The Slow Learner Podcast with Pete Johansson – Details, episodes & analysis

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/

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:

• Comedian & creator Darcy Michael

• Neuroscientist Dr. Paul Whissell

• Hosted by Pete Johansson

💡 Topics Include:

• Rejection sensitivity dysphoria

• ADHD, executive dysfunction & working memory

• Cannabis, medication, and cognitive creativity

• Comedy as healing, self-awareness, and connection

• Emotional dysregulation and late diagnosis

• Forgiveness, friendship, and the price of performance

• Social media success and algorithm fatigue

• Why trigger warnings matter

• Male vulnerability and emotional growth

📌 Support Darcy & Jer’s journey here:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/5nf6m-support-darcy-jer-through-this-challenging-time
📺 Watch "No Refunds" on Crave
🎟️ Tour info: https://www.darcyandjer.com

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:

• How Des performed stand-up in Mandarin & Irish Gaelic

• Using language immersion to rewire the brain after addiction

• Why humour attracts — and why it doesn’t always work the same for women

• Comedy’s role in social bonding, love, and long-term relationships

• The neuroscience of bilingualism, bias, infatuation, and recovery

🧠 We cover real science too — including:

• Dopamine, reward, and motivation systems

• Popper’s falsifiability and why science is slow but vital

• Implicit bias and how reaction time reveals hidden assumptions

• Hedonic adaptation and maintaining joy in long-term relationships

• How laughter signals safety and social synchrony

🔗 Resources Mentioned or a further Dive into:
📘 The Brain That Changes Itself – Norman Doidge
📘 Why We Love – Helen Fisher
🧪 Harvard Project Implicit
🎥 Awakening from the Meaning Crisis – John Vervaeke

🔗 Follow Des Bishop:
🌐 Website: https://www.desbishop.net
📷 Instagram: @desbishop
🎤 Podcast: The Des Bishop Podcast
🎭 Stand-up Clips: Search “Des Bishop Mandarin” or “Des Bishop Irish” on YouTube

🔗 Follow Pete Johansson:
📷 Instagram: @petejohansson
📺 YouTube: Pete Johansson - The Slow Learner

💡 For full transcripts, research links, and behind-the-scenes content, visit:
🌐 https://theslowlearner.com

🧠 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

Episode 4 – Arj Barker: Meditation Fails, Lucid Dreams & the Neuroscience of Funny

Bay-Area-born stand-up icon Arj Barker joins Pete Johansson and Dr Paul Whissell for 90 minutes of big laughs, deep nerdery and a few “did-he-really-say-that?” detours. We dig into:

• Arj’s guided-meditation show intro—why he likes to “prime” an audience and the science that (sometimes) backs it

• Corpse-visualisation in Buddhism, spiritual materialism and Arj’s parody rap “The Sickest Buddhist”

• Lucid-dream hacks (galantamine, FILD finger-tapping) and the brain waves that make them possible

• Priming, the replication crisis, and why some classic psych studies didn’t survive a second look

• Capilano-Bridge attraction, fatal-insomnia prions & other bedtime stories

• Gum ads, Mentos trauma and why humour disarms social tension

• How learning Mandarin for stand-up changed Arj’s brain—and his swearing habits

• “Meditation Intro” video (2009 special clip) → https://www.facebook.com/ArjBarker/videos/3527277020915478/​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

• “The Sickest Buddhist” rap → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbzs_5gD2DM​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

• Content flags: graphic corpse imagery (08 min), mild sexual language & drug references, brief chat about fatal familial insomnia.

• Galantamine/lucid-dream tips are anecdotal only—not medical advice.

📧 TheSlowLearnerPodcast@gmail.com
Insta @TheSlowLearnerPodcast

If you enjoyed the episode, tap ★★★★★ on Spotify/Apple and share it with a friend who still thinks the pencil-in-the-teeth study is solid science.

(c) 2025 The Slow Learner Podcast

Watch the bits Arj mentionsNeed-to-know notesSay hi / send feedback

In Episode 06 of The Slow Learner, Pete Johansson and Dr. Paul Whissell sit down with Canadian media icon Erica Ehm for a wide-ranging, funny, and deeply introspective conversation that dives far beyond nostalgia. Erica, best known as a pioneering VJ on MuchMusic, opens up about the pressures of live television, parasocial fame, intellectual humility, and her unexpected role in shaping a generation’s musical and cultural consciousness.

