Howie Mandel | The Blocks Podcast w/ Neal Brennan | EPISODE 25

Neal Brennan interviews Howie Mandel (‪@HowieMandelDoesStuff‬ + America's Got Talent + much more) about the things that make him feel lonely, isolated, and like something's wrong - and how he is persevering despite these blocks.
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Howie's Blocks:
00:00 Intro
1:29 OCD
24:26 ADHD
30:57 FOMO
39:14 Comfort
54:57 Death
1:00:34 Distraction + Fear
1:28:02 Judgment
1:42:29 Can’t Relate To Any Movies
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nealbrennan.com for tickets to Neal's tour Brand New Neal
Watch Neal Brennan: Blocks on Netflix: www.netflix.com/title/81036234
Theme music by Electric Guest (unreleased).
Edited by Will Hagle

[@AndrewPolidore]

Shout out to Neil for being completely quiet as Howie told that great deal or no deal story. Not many podcasters know when to turn it off and let the guest shine like that.

[@chowderhead1337]

Big big shout out for knowing when not to speak. Interviewers need to learn to listen.

[@julioenrique8552]

I also love that Neal doesn't read comments!

[@AndrewPolidore]

@@julioenrique8552 the only sane way to live 😆

[@maxmeier532]

I'm sure him telling the story got the 1st episode a lot of clicks on youtube. Wow, I didnt remember how degenerate of a show DoND was. He forgot to mention, Karen's husband was there too. Perhaps it was edited out, but there is literally no indication that Howie ever tried to talk sense in to Karen. When 500K and 300K were the only big amounts left, plus 6 amounts 50K or lower, Karen was offered 77K and declined.

[@jimmyjohnslim]

he's only getting better as an interviewer.

[@ashbhunt]

Howie explained this so plainly for us to understand! Never understood OCD this well! Damn.

[@cgo7395]

I think soft-pedalled it. The thoughts involved with the obsessions are much more disturbed.

[@RobTaylorTraining]

This is NOT OCD, he is just an asshole!!! Wake up people.

[@polyestermammoth740]

Not always. Intrusive thoughts aren’t necessarily dark thoughts- at least not on my experience.

[@addisonbassist]

I have nothing smart or clever to say, but I want you to know that this was one of the most riveting and simply brilliant conversations I’ve ever heard in “podcast” form. Icing on the cake is that it was between two of my favorite people I’ve never met. Great, great episode. Thank you.

[@RealGeorg3]

I'm just pressing play now. You've set my expectations pretty high. EDIT: Thought I'd come back and say that you were right. This was an unflinching adult conversation that really hit home.

[@susanhendricks3964]

Agreed! 🌟

[@ru4realzzz]

nate coming in mid episode to clarify his own bit is amazing. such low effort, very funny 10/10

[@itmeurdad]

fire the cameraman though 📽

[@Zomarieful]

@@itmeurdadAgree to differ: I thought the closeup worked.

[@curtisboyce3849]

the universe is a comedic genius, howie mandel is possibly the most huggable person alive, and its his deepest fear. fucking hilarious

[@josiahamaze]

He seems FAR from the most huggable person. Seems like a good dude but he's Def rough

[@codypickell9299]

I love having my wife listen to Howie because he explains OCD better than I can. My wife and daughter make jokes about my ticks to normalize it, but it's really not fun.

[@jamescasteel8990]

This feels like one of the best episodes I've ever listened to so far. His framing of issues is so immensely deep and well understood. You can tell he's had a lottt of time to simplify this stuff for people and I feel lucky to hear it like this! Ty for doing this.

[@merlinsclaw]

This was the best, Neal. The format is great to begin with, but getting Howie is just a slam dunk. Fantastic interview.

[@rydah1240]

“You cant control everybody to live in your world you have to figure out how to live in everybody’s world”

[@Leviajohnson]

listening to Howie talk about OCD gives me flashbacks. I think I had a lot of these blocks when I was young, but eventually I grew out of them. One still sticks: When I walk away from a conversation, I play back what I said and even whisper my lines under my breath to review what I just said. I have to do it.

