John Crist on Leading a Double Life and Being Cancelled

In an incredibly transparent interview, Comedian John Crist opens up about leading a double life, being canceled in 2019, going to rehab, learning how to live a much more transparent life, and what fuels his comedy (then and now).
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Intro Music:
Song: Alexey Anisimov - Always Be Beautiful
Music provided by Tunetank.
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Chapters
0:00:00 - John Crist Rebuilding His Life
0:01:10 - Welcome to the Podcast
0:03:02 - John Crist on His Double Life and Being Cancelled
0:12:40 - Shame Used as a Weapon
0:15:00 - Addicted to Attention
0:25:00 - John Crist on His Time in Rehab
0:58:40 - Moral Failure
1:05:44 - When You Hurt Your Audience
1:18:15 - What Fuels John Crist's Comedy
1:35:00 - How to Memorize a Stand Up Comedy Set

[@LimpingforJesus]

This was powerful. I went through a divorce as a pastor a few years ago. It nearly destroyed me. I felt rejected by everyone. I’m still healing. What helped me is I joined a men’s group and I was able to open up about my pain. They saw me as Mike and not pastor Mike. They said my transparency helped them be honest too. I still have healing to do. A lot of church hurt to heal from but it was also the Body of Christ that I found healing and joy again in. I’m so grateful John did this interview.

[@delilahzierer8682]

For those who have truly experienced grace, we see you the way our Father sees you ❤️ The Pharisees will always be present… but greater is He (and your brothers and sisters in a Christ) who know… “if not for grace” 🥰 Praying you win more for the kingdom with your testimony than ever before ❤️

[@miltonperry9135]

Hi Mike. Your comment went straight to my heart. I was also a pastor for 20 years and stayed in a horrible marriage for 35 years. When the marriage finally crumbled to nothing, I went through the deepest pain of feeling like a complete failure. Like you, even though several years have passed, I am still healing as well. Blessings on you Brother.

[@LimpingforJesus]

@@miltonperry9135 , I’m sorry you know this pain too. God is still king, even in our darkest moments. Thank you for reminding me I’m not alone in this healing journey.

[@Thebird1417]

Something lot of people forget is that Christians are human, and the church is full of humans. They make mistakes. Church hurt kept me out of it for a long long time until I was able to discover that truth and forgive. People expect church goers to act saintly but they sin just like everyone else! They handle situations wrong, they judge, they condemn…. But it shouldn’t stop us from being a part of it!

[@seanparks1675]

I think people can forget that pastors are regular people. Regular human beings. So when something happens they say “how could he do that, he is a pastor”. This does not mean God can’t still use you. Remember, what the enemy meant for evil God will use for his good.

[@dburd58]

This made me cry when John talked about his parents visiting.....We only have 5 children but to get to one in need we would move heaven and earth to get to them. I understand the voice in our head, I'm from an abusive father situation and still in my 60's someone can say something and that voice says "you know you're not really good enough". I remind myself God made me enough.

[@pamelarudolph3908]

Raised as a pastor’s kid that experienced lots of legalism and hurts from running from city to city hiding minister parents sin and failures. You made me laugh and heal through this. Thanks. 😊

[@jeanwest1058]

I once met John Christ in Vegas. It was so random. He was so sweet and kind. I was a big fan before 2019 and I am a bigger fan now. Great show. ❤❤❤ powerful message. God at work. Such a blessing ❤❤❤

[@aceyirl]

John, you are free in Christ, and we love you. We all struggle with sin and shame, and I am so thankful that the church was there to catch you. Looking forward to more from you.

[@nailahcooper4187]

This is so touching, I vaguely remember hearing about “the scandalous behavior” and going on about my business. And when I start seeing the comedy again I was glad but what I didn’t realize was the pain John Crist endured. We know all people sin but some especially famous people we don’t give grace, encouragement & prayer. This is my reminder to pray and give grace.

[@dbrockelman36]

Wasn't a huge John Crist fan,...but after seeing his complete honesty and transparency is staggering in this interview, I am a HUGE fan now. Kudos to you John and I sincerely wish nothing but great things for you going forward. Continue showing that we are SINNERS and that's THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF CHRIST'S DEATH...AND RESURRECTION!

