Addiction, Comedy, and Trauma with Brittany Schmitt | EP 214
Nov 29, 2024
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Brittany Schmitt, a former advertising professional turned comedian, shares her heartfelt journey of transitioning to comedy while overcoming alcoholism. She discusses how sobriety has sparked her creativity and reshaped her social interactions. Brittany reflects on the changing landscape of comedy that now embraces mental health and longevity. She also opens up about the unique challenges female comedians face in the industry and shares insights on navigating personal trauma through humor, all while finding unexpected common ground in today's polarized climate.
Brittany Schmitt's journey from advertising to comedy emphasizes the importance of creative freedom and personal fulfillment after overcoming addiction.
The evolving landscape of comedy reflects a shift towards prioritizing mental health and fostering supportive communities among sober comedians.
Deep dives
Navigating Sobriety in Comedy
Sobriety plays a significant role in the comedy landscape today, influenced by the visible struggles of previous generations. Many comedians now face the choice between sustaining a long career or succumbing to the pressures that have historically led to addiction. The host discusses how personal addiction issues and the journey towards recovery can significantly alter one’s perspective on life and work. This newfound awareness has fostered a supportive network among sober comedians, creating a more positive and health-conscious environment in the industry.
Transformation from Advertising to Comedy
The transition from advertising to a full-time comedy career was fueled by a desire for creative freedom and personal fulfillment. The speaker shares their experience in advertising, where they felt limited in expressing their creative ideas, leading to frustration and burnout. A pivotal moment came from a DUI incident, which acted as a catalyst for pursuing comedy seriously. This switch ultimately brought them greater happiness and a sense of purpose, culminating in their successful endeavors in stand-up comedy.
The Impact of Personal Struggles on Comedy
Personal experiences greatly inform a comedian's material, often serving as the core of their jokes. The speaker describes how events, like their mother's suicide and navigating divorce, heavily influenced their comedic voice and perspective. While vulnerability on stage can be challenging, it also resonates deeply with audiences, creating a powerful connection. The fine line between sharing personal narratives and ensuring they are met with audience understanding is a critical aspect of crafting effective comedy.
The Changing Landscape of Comedy and Culture
The current state of comedy is evolving, as social perceptions around political and cultural issues shift significantly. The speaker notes a growing trend among comedians to discuss topics that resonate with contemporary audiences while navigating encouragement and skepticism from both fans and peers. Many are reconsidering traditional paths concerning how personal life affects their professional careers, revealing a deeper engagement with themes such as mental health and societal pressures. This movement suggests that comedians are increasingly embracing a middle ground, blending humor with openness to foster connection in a fragmented cultural landscape.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with comedian Brittany Schmitt. We dove into her journey from working in advertising to becoming a full-time comedian, her struggles with alcoholism, her path to sobriety, and the impact sobriety has had on her creativity and social life. Brittany also opened up about life as a female comic, navigating the industry, misadventures in dating, and the challenges of sharing personal material on stage.
Brittany discussed a shift toward a new era in comedy that's embracing sobriety as a response to the burnout, addiction, and tragedy of the previous generation. Once characterized by chaotic lifestyles and substance-fueled performances, comedians are fostering a culture that prioritizes mental health and longevity.
We also spoke about Kill Tony’s Madison Square Garden roast, Trump on Rogan, JD Vance on Theo, general sentiment of people moving away from the extreme left toward more balanced political perspectives, and the potential for unexpected common ground in the age of polarization.
Watch Brittany’s stand-up special HORNY:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sizQKblletY
And check out her book ‘Stop Talking About Sex And Other Advice I Didn't Take’ on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Talking-About-Other-Advice-Didnt-ebook/dp/B0BHJKBQSH?dplnkId=f6d8b25e-4c88-4e23-86f9-1894914919e7&nodl=1
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https://www.instagram.com/brittanyschmitt/?hl=en
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—Chapters—
0:00:00 - Introduction
0:01:04 - From Advertising to Comedy
0:04:05 - DUI Experience and Starting Stand-Up
0:06:22 - Writing, Memoir, and Success
0:07:07 - Brittany’s First Comedy Show
0:08:07 - Matt Rife, Crowd Work, and Comedy Trends
0:11:38 - Life in Los Angeles
0:13:34 - Crime and Gangs LA
0:17:19 - Being Vulnerable Professionally
0:18:04 - Writing Jokes About Difficult Topics
0:19:55 - Coping with Loss and Mental Health
0:20:54 - Divorce and Public Perception
0:27:03 - Journey to Sobriety
0:31:46 - Life After Getting Sober
0:37:40 - Dating Misadventures
0:39:15 - Trump, Politics, and Media
0:42:05 - Merging Political Perspectives
0:48:50 - Overexposure and Podcasting Challenges
0:49:50 - Closing Thoughts
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