Broadcaster Jesse Thorn and his father Lee discuss the impact Lee’s PTSD has had on them both. Lee served in Vietnam. Jesse is the host/producer of The Sound of Young America, Jordan Jessie Go!, Judge John Hodgman, and many other popular podcasts and shows on public radio and cable t.v.
Paul and Danielle talk about the desire to minimize painful memories, feeling like we’re not enough, writing for Joan Rivers, suicide and the lasting feeling of humiliation. And believe it or not, there’s laughter!
Comedian Jimmy Dore talks to Paul about growing up Catholic in a violent and segregated Chicago neighborhood with 11 siblings. Who knew that attending mass could lead to depression, panic attacks, fistfights, robbery and an empty feeling following success?
Comedian Wendy Liebman opens up to Paul about anorexia, pedophile teachers, exploitive therapists, the need to entertain and perfectionism. Oh, and some good old-fashioned fear! Wendy has appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, HBO, The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, and Comedy Central Presents.
Jen Kirkman (Chelsea Lately, Drunk History) and Paul have an epic “Fear Off” that leaves both of their souls emptied. Jen shares about her panic attacks and what it was like to be in New York on 9/11. Paul shares about the horror of being in an earthquake. They talk about the odd beauty that humans are capable of in horrible circumstances.
Greg talks about his roller coaster ride to fame and then losing it all. He and Paul have the first “Fear Off” where they swap fears until one of them comes up blank. Of course they talk about their penises. And girls. And comedy. And surgery. Bet you didn’t know as a child Greg had an eye patch and ate off a stool with his hands taped to his sides.
Stand-up Comedian, Skateboarder and co-host of Fuel T.V.’s The Daily Habit, Chris Fairbanks talks with Paul about his mother’s battle with alcoholism, Alzheimer’s and Dementia and its effect on him growing up and today. They talk about the link between pain and creativity, peer acceptance, dark voices in their heads and they both share chilling stories about dead people.
They talk about Annabelle’s chaotic upbringing and their seven years together as co-hosts on TBS’ Dinner and a Movie. They talk about how much they hated each other and how their depression and anxiety fueled it. Annabelle talks about the loneliness she felt when all she cared about what show business. She dishes on what a dick Paul can be to work with, and the pain she went through being fired by TBS and Woody Allen.