Podcast Summary: "MO GILLIGAN: WHY WE FEEL SO LOST IN OUR 20s"
Podcast Information
- Title: Great Company with Jamie Laing
- Host/Author: Jampot Productions
- Episode: MO GILLIGAN: WHY WE FEEL SO LOST IN OUR 20s
- Release Date: March 5, 2025
- Description: No gimmicks; just Great Company. Join Jamie every Wednesday as he's joined by great guests for great conversation: it's GREAT COMPANY.
Introduction
In this episode of "Great Company with Jamie Laing," Jamie welcomes comedian and social media sensation Mo Gilligan as the guest. The conversation delves deep into the feelings of being lost during one's twenties, exploring personal struggles, the impact of success, and the importance of community and mental health.
Early Life and Community
Growing Up on an Estate Mo Gilligan shares his experiences growing up on a South London estate, emphasizing the strong sense of community and mutual support among neighbors.
"I think the beautiful thing about when you grow up on an estate is that everyone's there for each other... People look out for your safety."
[07:05] Mo Gilligan
Contrasting Environments Mo contrasts his upbringing with that of his more affluent friends, highlighting the differences in material possessions and the profound sense of community he experienced.
"I grew up in an estate... I did have that connection and community of friends."
[07:40] Mo Gilligan
Struggles in the 20s: Anxiety, Depression, and Therapy
Pressure of Success Mo discusses the immense pressure he felt in his late twenties to achieve his career goals in comedy, leading to feelings of depression and identity loss.
"I was massively depressed, man. Massive, massively depressed."
[24:45] Mo Gilligan
Therapy and Self-Discovery Both Jamie and Mo open up about their journeys with mental health, revealing the pivotal role therapy played in helping them navigate their emotions and find happiness beyond career success.
"Therapy helped me to open up myself, to then let my real personality out."
[26:04] Mo Gilligan
Experience with Success and Happiness
Achieving Goals vs. Finding Joy Mo reflects on how attaining his dreams in comedy brought financial success but did not equate to personal happiness, leading to a sense of emptiness despite external achievements.
"I got everything I'd ever wanted at that point in my life. And I'm not entirely happy with it."
[35:24] Mo Gilligan
Realizing the Value of Simplicity He contrasts his earlier escapism through materialism with the fulfillment he finds in simpler, more meaningful activities, such as fishing and spending quality time with friends.
"I want to do fishing. I want to just be able to like, me and the guys, be like, let's go play golf, play a bit of pool."
[44:26] Mo Gilligan
Comedy and Crowd Work
Approach to Comedy Mo elaborates on his philosophy of making audiences laugh without punching them down, emphasizing the importance of uplifting rather than degrading his audience members.
"I always try to be cheeky with my comedy... I always want my crowd to leave and be like, oh, mate, use that guy at the front."
[38:38] Mo Gilligan
Challenges in Crowd Work He shares anecdotes about live performances where crowd interactions went both well and awkwardly, highlighting the delicate balance comedians must maintain when engaging with the audience.
"I have to make sure I'm like, hey, hang on a minute. Let's remember, I have the mic."
[43:52] Mo Gilligan
Rapid-Fire Questions
Towards the end of the episode, Jamie and Mo engage in a rapid-fire segment, answering personal questions that provide deeper insights into Mo's personality and preferences.
-
Favorite Saying:
"Surround yourself with radiators and not drains."
[52:01] Mo Gilligan -
Best Compliment:
"Someone said I smell great, which was a relief because I wasn't sure if wearing cologne would get noticed."
[52:27] Mo Gilligan -
Biggest Turn Off:
"People that are rude to others, especially when trying to impress."
[54:44] Mo Gilligan -
Biggest Turn On:
"Seeing a bargain on something expensive; that rush is unbeatable."
[55:12] Mo Gilligan -
Most Liked About Himself:
"I can laugh at 90% of things that happen to me. It helps me stay light-hearted."
[55:42] Mo Gilligan -
Favorite Swear Word:
"Dickhead. It can be used both positively and negatively."
[56:14] Mo Gilligan
Conclusions and Final Thoughts
Jamie and Mo conclude the episode by reflecting on the vulnerability and openness displayed during their conversation. Mo expresses gratitude for the platform to share his story, emphasizing the importance of mental health and authentic connections.
"Thank you for having me on the pod. You inspire everyone."
[57:54] Mo Gilligan
Jamie encourages listeners to subscribe and engage with the podcast, highlighting the positive feedback they've received and inviting new guests for future episodes.
Key Takeaways
- Community Support: Growing up in a tight-knit community fosters resilience and a strong sense of belonging.
- Mental Health in Early Adulthood: Navigating the pressures of success and personal expectations can lead to significant mental health challenges.
- Authenticity in Success: Achieving career goals doesn't automatically translate to personal fulfillment; introspection and self-care are crucial.
- Uplifting Comedy: Comedy can be a powerful tool to connect and uplift audiences without diminishing them.
- Vulnerability Builds Connection: Open conversations about struggles and successes create deeper connections and understanding among individuals.
This episode offers a candid exploration of the complexities faced during one's twenties, blending humor with heartfelt discussions. Mo Gilligan's insights provide valuable perspectives for listeners navigating similar life stages.