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, po...

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 generati...

Summary In 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...

Episode 5: Trent McClellan — Laughing Through Identity, Language & Mental Health In 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 Newfo...

Episode 4 – Arj Barker: Meditation Fails, Lucid Dreams & the Neuroscience of Funny Bay-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 it Corpse-visualisati...

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 Pe...

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 understan...

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 b...