**Podcast Summary: "Hannah Berner: On the Road Without a License"
Podcast Title: DisGRACEful with Grace O’Malley
Host: Grace O’Malley
Guest: Hannah Berner
Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction and Episode Overview

In this lively episode of DisGRACEful with Grace O’Malley, host Grace O’Malley welcomes comedian and podcast host Hannah Berner as her potential co-host. The episode blends comedic banter, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions, all aimed at determining if Hannah has what it takes to join Grace as a permanent co-host. Throughout the episode, Grace and Hannah engage in various segments, including family memory dives, the Sister Fight game, and an in-depth interview with Hannah promoting her latest book.

Family Memories and Shared Stories

Grace and Hannah begin the episode by reminiscing about their childhoods, sharing notable family sayings and funny memories that have shaped their sense of humor.

Notable Quote:

Grace O’Malley [02:44]: "We always quote from Maggie's two guys cut him in the neck video."

Grace recounts a childhood video where her sister Maggie, then a child, humorously claims her mom was attacked, leading to a frantic dance to the tune of "Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5.

Hannah adds personal anecdotes about their family dynamics, highlighting moments like running the haunted mansion family tradition and the hilarious mishaps that occurred during their outings. These stories not only showcase their tight-knit relationship but also their ability to find humor in everyday situations.

Sister Fight Segment

Transitioning into the Sister Fight segment, Grace and Hannah engage in a playful debate prompted by audience-submitted topics. This segment is designed to spark friendly competition and highlight their differing comedic perspectives.

Sample Interaction:

Grace O’Malley [14:32]: "We're going to fight."
Hannah Berner [14:38]: "Actually, no, I'm your boss."

They tackle various light-hearted topics, such as opinions on comedians like Al Pacino and Joaquin Phoenix, preferences for non-traditional silverware, and humorous takes on everyday dilemmas like jury duty and shopping habits.

Interview with Hannah Berner

The core of the episode features an engaging interview with Hannah Berner, delving into her career, personal challenges, and creative processes.

a. Stand-Up Comedy and Performance Anxiety

Hannah shares her journey into stand-up comedy, discussing her experiences with performance anxiety and the strategies she's employed to overcome it. She candidly talks about using beta blockers to manage her anxiety before performances, providing listeners with an authentic look into the mental challenges comedians face.

Notable Quote:

Hannah Berner [75:56]: "I'm not chasing adrenaline. I wake up with enough self-induced adrenaline from just surviving on this planet."

Grace and Hannah discuss the importance of authenticity in comedy and how personal struggles can fuel creative expression.

b. Use of Beta Blockers

Hannah elaborates on her use of beta blockers, explaining how they help her manage the physical symptoms of anxiety without affecting her mental state.

Notable Quote:

Hannah Berner [76:20]: "I took it before my Netflix special, and it was great. It's not something you take during a panic attack, but preemptively."

This honest conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of mental health in the entertainment industry.

c. Experiences with Self-Tapes and Acting

Hannah discusses the challenges of auditioning for acting roles, particularly the difficulties of creating effective self-tapes without professional equipment or coaching.

Notable Quote:

Hannah Berner [80:11]: "I've been doing self-tapes lately, and obviously I haven't gotten anything. As soon as I do, you'll find me first to know."

Grace empathizes, sharing her own struggles with self-taping and the competitive nature of the acting world.

d. Book Promotion: "How to Giggle"

Hannah proudly promotes her book, "How to Giggle," a New York Times bestseller that serves as a guide to taking life less seriously. The book is described as a coffee table favorite with humorous blurbs from notable comedians like Amy Poehler and Chelsea Handler.

Notable Quote:

Hannah Berner [82:14]: "It's a beautiful coffee table book, like a magazine. You can open any chapter and laugh about something."

Grace praises the book's unique format and the clever blurbs, highlighting its appeal to both casual readers and comedy enthusiasts.

Games and Interactive Segments

Throughout the episode, Grace and Hannah introduce interactive games that engage both themselves and the audience, adding layers of humor and spontaneity to the conversation.

DisGRACEful Receipts

In the DisGRACEful Receipts segment, Grace and Hannah review past social media posts, reacting to them with humor and relatability.

Sample Interaction:

Grace O’Malley [86:00]: "Proud of my calves for being in their first Adidas campaign."
Hannah Berner [86:22]: "I was sweating. I thought I was going to be so famous."

They laugh over nostalgic posts, offering commentary on the evolution of their online personas and the absurdities of social media fame.

DisGRACEful Receipts Game

Later in the episode, they play a game where they draw cards containing prompts to tell true stories, fabricate tales, or spin elaborate lies. The other must guess the nature of each story, leading to hilarious revelations and shared laughter.

Notable Quote:

Grace O’Malley [95:14]: "What's the dumbest lie you've ever told in a job interview? Has anyone not lied in a job interview?"

This segment not only entertains but also provides deeper insights into their personal lives and histories.

Concluding Discussions

As the episode draws to a close, Grace and Hannah reflect on the importance of authenticity, the pressures of public perception, and the value of genuine connections in both personal and professional spheres.

Notable Quotes:

Hannah Berner [91:21]: "If it affects your creativity, like, if you stop telling a joke on stage or don't want to post something because you have like those voices, that means they win."
Grace O’Malley [93:12]: "Yeah. I know. I just gotta do it."

They emphasize embracing one's true self and the necessity of staying true to personal values amidst external pressures.

Highlights and Takeaways

• Family and Memory: The deep bond between Grace and Hannah is evident through their shared family stories and childhood memories, showcasing how formative experiences contribute to their comedic styles.

• Mental Health in Comedy: Hannah's frank discussion about performance anxiety and the use of beta blockers highlights the often-hidden struggles comedians face, fostering a more nuanced understanding of the profession.

• Authenticity and Creativity: Both hosts stress the importance of being authentic in their work, whether it's through personal anecdotes, candid interviews, or interactive segments, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to genuine engagement.

• Interactive Humor: The inclusion of games like Sister Fight and DisGRACEful Receipts adds an engaging and dynamic element to the episode, keeping listeners entertained while providing deeper insights into the hosts' personalities.

• Promotion and Community Building: Hannah's promotion of her bestselling book serves as a seamless integration of content and marketing, encouraging listeners to support her work while maintaining the episode's humorous tone.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [02:44] Grace O’Malley: "We always quote from Maggie's two guys cut him in the neck video."

• [14:32] Grace O’Malley: "We're going to fight."

• [75:56] Hannah Berner: "I'm not chasing adrenaline. I wake up with enough self-induced adrenaline from just surviving on this planet."

• [76:20] Hannah Berner: "I took it before my Netflix special, and it was great. It's not something you take during a panic attack, but preemptively."

• [82:14] Hannah Berner: "It's a beautiful coffee table book, like a magazine. You can open any chapter and laugh about something."

• [91:21] Hannah Berner: "If it affects your creativity, like, if you stop telling a joke on stage or don't want to post something because you have like those voices, that means they win."

Conclusion

This episode of DisGRACEful with Grace O’Malley beautifully balances humor with heartfelt discussions, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the lives of two talented comedians. Hannah Berner’s candidness about her challenges and Grace O’Malley’s infectious energy create a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the podcast, this episode provides valuable insights, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for the art of comedy and the individuals behind it.