Achilles' Heel with Alex Hooper

When one chapter ends, another begins. For now, this is the final episode of Achilles' Heel so who better to interview than...MYSELF. In this candid exposition, I break down how having one of the worst cases of eczema on the planet has affected my entire life. Hospitalizations, self-hatred, misguided confusion and rage; all of it is here in this episode. You'll hear some of my worst moments of aggression along with the myriad of ways I've learned to heal.  I want to thank you all for being part of this journey. It's been life-changing to have these conversations with humans I respect and love. Wait until you see what I do next! Sign Up For My Email List: Hoopercomedy.com Follow me on IG for Daily Lollipops: @hooperhairpuff

Laughter is healing. When a comedian dies, immediate ripples are felt throughout the world. Drennon Davis (Conan, NBC) sits down with me to discuss why the loss of a clown is so impactful. We honor Bob Saget, Robin Williams, Betty White, and so many more while trying to stay true to our silly ass selves. Don't worry, this episode is anything but depressing. What will your impact be when you go? Drennon is a comedian, musician, puppeteer, and all around goofball. He can be seen all over your TV, social media, or running amok at insane festivals. Follow Drennon: @drennondavis drennondavis.org

Sometimes it takes more than an apple a day to keep the doctor away! Justine Marino (The Funny Dance Show, Glitter and Garbage Podcast) is getting the most out of her health insurance with frequent visits to calm her mind. We discuss our hilarious times working at Universal, how to sell a TV show by following your bliss, and the holistic language between your body and brain, and why sending pictures of your feet isn't always sexual. Justine is an absolute delight and a powerhouse on stage. Check out The Funny Dance Show and her weekly podcast, Glitter and Garbage. You'll be glad you did.  Follow Justine: @justinemachine1 Glitter and Garbage: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/glitter-and-garbage/id1506683181

" We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, but to create something that will." -Chuck Palahniuk Get ready to cross over to the other side! Dave Yates (Album: One Long Merch Pitch) has a sincere case of thanatophobia and isn't afraid to talk about it. We talk about coping with multiple losses very closely together, the long winding road to 9 years of sobriety, and why stinky cheese may be the answer to all of life's problems. Dave is a wonderful comedian and producer of some of the tastiest hot sauce on the planet, HAHA Hot Sauce. Grab a bottle when you go see him at a show. Your tongue will thank you. Follow Dave: @yatescomedy Yatescomedy.com

"If a circle shuts you out, draw a circle around it." -Marty Rubin Please don't not listen to this podcast! Heather Turman (Stuck) moved to Los Angeles at 18 only to find countless doors closing right in her face. We discuss coming out to a mother who didn't understand, the importance of creating your own projects, how MDMA therapy can open your mind, and what it's like to yell your own name during sex.  Heather is a filmmaker, actress, comedian, writer, and all around badass human being. Check out her film Stuck on Amazon Prime. Follow Heather: @heatherturman heatherturman.com

"Do not put off til tomorrow what can be put off til the day after tomorrow just as well." -Mark Twain Like Nike says: Just (Don't) do it! Chip Nicholson (Laughter Hours) may not have his name on his shoulder but he does have a huge problem completing tasks in a timely manner. Sound familiar?? We also discuss dealing with racism after moving from San Diego to Alabama, the temptations of the dark playground, and how his grandparents were giving him food for thought before he even knew how to chew. Chip is not only a hilarious ball of energy and light, he's also one of the most happy-go-lucky souls you'll come across in this world.  This episode is filled with huge laughs and deep moments. Truly a pleasure to have this conversation. Go see him live and follow him on all the things. He's worth it and so are you.

