" It’s weird because standup can be like therapy. Comedians can’t be satisfied with just having fun with our friends. We’ve got to figure out a way to do it on stage. "
- Artie Lange

In this statement, Artie Lange reflects on the nature of stand-up comedy, highlighting how it serves as a therapeutic medium that goes beyond mere entertainment among friends. He suggests that comedians are driven to transform their personal experiences and humorous insights into performances for an audience.

Lange’s remark delves deeper into the complexities of being a comedian and the psychological impact of the craft. Stand-up comedy can indeed act as a form of therapy, helping individuals process and share their innermost thoughts and feelings with others through humor. However, Lange also points out that comedians are not content merely to enjoy jokes with friends; they have an innate need to convey these expressions on stage for a wider audience. This reflects the unique pressure and drive comedians experience in translating personal experiences into public performances. The act of sharing these thoughts with strangers can be cathartic but requires more than just enjoying humor privately—it demands courage, vulnerability, and the ability to connect with others through shared laughter.

Artie Lange is an American comedian, author, and radio personality known for his raw and often dark comedic style. His career has seen him appear in various television shows and stand-up specials, where he frequently addresses personal struggles intertwined with humor.