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Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously | Chad Goes Deep

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Aug 30, 2025

Guest

Chad Kroger

Chad Kroeger, a hilariously candid comedian known for his work on Going Deep with Chad and JT, joins the discussion on ego and self-awareness. He reflects on the liberating nature of playing characters without shame and how stand-up comedy reveals truths about self-consciousness. The conversation dives into the joy of embracing simplicity over fame, the authenticity found in comedic performance, and the balance between humility and ego. Chad also shares his journey with stoicism and the surprising power of naivete in pursuing dreams.

01:17:04

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ANECDOTE

Strange First Meeting At LA Hotel

Ryan describes first meeting Chad and JT in a hotel room where they performed an uncanny in-character podcast interview.
He felt confused, unsure if it was real or a prank, and later became friends after recognizing their bit.

insights

INSIGHT

Shameless Personas Feel Liberating

Chad says playing shameless characters felt freeing because they mirror his inner self when safe.
He admires characters who act without shame and seem to be 'always winning.'

insights

INSIGHT

Self-Consciousness Kills Flow

Ryan argues self-consciousness breaks flow in performance and craft.
Chad agrees that embodying a character eliminates self-view and allows being present on stage.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Exploring Comedy, Shamelessness, and Individuality

05:42 • 3min

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The Joy in Simplicity

08:41 • 5min

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Authenticity and Performance in Pop Culture

13:21 • 9min

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The Art of Illusion in Comedy and the Reality of Public Discourse

22:20 • 6min

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Navigating Public Engagements

28:20 • 4min

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Comedy and Stoicism: Finding Humor in Absurdity

32:50 • 17min

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The Power of Naivete in Pursuing Dreams

50:02 • 4min

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Humility vs. Ego in Success

53:51 • 11min

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The Path to Stoicism and Personal Mastery

01:04:22 • 16min

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Philosophical Discoveries and Personal Reflections

01:20:34 • 2min

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In 'Stillness is the Key', Ryan Holiday explores the concept of inner stillness as a universal principle across different philosophical and religious traditions, including Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, and more. The book is divided into three sections: stillness of the mind, stillness of the spirit, and stillness of the body. Holiday argues that cultivating stillness allows for better decision-making, increased focus, and a more fulfilling life. He uses anecdotes from historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate the importance of moderation, patience, and self-awareness in achieving this state of stillness.

What can a comedian teach you about ego, shame, and philosophy? In today’s episode, Ryan sits down with Chad from Going Deep with Chad and JT to talk about the hilarious way they met, why playing a character without shame is liberating, what stand-up teaches us about ego, self-consciousness as a performer, and much more.

Listen to Ryan’s episodes on the podcast Going Deep With Chad and JT:

Listen to Ep.99
Listen to Ep.206

See Chad and JT live in a city near you! Find tour dates on their website: https://www.chadandjt.com/

Follow Chad on Instagram @ ChadGoesDeep, on TikTok @ChadAndJT, and on YouTube @ChadAndJTGoDeep

Subscribe to Going Deep with Chad and JT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp6COGFcWCnEx9JbPIoYJLw

Subscribe to Academy of Chad on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@academyofchad

Watch Chad and JT Go Deep on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81087423

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