Bo Burnham Talks About His Anxiety Toward Performing on Stage
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- Опубліковано 18 лис 2018
- Bo Burnham talks about experiencing panic attacks while performing on stage and his journey exploring the origin of his anxiety.
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Holy shit you can just see how quick he's thinking; constantly interrupting his thought for another, slipping over his words from saying so much, revising his phrasings immediately, all in the effort to concisely communicate his points.
It's incredibly interesting to watch.
Devon Rogers I see that!! Wish I could do that, but I still lose focus and go off the rails.
I do the same thing
It's not that good tho. I kinda have the same thinking process and it's like you have a huge number of opposite thoughts running against each other almost in sequence. Always questioning wtf you're saying, if it does make sense, if you really consider the other side of it.
It can make you a great communicator, but your mind can be like hell sometimes. And if you bring that to your ordinary life like I do, you overthink even your happiness. Kinda fucked up, huh?
Being used to people constantly interrupting you after a particular amount of time could cause this right? It's just a reflection of a good interviewer that he could sort of release his thoughts like this.
Extroverted intuition, in Jungian terms
I want bo to write a book. I would read everything he has to say
He wrote a book called egghead
egghead isn’t bad i have it
@@NGEternal hahahahaha
He actually did
To be fair, it's a poetry book. This person probably means a more traditional book about life or insights and such.
One of the most unique things about Bo is that he actually listened to his younger female fans, and believed them. Men trusting women, especially young women, when they recount their lived experiences is extremely rare. And he does so, seemingly, with ease and compassion. He's a very interesting person.
This
Bo is a great person. The thing that bothers me is that this compassion should be a given as humans. Ive never had a problem with it, but certain people are either born with zero empathy or they tie that kind of thing to politics and since it isn't their side its weak.
I have such respect for Bo Burnham--- he seems uniquely articulate, and it's evident that his intelligence comes directly from honest self-examination.
I understood every word but this comment still made me feel dumb.
@@ComanderComander Bo does a superb job with self reflecting, he knows himself inside and out so it's easy for him to explain things like anxiety without the meaning getting lost on the listeners
I love when he addresses his anxiety bc he’s actually self aware and very smart and communicates it in a way for people to understand at a time when mental health is so important to understand. The world needs more celebs like bo
And he hasn't even peaked yet
The world “needs” no “celebs”
"And then... The funniest thing happened."
Here after his netflix special "Inside". What a fucking brilliant work. Funny, dark and disturbingly personal. Few times have I been so completely absorbed by an artwork like this. It was like watching someone ripping themselves open in audiovisual form.
Totally agree! That special has haunted me for days. Now looking up every interview and video he's ever been in
i have never seen a piece of work more honest or like. a person in general as honest as bo is. it's incredible, he's an insanely talented and artistic person who knows how we all feel
It's like he has put his soul up on a canvas for the world to see. And through watching him we examine our lives. Incredible incredible work. Beautiful poetry of the human life. 🌈✨
@@jackcarlos SAME! I watched the special a few nights ago and I can't stop thinking about it. I'm consuming all of the Bo content I can right now!!
dude yea i never watched him or cared for him too much before that. watched the special and it's just about all i can think about
The funny thing about hearing Bo talk about anxiety is that on stage he seems utterly in control, utterly confident.
"I don't believe that my anxiety is special at all."
It's a relieving realization and a terrifying one.
"I'm tired of all the pain I feel and hear in the world every day. There's too much of it. It's like pieces of glass in my head, all the time."
Is this the Green Mile?
God he's only had 10 panic attacks 9 being on stage I don't blame him for retiring
Our boy is back 😭
@@isaacwerner9057 I'm glad it was a movie, not a live performance. I don't want him to relapse
@Trevor yes
@@lenaelisabeth wait relapse from what??
@@sarahreaves3435 having panic attacks, in the special he said he got better but I don't want him to start having them again
Man, he has the voice of chocolate and caramel.
