How Comedy Got Depressed

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Why does it seem like more and more comedians are depressed?
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1-800-273-8255
suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Mental health doesn't immediately come to mind as the funniest thing in the world. So why are the funniest comedians today the ones who are open about their depression, anxiety, and every other mental health issue in between? Let's find out in this Wisecrack Edition on How Comedy Got Depressed.
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=== Watch More Episodes! ===
Is Comedy Dead? ► wscrk.com/2TqwO7K
Comedy News: Is it Deep or Dumb? ► wscrk.com/2ZFcKCT
How Adam Sandler Got Good ► wscrk.com/3jxXsHt
Written by: Myles McDonough
Hosted by: Greg Edwards
Directed by: Michael Luxemburg
Video Title Card Design: Amanda Murphy
Motion Graphics by: Dean Bottino
Editing: Henry Camacho
Produced by: Evan Yee
#comedy #comedians
© 2020 Wisecrack / Omnia Media, Inc.

[@dramallamarama5300]

Americans: Comedy’s gotten so sad! Britons: first time?

[@samanjj]

Yeah I was thinking of my favourite comedians from Ireland and UK - Dylan Moran comes to mind

[@haiqal5333]

Brits,Scots and Irish know how to make depressing matters into jokes, and they don't hold back too. Ricky Gervais made a whole series about a man wanting to die.....

[@niamhha9014]

@Lord H Btw, Britain is the name of the island that has Scotland, England and Wales on it. It’s a common mistake to think it’s just England, but I felt like pointing it out hehe.

[@haiqal5333]

@@niamhha9014 thanks for pointing it out, I always thought Britains were only English people. Don't apologize for correcting your cultural identity/history.

[@lealta1481]

I love British Comedy. I'm from Michigan, USA and I'm slowly wishing I could be British

[@SocialRebellion]

Guy hates laughter: gets a comically large and uneven mustache.

[@CalAri21]

Gold

[@JDshabbos]

Hey Spence, when all this covid business is over I'd be down to get some drinks, and try our hands at doing some open mics, you've got the zingers, and I've got the depression, and willingness to share it. I don't know about you, but I think that sounds like a slice of...what was it again? @String Bean help me out...fried...

[@JDshabbos]

Exactly! Nailed it! 😉

[@carsonrafuse2391]

I think we have now pinpointed why...

[@SocialRebellion]

@@JDshabbos I'm open to it but why me?

[@nnoahishere8913]

thug notes helped me pass 9th grade english

[@janglinsoul]

same but with philosophy and literature

[@nietzschesno-things523]

lol he helped me pass college

[@helgahaa]

He helped me pass LIFE

[@Head_Turnah]

FACTS

[@Geriatric.]

Fucking same

[@philipgardner5171]

“Is joking about depression a good thing?” YES! Because if it’s mentionable it’s manageable and for too long people have just been going about their awful lives feeling alone and suddenly “oh they feel that too? Wow I’m not broken” is such a refreshing feeling

[@Liam-rn1qb]

It really is a healing experience to hear someone else on stage earnestly express a familiar kind off pain and then make a joke about it. I think one of the unintended negative side effects of this trend is when people (particularly younger people) who aren't actually depressed or who don't experience higher-than-average anxiety start joking about it as if they do experience those things. That trivializes the actual issue.

[@philipgardner5171]

@@Liam-rn1qb for me, it’s blown my mind to hear people talk about the same experiences as I’ve had. It’s common it happens to them too How we deal with it is up to them and it’s up to me. But I’m not weird for experiencing this

[@Liam-rn1qb]

@@philipgardner5171 absolutely agree, I feel the same way. I was just pointing out that like anything there's ups and downs

[@Kino_Cartoon]

What I wanna point out is that it is important to have someone say, you are not alone in this, you aren't broken, you aren't a special worse case because being broken in many forms is something that's part of living. But after that you'll have to talk about what to do or how to handle it. Maybe facing your greatest fears e.g. telling people about your depression and negative reaction like people who don't believe you, give you bad advice or even claim you are looking for attention while you just wanna involve them because those people matter to you and you wanna share what's going on. This can be part of comedy as well. It can lift some of this fears and also put yourself in that situation. What is important that the comedy doesn't make you comfortable in your damaged state but 1. shows you you are not alone, 2. acts on your fears, 3. goes through healthy action's and the awkwardness at the start and 4. shows you that it is an ongoing process but if handle right, it can become better not worse.

