How Gary Gulman Turned Depression Into Comedy Gold | Better in Person
Summary
Stephen Dubner interviews comedian Gary Gulman, who discusses his journey from accounting to stand-up and his battle with severe depression. Gulman shares how he channeled his mental health struggles into his HBO special, *The Great Depresh*, and his memoir, *Misfit*. The conversation covers his recovery through discipline, the role of basketball in his well-being, and his creative process for connecting disparate ideas in comedy.
Topics discussed
Intro and show description
Gary Gullman's background and accounting
Meeting Sade and effective altruism
Marriage and psilocybin treatment
Depression, relapse, and daily discipline
The Great Depress special and HBO
Comedy influences and writing philosophy
Grand Iliquid and overcoming anxiety
Memorizing the show and specific jokes
Family dynamics and childhood memories
Impact of the special on audiences
Production details and career reflection
Basketball memories and coaching
Notebook, new jokes, and closing thoughts
Outro and sponsor message
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