Simon Rich | Blocks Podcast w/ Neal Brennan

[@flcor]

It is quite refreshing to be exposed to a smart, likable, interesting, normal individual as Simon.

[@sixmike]

Since Simon doesn't have social media, I'll say this here: Ant Farm and Free Range Chickens connected with me on a soul level and legitimately helped save my life. I carried these two books around with me like medicine while dealing with homelessness and addiction in my late teens. The joy and feeling of connection I got from those stories helped reinforce a sense of identity I felt I was losing - fortunately I'm well past that time now, but seeing him here has brought out a wave of gratitude I didn't even realize I'd been holding back.

[@CoCo-fuz]

This comment is amazing and I will definitely start with these. Thank you!

[@LeoandLunaLumine123]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@damianmarvay5480]

Really well put.

[@3tp]

This comment has me intrigued. I am assuming since you're commenting on this video you are clean & can afford a phone or computer. Congrats. I will now read these books. Thank you for yer service!

[@chuckcarmichael7835]

The guys who don't do much press are always the best interviews.

[@tcamillesmith]

Thanks for interviewing him. I didn't know about him or his books. He seems like a really lovely, smart, grounded person :)

[@celerystalk1521]

(Nelson Muntz from the front of the Springfield mob) yeah due to being close to the ground due to being relatively short

[@ashleyhuppler2449]

Listen to his episode of Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers. He’s truly wonderful!

[@lazerwolf001]

I went to Dalton and was a freshman while Simon was a senior he was a cool kid and hung with other cool creative writer playwright musician types. I was there on scholarship and it was such a culture shock to see so much concentrated wealth and privilege. So many dumb rich kids with tutors and also some very brilliant young people who were very impressive.

[@matthewlennon6289]

All that stuff about the Harvard Z-list killed me. “I don’t know who it was designed to trick, maybe the kids themselves?” 😂

[@voodoochile4147]

When he said, “That is a dumb person...” 😂 I cracked.

[@bobbyologun1517]

The parents in the college admissions scandal were intent the children did not know

[@theREALchriszito]

@@bobbyologun1517 i do recall that as well!

[@raymondsmith9886]

I think he’s 100% right

[@raymondsmith9886]

I think it came out that she didn’t even want to go to USC. She said the tailgating would have been cool but besides that had no desire to go to university

[@markandremy]

HUGE HUGE HUGE fan of Simon RIch! Read most of his funny books and obviously his shows...glad to finally hear him speak!!!

[@Meriysi]

I love Simon Rich! His article was the thing that started the show Man Seeking Woman. Glad to see he found his woman. Honestly wish there were more interviews with him, I have been obsessed with his works for 12 years! Neal I love the guests you choose.

[@adamfrbs9259]

This by far is astonishingly good work, literally a beneficial show to society as a whole. The realness and honesty of Inside the Actors Studio, but with more depth and actual humanity insights and openness, without the method actor junk honesty. This is epic work, that is underrated and underappreciated thus far, simply because it hasn't reached enough viewers yet. When it does, I'd bet my life it goes exponential. Keep it up!

[@ashleyromero5302]

Ohhhh this is one of those writer nerds Bill Burr always talked about. He seems like a sweetheart

[@cedarandsound]

How can Simon Rich look 9 years old and 45 years old at the same time?

[@OzymandiasWasRight]

This was an excellent guest. Fascinating dude. Its rare hearing someone say 'i avoid fame' and actually believing them. 'Let's tear this place apaaaart!' -Springfield mob

[@sparkristinspiration1797]

Wow, what a rare gem this guy is❤writers and storytellers are the highest vibe🎉🎉

[@DNTXPCTMCH]

I got all of Simon’s books for Xmas. I can’t stop laughing while reading! At the same time, every story ends with some comfort. I realized I enjoyed Simon when he was on Family Trips with the Meyers brothers❤ great conversations. Thank you

[@BallerDH]

One of the best entries. Interesting convo + funny people riffing is always fun to watch. Keep healing the world, sir.

[@DeliriumPig]

Writers who aren't household names make for great episodes.