[@philipgardner5171]

@@Kino_Cartoon yes, and I don’t want to impose by asking if you’re talking about it Open letter to anybody, message me and let’s talk. Let’s malfunction together and figure out how to make our way through this

[@daedalus9042]

I was under the impression the sadness/comedy correlation existed practically from the start.

[@UltimateDrDoom]

It has. But it's not been in such display. Like it could just be the comedians I watch are just doing it, but in the last ten years it's become the underlying if not primary form used to convey comedy.

[@sleepninja2350]

Tragedy and comedy living together in harmony

[@Loftyhomegaming]

It has been around for quite some time, I think recently it has become more mainstream as British comedians have shows over in the US now and generally these aren’t the best of times so sad or self deprecating jokes are bound to happens/ become more mainstream

[@13Kr4zYAzN13]

I don't remember exactly where the quote is from. But I heard somewhere: "All comedy comes from pain"

[@MeatCatCheesyBlaster]

Yeah Marc Marin has been around for 50 some years. Sarah Silverman, Louis CK etc etc nothing new about being depressed

[@QuestionQuestionMark]

Everyone can relate to being sad. So when we laugh it's due to understanding, but also cause it's funny as hell.

[@sammorrison8042]

saved me 20 minutes. thaks :p

[@cynthmcgpoet]

Depression isn't just being sad. The best description of it is that it's being allergic to life.

[@selkissun6270]

Good reply for ppl who say. This or or another sad topic ain't funny...

[@astoldbynickgerr]

@@cynthmcgpoet 💙

[@josethebioform7519]

@@cynthmcgpoet so fucking true lol. Very concise way of putting it.

[@ryanlange6766]

wisecrack analyses anything else: sponsored by BetterHealth wisecrack analyses use of dark humor to cope with mental health issues: WALLETS

[@zenclaw13]

Yeah that sponser was a breakneck turn

[@PlebCentre]

"I found the Ridge wallets boss"

[@HiteshJetwaniTechtesh]

Why cure your patients when you can sell them medication for the rest of the life

[@bluecanine3374]

American healthcare system

[@Nikk-Astyr]

Nothing speaks "mental health issues" more than capitalism

[@Altar360]

While humor can be a crutch and an avoidance of facing the problem, humor can also be a way to help while you get the treatment and help you need. Like that spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down in the most delightful way.

[@matttorres5510]

Nail on head

[@sellars825]

You gotta express then reflect

[@chrisnikolov2152]

Am i the only one that feels like they should have named every single comic in the description? I need to watch them all!

[@hannahbun]

there's still time, if this channel is cool and not a bunch of losers they'll add a list

[@jeremy__3909]

Aparna Nancherla, John Mulaney, and Bo Burnham

[@bashasma4770]

Yeah. I too need it.

[@Frezo20]

Agreed

[@autodidacticartisan]

I feel like all those comic names are well known I didn't see one that I didn't know. Well except for the black and white comics

[@badmadmat20]

Thats why i love Bo Burnhams content. It makes you laugh but also makes you think about comedy itself in a philosophical manner. Often times he speaks about the role of comedy in depression and challenges you to admit that laughter is not the key to solve everything BUT by with jokes. With laughter he creates a gateway through which he challenges you to think about really sad stuff all of us have to face some time in our life but are to afraid of to deal with. This kind of comedy is enriching

[@sophroniel]

MORE GREG! MORE GREG! GREG'S VOICE GETS ME UP IN THE MORNING!!

[@kittystetson6737]

I second this. 🧡

[@dlobelow760]

Stfg, they be doing my man Greg wrong 🤣🤣🤣

[@aaronanderson7368]

This is so true, kinda new to the channel and this is the first time I heared him, I was just like where have you been all my life?

[@rolingk267]

@@aaronanderson7368 You should watch Thug Notes. Honestly, we need more of those.

[@jamesrichie7844]

Agree!

[@hybridvigor4594]

I haven’t been keeping that current on Wisecrack videos so idk if he’s been hosting more recently but I’m definitely more inclined to watch with Greg hosting/presenting. Nothing compares to the nostalgia of thug notes & his winning personality ❤️ much love

[@tuktukatuk]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqKlhXqAaKuLiKc

[@KDizzy6]

Couldn't agree more. I missed his charismatic ass.

[@josethebioform7519]

Jared left greg replaced him.. sad to see jared go but as far as replacements go they couldnt of done better. Honestly thid is one of my fav vids by him

[@KRRKL]

Who's the comedian who said "I think it's hard for black men especially to talk about depression cause we have so many cool words available to us to undermine how we really feel" in this video?

