Episode

857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
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1:11:59
Published: Wed Oct 02 2019
Description

PURSUE CREATIVE FULFILLMENT. You might think that successful people have magic powers. A unique formula to be rich and famous. A formula you didn’t receive, and that’s what’s holding you back. But, is that the reality? Once you realize the unique formula is hard work, dedication and perseverance you realize that you’ve had the recipe all along. Stop waiting for someone or something to bring you happiness in life. Instead, focus on the daily process that will turn your dreams into a reality. On today’s episode of The School of Greatness, I talk about taking the long road and dedicating yourself to a dream with comedian and actor: Jim Gaffigan. Jeff Gaffigan is a successful stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. Jeff has been able to carve out a successful career in comedy while being a “clean comic” who rarely uses profanity in his routines. He persevered through a road of challenges and failures, and now he’s at the top of his game. He conquered his fears and is living his dream. So, get ready to learn how to pursue your dreams on Episode 857. Some Questions I Ask: How did you get into comedy? (9:00) What have you learned in 30 years of comedy? (13:25) What have you learned about people? (15:47) Who was more inspirational in your life, mom or dad? (23:20) Do you think that 20-year-old Jimmy would believe where you are now? (35:00) How do you balance work and family? (38:45) In This Episode You Will Learn: How to get over your fear of public speaking (9:10) How to deal with frustration in your career (19:50) How Jim found that failure is part of the process (37:30) How to be empowered by family challenges (48:29) How Jim gets the crowd back on his side when he feels he’s lost them (51:15) Why you need to find your voice (56:30) If you enjoyed this episode, check out the video, show notes, and more at http://wwwlewishowes.com/857 and follow at instagram.com/lewishowes.

Chapters
Louis Howes interviews Jim Gaffigan on the School of Greatness podcast, exploring the importance of humor and celebrating personal growth.
00:00 - 01:01 (01:01)
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Self-improvement
Summary

Louis Howes interviews Jim Gaffigan on the School of Greatness podcast, exploring the importance of humor and celebrating personal growth.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
A student who originally did not plan on playing football at Purdue now had to walk-on after being told that he wouldn't be able to gain the necessary weight to play in the Big Ten.
01:01 - 06:12 (05:11)
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Athletics
Summary

A student who originally did not plan on playing football at Purdue now had to walk-on after being told that he wouldn't be able to gain the necessary weight to play in the Big Ten.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The speaker discusses his desire to pursue a career in comedy and acting, despite being raised to value job security, and the advice he received before graduating from college.
06:12 - 10:34 (04:21)
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Comedy
Summary

The speaker discusses his desire to pursue a career in comedy and acting, despite being raised to value job security, and the advice he received before graduating from college.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The speaker talks about how they've learned a lot about themselves and their upbringing, realizing their sheltered upbringing and becoming more aware of socio-economic differences.
10:34 - 14:54 (04:20)
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Self-awareness
Summary

The speaker talks about how they've learned a lot about themselves and their upbringing, realizing their sheltered upbringing and becoming more aware of socio-economic differences.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The speaker shares insights on how treating other people with kindness and sensitivity is an important aspect of achieving success.
14:54 - 20:01 (05:07)
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Success, kindness
Summary

The speaker shares insights on how treating other people with kindness and sensitivity is an important aspect of achieving success. He also talks about how he avoided doing comedy at the expense of others due to his personal aversions stemming from his youth.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The father-son relationship can be complex.
20:01 - 25:22 (05:20)
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Family Relationships
Summary

The father-son relationship can be complex. As a father, would you discourage your child's passion to pursue a career in comedy or music if it's not financially stable?

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
In this episode, the speakers discuss the importance of being clear and concise in conversation, citing examples of common conversational pitfalls and strategies for avoiding them.
25:22 - 31:08 (05:46)
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Communication Skills
Summary

In this episode, the speakers discuss the importance of being clear and concise in conversation, citing examples of common conversational pitfalls and strategies for avoiding them.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
Comedian Todd Glass talks about purifying the audience by saying things that make some people uncomfortable during his stand-up routines.
31:08 - 35:09 (04:00)
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Comedy
Summary

Comedian Todd Glass talks about purifying the audience by saying things that make some people uncomfortable during his stand-up routines. He and the host discuss the abundance of content on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, as well as the surprise of learning how many people have Amazon Prime.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The advantages of having children include being reminded of experiences you can learn from as an adult, such as the combination of excitement and fear when starting something new.
35:09 - 38:50 (03:41)
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Parenting
Summary

The advantages of having children include being reminded of experiences you can learn from as an adult, such as the combination of excitement and fear when starting something new. However, being a parent is also nerve-wracking because your children are not truly yours, they are on loan to you.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The speaker's wife survived a brain tumor and pneumonia, and they both discuss the importance of support groups and positive messaging during the healing process.
38:50 - 45:07 (06:17)
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Brain Tumor
Summary

The speaker's wife survived a brain tumor and pneumonia, and they both discuss the importance of support groups and positive messaging during the healing process.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The speaker highlights the positive aspects of humanity and how people are capable of offering support and comfort to others during difficult times, emphasizing the importance of remaining optimistic.
45:07 - 50:22 (05:15)
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Positivity
Summary

The speaker highlights the positive aspects of humanity and how people are capable of offering support and comfort to others during difficult times, emphasizing the importance of remaining optimistic.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
A discussion about the aftereffects of comedy that uses anger and insults, with thoughts on how it can impact the audience's perspective.
50:22 - 54:51 (04:29)
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Comedy
Summary

A discussion about the aftereffects of comedy that uses anger and insults, with thoughts on how it can impact the audience's perspective.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The speaker shares three truths based on the lessons learned in their life, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and not being swayed by society or industry standards.
54:51 - 58:34 (03:43)
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Life Lessons
Summary

The speaker shares three truths based on the lessons learned in their life, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and not being swayed by society or industry standards.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The podcast discusses the importance of balancing personal growth with support for others.
58:34 - 1:02:32 (03:58)
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Personal Growth
Summary

The podcast discusses the importance of balancing personal growth with support for others. They also explain how movies can help people learn different takeaways and how it is important to pursue what truly matters.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The speaker discusses how society tends to label people who do horrible things as just those things, without acknowledging their other qualities; using an example from an undisclosed source.
1:02:32 - 1:06:03 (03:31)
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Society
Summary

The speaker discusses how society tends to label people who do horrible things as just those things, without acknowledging their other qualities; using an example from an undisclosed source.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The speaker encourages listeners to persevere and shares the idea that they can be a hero to someone else by sharing valuable content that could help improve their life.
1:06:03 - 1:10:22 (04:19)
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Self-improvement
Summary

The speaker encourages listeners to persevere and shares the idea that they can be a hero to someone else by sharing valuable content that could help improve their life. He also acknowledges the sacrifices and commitments made by those who achieve greatness.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The speaker encourages listeners to inspire others through simple gestures like a hug, smile, or congratulations.
1:10:22 - 1:11:30 (01:08)
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Inspiration
Summary

The speaker encourages listeners to inspire others through simple gestures like a hug, smile, or congratulations. They also emphasize the importance of humor and bringing lightness to combat stress and anxiety.

Episode
857 Jim Gaffigan: Life Lessons From a Comedy Genius
Podcast
The School of Greatness