Mark Normand | The Blocks Podcast w/ Neal Brennan | EPISODE 13

Neal Brennan interviews Mark Normand (‪@WeMightBeDrunkPod‬) about the things that make him feel lonely, isolated, and like something's wrong - and how he is persevering despite these blocks.
Mark's Blocks:
00:00 Intro
2:55 Married
7:56 Group Bombing
11:20 Strange Upbringing
18:57 OCD
20:48 Bedwetter
26:58 Drinking
27:23 Anxiety
34:21 Guilt
37:35 Alone
40:31 Dad
43:42 Hates Being Shown Things
46:05 Confrontation
50:10 Obligations
51:47 Sleeping Pills
59:48 Can't Think
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
SPONSORS:
BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/NEAL for 10% off your first month

[@samueldeffenbaugh6366]

Imagine having such an INSANE childhood that you brush over the fact that your nanny was murdered... my God I never knew Mark's story before

[@millardfilmore1403]

RIP Enes …

[@xmathmanx]

Isn't being a transvestite rarer than being murdered?

[@littlewigglemonster7691]

​@@xmathmanx I doubt it. In the 90s fine now, uhhh not sure

[@JunkBondTrader]

@@xmathmanx lol no. Being murdered is far, far rarer.

[@xmathmanx]

@@JunkBondTrader I said transvestite, they are actually still quite rare.

[@scubawithatuba]

One word comes to mind when I see Mark and that's "lovable". He has so much to offer the world and his perspective is one of a kind. I'm happy he is getting his spotlight lately, he truly deserves it!

[@B-Nice]

also 'Queef'

[@clevermissfox]

He is super loveable, that’s a great adjective for this queef. I agree he deserves all the accolades and admiration !!! But for god sales hire an assistant mark! These ADHD flight problem stories are too much ! It’s all too much!!!

[@guitargentmick-tv8424]

Lovable Queef from New Orleans

[@sdm12342002]

He was so nice when I met him.

[@JdEnigma07]

queefin it up

[@pareja90210]

Neil has the tremendous capacity to ask some of the most emotionally guarded people and not only entice them to share some of their most personal blocks, but share them in a very eloquent and matter-of-fact manner.

[@conormcginnity1353]

Ironically, I find Neal Brennan and Ryan Sickler to be pretty unfunny and annoying overall, but they both do a really good job as hosts in navigating very vulnerable, uncomfortable waters with their guests.

[@DogsCatsSnacks]

@@conormcginnity1353 You might like the O.G., Paul Gilmartin. He does the Mental Illness Happy Hour

[@snudgegalbraith3447]

Its called "emotional manipulation" . Sadly people like mark are easy food for these types.

[@k.c.simonsen2]

Man, Mark is way more interesting than I already thought he was. Can't believe he thinks we don't wanna hear this stuff! Makes me feel better about my shit and feel better knowing HE'S not alone either.

[@feezible]

So fack-ing great. Truly.

[@snudgegalbraith3447]

Mark is awesome. Neil not so much.

[@TylerMotter]

Mark is so relatable. The fact that he doesn’t look at Neal while describing his blocks is admirable. Everyone is scared about vulnerabilities and Mark was trying his best to keep to himself and at the same time to open up enough:

[@buckeyegirl16]

Im shocked he didn't talk about one of his biggest blocks...inability to make eye contact with people. He can only do it with people he's super comfortable with.

[@velveteye74]

He’s on the spectrum. I’m not trolling or being mean-I work in the autism field. Look up autism level 1.

[@JaydevRaol]

True

[@helicoptergunship]

​@@buckeyegirl16please dont judge him for that

[@kab9706]

​@velveteye74 I'm level 1 too. He's pretty great at masking, that's why he overanalyzes everything, especially when a social interaction doesn't go well. I do the same things. I can do eye contact on a good day, but not if I'm sad or being vulnerable. Loved this episode.

[@allentastic]

Hearing Mark talk about the noises he makes… I think that there are probably a lot more people like me that really needed to hear someone else hear those words. Thank you for being brave.

[@grahamdoig8128]

I meow everytime i enter my folks house...never owned a cat.

