"From Rock Bottom to Standing Ovations : Dave Landau's Story of Resilience"

Summary

Podcast Summary: "From Rock Bottom to Standing Ovations: Dave Landau's Story of Resilience"

Podcast: takin' a walk: MUSIC HISTORY ON FOOT
Host: Buzz Knight (episode guest host: Lynn Hoffman)
Guest: Dave Landau
Date: September 8, 2025
Episode Theme:
A deep and candid conversation with comedian Dave Landau about overcoming adversity, addiction, and the transformative power of comedy. The episode explores how humor not only entertains but also provides healing, connection, and a path to personal resilience.

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Episode Overview

Host Lynn Hoffman leads a powerful and often hilarious discussion with stand-up comedian and writer Dave Landau. Landau shares his deeply personal journey from youthful turmoil and addiction to success as a comedian and author. Through vivid anecdotes, Landau illustrates how comedy became both a coping mechanism and a lifeline, enabling him to process pain, reconnect with others, and reclaim agency in his life. The conversation delves into the importance of vulnerability, the hazards of social media, and advice for aspiring comics, all delivered with Landau’s signature unfiltered wit.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Comedy as a Tool for Survival and Healing

• Comedy as Defense Mechanism:
  Landau describes how, even as a child, humor was his escape and shield:

  “Comedy was always a defense mechanism for me, even since I was a little kid. So a lot of my escapism was into even watching stand up or sketch shows...” (04:15)

• The Healing Power of Laughter:
  Through shows for recovery groups and his own openness, he’s discovered laughter’s direct impact:

  "To have people come up and say, ‘I got sober because of something you said’...That’s when I realized comedy could actually help people heal." (04:15)

2. Comedy Roots & Influences

• Acknowledges formative influences:

  “SNL, 90s era. Yeah. But also, you know, like Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Joan Rivers, Rodney Dangerfield, Bob Newhart...” (04:51)

3. Mining Darkness for Material

• Transforming Pain into Art:
  Landau is candid about sharing his history of arrests and substance abuse, and how honesty makes his comedy more meaningful:

  “I think the more honest you get on stage, the more people connect with you on an actual personal level. So the ability to be able to do that now...It helped me out because I can just make jokes about whatever is dark.” (05:30)

• Connecting with Audiences:
  Even difficult moments—such as facing addiction—can become sources for humor and connection.

  “Yeah, when you do connect with somebody or you realize somebody's there for you – it's an amazing thing.” (07:20)

4. Writing the Memoir Party of One

• Why Write a Book:
  The COVID-19 pandemic gave him the space to write, acting as a therapeutic fifth step (10:13):

  "It took me about five years to actually have the guts to put it out...It’s kind of like a fifth step...into a book...” (08:19)

• Book Reception:

  "It hit number one on Amazon for a second and still selling...It was really cool that it’s done as well as it has.” (09:27)

• Support from Peers:
  Despite worries, friends supported the sometimes-unflattering stories about their past.

5. Sharing a Wild Story: “The PB Crisps Incident”

• Excerpt about a teenage misadventure, illustrating humor in hindsight:

  “My friends and I were slowly robbing a pharmacy that we were working at...how I ended up getting fired from the job was I got caught stealing a delicious snack called PB Crisps...I got fired for stealing graham crackers...In my pocket I had, like, a cellophane full of Valium.” (10:33–12:42)

• Memorable Quote:

  “I made more money off of selling the ‘farmies’ at school than I did actually at the job. Well, in fact, I know I did because it was five to ten bucks for a pill, and I made $4.19 an hour.” (12:43)

6. Social Media, Mental Health, and Disconnection

• Cultural Disconnection & Addiction:

  “I think the biggest thing we're addicted to without noticing it is disconnection. And we’re not talking to people like we used to.” (14:41) “Now at your worst is permanent and people want to leave you there...And I think a lot of what goes on online is extraordinarily dangerous.” (15:11)

• Advice for Coping:

  “Life is just a moment and everything else doesn't exist. That's something that’s been very hard for me to grasp, but it's helped me tremendously.” (17:29)

7. The Value of Creative Expression

• Creativity as a Lifeline:

  “If you create, it gives you a very calming...it can calm your life down, it can calm your head down.” (18:32)

• Encouragement to Try Without Fear of Perfection:

  “Even if it’s something they're not going to pay you for, even if it's something you suck at...it's worth it to do something.” (19:13)

8. Advice for Aspiring Comedians (or Creators)

• Overcoming Internal Obstacles:

  “The biggest obstacle is always ourselves…just do it. There’s nothing stopping you. Any excuse you make is an excuse not to do something.” (19:46)

• Acknowledging Procrastination:

  “I procrastinate constantly...I think reasons not to do stuff, and I go against everything, you know, I'm self-destructive by nature. So there’s always going to be that little piece of me that's going to prevent me from going really far if I let it.” (21:06)

9. The Role of Vulnerability in Comedy

• Balancing Honesty & Wellbeing:

  “There has to be a line where you have to keep the audience in control...If you’re having them following you and relating to you, it’s different than just laughing at you.” (27:09)

• Respect Through Vulnerability:

  “If you're vulnerable enough to do that, you're powerful enough to the audience, to where they're not going to lose respect for you. If not, they gain it.” (28:13)

10. Thick Skin and the Importance of Self-Deprecation

• Learning to Laugh at Yourself:

  “There's such a difference, too, between taking shots and negative self talk. Because I say horrible things to myself, and that's why I always find it funny if somebody trashes you, it's like, I guarantee you, you've said worse things about yourself today than anybody else.” (32:57)

• Building Resilience:
  Landau credits improv, comedy troupes, and family for toughening him to criticism—skills that serve him on stage and in life.

