Anxiety, fatherhood and the comedian's mind: taking control of your head
Several comics speak candidly about anxiety, ego and mental health, and about practical fixes from breathing and sleep to the perspective parenthood brings. It shows that the people making us laugh often manage their minds with deliberate habits.
What is Joe Rogan's core method for anxiety? Show answer
Recognize a spiral of worst-case thoughts early, separate yourself from it, and refuse to follow it.
Where does Rogan say he learned to control his mind? Show answer
From fighting, hunting and performing live in front of thousands of people.
What caveat does Rogan attach to his method? Show answer
Some anxiety is chemical, so his approach will not work for everybody.
Which questions about the future are worth keeping, according to the group? Show answer
Curious ones about what you could try. The dangerous ones are attached to everything falling apart or everyone hating you.
What is Rogan's favorite physical way to manage his mind? Show answer
Getting physically exhausted.
How does Duncan Trussell describe our conscious selves? Show answer
As the talking tip of an iceberg, a surface over enormous processes we do not direct.
What line does Trussell draw about compassion? Show answer
Suffering people deserve care, but compassion is not enabling. The aim is to help them feel better, not stay stuck.
What did Rogan change about his sleep? Show answer
He uses a fitted mouthpiece and mouth tape for sleep apnea and had his deviated septum repaired, and says he feels around 30% more rested.
What danger do Rogan and Bert Kreischer note about quitting? Show answer
Stopping benzodiazepines or heavy drinking abruptly is dangerous, which calls for medical supervision.
How does Rogan handle jealousy toward other comics? Show answer
He says he has never competed with another comic and prefers being inspired, since jealousy only hurts the person feeling it.
How did fatherhood change Rogan's view of other people? Show answer
He now sees a difficult adult as a baby who was exposed to bad ideas and bad people.
When are these habits not enough? Show answer
With chemical anxiety or serious mental illness, where a doctor or mental health professional is needed.