Comedian Emman Idama Talks Childhood Trauma, Dyslexia and Finding Comedy
Comedian Emman Idama Talks Childhood Trauma, Dyslexia and Finding Comedy
We were so lucky to sit down with Comic Emman Idama when he was in New York for his NYC headline debut. Let's dive in!
In this week’s episode, we have Comedian Emman Idama on the podcast. You can get the episode on Apple or Spotify or wherever you like to listen!
Emman is a Nigerian Irish comedian, and a rising star on the comedy scene. Emman MC’s at In Stitches Comedy Club in Dublin, and has been seen on Comedy Central. He’s won Hot Press Irish Comedian of the Year twice, and was a Chortle Comedy Finalist in 2019. He co-hosts the Acting the Maggot podcast.
We were lucky enough to see Emman perform at his NYC debut, headlining at the Dead Rabbit.
Emman is a brilliant comic, and we discuss his comedy career throughout the episode. We also talk about more difficult parts of Emman’s life - including the abuse he lived through as a child, and times he thought about or attempted to die by suicide. We’ve included resources at the bottom of the newsletter.
For listeners, please take care when listening to the episode, and thank you again, to Emman, for his honesty in sharing his story.
We knew Emman from videos like the one above, but seeing him perform in person was obviously a whole other level. Emman’s comedy is full of energy and joy, bringing the audience through topics like dyslexia, moving to Ireland as a kid, funny life experiences and so much more.
As Emman discusses in the episode, he loves to bring joy to audiences, but feels that joy himself on stage as well, which he considers his comfort zone.
While he feels comfortable on stage, Emman talks in the episode about stuttering in other situations, formed from trauma. Emman spoke honestly about that trauma and his childhood, as well as being diagnosed with dyslexia, his mental health and homelessness.
Emman also detailed his love for comedy, and how he’s found it to be a refuge, which you can see from watching Emman’s videos.
In the episode, Emman referenced this part of his set - being fired for stealing popcorn while working at a movie theater. It’s a part of his larger stand-up routine that was so perfectly executed - if you can see him in Dublin or when he’s back in the US - we highly recommend.
This video about what to wear in Ireland is perfect, this the new answer we give when asked what to pack for a visit. CC’ing all of the American guests coming to our wedding in Ireland in June!
Lastly, as we mentioned in the episode, we’re so happy to be partnering with Connemara Marble for a giveaway! We’ll be picking a winner to receive their stunning silver and green marble Triskele pendant, pictured above. To enter, you just need to do two things!
Follow heyrealtalks on Instagram
Subscribe to our newsletter
That’s it, and you’re in. We’ll be picking a winner in the next couple weeks. Check out Connemara Marble’s jewelry, and good luck to everyone who enters!
Real Recommendations:
What we’re listening to:
Alan: Amble - particularly their song Mariner Boy
Mary Kate: Tea Time Crime’s recent episode on Grace O’Malley and Ching Shih
What we’re watching:
Alan: I’ve been watching The Dynasty: New England Patriots documentary
Mary Kate: We’ve now moved on to Traitors: Australia, Season Two. Can’t. Stop.
What we’re reading:
Alan: Still reading Holding by Graham Norton - the drama is just starting to kick off!
Mary Kate: I’ve been comfort re-reading Mary Oliver’s Felicity
What we’re scrolling:
Alan and Mary Kate: Our favorite neighborhood bagel shop changed the direction of the line, and it’s a big deal, with headlines and videos like the one below, which really made us laugh. Love some local news.
Other things mentioned in the episode:
Acting the Maggot, Emman’s podcast, is available on Spotify
Follow Emman to hear about upcoming gigs and tour dates
Some mental health resources:
If you’re listening in Ireland, Samaritan’s Ireland is a 24/7 helpline that can be reached at 116 123, for free, day or night.
SOSAD Ireland provides free counseling, helpline and messaging services to those in need in Ireland.
Pieta provides a wide range of mental health services across Ireland free of charge, no referral needed.
Solace House provides free counseling for those in need in the US.
For listeners in the US, MK always recommends searching for a therapist on Psychology Today - you can search by location, services and insurance provider. And you can get a good sense of the therapists by the descriptions they write.
In the US, Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 service that can be accessed by texting HOME to 741741.
Help is also available in the US by dialing 988
Thank you, again, to Emman, for taking the time to talk with us for this week’s episode. We’re so glad you’re all here and we’ll be back next week!
-Alan and MK