[@RomanNardone]

Oof brave. If Normand read that he'd kill himself

[@tonyattardo9350]

I used to click my tongue or worse think “kill your self” whenever an uncomfortable old memory popped in my head uninvited. Then I realized I started muttering it. Coworker was like “what was that?” I’m like fuck that has to stop lol.

[@jackdaw99]

Finally someone with relatable, real and crazy blocks like the ones I have

[@brbapappa]

Bed wetters unite

[@joelm6631]

Gotta watch Tuesdays w Stories

[@kellycarpenter3021]

@@joelm6631 and WMBD we might be drunk pod with mark and Sam

[@mindsigh4]

@@brbapappa at least he ain't a bed shitter ¯\(°_o)/¯

[@HawaiianPunch557]

@@brbapappa lmaoo

[@TalkingThrones]

80 diamond push-ups in a single set is pretty damn impressive.

[@JunkBondTrader]

I'd say 30 pull ups is harder. Maybe not chin ups, but pullups are pretty damn hard.

[@JonathanHassingerChannel]

Been waiting for Mark to get on this show. Perfect guest. May need a part 2 and 3!

[@amandapuukila7324]

YESSSS

[@zackshrum9030]

I’m so glad you’re podcasting again. I was heartbroken when How Neal Feel stopped dropping because I had just gotten into it a couple months before. Thanks for coming back to us Neal! ❤

[@isvvx]

Was it ever addressed why it stopped by Neal or Bianca? I still wonder.

[@zackshrum9030]

I never heard anything about it. I believe Neal was working on his most recent special at the time, so I’m sure he just decided to prioritize that.

[@nategomes1719]

Bro I was thinking the same thing come down to the comments and boom.

[@chickens4life23]

Same. Wonder what Bianca's been up to

[@KING_PHILLIP]

​@@nategomes1719 innit great when that happens?😂

[@marniebrimhall986]

Mark Normand is AMAZING! Thank you so much for having him on! Great job Neal!

[@Coolbreezyitsez]

Normand got away with not bringing up the 'can't make eye contact' block.. I'm disappointed. That's a great one 👌

[@KarnEvil62526]

It's great seeing Normand open up. Gives another layer of depth to his comedy.

[@meggenwalker-wo9qc]

I cannot stress enough how glued to this conversation I have been. Absolutely riveting. I am a huge fan of Neal-and a lay person yet huge fan of comics I had not yet had the opportunity to know anything about Mark. I have more in common with this conversation than you can possibly imagine. THANK YOU-this was a game changer…and SO generous.❤

[@B-Nice]

Glad Mark came on and shared so much!! Hope he knows there's a lot of us out here with nothing but love for him.

[@1nataliacortes]

Mark Normand is one of my favorite comedians but I just want to give him a big hug! ETA: Mark we care.

[@robertedwards9861]

he might die from cringe though, like a wild animal, love from a distance lol

[@kendallleingang]

I met him after a show and he is the sweetest person. He’s exactly who you think he is.

[@carsonland6874]

Do you know what ETA means?

[@1nataliacortes]

@@carsonland6874 edited to add.

[@joelm6631]

'Tuesdays w Stories' is by far one of the greatest podcasts of all time... Mark is a living legend.... It's always Comedy... Thank you for this interview.

[@emilylowrance7930]

totally agree.

[@wedderboom]

Also.

[@danirilla]

Been following Mark for years and didn’t know he was this f’d up. I appreciate his candor. This just makes me love him more. Neal really is the best person for this. Everyone that’s been on has a true appreciation for him and it’s obvious with how they open up. Much respect to both Neal and Mark.

[@samueldeffenbaugh6366]

Neal is so empathetic, and he offers up A LOT about himself to make people feel comfortable. I was over the moon when I heard about this pod

[@JaydevRaol]

​@@samueldeffenbaugh6366Yeah that was great.

[@chrisheiner6584]

I think Mark really appreciated being pushed past his discomfort to discuss himself, it seems like he just needs to know it's valuable to someone else to embrace it. Great work Neal!

[@jennabolmgren]

I was surprised “feeling invisible” wasn’t a block when he talked about his parents. This was such a good episode.