Get your ticket stamped because this conversation is about to leave the station. Lubelski (Dirtybird, Desert Hearts) is beating up dancefloors while seeking affection from those around him. We talk about what it took to put out his latest EP "Happy Accidents," crazy forest parties in Santa Cruz, and why parents need to be mindful of the traumas they pass onto their children. Lubelski is traveling the world to make you shake your groove thing. His huge personality and tiny sunglasses invite you into a colorful world that will delight and stimulate at least four of your senses. Then again, maybe you can taste how good the music is. Like an ice cream cone... Follow Lubelski: @lubelski lubelskimusic.com https://soundcloud.com/lubelski

Sound the self-doubt alarms! Alex "Cookie" Leon is a designer and wardrobe stylist making her name in the world of fashion, so why do the words "NOT GOOD ENOUGH" keep flashing in her brain? We discuss the importance of allowing yourself to feel every emotion, opening yourself up on social media, what it takes to find your aesthetic, and why celebrating your success is crucial to moving forward.  Cookie is dedicated to making others look as good as they feel. Her unique style and loving attitude is infectious. Catch her parading around festivals and parties in between epic nap sessions.  Follow Cookie: @Cookieleonx www.cookieleonstylist.com

"Girl, you better work!" -RuPaul   Clock in and put your pencils to the paper, kids! Brittany Brave (Miami's Best Comedian 2021) loves her job, but at what point does your infatuation with work become an unhealthy obsession? We break down the addictive lifestyle of a comedian, the fear of being left behind when you take time off, and how overworking can actually lead to reverse success, Brittany is a wonderful and whimsical human who commands your attention as soon as she takes the stage. A firecracker disguised in a small package, do not underestimate this shining star. Follow Brittany: @brittanybrave  

The one thing you need to know about ADHD is that HOLY SHIT CHIPOTLE HAS BRISKET NOW??? Do your best to stay focused this week as we swirl down the wormhole of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (wow, I zoned out from typing that.) Subset (Dirtybird, Insomniac) mixes together beautiful music but his brain is always transitioning to the next thing whether he likes it or not.  We break down having the whole alphabet of mental health issues, why taking breaks will fill your soul, hidden superpowers, and what it's like to DJ for 69 (haha) hours straight. Subset is a killer musician known for his care-free, fun as hell, eclectic musical styles. He plays festivals and parties all over the world. You never know what you'll get in a set but I guarantee, you're going to be all smiles while you shake your groove things.  Follow Subset: @subsetgetsit Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/subsetgetsit

"The more I let go that I'm ever gonna solve something, the more fun it gets." Squeak your noses and break out your rubber chickens, we're getting magically silly. Christina Catherine Martinez (Vulture Comedians You Should and Will Know) is a master at deflecting her own feelings onto others. We discuss the world of art critique, the countless wolves living inside of her, and how growing up religious can leave you feeling fear and shame. Christina is a wonderful comedian, writer, and creator. Catch her clowning her way to a stage near you. Follow Christina: xtina_catherine www.christinacatherine.info/comedy

"If you fixate on the worst-case scenario and it actually happens, you've lived it twice." - Michael J. Fox All hell is about to break loose! John Hastings (America's Got Talent, BCC) can't help but catastrophize every aspect of his life. As we stretch our minds and play out horrible outcomes, we also talk about Canadian healthcare, auditioning for AGT on the day the world shut down, and how mindfulness is truly the key to finding inner-peace. John is a world-traveling comedian who knows how to crush every stage he hits. His fast-paced style and gregarious attitude is more infectious than Covid. Follow John: @thejohnhastings thejohnhastings.com

"Complacency is the deadly enemy of spiritual progress. The contented soul is the stagnant soul." -Aiden Wilson Tozer All hail the rave fairy king! Josh Waldron (New Youtube Special:  Chosen None) has a major problem: He's totally OK with his life. We discuss how happiness steals motivation to create, performing for people tripping at music festivals, and finding middle ground between playing the system and being a disruptor. Josh is absolutely hilarious and has a heart made of rainbow sprinkles. He laughs and dances his way through a life worth living. Check out his new special and follow him on all the things. Follow Josh: @joshwaldronsucks Chosen None: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Fxa2Tmql8

