Podcasts > Shawn Ryan Show > #99 John Crist - Beating Cancel Culture

#99 John Crist - Beating Cancel Culture

By Shawn Ryan Show

Dive into a riveting narrative of self-discovery and resilience on the "Shawn Ryan Show" as John Crist shares his journey through hardship and healing. Amid life-changing events that encompass addiction, public disgrace, and a hard-fought return, Crist provides an intimate account of his personal transformation from chasing external validation to finding sincere fulfillment in sobriety and faith. His candid discussion sheds light on the parallels between his own addiction to attention and his brother's substance battles, offering listeners a nuanced view of dependency and self-worth.

Following a scandal that nearly derailed his career, Crist reveals the intricacies of bouncing back in a world ripe with cancel culture. Navigating the complexities of his return to the public eye, he uncovers the power of authenticity and redemption while leaving behind a former lifestyle predicated on social media illusions. Crist’s evolution leads him to redefine success, delivering laughter and solace through his renewed commitment to his craft and spirituality, ultimately striving to uplift audiences by sharing hope and encouraging openheartedness. Join Shawn Ryan as he delves into these rich, reflective themes, exploring the spectrum of human experience and the possibility of renewal even in the face of societal judgment.

#99 John Crist - Beating Cancel Culture

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#99 John Crist - Beating Cancel Culture

1-Page Summary

Spiritual Awakening

John Crist's spiritual awakening occurs following his stint in rehab, which provides him a transformative experience. He achieves sobriety and rediscovers his faith, markedly changing his life. Rehab offers Crist a setting for self-reflection and healing, where he embarks on recovery and sobriety through therapy and support. The experience alters his outlook on life, granting him new meaning and purpose guided by a stronger faith.

Addiction

Crist openly discusses his addiction to attention and external validation, which parallels his brother's struggles with substance dependence. From an early age, he uses comedy to earn affirmation, particularly in church settings. Crist reveals that onstage performances and creating viral videos give him an addictive rush akin to the effects of drugs. This need for approval feeds his self-worth, but over time he recognizes the harm in seeking validation for his public persona rather than his intrinsic self.

Cancellation

During his career, Crist faces severe backlash from religious communities, leading to a cancellation that damages his career and reputation, causing him feelings of shame, sadness, and challenges to his mental health. He recounts the pressure to maintain a wholesome image while his behavior suggested otherwise. Nevertheless, the public response proves more forgiving than anticipated, with supportive messages helping restore his hope and motivation to continue his craft.

Comeback

Crist celebrates four years of sobriety and highlights rebuilding his career by embracing authenticity. Resisting the urge to conform, his content now reflects his true perspectives and personal growth. Despite opposition, the positive reception to his return encourages him to stand by his values, achieving both personal and professional success through authenticity and a departure from social media facades.

Redemption

In the aftermath of his struggles, Crist shifts focus from religious institutions to a personal relationship with God and embraces his role in bringing joy to others. He finds peace in seeing beyond institutional affiliations, realizing his mission is to provide laughter and comfort to those grappling with life's hardships. Lacking resentment for his past, he learns from it, and now commits to alleviating others' burdens with empathy, hope, and encouragement. He views his public persona as a means to make people feel less judged and more willing to share their own struggles, thereby lifting their burdens.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • John Crist is a comedian known for his clean, Christian-themed humor. He gained popularity through his stand-up performances and viral videos that often poked fun at Christian culture. His career faced challenges due to controversies and backlash from religious communities, leading to a period of cancellation. Despite this, he has worked on rebuilding his career by embracing authenticity and sharing his personal growth journey.
  • John Crist faced severe backlash from religious communities due to his behavior conflicting with the wholesome image he was expected to maintain. This backlash led to a significant cancellation that impacted his career and reputation, causing feelings of shame, sadness, and challenges to his mental health. Despite this, the public response was more forgiving than he anticipated, with supportive messages helping him regain hope and motivation to continue his work. The experience of being canceled had a profound effect on Crist's mental well-being, but the support he received played a crucial role in his journey towards recovery and redemption.
  • Seeking validation for a public persona means craving approval and affirmation based on the image or persona one presents to the public. In contrast, valuing intrinsic self means seeking validation and acceptance for one's true, authentic self, beyond external appearances or personas. This distinction highlights the difference between seeking validation for a constructed image versus seeking validation for one's genuine thoughts, feelings, and values. It emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity over external validation and approval.
  • Crist's addiction to attention and external validation stemmed from seeking affirmation through comedy performances and viral videos. This need for approval became addictive, providing a rush similar to the effects of drugs. Over time, he realized the negative impact of prioritizing validation for his public persona over his true self-worth. This addiction influenced his behavior and choices, shaping his journey towards self-discovery and authenticity.