[@MrValentineMusic]

Just watched the special; Invisibility block was for sure there, you just couldn't see it.

[@simonhartley9158]

​@@MrValentineMusic lol

[@glowwstixx]

I knew this would be a good combo. Mark opened up more than he was comfortable with only because Neal helped him embrace it and not make him feel weird about it. Good combo.

[@darrenl9355]

Love Mark! It’d be awesome to see Joe List on the show as well!

[@chrischancellor7372]

Hell yeah, would love to see him on here. His father's gay!

[@rebeccamuntean1320]

I think this is my favorite episode of Blocks yet.

[@erezinyo]

Mark Normand and his comedy makes me feel I can make it. That everything is going to be OK somehow. Not to mention he is unbelievable funny

[@KING_PHILLIP]

Probably the best and most psychologically informative podcast i watch regularly. There are other podcasts, but this one, normalizing deficits we all experience. Golden. Amazing. Epic. Love you Mark, love you Neal. 👍😤👍

[@k.c.simonsen2]

This pod has officially snuck it's way up into maybe the Top 2 of my week, and I listen to at least 10 different shows a week for the last 2 or 3 years lol. Good fuckin shit Neal

[@WHDRWN]

Check out His brother Kevins mlc podcast

[@davidvernonloebsjr7133]

Same. And as soon as I saw Mark was the guest I immediately went from Spotify to KZbin. Mark is a top 2 fav and Neal is in the top ten, but Neal's interviewing skills are number 1.

[@tomsevcik1792]

This podcast feels like a comedic therapy session and I’m here for it haha.

[@tray7753]

This was heart breaking and inspiring. Marks uncomfortability was so palpable, but he just kept going willingly. so amazing to see someone with so much hardship grow up to be so self-aware and freaking funny

[@rubbelkdiekatz]

finally someone who again did their homework, the episoeds where the guest didn't send in their blocks in advance all felt mostly superficial

[@CaliKidHooligun]

Fuckin Shulz and Destafano

[@dinibo]

This is becoming my can't miss pod. Love the format. Shame you didn't shout out Tuesdays with Stories though. IMO it's the pod Mark shines on the best!

[@antsquishreacta4027]

This show really humanizes our comedy heroes - thanks for being able to be honest and inviting other people (especially men) to do the same.

[@thehaleybird]

The thing that's helped my anxiety the most over the years is learning that every person (no matter how seemingly funny/put-together/etc) struggles with similar feelings of discomfort and inadequacy. Your podcast is helping lots of people feel less alone, and as a result, less lost. Thank you Neal!

[@Neild0]

My level of excitement when I open KZbin and see Mark is your guest. Dude. 😲

[@Neild0]

I feel like I owe you money for that therapy session

[@kamshafty]

BEST ep of Blocks Mark is a special dude & he probably doesn't even know it or believe it Grateful for his transparency Amazing conversation

[@kylemcleod2839]

59:34 Mark you the man! Sleep Apnea maybe? Once I started wearing my apnea mask. My life changed, went from 4 hours a night to 8-9. Love yah my dude!

[@trealexander4808]

This is why I love comedy/ comedians. They are a lot more relatable and turn trauma into comedy. I’ve been watching Mark for a couple years now, and I’d definitely say he’s in my top 3 FAVORITE comedians. I’ll be seeing him in Dayton in April!

[@velveteye74]

Mark is textbook autism level 1. Look it up. Ppl hear autism and think it’s massively debilitating, but it’s not. He’s not “normal”, but he gets by fine in life. Thanks for sharing , mark!! PHENOMENAL episode.

[@jennifermcadams4168]

I think they both are

[@krissy55066]

Ditto. Just got diagnosed as level one and Mark's issues seem to add up to support autism IMO. I believe neal has come out as autistic or at least brings it up occasionally

[@kab9706]

Yes, goes to show that autism looks SO different from person to person! I relate to him so much. I don't "look" autistic, all the struggle is very silent and internal. I've overanalyzed my way into learning how to get by socializing and appearing normal. It's an everyday struggle. It doesn't come naturally. You can feel how tense and serious Mark is sometimes. Masking takes a lot of effort, and he does so well. His unique mind is what makes him so great at comedy.