[@paulsomerville7326]

Just ordered the book. I'm a senior Pastor and I'm about to celebrate 35 years clean and sober. Thanks John for reminding me where I come from. If you ever need another recovered friend to lean on, I'm here.

[@judiecrawford2588]

I'm proud of you for stepping out.

[@jeremygrogan]

I love your courage. I was a leader in my local recovery community, even ordained as a minister. A year later, I hit a struggle and went back to closet drinking. When I came clean, the pastors helped me get into treatment and now I have a year clean and I'm so much stronger than before. God really does use what the enemy meant for evil and turns it into good.

[@mitchellwintercat]

Thank you for defending your parents, “My parents’ message was not what I received. I (JC) received a different message than what they were saying.”

[@jkkswide]

This was a great podcast. Encouraging to hear that John could say the Church helped lift him back up rather than holding him down. Praise God!

[@ivan.bucher]

I keep thinking of the woman at the well (John 4) as it relates to our need to fill the deep emptiness we each experience in different ways from wounds in our lives. It's refreshing to hear stories like John Crist's where the oppressive shame can be removed through confession and forgiveness in Christ. Thanks John for doing this interview and for your vulnerability. Praise God for his good works and faithfulness to us. God is good and his love endures forever!

[@CareyNieuwhof]

Well said!

[@sheilalopez7498]

I just love John Crist, he always cheers me up! 😂😂😂

[@arielwhittington8906]

“If comedy’s done well, that’s what it’s for.” amen

[@sharonarruda2518]

PETERBOROUGH! I'm a local and stumbled upon this video following watching one of John's videos. It's nice to hear this openness; just because we are Christians, it doesn't mean we have everything all together...it just means we recognize that we need Jesus.

[@winnie2379]

If you have a friend who messes up in their marriage relationship, don’t walk away from them. Be there for them. You don’t even have to say anything at times. Don’t let them feel that they’ve lost your friendship too. They already feel miserable enough…they need you.

[@Mary-fy3tc]

And remember to support the wronged spouse at the same time. 🙏

[@jonaecoleman9323]

I have had my struggles with the church recently. I’m a new widow. My husband the breadwinner. I homeschooled my babies. I thought church was supposed to be the safe place. As I have watched my life fall apart in credit card debt. I have received mostly judgment from the “church”. I have served in ministry with my husband for more than 20 years. I know there is a true, loving, bride of Christ, but modern day church sometimes heaps so much came upon us. But credit card debt is shameful, no matter the circumstances of how you got there. It’s hard for me to think about mega churches and the money they spend.

[@TanyaMBowers]

This reminds me that darkness cannot dispel light, but Light CAN dispel darkness. Praise God for God’s Forgiveness and Love… Thanks for keepin’ it real John!🙌

[@RegainingRaven]

I love this guy in general and I teach mental health and how children see and feel differently than adults. I’m so happy he is speaking on this. I never knew anything until this podcast.

[@LauraLizzyAnglophile]

I love the point about looking back and understanding that the message you received as a child is not necessarily the truth or the message purposefully being sent, and as an adult you can understand what your parents were dealing with ... My parents only had 2 kids, and it was just a normal thing that my mom was late picking me up all the time from extra-curricular things as she juggled life and trying to run errands while she had a second. I never took it as anything bad, I liked chilling with my instructors, but I can see why a child would be hurt by that.

[@laetitian1542]

I love how his story of redemption speaks louder than any fancy sermon. I have learned again the power of your testimony is in sharing. Illuminate your darkness to help others to do the same, so nothing is hiddden and we can all realise we are all imperfect.

[@fabulousfamily564]

I really felt it when he talked about his parents forgetting him at the park, and being unimportant, overlooked and excluded. I think being a parent is difficult, but our kids will tell us what they like and don't like, if we don't get mad. They can teach us how to parent better.

[@martdavid84]

This interviewer is a fantastic listener. I appreciate that he let Crist talk!

[@barbdaly8172]

By Gods grace we all go! No one is above stumbling. We will always care about you!

