550. Broken, Blacklisted, and Saved by Comedy | Tyler Fischer
In this episode of The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, comedian Tyler Fischer discusses his journey into comedy and the entertainment industry. Fischer shares how his early life experiences, including his parents' divorce and his mother's mental health challenges, led him to find solace in comedy shows. He explains how an improv class in high school helped transform his rebellious energy into a passion for performance.
Fischer also describes changes he observed in the entertainment industry since 2005, including shifts in casting practices that affected his career path. After facing various professional obstacles, including being dropped by his management company, Fischer adapted by exploring independent film production and alternative performance venues. The conversation covers his approach to comedy, which emphasizes spontaneity and unscripted performances, and his continued work despite industry challenges.
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1-Page Summary
Tyler Fischer's Personal Background and Journey Into Comedy
Tyler Fischer shares how his tumultuous childhood shaped his path to comedy. Following his parents' divorce after his father came out as gay, Fischer faced additional challenges with his mother's mental health struggles. He found refuge in comedy shows like Saturday Night Live and South Park, using humor as a coping mechanism to navigate his difficult home life. Fischer's turning point came in high school when an improv class helped channel his rebellious energy into performance art.
Fischer's Experiences in Entertainment and Political Correctness
Fischer describes how the entertainment industry's shift toward what he calls 'woke' ideology affected his career trajectory. Around 2005, he noticed the industry began prioritizing casting based on race and gender rather than talent alone. This led to personal setbacks, including being dropped by his management company for being a white male. Fischer filed a lawsuit against AGI Entertainment Management Company for racial discrimination and eventually pivoted to independent film production and comedy performances at alternative venues after facing restrictions at traditional comedy clubs.
The Role of Truth-Telling and Risk-Taking in Comedy
Drawing inspiration from Jordan Peterson's speaking style, Fischer has adopted a more spontaneous, unscripted approach to his performances. He emphasizes the importance of free speech and creative risk-taking in comedy, even if it means performing at unconventional venues like veterans' halls. Despite facing various challenges, including bans and suspensions, Fischer continues to tour regularly, building a loyal following through his commitment to unfiltered humor and artistic integrity.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- The entertainment industry's shift towards diversity in casting could be seen as an effort to correct historical imbalances and provide opportunities to underrepresented groups rather than a form of discrimination against white males.
- The concept of 'woke' ideology is often used pejoratively, but it can also be viewed as a positive movement towards social awareness and inclusivity.
- While Fischer may have faced setbacks due to industry changes, it could be argued that adaptability is a necessary trait for success in the entertainment business.
- The lawsuit against AGI Entertainment Management Company for racial discrimination presents a legal and ethical debate; however, without knowing the details of the case, it's difficult to assess the validity of the claim.
- Performing at unconventional venues like veterans' halls is commendable, but it might not reach as diverse an audience as traditional comedy clubs, potentially limiting exposure and impact.
- Emphasizing free speech and creative risk-taking is important, but there is also a responsibility to consider the potential harm that certain types of humor might cause to vulnerable groups.
- Building a loyal following through unfiltered humor and artistic integrity is noteworthy, but it's also important to recognize that humor that appeals to one group may not resonate with or may even alienate another.
- The idea that casting should be based solely on talent and not on race or gender assumes that talent is the only factor that should be considered, which doesn't take into account the importance of representation and the storytelling value of diverse perspectives.
Actionables
- Explore your own creative outlets by starting a humor journal to document daily observations that you find amusing or ironic, using these notes as a basis for your own form of expression, whether it's storytelling, drawing, or simply sharing with friends.
- Keeping a humor journal can serve as a personal coping mechanism during tough times, much like finding solace in comedy shows. It can also be a springboard for developing a unique voice or artistic pursuit, as it encourages you to observe the world through a comedic lens and find joy in the mundane.
- Challenge industry norms by supporting and attending performances at non-traditional venues in your community, such as local veterans' halls, libraries, or outdoor spaces.
