This episode provides general suggestions to comedians, especially neurodivergent ones like us autistic and ADHD actors in comedy and improv, to protect our minds while engaging in comedy and with others in the community.
Find the video for this episode (has my face, not just captions): YouTube video (you can leave your input here!)
Find the written article for this episode here: NeurodiversityImprov.com article (you can also leave your input here!)
Checking in on yourself, in whatever spaces you’re participating in, is pretty good for mental health. These ten suggestions should be relevant beyond comedy communities, and will apply to people who aren't neurodivergent too. So even if you aren't autistic, for example, these should be relevant and hopefully somewhat useful.
Some important notes about these suggestions for protecting your mind in comedy spaces:
- Some of these suggestions might contradict themselves. Or they might leave out some important points. This is confusing stuff, highly personal/unique, and in this case of course limited to one person’s experience and brain wiring! I heartily welcome you to add your own observations in the comments (anonymously from a throwaway account is fine, too!)
- Some of these suggestions might sound like I’m suggesting to “run away” from issues — but I am NOT advocating this and NOT suggesting we avoid addressing problems in comedy. Quite the opposite. These suggestions involve sticking within your community, but empowering yourself whilst doing so by forming new projects, outlets, or similar (as an option, or while addressing problematic stuff if it’s applicable). And as always: any suggestions are not universal!
- All ten sections below are SUGGESTIONS (from an autistic brain) even though many are not worded as such. These are worded like demands, because it’s what I ask of myself, what I use to check in. But they aren’t demands for YOU. Take a suggestion if you think it's helpful and applies to you. Ignore it if it doesn't apply to you.
- And as always, don’t replace this article or site for working with a professional. Also don’t use these resources for diagnosis of yourself or others. I’m not a mental health professional.
You deserve compassion and respect no matter where you are with either your mental health or whether you are autistic, ADHD, or another neurotype!
Ten Suggestions (as chapters!)
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:00 About the podcast and episode
02:22 Episode and topic overview - why I/we need these suggestions
07:16 Suggestion One: Be Yourself and don't compromise on it.
10:43 Suggestion Two: Take care of yourself first, for others
13:53 Suggestion Three: Find your source of joy, but be open to pivoting
16:17 Suggestion Four: Find the humans who value YOU
19:33 Suggestion Five: Ignore the gatekeepers, and find your confidence
22:31 Suggestion Six: Protect your value
23:34 Suggestion Seven: Communicate openly and in good faith
28:36 Suggestion Eight: Ask for or seek accommodations
31:02 Suggestion Nine: Analyze where value comes from, especially if depressed
33:33 Suggestion Ten: Value your mental health
35:50 Conclusion and links
42:42 Link to podcast (NeurodivergentComedy.com)
Comedy is wildly strange, and a beast of its own (despite giving retro-silicon-valley vibes). At least the tiny corner I've witnessed and participated in. Let’s keep our neurodivergent minds safer here.
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About
This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.
This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.
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What does neuroinclusive mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This, just like the word "neurodiversity", includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Which is… you, since that covers everyone!
This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts.
Note
This podcast has been renamed a couple times to best fit what it needed to become, and better reflect what it eventually became! It's not gone, I am figuring out what is sustainable and most needed by myself and the community.
I mention surveys and written versions in earlier episodes. I am moving this content to ImprovUpdate.com on a new being-developed website. You can always send me any comments, thoughts, feedback, or contributions using the contact form on this page.
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