[@tinypeanuts]

I do this then catch myself and wonder wtf I’m doing and try to stop it right away 😅

[@pretzelhunt]

echolalia

[@nah3193]

Howie's whole life is a stack of blocks

[@evilasseastside5624]

Your legs are crossed 💀💀 since he crawled man

[@eyoeltewdros1]

This explains why he was always the butt of the joke lol

[@cathennebury1183]

I have to say, I like every episode of Blocks but I absolutely loved this episode! I have always enjoyed Howie…his silliness, his compassion and his honesty. Whether it was his stand up, his acting or his reality stuff (game show or AGT and CGT). He’s real. That’s what I love the most. His authenticity. He’s always been real.

[@cathennebury1183]

It’s what I like about you too, Neal. That’s probably why I listen to every episode. Keep them coming

[@uschilevermann5712]

wow didn't know howie was dealing with all of that. thanks howie for being vulernable. and thanks for being a dope interviewer neal. love this show so much! i know he doesn't read the comments so please intern tell him we love this. we need to talk about our feelings!

[@christianzander6547]

Thank you so much for doing this project Neal. You're doing Neal's work.

[@davidadams2395]

It's how Neal feel.

[@josef2012]

🙏💗

[@justintriplett6885]

Howie is the first memory of someone doing stand up that I have. From back when he did Bobby's voice. He's the guy that showed me you can be silly and still make a point. Good nostalgia.

[@EugeneGM1]

OMG. I always felt a kinship with Howie, but I didn't know why. He basically described my brain. Holy shit. Thank you for doing this podcast. You might have just saved my marriage.

[@Chillllllbruh]

Leave your wife, give her a break ffs.

[@teestrypzSOG]

@@Chillllllbruh I hate the internet 🤣

[@EugeneGM1]

@@Chillllllbruh You know what, random stranger on the interwebs, I think I'll do just that. I'm SURE she'll understand.

[@MillionHiers]

@@Chillllllbruhsavage

[@clanckyasmr4411]

​@@EugeneGM1 Starting therapy and medication for ocd or take advice from some bitter troll on KZbin, hahaha she'll definitly agree with the latter option😉

[@hereticerik]

Touch my camera through the fence, Neal.

[@Ottophil]

Ugh, ymh fans

[@ryanutterback]

C’mon, Howie, show me that you like me.

[@bigwill-pn5xc]

Don't bring anyone's mother into this!

[@garrettsmth]

@@Ottophil a genuine mind virus

[@BlumsVoyage]

Brought this pod up to a friend and told him to.. TRY IT OUT.

[@qurkle9109]

This podcast is perfectly suited for Howie. Thank you Neal! You have a great cast and are a fantastic host.

[@mik3law]

Editors really did a good job this episode, I like the direction.

[@mikeybe206]

Wow. Only like ten minutes in and so much of this is speaking to part of my experience. I don’t have OCD, but I have something called emetophobia. Through points of my life it has totally ruled my thoughts. It’s taken *years* to get to a barely manageable spot. The spiraling, the skipping record, the finding of “rituals” or superstitions to somehow just fucking exist is exhausting. And Howie is right. It’s so lonely to be stuck in my own mind when it gets triggered. I have an absolutely loving and supportive wife, but that loneliness is like a chasm sometimes. Hope all y’all are doing ok!

[@jackdaw99]

I’ve had obsessive health anxiety for 15+ years and it is so very lonely and exhausting. Chasm is a great word. Been pretty ok for about two years now but the absolute rock bottom is always looming in the shadows somewhere

[@mikeybe206]

@@jackdaw99 Waving to ya over from my chasm!

[@neenerheaddj]

Man, thanks to you both for this. Howie, you’re a beautiful soul. Thanks for sharing your art with us. ❤

[@lalah9481]

This has been one of the best Blocks yet. Howie is so real, and even though he’s an icon-still really real. Thank you!!!

[@MaxQuagliotto]

Oh man! Howie talking about sharing his first gutteral laugh with his parents for some reason really made me teary-eyed. That is such a raw emotional description that for some reason caught me right to the core. Thanks Neal for having Howie on and speaking about this.

[@arlysmart]

As a counselor-in-training, this is one of the most enlightening conversations of mental health I have heard in any form. Thank you Neal for giving Howie space to share and thank you Howie for spilling your truth.