[@nopranablem]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKW1p62CetmWn7M around 4:25! his name is Jordan Temple

[@KRRKL]

@@nopranablem Danke

[@bpaboyce]

Thanks! Checking him out!

[@Dan-ud8hz]

"What's more Nietzschean than transforming trauma into purpose?"

[@IndigoBassNotes]

Deciding that there is really no sense in having purpose.

[@ladystoneheart8155]

“To live is to suffer, to survive is to find meaning in the suffering.” He wasn’t telling people to “not bother trying.” He was saying the opposite

[@lunkel8108]

@@IndigoBassNotes That's literally the exact opposite of Nietzsche

[@ladystoneheart8155]

Uh, you can find values in his ideas without trying to replicate his life. Feminists quote Simone Beauvoir, but most don’t go around diddling kids

[@thundervaart]

@@IndigoBassNotes Read Nietzsche instead of blabbering he was such a pessimistic nihilist. In truth he was a philanthrop and absolutely pro progression. There is no sense in blindly following like sheeple or being the shepherd that doesn't care about bettering his herd and instead just wants to reinforce his position by telling his sheeple that they are good if they don't fight for their dreams and individual purposes. He wanted humanity to overcome its' shackles by freeing people with potential from their identity as a sheeple and empower them to do as they see right. Someone who is "good" is following the established rules. Someone who is "noble" is skeptic about those rules and breaks them, if they don't follow the idea of progress. Thus he wanted people to embrace this noble "evil", to overcome rules that are put in place by people that are in power, but are not fit for this position. So, yeah, using your trauma (sth. People taboo usually, so it can be seen as "evil") as a stepping stone to find the way to the next evolutionary step, the Übermensch, would be Nietzschean as hell. The tree that stands atop the mountain had to endure the harshest winds, but due to it being lonely it had to plant its' roots deeply into the ground, to have the power to withstand. It's potential is immense, breathing the fresh mountainous air and having the view atop all. But to stand and remain there, the roots must be strong. The bigger and deeper the roots though, the more potential lies on this side, deep down the ground.. In the abyss. Humans can be powerful, indeed, but just like the trees' roots, humans have to burrow deep into the ground of their own soul, where "evil" awaits. But such "evil" is needed to find the strength to grow up high into the sky. There's no higher purpose for Nietzsche, yes, since, you know.. God is, like, ded, man. But since there's no higher purpose we all should see human progression as purpose. Thus "killing" us, the humans, off and strive for our ultimate redundancy, the Übermensch, the next evolution of human. To be honest, most of this was Zarathustra and I sprinkled a little in there. But to get back as to why I wrote this: I think it's fair to say that Nietzsche wasn't a doomsday preacher or whatever you could think of when you think about nihilism. I even think he has really fair and interesting thoughts. Though I see the problem of ripping the context of his works apart and then claiming he'd be pro ethnic cleansing and whatever horrible things that are justified by misinterpreting his work

[@danielcox4585]

its hard for me to believe that BoJack Horseman was never mentioned in this video

[@PhyreSpore]

I could see that being because the comedy in Bojack never felt like it was about the depression. Like I feel like most of the comedy was pretty detached from any of the serious mental health discussions. This video seemed like it was primarily about comedians using depression as a subject to create comedy from. As opposed to juxtaposing the two.

[@WillKrause21]

While BoJack is certainly about mental health, it's not exactly stand up comedy or about any specific person's mental health issues.

[@jbasti227]

This video focused more on depression in stand up comedy as opposed to comedy in general. But they have made plenty of Bojack videos I'd recommend if you haven't seen them yet. Really good content.

[@rachelfox8108]

To be fair, they do have Aparna Nancherla -- the voice of Hollyhock

[@AKidWithNoAttitude]

There's a messed up kind of irony in putting a clip of Carlin's routine on dirty words, and censoring all but one of them.

[@vladsbengheci3074]

Let's not forget the internet version of this: the depression memes

[@VegaNorth]

gun memes

[@Nathankinamorh]

Cue22 did a great video on Depression Memes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqKcfGaPns-oas0

[@Nathankinamorh]

@Mateus yep she is a history/culture scholar. I edited and put the link on the first comment. KZbinr. Cue22, Video. New medieval age

[@aasthabisht3431]

Mrs Maisel had this set where she responded to "women aren't funny" with "Comedy is born out of tragedy, pain and suffering. And who knows more about it than women?" I think about that a lot

[@jagpro91]

Tragedy, pain, and suffering aren't more prevalent in one gender over another, they're just different.

[@Elfaia]

Going by her logic there should be more funny female comedians that men but why are we seeing the opposite? The patriarchy?

