The Slow Learner Podcast with Pete Johansson

In this unforgettable episode, comedian and actor Darrin Rose (Mr.D, MatchGame, LetterKenny, Home Sweet Home & more) joins Pete Johansson and neuroscientist Dr. Paul Whissell to share a deeply personal and shockingly funny story: getting sucker punched in Halifax while waiting for poutine. What follows is a brutal, hilarious, and at times heartbreaking tale of injury, botched medical care, police failure — and eventually, healing through comedy.Darrin’s story becomes a springboard for a

In Episode 06 of The Slow Learner, Pete Johansson and Dr. Paul Whissell sit down with Canadian media icon Erica Ehm for a wide-ranging, funny, and deeply introspective conversation that dives far beyond nostalgia. Erica, best known as a pioneering VJ on MuchMusic, opens up about the pressures of live television, parasocial fame, intellectual humility, and her unexpected role in shaping a generation’s musical and cultural consciousness.From stories of spontaneous balcony interviews with Kurt Cobain

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Pete Johansson and Paul Whissell explore the intersection of comedy and neuroscience, discussing Pete's unique journey from a career in comedy to pursuing education in cognitive science. They delve into the importance of lifelong learning, the concept of being a 'slow learner', and the societal pressures surrounding age and education. The discussion also touches on cultural identity, the impact of AI, and the influence of notable thinkers in

Episode 5: Trent McClellan — Laughing Through Identity, Language & Mental HealthIn this episode of The Slow Learner, comedian and This Hour Has 22 Minutes cast member Trent McClellan joins Pete Johansson and neuroscientist Dr. Paul Whissell for a funny, thoughtful, and deeply honest exploration of humour, identity, and emotional health.Trent opens up about growing up as a Black kid in Newfoundland, how comedy became his social lifeline, and the moment The Untethered Soul reshaped his view of

Episode 4 – Arj Barker: Meditation Fails, Lucid Dreams & the Neuroscience of FunnyBay-Area-born stand-up icon Arj Barker joins Pete Johansson and Dr Paul Whissell for 90 minutes of big laughs, deep nerdery and a few “did-he-really-say-that?” detours. We dig into:Arj’s guided-meditation show intro—why he likes to “prime” an audience and the science that (sometimes) backs itCorpse-visualisation in Buddhism, spiritual materialism and Arj’s parody rap “The Sickest Buddhist”Lucid-dream hacks

This week on The Slow Learner, we’re joined by internationally acclaimed comedian Des Bishop — and things get smart, silly, and seriously heartfelt.We dive deep into the science of language learning, addiction recovery, and comedy as cognitive therapy, all while poking around the cultural complexities of attraction, ego, and humour’s role in our social survival.Oh, and Pete drops a Jordan Peterson impression you don’t want to miss — it almost justifies the slightly janky audio (we’re The Slow

This week, Pete reconnects with longtime friend and comedic powerhouse Darcy Michael for an honest, hilarious, and unexpectedly moving conversation about ADHD, neurodivergence, and the power of humour to heal. Known today for his joyful online presence with husband Jer, Darcy opens up about his late ADHD diagnosis, rejection sensitivity, and the emotional mourning that follows finally understanding your past through a new lens.From green rooms in Vancouver to touring as viral sensations, Pete and

In this engaging conversation, Pete Johansson and Brent Butt explore the intricate relationship between comedy, creativity, and personal experiences. They delve into the evolution of comedy, the impact of family on creative expression, and the significance of the flow state in performance. The discussion also touches on the challenges of aging in the comedy world, the influence of socioeconomic backgrounds, and the dynamics of audience perception. As they reflect on their journeys, they highlight