11. Defining “Comedy Saved Me” — A Pivotal Moment

• Turning Point:
  Landau recounts a teacher who recognized his comedic gift and encouraged him to attend Second City. Years later, he performs improv with her, closing the loop on his journey from class clown to professional performer:

  “She was the first person that ever made me think of it like an actual skill and not something to hide or be ashamed of. And then I got to perform with her...That's always stuck with me.” (36:53)

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Notable Quotes

• On the honesty and vulnerability of comedy:

  “I think the more honest you get on stage, the more people connect with you...” — Dave Landau (05:30)

• On addiction and recovery:

  “It's allowed me to actually tell the story of my life in a funny way because like 13 arrests and, you know, drug addiction cannot always be the most fun. Sometimes it’s fun, but I don’t recommend it, is what I’m saying.” — Dave Landau (05:30)

• On social media’s impact:

  “The biggest thing we're addicted to without noticing it is disconnection. And we're not talking to people like we used to.” — Dave Landau (14:41)

• On personal empowerment:

  “It's just taking your power back and being able to create something for yourself. And also having an outlet that's not just venomous attacks online...” — Dave Landau (18:16)

• On trying comedy (or creative pursuits):

  “The biggest obstacle is always ourselves. ...Any excuse you make is an excuse not to do something.” — Dave Landau (19:46)

• On tragedy and humor:

  “Everybody has tragedy plus time. Everybody can laugh at that.” — Dave Landau (28:46)

• On teachers who see potential:

  “‘You’re really funny, but you act like a jackass in my classroom...you should consider taking classes at this place...’ She was the first person that ever made me think of it like an actual skill and not something to hide or be ashamed of.” — Dave Landau (36:12, 36:53)

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Important Timestamps

• Realizing Comedy Was Healing: 04:15
• Influences – SNL, Pryor, Eddie Murphy: 04:51
• Comedy and Addiction, The Power of Honesty: 05:30
• Publishing the Memoir, Book’s Impact: 08:02–09:27
• PB Crisps Pharmacy Story (Memorable Anecdote): 10:33–12:42
• Commentary on Social Media & Disconnection: 13:58–16:48
• One-Day-at-a-Time Wisdom: 17:29
• Creativity as a Lifeline: 18:16–19:13
• Advice for Aspiring Comics: 19:46–21:06
• Comedy, Vulnerability, Tragedy Plus Time: 27:09–28:50
• Learning Thick Skin via Improv/Radio: 32:57–34:37
• Defining ‘Comedy Saved Me’ Moment: 36:12–37:24

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Memorable Moments

• PB Crisps pharmacy theft story (humorous yet poignant glimpse into his teenage struggles and entrepreneurship).
• Reuniting with the teacher who first encouraged him (full-circle moment, illustrating the profound impact of encouragement and mentorship).
• Reflection on creative vulnerability, the importance of thick skin, and real connection versus curated personas online.

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Conclusion

The episode is an authentic, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud exploration of how comedy and creativity offer resilience against life’s toughest challenges. Through candor and humor, Dave Landau sheds light on addiction, recovery, the pitfalls of digital culture, and the liberating power of art and self-deprecation. His advice—“just do it,” embrace vulnerability, and never underestimate the power of honest storytelling—rings true far beyond the world of stand-up comedy.

Book Plug:
Party of One: A Fuzzy Memoir by Dave Landau – available on Amazon.
More Info: davelandau.com

Transcript

[Lynn Hoffman]

Comedy Saved me. Welcome to Comedy Saved Me, the show where laughter isn't just fun, it's survival. I'm your host, Lynn Hoffman, and today we are unpacking the magic behind the mic, how comedy may not only make us laugh, but helps us heal, grow, and reclaim our lives. My guest today I'm so grateful is Dave Landau, a comedian who has transformed life's toughest moments into stories that connect, inspire, and and remind us all that humor can be a true lifeline. We are so excited to have you here on the show, Dave. And I know we've had a couple of hits and misses trying to catch each other, so thank you for carving out some time for us today.

[Dave Landau]

Oh, thank you for having me. I appreciate it.

[Lynn Hoffman]

All right, well, on that note, we had to take a quick commercial break.

[Dave Landau]

All right, I'll see you later.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I'll be right back. Please don't go anywhere. We've tried this four times. I've got him. I'm going to strap him in. And you strap in and maybe you can get, like, a snack or something. And we're just going to play some commercials for. We're grateful for them so that we can do this show. We'll be right back.

[Enya Umanzor]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Hi, my name is Enya Umanzor.

[Drew Phillips]

And I'm Drew Phillips.

[Lynn Hoffman]

And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom.

[Drew Phillips]

If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you, but if you have unmedicated adhd.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, my God, perfect.

[Drew Phillips]

And want to hear people with mental illness Psychobabble.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yes. Yes.

[Drew Phillips]

Then Emergency Intercom's the podcast for you. Open your free iHeartRadio app, search emergency intercom and listen now.

[Dave Landau]

I'm Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, host of the Psychology Podcast. Here's a clip from an upcoming conversation about how to be a better you. When you think about emotion regulation, you're not going to choose an adaptive strategy which is more effortful to use unless you think there's a good outcome. Avoidance is easier. Ignoring is easier. Denial is easier. Complex problem solving takes effort. Listen to the Psychology podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Honey German]

Hi, it's Honey German, and I'm back with season two of my podcast. Gracias. Come again. We got you. When it comes to the latest in music and entertainment, with interviews with some of your favorite Latin artists and celebrities. You didn't have to audition.

[Dave Landau]

No, I didn't audition.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I haven't auditioned in, like, over 25 years.

[Honey German]

Oh, wow. That's a real G talk right there.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, yeah.

[Honey German]

We'll talk about all that's vi and trending with a little bit of Cheeseman and a whole lot of laughs. And of course, the great Bibras you've come to expect. Listen to the new season of Gracias. Come again on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[A.J. Jacobs]

Let's start with a quick puzzle. The answer is Ken Jennings appearance on the puzzler with A.J. jacobs. The question is, what is the most entertaining listening experience in podcast land Jeopardy truthers believe in?

