Episode
#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
2:32:15
Published: Sat Jun 27 2015
Description
This episode explores pain, struggle, and how to turn both into amazing creative projects. Whitney Cummings is a Los Angeles-based comedian, actor, writer and producer. Whitney is executive producer and, along with Michael Patrick King, co-creator of the Emmy-nominated CBS comedy 2 Broke Girls, which was recently picked up for a fifth season. She also wrote, produced and starred in Whitney, which aired on NBC from 2011 to 2013. She has headlined with comics including Sarah Silverman, Louis C.K., Amy Schumer, Aziz Ansari, and others. Her first one-hour stand up special, Money Shot, premiered on Comedy Central in 2010 and was nominated for an American Comedy Award. Her second stand-up special, Whitney Cummings: I Love You, debuted on Comedy Central in 2014 and she is shooting a third hour for HBO this August, which is set to air in 2016. For all links, show notes, resources from this episode, please visit fourhourworkweek.com/podcast ### This podcast is brought to you by MeUndies. Have you ever wanted to be as powerful as a mullet-wearing ninja from the 1980’s, or as sleek as a black panther in the Amazon? Of course you have, and that’s where MeUndies comes in. I’ve spent the last 2-3 weeks wearing underwear from these guys 24/7, and they are the most comfortable and colorful underwear I’ve ever owned. Their materials are 2x softer than cotton, as evaluated using the Kawabata method. Check out MeUndies.com/Tim to see my current faves, some of which are awesomely ridiculous. This episode is also sponsored by Onnit. I have used Onnit products for years. If you look in my kitchen or in my garage you will find Alpha BRAIN, chewable melatonin (for resetting my clock while traveling), kettlebells, maces, battle ropes, and steel clubs. It sounds like a torture chamber, and it basically is. A torture chamber for self-improvement! Ah, the lovely pain. To see a list of my favorite pills, potions, and heavy tools, click here.***If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading the reviews!For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Visit tim.blog/sponsor and fill out the form.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferrissPast guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Chapters
The episode discusses minimal effective dose (MED) in activities such as weight training or endurance.
00:00 - 01:00 (01:00)
Summary
The episode discusses minimal effective dose (MED) in activities such as weight training or endurance. The discussion also touches on the importance of experimentation, the benefits of cold water immersion, and the usefulness of email newsletters.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss talks about exploring different habits and routines such as meals, meal timing, sleep habits, and meditation techniques to share with his audience.
01:00 - 04:48 (03:48)
Summary
Tim Ferriss talks about exploring different habits and routines such as meals, meal timing, sleep habits, and meditation techniques to share with his audience. Plus, an advertisement for Athletic Greens special offer.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The interview covered the eight-week training process for someone preparing for a stand-up performance, childhood experiences that shaped her, mistakes made while managing her team, and health choices made in her 20s.
04:48 - 08:23 (03:34)
Summary
The interview covered the eight-week training process for someone preparing for a stand-up performance, childhood experiences that shaped her, mistakes made while managing her team, and health choices made in her 20s.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The use of black light ink tattoos has gained traction among those who use LSD and special K as it can only be seen under a black light.
08:23 - 11:31 (03:08)
Summary
The use of black light ink tattoos has gained traction among those who use LSD and special K as it can only be seen under a black light. It is seen as a way to rectify the damage caused by GMOs and high fructose corn syrup.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
As a comedian, it's hard not to want to be liked by everyone, but when it comes to managing people, being decisive is key.
11:31 - 14:26 (02:55)
Summary
As a comedian, it's hard not to want to be liked by everyone, but when it comes to managing people, being decisive is key. Polarizing some people is necessary, but it's important to avoid depleting oneself and managing people's egos.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker talks about using EMDR therapy for neurological recovery to overcome trauma by putting the trauma into a different folder in our minds.
14:26 - 19:35 (05:09)
Summary
The speaker talks about using EMDR therapy for neurological recovery to overcome trauma by putting the trauma into a different folder in our minds. The speaker also shares a personal story about the anchor ring her stepfather gave her to remind her to stay grounded.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
A comedian shares advice given to him by his father about getting his needs met in relationships, as well as his personal preference for working on creative projects solo.
19:35 - 26:56 (07:20)
Summary
A comedian shares advice given to him by his father about getting his needs met in relationships, as well as his personal preference for working on creative projects solo.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
In this podcast, a speaker discusses how trauma therapy differs from traditional talk therapy and how it helped them overcome their fear of losing their sense of humor while undergoing therapy.
26:56 - 30:11 (03:15)
Summary
In this podcast, a speaker discusses how trauma therapy differs from traditional talk therapy and how it helped them overcome their fear of losing their sense of humor while undergoing therapy.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker talks about the challenges they faced while being a boss, including having difficulty telling people that they did not like their work and feeling like they were disappointing someone.
30:11 - 35:18 (05:07)
Summary
The speaker talks about the challenges they faced while being a boss, including having difficulty telling people that they did not like their work and feeling like they were disappointing someone.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares their realization that the idea of fame and overnight success is a false expectation in the acting industry, in contrast to the extensive education and training required in professions like medicine.