@@manofgod7622 r/oddlyspecific lol
@@hazardous401 I typed that comment right after a nap, when I don’t even know what I’m doing and where I am
@@manofgod7622 why’d ya delete it you delirious wuss
Ok then
He has a voice of protein bar with flavour of caramel and chocolate (without added sugar and extra fibre). Have you ever eaten one of those? They’re delicious, not like these protein bars packed with added sugars with just little bit of protein
@@manofgod7622 lmao, now that's a chad move, respect
His voice is so DEEP here... I almost wasn't sure it was him for a moment
It's really interesting how he talks about anxiety as a product of fragility and the need for adoration. I guess it's kind of obvious but I never thought about it that way. Like maybe we feel anxious because we are afraid to let a reality creep in where we aren't exactly what we think we are
Maybe for some people. For others, there are other reasons.
@@IceMetalPunk Of course, but this perspective is certainly unique. His songs are a reflection of his perspective, of his honest self reflections that lend to his self-critical view of anxiety; allowing him to push through so many shows. You can at least tell that much, even if you realise you only "Think You Know Him."
Yes another way of saying insecurity / ego driven / fear of judgement
Oh crap, thanks to your comment I now, too, have a new realization about my anxiety, concerning my artistic endeavours...
I'll put my hands up and get out of my seat for you Bo. The water's fine.
This has a whole new light after watching Inside
I've had that realization, in a way, before. That it's arrogant to be so worried about what others think about you as if they think about you as intensely as you critique yourself.
Most people with severe anxiety did have someone like that, and they think everyone judges them just as harshly. No one is a worse critic than myself and it is hard to think others think any higher of me. I am only surprised by kind words, the insults I have already hurled at myself a thousand times already. It is difficult when you are actively living up to those insults and it is beyond your control. It's like watching a car accident from the outside, only seeing yourself in the driver seat. It is surreal and terrifying at the same time, and impossible to communicate.
@@rich1051414, that’s a great way to describe what anxiety feels like, it’s so hard to describe anxiety in words sometimes, and you did a masterful job of explaining it. Thank you for doing so.
As an avid fan of Bo, I've heard him tell this story/talk about his experience many times. But I never get tired of hearing it, maybe because we all need these lessons for ourselves and/or the people in our life.
This is one of the most intelligent and articulate young men I have ever heard speak--and I've heard many. Bo Burnham is truly amazing human, and we are fortunate to have his views and opinions shared with us.
3:45 As a person who is finally getting help for their depression, I'm so glad that he brought that up. For the longest time, I thought that I was just tuned into the world differently, but I was just sick.
🙏🏻
I'm a first year attorney and I've always had anxiety. I can write all day, but going into court, I have to clear my head and calm myself down every single time. I knew it would be like this, and I still love my job, but boy do I wish I didn't have anxiety. It's a horrible feeling.
Good luck champ. Just get in there and get over ur fears so you can be the best u can be.
Bruh, you need to start uploading longer clips, all the late night shows are doing it now. The recommendation algorithm on UA-cam favors videos longer than 10 minutes. You've got the best celebrity interviews in the game, you should be getting way more views and subscribers on here. Just release one long clip instead of 3 or something. Your channel would blow up. These interviews are so well conducted, so sincere, and so fascinating. They deserve to reach a much, much wider audience on UA-cam.
Lane Patterson 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Interesting. I think I'd definitely subscribe on here instead of finding the videos randomly now and then, if they were longer. I like to find a 10-15 min video to watch while I eat or take breaks and I love these
I haven't checked it out, but apparently the longer full interviews are on his website
Bro, I really dig your stuff. But the problem is you don't have an internet presence. Write a funny joke about facebook or twitter. Write a funny joke about sugary cereals. It doesn't matter if the contdnt is good. What's important is that you keep the Bo Burnham brand alive.
I 100% agree with you, the only reason I'm watching this video on youtube is because the full length interview isn't uploaded on spotify like most of his interviews are...
