Comedian Malik Elassal talks about masturbation rituals, interpretations of 'God is great', speculating about Mickey Mouse's pants, the impact of a teacher on pursuing acting, mortgaging the present and legacy, survival instincts vs. worrying, the power of asking for help, integrating practices for success, the simplicity and beauty of life, working with special needs kids, and the importance of rules and disciplines.
Malik Elassal shares his journey of pursuing a career in show business despite parental and cultural pressures.
Malik grapples with fear, doubt, and conflicting expectations related to his religious and cultural upbringing.
His parents' concerns for his well-being in the entertainment industry highlight the clash between cultural norms and personal aspirations.
Malik embraces the importance of living in the present moment, finding contentment, and trusting the journey.
Deep dives
Seeking a Path in Show Business
Malik Elsall shares his journey of wanting to pursue a career in show business, despite the concerns and fears of his parents and the Islamic school he attended. He recalls moments in high school where he felt drawn to comedy and acting, and how teachers encouraged him to explore those talents. However, his pursuit of a creative career created tension and confusion within his family, as they struggled to understand and accept his path.
Navigating Fear and Doubt
Growing up in a religious and culturally traditional environment, Malik grappled with fear and doubt, particularly in relation to prayer and the expectations placed upon him. He shares his quest to understand the true purpose of prayer, and his experience of feeling like he wasn't doing it 'right.' He also highlights the pressure he felt to conform to religious and cultural norms, which often clashed with his desire to pursue a creative and unconventional career.
Parental Concerns and Perspectives
Malik discusses the worries and anxieties his parents had for him as he ventured into show business. Their concern stemmed from a desire to protect him from potentially negative influences, such as drugs and alcohol, which are often associated with the industry. He acknowledges the difficulties they faced in reconciling his chosen path with their cultural background and the wider societal expectations.
Finding Peace in the Present
Through personal reflection and exploration, Malik has come to appreciate the importance of living in the present moment and embracing the unknown. He shares his evolving understanding that there is beauty and peace in acknowledging that life's path is fluid and unpredictable. Instead of getting caught up in fears and worries about the future, he strives to find contentment in the present and trust the journey.
The importance of connection and inclusion
The speaker highlights the value of connecting with and including individuals with special needs, sharing personal experiences of working with them and the positive impact it has.
Finding humor and levity
The speaker discusses their use of humor, including doing impressions of individuals with special needs, to foster inclusion and create a sense of belonging.
Questioning societal rules and norms
The speaker reflects on the rules and expectations imposed by society, questioning their validity and emphasizing the importance of personal freedom and understanding.
The power of laughter and shared experiences
The speaker explores the transformative and unifying nature of laughter and shared experiences, both in comedy and in everyday life.
