Rerelease: Nikki Glaser
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this dynamic episode, comedian and television host Nikki Glaser joins Dax Shepard for an incredibly vulnerable conversation about insecurity, success, and self-acceptance. Glaser, fresh off her Golden Globes hosting triumph, opens up about her deep-seated anxieties around approval and how they've shaped both her comedy career and personal relationships. (05:25) The conversation covers everything from her eating disorder recovery to her journey toward sobriety from alcohol and cigarettes using Alan Carr's method. (47:25) Throughout their discussion, both Dax and Nikki find remarkable common ground in their shared experiences with impostor syndrome, the need for external validation, and the exhausting work of trying to be perfect.
- Main Themes: The episode explores the psychology of comedy, the relationship between insecurity and creativity, addiction recovery through unconventional methods, the toxicity of perfectionism, and how vulnerability can lead to genuine connection and success.
Speakers
Nikki Glaser
Nikki Glaser is a stand-up comedian, actor, and television host known for her brutally honest and self-deprecating humor. She recently hosted the 2025 Golden Globes to critical acclaim and is currently on her "Alive and Unwell" tour, selling out theaters across the country. Her comedy special "Someday You'll Die" showcases her raw, vulnerable style that has made her the "Taylor Swift of comedy" according to Dax, with a massive female fanbase who sees themselves reflected in her struggles with body image, relationships, and self-acceptance.
Dax Shepard
Dax Shepard is an actor, writer, director and podcast host best known for co-hosting the Armchair Expert podcast with Monica Padman. He's been open about his journey with addiction recovery and maintains sixteen years of sobriety. Shepard has appeared in films and television shows including "Parenthood" and "CHIPS," and is married to actress Kristen Bell.
Key Takeaways
Vulnerability as Strength, Not Weakness
Nikki demonstrates throughout the conversation that owning your flaws publicly can be liberating and connecting. (1:13:45) She explains how apologizing to Taylor Swift for past mean comments actually freed her from shame and allowed her to enjoy Swift's music again. Rather than hiding her insecurities about her appearance, eating disorders, or need for approval, Glaser has built a career on being brutally honest about them. This transparency creates deeper connections with audiences who see themselves in her struggles. The key insight is that shame thrives in secrecy, but loses its power when exposed to light.
The Alan Carr Method Can Be Life-Changing for Addiction
Glaser quit both smoking and drinking by reading Alan Carr books, specifically "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking" and the drinking equivalent. (1:17:03) She emphasizes that these books work by systematically dismantling every excuse you have for using the substance. Instead of relying on willpower or telling yourself it's bad for you, Carr's method proves that substances like alcohol don't actually provide any of the benefits you think they do - they don't make you more social, brave, or relaxed. By removing all logical reasons to continue, the craving often disappears naturally. This approach worked so effectively for Nikki that she hasn't wanted a drink in twelve years.
Imposter Syndrome Never Fully Goes Away, Even with Success
Despite hosting the Golden Globes and selling out theaters nationwide, Glaser still battles intense imposter syndrome. (12:33) She describes feeling like she doesn't belong at award shows and being embarrassed that celebrities like Ralph Fiennes have to know her name. This reveals an important truth: external validation and professional success don't cure internal insecurities. The work of self-acceptance is ongoing and separate from achievement. Understanding this can help people stop waiting for the next accomplishment to make them feel worthy and start doing that internal work now.
Comparison Breeds Resentment, But Understanding Breeds Compassion
Nikki's journey from resenting Taylor Swift to becoming a devoted fan illustrates how jealousy often masks deeper insecurities. (1:13:45) She realized that her criticism of Swift's appearance came from her own struggles with eating disorders and feeling excluded from Swift's circle of model friends. When she shifted from judgment to understanding - recognizing that Swift also struggled with body image - resentment transformed into admiration. This pattern applies broadly: when we find ourselves consistently critical of someone, it's worth examining what they represent that we feel we lack.
Perfectionism is a Prison That Prevents Growth
Throughout the conversation, both Dax and Nikki reveal how perfectionism has limited their willingness to take risks. (27:15) Nikki admits she sometimes underprepares for things so she has an excuse if they don't go perfectly. This self-sabotage protects the ego but prevents genuine growth and connection. The antidote is accepting that failure and imperfection are not just inevitable but necessary for learning. Some of their best stories and greatest growth came from their biggest failures - Nikki's corporate gig bombing led to great material for Kimmel, while Dax's early mistakes taught him valuable lessons about vulnerability and authenticity.
Statistics & Facts
- Nikki attended 22 Taylor Swift concerts during the Eras tour, describing each show as "four hours of the best dopamine release I've ever had in my life." (1:09:49) This statistic illustrates her level of fandom and how music can provide genuine therapeutic value for mental health.
- Nikki has been sober from alcohol for 12 years after reading just one Alan Carr book about quitting drinking. (1:18:00) She quit in 2012 after hitting a personal bottom in Cleveland, demonstrating how alternative approaches to addiction recovery can be highly effective.
- The DAX armchair mentioned in the fact check was originally designed between 1948-1950 by Charles and Ray Eames at UCLA and listed for about $20 each (equivalent to $100 in modern terms). This coincidence left both hosts amazed at what seemed like a message from the universe.