[@SandieCastaneda]

Jon is so brave doing an interview like this. Hope he continues to do them as it can help others and also aid in his own healing 🙏🏽

[@user-uu8ic4bw4d]

I like John Crist so much. Not only is he funny, but now his vulnerability and healing will help many within the church in darkness and pain. We are all broken. Keep running John!

[@hilariehoughton]

This is so great. I’ve always liked John Crist - and after what he’s been through, his words hold even more weight.

[@willdabeast6503]

“All have fallen short”. You don’t suddenly become unchristian, or unable to speak. In fact, when you speak now, you speak as an authority.

[@deion312]

Amen

[@ryanlund1868]

This was a great episode. I love the mix of Carey’s interview skills with John’s post-rehab/christian/comedic honesty. Super refreshing interview.

[@CareyNieuwhof]

Much appreciated!

[@melanieworthington4110]

Thank you for being REAL . I can’t even imagine what the what …. I think you are absolutely a hysterical human being…thank you for being alive and sharing your humanity..God bless you!

[@tonyah626]

Thank you for sharing your story John. I also had a secret life with sex addiction. The shame and fear of being rejected if people knew the truth helps to feed the secret. I came out in 2016. Jesus saved me. I’m forever grateful. Spent the past 7.5 years on a healing journey. It’s still hard walking in purity, yet God holds me close every day. I’m thankful for my freedom. So glad I don’t have a secret life to go back to. I’m a believer and sat in church for decades broken and chained to sex addiction. Keep talking John and bringing light to this battle. So many need to be reminded there is hope on the other side. With Jesus change and freedom is possible ❤️🙌🏼

[@user-hv8vb2hy8q]

I am one of the moms that shared you all over social media. When your private life was plastered all over the place my reaction was to pray for you and pray for your restoration. God put you on this planet for a reason. Yeah, the devil made a play for you and being young in faith you fell. What I saw as time went by was a young man owning his choices, taking responsibility for his life. THAT is HUGE. Then, you went and got help and you keep your life wide open. That is called repentance. As far as the shame goes, it's good to remember the pain but shame is a weapon in the hands of the devil and plays no good role at all. The devil wants to keep you limited with shame and I am praying you don't let that happen. You are a very bright light. My and my old lady friends pray for you that the enemy shuts up and you will rise up courageously and don't hold back. Your humility is real. Shame is not part of humility. Shame is nothing but destructive. We love you and we have your back.

[@debbiemoore7930]

Love John for his comedy, now I respect him for his honesty too!

[@Team_Blackledge]

This was a great interview! As someone in recovery I know there is physical sobriety and then there’s emotional sobriety; John’s humility and vulnerability says he has both 🙏🏻

[@saraschaffer7331]

Grateful for a serious conversation with one of the greatest contemporary comedians!

[@cynthiakarkeys]

As a long time fan of John Crist-literally introduced to him through his Instagram Girl video, it’s so heartwarming to see him so vulnerable and open and sharing his wisdom. Loved this whole interview!

[@retiredteacher2015]

I wasn’t really aware of John Crist before the cancellation. So glad he got help and is doing well. Fully know and fully loved. 🙏🏼 God’s Grace is new every morning. Secrets make people sick.

[@reese10179]

Just met John on Sunday at his show in Alabama. The way he brings both sincerity and laughter is a huge gift. Appreciate this kind of conversation so much.

[@Praise2024]

I can’t believe I just found John Crist in the last few days!! It’s crazy! I’m SO THANKFUL someone sent me a funny video of him and I’ve been laughing ever since! Lol I can relate to just about every thing he says as I was raised in church and my parents took us every time the doors were open! Love it!! 🙏🏻😂🥰

[@samdung5630]

Realizing there's something to be said for being around people who are working on themselves so you CAN have conversations about how you are really feeling.

[@bakerwannabe4435]

This was a great interview. I admit that I was a John Crist fan but when I read stuff years ago about how his life was so different than what he portrayed, I stopped watching him for a while. I didn’t know he was working it and it’s nice that he shared this. I’m so glad I watched this and appreciate his honesty and transparency. I wish John all the best.

[@kannemollen]

So awesome to hear the full story and see his road to redemption. Seeing this side of John was SO nice.