[Dave Landau]

I guess they would be conspiracy theorists.

[A.J. Jacobs]

That's right.

[Dave Landau]

They give you the answers and you still blew it.

[A.J. Jacobs]

The puzzler. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dave Landau]

It's important that we just reassure people that they're not alone. And there is help out there.

[Jacob Schick]

The Good Stuff Podcast season two takes a deep look into One Tribe Foundation, a nonprofit fighting suicide in the veteran community. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, so join hosts Jacob and Ashley Schick as they bring you to the front lines of One Tribe's mission.

[Dave Landau]

One Tribe saved my life twice.

[Danny Shapiro]

Welcome to season two of the Good Stuff.

[Jacob Schick]

Listen to the Good Stuff podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Comedy Saved Me. Welcome back. My guest on Comedy Saved Me, Dave Landau, dav. Many of our listeners turn to comedy as a way of coping with pain. I myself am included in that. When did you first realize that comedy was more than just an escape? That it, that it actually, you know, healed people?

[Dave Landau]

Boy, that's a good question. I don't know if I, I guess when I realized that my comedy may have helped people, like, I put out a book and I've, I've done a lot of shows for recovery groups. So to have people come up and say, I got sober because of something you said, I mean, comedy was always a defense mechanism for me, even since I was a little K kids. So a lot of my escapism was into even watching stand up or sketch shows or whatever it was. So I think that, yeah, at a young age, I guess I figured that humor was a good way out.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Who were some of your favorites? When you say a young age, I'm seeing you look young to me. I'm thinking Saturday Night Live kind of era.

[Dave Landau]

SNL, 90s era. Yeah. But also, you know, like prior. Eddie Murphy.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yes.

[Dave Landau]

Joan Rivers, Rodney Dangerfield, like a lot of the old albums My dad had Bob Newhart, so I had a bunch of ones that I would look back on. And at the current time, I loved, obviously, which was 90s SNL, second city and that stuff.

[Lynn Hoffman]

The best. The best. You know, you've spoken a lot during my research. I've noticed that you've been very open about your journey through addiction and struggles. How has comedy helped you personally process and transform those difficult experiences?

[Dave Landau]

Well, I've. It's allowed me to actually tell the story of my life in a funny way because like 13 arrests and, you know, drug addiction cannot always be the most fun. I shouldn't say can't always be the most fun. Like sometimes it's a really good thing and benefits everyone. Well, sometimes it's fun, but I don't recommend it, is what I'm saying. But I think the more honest you get on stage, the more people connect with you on an actual personal level, like you're able to kind of reach more people. So the ability to be able to do that now and like it used to being honest was really something that, I don't know, it helped me out because I can just make jokes about whatever is dark and just kind of mine that for material.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Do you, when you're on stage, I'm just curious. Do you see their faces? I mean, sometimes the lights are pretty bright and you can't. I mean, you can get a feel for, you know, audible things and stuff, but do you see when you've really connected with an audience and does that sort of give you more inspiration?

[Dave Landau]

Oh, yeah, especially with the right crowd. And then sometimes you see the opposite where like last weekend a really drunk guy stood up and was trying to get out of the room to go to the bathroom and he just face planted right into a wall. And I was like, well, there's a reminder of why I don't drink anymore. So, yeah, it goes both ways. It was fun. It really was loud. I don't. I think he's hurt, has internal bleeding, but I think he pregamed in the parking lot, so it's all on him. So I. I wish people could see.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Your face right now because he's got a huge smile. It's not. I mean, the guy. I don't think the guy's really hurt.

[Dave Landau]

Is he maybe stitches?

[Lynn Hoffman]

Maybe.

[Dave Landau]

Maybe. I don't think it was stitches. He seemed, it doesn't seem like he. It was not the first time he got drunk and smashed his head into a wall. I promise. I would say even that day.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Wow.

[Dave Landau]

Yeah. So. But yeah, when you do connect with somebody or you realize somebody's there for you. It's an amazing thing. And lately I put out a book, and people are actually showing up with the book to get signed. And that's kind of exciting because, you know, after spending five years in high school and not really being on a path of educational promise, it's cool.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Life education.

[Dave Landau]

Life, yes, life education. As they say, the street smarts. Which means I can get you an eight ball of coke, but I can't do long division.

[Lynn Hoffman]

These are the challenges.

[Dave Landau]

Exactly.

[Lynn Hoffman]

It's pretty amazing, though. What is the name of your book? And what could one find when one reads your book?

[Dave Landau]

It's called a party of one, a fuzzy memoir, and it's available on Amazon.com the Audible is coming out soon.

[Lynn Hoffman]

And what, like, what made you decide you had to write a book and comedy wasn't enough? You wanted to really just etch it in writing forever?

[Dave Landau]

Five years ago, when Covid happened, I needed an outlet. So I wrote my story of my teen years into my adulthood years and what got me sober and of all my different arrests. And it took me about five years to actually have the guts to put it out and ask everybody who's in it, like, hey, Brian, I changed your name to Ryan. That's cool, right? Like, just little things in it that were very obvious.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Were people receptive?

[Dave Landau]

Yeah, everybody was really supportive. I was worried they wouldn't be. And fortunately, all my friends were very, very cool about it.

[Lynn Hoffman]

That's so cool. I've often toyed with doing that myself because I've had friends who said, you know, you can always change people's names. And I thought, nah, I'd rather wait until everyone's gone.

[Dave Landau]

Yeah.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I think I'm so healthy, I'm going to outlive everybody and then I can tell the story.

[Dave Landau]

Right. What's sad is that I have. But yeah, it's. It is. I think it's worth it. And then if they do say y yes, make sure the name is as close as possible so they regret saying yes for your own amusement.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I like that. Wow. And the response, obviously, has been really good on the book.

