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Tom Segura highlights that the goal for every comedian is to be who they are off stage on stage. He explains that while anyone can be funny with friends, it takes a unique skill set to translate that humor to an audience of strangers. This involves conveying one's true self and making the audience laugh in the moment.
Andrew Huberman discusses the case study of patient HM, who had a lesion to his hippocampus and suffered from severe memory loss. He explains how HM could laugh at a joke, but would not remember the joke minutes later. But with repeated exposure to the same joke, HM would laugh less and less, hinting at some form of unconscious memory.
Tom Segura shares humorous anecdotes about his two sons, highlighting their unique personalities and precocious behaviors. He recounts stories of his younger son's assertive communication style and his older son's dedication to fitness, including his six-pack aspirations and weightlifting at the park. These anecdotes provide a glimpse into Segura's family life and comedic perspective on parenting.
Tom Segura explains the necessity of mastering crowd work as a comedian, especially in smaller clubs where dealing with hecklers and unpredictable audience behavior is common. He emphasizes that while he prefers to focus on his prepared material, being able to improvise and respond to the unexpected is crucial for survival on stage. Ignoring disruptive events can disconnect the comedian from the audience, making it essential to acknowledge and address the situation.
Tom Segura discusses the link between mental health issues and substance abuse in the comedy world. He explains how comedians often come from traumatic backgrounds and struggle with anxiety and depression, leading them to use substances to cope. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging when substances become a hindrance rather than a help.
Tom Segura explains that comedians must genuinely love making people laugh and have an obsession with it. He also suggests that comedians need to like people on some level, as they are trying to entertain them. While comedians may complain and be bothered by many things, they still need to enjoy people and have a love-hate relationship with humanity.
Tom Segura and Andrew Huberman discuss how cultural standards and societal shifts influence what is considered funny over time. Segura points out that jokes that were once hilarious can become stale or even offensive as society evolves. Huberman adds that comedy, unlike music or literature, doesn't always carry forward well, as jokes often become derivative and lose their original impact.
Tom Segura and Andrew Huberman explore the unique subjectivity of comedy compared to other art forms. Segura argues that comedy is involuntaryâyou either laugh or you don't, and intellectualizing it rarely changes that initial reaction. Huberman connects this to the brain's rapid "yum, yuck, or meh" categorization, highlighting that comedy elicits a quick, visceral response. This contrasts with art or music, where knowledge and context can deepen appreciation over time.
Tom Segura describes his unique approach to developing stand-up material, which relies on real-time creation on stage rather than extensive pre-written scripts. He contrasts this with other comedians who prefer structured, punchline-driven jokes. Segura emphasizes the importance of testing ideas in front of a live audience to refine and perfect them.
Andrew Huberman and Tom Segura discuss the science behind comedy, specifically the element of surprise and the act of saying the unspoken truth. They explain that the most basic necessity for comedy is the element of surprise, which elicits a strong reaction. They also discuss how comedians sometimes say what others are thinking but can't say in polite society, creating a release for the audience.
Tom Segura and Andrew Huberman discuss the phenomenon of emotional contagion, particularly in the context of live performances. Segura notes how the audience can feel unified, either positively or negatively, influencing the overall experience. Huberman explains that emotional contagion is largely transmitted through sound and that some people are more emotionally permeable than others. He also mentions studies in animals showing a molecular basis for fear contagion, suggesting a potential "sixth sense" in humans where energy in a room can cascade from person to person.
Tom Segura discusses the phenomenon of "dark comics" and explains that many comedians use their art as a healthy way to express dark thoughts and channel them into something creative rather than acting on them. He argues that the "clean comics" who don't acknowledge darkness often express it in other, potentially harmful ways.
Tom Segura describes the importance of vulnerability and openness in comedy. He explains that while starting out, comedians often operate in fear, but as they become more comfortable, they realize that vulnerability allows the audience to connect with them on a deeper level. This connection leads to greater laughter and a stronger bond between the comedian and the audience.
Tom Segura shares his personal experience of being the new kid in school multiple times and how he developed a muscle for making people laugh to gain acceptance. He also discusses how his insecurities fueled his desire to become successful in comedy, thinking that it would eliminate his self-doubts. He acknowledges that while success doesn't solve those insecurities, it's the friction that creates the spark for his art.
Huberman explains that placing your phone outside of your bedroom can improve sleep quality. Even while sleeping, the brain anticipates picking up the phone, disrupting sleep patterns. This is supported by studies showing that students perform worse on tests when their phones are in the same room, indicating the brain continuously tracks potential actions.
Tom Segura discusses his approach to comedy writing, which involves using cannabis to unlock new perspectives and ideas. He explains that a controlled dosage of THC can allow the mind to run freely, pushing past self-awareness and accessing thoughts that are normally suppressed. This process helps him identify kernels of ideas to take on stage.
Tom Segura discusses how comedians should approach controversial topics, particularly in the context of "cancel culture". He advises comedians to be prepared for reactions to their jokes, whether positive or negative, and to either ignore the backlash or double down on their material. He emphasizes that comedians have the freedom to joke about whatever they want, but they cannot control how people will react.
Tom Segura and Andrew Huberman discuss the phenomenon of jokes losing their impact over time, even when delivered the same way. Segura explains that a joke's initial success depends on a unique confluence of factorsâthe comedian's state, the audience's receptiveness, and the specific momentâthat are difficult to replicate. Huberman connects this to the broader concept of state changes and emotional contagion, highlighting how the energy in a room and the emotional state of the performer can significantly influence the audience's response.
Huberman discusses how exercising before a busy day can improve mood and readiness through the release of adrenaline and its effect on the vagus nerve, leading to dopamine and norepinephrine release. He explains that it fundamentally changes how one shows up to the day, making it a real 'hidden secret' of exercise.
Tom Segura shares insights on the importance of evolving as a comedian by dropping old material and embracing the willingness to "bomb" in order to create something new. He emphasizes the danger of clinging to a successful 20-minute set and how it can hinder growth and creativity. He highlights how elite comics are willing to bomb at workout shows to come up with something really good, and how cutting ties with your previous self is essential for continuous evolution.
Tom Segura shares his strategy for getting into the optimal mindset for stand-up comedy. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a "silly mindset" backstageâgoofing off and embracing a childlike sense of humor. He also finds that a relaxed, intimate green room setting with only a few people helps him maintain a loose and fun energy. This approach allows him to access his best comedic self on stage.