Sean Daniels: Using humor on stage to combat addiction
Feb 1, 2024
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Playwright and recovering addict, Sean Daniels, discusses using humor on stage to combat addiction. They explore the growing popularity of sobriety movements and the role of religion and science in recovery. The conversation focuses on changing the narrative around addiction, highlighting the power of the arts to bring about positive change.
Using humor and art in theater can save lives by challenging negative portrayals of addiction.
The concept of Dry January is gaining popularity, with more people opting for abstinence and experiencing various benefits.
Deep dives
Using Art and Comedy to Combat Addiction
Addiction is a serious issue, and one playwright and recovering addict believes that art and comedy can be used to lower the death toll caused by excessive alcohol use. By highlighting joyful stories and incorporating humor, he hopes to challenge the negative portrayals of addiction in pop culture.
The Growing Popularity of Dry January
The concept of Dry January, where individuals choose not to consume alcohol for the first month of the year, has been gaining popularity. Survey data shows an increasing number of people opting for abstinence in January, citing various benefits such as improved health, better sleep, and weight loss.
The Power of Entertainment in Reducing Stigma
The stigma surrounding addiction hinders many individuals from seeking help. Playwright Sean Daniels, who is a recovering addict, emphasizes the importance of using comedy and art to change the conversation and remove the shame associated with addiction. He believes that entertainment has the ability to shift national narratives and demonstrate that recovery is possible.
This marks the end of so-called "Dry January," a phenomenon that's been growing in popularity. But for many, alcohol is still a daily struggle; it's the most common substance abuse addiction in the United States, affecting at least 1 out of every 10 people. Sean Daniels is a playwright and recovering addict whose critically-acclaimed autobiographical play "The White Chip" returns Off-Broadway today. Niala talks to Sean about using humor on stage to save lives.
Plus, listeners tell us what Dry January meant for their lives this year.
Guests: Sean Daniels, playwright of "The White Chip" and director of The Recovery Project at Florida Studio Theatre.
Credits: 1 big thing is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, and Jay Cowit. Music is composed by Alex Sugiura. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas as a text or voice memo to Niala at 202-918-4893.