From stories of spontaneous balcony interviews with Kurt Cobain to navigating public recognition before the social media era, Erica reflects on the psychological impacts of recognizability, the challenges of being a woman in male-dominated media, and her transformation into a feminist entrepreneur and health communicator. The trio touches on big themes like parasocial relationships, the stress of performative broadcasting, and why looking into the camera—and listening—matters.

Also featured is a brand-new segment where Dr. Whissell explores the neuroscience of maturity, brain development, and delayed adulthood, prompted by Erica’s insight into cultural and cognitive change. The episode balances thoughtful analysis with laid-back banter, and ends on a powerful note about visibility, female mentorship, and the impact of role models.

Highlights include:

• The stress of unscripted, live television and how it shaped Erica’s career

• Interviewing icons like Kurt Cobain and the techniques of vulnerability in journalism

• How parasocial intimacy creates both connection and pressure

• Feminism, motherhood, and fighting invisibility in media

• The neuroscience of maturity, prefrontal cortex development, and modern adolescence

• The ethics of edutainment in the social media age

Funny, heartfelt, and intellectually curious, this episode is both a tribute to cultural legacy and a lesson in how to stay relevant, connected, and real in changing times

Links:

Explore Erica’s writing, speaking work, and past media projects. A great place to understand her multifaceted career from VJ to entrepreneur.
→ “Learn more about Erica’s current projects, speaking engagements, and advocacy work.”

Erica's iconic interview with Kurt Cobain

Summary of Para-social relationships in social psychology

The Slow Learner Links

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Pete Johansson and Paul Whissell explore the intersection of comedy and neuroscience, discussing Pete's unique journey from a career in comedy to pursuing education in cognitive science. They delve into the importance of lifelong learning, the concept of being a 'slow learner', and the societal pressures surrounding age and education. The discussion also touches on cultural identity, the impact of AI, and the influence of notable thinkers in Pete's life, all while maintaining a humorous and insightful tone. In this engaging conversation, Pete Johansson and Dr. Paul Whissell explore the intersections of education, neuroscience, and humor. They discuss the impact of a well-educated upbringing on success, the long and uncertain journey through academia, and the recent shifts in research standards. Dr. Whissell debunks common neuroscience myths, highlights recent breakthroughs in understanding brain function, and emphasizes the importance of humour in human experience. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the role of comedy as a tool for social commentary and truth-telling.

Key Ideas:

-Pete's journey from comedy to neuroscience highlights the intersection of humor and education.

-The importance of intellectual humility in academia is emphasized throughout the conversation.

-Age should not be a barrier to pursuing education or new interests.

-The concept of the 'slow learner' is reframed as a positive approach to knowledge acquisition.

-Cultural identity plays a significant role in personal development and belonging.

-AI's impact on society is complex, with both potential benefits and dangers.

-Education can enhance comedic performance by providing deeper insights and understanding.

-The conversation encourages listeners to embrace lifelong learning at any age.

-Influential thinkers like Andy Clark and Anil Seth shape Pete's understanding of consciousness and science.

-Humour can be a powerful tool for exploring serious topics like neuroscience and education. Education plays a crucial role in shaping success.

-The journey through academia is long and filled with challenges.

-Neuroscience is not just about brain areas; it's about patterns and biotypes.

-The replication crisis affects all fields of research, not just psychology.

-Humour is a vital tool for managing emotions and social interactions.

-Comedy can serve as a powerful means of addressing societal issues.

-The value of comedy and humor is often underestimated in academic circles.

-Understanding the brain requires a multifactorial approach.

-Recent neuroscience research is moving towards metabolic psychiatry.

-Comedy is a universal experience that transcends cultures.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Podcast Preferences

15:56 The Concept of Slow Learning

20:54 The Importance of Lifelong Learning

26:54 Cultural Identity and Belonging

32:34 AI: Friend or Foe?

38:58 The Evolution of Content Consumption

40:57 Influential Thinkers in Psychology and Neuroscience

45:28 The Impact of Upbringing on Academic Success

47:29 The Journey to Neuroscience: A Personal Path

52:10 Navigating the Academic Landscape

57:00 The Changing Nature of Academia

01:03:13 Reflections on Research Integrity and Publication Practices

01:04:39 Debunking Left and Right Brain Myths

01:10:41 Neuroscience Breakthroughs and Paradigm Shifts

01:13:23 The Role of Diet and Supplements in Neuroscience

01:17:14 The Importance of Humor in Human Experience

01:25:27 Comedy as a Tool for Social Commentary

Links:

Nick Mounts Amazing Lectures

The Academic Bridging program

Sean Carroll's Mindscape

Our email is theslowlearnerpodcast@gmail.com

Please share, like, follow!

