Impressions of Yourself and Other Skills for Survival
JULY 3RD, 2024
EPISODE 49: Impressions of Yourself and Other Skills for Survival with Joel Kim Booster
In comedy, where laughter serves as both currency and weapon, the art of navigating perception, identity, and creative expression can be a delicate dance, requiring a good dose of bravery and self-reflection. Joining Dr. Scott is the multitalented Joel Kim Booster, a rising star whose work has both entertained and challenged audiences. From his breakout role in Fire Island to his Emmy-nominated writing and acting, Joel has carved out a unique space in the comedy world by pushing boundaries and defying expectations.
In this episode, Joel delves into the complexities of maintaining authenticity while meeting audience expectations. They explore how his stand-up persona has evolved over the years and the challenging balance between personal truth and public performance. Joel also shares his insights on the shifting landscape of comedy, particularly the nuanced discussions around identity and representation in an industry often resistant to change. Dr. Scott and Joel take a look at the concept of "punching up" versus "punching down” and what it teaches us about the ethics of comedy, before discussing the exhaustion of constantly deconstructing one's identity and the desire for creative freedom.
This conversation isn't just about comedy; it's about the human experience, the complexities of public perception, and the pursuit of authentic self-expression. Listen in, as they dive into the nuances of representation, diversity, insecurities, and forging a life in the public eye.
Topics We Break Down
Life as a public figure and the unique challenges that accompany it.
The strengths of punching up versus punching down in comedy.
Resistance to defining the rules of stand-up comedy and what is off-limits.
The concept of clapter and how it differs for left-leaning versus more conservative comedians.
Unpacking the age of identity comedy and how it is shifting.
The demands and complexities of representation.
Dealing with the scrutiny you receive as a public figure and how people perceive you.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
Show Notes
Episode Links:
Urgent Care with Joel Kim Booster + Mitra Jouhari
Discount Codes:
Save 10% at Omala with offer code DRSCOTT10
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Special Guest
Joel Kim Booster
Joel Kim Booster is a Chicago-bred Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, writer, and actor. He is best known for writing and starring in Searchlight Pictures’ Fire Island which, following its June 2022 release, went on to land him two Emmy nominations along with a “Best First Screenplay” nom at the Independent Spirit Awards. The multi-hyphenate has also been seen starring opposite Maya Rudolph in the Apple TV+ comedy series Loot, with its second season premiering April 3rd. His first hour-long comedy special, Joel Kim Booster: Psychosexual, exploring his experiences and observations as a gay Asian American male with commentary on identity, sexuality, cultural expectations, and more, debuted on Netflix in 2022. The special was nominated for a Critics Choice Award and named one of the best comedy specials of 2022 by Variety. He also appears in Freeform’s "Chrissy & Dave Dine Out,” which follows Chrissy Teigen and David Chang, who, along with Joel, crack the restaurant scene wide open in Los Angeles.
CONNECT WITH JOEL:
Your Host
DR. SCOTT LYONS
Dr. Scott Lyons is a licensed holistic psychologist, educator and author of the book Addicted to Drama: Healing Dependency on Crisis and Chaos in Yourself and Others, with Hachette publishing. Scott is also the host of The Gently Used Human Podcast, a delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used.
As a renowned body-based trauma expert, Doctor of Osteopathy (Spain) and Mind-Body Medicine specialist, Scott helps people to break free from cycles of pain, limited beliefs, and trauma. Scott is an innovator in transformative wellness and trauma therapy, teaching over half a million people internationally over the past twenty years how to relieve stress and restore vitality. Scott has worked with many of the country’s top leaders and CEOs as an executive coach and wellness consultant.
Scott is the creator of The Embody Lab—the largest online learning platform for body-based trauma therapies—and developer of Somatic Stress Release™, a holistic process of restoring biological resilience, taught in over 20 countries. Scott is also the founder and progressive designer of Omala, a wellness brand dedicated to creating sustainably sourced tools for transformation.
About the Podcast
THE GENTLY USED HUMAN
Dr. Scott Lyons and his world renowned guests take us into the delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used. From passion to pain, glory to defeat, comedy to drama to tragedy, we’ve all been through it. This show unpacks the psychology and humor needed to keep you thriving on the roller coaster of being human.
