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Artwork for Blocks

Blocks w/ Neal Brennan

Neal Brennan
Mental Health
Comedy
Parenting
Stand-Up Comedy
Relationships
Therapy
Family Dynamics
Creativity
Personal Growth
Addiction
Marriage
Sobriety
Neal Brennan
Music
Social Media
Katey Sagal
ADHD
Anxiety
Isolation
Shame

Based on his Netflix comedy special, "Blocks." Neal Brennan interviews friends and colleagues about the things that make them feel lonely, isolated, and like something's wrong - and how they are persevering despite these blocks.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes142Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Mental HealthComedyHealth & Fitness

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Blocks

Latest Episodes

Neal Brennan interviews Ali Siddiq (9+ standup specials) about dealing crack, his dad dealing cocaine, getting arrested and incarcerated, the emotional toll of his sister's death, being a "weird dad," growing up experiencing relative levels of povert... more

Neal Brennan interviews Sarah Sherman (SNL, Live & In The Flesh), AKA Sarah Squirm, about her fashion style, always wanting to be a comedian, going to Northwestern, her emo phase, anxiety, paranoia, delusion, SNL nightmares, why she thinks she's "kin... more

Neal Brennan interviews Sam Harris (Making Sense, Waking Up) about his mother Susan Harris' sitcom history, philosophy of the mind, meditation, Trump, secular rationality, fiction writing, dropping out of Stanford, psychic powers, magic, eye contact,... more

Neal Brennan interviews Kevin Nealon (SNL, Weeds, Happy Gilmore) about ADHD, Johnny Carson, mirroring, SNL, painting, Lorne Michaels, death, Chris Farley, claustrophobia, Dana Carvey, defibrillators, Adam Sandler, Irish accents, Garry Shandling, his ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

Recent Guests

Ali Siddiq
Comedian and storyteller
Comedian
Episode: Ali Siddiq
Sarah Sherman
Comedian known for her bold, boundary-pushing act
Episode: Sarah Sherman
Sam Harris
Philosopher of mind, neuroscientist, author
Waking Up app, Sam Harris's platforms
Episode: Sam Harris
Kevin Nealon
Comedian, actor known for SNL; subject of the interview
NBC/Saturday Night Live (historical)
Episode: Kevin Nealon
Robby Hoffman
Comedian and host of the Patreon podcast Too Far.
Netflix, Too Far Podcast
Episode: Robby Hoffman
Phil Hanley
Stand-up comedian and author of Spellbound
Episode: Phil Hanley
Hank Azaria
Renowned actor and voice artist
The Simpsons
Episode: Hank Azaria
Ari Melber
Host of The Beat on MSNBC and known for his insights on music and culture.
MSNBC
Episode: Ari Melber
Katey Sagal
Actress known for her roles in 'Married with Children', 'Futurama', and 'Sons of Anarchy'
Episode: Katey Sagal

Host

Neal Brennan
Host of Blocks/W/ Neal Brennan; long-time interviewer known for candid, in-depth conversations across entertainment and culture.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 3.7k ratings
  • Stop the chimes

    Love the podcast — witty and intelligent— but those recurrent chimes are so annoying.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    grayfolded
    United Statesa month ago
  • Neal,

    You stink, ace.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    LessCouchOn
    United Statesa month ago
  • Guy, Interrupted

    interrupts constantly with unfunny comments and it throws the guests off. Sounds like he’s not really listening and wants to control the flow but it has the opposite effect and just makes him sound insecure & tanks the convo. Also, sooo many dudes zzzz

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Lemonadestain
    United Statesa month ago
  • Would add a star if the dinging stops

    I enjoy the podcast but the dinging bell isn't necessary.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    HEAGAIL
    United States2 months ago
  • Hank Azaria intvw

    Love Azaria but only got as far as the disc about Apu before abandoning the episode. You asked him questions and then kept interrupting him to defend your opinions. You asked him to talk about how he responded to the criticism he got. He told you about the years of study and self reflection he did and you disrespected and all but dismissed that work with a “yes but” tap dance. You asked for persuasion but trod all over it. That blind spot of yours needs sunshine.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    ocy973
    Canada2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the candid, in-depth interviews and thoughtful exploration of personal blocks and mental health.
There is ongoing feedback about desired more diversity among guests, especially more women.
The show is valued for its honesty, humor, and willingness to tackle tough topics such as relationships and accountability.
Fans highlight strong interviewing but note occasional interruptions impacting flow.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#199
United States/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#178
Canada/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#134
Spain/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#157
China/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#244
Saudi Arabia/Comedy

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ali Siddiq
Q: How did you move from street life toward stand-up and storytelling, and what role did your family and experiences play?
Ali explains how early experiences, trauma, and family shaped his perspective and led to a storytelling approach to comedy.
Ali Siddiq
Q: What's the short explanation of what your life has been for people who are completely unfamiliar with you?
Ali describes a lifelong rollercoaster between gratitude and ingratitude, and how recognizing this tension has shaped his path.
Sarah Sherman
Q: How do you handle the anxiety and therapy in the context of a demanding career?
She has tried multiple therapies, found some to be unhelpful, and now blends various approaches, including Jungian dream analysis and traditional talk therapy, while emphasizing boundaries and self-care.
Sarah Sherman
Q: What sparked your drive to become a comedian and what early influences shaped your look?
She grew up watching Seinfeld, The Golden Girls, and later found inspiration in Phyllis Diller and classic TV/films, which shaped her distinctive persona.
Sam Harris
Q: How did MDMA affect your views on self and compassion?
MDMA stripped away ego defenses and layers of self-consciousness, revealing a natural, unconditional goodwill toward a close friend; it helped him experience love and connectedness in a way that redefined his understanding of compassion.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Blocks

What is Blocks about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A candid, conversation-first show centered on personal blocks, loneliness, and resilience, with long-form interviews that blend career retrospectives, vulnerability, and humor. Guests range from comedians to actors, journalists, and cultural commentators, often exploring mental health, identity, relationships, and the pressures of fame. The format tends to be intimate, freewheeling, and unafraid to tackle tough topics, with notable moments around self-discovery, aging, and authenticity. Potential listeners who enjoy honest storytelling, inside views into show business, and practical insights for navigating personal obstacles will likely find it compelling; it can also be a strong fit for sponsors seeking a thoughtful, conversation-driven au... more

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How many episodes of Blocks are there?

Blocks launched 3 years ago and published 142 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Blocks?

Recent guests on Blocks include:

1. Ali Siddiq
2. Sarah Sherman
3. Sam Harris
4. Kevin Nealon
5. Robby Hoffman
6. Phil Hanley
7. Hank Azaria
8. Ari Melber

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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