Episode 5: Trent McClellan — Laughing Through Identity, Language & Mental Health

In this episode of The Slow Learner, comedian and This Hour Has 22 Minutes cast member Trent McClellan joins Pete Johansson and neuroscientist Dr. Paul Whissell for a funny, thoughtful, and deeply honest exploration of humour, identity, and emotional health.

Trent opens up about growing up as a Black kid in Newfoundland, how comedy became his social lifeline, and the moment The Untethered Soul reshaped his view of success, masculinity, and self-worth. The trio explore how laughter helps us bond, survive awkward situations, and even stay together romantically. They dive into what makes funny people attractive, why some humour styles help and others hurt, and how men's mental health is tied dangerously to productivity and identity.

Dr. Whissell breaks down the neuroscience of humour, the psychology of falling in love, and why learning a second language is harder (but not impossible) after childhood — using Trent’s immersive year in Beijing as a case study. Pete introduces concepts like hedonic adaptation and eudaimonic well-being from positive psychology, and the crew debate cultural progress around gender, comedy, and connection.

🔬 Key Themes:

• Humour as emotional regulation & attraction

• Male identity and vulnerability

• Language learning & neuroplasticity

• Hedonic vs. eudaimonic happiness

• Comedy as a social survival tool

💡 Mentions & References:

• The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

• Paul Bloom’s work on empathy & psychology (Against Empathy)

• Prof. John Vervaeke’s YouTube series The Meaning Crisis

• Implicit Association Test (Harvard Project Implicit)

• Humour styles: affiliative, self-enhancing, aggressive, self-defeating (Martin et al., 2003)

🎤 Watch Trent’s Comedy:
Trent McClellan’s stand-up clips and special can be found on his YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TrentMcClellanComedy

OR just WATCH HIS SPECIAL WORRY MUFFINS!

📬 Feedback or Guest Suggestions?
Email us: TheSlowLearnerPodcast@gmail.com

🔗 Subscribe and follow us:

• All my links

• Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms

In this unforgettable episode, comedian and actor Darrin Rose (Mr.D, MatchGame, LetterKenny, Home Sweet Home & more) joins Pete Johansson and neuroscientist Dr. Paul Whissell to share a deeply personal and shockingly funny story: getting sucker punched in Halifax while waiting for poutine. What follows is a brutal, hilarious, and at times heartbreaking tale of injury, botched medical care, police failure — and eventually, healing through comedy.

Darrin’s story becomes a springboard for a wide-ranging conversation on:

• The ethics and art of using trauma on stage

• Anger and personality change after head injuries

• Why our brains forget traumatic events (and sometimes that’s a good thing)

• How different parts of the brain — like the orbital frontal cortex — influence impulse control and behaviour

• The cultural psychology of comedy: Canadians, tall poppy syndrome, embellishment, and truth

• Hassan Minhaj, The Daily Show fallout, and the risks of narrative comedy

• Phineas Gage, memory consolidation, and brain plasticity

• Laughter, connection, and how jokes can be healing

This episode is raw, real, and resonant — a powerful example of why storytelling matters and how humour helps us make sense of the senseless.

Whether you're a comedy fan, psychology nerd, or just want to hear about facial reconstruction and poutine-based assaults, Episode 7 delivers.

Chapters

00:00 The Aftermath of Violence

01:55 Healthcare System and Recovery Challenges

09:13 The Impact of Brain Injuries on Personality

15:10 Memory and Trauma: Understanding Amnesia

21:06 Navigating Healthcare: A Personal Journey

21:32 The Art of Storytelling in Comedy

26:32 Vulnerability and Connection on Stage

29:52 Navigating Dark Humor and Trauma

37:05 Personal Growth and Self-Awareness

40:42 The Impact of Brain Injuries on Personality

47:17 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Darrin Rose's Links: - Also, Darrin will be doing a cross Canada Tour this fall!

Instagram: @mrdarrinrose

Twitter: @darrinrose

Tiktok: @darrinrosecomedy

The Slow Learner & Pete Johanssons Links:

https://links.theslowlearner.com/

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show email: thelowlearnerpodcast@gmail.com