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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@CrimeConversations]

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.

[@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.

[@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.❤

[@merlinsclaw]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. ❤

[@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

[@christianzander6547]

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

[@davidadams2395]

It's how Neal feel.

[@josef2012]

🙏💗

[@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

[@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.

[@qurkle9109]

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

[@cfb6451]

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

[@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

[@mik3law]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@clanckyT]

​@@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😉

[@marcher.arrant]

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

[@Cool_Deena]

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

[@David-ry4jq]

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

[@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

[@esoulkim]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@chaselepard]

Thanks Neal.

[@matthewalexanderkatsock]

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

[@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!

[@nah3193]

Howie's whole life is a stack of blocks

[@Thathikingfoo]

Your legs are crossed 💀💀 since he crawled man

[@eyoeltewdros1]

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

[@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.

[@RatchetPo]

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

[@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.

[@HighFive212]

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

[@chrisb4331]

Longest interview I’ve seen with Howie. Very insightful

[@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.

[@rydah1240]

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

[@sheefree]

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

[@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.

[@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 !

[@ryanwebb3288]

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

[@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 ❤

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@ScarletBrotherhood]

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

[@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

[@juliemac5604]

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

[@jeremiahmacclure]

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

[@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

[@PstrJFrancis]

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

[@ericspink6849]

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

[@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!

[@merkeljohn]

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

[@MichaelLueMiller]

In my opinion, the BEST show yet!

[@DK051687]

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

[@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!

[@Nice_Handle]

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

[@KING_PHILLIP]

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

[@brandi3466]

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

[@jaimekatz6645]

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

[@bluebabyydragon]

Amazing interview. Big thanks to Howie for baring his soul here. He may never know peace but he can know that he is providing others with solidarity they wouldn't otherwise have

[@jujubean1185]

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

[@kazoshay]

Neal might be my new favorite interviewer.

[@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...

[@jaaustin500]

Thanks so much Neal and Howie! Howie, I’ve been a fan of yours from early on when you were Canadian tv doing stand up and talking your baby talk!!! Lol! My daughter suffers from OCD and ADHD like you and talks about the never ending thoughts ramming inside her head. We’re getting her help for this but I told her to watch this so she won’t feel so alone! Love you guys!!!!!Also Neal- coming to see you this fall in Toronto’s JFLs! Can’t wait!

[@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.

[@codywagner6412]

Neil, this podcast means everything...

[@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.

[@DTurk]

Great interview. Really appreciated hearing Howie's honestly.

[@hydrangeadays]

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

[@subbert1]

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

[@alwkw3783]

I don't suffer from OCD but I have learned the hard way that anxiety does not respond to logic. That sentiment rings true every time I hear someone talking about their mental health struggles. Great interview! Thank you for sharing your stories, Howie 💜

[@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.

[@maxmacdonald]

Thank you for this interview!

[@jimfogg7836]

This is the best Blocks Ep to date. I'm riveted by Howie's vulnerability. What a great story

[@ApexG321]

This was such a great episode.

[@alexandraharkins]

This helps me further understand my Austitic/OCD child so much. Thank you Howie!

[@PsychiCorey]

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

[@clanckyT]

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)

[@elchichi]

I love Howie and Neal.

[@tonytone1969]

what a great listen. Thanks to you both for sharing

[@eldauderino]

Finally someone else confesses to not like fiction! Thank you Howie! I liked you from the Moment i saw you the first Time

[@adzooks44]

Howie is such a smart and likeable guy. I've always known of him, but never really knew much about him until now.

[@cmccord6042]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@CaveManCole]

Love these!

[@larissacole9413]

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

[@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

[@nancystamps1200]

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

[@Unanythang]

It's kind of crazy how much I relate to this. I feel like I'm listening to myself think.