[@magenolive2060]

1:12:25 “Engrave this upon my heart: There isn’t anyone you couldn’t love once you’ve heard their story.” -Mary Lou Kownacki ❤

[@BarrySanchez]

I was just introduced to John through the Robertsons via Not Ashamed with Phil, Jase, Al & Zach & Duck Call Room with Si, Martin, John-David & Phil & others & I find John Crist to be a refreshing honest person who’s extremely funny, I throughly enjoy John’s videos & his Christian’s overview on life. Thank-you & GOD BLESS You John.

[@susanhumphrey6427]

John Crist is one of my favs & I so enjoyed watching this. Hearing y’all discuss shame just drove home for me that shame is one of Satan’s best weapons. It keeps us hidden in the dark & fearful. Jesus does the complete opposite. He loves & forgives us no matter what we’ve done.

[@user-of6um3so3m]

I'm new to John's comedy and enjoy listening to him. How nice to see his open heart, it's healing in many ways 💜 thank you 😊

[@billie-shayeharper3241]

Such a powerful interview and testimony. Always remember you may not feel qualified to counsel or speak to anyone but He qualifies the called. He’s given you this platform for a reason.

[@pamglass6007]

This is the best interview I’ve seen with John Crist. Can tell he feels very comfortable with this host.

[@timlittle5654]

One of the best/raw and honest conversations I’ve heard! Thankyou guys

[@cherylrosalis1948]

God will use this John Crist. The sin is forgiven, when we ask The Lord. May God bless you and your career.

[@RehtaehNadroj]

A long time @johncrist fan. This is the BEST interview. It makes me realize I’m not as abnormal & crazy as my boyfriend says I am😊 When my mind won’t turn off and is running rabbit wholes, I feel so alone & iscolated. At a point when I wish I could turn it off and quiet the storm, I dig into Bible, prayer & some laughter to keep the light on. Thank you John for exposing that these things happen & can be productive. I appreciate your honesty & vulnerability.

[@erica.davidson]

Thank you for telling your story, for your humility, and for all that you do with your comedic ministry. May God bless you!

[@beverlylogan6112]

I am 71 and a "borned and raised" Pentecostal. I've always played the piano at church and sang all around Texas with my two younger sisters. My mom loved church and couldn't wait to get there- but I didn't quite feel the same way. It felt like everything I wanted to do - or try - was a sin! I did a lot of sneaking around to give sin a try! Which, of course, only made me feel guilty and down on myself. Thankfully, I finally found my own personal relationship with Christ and things became simpler and easier. When I had my son I had to allow him to find his own resolution to salvation and understood why my mom wanted to beat me! Now here I am just living and loving Jesus and trusting in his Words! You are a funny, funny young man and I have shared your videos with many of the young ones in my family! Good luck and God Bless!

[@chelseafailla9887]

"what about grace for the one who has caused it?" so much grace. i love that you brought this up - shame on the Church for not extending grace quickly and abundantly for those hurting after hurting others

[@jeremywhiteside]

Thank you for your honesty and transparency. You’re still one of my favorites John. It’s a shame the church is still burying their own wounded instead of receiving them like Jesus with unconditional love and forgiveness.

[@SandraLisa636]

Thanks John - being authentic helps other Christians be authentic too.

[@michellek2934]

What an incredible exchange and testimony! I volunteered at one of John’s shows a couple of weeks before things came to light. It’s so encouraging to hear about his recovery and such a positive faith journey.

[@gte251]

Very humble interview. God's Blessings upon Your Journey

[@BabsScott]

Thank you so much to you both.. I believe the church is dying in shame.. recovery from any issue is lifelong.. thank you for being real.. God is good.. and it was good to hear again.. I am fully known and loved!! We need this message

[@brittanyfoy8944]

So glad this popped up! Enjoy you even more, John! I pray God continues to heal and bless you.

[@kimenfield195]

Thank you John for your honesty and being vulnerable. I appreciate this entire conversation and even found myself examining my own life. I pray the Lord continues to work in your heart and that you find your strength through Him. God Bless.