[Dave Landau]

Oh, yeah. It hit number one on Amazon for a second and still selling. And yeah, it was really cool that it's done as well as it has.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Wow. Congratulations, Dave. That's really cool.

[Dave Landau]

Thank you.

[Lynn Hoffman]

That's a big deal. Because I'm guessing you put it out there not only to help yourself, but to help those who are reading it.

[Dave Landau]

Yeah. A lot of people have come to my Shows because at some point, I will discuss sobriety and just tell some stories from when I was younger. And, like, a lot of people wanted to hear more about that. So what I did was. It's kind of like a fifth step. A fifth step put into. I don't know, into a book, I guess. You know, it's just something that I had to work out, and I. And stories that I was already doing in my act, so. And not all of them. I mean, most of them I hadn't talked about. And that's. I guess the word is cathartic. Anybody would use.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Dave Landau]

But it was nice to take, like, the. The darkest things that I didn't want to share and then just share them, because there's something I don't know that, like, gives you power that you feel like you've lost or when you've become powerless to something that's so true.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Can you share a little teaser with our audience? Oh, one of those stories.

[Dave Landau]

She's one of the. I want to make it a fun one, because a lot of them aren't. Oh, I was. My friends and I were slowly robbing a pharmacy that we were working at. I shouldn't say robbing. Like, it was a big deal, but this was. Well, it was a big deal, but this was during the 90s, where it was right before the opioid boom, where every, like, oxy came out and everything. Like, it was there, but it was not. People were not aware of what was going to happen, so they weren't looking at controlled pharmaceuticals the way that they do now in the sense of, like, counting every one of them. It was sort of done weight, and nobody really cared. So every time we took out the trash, which was conveniently next to the Vicodin, Percocets, Valiums, morphine patches, et cetera, we would take a little something for ourselves. And this was at a time when I was also on an acid bender. I was about 15. So what? Yeah. So it's. It kind of encompasses that point in my life, that story and how I ended up getting fired from the job was I got caught stealing a delicious snack called PB Crisps, which were. It's like peanut butter and jelly inside of a graham cracker peanut. And I love them. Whenever I was high, I still would love them, but they discontinued them because somebody at Planners doesn't know how to think. Oh, it's delicious. I'm telling you.

[Lynn Hoffman]

It does not sound very delicious.

[Dave Landau]

It's amazing, though, things you couldn't pick.

[Lynn Hoffman]

A Snickers bar or something. It's like graham crackers.

[Dave Landau]

I took so much of them that apparently I had, like, unloaded half a crate on video like, over time that I just kept, because I didn't even think it was really. I'm like, I'm stealing this other stuff. I'll just casually grab these off the shelf. And again, I don't condone stealing. I have my issues behind why this was happening. But, yeah, then when I got called in the office, I'm like, oh, I'm gonna be, like, arrested for, like, by the feds or something. And he's. And I got fired for stealing graham crackers. And I was like, oh, okay. And I had it, like, a. In my pocket. I had, like, a cellophane full of Valium. I was like, okay.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh, my God.

[Dave Landau]

I'm gonna. I'm gonna go. Boy, this is a bummer. I mean, I think I made more money off of selling the Farmies at school than I did actually at the job. Well, in fact, I know I did because it was five to ten bucks for a pill, and I made 4:19 an hour.

[Drew Phillips]

Wow.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Well, do not try this at home, but at least you could. Could put it under the title of potential entrepreneurship.

[Dave Landau]

Yeah, it's a. Just be a go. Get to be. Feel free to take risks. That's what I'm trying to say.

[Lynn Hoffman]

But don't make.

[Dave Landau]

Just not those risks. Those are terrible. Yeah, that's very stupid. But I was 15. Wow.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Wow. But you were 15, so to be fair, you know, your brain wasn't fully developed yet, and it's still not.

[Dave Landau]

But it wasn't then.

[Lynn Hoffman]

And we'll have to delve into that late, like, after the show. No, Dave, what. What ways do you see your humor building connections between people? You know, especially when everyone's sort of wrestling with their own hardships. And these days it seems like there's a huge mental health problem. Myriad reasons, of course. I mean, I blame social media for a large chunk of it, but nonetheless, there's a lot of that inhibiting our worlds these days, I think.

[Dave Landau]

Yeah, I think social media is the Antichrist, but that's a different thing altogether. But I do. I do feel that the dopamine hits that people are getting. It's the same with gambling, I think is probably the worst addiction people can have, because now it's available on your phone. Right, Sorry. If they're a sponsor, you can cut that out.

[Lynn Hoffman]

But no, no.

[Dave Landau]

Okay. It'd be weird if you're, like, brought to you by DraftKings, the suicide rate 20% and Apple DraftK things.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yes. Oh, my God. Thanks, Dave. You make me wait four times and now we're gonna ruin all of our advertisers.

[Dave Landau]

Yeah. It's like every one of mine are gambling sponsorships and also Percocets.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh.

[Dave Landau]

So, yeah, we. But yeah, I think the more. I don't know, I forgot where I was. I was laughing at how ridiculous. Oh, yeah. Gambling and addiction and substance. Yeah. I think we all deal with it now where we're all addicted. We're all addicted to something. And I think the biggest thing we're addicted to without noticing it is disconnection. And we're not talking to people like we used to. We're not socializing like we used to. I mean, people are making sex robots, which is the most insane thing I've ever heard in my entire life. And we're not communicating with each other. We're not being forgiving to each other. And that's the problem with the Internet, is there used to be this story where you had an arc of victory. You wanted to see somebody at their worst who then became their best. Well, now at your worst is permanent and people want to leave you there. And I think it goes for anybody through whatever culture of judgment. And I think individually people are fine, I think masses are asses is very true. But dealing with a large group of people, like at once all part of a movement that they really don't believe in is extraordinarily dangerous. And I think a lot of what goes on online is extraordinarily dangerous. And now you're looking at the AI movement, you're looking at all these other things, and it's not to be a fear monger, but. But where are we going to go? Why are we doing this to our own people? We're allowing ourselves to be destroyed. And I think people are really broken right now and angry. And I think we're seeing it more and more because it's no longer like the frog in the, you know, in the pot of water getting hotter. I mean, it's at a boil. And every time you turn on anything, you're getting some kind of news to show how broken somebody might be. And I think just letting people know that if you. It's so cliche, but that one day at a time thing and just seriously, like, you know, wash one dish at a time, just try to get through one thing at a time, you really can try to figure it out, but it's all very overwhelming if you try to do everything all at once. And I. I don't know how people can.