[@Cool_Deena]

Whoa 🤯 you got Howie Mandel on here! It’s perfect 👍🏻

[@alexmckeever2024]

Great, and unexpected episode. Howie's preachin' the truth. There needs to be better (mental) healthcare in the U.S., it shouldnt be an argument. Never in a million years would I have guessed that me listening to and loving George Carlin in my friends dads car would lead me to this conversarion. I love comedy, and its brought me so much joy, comfort, and a feeling of belonging (to a bunch of weirdos that just wanna make people laugh). Thank you, Neal!

[@3HenKiss]

I've watched a lot of these episodes and been impressed. This might be the most impressive one. I have never appreciated Howie Mandel. His authentic self is so compelling and I almost missed it by thinking it would be too silly. I am so glad I didn't scroll by. Thank you for a great episode and thank you to the guy who talked to Howie Mandel when he left Howard Stern - a true hero in this story.

[@brandi3466]

I'm OCD and the way I relate to the stuck😢 🙏

[@SusannahPerri]

OMG, this interview took me on a journey; with you Howie, but also with myself. Thank you both for your honesty and vulnerability. I also relate to Howie’s condition of having to stay endlessly busy and never be quiet with myself and the anxiety. Howie, I remember seeing your early performances I think on Showtime in the late 70s and have always been a huge fan. But I’ve never heard you interviewed before. I really do understand and share many of your struggles.❤

[@adamS0M]

Everytime the music fades in at the end and cuts away on this god forsaken show I have to immediately pause it so I don’t start hysterically crying at work. Thank you for this show Neal

[@marcher.arrant]

So good! The last question and Howie's response was so beautiful and inspiring

[@Static-ash]

Howie is a beautiful mess. I related so much to him explaining how his whole life is a distraction. I knew this would be a terrific episode. We appreciate you for you, Howie!

[@merkeljohn]

8:31 “It’s like it’a screaming.” I have never felt better-represented.

[@David-ry4jq]

Neal, this is tremendous. A beautiful conversation between two open and honest souls.

[@RatchetPo]

I honestly started tearing up at the Howard Stern story when he talked about leaving the elevator. Well done to both of you.

[@birichinaxox9937]

Howie is a great example of when the world embraces your quirks.

[@tronkittycat]

Howie really is a national treasure. Love love love howie. What a great episode neal. ❤

[@firesidefire]

This is by far my favorite podcast now.

[@HighFive212]

Oh heck yes, great unique guest. Would've never guessed Howie Mandel for this show. Excellent surprise.

[@matthewalexanderkatsock]

What an ending. This was definitely one of the best episodes so far!

[@chaselepard]

Thanks Neal.

[@esoulkim]

Love to see someone that's been thriving while also struggling w mental health. What a fun guy too

[@clanckyasmr4411]

Neal brennan means allot to me as someone with treatment resistant depression. He talks about it undismayed about society's general view that depression is weakness, laziness and solely curable with "self improvement" or a simple antidepressant. (self improvement CAN make some difference, but definitely does absolutely no improvement for some with depression)

[@jujubean1185]

That half of Neal side-eyeing the back of Howie's head the entire pod 😂😂😂

[@thomasredden4263]

I have my whole life made jokes that don’t really make sense to anyone else or are just not funny to people around me and I have always said that if you laugh, great but you aren’t who I’m trying to make laugh, I’m trying to make me laugh bc I need it and I’ve never heard anyone else articulate the way I feel about that before this episode. Howie speaks so many things that I’ve never been able to find the words to explain but I feel on a visceral level deep in my soul and I can’t put to words how cathartic it is to not feel alone in these things. Thank you Neal, you have no idea how much this and so many other episodes of this podcast have helped me. Sincerely, I greatly appreciate you and your willingness to go beyond the surface level of these issues.

[@cfb6451]

I too make jokes for me.

[@AaronBowley]

this was easily one of the best and most inspirational podcasts and conversations i have ever heard. thanks so much for doing this, Howie you are an amazing person!

[@femalehuman7074]

Oh my gosh, how exhausting to be so utterly terrified of death or something going wrong in life and being so obsessive over these things. I'm literally just wiped out listening to him explaining the way he's lived his life. To never be able to relax, to need to be busy. You need to be loved and lights so much that it's the driving force behind your every waking minute. Why are people so afraid of death or failure or not being liked to the extent that it literally ruins their life. I know that it's mental and wellness but it still is so difficult to understand

[@KING_PHILLIP]

Oh god man. Best content online. Nate's little bit was great. "I think i messed it up worse than you"😂

[@mickeyjunior1]

Howie has had quite an amazing life despite his many internal struggles. Thanks for sharing Howie. And thanks Neil for giving him a forum to do so. Great episode.

