Gary Gulman, a New York standup comedian known for his candid humor about clinical depression, joins hosts to discuss the art of funny storytelling. They dive into the challenges of crafting effective jokes, particularly in pastoral settings. Gulman shares his personal journey through the world of comedy, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and relatability. The conversation also explores how humor can provide comfort in grief and reflect on societal issues, showcasing its transformative power amidst life's struggles.
The podcast reveals that humor's effectiveness often stems from embracing vulnerability and authentic experiences, allowing deeper connections with audiences.
The discussion highlights how shared challenges in communication and emotional struggles foster empathy and enhance interpersonal relationships among hosts and listeners.
Deep dives
Origins of the Show and its Evolution
The podcast shares the origin story of how it started, focusing on the host's desire to blend investigative journalism with personal advice columns. The founder, having left a career in investigative reporting, envisioned a platform that would provide scientific insights into everyday life challenges. The concept aimed to create a dialogue that not only gave advice but also explained the reasoning behind it, making the insights more powerful. The evolving nature of the show over the years, especially with the inclusion of multiple hosts, has enriched the discussions and perspectives shared with the audience.
Impact of Personal Engagement
The hosts discuss how the shared experiences and challenges faced by callers help them gain a better understanding of their own lives. Through listening to varied problems, they recognize common themes in human experience, such as the difficulty of communication and the struggle to relinquish control. This engagement fosters empathy and deepens the hosts' emotional intelligence, which in turn enhances their ability to connect with others. The act of giving attention to someone's struggles also underscores the fundamental importance of interpersonal connection.
Examples of Notable Episodes
Reflecting on memorable episodes, the hosts highlight an episode centered on anxiety that touched their lives profoundly, moving both them and the caller emotionally. They also mention a significant episode about loneliness that shed light on shared human experiences and deep emotional connections. Another standout was a discussion about estranged parent relationships, which resonated deeply with listeners by addressing complex emotional dynamics. These episodes not only provided insights but also contributed to broader societal conversations surrounding mental health and emotional relationships.
Advice on Humor and Storytelling
A segment features comedian Gary Goleman discussing humor's intricate mechanics and how to integrate fun into everyday situations, particularly for a pastor's sermons. He emphasizes that humor often lies in the mundane details of life, urging storytellers to play with these everyday truths for comedic effect. The advice includes being self-deprecating, relatable, and even finding the humor in vulnerability, showcasing how laughter can forge connections within a community. Ultimately, the essence of being funny is rooted in authenticity, with the recommendation to evolve through trial, error, and self-reflection.
How do you learn to tell the perfect joke? In this special edition of How To!, founding host Charles Duhigg joins Courtney and Carvell to mark five years of life-changing advice with a look back at our very first episode. It features a pastor from Oklahoma who wants to spice up his sermons. We introduce him to Gary Gulman, a New York standup comedian who makes jokes about his clinical depression. They workshop the pastor’s new joke about the New Testament, and Gary reveals “what might be the most important rule of being funny.”
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How To’s executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson, with Kevin Bendis and Sara McCrae.
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