Today we welcome Neal Brennan. He is a director, writer, actor, and comedian most known for co-creating and co-writing the Comedy Central series Chappelle's Show with Dave Chappelle and cult movie classic Half Baked.  

Neal received three Emmy nominations for Chappelle’s Show; one for directing, and the other two for writing and producing. He has also performed stand-up on Last Call with Carson Daly, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Lopez Tonight, and Conan. Recently, his comedy special called Blocks was released on Netflix. 

In this episode, I talk to Neal Brennan about his comedy and upbringing. As early as 8 years old, Neal has been interested in comedy for its “fairness”. He reveals who his early influences were and what it was like working with Dave Chappelle. In this episode I gave Neal some impromptu psychological tests to help us both understand more about his unique mind. We also touch on the topics of relationships, mindfulness, cognitive distortions, and neurodiversity.

Website: www.nealbrennan.com

Twitter: @nealbrennan

Topics

02:31 Neal’s family background

09:44 When Neal discovered comedy 

15:48 Meeting Dave Chappelle

18:00 The aftermath of Half Baked

21:26 The highs and lows of  Chappelle’s Show

26:06 “We contain multitudes”

28:20 Neal’s relationships and reality dysmorphia

36:04 Vulnerable narcissism test

44:46 How vulnerable narcissism develops

48:16 Cognitive distortions

55:46 Mindfulness, drugs, and therapy