JRE #1971 – Howie Mandel

This podcast offers a captivating conversation between Joe Rogan and Howie Mandel, delving into diverse aspects of comedy, mental health, and the changing landscape of entertainment. The episode explores themes of navigating mental health challenges, finding humor in adversity, and the power of authenticity in comedy. It also delves into the evolution of stand-up and the rise of podcasts as a platform for comedic expression.

Here’s a breakdown of some key topics:

Howie Mandel’s Journey in Comedy

• Early Days and the Influence of the Comedy Store: Mandel recounts his early days in comedy, beginning on a lark at the Comedy Store. He describes the pivotal role of the Comedy Store in shaping the LA comedy scene, emphasizing its status as a hub for aspiring comics during a time when making it big meant getting on the Tonight Show.
• Finding His Voice: Mandel shares how he developed his comedic style, not through traditional joke writing, but through embracing his authentic self and his anxieties. He credits Richard Pryor as a major inspiration for this approach, highlighting Pryor’s ability to find humor in the darkest aspects of his life.
• The Shift in Comedy: Mandel argues that the rise of podcasts and online platforms has changed the comedy landscape, eliminating the need for traditional routes to success like Hollywood sitcoms. He sees Joe Rogan as a catalyst for this shift, creating a new space for comics to connect with audiences directly.
• The Value of Authenticity: Mandel emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself in comedy. He believes that audiences connect with genuine, relatable experiences, even if they involve vulnerabilities and mental health challenges.

Mental Health and OCD

• Living with OCD: Mandel openly discusses his struggles with OCD, sharing how his anxieties manifested in his early comedic routines. He explains that his OCD, often misconstrued as mere neatness or being fastidious, is a deeply personal and challenging condition.
• The Dichotomy of Humor and Mental Health: Mandel reflects on the contrast between his outwardly upbeat personality and his internal struggles with depression and anxiety. He acknowledges that his humor often serves as a coping mechanism, offering a lighthearted perspective on difficult experiences.
• Finding Support: Mandel emphasizes the importance of seeking help and surrounding himself with supportive people. He shares how medication has been a lifeline for managing his mental health, and he actively advocates for seeking professional support.
• Finding Humor in Adversity: Mandel’s journey highlights how he has turned his anxieties and mental health challenges into comedic material. He demonstrates how finding humor in personal struggles can be a powerful form of self-expression and a way to connect with others.

The Future of Entertainment and Artificial Intelligence

• The Rise of Podcasts: Mandel sees podcasts as a game-changer for the entertainment industry, providing a platform for diverse voices and unfiltered comedic expression. He points to the success of comedians like Tom Segura, Christina Busitsky, and Tim Dillon, who have gained significant traction through podcasts.
• The Potential of AI: Mandel expresses both excitement and concern about the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. He acknowledges the potential for AI to revolutionize communication, access to information, and even artistic expression.
• AI and Mental Health: Mandel raises the question of how AI might affect mental health, particularly in a world where people may increasingly rely on AI for entertainment and information. He suggests that AI might lead to a decline in human connection and increase anxieties related to social comparison.
• The Future of Human Connection: Mandel explores the potential for AI to enhance human connection through technologies like holograms and virtual reality. He speculates that future generations may see physical interaction as less important, leading to a shift in how we value human connection.

UFO Sightings and Conspiracy Theories

• Personal UFO Sighting: Mandel shares his own UFO sighting, offering a firsthand account of an unexplained phenomenon he witnessed with his wife. This personal story highlights the intriguing nature of UFO sightings and the ongoing debate surrounding their existence.
• The Mystery of UFOs: Mandel acknowledges the growing interest in UFO sightings, particularly within the scientific community. He discusses the increasing number of credible reports from pilots and other experts, suggesting that the phenomenon may be more widespread than previously believed.
• The Value of Open-Mindedness: Mandel encourages an open-minded approach to UFO sightings and other unexplained phenomena. He believes that dismissing these stories without considering the possibility of something beyond our current understanding can be detrimental to the pursuit of knowledge.
• The Importance of Evidence: Mandel acknowledges the importance of evidence in evaluating UFO sightings and other conspiracy theories. He emphasizes that while it’s important to be open to possibilities, it’s crucial to approach these claims with a critical eye and demand strong evidence.

Memorable Quotes:

• “You don’t have to go to California anymore. You don’t have to be in New York. You don’t have to be anywhere, but you got to be in Austin.” – Mandel reflects on the changing landscape of comedy, highlighting Austin as a new hub for comedic talent.
• “If you look at old YouTube videos of me, my act is me panicking and it’s me going, okay, all right, okay, all right, okay, all right.” – Mandel describes his early comedic style, embracing his anxieties and finding humor in his panic.
• “The worst thing for me is quiet time. You know, I don’t like night time. I don’t like when I get into my own head.” – Mandel reveals the importance of social interaction and distraction in managing his mental health.
• “The truth of the matter is, when I found stand-up, stand-up was the most freeing thing in the world.” – Mandel highlights the liberating nature of stand-up comedy, offering a space for unfiltered expression.
• “I think we are a digital caterpillar. We are creating a cocoon and we’re gonna give birth to the next form of existence, the next form of life.” – Mandel expresses a hopeful perspective on the future of AI, suggesting that it could lead to a new stage of human evolution.