Counterarguments

  • While rehab can be transformative, it is not a guaranteed solution for everyone, and some may not find the same level of spiritual awakening or sobriety that John Crist did.
  • The effectiveness of rehab can vary greatly depending on the individual's circumstances, the quality of the program, and the level of support received post-rehab.
  • Addiction to attention and validation is a complex issue that may not be fully comparable to substance dependence, as they involve different psychological and physiological mechanisms.
  • The rush from performing and creating content may not be universally addictive, and other performers may not experience it in the same way as Crist describes.
  • The concept of seeking validation for one's public persona is not inherently harmful; it can be a part of a healthy desire for social connection and recognition, depending on the context and balance with self-validation.
  • The notion of "cancellation" is controversial, and some may argue that public figures should be held accountable for their actions, and that backlash is a form of societal regulation of behavior.
  • The support Crist received post-cancellation might not be indicative of a broader cultural forgiveness but rather the support of a specific audience that shares his values or appreciates his work.
  • Authenticity in content creation is subjective, and what is authentic to one person may not resonate with or be perceived as authentic by others.
  • Success post-comeback is not solely determined by authenticity; factors such as market demand, public relations, and strategic positioning also play significant roles.
  • Focusing on a personal relationship with God rather than religious institutions is a personal choice that may not resonate with individuals who find community and support within organized religion.
  • The idea that one's mission is to provide laughter and comfort can be seen as overly simplistic, as people's needs and the ways they find relief from life's challenges are diverse.
  • The use of a public persona to create a non-judgmental space is a noble goal, but it may not always translate into actual support for those sharing their struggles, depending on how it is executed.

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#99 John Crist - Beating Cancel Culture

Spiritual Awakening

Crist’s journey to sobriety is described as a transformative experience, reshaping his life and leading to a deepened sense of spirituality.

Going to rehab and having a profound, life-changing experience that led to sobriety and a renewal of faith

Crist’s decision to go to rehab provided him with a pivotal chance for self-reflection and healing. The commitment to overcoming alcohol addiction resulted in not only achieving sobriety but also rediscovering a sense of faith.

Rehab provides an opportunity for self-reflection and healing with the goal of sobriety and recovery

Rehab offered Crist a structured setting to understand and confront his addiction, initiating a journey towards recovery. Through various therapies and support systems, he embarked on the tough road to sobriety.

Experience led to a ...

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Spiritual Awakening

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The spiritual transformation experienced by Crist was a profound shift in his perspective and outlook on life, leading to a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. This transformation was guided by a renewed and stronger faith that emerged during his journey to sobriety. Crist described his newfound sobriety as a miracle, indicating a significant spiritual awakening that reshaped his life.
  • Crist's faith played a crucial role in his recovery by providing him with strength, hope, and a sense of purpose during his journey to sobriety. It served as a guiding light, helping him navigate the challenges of ...

Counterarguments

  • While rehab can be a transformative experience, it is not a guaranteed solution for everyone, and some individuals may not find the same level of spiritual awakening or sobriety.
  • The concept of a "miracle" in the context of sobriety may diminish the hard work and dedication required to overcome addiction, suggesting that it is a passive rather than an active process.
  • The idea that a renewed sense of faith is a necessary component of recovery may not resonate with those who do not hold spiritual beliefs or who find strength and purpose through secular means.
  • The narrative of finding a "deeper meaning and purpose in life" post-rehab can set unrealistic expectations for individuals in recovery, as the journey is often complex and non-linear.
  • The emphasis on spirituality and fa ...

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#99 John Crist - Beating Cancel Culture

Addiction

John Crist candidly discloses his long-standing battle with needing external approval, likening his thirst for attention to substance dependence.

