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# An Intimate and Raw Conversation: A Deep Dive into Bert Kreischer’s Sobriety Journey, Comedy, and Life Insights

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Bert Kreischer, beloved comedian and storyteller, opens up candidly about his recent journey into sobriety, the struggles, victories, and reflections that come with making such a significant lifestyle change. The transcript captures a no-holds-barred conversation—often humorous, occasionally vulnerable—covering topics ranging from health and discipline to comedy, personal relationships, and even animal behavior.

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## Embracing Sobriety: A Surprising Turn for Better Health

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Bert begins by sharing his recent health milestone—a resting heart rate of just **47 beats per minute**, a remarkably low number indicating high cardiovascular health. He immediately checks with his cardiologist, anxious about whether he’s dying. The doctor reassures him that he is completely healthy and emphasizes that his low heart rate is a direct result of stopping alcohol consumption, which he started 12 days prior.

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His motivation was driven by the desire to improve his well-being, and he’s astounded at how good he feels—better than ever before. “I’ve never felt better in my life,” he emphasizes. The process of sobriety, surprisingly, has been smoother than expected. Bert initially feared withdrawal, but he reports no severe symptoms, only intensified dreaming and lucid dreams, which he finds fascinating.

He also discusses the influence of alcohol and cannabis on sleep and dreams, noting that abstaining has led to better sleep quality, higher energy levels, and even stronger feet, which has positively impacted his yoga practice.

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## The Challenge and the Social Dynamics of Quitting

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A key insight Bert shares is how quitting substances like alcohol and marijuana has affected his social interactions and mental state. He recounts the ease of abstaining from alcohol—claiming it’s “not hard at all”—and how the idea of no pot has been surprisingly manageable, even enjoyable.

However, he admits the first drink after a month sober might be difficult, fearing it might lead to a relapse. He highlights the importance of community support, mentioning that his friends, such as Ari Shaffir, Tom, and others, are both encouraging and participating in the sobriety challenge, making it a communal effort.

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Bert also touches on the dreams caused by abstaining from weed, noting intense lucid dreams—sometimes fun, sometimes unsettling—that tell him the significance of cycles in his life and their subconscious messages.

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## Personal Growth, Relationships, and Family Dynamics

The conversation ventures into the personal realm—highlighting how sobriety has impacted his relationships. Bert reflects on the changing nature of his bond with his daughter, now 13, noting her increasing independence and how it stirs feelings of nostalgia and concern.

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He reveals a parental vulnerability, admitting a tendency toward over-needing affection, such as repeatedly telling his daughter “I love you,” even when she asks for space. Recognizing the importance of respecting boundaries, Bert contemplates how he can balance love and independence in his family life, emphasizing the importance of acting with honesty and humility.

He also discusses his feelings of guilt for missing out on family moments due to his touring schedule, acknowledging that balancing career and personal life remains a challenge but is a priority.

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## The Power of Community, Comedy, and Self-Reflection

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Throughout the transcript, Bert emphasizes the significance of friendships and shared experiences within the comedy community. He discusses how camaraderie, whether through yoga classes or socializing, provides strength and motivation.

He credits his friends and fellow comedians, like Joey Diaz, Tom, and Ari Shaffir, for their honesty and support, which keep him grounded. Bert reflects on the value of honest feedback, the importance of continuous self-improvement, and how his drive to be better is fueled by a desire not to settle for mediocrity—whether in comedy, health, or life.

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He’s critical of the culture of complacency and emphasizes that “you get better by doing more,” whether running, performing, or practicing craft. This principle extends to his approach to stand-up, where he continually rewrites and reframes material, always striving for authenticity and excellence.

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## The Evolution of Stand-Up: From Intimate Clubs to Massive Venues

A discussion on comedy venues reveals Bert’s nuanced perspective. He contrasts the intimacy of clubs like The Comedy Store, where he’s performed for decades, with larger theaters such as the Wilbur in Boston, which he will soon perform for his Netflix special.

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He discusses how different environments influence performance style—smaller rooms demand quicker, more interactive setups, while big theaters allow for grander, more theatrical sets. Bert emphasizes the balance in his career: maintaining the core of personal storytelling in small venues, yet also embracing the scale and thrill of stadium shows.

He mentions his upcoming tour plans, including a “call in sick” tour with friends, and highlights that he limits his travel, favoring a balanced schedule that prioritizes mental and physical health over relentless touring.

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## Physical and Mental Discipline: Yoga, Running, and Self-Care

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Bert extols the benefits of hot yoga and outdoor running, explaining how these practices have transformed his physical condition and bolstered his mental resilience. He discusses having stronger feet from hot yoga, which aids his running, and shares his experiences with foot and shin issues—common concerns for athletes.

He reveals that hot yoga has not only enhanced his flexibility but also strengthened his feet, reducing pain during running. He advocates for a measured, disciplined approach to fitness, emphasizing gradual build-up and consistency.

He considers the benefits of specialized equipment like the TrueForm treadmill, which mimics outdoor running and offers an effective way to train indoors.

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## Animal Behavior and Evolution: Chimps, Monkeys, and Human Roots

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Shifting gears, Bert delves into fascinating insights about primates. He discusses the recent discovery that chimpanzees have entered their own "Stone Age," using tools autonomously—an indication of burgeoning intelligence. He expands on the evolutionary link, suggesting that humans and primates share a common ancestor and that our closest relatives are still evolving.

He reflects on how chimpanzees attack each other, targeting vulnerable areas like the genitals, revealing a ruthless survival instinct that underscores their complexity. Bert recounts his own encounters, including trying to make a gorilla laugh and observing primates' incredible strength and behavior.

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He also touches on recent studies about primates using sign language and tools, emphasizing their intelligence and the potential for them to evolve into a new, super-intelligent primate class over hundreds of thousands of years.

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## The Darker Side of Humanity and Historical Power Dynamics

Towards the end, the conversation becomes darker, delving into episodes of predatory behavior among humans, especially in entertainment industry contexts. Bert discusses the history of abuse, predatory misconduct, and the dangerous power imbalances that allowed such behavior—highlighted by references to figures like Bill Cosby and Charlie Sheen, and the culture of exploitation that pervaded Hollywood and comedy.

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He also criticizes modern accountability measures and explores how predatory behaviors in the past were often overlooked or dismissed because of fame or power.

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## Reflection on Personal and Societal Evolution

Bert’s narrative concludes with reflections on personal growth, the importance of community, and the necessity of self-awareness. He admits to past excesses, the importance of having strong friendships, and the need to prioritize mental, physical, and emotional health.

He emphasizes that happiness stems from satisfying relationships, family, and community, rather than material success. His journey towards sobriety and discipline underpins this overarching theme: that true fulfillment comes from within, and that continuous self-improvement is the highest pursuit.

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# Final Thoughts

This unfiltered conversation showcases Bert Kreischer’s evolution—from a party-loving comic to someone seeking a deeper understanding of self through sobriety, fitness, and authenticity. His candid insights about life, comedy, health, and human nature serve as both an inspiration and a reminder that real change requires honesty, discipline, and community.

Whether sharing hilarious anecdotes or profound reflections, Bert’s openness demonstrates that humor and vulnerability are powerful tools for growth. His story encourages listeners to evaluate their own lives, pursue balance, and cherish genuine relationships above all else.

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*This article is a synthesis of a dynamic and honest transcript, capturing a slice of Bert Kreischer’s thoughts as he navigates his personal evolution while maintaining his signature humor and authenticity.*