Damn I love how he normalized anxiety/ depression. I also feel like it breeds a bit of narcissism as well.
As a coping mechanism, because of the stigma and we feel alone in it so people take that loneliness and turn it into a good thing. ‘This makes me special’
He said once that he’s never had depression, that he’d never pretend he’d ever been depressed, but that he does have anxiety. Anyways, that’s my 2 cents plus these comments are semi recent so I thought I’d comment:)
I saw BO at both his Edinburgh festival shows in 2010 and 202 and to know now he was going through this at the time is just heartbreaking. He is such a damn inspiration. I love everything this man does
The slap in the back thing sounds like something Bill Hader said about how he’d have someone slap his back before he’d go on for game show host sketches on SNL. Hader said he was nervous about those sketches so he needed someone to slap his back and then he’d run on stage.
How wonderful it is to see such a stripped down, organic “interview”. This truly seems to be a conversation where both parties seem to be fully engaged and flowing.
mate im 30 and still love it when dudes like bo come out and talk about anxiety and such. doesnt matter how old you get its nice to know youre not alone when the mental shit hits the fan x
In the thumbnail it looks like he's asking "Who are you....Bagel Bites?!".
His level of insight is astonishing. I'm about the age he was in this interview and can only grasp at that clarity of self.
i’m in genuine awe of how much i appreciate the vulnerability and truth he explains in this video. i feel way less alone knowing that i’m not the only one who goes through intense anxiety and frequent panic attacks at the worst times. it sucks that other people have to go through that (cuz it sucks) but the way he talked about it here was just perfect. very well spoken individual.
As a dude who just went to maybe his 9th open mic and had a panic attack, this helped me
Hey it’s been 10 months since! Did you keep going? Have you gotten any better ?
It seems that the older he gets, the more comfortable/normal he gets on talk shows.
It's beautiful how this whole clip about his very personal experience with severe anxiety zooms out to the shared quality of the experience, especially with 13-15 year old girls, and how that became the backbone intention of his incredible film "Eighth Grade."
I don't know when the panic attacks are supposed to have started - if it was during the "what." or "Make Happy" tour, but I remember feeling "proximity-anxiety" during Make Happy. I've always had a hard - sometimes impossible - time watching stand-up and certain comedic actors in certain roles, because the tiniest cues that they're hurting makes me violently uncomfortable. My mind just drifts off to whether they're getting the help or support that they need off stage, if they *are* hurting and so on.
The first time I was exposed to Bo (I was anti-UA-cam as a teen) was someone showing me a clip from Make Happy - and I recoiled. (Which might have been completely in my head. That comedians that give me anxiety often later end up admitting anxiety/depression in interviews doesn't mean I'm The Mentalist, I have no clue if what I feel is actually based on reality.)
I later watched and loved all the other performances, but couldn't watch Make Happy until I got on a good antidepressant. I'm a very emotional person.
The point of this it that there's something that really saddens me about how I've perceived Bo's look on his attendees, or fans, or whatever you call it. The anxiety ABOUT the anxiety: "They payed to see me." It's brought up in both shows, as well. Encouraging people to judge him, not love him through thick and thin. But - fuck that.
And that doesn't mean I think I know him, or that I wouldn't judge him for actual horrifics acts or the likes.
I can care about someone without knowing them beyond what I've seen*, without being a "mindless fanboy/girl".
And stage hiccups? Anxiety flares? Those *aren't* things to be judged.
I just wish he wasn't so hard on himself. That he didn't look at it (this is my impression) as either he provides a "service" in exchange for appreciation and money - Or he's automatically an indentured "make people happy" slave. It brings to mind when I stopped making friends, and only had help staff because it distanced me from others and took away some kind of responsibility.
It's okay to be appreciated as a person, not just for what you do.
Even if that "person" is just the tiny part of you that you show on stage or in performances. A breakdown or stumble in a performance is not a wrong to be criticised. It's just being human. I've done that on a stage, a much smaller one granted, and I've felt the same feeling of failure and never ever wanting to go back. But afterwards I've remembered that when I showed that anxiety - the audience cheered me on to keep going. They got it.
