Podcast Summary: Judd Apatow on: Panic Attacks, His Creative Process, and Why Comedians Are Often So Neurotic | 10% Happier with Dan Harris

In this insightful episode of "10% Happier with Dan Harris," host Dan Harris engages in a profound conversation with acclaimed filmmaker and comedian Judd Apatow. The discussion delves deep into Apatow's personal battles with panic attacks, his creative process, and the common neuroses that seem prevalent among comedians. Below is a comprehensive summary of their dialogue, enriched with notable quotes and organized into clear sections for easy navigation.

1. Introduction to Judd Apatow's Journey

Dan Harris opens the conversation by highlighting Judd Apatow's extensive career in film, television, and stand-up comedy. Apatow is renowned for his work on movies like "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Knocked Up," and "Trainwreck," as well as his contributions to TV shows such as "Freaks and Geeks" and "Girls." Beyond his creative endeavors, Apatow is also a prolific writer, having authored books like "Sick in the Head" and its sequel "Sicker in the Head."

2. Influence of Parents' Divorce and Early Life Struggles

Judd Apatow opens up about the profound impact of his parents' bitter divorce on his life and work. He reflects on how witnessing his parents' marital breakdown fueled his obsession with self-help and pop psychology.

Judd Apatow [07:13]: "It may be because of its failure to save my parents at one point."

Apatow shares personal anecdotes about his attempts to seek mental health support during his childhood, highlighting a gap in effective communication and support from his parents during their divorce.

3. Navigating Self-Help and Internal Family Systems

Apatow discusses his extensive engagement with self-help literature and practices, including meditation and Internal Family Systems (IFS). He emphasizes the importance of understanding the various "voices" or "parts" within oneself.

Judd Apatow [12:00]: "I'm always reading Buddhist books and also just looking for some sort of self-help that makes me feel better."

He explains Richard Schwartz's IFS model, detailing how recognizing and communicating with these internal parts can lead to greater authenticity and emotional well-being.

4. Managing Anxiety and Its Impact on Creativity

A pivotal part of the conversation centers on how Apatow's anxiety influences his creative output. He describes the incessant internal dialogue driven by anxiety and how it can stifle creativity.

Judd Apatow [13:40]: "...that is the voice of anxiety. And if I can calm that voice down, I feel way better."

Apatow shares strategies for calming his anxiety, such as mindfulness and awareness, and underscores the challenge of maintaining creativity amidst persistent anxious thoughts.

5. Experience with Ayahuasca and Personal Growth

In a candid revelation, Apatow recounts his experience with ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic, and its role in his journey toward healing.

Judd Apatow [34:17]: "I did ayahuasca, and for me, a lot of it is the fear of letting go, the fear of surrender."

He describes how the experience forced him to confront his fears and taught him the importance of acceptance and humor in the face of inner turmoil.

6. The Role of Comedy in Coping with Personal and Societal Issues

Apatow explores the intricate relationship between comedy and neurosis, challenging the stereotype that comedians are inherently more troubled. He posits that comedy serves as a medium to process and articulate personal struggles.

Judd Apatow [49:59]: "Most of us in comedy have had enough happen to us to give us a big bowl to draw from."

He argues that while anxiety can hinder creativity, it also provides rich material that fuels genuine and relatable humor.

7. Embracing Criticism in the Creative Process

The discussion shifts to how Apatow handles feedback and criticism. He emphasizes the value of honest critiques while also cautioning against becoming overly influenced by others' opinions.

Judd Apatow [69:13]: "I always embrace as much criticism as I can get. I try to do these screenings when I make a movie and I invite as many friends and other writers and directors to tell me what they thought of it."

Apatow shares insights on balancing external feedback with personal vision, highlighting cases where constructive criticism significantly improved his work.

8. Upcoming Projects and Continued Creativity

As the interview nears its end, Apatow shares details about his forthcoming projects, including a documentary on Mel Brooks for HBO and upcoming comedy shows.

Judd Apatow [83:26]: "The main movie I'm working on is a documentary about Mel Brooks for HBO."

He also teases his live shows scheduled for New York City and Atlanta, underscoring his commitment to both creative endeavors and charitable causes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Judd Apatow [07:13]: "It may be because of its failure to save my parents at one point."
• Judd Apatow [13:40]: "...that is the voice of anxiety. And if I can calm that voice down, I feel way better."
• Judd Apatow [34:17]: "I did ayahuasca, and for me, a lot of it is the fear of letting go, the fear of surrender."
• Judd Apatow [49:59]: "Most of us in comedy have had enough happen to us to give us a big bowl to draw from."
• Judd Apatow [69:13]: "I always embrace as much criticism as I can get. I try to do these screenings when I make a movie and I invite as many friends and other writers and directors to tell me what they thought of it."
• Judd Apatow [83:26]: "The main movie I'm working on is a documentary about Mel Brooks for HBO."

Conclusion

This episode provides a raw and honest look into Judd Apatow's personal struggles and his approach to creativity amidst anxiety. Apatow's reflections offer valuable insights into the human psyche, the therapeutic role of comedy, and the ongoing journey toward self-understanding and artistic expression. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities behind Apatow's acclaimed work and his commitment to using humor as a tool for connection and healing.

Recommended Resources Mentioned by Judd Apatow:

• "The Untethered Soul" by Michael Singer
• "When Things Fall Apart, Start Where You Are" by Pema Chödrön
• Richard Schwartz's books on Internal Family Systems
• James Finley’s "The Healing Path"
• "Transforming Problems into Happiness"

Upcoming Apatow Events:

• New York Comedy Festival: November 9th at the Beacon Theater
• Los Angeles Shows: November 11th at Largo with guests Beck, Zooey Deschanel, and Robbie Hoffman
• Atlanta Show: November 3rd at the Variety Playhouse

Be sure to catch Judd Apatow’s live performances and stay tuned for his Mel Brooks documentary on HBO.