[Lynn Hoffman]

It's like that. You probably don't remember it, but One foot in front of the other. The song in that holiday cartoon or claymation thing that we watched. Oh, it was like a Christmas thing. Put one foot in front of the other.

[Dave Landau]

I mean, I remember that.

[Lynn Hoffman]

It's true, though. My parents used to tell me, if you're overwhelmed, pretend like your head is a stovetop. And I'm like, okay, I'm game. And there was like two burners in the back and two burners in the front. You know, whatever's on the front burner, that's what you focus on. The stuff in the back burner can wait.

[Dave Landau]

Yeah.

[Lynn Hoffman]

And I was like, well, that makes sense. I guess as long as, you know, nothing burns on the back burner, Right?

[Dave Landau]

Of course. Yeah. And the house isn't burning and you're just ignoring it, trying to cook noodles. But I get it, though. It makes perfect sense. Just try to do the one thing that actually works for you and then that works for that moment. Because really, life is just a moment and everything else doesn't exist. And that's something that it's been very hard for me to grasp, but it's helped me tremendously.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Well, it's amazing advice, and I'm so glad that. That you've gotten it and you're sharing it and. And for someone listening right now who's feeling extremely overwhelmed or maybe even isolated, especially with what you just explained, what role can comedy or creative expression play in maybe finding their resilience? I know you just sort of touched on it a bit.

[Dave Landau]

I think it's just taking your power back and being able to create something for yourself. I think that's something that's. That's right there in front of us, I think. And also having an outlet that's not just venomous attacks online or.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Dave Landau]

Raging or just staring at. Or doom scrolling TikTok and Instagram and everything else, which I think is something else everybody likes to do right before bed is to see 5,000 things their brain shouldn't hand handle. You know, And I think if you. If you create, it gives you a very calming. I don't know, it can calm your life down, it can calm your head down. At least for me, if I take that time to create and if I take that time to. To work on myself and work on something that I like, you know, even if it's drawing, even if it's something that they're not going to pay you for, even if it's something you suck at, like going and playing golf or something. It's worth it to do something.

[Lynn Hoffman]

You're right. And I'm guessing it comes down to focus. So you don't even have to be good at golf or painting.

[Dave Landau]

Not.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Nor am I. There's something we have in common. What would you give? That's great advice for someone who's, you know, dealing in the moment, but in terms of someone who maybe wants to become a comedian like you, what advice would you give someone using humor not only as a tool for personal recovery, but also who want to potentially entertain others and make others laugh?

[Dave Landau]

Do it. The biggest obstacle is always ourselves. That's the biggest enemy. It's just between your ears. It's you telling you you can't do it. So just do it. There's nothing stopping you. Absolutely nothing there. Any excuse you make is an excuse not to do something. There's no reason you can't get on stage. There's no reason you can't call an open mic. There's no reason you can't try. And if. If your logic is like, well, it's going to take me years and years and I don't want to do well, then don't do it. But if you're willing to sacrifice, do it, you know, and it's. It's worth it.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Sorry. Nike called. They would like their slogan back.

[Dave Landau]

That's fair. I don't blame them.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I don't know why that just hit me, like, just do it. I've heard that before.

[Dave Landau]

Yes. Yeah.

[Lynn Hoffman]

But it's very smart.

[Dave Landau]

I said that. Yeah. Everything that I say is off a T shirt, just so you know.

[Lynn Hoffman]

All right, well, it's good. I don't have anything. I'm a blank canvas.

[Dave Landau]

I was just looking around the room and there was just a Nike hoodie hung up.

[Lynn Hoffman]

No, but it's amazing advice, and there's a reason why they use that as their national slogan, because it's true. Just do it. You know, don't procrastinate. But that's a problem with creative people.

[Dave Landau]

We do.

[Lynn Hoffman]

And maybe sometimes they don't even know that they're creative, but they are. And doing something and focusing on it seems to be a real magical little key.

[Dave Landau]

It is. Yeah. And I mean, I procrastinate constantly. I mean, that's just part of. I think everybody does. Anybody who says they're not is just lying to you. But I. I do it all the time, and I think reasons not to do stuff, and I go against everything, you know, I'm self destructive by nature. So there's always going to be that little piece of me that's going to prevent me from going really far if I let it or doing the thing that I want to do if I let it. And sometimes it wins, but usually I find my way out of it. We'll be right back with more of the Comedy Save Me podcast.

[Lauren LaRosa]

From viral performances to red carpet looks that had everyone talking the podcast. The Latest with Lauren LaRosa is your go to for everything VMA's. We will be right here breaking it all down. I'm gonna be giving you all the headlines, breaking down everything that is going down behind the scenes and getting into what the people are saying. Like what is the culture talking about? That's, that's exactly what we'll be getting into here at the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. Everything be amazed.

[Dave Landau]

Let's get to it. Time to do it.

[Lauren LaRosa]

I'm the homegirl that knows a little bit about everything and everybody to hear this and more. Listen to the latest with Lauren the Rosa from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast Culture Eats strategy for breakfast, I would love for.

[Valisha Butterfield]

You to share your breakdown on pivoting.

