Shows
The Slow Learner Podcast with Pete JohanssonEpisode 07 - Darrin Rose "Brain Trauma & Comedy" w hosts Pete Johansson & Dr Paul WhissellIn this unforgettable episode, comedian and actor Darrin Rose (Mr.D, MatchGame, LetterKenny, Home Sweet Home & more) joins Pete Johansson and neuroscientist Dr. Paul Whissell to share a deeply personal and shockingly funny story: getting sucker punched in Halifax while waiting for poutine. What follows is a brutal, hilarious, and at times heartbreaking tale of injury, botched medical care, police failure — and eventually, healing through comedy.Darrin’s story becomes a springboard for a wide-ranging conversation on:The ethics and art of using trauma on stageAnger and personality change after head injuries2025-06-271h 19
The Slow Learner Podcast with Pete JohanssonEpisode 06 – Erica Ehm "VJ, Visionary, and Voice for Women" joins Pete & Dr. W to explore identity & influence in Canadian cultureIn Episode 06 of The Slow Learner, Pete Johansson and Dr. Paul Whissell sit down with Canadian media icon Erica Ehm for a wide-ranging, funny, and deeply introspective conversation that dives far beyond nostalgia. Erica, best known as a pioneering VJ on MuchMusic, opens up about the pressures of live television, parasocial fame, intellectual humility, and her unexpected role in shaping a generation’s musical and cultural consciousness.From stories of spontaneous balcony interviews with Kurt Cobain to navigating public recognition before the social media era, Erica reflects on the psychological impacts of recognizability, the challenges of being a...2025-06-121h 06
The Slow Learner Podcast with Pete JohanssonEpisode Extra - Get to know Us! - 'Pete and Dr. W explore paths to Comedy, PHD's, and the meaning of Slow learner' w Pete Johansson & Dr Paul WhissellSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Pete Johansson and Paul Whissell explore the intersection of comedy and neuroscience, discussing Pete's unique journey from a career in comedy to pursuing education in cognitive science. They delve into the importance of lifelong learning, the concept of being a 'slow learner', and the societal pressures surrounding age and education. The discussion also touches on cultural identity, the impact of AI, and the influence of notable thinkers in Pete's life, all while maintaining a humorous and insightful tone. In this engaging conversation, Pete Johansson and Dr. Paul Whissell explore...2025-05-281h 34
The Slow Learner Podcast with Pete JohanssonEpisode 05 - Trent McClellan - 'Mental Health, Mindfullness & Comedy' w/ Host Pete Johansson & CoHost Dr Paul WhissellEpisode 5: Trent McClellan — Laughing Through Identity, Language & Mental HealthIn this episode of The Slow Learner, comedian and This Hour Has 22 Minutes cast member Trent McClellan joins Pete Johansson and neuroscientist Dr. Paul Whissell for a funny, thoughtful, and deeply honest exploration of humour, identity, and emotional health.Trent opens up about growing up as a Black kid in Newfoundland, how comedy became his social lifeline, and the moment The Untethered Soul reshaped his view of success, masculinity, and self-worth. The trio explore how laughter helps us bond, survive awkward situations, and even stay together ro...2025-05-141h 36The Slow Learner Podcast with Pete JohanssonEpisode 04 - Arj Barker - 'Meditation, Lucid Dreams, and Silliness' w/ Host Pete Johansson & CoHost Dr Paul WhissellEpisode 4 – Arj Barker: Meditation Fails, Lucid Dreams & the Neuroscience of FunnyBay-Area-born stand-up icon Arj Barker joins Pete Johansson and Dr Paul Whissell for 90 minutes of big laughs, deep nerdery and a few “did-he-really-say-that?” detours. We dig into:Arj’s guided-meditation show intro—why he likes to “prime” an audience and the science that (sometimes) backs itCorpse-visualisation in Buddhism, spiritual materialism and Arj’s parody rap “The Sickest Buddhist”Lucid-dream hacks (galantamine, FILD finger-tapping) and the brain waves that make them possiblePriming, the replication crisis, and why some classic psych s...2025-04-301h 15The Slow Learner Podcast with Pete JohanssonEpisode 03 – Des Bishop – ‘Comedy & Addiction & Bilingualism & Neuroscience’ with host Pete Johansson and co-host Dr. Paul WhissellThis week on The Slow Learner, we’re joined by internationally acclaimed comedian Des Bishop — and things get smart, silly, and seriously heartfelt.We dive deep into the science of language learning, addiction recovery, and comedy as cognitive therapy, all while poking around the cultural complexities of attraction, ego, and humour’s role in our social survival.Oh, and Pete drops a Jordan Peterson impression you don’t want to miss — it almost justifies the slightly janky audio (we’re The Slow Learner, after all — the sound gets way better next episode, promise).🎙️ In this episode:2025-04-091h 35The Slow Learner Podcast with Pete JohanssonEpisode 02 - Darcy Michael - 'Comedy & ADHD and Growth' with host Pete Johansson an co-host Dr. Paul WhissellThis 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...2025-03-252h 23The Slow Learner Podcast with Pete JohanssonEpisode 01 - Brent Butt - 'Comedy & Intelligence' with host Pete Johansson an co-host Dr. Paul WhissellIn this engaging conversation, Pete Johansson and Brent Butt explore the intricate relationship between comedy, creativity, and personal experiences. They delve into the evolution of comedy, the impact of family on creative expression, and the significance of the flow state in performance. The discussion also touches on the challenges of aging in the comedy world, the influence of socioeconomic backgrounds, and the dynamics of audience perception. As they reflect on their journeys, they highlight the importance of originality and the changing landscape of comedy for new generations. In the second half of the podcast, Pete Johansson...2025-03-102h 08