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Neal Brennan On: Talking Back to Your Inner Critic, Why Chasing Validation Doesn't Work, and His Harrowing Psychedelic Journeys

Neal Brennan On: Talking Back to Your Inner Critic, Why Chasing Validation Doesn't Work, and His Harrowing Psychedelic Journeys

10% Happier with Dan Harris
Sep 11, 2026 58 min
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About this episode

<p dir="ltr">The legendary comedian says you don't have to be tortured to be an artist, he doesn't need an index card of achievements in his pocket anymore, and even the bad trips have led to good destinations.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.nealbrennan.com/">Neal Brennan</a> is a three-time Emmy-nominated writer, director, producer, and standup comedian known for his critically acclaimed Netflix specials 3 Mics, Blocks, and Crazy Good and for co-creating Comedy Central's iconic Chappelle's Show. He also hosts the hit <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blocks-w-neal-brennan/id1658660161"> Blocks</a> podcast, where he talks with guests about their own personal blocks.</p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode we talk about:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Talking back to your inner critic</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Why the worst psychedelic trips might do more good than the beautiful ones</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The myth that comedians have to be miserable to be funny</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The "decoy" that keeps smart people chasing validation forever</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Why achievement became Neal's most embarrassing addiction</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What Neal wants now that success wasn't enough</li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Get the 10% with Dan Harris app <a href= "https://app.danharris.com/membership">here</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Sign up for Dan's free newsletter <a href= "http://www.danharris.com/">here</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Follow Dan on social: <a href= "https://bit.ly/3tGigG5">Instagram</a>, <a href= "https://bit.ly/3FOA84J">TikTok</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Subscribe to our <a href= "https://bit.ly/3FybRzD">YouTube Channel</a></p> <p dir="ltr">To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit <a href= "https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris">https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris</a></p>

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