Addiction to attention and external validation

John Crist has contended with his need for attention from a very young age, seeking affirmation through comedy to satisfy this craving. He describes how audience approval has long fulfilled this deep-seated desire, even comparing his need for attention to that of his brother who doesn't outwardly demonstrate the same degree of dependency.

Crist details how his addiction to attention began perhaps as young as nine or ten, notably in church gatherings, where his humor grabbed the attention of peers. He traces his journey of affirmation through comedy back to his youth, noticing the incongruities between the theology preached at church and the actual happenings that he observed as the pastor's son, using this dissonance as material for his jokes.

As a performer, Crist shares the immense rush he experiences when on stage. He speaks to the addictive nature of performing live comedy, where the instant gratification of laughter and approval fuels his passion. Crist relates his experiences to a story from a person in rehab about thrill-seeking behavior, which he understands all too well in the context of his comedy career.

Oftentimes, Crist's comedy emerges from personal insecurities. He talks about making jokes concerning his unfamiliarity with tools or manual labor, sectors where he feels inadequate. The audience's laughter serves as a soothing balm for these insecurities, reaffirming his worth through their approval.

Despite bombing his first comedy skit, the overwhelming positive feeling Crist recalls from the experience suggests the significant emotional reward and validation that sprang from the attempt to gain audience approval. His first performance led to an addiction to the stage despite starting off on an unsuccessful note.

John Crist touches on the profound effect his viral videos have on him, paralleling it to the high he feels during live performances. It's these moments of praise and attention that he likens to drugs, providing him an ephemeral relief from personal tribulations.

In recounting his rise to notoriety, Crist explains that fame and the recognition he received on the streets fed into his compulsive search for validation. Even as he hosted podcasts or ...

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Addiction

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • John Crist, a comedian, has openly discussed his struggles with addiction to attention and external validation. He describes how his need for approval started at a young age, using comedy as a way to seek affirmation. Crist highlights the addictive nature of performing live comedy, where the audience's laughter serves as validation for his insecurities. His experiences with fame and social media attention further fueled his compulsive search for validation, leading to a realization about the importance of being loved for one's true self.
  • The comparison of addiction to attention and external validation to substance dependence highlights how seeking constant approval can become a compulsive behavior similar to drug addiction. Just like how someone may crave substances to feel a certain way, seeking external validation can become a constant need to feel validated and worthy. This comparison underscores the powerful hold that the need for attention can have on an individual's thoughts and actions.
  • Seeking affirmation through comedy involves using humor as a way to gain approval and validation from others. The addictive nature of performing live comedy stems from the immediate feedback and gratification received from the audience, which can create a cycle of seeking more validation through continued performances. This cycle can lead performers to rely on the high they get from audience approval, similar to how someone might become dependent on substances for a certain feeling or experience. The rush and validation from making people laugh can become a powerful motivator for comedians, driving them to continue seeking that affirmation through their performances.
  • John Crist's comedy often draws from the contrast between the ideal teachings of the church and the real-life situations he observed growing up as a pastor's son. This incongruity provides him with material for his jokes, highlighting the discrepancies between the preached values and the actual behaviors he witnessed. Crist uses these discrepancies to create humor that resonates with audiences who may also recognize similar contradictions in their own experiences within religious settings. By shedding light on these inconsistencies through comedy, Crist navigates the complexities of faith and human behavior in a relatable and engaging manner.
  • John Crist felt emotional reward and validation despite a failed first comedy skit because the positive feelings he experienced from attempting to gain audience approval outweighed the initial failure. This experience highlighted the significant emotional impact of seeking validation through comedy performance, reinforcing his desire to continue pursuing audience approval despite setbacks. Crist's ability to find value in the process of performing, even when faced with challenges, showcases the deep connection between his need for external validation and the emotional fulfillment he derives from his comedic endeavors.
  • The parallels drawn between attention-seeking behavior and drug addiction highlight how seeking external validation can become compulsive and addictive, similar to substance dependence. Just like how drugs can provide temporary relief or pleasure, seeking attention and approval can offer a fleeting sense of validation and satisfaction. Both behaviors can lead to a cycle where individuals constantly crave more to fil ...

Counterarguments

...

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#99 John Crist - Beating Cancel Culture

Cancellation

John Crist reflects on his experience with cancel culture and its personal repercussions, including the impact on his mental health and the surprisingly supportive public response that helped him find hope.