[@aasthabisht3431]

Her response was for the hecklers, you know people who comment unnecessarily without context or understanding of basic things guys

[@juako91097]

Just by reading the title I said "yeah I agree"

[@tuktukatuk]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqKlhXqAaKuLiKc

[@pjdj3259]

Same

[@pookhakruse2697]

I suggest watching Rick Reynolds "only the truth is funny".

[@T0xXx1k]

Mood

[@FriezaSucks]

Fuck you

[@edouard1580]

Finally!!! Greg got good gear! I wish you many many successful and interesting videos at Wisecrack

[@tuktukatuk]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqKlhXqAaKuLiKc

[@thabangmamogobo4539]

Yeah at the begin wasn't sure but now I agree, he's cool

[@SAkURAYOWA]

The way I answer this is: You see that black hole. It’s dark and endless and it’s sucking you towards it. But it’s excruciatingly slow. You almost don’t feel it or notice it yet you know it’s there. Waiting. Rather than despair on what happens once you are consumed by it or what happens after, you just laugh about it. Make a good time out of it while you still can. Yeah we’re broken and fucked but you can get a good laugh out of it. Having mental health issues, in a way, makes you aware that something’s wrong. And you actively try to do something about it.

[@danica6366]

i can't begin to explain how happy i was when it opened with your voice, greg

[@onlytheabe]

I haven't slept for ten days, because that would be too long. RIP Mitch Hedberg

[@merciless972]

Most of bill burrs best jokes are about his anger and insecurities.

[@Omarciio100]

I was thinking about him all the time in this video.

[@haiqal5333]

Agreed, his rage against society is top tier comedy.

[@merciless972]

A good example about this, was his bit on muffins lol

[@astronaut4291]

I didn't even fast forward through the ad, I love listening to Greg so much. So so excited to hear more regular videos from him!!

[@heathershuler759]

I love you, Greg, Sparky Sweets PHD. Although I was sad to see Jared announce his leave, seeing you more often has made it better for me. Thank you for all you guys do over their at Wisecrack.

[@Mrbiggunsomally]

The fact that Maria Bamford isn't mentioned here makes me depressed.

[@pedrogarcia8706]

I think there was a clip of her in a montage

[@FriezaSucks]

Shut the fuck up

[@b3z3jm3nny]

@@pedrogarcia8706 3:39

[@demiiiii]

this sent me on a binge. had to come back and say thanks

[@MrZawdin]

YES

[@grege5074]

bring back thug notes, man. also, great name

[@AxxLAfriku]

I broke my feet today because I kicked my computer because someone commented that my videos are bad! I hate unjustified criticism. Please wish me a speedy recovery, dear greg

[@kriskenard]

Stop asking about thug notes

[@tuktukatuk]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqKlhXqAaKuLiKc

[@Jennifer-wc5fs]

Thug notes is a racist caricature of black men. STOP ASKING FOR THAT SHIT. It wasn’t even that funny. Why do you need him to dress up as a thug to take him seriously?

[@thundervaart]

@@Jennifer-wc5fs Your stupid ass is putting the racism in there, are you conscious about that? How about you think a thug as a role rather than a real life person? What does it have to do with him being black, rather than just the stark contrast of a seemingly street smarts kinda guy being highly educated in literature? Also it IS funny for some people, including me, listening to characters supposedly living hundreds of years ago go "ohhh shit, nigga damn right" or whatever and still learn sth. Greg should do as he sees fit, but please stop throwing around a once powerful word like racist into everyone's faces just because people have an opinion in a subject that considers a minority / not white people. It's not like OP ever said anything about him being black or whatever

[@kcazllerraf]

Nice! High production value Greg!

[@carleria90]

This is unrelated, but I really missed this guy and his voice!

[@mayabartholomew3402]

Don’t be afraid of depressed comedy, dark humor is a cathartic way to let out our anger without hurting anyone.

[@carolinecameron4840]

I always recommend Daniel Sloss to people, he’s my favorite comedian. His humor is kinda dark but it’s hilarious, and he always ends his show with actual good advice on how to productively change the fucked up thing he jokes about. Everyone should watch his most recent show “X”.

[@nathanielgarza9198]

(Still misses thug notes) 😢

[@tuktukatuk]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqKlhXqAaKuLiKc

[@bombarded15]

Hell yeah, I still rewatch those!

[@Jennifer-wc5fs]

Still misses racist caricatures of black men😢 *

[@Jennifer-wc5fs]

There I fixed it for you

[@nathanielgarza9198]

You are fun at parties

[@demedooley9235]

Your raspy voice is oddly well suited for this video.

