What Now? with Trevor Noah What Now? with Trevor Noah

Better in Person Podcast | How Gary Gulman Turned Depression Into Comedy Gold

Oct 14, 2026 · 8m

Summary

Comedian Gary Goldman discusses how rediscovering his love for basketball helped him overcome depression and ego. He reflects on a discouraging high school coach and the joy of returning to the sport. The conversation shifts to his creative process, where he shares a notebook filled with joke ideas. He breaks down a recent bit about microwaves and toast, revealing the dark, satirical punchline about capitalism and despair that resonated with audiences.

Topics discussed

Introduction to Better in Person and Gary Gulman Playing basketball in Harlem and its mental health benefits Why Gary switched from basketball to college football Rediscovering the joy of basketball after depression Show and tell: Gary's joke notebook and collage Breaking down the 'Microwave Toast' joke structure The 'Bathtub Suicides' punchline and its origin Refining the joke: Dead-end jobs and loveless marriages Closing remarks and gratitude
Listen ad-free on Castria