# Neal Brennan On: Talking Back to Your Inner Critic, Why Chasing Validation Doesn't Work, and His Harrowing Psychedelic Journeys

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/10-happier-with-dan-harris-839823/neal-brennan-on-talking-back-to-your-inner-critic-why-chasing-validation-doesn-t-work-and-his-harrowing-psychedelic-journeys
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/10-happier-with-dan-harris-839823/neal-brennan-on-talking-back-to-your-inner-critic-why-chasing-validation-doesn-t-work-and-his-harrowing-psychedelic-journeys.md
Podcast: [10% Happier with Dan Harris](https://stenobird.com/podcast/10-happier-with-dan-harris-839823)
Published: 2026-09-11T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://05620661-2103-4fe0-9ab9-92bfc4d9cf22.libsyn.com/neal-brennan-on-talking-back-to-your-inner-critic-why-chasing-validation-doesnt-work-and-his-harrowing-psychedelic-journeys
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/35/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/05620661-2103-4fe0-9ab9-92bfc4d9cf22/20260831_TPHP_NealBrennan_AUDIO_Mastered_AudioVersion.mp3?dest-id=4933335
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Duration seconds: 3483

## Resource

The legendary comedian says you don't have to be tortured to be an artist, he doesn't need an index card of achievements in his pocket anymore, and even the bad trips have led to good destinations. Neal Brennan is a three-time Emmy-nominated writer, director, producer, and standup comedian known for his critically acclaimed Netflix specials 3 Mics, Blocks, and Crazy Good and for co-creating Comedy Central's iconic Chappelle's Show. He also hosts the hit Blocks podcast, where he talks with guests about their own personal blocks. In this episode we talk about: Talking back to your inner critic Why the worst psychedelic trips might do more good than the beautiful ones The myth that comedians have to be miserable to be funny The "decoy" that keeps smart people chasing validation forever Why achievement became Neal's most embarrassing addiction What Neal wants now that success wasn't enough Get the 10% with Dan Harris app here Sign up for Dan's free newsletter here Follow Dan on social: Instagram , TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris

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