Comedy in Crisis: Finding Light in Tragedy w/ Adam Chapel

Comedy, Grief, and the Art of Healing with Adam Chappel

In this heartfelt episode, Adam Chappel, winner of the first Comedy Rumble in Las Vegas, joins the host to delve into the transformative power of comedy as a tool for healing and community building. The conversation navigates through Adam's personal journey, marked by profound loss and tragedy, and how comedy became a beacon of hope and a means to process grief. Adam shares candid stories of his experiences on stage, the challenges of creating humor from pain, and the unexpected joy of connecting with audiences through shared vulnerability.

The episode also explores the dynamics of the Comedy Rumble, the supportive nature of its audience, and the importance of creating spaces for emerging comedians to hone their craft. Adam discusses the inception of his own show, the Hot Box, and the significance of fostering a vibrant comedy scene in Las Vegas. The duo reflects on societal issues, the role of humor in addressing uncomfortable topics like death, and the potential for comedy to unite people in a world increasingly divided by fear and greed.

With a blend of humor and sincerity, Adam and the host engage in a thought-provoking dialogue about the cyclical nature of history, the impending changes in our world, and the power of community and laughter in navigating the apocalypse.

00:00 What makes a comic is how they approach tragedy

01:34 Adam Chappel hosts Vibe in the Apocalypse about comedy following tragedy

02:09 M. M. hosted his first comedy rumble last month

06:07 Rumble a Thing was your first show. When was that? In September? October. Yeah, October

09:18 I read this fantastic book in August about giving away without expectation

11:49 Salt Banks started a show called the Rumble and it's now two shows

16:38 Anything that gets more people experiencing live comedy is powerful

19:57 Born and raised in Las Vegas, four generations in Vegas

20:24 Let's talk. Let's talk about what feels okay for you

20:58 Your dad committed suicide in July of last year

25:37 You used comedy to deal with sometimes absurd and horrific tragedy

30:10 Your dad's passing is still really tragic for you

33:43 My dad went camping with some friends when I was 8 or 9

36:26 I'd love to sit down and write about my dad's suicide

38:42 Definitely talks of suicide, by the way, you guys. And I get it's uncomfortable to talk about

42:12 What do you, what do you want for your funeral

44:13 Ben: Thank you for sharing your grief with us. That means a lot

45:21 M. Ross: I think that apocalypses are great opportunities for change

50:19 Give away $500 million to fight world hunger

52:24 What apocalyptic skill do you have that you could teach me

54:37 You can follow Hotbox Comedy show on Instagram

55:51 If you need any video work, I. Am. Doing freelance videography work

Follow Adam Chappel on Instagram: @adamchapel_14

Hot Box Comedy Show: @hotboxcomedyshow December 18th at Fremont Street, benefiting Goody Two Shoes

Follow the host on Instagram and TikTok: @thefreshkingbenjamin

Comedy Rumble in Las Vegas: December 15th

Comedy Rumble in Salt Lake City: December 21st

Join the conversation on how humor can be a powerful force for healing and change in these uncertain times.