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Artwork for Blocks

Blocks w/ Neal Brennan

Neal Brennan
Mental Health
Comedy
Parenting
Stand-Up Comedy
Relationships
Therapy
Family Dynamics
Addiction
Creativity
Personal Growth
Marriage
Sobriety
Neal Brennan
Music
Anxiety
Social Media
Katey Sagal
ADHD
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 monthlyEpisodes152Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ComedyHealth & FitnessMental Health

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Artwork for Blocks

Latest Episodes

In this episode of Blocks, Neal Brennan sits down with comedian Gianmarco Soresi to discuss the unconventional path that led him to standup. They dive into his childhood experiences with divorce, his short-lived dreams of becoming a professional sing... more

In this episode of Blocks, Neal Brennan sits down with Scottish comedian Daniel Sloss to dismantle the "blocks" that have shaped his life and career. From the massive social impact of his Netflix special Jigsaw—which Daniel claims has led to over 350... more

Comedian and former late-night host Craig Ferguson joins Neal Brennan on the Blocks Podcast to explore the "blocks" that have defined his life and career. From his upbringing in Scotland and the impact of sectarian violence to his iconic run on the L... more

Rory Scovel joins Neal Brennan to talk about being born into grief—his mother died on his first birthday—and how losing his dad in 2020 reshaped his standup, his parenting, and the way he thinks about aging and death. Plus: learning to read at 44, im... 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

Gianmarco Soresi
Comedian and actor featured on the episode as the guest
Episode: Gianmarco Soresi
Daniel Sloss
Comedian and guest discussing blocks, anxiety, addiction, and personal life
Self-employed/Comedian
Episode: Daniel Sloss
Craig Ferguson
Former Late Show host and actor
Television industry
Episode: Craig Ferguson
Rory Scovel
Actor/comedian guest on the episode
Episode: Rory Scovel
Arthur Brooks
Happiness researcher, professor, author (The Meaning of Your Life; From Strength to Strength)
Bentley University / University affiliations mentioned
Episode: Happiness Expert Dr. Arthur C. Brooks
Jordan Jensen
Comedian and Netflix special Take Me With You performer
Episode: Jordan Jensen
Josh Johnson
Comedian
HBO (Symphony)
Episode: Josh Johnson
Brad Williams
Comedian with dwarfism, guest on the episode
Comedian
Episode: Brad Williams
Malcolm Gladwell
Author, journalist, and podcast host
Episode: Malcolm Gladwell

Host

Neal Brennan
Host of the show; interviewer

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 3.8k ratings
  • Let the guests speak!

    Neal is a very talented comedian and does a good job overall. I like the show and listen to it quite a bit. He’s also quite the character. One of those guys that is very confidently wrong about many things. Not comedy or show business stuff. He knows that world well. It’s the everything else. He loves a half true stat nearly as much as he loves to interrupt his guests.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    JCG_8221
    United Statesa month ago
  • Please stop the sound effects.

    I like the conversations, I hate the clips and sound effects. Neal doesn’t need it.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    smellybug
    United Statesa month ago
  • The sound is not balanced

    The levels are consistently off, Neal’s mic is blowing out my ear drums while his guests are sometimes inaudible. Good podcast with fun conversations.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    mr R0ger
    United Statesa month ago
  • Scovel

    Why the show is great

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dba4a6
    United States2 months ago
  • Fantastic Convos - wish sound of guest was leveled

    I’m a huge fan of Neal and these conversations are some of the most interesting and introspective! I’ve learned so much about each guest and about Neal. The one thing I wish this show (and others) would do is to adjust levels of the guest when their vox is much lower than Neal. I love listening in my car but when the levels vary greatly I’m constantly adjusting the volume.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    DarlaChef
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Audio balance and sound design are frequently criticized, affecting listening experience.
Guests are consistently compelling; the host's interviewing style is polarizing but engaging.
Insightful conversations with strong guests and honest storytelling.
Listeners appreciate the authenticity and variety of perspectives, though production quirks remain a common refrain.
Some episodes are praised for depth and vulnerability, others criticized for interruptions or pacing.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#139
United States/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#158
Canada/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#211
Australia/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#44
Finland/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#94
Netherlands/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#134
Chile/Comedy

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Daniel Sloss
Q: What are your blocks and how did they shape your career and life?
The guest explains that his blocks include self-hatred, anxiety, and a drive for external validation. Therapy revealed the roots, and shifts in focus toward family and gratitude helped redefine his self-worth beyond stand-up.
Craig Ferguson
Q: How did your sobriety reshape your perspective on fame and career?
Sobriety broadened the lens beyond the spotlight; it allowed reflection on what truly matters, including family and storytelling, and reduced the need for external validation.
Josh Johnson
Q: What is the HBO hour?
The HBO hour is a timeless, broader, more universal set of material meant to connect with audiences on lasting themes, as opposed to the more topical weekly YouTube content.
Malcolm Gladwell
Q: What is your stance on the role of the journalist when it comes to quotes and context?
He believes in accurately representing people, acknowledges that missteps happen, and stresses the responsibility to readers to maintain transparency and context.
Malcolm Gladwell
Q: What makes a good interview in your view?
A good interview should allow guests to think clearly and digress naturally, with the interviewer offering freedom and time to explore, while guiding towards meaningful revelations.

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?

The show centers on candid conversations about blocks, mental health, and personal growth, often weaving humor with tough truths from guests who are comedians, writers, and thinkers. Topics frequently span addiction, therapy, dating, parenting, and the pressures of fame, with attention to how blockages influence creativity and daily life. Notable strengths include intimate storytelling, a willingness to explore difficult experiences, and the inclusion of brand reads that reflect a practical podcast ecosystem. The format tends to blend personal narratives with actionable reflections, making it helpful for listeners seeking authentic narratives about resilience, self-improvement, and the craft of storytelling in public life.

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How many episodes of Blocks are there?

Blocks launched 4 years ago and published 152 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. Gianmarco Soresi
2. Daniel Sloss
3. Craig Ferguson
4. Rory Scovel
5. Arthur Brooks
6. Jordan Jensen
7. Josh Johnson
8. Brad Williams

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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