What if comedy isn’t just about laughs but a path to healing, sobriety, and radical self-awareness?

In this raw and hilarious episode, Kelly Siegel sits down with award-winning actor, comedian, and voiceover artist Jeff Leach for a no-holds-barred conversation about addiction, psilocybin, personal trauma, and the power of transformation through laughter.

Jeff opens up about the moment that changed everything when a night of self-destruction turned into a new beginning. From near-death experiences and grief to performing sober at the Comedy Cellar, he shares what it really takes to grow from rock bottom to full presence.

“I didn’t want to die. I just hadn’t really lived yet.”

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

🔥 Why Jeff’s comedy went from insecure to impactful

🔥 His brutal path to sobriety & healing from depression

🔥 How psilocybin, EMDR & therapy rewired his life

🔥 The night he almost died and what saved him

🔥 Performing sober, fear of flying, and feeling truly free

🔥 How laughter, love, and storytelling help us heal

Main Points:

00:00 Intro

03:34 Vulnerability in Comedy

05:08 Personal Development, Therapy & Sobriety Journey

06:10 Jeff’s First Time on Stage

09:06 The Hero’s Journey & Letting Go of Ego

10:28 Overcoming Addiction & Family Trauma

15:31 Hitting Rock Bottom

19:26 How Good Life Is Now

22:47 Meditation, Psilocybin & Spiritual Experiences

29:17 Jeff’s Solo Mushroom Journeys

33:37 Coming To Terms With Losing Loved Ones

37:51 Most Surreal Moments Performing Comedy

41:17 Mentors, Comics & AI's Impact on the Industry

44:18 Differences Between US & UK Comedy

46:08 Misconceptions About Comedians

47:15 Choosing Acting as His True Creative Outlet

48:40 Stories He’s Still Scared to Share

50:55 What His Teenage Self Would Say Now

56:34 Internal Monologue After Performing

💬 What part of Jeff’s journey hit you the hardest? Share it in the comments 👇

🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered stories of healing, purpose & living Harder Than Life.

Connect With Me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.siegel.71/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: @jeffleach

TikTok: @jeffleachcomedy

Website: www.jeffleach.com

Join My Coaching Program:

https://coaching.harderthanlife.com/join

Subscribe To The Podcast Here:

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harder-than-life/id1725989697

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/29NOnhItmCLkZ9sLswABKS?si=d81915ddabc0420a

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg

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