[@heatherhellickson9166]

We are all on a spectrum. Stop with the stupid labels.

[@velveteye74]

@@heatherhellickson9166 You’re not only incorrect, but dismissive towards those that are actually on the spectrum. Labels serve the function of making order out of chaos; the problem is when people assign value to said labels when there should not necessarily be one.

[@bigwill-pn5xc]

What a great episode. Love Mark. The watch beeping in every cast is so funny.

[@shaunwalker7473]

I don't think anyone will be able to top this one. Neil and Mark are the best.

[@elsewhere904]

This is the best episode yet. Mark just made a fan in me!

[@zharriott2010]

Ayo mark, you're good as you are and appreciate you sharing bro 👊🏾

[@mitchm8613]

lol my favourite is "I hate when people show me something on there phone" 3 min later, Neal reads something from his phone and Marc sits there and pretends to be interested.' oooh wo ooo w ' GOLD.

[@chefhernjr4349]

Mark is dope as hell. Great interview. With that being said I definitely cant wait for Adam Sandlers interview.

[@meggenwalker-wo9qc]

Not sure if this will even be seen as this is my second comment in a few days because I am still so ‘struck’ and blown away. I’ve literally watched this Pod 5 or maybe 7 times? Mark you are incredibly brave, smart, empathetic, ‘flawed’ absolutely like the rest of us-your willingness to so generously tell your story is ‘beyond’… BEYOND expectation of anyone to share in this crazy open forum. It strikes me that maybe your bravery will allow me to be brave enough to explain to my therapist what I have been experiencing for just ever. Jesus I cannot stress enough how much I feel (53 yrs old btw) understood-in a way that I can only describe as I feel ‘seen’ in a way I never have. I can only say THANK YOU ♥️

[@buckeyegirl16]

This is a little older, but he shares several stories on The Honeydew that weren't discussed on Blocks if ur looking for more Mark content kzbin.info/www/bejne/bojIdqZ6l5qad8U

[@meggenwalker-wo9qc]

@@buckeyegirl16 That is so generous of you! Thank you for the info!

[@philoshua]

Your ability to be *minimally* creepy in the intros is impressive to me. Most people overshoot.

[@scandelez]

51:52 Neal used to have a joke about this, “all my white friends have trouble sleeping, all my black friends need to sleep is a sandwich and a moment of silence” lol

[@bryan_turner]

I never thought I'd relate to Mark so much.

[@crystalb3064]

Normand is hands down my Favorite Comic! He’s so vulnerable and honest on Podcasts I honestly thought I heard all the stories. I hope he keeps up the Therapy sessions and stops taking the sleeping pills. That’s not going to end well. 😢

[@comedycrackhead]

Mark, you have made me feel more understood in this episode than years of therapy. You are the best brother, keep it up! And Neal… you are the real deal. New fan, but glad to have found you and this cast 👍🏽

[@scarymsmary]

We got your back, man. We love you.

[@ericmyers853]

The one thing that I’ve found to truly fix chronic insomnia is C.B.T-I. It was an absolute game changer.

[@sdm12342002]

This was a great episode. Neal pulled so much (serious) stuff out of Mark. I watch Mark's pod/webcasts with Joe List and Sam Morrill, and Mark always finds a way (like many comedians) to deflect anything serious - however, he didn't do it as much with Neal. Found that interesting. Yet, they were both still funny and entertaining. I got to see and meet Mark a few years ago when he came and performed standup in my little dinky town (Salisbury, MD on Maryland's Eastern Shore). Apparently, they booked him before the pandemic and then it got cancelled. It seems as though Mark got a little more well-known during the pandemic, and I'm sure he could have said "nah, I'm not doing that gig." But he did it - will always like him for that. Plus, he had quite the ordeal getting back to NY from Maryland, which he detailed on "Tuesdays with Stories." COMEDY!

[@ThePwig]

I've always loved Mark's comedy and now I really love his real self here

[@jimeddinger5407]

Thanks Mark for sharing so openly. You’re not alone in you struggles. Great guest Neal!

[@simross3914]

i dig mark. stop drinking if you want to sleep. if you want to slow your anxiety stop drinking. i can't say it enough.