I just- as someone the same age, who struggles with mental health issues and with how the world is a fucked up place - cynisism doesn't have to go so deep. Sometimes it's okay to trust that people will forgive. It's okay to let yourself to be "loved" even if you don't feel like you deserved it.
Care for one another isn't currency to be exchanged.
This is ridiculously long, and unfortunately probably doesn't convey my point very well. But I felt the need to write it.
I feel like... these kids who have grown up in the spotlight, performing, they start basing their self-worth on how well they perform.
We're not high-school bullies, we're your fans.
What a nice comment. I agree with all of this. Unfortunately, such is the nature with anxiety and depression that the issue is in it of itself that one cannot stop thinking distorted thoughts, e.g. that the audience deserves more or that the content of the show is too ironic with respect to his own situation. I remember feeling really sad that Make Happy might be his last stand up special potentially ever, but then after learning about what caused him to step away I'm so happy he did. Bo Burnham is a great comedian and performer but it's not worth such psychological toil.
My thoughts exactly.
As much as the Rant in Make Happy breaks my heart in terms of losing Bo from his stage performances, seeing him emerge in another form that has different exceptions and may better fit him gives me hope. Eighth Grade was a great film, and he can go on and make films, write, direct, or even act in contexts that offer so much, and hopefully, in a way that is better suited to his own survival.
He actually posted on Reddit that he had an anxiety attack during “We Think We Know You”
Beautifully and thoughtfully written. Thank you for a rare comment nowadays. 😊👍
His new feature was complete genius.
Anyone here after Inside?
That's one of the things about depression or anxiety for people who have it but have no frame of reference for its effects.
They think things like "Well I'm just weird," "I'm just being weak-willed," "Its all self-pity and I need to grow up," "Why do I feel like I deserve better just because I can't handle life when everyone else seems to be doing fine?"
And it piles on this mountain of self-loathing that they feel like they can't express; because what if it's actually nothing?
i’m struggling with this exact thing rn. any tips?
@@cameronstevens3198 I should say im in no way a professional, I just struggle with it, so don't take my words as gospel.
But listening to yourself and finding the words to express how I'm feeling, even if only to myself, really helps.
For me the feelings I talked about in my comment came from a lack of understanding my own emotions, I could really only tell good or bad but never had names for the more complicated ones.
And from that I never felt like I could tell anyone because "I don't know" was my go to answer, because it was true.
I don't want to ramble too much but your feelings are valid, even if you don't know what they are. Talking with friends or family about these feelings can provide some clarity, but I started with journaling. I'm really bad at keeping up with it, but its a nice way to have a defining conversation with yourself about how you feel.
This is the best interview show! The guests seem so comfortable, the interviewer seems genuinely interested and the answers are so interesting!
I have auditions for my school's musical in like an hour, and i have terrible anxiety when it comes to performing on stage, but I just love theatre and music so much its my dream. This reassurance couldn't have come at a better time, now i don't feel so alone :') thanks Bo
I still remember when I stood behind the curtain of my school's auditorium. I was about to go on stage and perform in front of all my teachers and a lot of parents and I felt my anxiety building. I knew, soon I was going to black out soon and forget every word. What really helped me was to remember some of the worst times of my life. Just to go through the shittiest recollection of memories, like my best friend dying of cancer when I was nine, or my mom's bipolar disease, or when we went almost bankrupt etc. And I realised how much I'd already gone through and survived at my young age and none of these adults had a single clue. I realised that the secret to me - who I really am - is something that belongs to me and no one can take it - not even an entire auditorium of people potentially laughing at me. I do that till this day and it still works. I guess that's what "grounds" you, as Bo said.
Hope it went well for you! 😊
Wish I would have said this 2 years ago but... get it girl!
How’d it go? Sorry this is late
He's such a bright kid with a good heart.
