Duncan Trussell, a versatile actor and comedian known for his podcast and animated series, explores the fusion of comedy and spirituality. He discusses how meditation aids his mental health amid Hollywood's chaos and shares insights on depression, psychedelics, and the nuances of belief. Trussell reflects on the Buddhist conception of hell as psychological states and the complexities of loving oneself while thriving in a spiritual journey. His humor shines as he navigates the relationship between ambition and personal growth, enriching the conversation with profound yet relatable experiences.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Disliking Labels
Duncan Trussell dislikes being labeled a "Buddhist comedian".
He finds it reductive and prefers to be seen simply as a comedian.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Path to Buddhism
Duncan's interest in Buddhism deepened after conversations with Raghu Marcus and David Nickturn.
He was challenged about his practice during interviews at Ram Dass retreats.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Exposure to Spirituality
Duncan's mother introduced him to spiritual texts during his teenage years.
He resisted them initially but later found solace in them during difficult times.
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The Seven Storey Mountain is Thomas Merton's autobiography, written while he was a monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani. The book chronicles Merton's early life, his conversion to Roman Catholicism at age 23, and his decision to join the Trappist order at the age of 26. It is a unique spiritual autobiography that mirrors Dante's journey from hell through purgatory to paradise, reflecting Merton's transition from a worldly life to monastic life. The book has been highly influential and has touched millions of lives, translated into more than twenty languages and recognized as one of the most influential religious works of our time.
Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism
Chögyam Trungpa
This book by Chögyam Trungpa addresses the common pitfall of spiritual materialism, where the ego converts spiritual practices into self-improvement, reinforcing the ego instead of achieving true liberation. Trungpa's teachings emphasize the need to recognize and avoid this trap, encouraging a path of mindfulness and the cultivation of inner strength and confidence. The book has resonated with students for nearly thirty years and remains a fresh and relevant guide for spiritual practitioners today.
Tattoos on the Heart
The Power of Boundless Compassion
Gregory Boyle
In 'Tattoos on the Heart', Father Gregory Boyle shares his experiences and insights from thirty years of working with gang members in Los Angeles. The book is a collection of parables that highlight the importance of kinship, redemption, and boundless compassion. Boyle founded Homeboy Industries, a gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and reentry program, and his stories reflect his commitment to helping young people escape gang life and find a path to self-respect and dignity. The book emphasizes the power of unconditional love, faith, and the importance of treating all individuals with respect and kindness, regardless of their background[1][3][5].
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Duncan Trussell is an American actor and stand-up comic. And he doesn’t like being called a Buddhist comedian. It makes sense… that label unfairly pigeonholes him in two ways. First, because he’s a legit, successful, hilarious comedian, no matter what his spiritual leanings. Duncan has written and appeared in sketches for two seasons of Fuel TV's Stupidface, Showtime's La La Land, Comedy Central's Nick Swardson's Pretend Time, and both seasons of HBO's Funny or Die Presents. His television credits include MADtv and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
And when it comes to the spiritual stuff, he’s not just a Buddhist. This guy is spiritually omnivorous. And he knows his shit. He has practiced extensively. And on his podcast, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour, he interviews meditation teachers like Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg. In fact, Netflix turned his pod into a cult favorite animated TV show, called The Midnight Gospel.
In this episode we talk about:
Depression, anxiety, death, and Duncan’s interpretation of God
How meditation helps him handle the insanity of Hollywood
The Buddhist hell realms as psychological states
Spirituality and psychedelics
If having a contemplative practice can hurt our job, form of expression, or ambition
Karmic and samsaric patterns – and enjoying your ego while you have one
10% Happier with Dan Harris 
