Podcast Summary: You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes – Episode: Chad Goes Deep (Tom Allen) Release Date: March 26, 2025
Introduction to the Episode
In this engaging episode of You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes, host Pete Holmes welcomes comedian and YouTube personality Tom Allen, better known as Chad from the popular channel Chad and JT Go Deep. The episode delves into Tom's journey in comedy, his personal philosophies, and his insights into spirituality and non-duality.
Personal Background and Comedy Journey
Pete begins by introducing Tom Allen, highlighting his comedic prowess both on stage and through his YouTube channel. Tom discusses his early experiences in stand-up comedy, mentioning how he found his true self through performing. He shares anecdotes about his initial struggles and the moments that solidified his passion for comedy.
Notable Quote:
Tom Allen [03:30]: "First of all, I looked it up. It was a totally normal email."
Morning Routines and Biohacking
The conversation transitions to the topic of morning routines and biohacking. Pete and Tom compare their approaches to optimizing daily practices for better performance and well-being. They discuss Tim Ferriss and his concept from The 4-Hour Workweek, reflecting on its practicality and personal relevance.
Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [04:37]: "There's no way you're Tim Ferriss and you're working four hours a week."
Exploring Non-Duality and Spirituality
A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on non-duality and spiritual philosophies. Tom shares his journey into Vedanta and non-duality through influential teachers like Eckhart Tolle and Rupert Spira. Both Pete and Tom explore how these philosophies influence their perspectives on life, consciousness, and existence.
Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [45:52]: "Nothing real can be threatened and nothing unreal exists."
Near-Death Experiences and Psychedelic Insights
Tom and Pete delve into the realm of near-death experiences and the impact of psychedelics on personal growth. Pete recounts his experiences with substances like 5-MeO-DMT and ketamine, discussing how these have shaped his understanding of consciousness and the self. They also touch upon the importance of guided experiences and the integration of such profound insights into daily life.
Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [78:57]: "You were there and you've always been there. And that’s the big joke is you were looking for something and it was you."
Relationships, Marriage, and Personal Growth
The episode also covers Tom's personal life, including his recent engagement and the dynamics of his relationship with his partner, Val. They discuss the significance of respect, honoring each other's space, and maintaining a supportive partnership. Tom reflects on how his relationships have influenced his personal and professional growth.
Notable Quote:
Tom Allen [130:28]: "Respect is like, no, no, no, no. Like, no, no, no, no."
Parenting and Navigating Fears
Tom shares insights into his experiences as a parent, particularly regarding how he communicates complex and potentially frightening topics like death with his young daughter. The conversation highlights the importance of honesty, openness, and providing a safe space for children to express their feelings.
Notable Quote:
Tom Allen [123:19]: "What my brain thinks are expectations, but it's just the mind doing its thing."
Comedy and Open Mics: Finding One’s True Self
Both Pete and Tom discuss the role of comedy and open mics in discovering and expressing one's authentic self. They reflect on their early days of performing, the vulnerabilities involved, and how positive feedback during open mics helped solidify their commitment to comedy. The discussion emphasizes the therapeutic and transformative power of performing arts.
Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [34:03]: "But when you ask an open mic comedian, they tell you, first of all, you don’t have to."
Life Philosophies: Surrendering and Following Bliss
The conversation shifts to broader life philosophies centered around surrendering to life's flow and following one's bliss. Tom and Pete explore the idea of letting go of rigid expectations, embracing spontaneity, and trusting the universe to guide their paths. They draw parallels between spiritual teachings and everyday decision-making, advocating for a balanced approach to ambition and contentment.
Notable Quote:
Tom Allen [130:29]: "If you think, like, they should do something this way or, like, they should make."
Advice on Managing Stress and Maintaining Center
Tom offers insights into managing stress and maintaining inner peace amidst life's challenges. Drawing from his experiences and spiritual teachings, he emphasizes practices like meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness as essential tools for staying grounded and resilient.
Notable Quote:
Tom Allen [124:05]: "Keep it crispy."
Conclusion and Final Reflections
As the episode wraps up, Pete and Tom reflect on their shared philosophies and the importance of mutual support in personal growth. They express gratitude for the meaningful conversation and the insights gained, reinforcing the episode's themes of authenticity, spirituality, and the pursuit of happiness.
Notable Quote:
Tom Allen [127:05]: "You're a great guest."
Connecting with Tom Allen
Listeners interested in Tom Allen's work can visit his YouTube channel Chad and JT Go Deep or follow him and his partner JT on their tour at chadjt.com.
Final Thoughts
This episode of You Made It Weird offers a deep dive into the interplay between comedy, spirituality, and personal development. Through candid discussions and shared experiences, Pete Holmes and Tom Allen explore profound topics with humor and authenticity, providing listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful insights.