Faced severe backlash and efforts by religious community institutions to cancel and deplatform for behavior deemed inappropriate

John Crist faced significant backlash from the religious communities he was part of, stemming from behavior that contradicted the strict moral standards he grew up believing. Crist suggests that these communities may have driven the efforts to deplatform him. He shares that he felt pressure to maintain an image inconsistent with his true self, which included getting drunk and bringing a girl to his hotel room--actions that would not mesh well with his audience's expectations.

He faced criticism for his work, especially after a video he made, "Christian Girl Instagram," went viral and showcased a truth about people seeking attention through seemingly pious Instagram pictures. An article about him seemed to contribute to a wider backlash, leading to his tour cancellation, Netflix pulling his special, and varied public opinion about whether he should be allowed to continue his career.

Career and reputation were significantly damaged, leading to shame, sadness, and suicidal ideation

Crist discusses the negative article and the cancellation of his tour amidst allegations as indications of his damaged career and reputation. Polarized opinions emerged post-2020, with some believing he should never work again or be on social media.

John Crist describes the shame he felt, compounded by his church environment and struggles with masturbation and pornography, internalized from the church's teachings. Crist alludes to a time when he couldn't defend himself, suggesting damage to his reputation and possibly leading to feelings of shame or sadness. Despite not explicitly mentioning suicidal ideation, he refers to people from rehab who have relapsed and committed suicide. He reflects on the initial guilt he felt, even admitting wrongdoing in a statement.

Public reaction revealed people were more forgiving which helped restore hope and motivation

Wh ...

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Cancellation

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • John Crist faced backlash for behavior like getting drunk and bringing a girl to his hotel room, actions that conflicted with the expectations of his religious audience. He also received criticism for a viral video titled "Christian Girl Instagram," which highlighted attention-seeking behavior on social media. These actions led to the cancellation of his tour and the removal of his special from Netflix, impacting his career and reputation significantly.
  • John Crist faced allegations related to inappropriate behavior, including getting drunk and bringing a girl to his hotel room, which conflicted with the expectations of his religious audience. These actions were highlighted in the aftermath of a viral video he created called "Christian Girl Instagram," which led to significant backlash and the cancellation of his tour and specials. The allegations damaged his career and reputation, sparking polarized opinions about his future in the entertainment industry and on social media. Despite not explicitly mentioning suicidal ideation, Crist alluded to struggles with shame and sadness, compounded by his church environment and personal challenges.
  • John Crist received private, supportive ...

Counterarguments

  • The backlash and deplatforming efforts may have been a necessary response from the religious community to maintain their moral standards and protect their image.
  • The viral video "Christian Girl Instagram" could be seen as a critique that was insensitive to the faith-based community, warranting the backlash.
  • Damage to career and reputation can be a consequence of public figures' actions, and it is the responsibility of the individual to maintain a public image that aligns with their audience's values.
  • Public opinion being polarized is a natural outcome of controversial events, and it is not uncommon for people to have strong opinions about the consequences that public figures should face.
  • Feelings of shame and struggles with personal issues are complex and may not be solely attributed to the teachings ...

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#99 John Crist - Beating Cancel Culture

Comeback

John Crist’s career trajectory has taken a marked turn towards authenticity and fulfillment, underscored by his four-year journey of sobriety.

Sober for 4 years and rebuilt career to even greater success by embracing authentic self rather than conforming

Crist has not only achieved sobriety but also speaks more openly about the path he has walked. Despite initial hesitations to share his one-year sobriety milestone, the positive reception to his career's resurgence has reinforced his commitment to continue his work. He acknowledges facing considerable opposition but chooses to view it as a source of encouragement rather than a deterrent.

Videos and comedy now reflect honest perspective without fear

Crist's content has transformed to reflect his honest perspectives, focusing on what he thinks about all day rather than catering exclusively to insider jokes about the Christian sub-culture. After returning from rehab, Crist found a renewed desire to make videos that truly resonate with his sense of purpose, asserting that his career is now bigger than ever. It is the public's favorable reaction that has brought to light the misconception of the negative perceptions he once thought others had of him.

Learned that b ...