- By attending events at unconventional venues, you contribute to a culture that values diversity in entertainment settings. This also provides you with the opportunity to experience performances that might be more raw, authentic, and experimental, reflecting a commitment to free speech and creative risk-taking.
- Foster a culture of open dialogue by initiating conversations with friends or on social media about the importance of creative freedom and the role of humor in addressing societal issues.
- Engaging in discussions about free speech and humor can help spread awareness of the challenges faced by artists and the significance of artistic integrity. It can also lead to a deeper appreciation of the arts and potentially inspire others to support artists who take creative risks.
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Tyler Fischer's Personal Background and Journey Into Comedy
Tyler Fischer discusses his turbulent childhood and how it shaped his journey into comedy, using humor as a coping mechanism and eventually discovering his talent for improv and acting.
Fischer Used Comedy and Impressions to Cope With a Chaotic Home
Fischer's early life was marked by significant family upheaval when his parents divorced after his father came out as gay. He grew up in an environment complicated by the AIDS epidemic in the nineties, leaving an indelible impact on his upbringing.
Fischer's Parents Divorced; His Father Came Out As Gay, and His Mother Had Mental Health Issues
His mother faced her own battles, struggling with mental health issues and making a series of poor relationship choices that contributed to a chaotic home environment. Fischer found solace in laughter while handling these challenges, turning to comedy programs like Saturday Night Live and South Park as part of a makeshift healing process for himself and his brothers.
Fischer Engaged In Delinquent Behavior, Using Comedy and Impressions For Attention and Acceptance
As a child, Fischer didn't fully understand what it meant to have a gay father, and he faced the added trauma of discovering his mother's attempted suicide—which involved her walking into a lake with pills lined up on the edge—a scene that became a lasting, haunting memory. Throughout these painful experiences, Fischer used humor as a shield, making jokes to keep his mother from succumbing to her despair and to navigate the shouting and crying that permeated his home life.
Although not explicitly mentioned, the pattern indicated by Fischer's stories suggests that he may have turned to comedy and impressions as a means of gaining attention and acceptance from others, a common thread among comedians who use humor to cope with life's struggles. While there is no direct account of delinquent behavior t ...
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Tyler Fischer's Personal Background and Journey Into Comedy
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Actionables
- Explore your own narrative through journaling to understand how personal challenges have shaped you. Writing down your life experiences can offer clarity and insight into how you've coped with past events. For instance, if you've used humor to deal with difficult situations, reflecting on this in your journal could help you recognize patterns and develop new coping strategies.
- Take an introductory improv class to boost your confidence and communication skills. Improv can teach you to think on your feet, be more adaptable, and connect with others. Even if you've never acted before, starting with a beginner's class can be a fun way to discover hidden talents or simply improve your social skills.
- Create a personal "toolbox" of coping mechanisms fo ...
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Fischer's Experiences in Entertainment and Political Correctness
Tyler Fischer candidly discusses how shifts towards political correctness and 'woke' ideology in the entertainment industry have affected his career, from the casting process to his comedic performances.
Fischer's Career Derailed by Woke Ideology and Racial/Gender Casting Policies in Hollywood
Fischer explains that around 2005, while he was still in acting school, changes started to occur in the industry focusing more on actors' race, gender, and other attributes rather than solely on talent. He describes how, influenced by university trends advocating 'woke' ideology around 2010, the industry began to prioritize roles based on skin color and gender. Fischer recounts being told by agents and managers that white males were not being sought after, which led to him being fired by his management company the following day.
He further indicates that his growing acting career in Hollywood was hindered about eight years ago, which led him to give up on acting and turn to comedy. Fischer mentions a lawsuit against AGI Entertainment Management Company for racial discrimination, as they stated it was their policy not to take on any more white men. This legal battle is critical for Fischer to move forward, as he insists on not sacrificing his passion for acting, something that "saved [his] life."
Fischer has felt humiliated and confused after being turned away for his skin color, leading him to distrust the entertainment industry and pursue independent film production instead.
