Podcasts > We Might Be Drunk > Ep 171: Ari Shaffir and Dan St. Germain - Life Of The Paddy

Ep 171: Ari Shaffir and Dan St. Germain - Life Of The Paddy

By Sam Morril and Mark Normand

In this episode of "We Might Be Drunk," comedians Mark Normand and Sam Morril are joined by guests Dan St. Germain and Ari Shaffir for a conversation that's as heartfelt as it is hilarious. The quartet dive into the sobering and at times absurdly funny world of life post-rehab with St. Germain, who shares his experiences ranging from detox to therapy, and how it's all influenced his comedy.

As St. Germain delves into the fray of his rehabilitation journey and the premiere of his comedy special during this transformative time, Shaffir brings a different perspective, discussing his preparations for an upcoming special and his intentional withdrawal from the perpetual political news cycle for a more cheerful existence. Adding to the mix, Normand and St. Germain concoct an outlandish homage to the King of Rock and Roll, plotting an escapade to Graceland that promises to emulate some of Elvis Presley's quirkiest hobbies – all under the influence of psychedelics.

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Ep 171: Ari Shaffir and Dan St. Germain - Life Of The Paddy

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Ep 171: Ari Shaffir and Dan St. Germain - Life Of The Paddy

1-Page Summary

Key Topics

Comedian Dan St. Germain discusses life after rehab, including funny and surprising moments, as well as the impact this has had on his stand-up career. He vividly recounts his detox experiences, the eclectic mix of people he encountered, and the unexpected departure of his therapist. Despite the challenges, he found solace in group therapy and even premiered his comedy special while in rehab. Meanwhile, Ari Shaffir is gearing up for his comedy special recording, emphasizing a life detached from the political news cycle for personal joy. Finally, Mark Normand and St. Germain share a wild plan to honor Elvis Presley's legacy at Graceland in a hallucinogenic state, complete with plans to emulate Elvis's more eccentric pastimes.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Dan St. Germain's experience in rehab influenced his stand-up career by providing him with new material and perspectives on life, allowing him to connect with audiences on a deeper level. The challenges he faced during rehab, such as detox and therapy, became sources of humor and insight in his comedy. Group therapy sessions and the unique characters he encountered in rehab also inspired fresh comedic material for his performances. Overall, the journey through rehab added depth and authenticity to St. Germain's stand-up routines, resonating with audiences through his candid and humorous storytelling.

Counterarguments

  • While Dan St. Germain found solace in group therapy, it's important to note that group therapy may not be the best approach for everyone in recovery, as individual needs can vary greatly.
  • Premiering a comedy special while in rehab could be seen as a positive step in recovery, but it might also be argued that focusing on career milestones could distract from the essential work of rehabilitation.
  • Ari Shaffir's approach to detaching from the political news cycle for personal joy could be criticized for potentially promoting disengagement from important societal issues that affect us all.
  • The plan by Mark Normand and Dan St. Germain to honor Elvis Presley's legacy in a hallucinogenic state at Graceland could be seen as disrespectful to the memory of Elvis and to Graceland as a historical site, as well as potentially glamorizing drug use.
  • Emulating Elvis's more eccentric pastimes, especially if they involve substance use, could be criticized for potentially romanticizing unhealthy behaviors.

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Ep 171: Ari Shaffir and Dan St. Germain - Life Of The Paddy

Key Topics

Comedian Dan St. Germain shares candid details of his life post-rehab, while Ari Shaffir gears up for a special taping, emphasizing the need to step away from politics and the news for personal happiness. Meanwhile, Mark Normand and St. Germain discuss their unique plan to pay homage to Elvis Presley at Graceland with a wild and potentially hallucinogenic adventure.

Dan St. Germain's Experiences in Rehab

Having been out of rehab for four months, Dan St. Germain speaks about his recent stay, which he initially describes as being aimed at the "super rich" but later accepting insurance clients due to a lack of wealthy enrollees. St. Germain jokingly describes a "rehab government," suggesting a community-like structure existed within the facility.

He recounts meeting an array of individuals during his stay, from a gender-transitioning champion powerlifter to a mysterious person who only spoke of "military" and "snakes." An amusing moment arose when, amid a panic attack, St. Germain was approached by someone who recognized him as a comedian and began pitching comedy material.

Dan explains the detox process vividly; people screaming while coming off substances followed by more peaceful times including art therapy, group therapy, and watching "The Sopranos." However, not all was calm, as Dan mentions a roommate's vape-smuggling incident led to a search and the disposal of Dan's food.

St. Germain was surprised when his therapist quit without notice, and he found himself showing up to an appointment only to discover she was gone. Despite this, he had built enough of a relationship to share his comedy with her, impressing her enough to circulate his work among friends.

The environment in rehab seemed paradoxically enjoyable at times, with Dan highlighting a particularly memorable Thanksgiving meal and the communal enjoyment of the song "Brown Eyed Girl." Before departing, his own goodbye was heralded with Florence + The Machine's "Shake It Out."

St. Germain has been through the cycle of rehab several times—two inpatient and three outpatient—and he notes his affinity for a German therapist named Karen during his group therapy. He reflects on the diversity of the group sessions, sharing tales of individuals from different walks of life, including someone bound for jail and a stockbroker with agoraphobia.

The experience hasn't gone unnoticed in his comedy career; rehab jokes featured in his previous specials predate his latest June filming, where he chose not to include such material. Da ...

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Key Topics

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Dan St. Germain shares his experiences in rehab, where he encountered a diverse group of individuals and went through detox, therapy sessions, and unexpected incidents like a roommate's vape-smuggling. Despite challenges like a sudden therapist departure, he found moments of enjoyment, like a memorable Thanksgiving meal and bonding over music. His time in rehab influenced his comedy career, with jokes about rehab featuring in his previous work.
  • Dan St. Germain's experiences in rehab have influenced his comedy career by providing him with new material and perspectives to incorporate into his performances. The unique and sometimes surreal situations he encountered during rehab have become fodder for his stand-up routines, adding depth and authenticity to his storytelling. St. Germain's decision to exclude rehab-related material from his latest special indicates a shift in his comedic focus, showcasing his ability to evolve and adapt his content over time. The supportive environment within rehab, despite its challenges, has also played a role in shaping St. ...

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