[@kwill84]

Jim Downey is great on Conan’s podcast

[@sir_vix]

Speak for yourself - in this household we ONLY speak of The Simon Rich. As a fun aside, I will say that having named my children Simon-Rich and Simone-Rich, and forced my wife to change her name to Richel-Simon - has really streamlined our nightly games of 'What's That Name?'

[@benrosn8154]

I’m legit such a huge giant fan of Simon Rich

[@JamieBensonTV]

same!

[@SJ-ym9nl]

Fantastic. Didn’t know him, now I know him way too well. No need to follow up. Perfection.

[@SneakyDragonPodcast]

Got the audio book for Glory Days because you mentioned it. So good.

[@melbournesmith]

Best episode yet. Been so curious for so long about the man behind some of my favorite humour. Turns out - he would make a great protagonist. Also: I hope it’s not lost on him that he didn’t turn his writing coping mechanism into a career, he turned his desire to impress and win over a mob into a career.

[@jacobschiesser4730]

really enjoyed this, have always been curious to hear an interview with him. very quick and smart.

[@brittanycarriger]

Fire interview. Exactly what we Blockheads needed,

[@kyleblackwell2253]

Admittedly, when i saw the alert with the thumbnail i thought "Tig, again?"

[@sallymarr5329]

Comments like this is why Simon stays off of social media

[@kyleblackwell2253]

I wasn't suggesting anything derogatory about Tig's appearance. In a tiny thumbnail they just looked similar.

[@dpclerks09]

@@kyleblackwell2253 Was literally about to comment the same thing as your OP. The Collective Unconscious strikes again!

[@johnmanigold9114]

Guilty 😣

[@boopdahoop2591]

@Sallymar “Those two people look alike” = violent cyber bullying

[@1928dman]

I watched all 3 seasons of man seeking woman. Great show.

[@Aspatiaa]

I loved Man Seeking Woman and Miracle Workers. Glad to see that the writer is a nice, normal, funny, and smart guy.

[@chaselepard]

Damn Neal! You always get the most interesting guests. I've been a fan of Simon's humor for years. It's so good to finally hear his story in his own words, rather than anecdotes from other comedy writers.

[@danielaasti]

What a pleasant human being. I really enjoyed the interview.

[@bestofhumans4715]

Favorite comedy writer going right now

[@travissweny6031]

Simon rich's short story collections are laugh out loud hilarious. New teeth, man seeking woman and hits and misses are all top notch

[@CleverNerdPun]

Phenomenal interview with a really interesting guy!

[@josephballerini3730]

This was a great episode. I have laughed hard perusing Simon's books in book stores. I'm going to seek out more. He is extremely funny.

[@josephballerini3730]

Also, what interesting takes on so many topics.

[@RoadDogsComedy]

Absolutely LOVED Man Seeking Woman!!! What a rad show that was

[@swampfox666]

I'm surprised Neal hasn't heard of George Carlin's take: “You don't need a formal conspiracy when interests converge.”

[@bobbyologun1517]

The ultra rich all send their kids to the same private schools. The international school of Berne

[@lowellisaac]

What a sweety pie. I’m glad he came to the internet for this- I hope her does more. Cool guy!

[@OrangeTithonia]

WOW. What a fascinating and engrossing interview about the writer's perspective, a Harvard grad perspective, SNL writer, etc. Really enjoyed learning about Simon Rich and all of his experiences. From an under 50 subscriber to the New Yorker. Does leaving a comment make me part of the mob? Hope not.

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

Great to put a face to the name, that era of SNL was probably my favourite ever

[@bobbyologun1517]

If this is the Dylan McDermott Dermot Mulroney guy then YES

[@sizwesokopo281]

Hits and Misses was a really great book. Literally heard the intro and ordered Glory Days

[@freemagicfun]

Good interview. I never heard of Simon before, so it was very interesting. And... no built in ads! I love that. (YT has far too many ads, so built in ads are just too much.) 😎

[@shyamlynn243]

I sure enjoy this Podcast, It's a great mix of humor, real talk about life's idiosyncrasies, and even visually stimulating at times ; like the scrolling blocks. Also cool to hear the stories the guests share and see them in a different light. Neal interrupts a lot but he does it well ; I mean it works somehow. Kind of reminds me of a good game of ping-pong... Thats my review. You're welcome.

