DiscoverI Weigh with Jameela JamilFrom The Office to The Outlaws with Stephen Merchant
From The Office to The Outlaws with Stephen Merchant

From The Office to The Outlaws with Stephen Merchant

Update: 2024-06-041
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Stephen Merchant, a renowned comedian and actor, joins Jameela Jamil on her podcast "I Weigh" to discuss his experiences with fame, success, and the importance of resilience. Merchant shares his unique perspective on navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry, highlighting the absurdity of life and the value of humor in coping with challenges. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining friendships and relationships, finding pleasure in work, and developing a system for problem-solving during moments of overwhelm. Merchant also reflects on his personal journey, revealing how his experiences with being tall and feeling like an outsider have shaped his creative work and his interest in exploring themes of loneliness and the human condition. The conversation delves into the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and the need for men to embrace their emotions. Merchant's insights offer valuable lessons on navigating the complexities of life, finding joy in the ordinary, and embracing the power of humor as a coping mechanism.

Outlines

00:00:00
National Treasure Status and Award Ceremony Reactions

This Chapter begins with Jameela Jamil playfully calling Stephen Merchant a "national treasure." They discuss the concept of being a "national treasure" and how it's similar to trying to get a knighthood, requiring a lot of people to keep saying it. Merchant expresses his desire to be remembered in the "in memoriam" segment of the TV BAFTA awards, hoping for a dramatic clip rather than just a photo. The conversation then shifts to how they both react to winning awards, with Merchant describing himself as an "even-keeled" person who doesn't experience extreme emotional highs or lows. He contrasts this with the overwhelming emotional reactions some people have, which he finds a bit confusing. He wonders if their shared ability to see the absurdity of life might contribute to their more muted responses.

00:01:19
Resilience and Mental Health

This Chapter explores the concept of resilience and how it relates to mental health. Merchant shares his perspective on mental health, acknowledging that he doesn't feel qualified to speak on the topic extensively. He emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing mental health and encourages open conversations about it. However, he also expresses difficulty distinguishing between genuine mental health difficulties and the challenges of life that everyone faces. He shares his own approach to managing stress and overwhelm, which involves problem-solving, prioritizing, and seeking support from friends and family. He believes in taking a systematic approach to tackling problems one at a time.

00:12:41
Developing a Resilient Mindset

This Chapter delves into how Merchant developed a resilient mindset. He attributes his resilience to realizing early on in his career that success doesn't solve everything. He learned that everyone, even those at the top, has their own struggles and insecurities. This realization helped him stop judging himself against others and embrace the fact that everyone is simply trying to figure things out. He emphasizes the importance of finding happiness in relationships, work, and personal pleasures. He also shares his system for managing overwhelm, which involves breaking down problems into manageable steps, prioritizing, and seeking help when needed.

00:30:10
Exploring Loneliness and Outcasts

This Chapter explores Merchant's interest in exploring themes of loneliness and outcasts in his work. He shares how his experience of being tall from a young age made him feel like an outsider and how this influenced his desire to create characters who feel on the periphery of life. He discusses the feeling of not being essential to social gatherings and how this has shaped his perspective on human connection. He also shares a humorous anecdote about being used as a meeting point by a group of people at a New Year's Eve fireworks display, highlighting the absurdity of his height.

00:39:53
Outlaws: A Show About Community and Coexistence

This Chapter focuses on Merchant's television show "Outlaws." He explains the genesis of the show, drawing inspiration from his mother's work with community service and the diverse characters she encountered. He highlights the show's themes of community, coexistence, and finding common ground amidst societal divisions. He discusses the show's premise, which involves a group of people from different backgrounds who are forced to work together during community service, leading to unexpected connections and discoveries about shared humanity. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of collaboration and the dangers of hyper-individualism in a world dominated by social media.

00:49:39
Navigating Masculinity and Emotional Vulnerability

This Chapter delves into the challenges of masculinity and the importance of emotional vulnerability for men. Jamil acknowledges the societal pressures that often lead men to repress their emotions, creating a space for toxic masculinity and vulnerability to exploitation. She asks Merchant how he has managed to avoid these pitfalls and maintain a healthy emotional balance. Merchant reflects on his own journey, acknowledging that he wasn't always emotionally available but found ways to express his sensitivity through creative outlets like music and writing. He emphasizes the importance of being open to criticism and self-reflection, recognizing that no one has it all figured out. He also highlights the value of humor as a coping mechanism and a way to connect with others.

Keywords

Stephen Merchant


Stephen Merchant is an English comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He is best known for his work on the British sitcom "The Office" and for his collaborations with Ricky Gervais. He is known for his tall stature, dry wit, and observational humor. He has also starred in films such as "Hall Pass" and "The Invention of Lying." Merchant is a multi-talented entertainer who has achieved success in various fields, including television, film, and radio.

Jameela Jamil


Jameela Jamil is a British actress, model, and activist. She is known for her roles in television shows such as "The Good Place" and "Legendary." Jamil is a vocal advocate for body positivity, mental health awareness, and social justice. She is the host of the podcast "I Weigh," which explores themes of self-worth, body image, and personal growth. Jamil is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and a powerful voice for positive change.

Resilience


Resilience is the ability to adapt to and overcome adversity. It involves bouncing back from challenges, maintaining a positive outlook, and finding strength in difficult situations. Resilience is an essential quality for navigating the complexities of life and achieving personal growth. It is often developed through experiences of adversity, self-awareness, and the support of others.