" I was the white black sheep in my family." It's a classic battle of Introvert vs Extrovert as we figure out where our energy originates. Candice Thompson (The Tonight Show, Joe Rogan Experience) joins me to explain how she copes with the Hollywood lifestyle while not allowing it to drain her of her essence. We also talk about growing up ethnically ambiguous, how to get ejected from a wedding, and what it means when we meet our demons face to face.  Candice is a magnificent comedian, writer, and human being. While she may be introverted, her smile lights up every room she enters. Follow her on all the things.  Follow Candice: @jokesbycandice candicethompsoncomedy.com

Don't wake Daddy! This conversation gets a little clingy but it is anything but static. Jenny Yang (Variety's Top 10 Comics To Watch) spent much of her childhood learning how to please others, but how do you break the cycle to live for yourself? We chat about escape mechanisms, equality in relationships, and our favorite self-help books.  Jenny is a magnificent comedian, writer, and so much more. She's a go-getter, game-changer, let-it-all-hang-out performer. Follow her on all the things and go see her in a city near you. Follow Jenny: @jennyyangtv jennyyang.tv

"I think outside the box because I was never invited into the box." Open wide, everybody! Comedy legend and Emmy winner Rick Overton (Set List Special on Amazon Prime) is here and he can't shut up. We discuss overcoming dyslexia and ADD, why digging yourself a hole is always a worthwhile challenge, and how life is just one giant improvisation and its up to us to say "YES, AND..." Rick has been doing comedy for over 50 years. He has been seen in countless TV shows, films, stages, and festivals. His insight on how to live a fruitful life is inspiring. Take notes, this one has so many digestible nuggets. Follow Rick: @rickoverton

You can't control the situation that you are born into.  From the title alone, you know this episode is going to have moments that are extremely dark. Monarey Martinez (The Shamic Podcast) recounts her challenging stories with levity, wit, and bravery. You wouldn't expect this much laughter, but what can I say, we lean into fear and pain. We discuss making the best out of a life of poverty and abuse, how psychedelics can fast-forward years of therapy, and why riding the Greyhound bus is a an experience no one needs to have. Monarey is a wonderful, intelligent, and hilarious comedian. These are her stories and they may be troubling to some listeners, however, they are important. This is not a story of a victim. It is a story of a courageous, strong-willed woman who knew she could break free of past demons through resilience, compassion, and humor. Follow Monarey: @monareym Shamic Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shamic/id1553689544

"Typically I would wake up and I'd be taking a shower." Imagine going to sleep and having no idea where you would wake up. For Jay Light (Master Chef, Comedy Central) this is reality. While he attempts to stay awake, we chat about the glory days of Roast Battle, the oddities of fraternity hazing, and why pushing yourself to exhaustion is detrimental to your creativity.  Jay Light is a brilliant comedian and writer. Check out his podcast BlockBusting, and go see him whenever you can. Follow Jay: @dietjay jaylightcomedy.com

This is not the pounding and throbbing I was hoping for... Comedian Izzy Salhani is no stranger to pressure, especially when its inside her own head. We discuss the side effects of long-term medications, the endless trials to alleviate constant pain, and what its like to live with someone after you find out they've been lying about everything. Sound fun? It is! Izzy Salhani is a wonderful human being and comedian. You can catch us on the road together this month! 11/29: Davenport, IA 11/30: Madison, WI 10/1: Chicago, IL Follow Izzy: @luckysalhani

I thought the Rocky Mountains would be a little rockier than this... Motivation! Desire! Drive! Adam Cayton-Holland (Those Who Can't, Conan) has accomplishments out the wazoo, but does the need for success also weigh him down? We discuss what it takes to write a book about the worst moment of your life, finding harmony with your creative partners, and why putting unhealthy pressure on yourself will eventually lead you down a path of misery.  Sound hilarious? It is. This is a beautiful conversation with an artist I have unlimited respect for. Adam is a standup, an author, a podcaster, a father, and an all-around stellar human being. Follow him and please read his book, Tragedy Plus Time.  Follow Adam: @caytonholland Adamcaytonholland.com