[Enya Umanzor]

We feel sometimes like we're leaving a part us behind when we enter a new space, but we're just building on.

[Valisha Butterfield]

A recent episode of Culture Raises Us, I was joined by Valisha Butterfield, media founder, political strategist and tech powerhouse for a powerful conversation on storytelling impact and the intersections of culture and leadership.

[Enya Umanzor]

I am a free black woman who worked really hard to be able to say that.

[Valisha Butterfield]

I'd love for you to break down why it was so important for you to do.

[Enya Umanzor]

See, you can't win at something you didn't create.

[Valisha Butterfield]

From the Obama White House to Google to the Grammys, Felicia's journey is a masterclass in shifting culture and using your voice to spark change.

[Enya Umanzor]

A very fake capital driven environment and society will have a lot of people tell half truths.

[Valisha Butterfield]

I'm telling you, I'm on the energy committee. Like if the energy is not right, we're not doing it, whatever that it is. Listen to Culture Raises us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Hi, my name is Enya Umanzor and.

[Drew Phillips]

I'm Drew Phillips and we run a.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Podcast called Emergency Intercom.

[Drew Phillips]

If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have unmedicated adhd.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh my God. Perfect.

[Drew Phillips]

And want to hear people with mental illness psychobabble?

[Dave Landau]

Yes.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yes.

[Drew Phillips]

Then Emergency Intercoms, the podcast for you. Open your free iHeartradio app, search emergency Intercom and listen now.

[Enya Umanzor]

Welcome to Pretty Private with ebony, the podcast where silence is broken and stories are set free. I'm ebony, and every Tuesday I'll be sharing all new anonymous stories that would challenge your perceptions and give you new insight on the people around you. On Pretty Private, we'll explore the untold experiences of women of color who who faced it all. Childhood trauma, addiction, abuse, incarceration, grief, mental health struggles and more. And found the strength to make it to the other side. My dad was shot and killed in his house. Yes, he was a drug dealer. Yes, he was a confidential informant. But he wasn't shot on a street corner. He wasn't shot in the middle of a drug deal. He was shot in his house, unarmed. Pretty Private isn't just a to podcasts. It's your personal guide for turning storylines into lifelines. Every Tuesday, make sure you listen to Pretty Private from the Black Effect Podcast network. Tune in on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

[Danny Shapiro]

Your entire identity has been fabricated. Your beloved brother goes missing without a trace. You discover the depths of your mother's illness, the way it has echoed and reverberated throughout your life, impacting your very legacy. Hi, I'm Danny Shapiro and these are just a few of the profound and powerful stories I'll be mining on our 12th season of Family Secrets. With over 37 million downloads, we continue to be moved and inspired by our guests and their courageously told stories. I can't wait to share 10 powerful new episodes with you. Stories of tangled up identities, concealed truths, and the way in which family secrets almost always need to be told. I hope you'll join me and my extraordinary guests for this new season of Family Secrets. Listen to Family Secrets, Season 12 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Dave Landau]

Welcome back to the Comedy Saved Me podcast.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Comedy often involves vulnerability, as evidenced by you talking about your past and the things that have happened and being able to talk about it. That's a huge right in and of itself because the way I was brought up and raised everyone around us, you know, if there was a problem, no one talked about it. You can't talk about this. You can't. I don't want to tell you about that. You know, that would admit that I'm vulnerable or that something, you know, that I'm broken in some way. But, but doing comedy about these things is, is so vulnerable really, especially where all the bad stuff, you have to turn into funny, if that makes any sense. How do you balance just being honest on stage with your audience and also at the same time sort of protecting your own well being because you're making fun of yourself.

[Dave Landau]

Oh yeah. There has to be a line where you have to keep the audience in control or at least in the sense of where they're with you. And if you're having them following you and relating to you, it's different than just laughing at you. So there are things in my set, obviously I'll do where it's just involving direct shots at me, but I think a large part about commenting on current culture is being able to make fun of yourself and then mixing the two together. Because without that you're kind of just punching down. And there's a few comics that can do that and do that well, and that's great. But I think for the most part to have a true human connection. If you're looking for that in a comedian, it's why I like Richard Pryor. There's a big difference between what he did and other people did because he's talking about lighting himself on fire while freebasing. And not everybody's going to understand that, but the way he paints a picture is you vividly watch it occur right in front of your eyes. And I think if you're vulnerable enough to do that, that you're powerful enough to the audience to where they're not going to lose respect for you. If not, they, they gain it.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Would you think that there's sort of an inner comedian, though? And in a lot of us, yeah. When, when it comes time, like I keep thinking like, okay, Thanksgiving, 20 years after the accident that almost burned down the house and people ended up in the hospital and it ends up like a comedy story around the Thanksgiving table when the kids are all grown up. It's, you know, it was horrific when it happened, but then it becomes this family story that they get such joy from. So would you say that everyone sort of eventually can find that inner comedy?

[Dave Landau]

Oh, I think everybody has tragedy plus time. Everybody can laugh at that.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Tragedy plus time. That makes sense.

[Dave Landau]

That's what it is. Yeah. And sometimes it's just tragedy and you really get a good one in at the moment, but usually it's tragedy plus time. And that's really what it is. It's something awful happened. And later you talk about It. And it's hilarious to people because we've all experience that thing. And I love that. I love that about human beings. And I think what's crazy about social media is everyone tries to put on this face of their perfect life and their perfect family, and we all know it's a lie. And that's what I find it to be, so funny. It's like you're just pretending that you're like, I know how hard it was to get that picture of you and your three kids, and, like, I know you don't even like your wife and, you know, stuff, whatever it might be. So you look at this and it's like, I know how broken you are. So stop putting stuff online, pretending you're not. No one's buying it, you know? And I think we try more than ever to put on this perfect face where we used to have to do it for small groups of people just in our own personal lives, and now it's like we have to do it for the world, and we're all just carbon copies of each other.