[@Elmerphant]

Man Seeking Woman is insanely good!!! Simon Rich is so interesting in that he reached a level of talent while being able to be fairly anonymous. Loved this episode. About to re-watch Man Seeking Woman.

[@BatmanHQYT]

Man Seeking Woman was such a great show.

[@JulieGraceImmink]

He is a lovable protagonist ✨ great episode

[@thesimulation9651]

This was so good I had to watch it all the way through twice

[@josephballerini3730]

me too

[@freeagent_girl23]

Me too!

[@shyamlynn243]

This dude was so wise to listen to his gut about FB and social media. How many of us don't heed the warnings within ourselves and wind up on shitty strange roads that don't serve us well.

[@klingelheller]

best one yet! love you

[@hoiboi_official]

What lovely insights and self awareness

[@michaelreed2787]

This is the type of person you meet and you’re like OK I’m not getting into Harvard. Noticeably intelligent right off the bat.

[@sizwesokopo281]

"Bring forth their own short kid" 😂

[@777tmack]

I love interviews like this where clearly I’ve seen the guy's work, but had no idea who he was!

[@hayleeromrell3000]

I really enjoyed this episode.

[@soundofsmoke383]

I clicked because I thought it was the real life Simon Birch. Nothing he can say will be as interesting as I expected.

[@jkick24]

Supporting Neal

[@madcrosby]

"Which putter do you use?" He'd fail that CIA test. 🤣

[@rabbit6310]

can totally relate to this guy, love it

[@karenjcosme]

Simon reminds me of Chester, the sock puppet. I love it.

[@yoliemoreno3721]

Great episode. He's so interesting and super smart. I could've listened another few hours

[@longdistancetravellermusic2185]

Most awesome show on the interweb… I think your next guest should be Daniel Tosh

[@fatjoe0034]

57:25 Being compared to the shortest kid at another school involuntarily & winning every time is crazy 😂

[@catmarnell]

Loved this

[@moesmith4426]

I like your show bro keep it going

[@bimiup1]

Hey Neal! Please consider having Adam Clayton Holland on as a guest!

[@Tech-Sam]

Man seeking woman is one of the best shows ever.

[@dpclerks09]

Just the description of "Unprotected" about an inarticulate condom made me wheeze. Good shit, right Miroki?

[@IanJacobyandcompany]

If y'all are not familiar with Simon Rich's work -- go out and pick up some of his books. You'll never read more touching, funny beautiful work. Consider THIS his social media.

[@davidvanrask4108]

The story about Paul Revere’s horse not getting any credit seemed like a perfect metaphor for Neal and Chappelle.

[@jeffbaker7209]

Neighll Brennan 🐴

[@JasonAStillman]

He looks like a member of the Strokes

[@lalah9481]

Fascinating. Truly interesting to hear this inner monologue of such a creative, talented, accomplished person. Nice to know it’s in everyone!💖✨🤣

[@falcon9411]

Man seeking Woman one of the funniest shows ever on television

[@creepypicture]

Similarly, miracle workers is a silly show! (Like in a good way)

[@ThePrimaFacie]

Its good to see who was part of making all the comedy tropes of the past how ever many years. Glad he felt like talking about it. I wonder who he knows that are the next in the line? I guess we will see. Thanks for the vid

[@butterfly7624]

I don't know how this podcast doesn't have way more subscribers. Love this podcast!

[@philmckay9973]

nice interview

[@aLzO-]

Moe Szyslak: Hey everybody! There headin' to the old mill! Homer: No we're not! Moe: Well, let's go to the old mill anyway, get some cider! Mob crisis averted

[@vorpled]

That was great! It also gave me insight into what I think may be a major part of my issues. I was second shortest, in both primary school and high school (different shortest kids though). So lived in fear, but also got no "awards" or attention for being the shortest. Just ignored really. Huh. Something for therapy.

[@ruud4359]

Great as always

[@fred_fred_fred]

Good stuff.