I'm so glad Bo is willing to come out and talk about this. I am a theatre actor, and this is such an issue, all the time. There comes a point when you have this just realization that people are actually taking time and money out of their life to give you attention for two hours, and it's just overwhelming to think about. It completely changes the game for you. Like, why do I think I'm so special that I deserve to have a paying audience to watch me do what is essentially a hobby
I often think about the fact that Bo Burnham suffers from panic attacks while I'm having one. I know it's silly, but it really calms me down. Knowing that someone I respect this much and try to imitate in my art, makes me feel like I'm okay, and I'll survive
As a guy going through rough anxiety and panic attacks for over two years now - much respect to Bo
His voice is really deep in this video.
Is he done doing stand up? Seriously such a unique talent. Easily one of my favorites all time. Not only funny but puts on a full performance with his stand up.
Wow he's really great isn't he.
Oh man this guy's adressing the thing I didn't want to, but boy is he right! This is a true inspiration.
I want to give him a hug
His "failures" on stage are better than most people's best efforts
Oh wow as someone who suffers from panic attacks and a fan of Bo from way back in the early UA-cam days, I just somehow missed this. I had no idea that he quit doing live shows because of anxiety. I wouldn't wish panic attacks on my worst enemy, but it makes me feel less alone knowing someone as talented and as funny as Bo Burnham also deals with them.
For anyone out there suffering or scared about panic attacks, just know there is life on the other side. My first panic attack at 26 landed me in the E.R. because my heart was beating out of my chest and I thought I was dying. Medication, therapy, and mindfulness helped me a lot. Once you know what's happening, you can manage it, but it may take some therapy and some honest self evaluation to get there.
Who's here after his amazing special?
🙌
It took 2 more years for him to recover from his anxiety, finally he tried to perform again in 2020 and then with COVID was unable to perform live again, culminating in the new special Inside
He's so genuine.
This is wonderful and illustrative to watch after watching Inside. Bo is incredibly human, very professional and just yeah, I can't say much more. For a person to have such incredible skills that really deserve to be seen and heard, it must be so hard
I just finished inside. (His Netflix special) and it was the best movie I’ve seen this year. It covered so many deep topics and was also hilarious. He did such a good job.
I love Bo so wholeheartedly.
Intelligence is so attractive - maybe it’s because I’m not the smartest person ever ... but yeah skill , talent, intelligence - are just the hottest things to me
This video really really helped me. I am a struggling comedian as well who has to deal with a lot of anxiety and depression and bo hit the nail on the head. It’s really hard to grasp that sense of admiration and feeling special to keep yourself sane even tho it shouldn’t be needed. I’m going through a really rough patch but interviews like this is what gets me through it. Thank you for your wisdom Bo and great interviewer too doesn’t interrupt.
I am so impressed by the crystal clear and egoless way that he analyzes this subject matter, or anything really, but especially this
4:28 really aged well with the release of Inside holy shit
I’m at awe of his internal dialogue and his ability to even get remotely close to stringing it into eloquent and poignant sentences.
I could listen to Bo talk for days straight and not get tired.
These are the best interviews online . Great interviewer who lets guests speak :)
Wow. Bo is a hero of mine, and this is amazing to hear. I always thought he had mastered his anxiety because he seems so rehearsed and fearless when performing. I never would have guessed that he would be the one to finally articulate what I've felt like many times when performing or teaching to a large group. Thanks for what you do, Bo, and for encouraging other performers to pursue their passion despite the risk of nearly-debilitating anxiety & panic attacks.
hope youre doing well man
I guarantee you this video will pick up from all the people watching his new film
Bo Burnham has helped me through the roughest times in my 20s now in my 30s hes still helping me , real is real people ❤
It always shocks me when I hear ppl say they have had 2 panic attacks and they are like in their 20s. It’s like wow ok so me having a panic attack almost every day from the time I was 14 to like 23 wasn’t normal. There are ppl who actually go through most of their life and don’t get them often. Like one of their first memories as a kids is not a panic attack. Like what is that like.
