About this episodeThis conversation between Howie Mandel and Jeff Dmer covers a wide range of personal and professional topics, …AI summary
This conversation between Howie Mandel and Jeff Dmer covers a wide range of personal and professional topics, including their meeting through The Bachelorette, the realities of surrogacy and fertility treatments, and the physical toll of pregnancy. A significant portion is dedicated to comedy craft, specifically the challenges and techniques of performing in-the-round, alongside detailed anecdotes about elaborate pranks played on fellow comedians. The discussion also touches on the serious topic of breast cancer, with both guests sharing personal experiences regarding their wives' diagnoses and the importance of early detection and genetic testing.
Key takeaways 7
Surrogacy and Fertility: The couple has frozen two female embryos. The process involves significant physical difficulty for the egg donor (wife), while the male contribution is simple. They are considering a surrogate but have ruled out family members (sister, grandmother) due to ethical discomfort or health risks.
Performance in-the-Round: Performing in a 360-degree stage requires specific techniques. Mandel uses gaff tape on his stool to mark his '12 o'clock' position to avoid getting lost. He notes that audience members behind him often have the worst viewing experience, so he edits specials to avoid showing their unreactive faces.
Prank Culture: Mandel engages in elaborate pranks on fellow comedians, such as trapping Todd Barry in a stage trapdoor after his set or lowering Lou Dorsey's stage until only his head was visible. He emphasizes that pranks should be mean but not cruel enough to ruin relationships.
Breast Cancer Awareness: Both guests have wives who have battled breast cancer. Dmer’s wife is stage 4 (metastatic to liver), while Mandel’s wife had it earlier. They highlight that breast cancer is increasingly affecting younger women (19-year-olds) and stress the importance of genetic testing (BRCA) and early screening, even for those with family history.
Comedy Evolution: There is a shift in comedy towards 'silliness' and authentic crowd work/riffing rather than just political or heavily written material. Audiences now appreciate real-time interaction and vulnerability.
The Bachelorette Experience: Dmer’s wife was on The Bachelorette. She confirms she didn't like any of the men on her season because they were 'too big and strong.' The experience was positive overall for her career and social media presence.
Health Effects of Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause severe physical issues, including loss of bone density leading to tooth loss (as experienced by Mandel's sister) and other injuries like cutting the clitoris on Invisalign retainers.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“We're not making a child. We're making parents.”
▶ 14:43Mandel quoting a surrogate's perspective on the selfless nature of surrogacy.
“If you type in Jeff on Netflix and hit enter, it's just all the boys right there... I'm the third Jeff to come up. I killed the least.”
▶ 1:00:23Mandel joking about his low ranking in Netflix search results compared to Jeffrey Dahmer and other Jeffs.
“She's got an amazing like fan base or her people that follow her... She was working at a bank when they picked her for the Bachelor and you know way she's she's killing it on social media spreading awareness for breast breast cancer awareness things like that.”
▶ 10:35Dmer discussing how his wife's reality TV experience transformed her career and advocacy work.
“Anybody who is supposedly healthy has like a thousand wishes. I wish I could do this. I wish I could go there. I wish somebody who's sick has one wish. Sure. Just to be healthy.”
▶ 48:11Mandel reflecting on the value of health after his wife's cancer battle.
“I don't want to make a point. I want Dude, I want to be silly.”
▶ 1:00:06Mandel explaining his preference for silly comedy over divisive political humor.
Chapters & Sections (40)▼
0:00Meeting Wife And Saint Elsewhere Connectionchapter2
1:29Saint Elsewhere Cast and Gwyneth Paltrow Connection
2:44Howie Mandel's Wife Bachelorette Past
5:11Surrogacy, Embryos, and Sexual Humorchapter2
6:30Third Trimester Labor Massage Technique
7:29Sexual Humor and Surrogacy Rules
10:42Family Members as Surrogates Discussionchapter1
12:37Ethical Concerns of Elderly Surrogacy
14:34Surrogacy and Pregnancy Health Effectschapter2
15:52Invisalign and Pregnancy Dental Risks
17:40Dental Health Impact of Pregnancy
19:22Uber Stories and Round Stage Performancechapter1
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