[Lynn Hoffman]

It's so true. And something that you said just at the beginning of that, about how you have to. You have to be able to laugh at yourself.

[Dave Landau]

Yeah.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Or do you? I feel like that's a hard thing to request of somebody on a. You know, just an average person, but if they did find more of a way to be able to look inward, I think that's the hardest thing is looking inward. It's so much easier to just get all dolled up and take a picture somewhere fabulous and make it look like your life's amazing.

[Dave Landau]

Yeah.

[Lynn Hoffman]

But why is it so hard, do you think it is for some of us to be able to sort of make fun of ourselves and sort of knock ourselves down a few pegs?

[Dave Landau]

It depends on the person. I think a lot of people are very scared to fail. I think that's why they don't do a lot of things in life. And fortunately, I don't care. I don't have that switch in me where if it doesn't go well, I've never been competitive in that way.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Wow.

[Dave Landau]

I've always felt that I'm good at what I'm good at, so I'm going to just do as good as I can at it. It. And I'm not going to pretend everything else. Like, I knew I sucked at sports. My dad knew I sucked at sports, and he was our Little league coach, and he didn't. He wasn't the coach that was like, all right, go out There and pitch anyway. You're going to be the first at bat. He's like, all right, it's the seventh inning and we're up by five. You can go play right field. If a ball get hit, gets hit to you, just move out of the way and let the center get. You know, he was. It wasn't like this. Like, I didn't grow up in a family that, like, encouraged BS in the sense of, like, oh, you're great at everything. They let me know that I wasn't, and then they also let me know where I did excel. And I think a lot of people don't have that or don't want to be honest about that. And people don't like being made fun of. I mean, and if you learn to laugh when somebody makes fun of you and make fun of them back, it's actually a really great time. And I think that's kind of what's good about at least when we were young. And I don't know if it's the same for the smartphone generation, but, like, ball busting, for lack of a better term, and it involves girls, too, like, sitting around and just ripping on each other. Other was just a big part of life. And later on, that benefited me when I'm in rooms with actual killers and doing radio, you know, and with these people that are just unbelievable comedians. Like, I had to have that. I had to have that skin built. I had to have that, you know, I had to have some level of thick skin and some. Some level of a callus or else I wouldn't have been able to survive it. And now I just think it's funny. So it's like, take shots at yourself and. And there's such a difference, too, between taking shots and negative self talk. Because I say horrible things to myself, and that's why I always find it funny if somebody trashes you, it's like, I guarantee you, you've said worse things about yourself today than anybody else is gonna say about you, because what you're saying is true and cutting. So remember that you really are your own worst critic. Regardless of no matter how hard someone tries to, they will never be as hard on you as yourself.

[Lynn Hoffman]

That is very true. And another thing that's crazy. You just combined radio and killers.

[Dave Landau]

Oh, I meant stand up killers. But I have interviewed some murderers.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Whoa. Well, I mean, so tell me a little bit real quick. I mean, I started sort of my career in voiceover, but then went into radio because I felt like a comedy troupe was, you know, that whole Saturday Night Live, Carol Burnett. The effect of a group of funny people working together, it just tickled me. But I ended up in a room with all guys. The weatherman, the board op, my co host, John Lander, and then, you know, maybe occasionally our entertainment reporter would come on for, like, a blip. So I quickly learned how to have thick skin because we just were relentless with each other on the air. Right. So I feel like maybe I did have, like, you a little. A little training in having thick skin, but it should. It's. It should be something that everyone can have or get for themselves. It would be helpful.

[Dave Landau]

Yeah, My. You know, my wife is like that. There's. And I met her at Second City doing improv. And, yeah, we started. Because I started an improv before I went into stand up. We were doing sketch comedy.

[Lynn Hoffman]

That's hard. Improv is hard.

[Dave Landau]

Yeah, it's fun. It's fun. Or it's the worst thing you've ever watched, one or the other. But I've really enjoyed it and I love it. But, yeah, meeting my wife and some other girls that were there. Yeah, they had that. Whatever it was. Usually they came up in a house with brothers, and I'm not saying you have to, but they had whatever in their life. They had that defense mechanism.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Dave Landau]

And when I joined at Second City, that was part of it, was you are in this constant position where you have to, like playing a character. It sounds so strange because anybody looks at acting and they kind of think it's easy. It's ridiculous that you can do that for a living. But the reality is, is you have to be vulnerable enough to make yourself look that stupid. And that's really why the best actors are paid what they're paid. And you look at the movies they're in, it's because they're willing to go that far for a ridiculous character. And learning that on stage, which, you know, obviously you have with your background, I mean, it's. It's hard sometimes, but you just learn how to let go and just be in the moment. Even though it's. It's just. It feels so awkward and. And strange and foreign sometimes.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah. Not taking yourself seriously.

[Dave Landau]

And a lot of people can't stop themselves from being way too, like. The more serious you take yourself to, the less everybody else does.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah, yeah. Like, imagine if I was standing here like. So what do you mean by that?

[Dave Landau]

Right. Just very. Nobody wants to be interviewed by, like, any. Or just do anything with that kind of person. Well, explain yourself. Okay. Well, this has been fun.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah, thanks. So much. All right. I really appreciate you giving me so much time, and I feel like I've gone a little bit over. Can you share a moment when you truly felt that comedy saved you? Dave Landau?

[Dave Landau]

I will say, when I was in my second senior year of high school, I was screwing around in a class, and a teacher cut me after and said, have you ever heard of Second City? I said, yeah, my dad's talked about it, whatever. And it was the last year my dad was alive. And I go, yeah, my dad's told me to go to it and everything. And she goes, you're really funny, but you act like a jackass in my classroom, but you should consider taking classes at this place, because I think you actually have a talent. So I ended up going to Second City, and years later, probably about eight years later, I was doing improv on stage in Detroit, and a guy's wife was coming to perform with us who had done improv, and it was my teacher.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Wow.