[@rask4p]

This is such an emotional moment for me, I’m struggling for the words. I don’t have OCD, but I can understand the struggle of it so much better now and I can empathize with it! I have a couple of weird takeaways that maybe reflect myself more than anything. First Neal keeping his legs crossed is incredibly healthy. I know he understands and is empathetic to Howie, but to not internalize that ‘uncross your legs’ at some level is very difficult, at least for me. Second, I think Neal was verklempt at the end sorting out the word for the final question in a way that I haven’t seen from Neal in the past. Howie, thank you so much for being so vulnerable and so open to it all. I love you!

[@outerspacebass]

You two are perfect for one another. I've seen several Howie Mandel interviews and this was by far the best one. I love hearing the details of his neurosis and how he weaves that into success. He is the classic hero. He should definitely do 2 more hours on this show. Maybe he should guest host the show.

[@chrisb4331]

Longest interview I’ve seen with Howie. Very insightful

[@cdizzy42069]

Howie is so damn funny, as someone with OCD hearing him talk about it so openly is genuinely just so relatable for me. Much love to both these greats

[@MsWing-ij9nb]

Wow, loved listening to Howie's recount of his first stand up moment...and how he leaned into being open enough to embrace his blocks /struggles and making that work for him through comedy/entertainment.

[@YoGutterKingGuyMusic]

My favorite blocks episode yet! I never comment on anything I watch on KZbin. But this was beautiful for lack of a better word. Great job! Thank you for what your doing.

[@Nice_Handle]

Big ups to the editor, yer killing it my guy 👍

[@jeremiahmacclure]

I loved this episode. The guest with the most Blocks has one of the most positive public personas.

[@tackroyd1223]

I hope this helps some people like it has me . Too me, Neal Brennan's last special "Blocks", really hit home. Then he made it into a podcast (of the same name) where he has other comedians and entertainers on to talk.. I've listened to every episode of the "Blocks" podcast and they're amazing. The podcast truly makes you feel that whoever you are and whatever you battle, it's ok... you fit in and you're not alone. It also is great at opening up a world of empathy for others that is so refreshing. Please, if you've always been a bit quirky, or more, start with this episode. You'll learn how the "Blocks" work and you'll want to see all the episodes AND THE SPECIAL.

[@sheefree]

I'm halfway thru. Congrats Neal and Howie, this is a wonderful way to hear and understand Howie. Very inspirational! ❤

[@larissacole9413]

Neal: “Go!” 😂 my fomo/fear of death is because i have to know how the story of society turns out. Great episode❤

[@amunra7173]

Good gentlemen, that session covered a LOT of thoughtful area very well, which speaks like a lightning bolt to the heart of so many. This has unsurprisingly been my favorite episode of this podcast. You truly couldn't do any better for a mental health discussion than the 2 of you together. Learn to understand & love who & what you are, & thank you.

[@seanw2823]

Howie is right Neal. This is an amazing podcast for the millions out there that need it I’m sending this to all my friends. And will for sure tell other

[@codywagner6412]

Neil, this podcast means everything...

[@ryanwebb3288]

Hands down the best Neal Brennan podcast episode ever 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼

[@PstrJFrancis]

This was so good I accidentally watched the entire thing. Thank you for posting ✊🏽

[@8500998]

What helped with my ocd is you get ocd with “sinful/wrong” thoughts, attraction to same sex etc. What you resists persists, so you gotta let it go like a flower. You see a flower, so pretty, never think of it again the rest of your life.

[@margotbw4660]

This is one of my favorites .. it is so reassuring and kind. Thank you for the thoughtful discussion and for being so open and honest. ❤

[@thescowlingschnauzer]

54:15 "Your wife is still they. Your kids are still they." I'm reminded of the song Sorry Grateful by Stephen Sondheim: You don't live for her / You do live with her / You hold her thinking "I'm not alone!" / You're still alone.

[@ScarletBrotherhood]

This is one of my favorite, if not my most favorite episode of Blocks. Perfection.