35:18 - 41:51 (06:33)
Summary
The speaker shares their realization that the idea of fame and overnight success is a false expectation in the acting industry, in contrast to the extensive education and training required in professions like medicine.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
In this podcast, the host and guest discuss the different factors that contribute to finding the best time, place, and mindset to produce quality writing, as well as how to reflect on what has worked in the past.
41:51 - 48:03 (06:12)
Summary
In this podcast, the host and guest discuss the different factors that contribute to finding the best time, place, and mindset to produce quality writing, as well as how to reflect on what has worked in the past.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast host discusses her go-to websites for news, including The Frisky, which features studies on female sexuality, among other topics, and mentions following major news sources on Twitter.
48:03 - 50:03 (02:00)
Summary
The podcast host discusses her go-to websites for news, including The Frisky, which features studies on female sexuality, among other topics, and mentions following major news sources on Twitter. One Kings Lane is also a favorite for the host.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Comedian describes his unique sleep schedule, breaking his day into two parts in order to fit in naps and maximize productivity.
50:03 - 53:19 (03:16)
Summary
Comedian describes his unique sleep schedule, breaking his day into two parts in order to fit in naps and maximize productivity.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
A person shares a story about being confronted over their kale consumption while on vacation in Savannah, and feeling judged as a result.
53:19 - 56:05 (02:45)
Summary
A person shares a story about being confronted over their kale consumption while on vacation in Savannah, and feeling judged as a result.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The host asks their guest to recommend five to ten minutes of their material on understanding codependence.
56:05 - 58:14 (02:09)
Summary
The host asks their guest to recommend five to ten minutes of their material on understanding codependence. The guest points out common misconceptions about codependency and suggests listening to any part of his podcast to get a better understanding.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
In this episode, the speaker talks about how she dealt with disrespect in a relationship, which led to hurt and anger.
58:14 - 1:02:24 (04:10)
Summary
In this episode, the speaker talks about how she dealt with disrespect in a relationship, which led to hurt and anger. She emphasizes the difference between getting your heart broken and getting your heart broken open.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker discusses how they used to justify being in bad relationships because of the idea of love, which they describe as being willing to die for someone you want to kill.
1:02:24 - 1:08:29 (06:04)
Summary
The speaker discusses how they used to justify being in bad relationships because of the idea of love, which they describe as being willing to die for someone you want to kill. They compare it to the confusion they experienced when they first became wealthy and tries to contemplate what love really means.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker struggles to summarize a podcast episode because of the tricky angle of the topic and the use of non-specific language.
1:08:29 - 1:12:47 (04:18)
Summary
The speaker struggles to summarize a podcast episode because of the tricky angle of the topic and the use of non-specific language.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Comedian Andrew Schulz discusses the challenges of offensive humor and the backlash he faced for making jokes about Magic Johnson's HIV status.
1:12:47 - 1:16:37 (03:50)
Summary
Comedian Andrew Schulz discusses the challenges of offensive humor and the backlash he faced for making jokes about Magic Johnson's HIV status.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
In this episode, the hosts discuss encounters with strangers invading personal space and Demetri Martin's joke about people sharing photos of their kids.
1:16:37 - 1:20:15 (03:38)
Summary
In this episode, the hosts discuss encounters with strangers invading personal space and Demetri Martin's joke about people sharing photos of their kids.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker reflects on the excitement of watching roasting and being the underdog, and prepares for their first roast where their appearance will be mocked.
1:20:15 - 1:24:28 (04:12)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the excitement of watching roasting and being the underdog, and prepares for their first roast where their appearance will be mocked.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker muses about the difficulty people have in identifying their own unique traits and interests.
1:24:28 - 1:28:31 (04:03)
Summary
The speaker muses about the difficulty people have in identifying their own unique traits and interests. They mention the prevalence of this issue when it comes to discussing marriage.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
In this transcript snippet, the speaker discusses the art of stand-up comedy and the importance of having self-awareness without becoming self-absorbed.
1:28:31 - 1:34:11 (05:39)
Summary
In this transcript snippet, the speaker discusses the art of stand-up comedy and the importance of having self-awareness without becoming self-absorbed.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco is highly respected by his peers in the comedy world, who keep each other in check and surrounded by reality, and his style is highly recommended for any fans of underrated comedians.
1:34:11 - 1:37:17 (03:06)
Summary
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco is highly respected by his peers in the comedy world, who keep each other in check and surrounded by reality, and his style is highly recommended for any fans of underrated comedians.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares potential exercises to overcome bashful personal habits, such as naming objects around the house, and recounts instances where certain circumstances could be turned into comedic material.
1:37:17 - 1:40:21 (03:04)
Summary
The speaker shares potential exercises to overcome bashful personal habits, such as naming objects around the house, and recounts instances where certain circumstances could be turned into comedic material.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
This podcast discusses the importance of balancing positive and negative thinking in comedy and the flexibility required to succeed in stand-up, using Louis CK as an example.
