What happens when things start going well… and you still feel like a fraud?

In this episode of The Bardo Podcast, Marc Salmon is joined by award-winning comedian Rob Copland for a conversation about imposter syndrome, self-doubt and the reality of life as a stand-up.

Rob shares what it’s actually like behind the scenes, from writing and performing to the pressures of the Edinburgh Fringe, and why success doesn’t always bring the relief you expect.

A funny, honest and reflective episode about creativity, ego, anxiety and trying to find something real underneath it all.

Topics include

• Imposter syndrome in comedy
• Writing vs performing
• Edinburgh Fringe and the industry
• Success, ego and self-doubt
• Belonging and comparison
• Meaning, kindness and how to live

Guest

Rob Copland is an award-winning comedian and clown. His show Gimme (One With Everything) won the Victoria Wood Award at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024, following his debut Mainstream Muck, which won Best Show at the Comedian’s Choice Awards.

Rob Copland (@robertdcopland) • Instagram profile

Things mentioned

• Eddie Pepitone – For the Masses
• Chögyam Trungpa – Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism
• Nick Nemeroff – stand-up special - The Pursuit of Comedy has Ruined My Life

Support the podcast

If you enjoy The Bardo Podcast and want it to keep going, the best way to support it is on Patreon:

The Bardo Podcast | Patreon

Online Meditation Sessions

Second and fourth Sundays at 10:30am UK time.
Message Marc on Instagram to join.

About the podcast

The Bardo Podcast is a podcast about comedy, philosophy and spirituality, and new ways of thinking in uncertain times.

Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers and other curious minds, not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together.

Episodes explore comedy, meditation, philosophy, creativity and alternative ways of living.

Find updates and more information at:
https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/

Music by Marc Salmon and Robert Fuller
Artwork by Zoe Brownstone - Check out her special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE&