Joy Podcast Episode Summary: George Hahn with Craig Ferguson

Released on October 29, 2024, "Joy" is a podcast hosted by Craig Ferguson under the iHeartPodcasts banner. In this episode, Ferguson engages in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with George Hahn, exploring themes of joy, sobriety, personal growth, and the challenges of modern life.

Introduction: Connecting Through Social Media

Craig Ferguson opens the episode by introducing his guest, George Hahn, describing him as a gentleman of extraordinary style, wit, and grace. Ferguson shares a personal anecdote about how he first encountered George through social media during the lockdown period.

Craig Ferguson [03:21]: "You were my lockdown Internet boyfriend. It's 100% true."

George responds with humor, highlighting his excitement to be part of the podcast.

George Hahn [03:25]: "That's because I'm eager and excited to speak with you."

Early Life and Family Background

George delves into his upbringing in Lakewood, a working-middle-class suburb of Cleveland. He provides a glimpse into his family dynamics, being the youngest of five children from a blended family.

George Hahn [09:45]: "We're the youngest of five. My mother was married and widowed before she met my dad."

Ferguson inquires about George's familial influences, particularly his connection to the performing arts.

Craig Ferguson [15:01]: "You mentioned your father and I saw a media post or something you posted some time ago. It was a rather moving post about your father taking you to New York City. Was that the first time that you went?"

George reminisces about his father, an actor who pursued theater at Notre Dame and later transitioned into advertising and marketing under family pressure.

George Hahn [16:16]: "He was an actor in Lor. He went into advertising and marketing and he was good at it. That's what he ended up kind of doing."

Career and Creative Pursuits

The conversation shifts to George's involvement in the performing arts. He recounts his early days in theater, working with directors like Charles Nelson Riley, and his experiences at Joe Allen on West 46th Street.

George Hahn [07:26]: "He used to come in during runs of that show. He would go, run, Cinderella."

George shares his stint working with Joan Rivers, managing her social media presence until her untimely passing in 2014. This role allowed him to craft jokes and engage with one of comedy's most iconic figures.

George Hahn [52:40]: "I ran her social media and I was writing, really writing jokes."

Ferguson expresses admiration for Joan Rivers and reflects on the loss of influential voices in comedy and literature.

Craig Ferguson [52:14]: "Gore Vidal, Joan Rivers. Two essential names that... are sadly missed right now."

Sobriety and Personal Growth

A significant portion of the episode focuses on George's journey to sobriety. Having been sober for 22 years, George discusses the challenges and transformations that come with maintaining a sober lifestyle, especially in the high-paced environment of New York City.

Craig Ferguson [20:24]: "But you're sober, right?"

George Hahn [20:30]: "22 years."

George contrasts his sobriety with his earlier years in the industry, where substance use was prevalent. He shares insights on how sobriety has enhanced his personal and professional life, allowing him to become more self-aware and less inhibited.

George Hahn [31:34]: "I have become less inhibited, less self-conscious."

Ferguson relates by sharing his own experiences with substance use and the myths surrounding creativity and addiction.

Craig Ferguson [23:13]: "I really think it's fucking horseshit."

Mental Health and Therapy

The discussion transitions to mental health, with George opening up about his battle with post-COVID anxiety. He describes the debilitating panic attacks he experienced and the steps he took to overcome them, including therapy and learning proper breathing techniques.

George Hahn [39:34]: "I did. This was what I learned later. The litany of these horrible feelings were from a weird, long Covid."

George credits therapy and resources like James Nestor's book "Breath" for his recovery, emphasizing the importance of mental health support.

George Hahn [41:17]: "A game changer. The big takeaway. Inhale through the nose."

Impact of Social Media and Modern Society

Both hosts reflect on the pervasive influence of social media and its effects on mental well-being. George discusses the allure of validation through likes and comments, while Ferguson shares his struggles with imposter syndrome and self-perception.

George Hahn [31:41]: "The videos I became known for making on social media... I would have been too self-conscious to actually do it."

Craig Ferguson [32:26]: "All the time. I think it's funny. I think of you as being super confident."

They critique the superficial aspects of modern life, including the obsession with branding and the pressures faced by younger generations in an increasingly connected world.

Reflections on Creativity and Substance Use

The hosts engage in a candid conversation about the romanticized notion that substance use fuels creativity. They debunk this myth by sharing personal anecdotes and highlighting the detrimental effects of addiction on one's life and relationships.

Craig Ferguson [25:34]: "I fell for the myth of the drugs and the alcohol make you lose and creative."

George Hahn [25:20]: "These guys who are extolled as your, you know, you're brooding like male archetype heroes. He was a mess."

Personal Challenges and Body Image

George addresses his ongoing struggle with body image and maintaining a healthy weight, a challenge complicated by his past habits and the demands of his career. He discusses the discipline required to achieve his fitness goals and the emotional aspects tied to physical appearance.

George Hahn [36:00]: "I'm well aware of that. And I don't think I have, like, body dysmorphia, but it's just. I can't fit into the suits that I invested a lot of tailoring into."

Ferguson empathizes, sharing his own battles with weight and body image, illustrating the universal nature of these challenges.

Craig Ferguson [37:28]: "But I feel like...I don't think there's a body type that's perfect for everybody, but I know for me, if I carry extra weight, I feel ashamed."

Influential Figures and Intellectual Pursuits

The conversation touches upon influential intellectuals like Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley, highlighting their impact on modern thought and media. George reminisces about his interactions with these figures, emphasizing the value of articulate and dissenting voices in society.

George Hahn [56:29]: "Legendary. Watching those two cats go at it."

Craig Ferguson [56:43]: "Gore Vidal, Joan Rivers. Two essential names that... are sadly missed right now."

They advocate for the preservation of such voices to inspire critical thinking and creativity in younger generations.

Closing Thoughts: Building Connections and Future Endeavors

As the episode draws to a close, both Ferguson and Hahn express mutual admiration and a desire to cultivate their budding friendship. They discuss potential future collaborations and the importance of genuine connections in fostering joy and personal fulfillment.

George Hahn [60:24]: "You make my day with these kind words... thank you for having me on your podcast, Craig."

Craig Ferguson [60:46]: "Keep doing what you're doing. You are a force for good and high quality entertainment in a world of... a giant Shit sandwich."

Conclusion

This episode of "Joy" offers a deep dive into George Hahn's life, exploring his journey through sobriety, his dedication to the arts, and his insights into modern societal challenges. Through candid conversation and shared vulnerabilities, Ferguson and Hahn exemplify the essence of finding joy amidst personal and external struggles.

Notable Quotes:

• Craig Ferguson [03:21]: "You were my lockdown Internet boyfriend. It's 100% true."

• George Hahn [20:30]: "22 years."

• George Hahn [31:34]: "I have become less inhibited, less self-conscious."

• Craig Ferguson [25:34]: "I fell for the myth of the drugs and the alcohol make you lose and creative."

• George Hahn [41:17]: "A game changer. The big takeaway. Inhale through the nose."

For those seeking inspiration on maintaining joy and navigating personal challenges, this episode provides valuable perspectives and relatable experiences from George Hahn and Craig Ferguson.