[@simross3914]

hes going to look back on this interview in a few years (hopefully) and say "holy shit i looked horrible". the guy is widely hungover and unwell.

[@STree42]

@@simross3914 He looks a lot better than most people his age...diagnosing others' problems over the internet is something I try to avoid.

[@simross3914]

@@STree42 hes literally talking about his problems. the entire show is about problems. I'm not diagnosing anything, I'm just observing.

[@STree42]

@@simross3914 Claiming someone is hungover and unwell sounds speculative to me.

[@yuisuzu3083]

this was such a good pod. A rarity these days. Kudos to Neal for the key format and Mark for opening up. Really made me feel okay as well as inspired to take on the dragons that we all face.

[@hatem-xz6cv]

I was not in the mood for anything but as soon as I saw this I clicked on it and started watching, that’s how much I care and want to know.. Him Talking about his weird shit is so helpful and somehow helpful because me and him share a few of these weird things and it made me feel so much better and helped me explain some of them

[@ForeverRivalspro]

Mark is wonderful, protect him at all costs

[@joshuaoneil6052]

Neal! What a get. Mark is a constant roll of witty word choices and observations. You need to get Gaffigan on the pod next!

[@montyburnz]

Playing armchair psychologist: it's interesting to see how all the symptoms (alcohol, OCD, bedwetting, internal monologue) all tie back to being a child in a chaotic upbringing. I hope he can find a way to process it and be gentle with himself. I get the self-loathing...it's tiring.

[@AA-xb2zm]

I like Mark more knowing the insecurities, especially with the self awareness of his insecurities

[@dhjtfvv567]

Props to mark for opening up like this.

[@robertdibenedetto6445]

Mark at 54:20 : "you're just starting at a screen at 4..." It's 4:03am when I'm watching this.

[@Jimbonejamsalot]

Best joke "that's why I hit her.." totally plowed over

[@darkmanG79]

I care Mark! Your story helps others who have been through a lot of shit in life, but look at comedy as a way to get through it. Thanks queef! 🎉

[@BriJo91]

Tell mark that I care very much about everything he said. It made me feel better about myself. I didn't realize how much in common we had and I would have never known

[@carrielevin]

It’s awesome to relate to Mark on this level! I like the vulnerability he is doing on here! The not being able to sleep thing is me right now unfortunately. I used to get prescribed Seroquel and it made me sleep sometimes…most other times I would do crazy sleep eating/walking. It was hard to get off of, that’s just me but be careful you comedy people!

[@VitaKet]

Seroquel is pretty strong antipsychotic and can be no joke coming off of.

[@danielpaiva5362]

I have never seen Mark drop such few jokes and so many truth bombs! Props to both for this amazing episode. Mark we love you, we're gay! Comedy!

[@gabagool_fool4933]

Your killing it Mark! People love you for who you are!

[@sarah-annemurphy5208]

Can we talk about how great the jump cuts are, so funny!

[@barneylover64]

It’s amazing how Mark thinks people don’t find this interesting but this is the best podcast of Mark I’ve seen, first time seeing this podcast as well definitely a new fan here great work Neal!

[@sohamrana2421]

Hey Neal, I love this podcast. Its so great to see comedians that I like be so candid about their shortcomings. This especially was a great one. I have on request, please get Vir Das on this podcast, would really love to know what are his BLOCKS and how he deals with it. Please keep going, you are fantastic.

[@KatyWithAWhyyy]

This is one of those pods I listen to immediately when I see a new episode. Appreciate you Neal 🖤

[@rozzyb420]

RN here! Love Neal’s advice on the sleep clinic for Mark! Try it! Be advised, mixing Seroquel & alcohol is a NO NO! Alcohol & Seroquel + comic alone in hotel room = mysterious death…. JUST SAYIN! Long term use can lead to some dangerous acute conditions like NMS or TD - common with lots of other psychotropic drugs. Mark should talk to the therapist about the sleep thing, too!