[Dave Landau]

So it had come full circle to the moment that she. And she saw something. She didn't just send me to the office. She didn't just scold me. She didn't just tell me, you know, I was worthless. She pulled me aside to let me know, like, you're actually very talented at what you do, because I would get the whole class to laugh. But she was the first person that ever made me think of it like an actual skill and not something to hide or be ashamed of. And then I got to perform with her, and for some reason, that's always stuck with me.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Wait, can we give her a shout out? What's her name?

[Dave Landau]

I can't remember. That's the worst part. I know that's the worst part.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Are you kidding?

[Dave Landau]

I swear to God, I can't. I cannot remember.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Somebody has to know. Like, one of your classmates or somebody.

[Dave Landau]

This is like. This is probably like, 15 years ago when she finally came out. No, 13 years ago. And she finally came out to a show, and her last name had changed. So.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Okay, that's fair.

[Dave Landau]

But still, yeah, like, you gotta find out her name. I know. Like, and I know. I know. It was like, Lynn, but I can't remember the last name. But it's like, I can't remember the last name because her. Yeah, her name had changed from that time. But I looked over. That's. That's why I didn't recognize the name right when he told me she was coming.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Wow.

[Dave Landau]

And then when she showed up, I'm like, oh, wait, you're the. You're like her and my. My dad and some other influences were the reasons why I actually ended up going into Second City was because I was finally encouraged. So I should know her name. She did help save me by not just treating me like garbage for trying to make jokes in class.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Wow. Well, that's pretty big. And I bet that she would be blown away to know that that is the case. But I'm guessing you probably already told her, because a couple of years ago, what, 15 years ago or something.

[Dave Landau]

Oh, I did. I told her then, and she goes, oh, God, I hated that job. I said, do you remember me? And she's like, no, I blacked it all out. But I'm really happy I told you that. So, I mean, she kind of forgot it too, but it was. But, yeah, it was.

[Lynn Hoffman]

If she forgot, then you have a little leeway there. But I still would love to know who it was. But in the meantime, I just want to say thank you and congratulations for turning your life around and for putting forth comedy into the world, because we know we all need much of that these days, and a lot of that I should say. Sometimes I get a little tongue tied when I talk to people that make me laugh, so I apologize.

[Dave Landau]

All good. I appreciate it.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Dave Landau, thank you for coming on. Comedy saved me. And I would say come back again, but it was really hard getting you here in the first place, so if you want to, the door's always open.

[Dave Landau]

Well, I appreciate that.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Just show up. Just call us.

[Dave Landau]

There you go. All right.

[Lynn Hoffman]

And one more plug for your book that's out.

[Dave Landau]

It's a party of one, a fuzzy memoir. And it's available on Amazon.com on Kindle and paperback.

[Lynn Hoffman]

And then it's Davelandow.com.com.

[Dave Landau]

Just simple. I was very lucky to start early enough to where you could still buy your name.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yeah, you're not davelandau dash1236. Exclamation point.

[Dave Landau]

I got so lucky.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Thank you.

[Dave Landau]

Thank you.

[Lynn Hoffman]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[Dave Landau]

Hmm. It's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Could you be more specific?

[Dave Landau]

When it's cray venient.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Okay.

[Dave Landau]

Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at am, pm. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Grab in just a second.

[Danny Shapiro]

It at am, pm.

[Enya Umanzor]

I'm seeing a pattern here.

[Dave Landau]

Well, yeah, we're talking about what I.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Crave, which is anything from am, pm.

[Dave Landau]

What more could you want? Stop by ampm, where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience am PM Too much Good stuff.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Hi, my name is Enya Umanzor and.

[Drew Phillips]

I'm Drew Phillips and we run a.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Podcast called Emergency Intercom.

[Drew Phillips]

If you're a crime junkie and you love crime, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have unmedicated adhd.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh my God, perfect.

[Drew Phillips]

And want to hear people with mental illness psychobabble.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Yes, yes.

[Drew Phillips]

Then Emergency Intercom's the podcast for you. Open your free iHeartradio app, search emergency Intercom and listen now.

[Honey German]

Hi, it's honey German and I'm back with season two of my podcast. Gracias. Come again. We got you. When it comes to the latest in music and entertainment with interviews with some of your favorite Latin artists and celebrities. You didn't have to audition.

[Dave Landau]

No, I didn't audition.

[Lynn Hoffman]

I haven't auditioned like over 25 years.

[Honey German]

Oh, wow. That's a real G talk right there.

[Lynn Hoffman]

Oh yeah.

[Honey German]

We'll talk about all that's viral and trending with a little bit of Cheeseman and a whole lot of laughs. And of course, the great beat us you've come to expect. Listen to the new season of Gracias. Come Again on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

[Dave Landau]

It's important that we just reassure people that they're not alone and there is help out there.

[Jacob Schick]

The Good Stuff podcast. Season two takes a deep look into One Tribe Foundation, a non profit fighting suicide in the veteran community. September is national Suicide Prevention Month, so join hosts Jacob and Ashley Schick as they bring you to the front lines of one tribe's mission.

[Dave Landau]

One tribe saved my life twice.

[Danny Shapiro]

Welcome to season two of the Good Stuff.

[Jacob Schick]

Listen to the Good Stuff podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[A.J. Jacobs]

Let's start with a quick puzzle. The answer is Ken Jennings appearance on the puzzler with A.J. jacobs. The question is, what is the most entertaining listening experience in podcast land Jeopardy truthers believe in?

[Dave Landau]

I guess they would be conspiracy theorists.

[A.J. Jacobs]

That's right.

[Dave Landau]

They gave you the answers and you still believe in it.

[A.J. Jacobs]

The Puzzler. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Enya Umanzor]

This is an iHeart podcast.