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Comeback

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • John Crist, a comedian, faced negative perceptions from the public due to his past behavior, which included struggles with addiction. These negative perceptions may have included judgments about his character, integrity, and reliability, stemming from his actions during that time. Crist's acknowledgment of these perceptions suggests that he was aware of the skepticism and criticism directed towards him before his journey of sobriety and career resurgence. The transformation in his approach and content reflects his efforts to address and overcome these negative perceptions by embracing authenticity and personal growth.
  • John Crist, a comedian, faced challenges related to maintaining a certain image on social media and in his career. These facades referred to the need to project a specific person ...

Counterarguments

  • While Crist's authenticity and sobriety may have led to greater success, it's possible that other factors also played a significant role in his career resurgence, such as changes in the comedy industry, shifts in audience preferences, or strategic career decisions.
  • Openly sharing one's journey of sobriety can be inspiring, but it might also lead to undue pressure or scrutiny from the public, which can be challenging for some individuals.
  • Viewing opposition as encouragement is a positive mindset, but it's important to also critically assess and address valid criticism to ensure personal and professional growth.
  • While Crist's content now reflects his honest perspectives, it's possible that this approach may not appeal to all segments of his previous audience who may have preferred his earlier style.
  • The public's favorable reaction has been beneficial for Crist's career, but audience tastes can be fickle, and what works now might not work in the future.
  • Being real and standing by one's values is commendable, but it can also lead to conflicts with stakeholders ...

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#99 John Crist - Beating Cancel Culture

Redemption

John Crist's journey after experiencing backlash displays a shift from focusing on religious institutions to emphasizing his personal faith and the role he plays in bringing joy to others amid their struggles.

Found peace through changed outlook centered on relationship with God over religious institutions

Crist explored various churches, which led to the broadening of his perspective and finding good people regardless of religious affiliation. Despite his departure from working directly with a church, Crist maintains his faith and is active within his church community. He acknowledges its flaws, affirming his love for it and his belief. This engagement with religious institutions appears to be part of his changed outlook and personal journey.

Now motivated by purpose of bringing laughter and relief to audiences grappling with life's difficulties

Crist emphasizes that his purpose transcends mere jokes; it’s about giving audiences a night they won’t forget and bringing them laughter for an hour as a form of relief. He talks about using the gift that God has given him to help people. He also suggests that entertainers and musicians who travel the country provide respite from pain through joy, happiness, and entertainment.

Views past struggles with grace, finding lessons and silver linings rather than resentment

Although the transcript does not directly address how Crist views past struggles with grace or silver linings, he compares the private, constructive feedback he’s received with public criticism. Instead of showing resentment, he seems to appreciate the support and openness, indicating an acceptance of his past struggles. He even wishes that he could have offered himself support and assurance during his darker times, showing a grace-oriented perspective.

Committed to lifting burdens for others now rather than judging ...

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Redemption

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • John Crist is a comedian and Christian speaker known for his clean, observational humor. In 2019, he faced allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior towards women, which led to a significant backlash and the cancellation of his tour. This controversy caused Crist to take a step back from the public eye and reevaluate his approach to his career and faith.
  • John Crist's outlook on religious institutions changed as he shifted from focusing solely on them to emphasizing his personal faith and the positive impact he can have on others outside of traditional church settings. Despite acknowledging the flaws within religious institutions, Crist still actively engages with his church community while also recognizing the value of connecting with good people across different religious affiliations. This change in perspective showcases his evolving understanding of faith and the importance of personal relationships over institutional structures.
  • John Crist faced public backlash and criticism in the past due to allegations of inappropriate behavior and misconduct in his interactions with women. These allegations led to a significant decline in his career and public image, causing him to reflect on his actions and the impact they had on others. Crist's journey post-backlash has involved introspection, seeking forgiveness, and reevaluating his approach to comedy and public persona. His struggles have been centered around redemption ...

Counterarguments

  • While Crist's focus on personal faith over religious institutions may be beneficial for him, it's important to recognize that religious institutions play a vital role for many individuals in providing community, structure, and shared worship experiences.
  • Finding peace through a changed outlook is a personal journey, and what works for Crist may not be applicable or effective for everyone facing similar challenges.
  • The idea that laughter and entertainment can provide relief is valuable, but it's also important to acknowledge that deeper issues may require more substantial forms of support and intervention.
  • Viewing past struggles with grace and learning from them is commendable, but it's also necessary to consider that some individuals may need to address unresolved issues ...

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