[@GodisGood100x]

Refreshing to see this side of John Crist. Wow. Thank you for sharing what so many others can relate to. This may be more of your calling than the comedy…

[@msflowers5152]

I'm glad you are able to appreciate the human you are. I'm a washed in the blood Christian who knows we are all human trying to live the human experience. Stay kind to yourself.

[@andrearush6209]

1:04 - ABSOLUTE TRUTH. Thank you for saying this out loud. It's wrecking the Church. Cheering you on as you grow, John. 1:33:30: Also, thank you for this statement about private v. public calling out.

[@screamingfromtherooftop]

Wow! Best John Crist interview I’ve ever seen. Thanks for being real. Saw you in London, best time. Keep it going brother🙌🏼God bless🙏🏼❤️

[@maemeecoen7449]

Such a beautiful, authentic process John. We kiss the wave that throws us against the Rock of Ages brother. Your testimony is a blessing.

[@bethennydot9867]

As a field worker that believes in the power of exalting God in our weakness, this was such an anointed conversation. God spoke to me about things and touched on ID issues I hadn’t been able to get to in a while. Thank you so much for being open, vulnerable, and for loving Jesus more than anything else.

[@Jenwhite5]

I really appreciate the time and space you gave him to find his words, thoughts and feelings, and just talk through his process. It communicated to him and your viewers that valued his process and dignified his journey. Thank you.

[@paulahunter1639]

This is like Christian 60 minutes🤣🤣🤣🤣 John is one my favs!!!!

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

GREAT JOB ALL...THANX 4 MAKING Tee with LIONS NAMED LEO the music worldwide. LOVE YOU ALL...!!!....MUCH LOVE.!!

[@vanessajanik4623]

Redemption is a powerful gift. I’ve seen John’s stand up twice. Once pre cancellation in church & just recently at a regular venue. Also read his book & huge fan of his pod. His Self awareness & transparency is commendable. He also doesn’t intentionally wanna hurt ppl .. even in his comedy he pushes the line but still cares about ppl.

[@gingercollier7949]

Loved John Christ and didn’t know he was cancelled until after it was over. What stuck me was him talking about the pastor who’s church sent him to rehab. I wished that was how my church would have handled my former pastor. It would have helped him and so many of us and more healing what have happened I think. Thanks for being real John.

[@han.nah.]

KZbin recommended this video to me & I am so glad! John, I’m proud of you for getting help and letting the Spirit work through your weaknesses. Had no clue you had a book, but immediately added it to my TBR. Side note, for anyone interested more in dealing with shame, I recommend Dr. Curt Thompson’s “The Soul of Shame” book - and his Being Known Podcast. I’ve used these resources to help me lean into vulnerability.

[@guardself921]

This was one of the best things I’ve heard lately. Thank you both!

[@guitaraholic83]

If you close your eyes, and listen to John’s voice, you can hear a slight resemblance to Michael Keaton. Maybe it’s just me. So grateful he is being so open and honest about what happened. So much respect!!

[@lakieshatownsel5318]

An absolute beauty for ashes conversation. It was difficult to listen to a person who is still carrying so much shame. It’s heart breaking. Praying that as he continues to tell his story that he has more encounters with the one who sees and loves him most. A deep revelation and then the manifestation of who Christ is and how He wants to use this story for His glory-for real.

[@racheldruckenmiller]

Best interview I’ve seen of John, and I’ve listened to / watched a lot. My husband and I were laughing so hard when you were sharing the bit about saying a show wasn’t good and then the questions that followed (Why, did people boo you?, etc.). I’m a keynote speaker and I’ve had the same conversation countless time with my husband about the gigs I don’t feel like I nail. We both felt so seen! Excited to see you for the second time in York this fall!

[@ponderosapondhomestead4344]

Well said! We receive a different message than what was given. A lot of hurting people in this world. Many of them are truly loved, but can’t receive that love.😢

[@janavos9901]

I remember when this came into the light in 2019, as I've been a fan for years before that. I remember even then, his honest apology before he went to rehab and was offline for almost a year. From the start, he owned his mistakes and never blamed or pointed fingers to others. He's said in other interviews how it was one of the best things that ever happened to him, because he was at such a deep low. After he returned, he's been even funnier, and this interview reveals the wisdom he gained from the experience, really having worked through his life experiences and receiving Jesus's healing. Loved this more serious interview just as much as his comedy. Big hugs to you from across the globe, John. Thank you for your honesty. We love you. Great interview.