[@gailbello7798]

I highly reccomend Gary Gulman's special "The Great Depresh"

[@pedrosimas2642]

Gulman is great

[@MorroTreece]

I think this sort of comedy talking about depression, mental illness, anxiety, etc. Help people with similar issues realize they're not alone in these sort of struggles. Helps remove some of the stigma of it, which opens up the possibility of them accepting they may need to face this issue and seek proper help. I do agree though about how comedians trying to use this as a form of therapy probably don't end up any better, if not worse because just the quick audience high to fill that void or push back any bad thoughts will disappear with time, so they create more pressure on themselves when maybe one day they stop coming up with material that people want.

[@StNick119]

Greg, you have a one-in-a-million voice.

[@joepspan7450]

My boi greg!

[@lacassiojefa]

GREEEEEG!!!!! So happy to hear you hosting!!!

[@trouty606]

One of the best comedy specials in recent memory related to this has to be Patton Oswalt's Annihilation (on Netflix currently). It was his first special following the death of his wife, and it's absolutely heart wrenching and moving to hear Patton talking about what he and his daughter have been through in the aftermath of their loss. But the amount of strength and resolve and hope that comes through it at the same time is absolutely beautiful, and I think one of the best examples of how comedy can work towards not just the self improvement of the comic themselves, but for the benefit of the audience along with them in that shared experience. It's not that he makes light of the trauma his family has been through, but in displaying how to keep going on despite it. That the special is also still amazingly funny just speaks to Patton's incredible skills as a writer and comedian as well.

[@AdalizMColon]

Kinda surprised this whole video missed mention of Hannah Gadsby. I mean, her stand-up Nannette is a perfect example of this. I loved the video though as it has shown how my comedy taste have changed throughout the years and things I had been thinking, maybe not in philosophical terms but definitely similar terms.

[@drakebirnbaum6258]

Hannah Gadsby is on screen at 13:38. I agree that Nanette exemplifies the connections between mental health and comedy, and would have definitely fit with the other comedians discussed in this video.

[@williamkistler3660]

Greg, your set up looks amazing now - camera, mic, background, it's all dope.

[@gonzo99ful]

Oh my god thug notes. I used to love those vids. So glad to see him again. Used to watch for books that I read in high school then started watching for books that I didn’t need to read, and he kinda made me want to actually read more as I grew older (once I had the time for it, which is basically now lol) Would love to see a revival.

[@lyrablack8621]

I think the important thing is that we're talking about mental illness and other problems candidly now

[@crazyrecon1986]

In my opinion, comedy is the only way to broach matters of the highest importance. Religion, politics, deeply personal issues like abortion - all of these topics have become all but barred from public discourse through societal unease surrounding them. But on stage, given the right delivery, a comedian can expose all the strengths and weaknesses of any particular topic of discussion imaginable in a way that might actually resonate in somebody's mind. If Billy at the office tries to convince you that your political beliefs are ill-formed, you'll probably disregard him even if he makes some convincing points. But if someone on stage in front of dozens, hundreds or thousands of people makes those same points, it adds a certain weight to them and a rational person is likely to at least consider them. I know in my own life I have been steered down various philosophical paths from listening to comedians. This is why, even as a proud progressive liberal, censorship and left-leaning groups becoming more intolerant around so-called "offensive language" concerns me greatly. We need comedians to push buttons and say outrageous things to shock us into actually thinking for a change, rather than just comfortably residing in our technologically-reinforced echo chambers all the time.

[@christiandauz3742]

That is why the Nazis/Fascist/Conservatives/Racists/Theocrats hate Art, Literature and Music as well as Comedy Had Heavy Metal existed back during Ancient History the vast majority of humans would be richer, smarter, more emphatic, healthier and less violent

[@xBINARYGODx]

"even as a proud progressive liberal, censorship and left-leaning groups becoming more intolerant around so-called 'offensive language' concerns me greatly." Love your alt-right talking points. Mostly no one cares about some purity mod on twitter or elsewhere, especially leftists if you happen to pay ANY attention to what people term "breadtube" or "lefttube". AT best you're a misinformed libtard, at worst you're right/alt-right who thinks claiming "I am liberal" will make the talking point persuasive. Everyone wants to be George Carlin, but mostly no one gets why he could say what he said, or why other comedians actually looked up to him. Never mind most people totally missing his ultimate point(s). Nope, instead we mostly get lazy, stuck in the past "I can say whatever I want, screw reading the room or changing with the times" hacks who people defend as "the left attacks them". Garbage in, garbage out.

