Podcast Title: The Commercial Break
Episode Title: TCB Infomercial: Phil Hanley
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Host: Bryan Green and Krissy Hoadley
Guest: Phil Hanley, Stand-Up Comedian

Introduction

In this episode of The Commercial Break, hosts Bryan Green and Krissy Hoadley welcome stand-up comedian Phil Hanley for their Tuesday "TCB Infomercial" series. Known for his exceptional crowd work and deep connections within the comedy community, Phil shares his journey through comedy, his struggles with dyslexia, and his profound connection to the Grateful Dead.

Phil Hanley's Early Life and Education

Phil Hanley begins by discussing his early interest in music and comedy. Growing up in a small town akin to "a mini Detroit in Canada," Phil's exposure to the Grateful Dead was initially through older friends in college. Despite his early interest in heavy metal, he was drawn to the Dead, particularly after discovering that Bob Weir, the band's rhythm guitarist, was also dyslexic, creating a sense of camaraderie and inspiration for Phil.

Phil Hanley [11:05]: "I had older friends that went to college and they got me into all the live shows and stuff. But initially, I was really into heavy metal and then I heard of the Grateful Dead, and I was like, oh, these guys have to be so heavy. I was a little disappointed. But I started liking them when I was really, really young."

Dyslexia and Its Impact

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Phil's experience with dyslexia and how it shaped his life and career. Phil explains how dyslexia affects his ability to read, making it feel like encountering a foreign language.

Phil Hanley [12:28]: "I can't identify a symbol with a sound. So a non-dyslexic could see a last name or a street name or a word that you're introduced to and ballpark it and get pretty close. I'm like, no idea. It might as well be in another language."

Phil reflects on his challenging school years, where despite being socially intelligent and personable, he struggled academically, particularly with reading. This struggle led him to seek alternative forms of expression, ultimately steering him towards comedy.

Phil Hanley [14:01]: "I had the best, like, childhood. Kindergarten just killed it. Unbelievable. We walked out, it peaked. And then I arrived in the first grade, and yeah, everyone started reading and I was just like..."

Comedy Career Beginnings

Phil recounts his start in comedy in Vancouver, Canada, inspired by comedians like Zach Galifianakis. Despite the geographical distance from major comedy hubs like New York City, Phil was determined to make a mark in the comedy scene.

Phil Hanley [19:02]: "I started comedy in Vancouver with the dream of making it to the Comedy Cellar. It seemed so far away, but I stayed persistent, writing and performing every day."

Development of Crowd Work

One of Phil's standout traits is his ability to engage the audience through crowd work. He explains how this skill developed out of necessity, particularly when performing at smaller gigs with limited material.

Phil Hanley [26:52]: "I developed crowd work because I wanted something to happen on stage beyond my material. It became a crucial part of my act, allowing me to improvise and keep the performance dynamic."

Phil shares anecdotes about dealing with hecklers and how these interactions have honed his ability to think on his feet and maintain control of his performances.

Phil Hanley [28:07]: "I do try to approach hecklers nicely, but sometimes things escalate. It was a learning experience that taught me the importance of handling disruptions gracefully."

Influence of Grateful Dead

Phil's admiration for the Grateful Dead goes beyond their music; he draws parallels between their improvisational style and his own approach to comedy. This section of the conversation highlights how the band's ethos of creativity and community has profoundly influenced his career and personal philosophy.

Phil Hanley [35:58]: "The Grateful Dead's improvisation inspired my comedy. Just like their shows, I strive for each performance to be unique and engaging."

Phil discusses attending Dead shows, including the Sphere event and the 60th anniversary celebration, emphasizing how these experiences continue to fuel his creativity and connect him with like-minded individuals.

Phil Hanley [47:20]: "Seeing Dead and Co in San Francisco was phenomenal. The energy and community are unmatched, and it's a testament to the band's enduring legacy."

Social Media and Career Growth

Phil reflects on the role of social media in expanding his fan base and enhancing his comedic reach. Initially reluctant, he embraced online platforms to share his crowd work clips, which helped him gain recognition without sacrificing his material's originality.

Phil Hanley [22:12]: "Posting crowd work clips online allowed me to connect with a broader audience while keeping my live performances fresh and original."

Personal Relationships and Family

A heartfelt part of the interview explores Phil's relationship with his family, particularly his parents, who played a pivotal role in nurturing his comedic talents. His father valued humor over academic achievements, fostering an environment where Phil could thrive creatively.

Phil Hanley [42:33]: "My parents always celebrated my humor. My dad is really funny, and my mom is the greatest straight man. It was crucial for my confidence as a comedian."

Philosophical Insights

Phil shares his philosophical views on creativity and performance, likening the flow of comedy to a meditative state. He discusses how being in the moment on stage allows him to channel creativity seamlessly.

Phil Hanley [44:32]: "When I'm on stage, it's like the flow just comes through me. It's a magical experience that enhances both my performance and personal growth."

Tribute to Grateful Dead

Towards the end of the episode, Phil and the hosts pay tribute to the Grateful Dead, highlighting their unparalleled contribution to American music and community-building. Phil expresses admiration for the band's ability to continuously evolve and inspire future generations.

Phil Hanley [50:41]: "The Grateful Dead incorporated every aspect of American music and created a community that will last forever. Their influence is truly unmatched."

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with Phil expressing his gratitude for being on the show and discussing his upcoming tours in Europe and North America. The hosts encourage listeners to support Phil by attending his shows and following his work.

Phil Hanley [56:10]: "Thank you for having me. I'm excited to continue touring and connecting with audiences everywhere."

Notable Quotes

• Phil Hanley on Dyslexia:
  "I can't identify a symbol with a sound. So a non-dyslexic could see a last name or a street name or a word that you're introduced to and ballpark it and get pretty close. I'm like, no idea. It might as well be in another language."
  [12:28]

• Phil Hanley on Comedy Development:
  "I developed crowd work because I wanted something to happen on stage beyond my material. It became a crucial part of my act, allowing me to improvise and keep the performance dynamic."
  [26:52]

• Phil Hanley on Grateful Dead Influence:
  "The Grateful Dead's improvisation inspired my comedy. Just like their shows, I strive for each performance to be unique and engaging."
  [35:58]

• Phil Hanley on Family Support:
  "My parents always celebrated my humor. My dad is really funny, and my mom is the greatest straight man. It was crucial for my confidence as a comedian."
  [42:33]

• Phil Hanley on Creativity:
  "When I'm on stage, it's like the flow just comes through me. It's a magical experience that enhances both my performance and personal growth."
  [44:32]

Conclusion

This episode of The Commercial Break offers an intimate look into Phil Hanley's life, highlighting how his personal challenges and passions have shaped his unique comedic style. Phil's dedication to his craft, combined with his advocacy for mental health and dyslexia awareness, makes for a compelling and inspiring conversation. Listeners gain valuable insights into the resilience and creativity required to succeed in the competitive world of stand-up comedy.

For more information on Phil Hanley, including his upcoming shows and book, visit philhanley.com.