Comedian Neal Brennan shares how to quiet your inner critic

He co-created one of TV’s funniest shows. He still felt like a failure in his 30s. This is comedian Neal Brennan’s story about conquering toxic self-talk.

We all tell lies to ourselves about ourselves, usually in the form of vicious inner criticism. Neal Brennan, seasoned comedian and one of the brilliant minds behind “Chapelle’s Show,” confronted his inner critic on video for our entertainment.

Despite being instrumental in one of the most successful comedy shows of all time, there was a time when Brennan didn’t think he had much to show for himself, especially not as a solo entertainer. The eventual demise of “Chappelle’s Show” led him down a dark path of self-doubt and, then, rediscovery.

Brennan worked 12-step programs, ventured into the world of psychedelics, and even tried magnetic brain manipulation to break out of his despair. Now, he has a new perspective on the value of going it alone. Turns out, it isn’t quite so bad.

We created this video in partnership with Unlikely Collaborators.

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About Neal Brennan:
Three-time Emmy nominated writer, director, producer, and standup comedian Neal Brennan has become a force in the comedy world. An across-the-board talent, Neal has found success in almost every creative vein in the comedy landscape. Hailed by The Hollywood Reporter as “Hollywood’s Comic Whisperer” and lauded by The New York Times as having a “hip-hop and Frontline aesthetic,” he has collaborated with top talent both in front of and behind the camera for three decades.

Neal’s most recent one-man show Neal Brennan: Unacceptable enjoyed a sold-out run in NYC in 2021 with The New York Times offering “Brennan starts off with a regular joke format before turning toward introspection as he exposes his doubts, neuroses and vulnerabilities. And he remains very funny as he does so.” Neal’s critically acclaimed first off-Broadway one-man show 3 Mics also enjoyed a sold-out NYC run in 2016 with musician John Legend serving as Executive Producer with Paste Magazine gushing “It will floor you in the best way possible.” In a break from traditional standup comedy, 3 Mics saw Brennan alternating between three separate microphones; one for traditional stand-up, one for one-liners, and one for short confessional monologues covering everything from managing his depression to his difficult relationship with his father. Both one-man shows were taped as stand-up specials and premiered on Netflix to much fanfare and critical acclaim.

Neal co-created Comedy Central’s legendary Chappelle’s Show, for which he received three Emmy nominations. Together, Brennan and Dave Chappelle wrote and produced virtually every sketch on the show themselves. A longtime writing partner of Chappelle, Neal was a standout speaker in his televised Mark Twain Prize ceremony, wrote on his Emmy-winning 2016 Saturday Night Live hosting turn, and co-wrote the cult hit feature Half Baked. Neal also served as a Creative Consultant and on-air correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, for which he was personally picked by Noah to be his final guest. He was Executive Producer on Chris Rock’s special Chris Rock: Tamborine, Consulting Producer on Ellen Degeneres’ special Relatable, and collaborator with Seth Meyers on his White House Correspondents Dinner speech. In addition to standup, writing, directing, and producing, Brennan has also directed popular commercials for Sprite, Netflix, Best Buy and Nike.

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[ormore]

Love how open Neal is. It's a nice change of pace to see someone being completely authentic.

[BadBoyAnzer]

I got to open up Neal Brennan's show when he came to town, and in the green room, he was just as thoughtful, attentive, honest, and engaging as he is on stage and in this video.

[ScottThePisces]

This was a surprising collab! Love Neal, and everything in comedy he's spent his life in service of! Him & Dave as a comedic duo are pure brilliance.

[Baldinosalvador]

“How much is healthy to invest in people?” I felt that

[shot]

I had a friend that said “you’re not over really something until you can talk about it”

[DJ_ames]

"Call off the dogs in my mind."

I totally feel that. Thank you, Neal.

[PaigeSquared]

"I want all of humanity experiencing effortless kindness, righteousness, love, beauty, joy."

Same! There have been signs that this sentiment is starting to gain more traction, recently. That gives me hope. 😊🌐🕊️

[Bjorn_R]

Man when he talked about people not reciprotaking...I heard the quote "Invest in people who invest in you". For several years I have been fighting to keep a connection with friends from different time periods in my life. Its not like the dont like me anymore, they are just not willing to find the time to keep the relation alive. It hurt me and I felt alone with this. Now im trying to be more cautious with who I give my time and not being resentful of the ones who dont.

[derrick_martin_g.]

Things you need to hear always manage to find a way to you. This is something I needed to hear right now. Thanks Neil.

[DouglasBalmain]

"My problem was I believed my own thoughts."

[Marsi-]

Neal is easily one of my favorite people to watch. His honesty and sincerity shine through plus he’s hilarious! Better than going to a shrink!

[ericthorpe]

I can relate to so much of this video. I have that inner voice (which is just myself² or ³ or whatever) and I can't shut it off. It becomes paralyzing, and i freeze in my own body. I think this is an important series. I also think pyschadelics are a really important tool. I haven't done dmt yet, but I feel like it could be super beneficial. Thank you for opening up Neal.

I legitimately have butterflies in my stomach watching this. I feel like Neal reached into brain and heart and pulled out my thoughts and feelings. Say what you will, but I felt this very deeply.

[notbfound]

Thank you to all involved. This was inspiring, motivating, and healing. Cheers 🥂

[hsheean]

I love this man. He's a fantastic comic and super insightful when it comes to understanding the human condition. His vulnerability is is superpower.

[stephanieaya]

I connected with what Neal said on many levels. Thank you so much for sharing, and for being so open and honest. It helps more than you know. 💗

[murkyPurple]

This was amazing! It felt so real and relatable!

As a side note, I can imagine how great of a comedian he is or can be!

[rdapigleo]

Thank you for sharing this Man. Sounds like you dry cleaned your ego with psychedelics. Way to go! I wish everyone could have a powerful trip, and shed their flawed baggage.

[Bobbysf]

This is one of the warmest, most human interviews on this channel. Hats off, sir!

[josephjinx]

I didn't expect to end this in tears. I haven't had the hope described at the end in a very long time even though I share many of those feelings.
Thank you, Neal.

[hokutonoket]

In "Three Mics" Neal tells a lot of himself and clarify how difficult it was for him to find balance, since, like many artists, he had to struggle within a traumatic past experience.
Things like that push you towards an edge, and you have to stare at the abyss. His contribute here reminds me that there is light a t the end. He still wants the Coca Cola commercial. We all do. Thanks Neal.