[@restreven4455]

@@xBINARYGODx true but harsh. So harsh. Everyone says you can’t make a Blazing Saddles today. But for some reason no one tries to do that without being a racist pos.

[@gankhef5564]

@@xBINARYGODx I agree that complaints of "censorship" or "intolerance" of speech are generally made in bad faith. Your comment is well stated and accurate. That said, you must surely realize that any saliency the point you're attempting to make has, is much more likely to be disregarded as soon as the word "libtard" is read. I'm just saying when making a valid and important point in an open forum, it's wiser to avoid giving your audience an excuse to dismiss it out of hand by being overtly hostile or juvenile. It's the same reason it's been so vexing (to myself at least) over these past years to see so many cogent criticisms of the disastrous Trump presidency undermine themselves by using unserious language like "Cheeto" or "Drumpf". At least in cases where the intent is to inform or persuade either the opponent or the potential audience. If the intent is simply for personal satisfaction, it is rather selfishly making it harder for those interested in persuading to do so by casting doubt on their credibility by association. I'm not suggesting that is the case here, just pointing out one of the pitfalls of engaging in political discourse on the internet.

[@Ignisan_66]

@@christiandauz3742 Weird. I am a conservative and I don't hate art, literature and music. Come on insult me some more.

[@StabbedPerson]

“... and horse expert Friedrich Nietzsche” OMFG DUDE XD that was so subtle but so good hahahahaha

[@HikiibatoHada]

Good to see you Greg! I really like this analysis. As much as I have learned to laugh at my misfortune and make jokes about my problems, it only takes the sting off of them, and I still have to deal with them as they are. Humor keeps me going but the ability to be vulnerable and unpack the situation is the way through to solutions. The origin story points are great as a way to build strength and meaning, but also a warning for romanticizing or rationalizing the past too much. Thank you for addressing this important subject!

[@bstoybox]

Respect for throwing in the suicide hotline number at the end, Those people do really good work. Good job wisecrack. Love the video

[@arielstulberg]

Wait, how is Nietzsche not known for punchy one-liners? Nietzsche wrote aphorisms and was hilarious.

[@CrazyAlienLady051]

To quote The Joker: "I always thought my life was a tragedy but, I learned it's a comedy."

[@chibiktsn3]

Love your hosting style! Also love this video, especially the like, "Banana peel-related gags."

[@jared5112]

Thanks this video really spoke to me. As someone who's suffered from anxiety and depression, Ive always had trouble relating to other people.

[@Praetorian666]

Hey, Greg! What ever happened to Thug Notes?!? To be perfectly honest with you, Thug Notes was the thing I always wanted but never knew I wanted, to listen someone break down classic literature in terms that is both hilarious yet accesible to those who never in their lives would dare reading them, out of intimidation, fear or just because they just don’t have the time, it was something amazing! I could barely wait for a new episode to come out to devour it, and compare MY notes with Sparky Sweets’! Wisecrack, bring him back with more Thug Notes!

[@calebdonaldson8770]

It makes sense according to the quintessential quote about humor: "Comedy cannot exist without pain." Add this logic to the growing societal problems this past decade, and you've got yourself a formula for making jokes about depression and suicide. :(

[@KatDekay]

Such a nice surprise to see Greg hosting this episode! Great episode, too. Thank you!

[@SirPunchy]

Super underrated video. Thank you all for doing what you do.

[@linkking46]

Nietzsche is pro-laughter even learning to laugh about oneself, you can find it written in zarathustra and in the gay science plenty of times, Nietzsche was a critic of the all to serious philosophers and scientist attitude of his time, and used laughter as a symbol of breaking free of that attitude. 3rd book; of the vision and the enigma: (I'm translating from spanish excuse me) But the dog started mawing as my scream counseled him; he gave the firm bite and spew away from himself the head of the snake and gave a leap. He wasn't man nor dog, he was transformed, radiant, he laughed! I've never seen anyone laugh like him. I've heard one laugh, my brothers, that wasn't the laugh of a man and now I have a wish, a thirst that will never satiate. I'm haunted by the desire of that laugh. ¡Oh! ¡How could I die now! And in the 4th book, when all his disciples are haunted by the spirit of heaviness, the cure for that was laughing at themselves and how serious they took life to be. And those are only 2 examples there are many and so in the gay science, I enjoyed the video as a whole, congratulations as always for the grest content! But I think you missed the mark bringing Nietzsche in to the mix!

