In the 2nd part of our interview, I chat with Fady Kassab, a Sydney-based comedian and creative director with roots in Lebanon. Fady was winner of Australia's RAW Comedy in 2019, shares his journey from the creative industry to the comedy scene, offering a unique perspective on life, identity, and personal growth. Fady also has two kids who lived with him full-time until recently, making him a great example of diving into his true self and exploring his unique true career path while raising kids.

In this episode, we dive into the intersection of comedy and people-pleasing, exploring what it truly takes to get on stage and make people laugh — and not everyone will laugh. Fady shares his experience with overcoming the urge to please everyone, the pressure of audience reactions, and how comedy can both terrify and heal. He discusses how stand-up comedy seems like the worst place for someone who seeks constant approval, yet becomes a space for ultimate freedom from people-pleasing tendencies. We touch on the challenges of entering comedy later in life, the importance of authenticity, and the unexpected lessons learned from failure, family, and sobriety. Join us as we unpack how comedy can be both an art of connection and a path of self-discovery. Whether you're a performer or just navigating life's stages, this episode will make you laugh, reflect, and embrace your own journey.

Talking Points:

1. Comedy and People-Pleasing: How stepping on stage confronts the need for approval.
2. The Double-Edged Sword of Audience Reactions: Balancing the desire for laughter with the reality of divided responses.
3. Authenticity in Performance: Why sharing what’s meaningful creates a unique voice no one can imitate.
4. Life Stories and Laughter: How lived experiences, like family and world events, shape personal and relatable comedy.
5. The Ego and Success: Is there ever an endpoint, or is success just a feeling? Exploring career milestones and self-worth.
6. The Power of Energy on Stage: How presence and mood can transform an audience.
7. Sobriety and the Creative Journey: The role of alcohol in the comedy world and the surprising benefits of stepping away.
8. Professionalism in Comedy: Why reliability and being easy to work with often outweigh sheer talent.
9. Parenting and Emotional Responsibility: The impact of kids' awareness of our emotions and their role in our healing.
10. Comedy as Healing: The unexpected ripple effect of jokes and stories in people's lives.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at the courage it takes to be vulnerable, not just as a comedian, but as a person.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth, spirituality, and the journey of embracing one's true self. Fady’s wisdom, humor, and authenticity shine through as he shares lessons from his life, making this conversation both inspiring and deeply relatable.

Follow Fady Kassab on his journey as a comedian and explore more about his shows and upcoming performances.

Fady on Instagram

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