Podcast Summary: "You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes" Featuring Skyler Higley

Introduction

In the December 18, 2024 episode of You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes, host Pete Holmes engages in an in-depth and candid conversation with comedian Skyler Higley. Known for his sharp wit and insightful commentary, Skyler delves into a range of personal and societal topics, including veganism, identity, race, the evolution of comedy, and the impact of social media on creative expression.

1. Veganism and Personal Identity

Skyler begins by humorously admitting, "I am a vegan, first and foremost, because it upsets my parents" (01:38). This statement sets the tone for the discussion on how personal choices often intersect with familial expectations and societal norms. He reflects on the complexity of genuine motivations behind lifestyle choices, emphasizing that even well-intentioned actions can be flawed: "Even your good shit is still shit" (01:49).

2. The Perception of Reading and Intelligence

The conversation shifts to the social perception of reading, where Skyler muses, "Is there anything better than being caught reading? It's the opposite of being caught masturbating" (02:32). This humorous contrast highlights societal attitudes towards different behaviors and the judgments we pass based on them. He further explores the ideal conditions for being caught reading, emphasizing solitude and personal engagement with the material.

3. Hypervigilance in Comedy and Audience Perception

A significant portion of the dialogue centers on the concept of hypervigilance in the comedy industry. Skyler explains, "There’s a hypervigilance where you’re having a thought and then you’re thinking of how the thought might be perceived by you, but also the audience" (05:45). This awareness affects how comedians craft their material, balancing personal expression with audience expectations.

Pete adds, "Comedy is so subjective that you're like, oh, yeah, show the shirt" (07:43), illustrating the tension between maintaining authenticity and catering to diverse audience tastes. They discuss how social media has transformed comedy into a "clip factory," where the drive for viral moments can undermine the development of genuine comedic craft.

4. Evolution of Comedy Styles: British vs. American

The duo contrasts British and American comedy styles, noting Pete’s frustration with what he perceives as the British tendency towards intellectual and rhetorical humor: "A lot of British comedy can be very sort of intellectual and rhetorically" (17:23). Skyler agrees, highlighting the importance of relatability and the differing value systems that influence comedic expression on either side of the Atlantic.

5. Improv vs. Stand-Up: Quality and Audience Engagement

Skyler and Pete delve into the differences between improv and stand-up comedy. Skyler emphasizes that "If bad improv, I think, is a little bit worse" (25:12), explaining that poorly executed improv can feel disjointed and less engaging compared to the more controlled environment of stand-up. They discuss the challenges comedians face in maintaining audience interest and the importance of refining their craft to avoid sounding forced or unnatural.

6. Personal Trauma and Family Dynamics

One of the most poignant segments involves Skyler sharing his experiences with adoption and strained familial relationships. He recounts his tumultuous relationship with his adoptive father, marked by conflict and manipulation: "How do you feel about it now?" (96:30) Pete empathizes, acknowledging the deep emotional scars such dynamics can leave.

Skyler reflects, "When I was starting, I weirdly didn't think I was gonna talk about race at all" (67:24), discussing how his background as an adoptee raised by white parents in a Mormon household has influenced his perspective and comedic material. They explore the complexities of race, identity, and the burden of representing one's community in the public eye.

7. The Impact of Social Media and Short-Form Content

The conversation returns to the influence of social media on comedy, with Skyler lamenting the shift towards short-form content: "I don't want to be a clip factory" (27:51). He argues that the demand for quick, viral clips discourages comedians from developing their full range, ultimately diminishing the quality of their performances. Pete concurs, stressing the importance of long-form engagement for true creative expression and personal growth.

8. Spirituality, Psychedelics, and Self-Discovery

Skyler touches on his spiritual journey and the role psychedelics have played in shaping his worldview: "I became spiritual because... the things you kind of see and feel on psychedelics... really shifts your perception of reality" (110:36). He critiques how spirituality can sometimes serve as an escape from confronting systemic issues, echoing his earlier sentiments about avoiding accountability through lifestyle choices.

9. The System and Metaphors for Resistance

Using metaphors, Pete and Skyler discuss resistance against oppressive systems. Skyler describes it as "a supermarket filled with prizes that the system put in" (56:01), illustrating how societal structures lure individuals into conforming behaviors. They debate the effectiveness of simply going along versus actively building alternative spaces that reject mainstream norms.

10. Navigating Identity and Authenticity in Comedy

The duo explores the challenges of maintaining authenticity while navigating multiple identities. Skyler shares his struggle with imposter syndrome and the pressure to code-switch, saying, "I have to code switch... when I’m writing a joke, I go, this is like how it would feel to say it to a black audience" (53:35). This constant adjustment can lead to a fragmented sense of self, complicating both personal relationships and public personas.

Conclusion

The episode culminates in a heartfelt exchange about the intersection of personal trauma, identity, and creative expression. Skyler and Pete underscore the importance of authenticity and the need for comedians to navigate their personal histories while engaging with broader societal issues. Their conversation emphasizes the delicate balance between self-expression and audience perception, highlighting the evolving landscape of comedy in the digital age.

Notable Quotes:

• Skyler Higley: "I am a vegan, first and foremost, because it upsets my parents." (01:38)
• Skyler Higley: "There’s a hypervigilance where you’re having a thought and then you’re thinking of how the thought might be perceived by you, but also the audience." (05:45)
• Pete Holmes: "Comedy is so subjective that you're like, oh, yeah, show the shirt." (07:43)
• Skyler Higley: "I have to code switch... when I’m writing a joke, I go, this is like how it would feel to say it to a black audience." (53:35)
• Skyler Higley: "I don't want to be a clip factory." (27:51)

Timestamp Reference Guide:

• [00:00-00:15] Introduction and Episode Setup
• [01:38] Veganism Revelation
• [02:32] Perception of Reading
• [05:45] Hypervigilance in Comedy
• [07:43] Subjectivity in Comedy
• [17:23] British vs. American Comedy
• [25:12] Improv vs. Stand-Up
• [67:24] Adoption and Race
• [92:05] System and Supermarket Metaphor
• [96:30] Identity and Authenticity
• [110:36] Spirituality and Psychedelics

Final Thoughts

This episode of You Made It Weird offers a profound exploration of how personal experiences, especially those related to adoption and race, shape one’s identity and creative output. Skyler Higley and Pete Holmes provide listeners with an honest and introspective look into the challenges comedians face in balancing authenticity with audience expectations in an increasingly digital and fragmented world.