[@nate4511]

Nice

[@YawaruSan]

That's the beauty of philosophy; two people can read the same passage and each comes away with a different meaning of it. If the two share, then they both get two meanings from the same passage! However, one will seek to steal or destroy the meaning in the other person if they converse in bad faith, this is counter to the entire purpose of practicing philosophy; getting people to talk to each other in good faith with an open mind about common ground, such as a passage!

[@discursion]

They've mentioned in the video that Nietszche wasn't simply "against laughter", but rather in search of a greater motive for laughing, which is depicted in what you've quoted.

[@linkking46]

@@discursion they literally said that Nietzsche had a beef with laughter because it was an avoidance to self actualization, which is not true, Nietzsche was even an advocate for laughing at the non-sensical of the non-sensical, and it's not about finding something greater to laugh about, it's about learning to laugh about stuff, to stop taking even yourself so seriously, at the end of the 4th book when Zarathustra heard them laugh at themselves when he came back he saw them perform a ritual to a donkey and Zarathustra praised them for losing their minds, and that's just an example I took right out of my head, there are many examples, laughter is not only therapeutic, but about the 3rd transformation, the child.

[@kevinbeck8836]

That laughter is the laughter of the ubermensch, when one bites off the head off the snake that crawls in their throat. It is a laughter of overcoming, and it is very different from laughing at a netflix special. Its the type of laughter someone might have after narrowly avoiding death, or defeating a fearsome opponent. Not your everyday laughter

[@s.l.3281]

Chris Gethard. The best. I'm certain that his comedy ("comedy") special saved qt least one person's life.

[@gankhef5564]

Agreed. Gethard is in my top five strangers I wish I knew.

[@willhibbard6903]

Man, this video was so positive and helpful, especially the ending. Thank for making such great content 😄

[@BoolyK]

This was honestly so well done. Bravo, truly

[@user-mb9nm7bq5e]

Love Greg’s voice! Thug notes is going to blow up when DUNE is in theaters

[@uberCptPlanet]

Anyone more interested in this topic, I'd recommend the podcast "The Hilarious World of Depression".

[@mechagurd]

For a topic that's dealing with some serious topics, I found myself chuckling at the jokes made here. I think this is well written and edited. Greg's delivery is great! I think that's the whole point of the video too, how to be able to discuss serious stuff and laugh about it. Good stuff as always!

[@JamesOKeefe-US]

I remember smuggling Eddie Murphy's Raw on cassette tape around school as a kid. That started my love for stand up and it has never waned. I learned from many great comedians not to take myself or the world too seriously which has helped me better enjoy life. Great piece and very interesting and I really enjoyed the host! 👍

[@a-dashof-pepper4710]

Look up Doug Stanhope on mental illness. It's a dark bit, but it's fantastic.

[@coltonbates629]

I don't think i will 😎

[@jenna.livingston]

Greg! I missed you!

[@khulekanimagubane9153]

Awesome video. I'm prompted to remember something I read in a magazine once. _"Good comedy makes you laugh, great comedy makes you think."_

[@melaniekay6745]

Personally, over the years this form of comedy has really helped me with my depression. It not only brought me comfort knowing that I wasn’t the only one with those types of thoughts and feelings, but it also gave me a weird sense of escapism.. I finally had an outlet to turn my depression on it’s head, and was able to not only cope with it, but to also learn how to be positive about it. I could laugh at the absurdity of it, while learning new ways to heal. 🙂

[@caitlyn7310]

Comedy today feels like we're part of a conversation happening in a group of friends, shooting the shit.. its much more intimate.

[@Armendicus]

i feel like a breakthrough in mental health is on the way. The more the concept of mental illness is accepted the more it is studied. Hopefully.

[@beverycarefuljohn586]

But it can also result in people just self diagnosing and turning depression into a joke

[@astoldbynickgerr]

@@beverycarefuljohn586 it’s still a concern if people are self-diagnosing their self with something so serious. they have some sort of mental or however issue going on underneath if they’re doing that

[@KYMERAKITTEN]

Greg! Always nice to see ya!

[@lapearl521]

I knew if I stuck with this channel long enough it would be rewarding. Greg is my favorite show host on KZbin.

[@unknownseizure]

*how the ceiling is made out of the floor*

[@StNick119]

10:33 Oh shit, Anna Akana! I love her channel!