Humor


Humor is the ability to find amusement in situations, often through wit, irony, or absurdity. It can be a powerful coping mechanism for dealing with stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions. Humor can also foster connection and understanding between people, helping to break down barriers and create a sense of shared experience. It is often used in comedy, writing, and everyday life to lighten the mood and provide a sense of perspective.

Loneliness


Loneliness is a feeling of isolation and disconnection from others. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including social isolation, loss of loved ones, or difficulty forming meaningful relationships. Loneliness can have a negative impact on mental and physical health, leading to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression. It is important to address loneliness by seeking social connection, engaging in activities that bring joy, and reaching out for support when needed.

Outcasts


Outcasts are individuals who feel excluded or marginalized from a group or society. They may be ostracized due to their beliefs, behaviors, or differences from the dominant culture. Outcasts often experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, and rejection. They may struggle to find a sense of belonging and acceptance. Exploring the experiences of outcasts in literature, film, and other forms of art can provide insights into the challenges of social exclusion and the importance of empathy and understanding.

The Office


The Office is a British mockumentary sitcom that aired from 2001 to 2003. It follows the daily lives of office workers at a paper company in Slough, England. The show is known for its cringe humor, awkward characters, and relatable workplace situations. It was created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and has been adapted into numerous international versions, including the popular American adaptation.

Andrew Tate


Andrew Tate is a controversial social media influencer and former kickboxer. He is known for his misogynistic views and his promotion of a lifestyle that emphasizes wealth, dominance, and aggression. Tate has been banned from several social media platforms for violating their terms of service. He has also been accused of promoting violence against women and exploiting vulnerable young men. Tate's influence has sparked debate about the role of social media in shaping attitudes and behaviors.

I Weigh


I Weigh is a podcast hosted by Jameela Jamil that explores themes of self-worth, body image, and personal growth. The podcast features conversations with a diverse range of guests, including celebrities, activists, and experts in various fields. Jamil uses her platform to challenge societal norms and promote a more inclusive and compassionate approach to self-acceptance and body positivity. The podcast has gained a large following and has become a valuable resource for those seeking to navigate the complexities of self-love and personal growth.

Q&A

  • How does Stephen Merchant cope with the pressures of fame and success?

    Merchant emphasizes the importance of maintaining friendships and relationships, finding pleasure in work, and developing a system for problem-solving during moments of overwhelm. He believes in taking a systematic approach to tackling problems one at a time, prioritizing, and seeking help when needed.

  • What are some of the themes that Stephen Merchant explores in his work?

    Merchant is interested in exploring themes of loneliness, the human condition, and the experiences of outcasts. He believes that there are as many stories to tell about ordinary people as there are about fantastical characters.

  • How does Stephen Merchant view the concept of resilience?

    Merchant believes that resilience is essential for navigating the challenges of life. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, understanding your own struggles, and developing coping mechanisms to work through difficult situations.

  • What is Stephen Merchant's perspective on the importance of humor?

    Merchant believes that humor is a powerful coping mechanism and a way to connect with others. He sees it as a way to find amusement in the absurdity of life and to share experiences with like-minded people.

  • How does Stephen Merchant approach the challenges of masculinity and emotional vulnerability?

    Merchant acknowledges the societal pressures that often lead men to repress their emotions. He believes that men need to embrace their vulnerabilities and be open to self-reflection and criticism. He emphasizes the importance of expressing sensitivity through creative outlets and being willing to listen to others.

  • What is the premise of Stephen Merchant's television show "Outlaws"?

    Outlaws follows a group of people from different backgrounds who are forced to work together during community service. The show explores themes of community, coexistence, and finding common ground amidst societal divisions.

  • What is the significance of the older man who keeps reoffending in "Outlaws"?

    The story of the older man who keeps reoffending because he'll have company at the community centre highlights the importance of human connection and the devastating effects of loneliness. It also sheds light on the societal stigma surrounding those who have committed crimes or experienced mental health crises.

  • How does Stephen Merchant view the influence of figures like Andrew Tate?

    Merchant sees figures like Andrew Tate as predatory individuals who exploit vulnerable young men by feeding them a toxic narrative of dominance and aggression. He believes that this type of influence is dangerous and can lead to destructive behaviors.

  • What is the overall message that Stephen Merchant conveys in his conversation with Jameela Jamil?

    Merchant emphasizes the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and finding joy in the ordinary. He believes that humor is a powerful coping mechanism and that embracing vulnerability is essential for personal growth. He also highlights the importance of human connection and the need to find common ground in a divided world.

Show Notes

This week, Jameela catches up with actor, writer, director and comedian Stephen Merchant (The Office, The Outlaws) to explore why much of his life’s work has been about outsiders in our society, where his physical height has influenced his comedy and what logical approach he takes to keeping a balance for his mental health. You’ll hear some of Stephen’s red carpet blunders, missed opportunities for a New Year’s Eve kiss and some golden life advice on friendship and success.


 

Find Stephen's newest season of The Outlaws on Amazon Prime now and follow Stephen on IG @stephenmerchant


If you have a question for Jameela, email it to iweighpodcast@gmail.com, and we may ask it in a future episode!

You can find transcripts from the show on the Earwolf website

I Weigh has amazing merch – check it out at podswag.com

Send what you 'weigh' to iweighpodcast@gmail.com

Jameela is on Instagram @jameelajamil and TikTok @jameelajamil

And make sure to check out I Weigh’s Instagram, Youtube and TikTok for more!

Listen to I Weigh on the SiriusXM App for an all access pass for music, radio channels and plenty more - use this link: siriusxm.com/iweigh and code IWEIGH.

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From The Office to The Outlaws with Stephen Merchant

From The Office to The Outlaws with Stephen Merchant

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