Fischer's Rejection of Political Correctness in Comedy Sparks Backlash and Cancellation Attempts
Jordan Peterson describes Fischer as one of the most "well-canceled" comedians, pointing to Fischer's history of facing bans, suspensions, and confrontations. Fischer recounts a moment in Toronto where an audience member screamed at him mere seconds into his set, showing the tension between his unapologetic comedy and public sentiment.
Due to his stance on political correctness and COVID mandates, Fischer struggled to find traditional comedy club gigs and had to perform at alternative venues, suc ...
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Fischer's Experiences in Entertainment and Political Correctness
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Clarifications
- Fischer faced backlash for his comedy performances due to his rejection of political correctness and COVID mandates, leading to bans, suspensions, and confrontations. He struggled to secure traditional comedy club gigs and had to perform at alternative venues like veterans' halls. Fischer's controversial stance on political correctness and his experiences with censorship and restrictions have shaped his career trajectory in th ...
Counterarguments
- The entertainment industry's focus on diversity and inclusion can be seen as an effort to correct historical imbalances and provide opportunities to underrepresented groups.
- Casting based on race and gender can be a reflection of the need for authenticity and representation in storytelling, rather than a dismissal of talent.
- The concept of 'woke' ideology is often used pejoratively, but it can also be interpreted as a social awareness that seeks to address systemic injustices and promote equality.
- The lawsuit against AGI Entertainment Management Company may have complexities that are not fully captured in the text, and the company may have its own rationale or defense for its policies.
- Fischer's pivot to comedy and independent film production could be viewed as a positive adaptation to industry changes, showcasing resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
- The backlash Fischer faces in comedy could be a result of the content of his material and how it resonates with or offends contemporary audiences, rather than a direct attack on his right to free speech.
- The challenges Fischer encounters in finding traditional comedy gigs may reflect a broader trend in the industry where venues and audiences are more sensitive to material they perceive as offensive.
- The incident leading to Fischer being labeled a "naughty boy" may involve details that are not disclosed in the text, and there could be valid c ...
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The Role of Truth-Telling and Risk-Taking in Comedy
Tyler Fischer discusses the necessity of truth-telling and risk-taking for a comedian's craft, emphasizing the significance of free speech and creative daring in comedy's success.
Fischer Values Free Speech and Creative Risks For Comedians' Success
Tyler Fischer shares his journey from using acting and comedy as a childhood coping mechanism to embracing a sincere take on his views in adulthood. He believes that the freedom to express himself is critical for an artist's growth and impact.
Fischer Favors Spontaneity Over Notes or Scripts In Performances
Fischer reveals his move away from the conventional use of notes and scripted performances. Instead, he has opted for an improvisational style inspired by Jordan Peterson's approach to lecturing without notes, aiming for a more genuine and dynamic connection with the audience.
Truthful Commitment Earns Fischer a Loyal Fanbase, Alienates Him From Mainstream Entertainment
By committing to honesty in his performances, Fischer has both removed himself from environments like comedy clubs that he believes foster negativity and has taken a firm stand on free speech, comparing it to a heroic act. Such a commitment has sometimes resulted in alienation from mainstream entertainment but has also allowed him to cultivate a loyal following.
Fischer's Bold Stance Inspires Comedians Challenging Discourse Boundaries
Fischer divulges his willingness to bomb at comedy clubs in pursuit of artistic freedom and claims his approach to comedy, including truth-telling and spontaneous performance, has drawn a following among those seeking societal healing and restoration.
Fisc ...
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The Role of Truth-Telling and Risk-Taking in Comedy
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can start a personal truth journal where you write down your honest thoughts and feelings about current events, societal norms, or personal experiences without self-censorship. This practice will help you become more comfortable with expressing your truth and may lead to discovering your unique voice or perspective that can be shared in conversations or creative endeavors.
- Experiment with improvisation in your daily interactions by challenging yourself to respond to questions or comments with the first thought that comes to mind, rather than a premeditated answer. This can be done in low-stakes social settings to cultivate spontaneity and authenticity, which can translate into more genuine relationships and self-expression.
- Create a small, informal discussion group with friends ...
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