[@OhRonaldo]

@HowieMandelDoesStuff Howie, your glove over your head was my pulling the desk with the ringing phone. I am SO glad you are able to handle the most devastating aspects of your OCD. It was so painful and illuminating for me to hear you describe that torment. It's amazing to me that you can describe it so emotionally yet not have it trigger yourself. Thank you, Howie. I hope you have peace.

[@kazoshay]

Neal might be my new favorite interviewer.

[@lesliethomas8117]

Fantastic! Thank you Neal and Howie. Learned so much with this episode.

[@juliemac5604]

By far the best episode in a freaking amazing podcast. So inspiring

[@cfb6451]

This is incredible! Thank you. I feel more understood. I feel less alone. 🌷☘️🌊⚡💫

[@GlennDanzigII]

I was almost brought to tears by the end of the Howard Stern story, but I'm afraid to cry. And I had heard that when it first aired. Thank you both for speaking the way you's do's. Neal's line about having an infinite amount of blocks for Howie was perfectly well done, in a friendly, most hilarious manner. Wowzers. In your trousers.

[@alberturesti4919]

This open my eyes to the level of OCD. And I love how you said people overuse “triggered” and personally I think I have “OCD” is overused too. Watched this one twice.

[@leopardPrince]

This was a pure joy and hope-filled episode. For real! The authenticity and vulnerability coming from Howie, is from a well-earned journey to self-acceptance and understanding. Thank you!

[@MichaelLueMiller]

In my opinion, the BEST show yet!

[@timothyjohnson6258]

Always liked Howie but this interview cemented it for sure. This was an inside look at a great comic and an outstanding human being. I have some of what gets to him but I think we all do to some extent. The best to both of you.

[@beanzzz2013]

Neal! This podcast is the best thankyou for making this! I love every episode. Howie thankyou for talking about OCD it makes us with OCD feel less alone and fucked up.

[@drlarrymitchell]

I was stricken by the obsession with time, with numbers. When I was a kid, in my head, I got it that 11:42pm was officially "you stayed up too late" o'clock, and always had a weird thing if I ever encountered those digits in the day-to day world. The fact that my son's mother's social security card number ended in those digits did no short work of convincing me she was the one for me.

[@ericspink6849]

Amazing. Love Howie even more after hearing this pod. Thanks Neal!

[@jaimekatz6645]

What a great life story! Thank you, Howie and Neal!

[@simmonslucas]

The comfort talk really spoke to me 39:16 When I start to feel comfortable I find a new job. The longest I have have ever kept a job is 2 years. I have babysat, delivered newspapers, bussed tables, worked in a mineral assay lab, was an underground miner truck driver and blaster, a barista, worked at game stop, SQL data analysts, business system analyst, sold appliances at Sears, made paint at Home Depot, installed garage doors, grocery bagger, cleaned carpets, sold office furniture, business intelligence developer, etc... I'm coming up on my 2 year mark and am looking at new job listings...

[@DarkNiss]

🔥 ep. Howie Mandel skews silly, but may be the most serious human alive. I feel for him. This will touch everyone with it's genuosity and candor

[@cmccord6042]

The absolute best podcast episode I have watched! Thank you!

[@davecortright]

This is one of the most brilliant, open, vulnerable tellings of a lifetime struggle with mental health I've heard. Thank you both Neal and Howie for helping to normalize and stop the stigma ❤

[@tonytone1969]

what a great listen. Thanks to you both for sharing

[@claytenney732]

I love how Howie makes Neil record his show in his studio 😂😂

[@ApexG321]

This was such a great episode.

[@CaveManCole]

Love these!

[@DK051687]

Thank you, Mr. Brennan for doing this podcast. Good job!

[@cristinam4747]

I loved this Howie!! You're amazing ❤

[@DTurk]

Great interview. Really appreciated hearing Howie's honestly.

[@heathharney551]

Opposite of right now. The name for Howie's new special 😍

[@rich2012vids]

That ending is incredibly powerful. I remember hearing that the joy of a roller coaster is the twist and turns. Great summary and conclusion Howie !

[@laurieclark1156]

42 yr. old gal here who grew up in Southern Cali. I have a very deep childhood connection to Howie via “Bobby’s World” in the 90’s.

[@subbert1]

The last question was probably the best question ever.....Amazing interview!

[@PsychiCorey]

Great podcast he prolly needed this, I really appreciate this honesty n openness.

[@nancystamps1200]

Great cast!! Love you and Howie even more. Soooo relatable.