Also watched inside omg it was amazing
Yeah I totally understand. I’ve had two or more in a day before. It’s absolutely miserable. I have no idea how many I’ve had in my life time but its been too many. I wish you the best with dealing with yours. I hope you have some kind of help. I see a psychiatrist and am on medication for both depression and panic attacks but some days it doesn’t feel like it helps at all. Just know you aren’t alone.
Suffering isn't a competition
@@CCtheRapperman who here said it was ??
If anyone is suffering from anxiety or depression, please consider seeing a therapist or your physician! People are here to help you and there are treatments and medications to help you turn your world in a whole new direction if you want to. As a pharmacist I have seen just how much treatment and medication can help.
Howdy folks from Inside!
"So what do you do then?" "You fail." Oof.
wow i think his comment about depression not being a part of your depth may have changed my entire perspective about mine. i love this man so much.
Thank you Bo Burnham! I really needed to hear this today x
I’ve played drums and guitar. My teacher always put me up on stage for small gigs and just straight panic all the time even if I could keep it together. It’s pulled me completely away from performing until I can get myself together. I feel like within the first few minutes of watching one of his specials, you can feel it in his performance. Not in a bad way but the opposite. He conveys it in a way that makes any one who feels the same, perk up and listen
I am just imagining that Bo is a soldier describing his experience with anxiety before battle and really enjoying myself.
I started getting panic attacks at work. Would come out of no where. I’d come back from a lunch break, work for a few hours, and then all of a sudden lose any comprehension of human language. My boss would ask me to print something and I rack my brain to remember what “printing” is, and just having to rely on muscle memory and long bathroom breaks to get by until it passed. Panic attacks suck. I couldn’t imagine doing stand up through that.
I respect this kind of attitude a lot, this is what bravery is. Facing your fear continuously, I'm a littler person than Bo, I run away rather than facing, and I don't go on stage without being drunk
Please people,
talk about this!!! It’s important!
For me and many others including Bo.
shiiiiiit. this makes me cry
I really like bo burnam. I really like this interviewer. I was just surprised to see that in the show’s 3 seasons with 33 episodes, only 2 of the guests have not been fully white. 2/33.
I love this guy
CPTSD here and you never know when that will pop up and it’s hard! I performed for years and I had to do a sales presentation in front of twelve people and literally started shaking and it’s one I’ve done in front of people over and over. We aren’t special. Word Bo!
this hits harder than that slap on your back
Wow! He is soooooo humble and truthful
#deep
Same pfp
@@abbyhamlincoln Haha that's Google for you
1:35 love this part
perfectly sums up what makes 8th Grade such a special film
thank you Bo.
Great interview! But the music at the end freaked me out I thought it was coming from somewhere else and not my headphones-
he changed alot in 3 years
I hate when people are like, “I won’t judge” because you’re gonna have some thoughts on what I am going to say, whether you express it or not. I would rather know what you think of me than constantly wondering if I’m being too obnoxious, if I said something wrong, or if I’m talking too much.
Why does Bo Burnham sound like he's being dubbed by Jon Benjamin
Same thing with me playing soccer. Ended up just being unable to play because the panic. It’s really incredibly debilitating
I saw you at that show... Edinburgh fringe 2010... you fucking killed it!!!!!! Look at where you came from, look at you now!
Wow that’s crazy that he managed to kill it despite having a panic attack.
I came from the streets with nothing. My anxiety is your anxiety
I thought I was dying and my vision was changing so I thought I was having a stroke. My heart rate and blood pressure went crazy and I feinted. Its strange
Bo is a legend. Highly recommend his film 'Eighth Grade'.
i agree on the depression point
3:30 this is my belief 24/7
They must shoot this at like 5am. Everyone always seems so tired and groggy.
This was posted on my birthday thank the lords
I never knew he used a voice for his comedy.
Woohoo 2021!