Depresh Mode with John Moe Richard Sarvate’s Mom Had Problematic Schizophrenia but Made Some Mean Chapatis
Dec 9, 2024
Stand-up comedian Richard Sarvate opens up about his unconventional upbringing with a mother battling schizophrenia, revealing the bizarre situations of his childhood. He discusses how her illness shaped his social anxieties and career pursuits, leading him to seek approval through comedy. Richard shares humorous insights about his mother's culinary talents amidst chaos, bonding with misfit friends, and how near-death experiences pushed him to embrace his comedic identity. Ultimately, he reflects on transforming trauma into purpose and gratitude for his unique journey.
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Childhood Without Unconditional Safety
- Growing up with a parent who has paranoia can remove a child's sense of unconditional safety and belonging.
- Richard Sarvate links that absence to lifelong insecurity about friendships and constant need to prove his value.
Worth Tied To Performance
- Lacking a baseline of being loved pushed Richard to equate self-worth with visible achievement and approval.
- He became hyper-productive and performance-driven to compensate for missing emotional validation.
Food As A Rare Warmth
- Despite her illness, Richard's mother cooked exceptional Indian food, especially chapatis and shrimp curry.
- Those meals became one of his few warm, memorable connections to her amid otherwise fraught interactions.