Michael Ian Black on Vulnerability, Becoming an Actor, and Raising Kids

About this episode

<p>Ryan talks to Michael Ian Black about how becoming a father forced him to face his emotionally cauterized state, how the theater became his escape from reality, our obligation as human beings to serve the common good, and more.</p><p>Michael Ian Black is a multi-media talent who’s starred in numerous films and TV series, written and/or directed two films, is a prolific author and commentator, and regularly tours the country performing his ribald brand of jokes and observations. He most recently starred in TVLand&apos;s “The Jim Gaffigan Show” and Comedy Central’s “Another Period.” He also reprised one of his iconic film roles in Netflix’s “Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later.”</p><p>Michael has authored 11 books, including the one we talk about today, A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son. This book reveals his own complicated relationship with his father, explores the damage and rising violence caused by the expectations placed on boys to “man up,” and searches for the best way to help young men be part of the solution, not the problem.</p><p><a href='http://80000hours.org/stoic'>80,000 Hours</a> is a nonprofit that provides free research and support to help people have a positive impact with their career. To get started planning a career that works on one of the world’s most pressing problems, sign up now at <a href='https://80000hours.org/stoic'>80000hours.org/stoic</a>.</p><p><a href='http://getkion.com/dailystoic'>Kion Aminos</a> is backed by over 20 years of clinical research, has the highest quality ingredients, no fillers or junk, undergoes rigorous quality testing, and tastes amazing with all-natural flavors. Go to <a href='https://getkion.com/dailystoic'>getkion.com/dailystoic</a> to save 20% on subscriptions and 10% on one-time purchases.</p><p>Right now, when you purchase a 3-month <a href='https://babbel.com'>Babbel</a> subscription, you’ll get an additional 3 months for FREE. That’s 6 months, for the price of 3! Just go to <a href='https://babbel.com'>Babbel.com</a> and use promo code <a href='https://babbel.com'>DAILYSTOIC</a>.</p><p><a href='https://givewell.org/'>GiveWell</a> is the best site for figuring out how and where to donate your money to have the greatest impact. Go to <a href='https://givewell.org/'>Givewell.org</a> to read more about their research or donate to any of their recommended charities. Enter <a href='https://givewell.org/'>Daily Stoic</a> at checkout so they know we sent you.</p><p>Sign up for the Daily Stoic email: <a href='http://dailystoic.com/dailyemail'>https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail</a></p><p>Check out the <a href='https://store.dailystoic.com/'>Daily Stoic Store</a> for Stoic inspired products, signed books, and more.</p><p>Follow us: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/dailystoic/'>Instagram</a>, <a href='https://twitter.com/dailystoic'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.youtube.com/dailystoic'>YouTube</a>, <a href='https://www.tiktok.com/@daily_stoic'>TikTok</a>, <a href='https://www.facebook.com/dailystoic'>Facebook</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>