[@margaretmorrison7301]

Wow. “If I lose my edge, I won’t be as good” that’s so sad. Being a pastor who isn’t able to be open about needing help or being open to going to counseling themselves, will always walk in the problem. I know because I love this. The shame of someone finding out, the shame of failing.

[@jessicascott8780]

Wow, thank you so much for being open and vulnerable John! I so relate to the grip of shame. This encourages me!

[@coffeytnmilk7]

I love your honesty! I can’t tell you how many times in the church I tried to be honest and was smacked down for being transparent. I’m not so courageous anymore.

[@gigimarch647]

A very revealing, real discussion. Because of this video, I’m going to buy the book as a Christmas gift for my husband. He goes to a men’s Bible study and talks about the value of being able to open up and share with the men who attend.

[@dellathompson]

We are new fans and really appreciate his transparency here! God Bless you !

[@pattiknick9930]

John we have loved and supported you all along the way. As parents with grown kids it’s so refreshing to have these talks of perception & things our kids took way off from how it was meant. Heartbreaking as a parent but having been a child before we do get it and talking about it is so freeing! Thank you! Keep us laughing all along this healing life journey!

[@kims.1717]

Long time John Crist fan - i love his comedy but his vulnerability is compelling too. ❤

[@D9P323]

When he said 2k people came to the funeral, what if we knew someone who felt suicidal and we brought them to a "wake", a celebration of THEIR life and let them listen to and hear what everyone came to the podium to share about "the despairing", would that help them? Would it be enough to flip that thought they had about themselves inside out? Bring them out of that desperate mindset?

[@mumvictoria2757]

I'm thinking about how very healing such an event could be. 👍💕

[@boblee335]

Thanks for such an open and authentic interview with John. A blessing to hear his story.

[@CCMorgan]

Warms my heart to see John having an awakening and transformation a good 30 years before most famous people do it

[@fathersredeemed]

I appreciate the fact that John is willing to talk about it, and not defend what he did. He owning his mistakes. This is what happens you go through some counseling, you learn to own your mistakes and why you made those mistakes. No one is good..I read that somewhere. I know the one that wrote that was really smart.

[@boblee335]

Thanks for a genuine interview with John. Several of us saw him in Richmond last Sunday and he had us in stitches the entire night.

[@davidrose9807]

I was never a fan of John before … but I get this … I’ve screwed up pretty bad myself … thanks for sharing !

[@tracyh.7271]

This was fantastic. Thank you for asking such thoughtful questions & letting John be vulnerable in a safe space. Congrats to John on 4 years! Wishing him all the best on his continued work on himself. I am glad he is back sharing his comedic talents with the world. His live shows now include a small, inspiring chat on mental health & I love that he shares it with his fans.

[@LHFTYT]

John, through you sharing your story, God gave me a deeper understanding of who He is. When you shared about your experience at rehab, and how listening to others share their deepest darkest shameful secrets, all you wanted to do was wrap your arms around them. That right there is a picture of Jesus. No condemnation, just compassion. I’ve been struggling with shame… and through sharing your story… God has given me a picture of what His forgiveness looks like. I wanted to share this to encourage you to keep sharing your story. God is using it! Romans 8:28.

[@sophiesniche]

I'm very happy your beyond your addiction. Thank you for sharing your story ❤️. Love your comedy.

[@kellyreece5600]

Moved enough to comment, THANK YOU both for being honest and transparent. God bless

[@cindygrisham4754]

Well done.

[@stacylapointe5005]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I think this can help others to know that healing is possible. I only heard of you when things blew up then again about a year ago when I began following on IG. I'm happy for you that you found healing.

[@debbiedobbins6785]

Great interview! John could stand up and read a phone book and somehow make it hilarious. Loved all the little insights.

[@sandeevickers2975]

John I just want you to know that your experience makes you qualified. It doesn’t make you perfect, but that’s what we’re here for. That’s why we go through painful things. The more pain, the more wisdom. Love and laughs, Sandee