"You can't make jokes about being dyslexic - my son is dyslexic!"
"That's why I'm making fun of it. I'M dyslexic, I'm making fun of myself."
Anywhere from 5-15% of Americans are living with dyslexia, so, of course, that means we've got to find a way to make it funny. Tori Piskin (Glamour Magazine, MTV, New York Comedy Festival) is one of those people, but she happens to be a hilarious NYC comedian who has made light of her own dyslexia, even though she's been told "you can't do that."
As researchers learn more about neural diversity and how our brains are all wired differently, our education system leaves those with learning disabilities behind. Meanwhile, millions of people are living with these disadvantages, and one of the best ways to cope is to laugh about it.
In this episode, we talk about:
-Opening for Pauly Shore.
-Swim team and how it influenced Tori's start in comedy.
-The moment Tori's parents knew she was dyslexic.
-Tori's bit about going to a school for kids with learning disabilities.
-Finding the funny without making fun.
-What separates a deli from a market in NYC?
-The time a woman insisted that Tori can't make fun of her OWN dyslexia.
-Tori's secret for confidently asking a fellow New Yorker for directions.
-Liz Miele's bit on being dyslexic and texting guys.
-Using your personality to overcome learning disabilities.
-The hidden side effect of dyslexia.
-How society has - and still does - write off learning disabilities as being "dumb."
-Taking the SATs.
-Getting back onstage after taking time off.
-Committing to a character to sell a bit.
-The different forms of therapy stand-up provides.
-Phil Hanley's bit on growing up dyslexic.
-Various learning styles and neural diversity.
-Famous comedians with learning disabilities.
-And more!
Additional bonus footage available if you become a Patron. Visit patreon.com/youcantlaughpod for exclusive access.
Produced by Golden Ox Studio | Music: Producedbyzip
Visit toripiskin.com to learn about Tori and check out her podcast, "Got It From My Mama."