[@jackstoddard13]

Tbh this dude should be in the Lonely Islands "The Creep" video

[@anda318]

Some people I'd love to see here would be Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Melissa McCarthy, Lil Dicky, Steve Carell, John Malkovich, Casey Frey, Bo Burnham, Katya Zamolodchikova (Brian McCook). Sorry if you hate suggestions. Ignore me forever.

[@thesimulation9651]

@@anda318 I cross my fingers and hope for a Bo Burnham episode every week but no matter who the guest is its always a great pod

[@afiganyo5678]

Wow, not a single non-white person?

[@jelenaurosevic7248]

@afiganyo5678 wow so if I add a non-white person just because of their skin color that's not racism? Stop being judgemental

[@jthebigjay4829]

That one missed cheek hair is the meaning of this entire episode.

[@StevieRaysMa]

New crush activated ❤

[@TheActualCathal]

The rich family in Parasite are parasites because they aren't paying their staff enough to escape from poverty. They don't even seem notice that there's been a flood, a flood which has caused their staff's house to be literally flooded in shit. Getting the jobs in the first place required them to seem like they aren't the kind of people who need to be lifted out of poverty. The bosses aren't good bosses, they are deeply concerned with keeping their staff at a distance and fire them with no further concern. The film has a tension that the liars could be discovered at any minute, but there's also the tension that they could just be fired for smelling poor. The rich family get more value from the labour than what they pay, it is not a purely symbiotic mutually beneficial transaction. Their previous housekeeper also couldn't afford to house both herself and her husband, that's why he hid in a cave for years going mad, worshipping his former employer like a god.

[@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261]

Groundskeeper Willie: It's a monster! KILL IT! KILL IT! Smithers: It's not a monster, he's Mr.Burns! Willie:Aww, it's Mr. Burns.... KILL IT! KILL IT!

[@MrBaltch]

Mike Schur has a similar boyish look that belies his age. Another phenomenal writer.

[@thetroothhurtz]

Man Seeking Woman was HILARIOUS!!!!

[@feliz2892]

That fact that this young boy is in his 40s is crazy

[@tmjmccormack]

Example of a podcast (overall) that should be longer. We’re here bc we’re curious to hear the details about a genuinely interesting person who lives in creative details but we don’t get them bc Brennan cuts in and cuts off. Rich should have been able to breathe into so many parts of this pod.

[@anda318]

Officially you're my most watched ever podcast, surpassing Joe Rogan. Love you.

[@shrubdestiny]

Good thing Chappells doesn’t have a pod

[@bobbyologun1517]

you’re better off JRE is awful

[@SS-dp7lt]

I know who he is cuz I always hear his name mentioned by all the comedy people and now he wrote that play with Mulaney in it !

[@cricketmcg777]

This is a great one to like and share guys!!

[@hakimitus]

Just based on the thumbnail, not reading anything, I thought this was like, Tig Notaro's little sister or something.

[@johnyaworsky8525]

Enjoyed it and Simon is great, but to minimize Frank Rich as just some random theater critic seems a little weird.

[@jeffbaker7209]

I know! As the head theater critic for The New York Times, safe to say Frank Rich had an extremely high profile in the cultural world....

[@afiganyo5678]

Yeah. Frank Rich is NYC royalty. This dude is Coastal Elite. Stop trying to make this a story of woe, Neal

[@howdareyou41]

According to Sorkin/Fincher the impetus for Zuck creating FB was not being accepted into finals clubs

[@ianobrien3248]

Miracle Workers is GREAT!

[@josephmathes]

Have you ever seen the Monty Python blackmail game show sketch?

[@celerystalk1521]

that was interesting

[@Andylu562]

Where is Dave? Either Attell or Chappelle would be cool

[@starks1974]

He looks like a young Larry Storch…maybe that should be his lifelong role.

[@belmont14]

Maggies simpsons stopped the mob, she made the mob go sing songs at the hospital

[@herhaze]

Clicked in thinking this is the Tig Natro interview

[@cirquemedia]

This episode is brought to you by internet mobs: GET HIM!!!!!

[@bobbyologun1517]

There he is! That’s the one

[@robertjones4212]

I am Oog. I love Girl. Girl Loves Boog. It is bad situation.