Comedian Aparna Nancherla is Neither Perfect Nor an Impostor

Aparna Nancherla’s new book, Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself, and Impostor Syndrome, covers a lot of mental health territory, much of which she talks about in this interview. Despite being an accomplished comedian and actor, thus having no reason to suffer from impostor syndrome, she still does, because that particular phenomena is impervious to logic. Nor does her success keep away perfectionism, dysthymic depression, or anxiety. In her book and in conversation, Aparna doesn’t go for the easy laugh, instead finding a deeper sort of humor brought about by insight into what it’s like to live with mental health conditions on an ongoing basis. She also talks about her decision to step away from standup comedy for several years and why she has returned.

Unreliable Narratordrops tomorrow, September 19th, 2023! Get your copy wherever books are sold. Learn more about Aparna, her work, and her coming tour dates by visiting her website, www.AparnaComedy.com.

Thank you to all our listeners who support the show as monthly members of Maximum Fun.

Check out our I'm Glad You're Here and Depresh Mode merchandise at the brand new merch website MaxFunStore.com!

Hey, remember, you’re part of Depresh Mode and we want to hear what you want to hear about. What guests and issues would you like to have covered in a future episode? Write us at [email protected].

Help is available right away.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-8255, 1-800-273-TALK

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.

International suicide hotline numbers available here: https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines

The Depresh Mode newsletter is available twice a week. Subscribe for free and stay up to date on the show and mental health issues. https://johnmoe.substack.com/

John’s acclaimed memoir, The Hilarious World of Depression, is now available in paperback. https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250209566/thehilariousworldofdepression

Find the show on Twitter @depreshpod and Instagram @depreshpod.

John is on Twitter @johnmoe.