The Slow Learner Podcast with Pete Johansson (TheSlowLearner)
Explore every episode of The Slow Learner Podcast with Pete Johansson
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Mar 2025 | Episode 01 - Brent Butt - 'Comedy & Intelligence' with host Pete Johansson an co-host Dr. Paul Whissell | 02:08:15 | |
In this engaging conversation, Pete Johansson and Brent Butt explore the intricate relationship between comedy, creativity, and personal experiences. They delve into the evolution of comedy, the impact of family on creative expression, and the significance of the flow state in performance. The discussion also touches on the challenges of aging in the comedy world, the influence of socioeconomic backgrounds, and the dynamics of audience perception. As they reflect on their journeys, they highlight the importance of originality and the changing landscape of comedy for new generations. In the second half of the podcast, Pete Johansson and Dr. Paul Whissell reflect on the conversation with Brent and through the lens of neuroscience explore the multifaceted nature of intelligence, creativity, and comedy. How cultural influences shape humour, the importance of empathy in comedic expression. The dialogue delves into the complexities of defining intelligence. They also touch on the creative process, the significance of context, and the impact of societal changes on comedy. Throughout, they emphasize the interconnectedness of intelligence and creativity, highlighting how personal experiences inform artistic expression. Visit Brents site! https://brentbutt.com/ Visit https://theslowlearner.com/ | |||
| 25 Mar 2025 | Episode 02 - Darcy Michael - 'Comedy & ADHD and Growth' with host Pete Johansson an co-host Dr. Paul Whissell | 02:23:24 | |
This week, Pete reconnects with longtime friend and comedic powerhouse Darcy Michael for an honest, hilarious, and unexpectedly moving conversation about ADHD, neurodivergence, and the power of humour to heal. Known today for his joyful online presence with husband Jer, Darcy opens up about his late ADHD diagnosis, rejection sensitivity, and the emotional mourning that follows finally understanding your past through a new lens. From green rooms in Vancouver to touring as viral sensations, Pete and Darcy talk about what comedy meant to them before and after diagnosis, and how executive dysfunction, hyperfixation, and impulsivity shaped both their careers and relationships. They also explore the challenges of authenticity on stage, the trauma of forced conformity, and the deep empathy required to forgive yourself — and grow. Darcy shares how stand-up became emotionally unsustainable, why he stepped away, and how coming back with Jer — cue cards and all — felt more empowering than ever. Pete reflects on the neuroscience of attention, emotional regulation, and the strange magic of comics who connect deeply while often feeling misunderstood. Stick around after the interview as Dr. Paul Whissell joins Pete to unpack the science behind ADHD, emotional sensitivity, medication, dopamine pathways, and how our brains really regulate attention and working memory. It's a crash course in empathy, self-awareness, and how comedy just might be one of the most adaptive tools for survival. 🎙️ Featuring:
💡 Topics Include:
📌 Support Darcy & Jer’s journey here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/5nf6m-support-darcy-jer-through-this-challenging-time | |||
| 08 Apr 2025 | Episode 03 – Des Bishop – ‘Comedy & Addiction & Bilingualism & Neuroscience’ with host Pete Johansson and co-host Dr. Paul Whissell | 01:35:46 | |
This week on The Slow Learner, we’re joined by internationally acclaimed comedian Des Bishop — and things get smart, silly, and seriously heartfelt. We dive deep into the science of language learning, addiction recovery, and comedy as cognitive therapy, all while poking around the cultural complexities of attraction, ego, and humour’s role in our social survival. Oh, and Pete drops a Jordan Peterson impression you don’t want to miss — it almost justifies the slightly janky audio (we’re The Slow Learner, after all — the sound gets way better next episode, promise). 🎙️ In this episode:
🧠 We cover real science too — including:
🔗 Resources Mentioned or a further Dive into: 🔗 Follow Des Bishop: 🔗 Follow Pete Johansson: 💡 For full transcripts, research links, and behind-the-scenes content, visit: 🧠 The Slow Learner is where comedy meets neuroscience — hosted by comedian Pete Johansson and neuroscientist Dr. Paul Whissell. New episodes every two weeks. #DesBishop #ComedyPodcast #Neuroscience #Bilingualism #AddictionRecovery #LanguageLearning #SlowLearner #PeteJohansson #FunnyAndSmart #MandarinStandup #CognitiveScience #HumourAndHealing #PodcastClip #ComediansInScience #RewiringTheBrain | |||