[@petray2]

I’ve been watching wisecrack for years, and this is easily one of my favorite videos you guys have ever made

[@solidsnake58]

I was really bummed to hear that Jared was leaving, but when I saw Greg was going to be carrying on the torch, narrating Wisecrack videos, I really felt relieved. The Thug Notes videos turned me on to the channel in the first place so it's great to see him back in front of the camera. Keep up the good work, Wisecrack

[@BH-2023]

I've always felt awkward whenever a comedian suddenly makes a joke about their mental health. Not offended, just awkward. Like, damn, you okay bro. Don't get me wrong, some mental health jokes are genuinely funny (e.g., the edgy improv group as anxiety). However, most of the time it's just awkward. I think it really matters whether they're winning or losing the battle honestly

[@vraisairs9201]

Real question: did Gallagher ever have a funny bit?

[@archer1949]

Vraisairs My Grandma loved Gallagher. I imagine a lot of of Grandmas did.

[@code_monkey_steve]

Apparently yes, enough people thought it was funny for him to make a career out of it.

[@axessdenyd]

I do remember him having some stuff that was amusing, but his much less funny prop stuff completely overshadowed it.

[@junkiejackflash]

My favorite Gallagher bit, is when he got prank called by Longmont Potion Castle. He gets really pissed lol

[@BlastBeatBreakdown]

My favorite bit was when he smashed a watermelon.

[@awesomeraven9178]

Greg!!! It's always great to hear from you. I miss your thug notes SO MUCH!

[@lysanamcmillan7972]

I hope you do more videos like this. Your sharply analytical mind paired with your ability to discuss matters like Nietzsche in such a way that it makes sense to people who never studied philosophy is so needed. You have a well-honed gift. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@816DawG]

Am I the only one listening to Timmy D., Joey D., and hanging out with the Mommies? Cause that stuff ain't sad, but its funny!

[@tuktukatuk]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqKlhXqAaKuLiKc

[@shitlordflytrap1078]

I'm sorry, where's the thug? What did you do to him, I need his literary analysis. U_U

[@Milubee]

we all need connection and authenticity. and comedy is such great place for that! i'm always in awe of those who are brave enough to do it!

[@treehouse318]

Greg- i've missed seeing you! thanks for the great video.❤

[@kurohikes5857]

I feel like people who "love life" are the ones with the problem... If you're happy in this world - you're a sociopath. Life is a continuous oscillation between two states: being bored and miserable. When I wake up in the morning I think: not again...

[@dlobelow760]

That's my sentiment on people that are straight-edge: you just rawdogging life???

[@southernbelle1313]

I'm a simple person, I see John Mulaney, I click.

[@carolincas]

Thomas Ambrosini: so in love with your writing. please make a lot more like this. i would love at least 100 episodes more. amazing.

[@Elieso6698]

Love the new studio 🙏🏽 New home for a well read balla 📚

[@johnstajduhar9617]

Broke: quick shout out to Ridge Wallet Woke: quick shout out to Christina Applegate

[@jasoncbrooks74]

Patton Oswalt’s comedy is one of my favorites. His bits on depression are some of my favorite. When I started suffering depression I felt like I recognized it sooner and felt open to help. I felt less abnormal by listening to the experiences of comedians. Finding the funny in real life issues helps me and helps normalize. I think that is one of the best things in comedy, normalizing taboo or controversial things. Bringing them into the light and showing people they are not that scary!

[@itsme924]

For me what makes this kind of humor funny is that it makes you feel like you’re not alone. You feel real down and hear this other guy does the same thing you do, it makes you feel sane. Like you’re not the the only one that does this weird thing or has this same weird thought and that makes it feel just a bit more ok to be open about such things.

[@alisiks2429]

Thank you for your detailed sourcing and citing - entertaining and informative:-)

[@redezwang4977]

I missed you man. So happy to see you back on the channel 😊

[@meganfolows]

For me, joking about mental health helps make it feel a bit lighter. Mental illness is so scary and isolating and being able to joke about it and relate to someone else is just a way of making it less horrible.

[@zoegeorge6134]

Omg I had no idea that the guy who did Thug Notes did another segment for Wisecrack I’m so glad that I can see him again!

[@ricky51097]

I'm super glad that they got Greg a better camera and such. Glad to see him in general too

[@EveRosser]

This is the wisecrack I know and love! Great vid

[@jaytraveller]

Thanks for bringing Greg back, he's amazing and I was missing him after his podcast ended.

[@poolplayerfl]

I absolutely appreciate the comedy simply because it often allows people to explore issues, no matter how relevant, yet normally not talked about in their daily lives.

[@TheCreepypro]

part of the reason I got into comedy and watching comedians is cause of the honesty not just with society around us and it's hypocrisy but also themselves it was a good example of how to be don't say your alright when you are not be honest with yourself and especially others cause problems only get solved when you address them not when you try to ignore them till they go away cause most of them don't