#1289 - Eddie Izzard

At a Glance

• Humor in Linguistic Differences - “You say herbs, and we say herbs, because there’s a fucking H in it”. Eddie Izzard humorously discusses the differences in British and American pronunciations, providing a comedic take on linguistic variations. This moment showcases Izzard’s witty commentary on cultural differences, a hallmark of his stand-up style. ‍
• Experiencing Gender Identity - “When I was a kid, I wanted to be in special forces… but yeah, that was where I was”. Eddie shares his journey of grappling with his gender identity while initially wanting to join the military. This poignant revelation highlights the internal conflicts and societal challenges faced by transgender individuals, underscoring his resilience and determination. ‍
• Marathon Feats as a Metaphor for Perseverance - “I did 43 marathons in a row in 51 days with no training… The first 10 marathons train you for the next 33”. Izzard’s incredible achievement of running marathons with minimal preparation symbolizes his exceptional willpower and dedication. This feat serves as a metaphor for his approach to life’s challenges, emphasizing mental strength and endurance. ‍
• Navigating Public Perception as a Transgender Person - “When you first started wearing women’s clothes and dresses and makeup on stage, did people think it was a gimmick?”. Eddie discusses the public’s initial reaction to his gender expression, reflecting on the skepticism and misunderstanding he faced. This moment underscores the societal hurdles in accepting non-conforming identities and the courage required to be authentic. ‍
• Physical and Emotional Resilience - “I was peeing brown pee… It shreds the muscles into the bloodstream, clogs up kidneys, kidney failure, very dangerous”. Describing his battle with rhabdomyolysis during a marathon, Eddie illustrates the physical toll and risks involved in his pursuits. This highlights his physical and emotional resilience, and the extreme lengths he goes to achieve his goals.

What to Do

• Adoption of Language and Accents - Eddie mentions, “I always wondered… what the fuck happened to their language” referring to how people in Boston might change their accent, implying the natural evolution or adaptation of language and accents based on environment or personal choice. ‍
• Cultural Observations and Experiences - Eddie shares his approach to international experiences, “I always think, okay, people are like this too” suggesting that he always keeps an open mind about cultural differences and similarities when traveling. ‍
• Personal Development and Identity - Eddie discusses his transgender identity, saying, “I always felt since I was four or five, I want to express this side of myself” advising on the importance of understanding and expressing one’s true identity from a young age. Further, he states, “I always do dramatic films in boy mode. And then I’m touring in girl mode and doing standup,” indicating his strategy of adapting his professional appearance and behavior to suit different roles and contexts effectively. ‍
• Embracing Challenges - Eddie discusses his experience with running marathons “I always do…” referring to his approach to facing physical challenges, suggesting resilience and determination in overcoming difficult tasks.

What to Get

• Coffee - Mentioned in the context of Eddie pouring coffee in the first seconds of their chat. https://amzn.to/3VCFR69 ‍
• Marathons and Running - Eddie talks about his experience running marathons, implying the use of running gear or related athletic equipment. https://amzn.to/3xdzywD ‍
• Makeup and Dresses - Eddie talks about using makeup and wearing dresses as part of his transgender expression and during performances.

Summary

This episode consist of a rich and engaging conversation between Eddie Izzard and Joe, the host. The dialogue covers a broad range of topics, showcasing both humor and depth. This summary delves into the key points, exchanges, and the overall essence of the conversation, offering a comprehensive view of the discussions. ‍ The conversation begins with a casual exchange about coffee and quickly segues into differences between British and American English, reflecting on how words and pronunciations have evolved differently in the two cultures. Eddie humorously explains the British pronunciation of “herbs” with an ‘H’ and theorizes that American variations might stem from early French influences in the U.S. This light-hearted discussion sets the tone for a conversation that fluidly moves between humor and more serious cultural observations. They also touch on historical figures like Julia Child and Lafayette, using these references to underscore the long-standing cultural exchanges between France, the UK, and the US. ‍ As the conversation deepens, Eddie and Joe discuss broader topics such as global similarities and differences, the effect of British colonial history on international relations, and personal experiences of cultural idiosyncrasies encountered during travels. Eddie, having performed in 45 countries, offers insights into the universal human experiences beneath cultural veneers and comments on the distinctiveness of national brands, sports, and politics. He notes that despite superficial differences, people around the world tend to share more similarities than they might expect. This part of the conversation reflects on global interconnectedness and the nuances of cultural identity. ‍ One of the more profound moments in the discussion comes when Eddie speaks about his experiences as a transgender person. He shares personal stories about coming out, the public’s reaction, and his journey of self-acceptance. Eddie’s reflections bring a significant emotional depth to the conversation, highlighting issues of identity, acceptance, and the struggles faced by transgender individuals. The discussion also veers into controversial territories as they talk about political correctness, the impact of social changes on language and expression, and Eddie’s ambitions in politics. ‍ Overall, the conversation is a dynamic mix of humor, cultural critique, and personal revelation. It covers a wide range of topics from linguistic differences to deep personal challenges, providing a rich tapestry of ideas and insights. Eddie and Joe’s exchange is marked by moments of agreement and introspective reflection, punctuated by laughter and comedic relief, illustrating a strong rapport and mutual respect between the two. This summary captures the essence of their discussion, providing a solid foundation for anyone looking to understand or engage in an informed conversation about the topics covered in the transcript.