This week, Pete reconnects with longtime friend and comedic powerhouse Darcy Michael for an honest, hilarious, and unexpectedly moving conversation about ADHD, neurodivergence, and the power of humour to heal. Known today for his joyful online presence with husband Jer, Darcy opens up about his late ADHD diagnosis, rejection sensitivity, and the emotional mourning that follows finally understanding your past through a new lens.
From green rooms in Vancouver to touring as viral sensations, Pete and Darcy talk about what comedy meant to them before and after diagnosis, and how executive dysfunction, hyperfixation, and impulsivity shaped both their careers and relationships. They also explore the challenges of authenticity on stage, the trauma of forced conformity, and the deep empathy required to forgive yourself — and grow.
Darcy shares how stand-up became emotionally unsustainable, why he stepped away, and how coming back with Jer — cue cards and all — felt more empowering than ever. Pete reflects on the neuroscience of attention, emotional regulation, and the strange magic of comics who connect deeply while often feeling misunderstood.
Stick around after the interview as Dr. Paul Whissell joins Pete to unpack the science behind ADHD, emotional sensitivity, medication, dopamine pathways, and how our brains really regulate attention and working memory. It's a crash course in empathy, self-awareness, and how comedy just might be one of the most adaptive tools for survival.
🎙️ Featuring:
Comedian & creator Darcy Michael
Neuroscientist Dr. Paul Whissell
Hosted by Pete Johansson
💡 Topics Include:
Rejection sensitivity dysphoria
ADHD, executive dysfunction & working memory
Cannabis, medication, and cognitive creativity
Comedy as healing, self-awareness, and connection
Emotional dysregulation and late diagnosis
Forgiveness, friendship, and the price of performance
Social media success and algorithm fatigue
Why trigger warnings matter
Male vulnerability and emotional growth
📌 Support Darcy & Jer’s journey here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/5nf6m-support-darcy-jer-through-this-challenging-time
📺 Watch "No Refunds" on Crave
🎟️ Tour info: https://www.darcyandjer.com
