Blocks w/ Neal Brennan

Marlon Wayans, actor and comedian known for his roles in 'Scary Movie' and his stand-up specials, shares his candid journey through anxiety, grief, and depression. He opens up about the emotional challenges of accepting his trans child and the importance of support systems. Marlon reflects on legends like Tupac and Biggie, discussing friendships and conflict resolution. He emphasizes humor's role in navigating personal struggles and advocates for a minimalist approach to life and relationships, offering a unique blend of vulnerability and wit.

In this engaging chat, stand-up comedian and actor Stavros Halkias shares personal insights drawn from his Netflix special "Fat Rascal". He opens up about feeling lonely and isolated in the entertainment industry. The discussion touches on the emotional toll of competitiveness and family guilt, particularly from being a firstborn son of immigrant parents. Stavros also humorously reflects on his fitness journey and the challenges of maintaining relationships while navigating success in comedy. It's a heartfelt look at personal growth amid life's pressures.

Neal Brennan, a comedian and writer, shares his personal insights on loneliness and mental health. He tackles heavy topics like dealing with the death of an alcoholic family member and the complexities of family dynamics. Neal discusses effective depression treatments and the emotional challenges surrounding autism and sexuality, including guilt and societal pressures. He emphasizes the significance of authenticity in art, setting boundaries, and finding self-fulfillment amidst societal expectations, all while navigating personal struggles.

Felipe Esparza, a celebrated comedian known for his Netflix special 'Bad Decisions' and a finalist on 'Last Comic Standing,' opens up about the feelings of loneliness and isolation he grapples with. He shares humorous yet introspective stories of growing up in Boyle Heights amid gang culture and the lasting effects it had on his life. Felipe dives into his battles with addiction, the chaos of his teenage years, and his ongoing journey of recovery, all while blending humor with deep reflections on identity and the demands of fame.

Dan Harmon, a prominent writer and producer known for creating 'Community' and 'Rick and Morty', shares his journey through loneliness and emotional struggles. He delves into the complexities of relationships, the importance of genuine apologies, and the balance between personal insecurities and creative expression. Harmon reflects on the impact of shame and self-perception in relationships while navigating artistic integrity and audience expectations. The conversation highlights his evolving perspective on connection, self-worth, and the pursuit of fulfillment.

In this engaging conversation, Ed Helms, known for his roles in The Hangover and The Office, discusses the loneliness and isolation that come with fame. He shares his journey with ADHD and how it has influenced his comedy career. Ed opens up about imposter syndrome and the challenges of time perception, while humorously reflecting on social anxiety in the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, not just in therapy, but in comedy as well, showcasing his growth and acceptance of his unique identity.

Neal Brennan interviews Greg Fitzsimmons (New special 'You Know Me' on Youtube, Fitzdog Radio & more) about the things that make him feel lonely, isolated, and like something's wrong - and how he is persevering despite these blocks.----------------------------------------------------------00:00 Intro00:20 Feeling like a man after his dad died08:19 Irish24:17 Sponsor: BetterHelp25:51 Being skinny got him into fights41:36 Depression & ADHD49:47 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy53:43 Afraid of Being a Bad Father1:07:46 Doesn’t Want to Seem Needy----------------------------------------------------------Watch Greg Fitzsimmons new special 'You Know Me,' live from the Mothership in Austin, TX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvUqkWh_x4USubscribe to  @GregFitzsimmonsComedy  Watch Neal's episode of Fitzdog Radio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhW0bBG7ZBEFollow Neal Brennan: https://www.instagram.com/nealbrennanhttps://twitter.com/nealbrennanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mrnealbrennanWatch Neal Brennan: Crazy Good on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81728557Watch Neal Brennan: Blocks on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81036234Theme music by Electric Guest (unreleased).Edited by Will Hagle (wthagle@gmail.com) Sponsor Blocks: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/blocksSponsors:https://www.betterhelp.com/NEAL for 10% off your first month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johnny Knoxville, famed for his outrageous antics on 'Jackass,' dives into the emotional challenges behind the laughter. He reflects on feelings of loneliness and anxiety while navigating fame, revealing the pressures of being a creator in the public eye. Knoxville shares insights on his evolution in balancing thrilling stunts with personal safety and family life. He delves into the impact of childhood trauma and how relationships are shaped by past experiences. This candid conversation offers a humorous yet profound look at the man behind the mayhem.

JB Smoove, an accomplished actor and writer known for his roles in 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and 'SNL,' opens up about his comedic journey and personal challenges. He humorously discusses writing for iconic shows and reflects on his growth through adversity. The conversation dives into the importance of patience, personal transformation, and balancing ambition with relationships. JB also shares lighthearted insights into everyday life, including the quirks of human interactions, and advocates for the benefits of bidets in a comedic twist.

In this conversation, Josh Peck, known for his roles in 'Drake & Josh' and 'Oppenheimer,' opens up about the loneliness and isolation he experienced growing up in the spotlight. He reflects on the challenges child actors face and discusses his struggles with weight and sobriety. The talk transitions to mental health, where he emphasizes the importance of therapy and personal growth. Peck also shares heartfelt insights on parenting and navigating relationships in the ever-demanding world of showbiz.