[@rje024]

Man, I feel the group bombing block. I tend to bring things up that most people like to pretend don't exist. I sadly make things awkward quite quickly with what I assume is just reality

[@rje024]

@alex , did you watch the video? If you don't relate, fine. Im just not good with small talk and usually go for deeper meaning behind stuff. Either people are really shallow, or they pretend the stuff doesn't exist to keep things superficial. Or yes, there are times I bring up stuff that people just regurgitate topics they don't know much about and were just told. Regardless, it gets awkward. I can admit that. This is why, as I've aged, I avoid those situations as much as possible. I have a hard time being fake for the sake of just getting along.

[@davidcuberos8316]

Holy cow. Didn’t more this is also a format to consume. When I saw that Mark was going to be a guest, I knew that it would be very interesting. Loved the finale. This is a rather special episode.

[@choforogabriel]

AN EP WITH BIANCA WOULD BE AWESOME! for the real ones

[@tstafford81]

"Nothing dries up a snatch like Monty Python" LMAO! At 41 years old, that's a hard disagree for me. Monty Python quote on a date is golden. PS- Mark's tics are absolutely endearing. Sometimes when I randomly recall an embarrassing memory, I will inadvertently meow. Out-loud. WHY? Now I don't feel so alone, lol!

[@grahamdoig8128]

🙋🏻‍♂️ I'm a meower too. I announce my arrival at my folks house with a meow. Never owned a cat and no one questions it, ever.

[@tstafford81]

@@grahamdoig8128 LMAO, OMG I feel so seen!!

[@AtilioEscobar]

My favorite 'Markerism' is the hand to the chin rub, look off into the distance.

[@jayfreedman5186]

Finger guns in the air man myself. But I feel ya.

[@user-uh5tb9er4o]

mine is the arms in the air Kermit holler

[@ps7352]

Perfect guest for Block.Mark is such a fascinating, and hilarious, guy. great episode.

[@design1of470]

I feel like the fact that women have made allegations that Mark Normand assaulted them would be considered a block, but the guy is pretty resilient. He probably doesn't even think about it.

[@JAMinerViews]

This is my new favorite podcast. Vulnerability of comedians. Comedians being human. ❤

[@MrPooPooKatchu]

This is some real resilience. I respect how vulnerable Mark can be on camera

[@knowmsane]

Another great insightful podcast! Mark and I are completely different personalities but handle our OCD and ticks privately in a similar way to a strange degree.

[@suesue9320]

I loved this interview. I watch we might be drunk and protect our parks and this is a side of him I genuinely enjoyed. He’s deep and open here. He may be my favorite now that I understand him a bit more. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@gahd]

Mark is by far one the best comedians in history.

[@leviruppel2843]

I fucking love mark normand.

[@carriemroczkowski9409]

Super stoked for this one. Loving Neal’s pod:)

[@frankbruno4017]

Hell yea! The guests have been top notch! Keep ‘em comin Neal 😁

[@ericspink6849]

“Mr Norman?…Dr Brennan will see you now” Great ep! Love the pod and Mark is your best guest yet!

[@astralcreek]

Thc indica tincture, cardio in the evening, read a book before bed, a shower before bed, tea

[@carolinacornejo1618]

Best ep. so far. Love how much Mark opened up on this ❤

[@louisgonzalez5932]

That was so good. It was an awesome conversation with two of the greats.

[@shrimpeye]

Thanks for being willing to be so open about these things, Mark. It's embarrassing and sometimes confronting to talk about (especially when most of the time people think you're functioning normally). I'm sure a lot of people feel relieved just after hearing your experiences. Also, your wife sounds amazing and good on you for sitting down together to write your blocks down. I'm really keen to see how you've progressed since this episode!

[@coreytaylor2638]

Marks the coolest dude he adopted the fantastic fox's whistle!

[@isaacjimenez9453]

Amazing episode thanks Mark for being open

[@dcool2u2]

I already know this ep is gonna be great! Watching now.....😊

[@billybman1]

Three mikes was outstanding and blocks was superb. Drove six hours to Austin picked up my son from UT and watched Mark at the Paramount theater. Great time for sure. Mark that medication has a side of causing tremors so please be berry berry careful.

[@Photik]

Normand on the pod!! Love it. Been waiting for this one.

[@twofatchicksproductions9015]

I messaged my brother immediately to share this with him. We love you guys. Great episode.