequacy when she didn't meet those expectations. Burner appreciates that her father now recognizes her resilience and occasional struggles with self-esteem, often expressing pride in her ability to bounce back. This dynamic serves as an important backdrop for her comedy, blending personal stories with relatable life lessons.
Comedy and Relationships
The conversation shifts to the dynamics of her marriage with fellow comedian Des Bishop, where Burner humorously discusses the age gap and the term 'zaddy' to describe older, attractive men. She emphasizes the importance of maturity and emotional intelligence in her relationship, appreciating that her husband possesses a mix of charm and wisdom that enhances their partnership. The discussion highlights the contrasts between past relationships characterized by uncertainty and her current situation, where mutual respect and humor take center stage. Their exchanges also point out the nuanced ways gender dynamics play out in relationships and how comedy can be a tool for exploring these themes.
Comedy's Connection to Sports
Burner draws parallels between stand-up comedy and sports, specifically tennis, noting how both require mental fortitude and adaptability in the face of challenges. She articulates how the unpredictability of audience reactions is akin to the uncertainties faced during a tennis match, where every performance is a unique encounter. Drawing on her experiences, she emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a positive mindset to overcome potential setbacks in both fields. This comparison not only underscores her understanding of sports but enriches her comedic narrative, allowing her to communicate deeper insights about resilience and creativity in a humorous context.
Mike welcomes fellow comedian and podcaster (Giggly Sqaud, Berner Phone) Hannah Berner to the pod. Known for her “Han on the Street” videos, Hannah discusses her journey from college tennis champ to stand-up sensation. Hannah also teaches Mike the meaning of the term “zaddy.” Plus, an athlete at heart, Hannah comes to the notebook section ready to work, bringing a bunch of new bits and stories to work out.