1:40:21 - 1:44:03 (03:41)
Summary
This podcast discusses the importance of balancing positive and negative thinking in comedy and the flexibility required to succeed in stand-up, using Louis CK as an example.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
A stand-up comedian shares his daily routine on the day of a show, which involves staying in his hotel room all day and not talking much.
1:44:03 - 1:47:01 (02:57)
Summary
A stand-up comedian shares his daily routine on the day of a show, which involves staying in his hotel room all day and not talking much. He also mentions having his team go up on stage every night, regardless of how they perform, to gain more experience.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Comedian discusses the importance of performing in small spaces to test jokes before big specials and the challenge of performing in a club environment.
1:47:01 - 1:50:28 (03:27)
Summary
Comedian discusses the importance of performing in small spaces to test jokes before big specials and the challenge of performing in a club environment.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker discusses planning to do a rehearsal using a script and troubleshooting any potential issues that may arise, including a reference to Janet Jackson's nipple exposure incident.
1:50:28 - 1:53:49 (03:20)
Summary
The speaker discusses planning to do a rehearsal using a script and troubleshooting any potential issues that may arise, including a reference to Janet Jackson's nipple exposure incident.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Comedians often glamorize drug addiction and alcoholism, but Jerry advocates for health and wellness through yoga and smoothies.
1:53:49 - 1:57:58 (04:09)
Summary
Comedians often glamorize drug addiction and alcoholism, but Jerry advocates for health and wellness through yoga and smoothies. In the comedy world, it is important to continually create and refine new material to remain vulnerable and fresh on stage.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares their experience with equine therapy and how it taught them to practice being more direct and clear with their intentions, versus wasting time trying to verbally communicate with people who can be manipulative and passive-aggressive.
1:57:58 - 2:01:38 (03:40)
Summary
The speaker shares their experience with equine therapy and how it taught them to practice being more direct and clear with their intentions, versus wasting time trying to verbally communicate with people who can be manipulative and passive-aggressive.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker reflects on how smart people tend to overthink things and the benefit of keeping things simple.
2:01:38 - 2:05:20 (03:42)
Summary
The speaker reflects on how smart people tend to overthink things and the benefit of keeping things simple. They also mention an activity involving getting horses to move from one end to the corral.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker talks about how our attachment strategies are based on our formative years, and our tendencies for attention seeking may be rooted in early experiences.
2:05:20 - 2:09:04 (03:44)
Summary
The speaker talks about how our attachment strategies are based on our formative years, and our tendencies for attention seeking may be rooted in early experiences. The speaker shares their personal experience with this topic and how it affected their choices in life.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
In this podcast, the speaker discusses her experience with equine therapy and how it helped her discover more about herself and her past experiences.
2:09:04 - 2:13:26 (04:22)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker discusses her experience with equine therapy and how it helped her discover more about herself and her past experiences.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker reflects on their search for a role model as they transitioned into leadership positions and mentions Sheryl Sandberg and Elon Musk as potential examples.
2:13:26 - 2:16:28 (03:02)
Summary
The speaker reflects on their search for a role model as they transitioned into leadership positions and mentions Sheryl Sandberg and Elon Musk as potential examples.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The pressure to conform in Hollywood's press lines has caused one actress to reconsider participating, as she recognizes her struggle to maintain a healthy inner monologue while posing.
2:16:28 - 2:19:26 (02:57)
Summary
The pressure to conform in Hollywood's press lines has caused one actress to reconsider participating, as she recognizes her struggle to maintain a healthy inner monologue while posing. While aware of horror stories regarding actresses labelled as difficult, she has accepted that expressing she believes things can be done better is not a character flaw.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
A recount of an individual who felt violated and uncomfortable with the presence of paid, attractive seat fillers among celebrities at an award show, featuring Ellen and Chris Pine.
2:19:26 - 2:22:46 (03:20)
Summary
A recount of an individual who felt violated and uncomfortable with the presence of paid, attractive seat fillers among celebrities at an award show, featuring Ellen and Chris Pine.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The most forgiving dog breed, beagles, are commonly used in labs for testing which is a shocking revelation that might motivate people to help beagles more.
2:22:46 - 2:25:31 (02:45)
Summary
The most forgiving dog breed, beagles, are commonly used in labs for testing which is a shocking revelation that might motivate people to help beagles more.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker talks about the challenges faced by women trying to make it into entertainment and the techniques they use to make their gender less prominent in their work, including in stand-up comedy.
2:25:31 - 2:29:59 (04:28)
Summary
The speaker talks about the challenges faced by women trying to make it into entertainment and the techniques they use to make their gender less prominent in their work, including in stand-up comedy.
Episode#84: How to Turn Pain Into Creativity (Whitney Cummings)
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The best way to appreciate comedy is to pay attention to what offends you, suggests the speaker.
2:30:01 - 2:32:12 (02:11)
Summary
The best way to appreciate comedy is to pay attention to what offends you, suggests the speaker. You should seek out controversial comedians like Richard Pryor, Daniel Tosh, Bill Burr, and Louis CK to broaden your understanding of the art.