Jordan Peterson on Cancel Culture, Comedy, and His Battle With Depression | The Russell Howard Hour 

It's a strange world we live in where comedians and celebrities like Russel Howard and Russel Brand often do better interviews than journalists and newscasters.

This is the first time I have ever seen Jordan Paterson portrayed properly as a real life person.

Props to Russel Howard for having the balls to interview Jordan Peterson fairly, not only that but conduct one of the most profesional interviews I've seen in years, the media could learn a thing or two about open and polite discussion.

12 days sober thanks to this great man. Haven't stopped drinking in 15 years. And I'm not looking back. Doing it for my 7mo old daughter as my jolt, but continuing for ME. I just want to give him a hug or something.

"In a king's court, the jester is the only one who can tell the truth" How astute and accurate this is when comedians are giving better interviews than main stream journalism.

This is exactly how journalism should be conducted: empathetic, caring, understanding, objective (non-biased), probing but at the same time respecting the guest's boundaries. Good job, Russell. You've earnt my respect

I'm grateful for Russell asking him questions about "mundane" things of life like playlists etc, and it seems JP was too, as he appreciates these things more than ever.

It's really nice to see Jordan able to talk without being constantly on his guard. Kudos to this interviewer for actually interviewing Jordan and drawing out interesting answers from him. Skilled journalism.

It's great to see a UK comedian with a more mainstream audience finally sitting down to talk with Jordan. Thanks Russell

It’s amazing to see how emotive a person Jordan Peterson is when he doesn’t feel like he’s being challenged (which he regularly is in his interviews), and it’s lovely to see how receptive Russell is to his emotions.

When he said "if you can sit down and breath...... there's lots of people that don't have that", I just burst into tears. I'm a 52 yr old man, single for 18 years because of mental health issues after suffering some major sexual, verbal, mental and physical abuse as a child and young teen; but still now after all that and all the struggle that came after and the ongoing issues that are smaller but more manageable - even with that in mind, I'm still healthier than many my age, a small little business of my own, have a roof over my head and some money in the bank (though lockdown used up a lot of it), not a lot by most peoples standards my age, but enough to fund for my daily needs, and some friends to call my own. I have everything I need and more than most, especially with the Ukrainian war going on. I should be thankful more often, not to god, because he cannot exist and my life have been as it was - but just "thankful" in general. Edit: I'm so very grateful for all the replies and messages, and even more for those that have expressed a feeling of hope, however small, from my words - truth is I have often wondered at "my purpose" in life, as we all often do, with no children, spouse or significant other and few friends whom do not have any form of personal reliance on my continued survival, it would not be too much of an exaggeration to say that were I to die in my sleep tonight, there would be little words or feelings of loss at my passing - but each day I continue to wake up, and occasionally get a message from someone like Chico's Mommy, and I guess that might be my purpose, to show "a life", even one as small and limited as mine, is still possible.

This interview is amazingly done. The thing that really lifts me up the most about this interview is seeing Jordan Peterson genuinely smile and laugh.

Such a breath of fresh air to see an interview where the interviewer doesn't have an agenda but actually approached it with sincere curiosity.

This was one of the most genuine and well-conducted interviews I have ever watched. The value of actually listening to someone else should never be sidelined.

lovely to see russel and jordon so relaxed and so informal. thats the difference between a comedian who knows how to interview andn a normal interviewer, so real heartwrenching questions too. was a good watch.

I’ve never seen Jordan Peterson smile as much as he did in this interview….and it’s fantastic.

Oh wow, I never imagined Russell ever having a discussion with Jordan Peterson. Respect to this guy. I'm a fan of both.

Omg when he said they dance together I almost lost it he’s amazing bless them 🥺

I know he’s Canadian but I gotta say it, JORDAN PETERSON FOR PRESIDENT!!!

My respect for Russell has grown exponentially because he was brave enough to talk to Jordan, many people will hate him for it.

Well done Russell. THIS is how you conduct an interview. Absolutely no agenda towards Jordan whatsoever. Was a pleasure to watch, thank you too both of you for just being yourselves.

This interview helped me to accept and integrate Jordan Peterson's philosophical views. I was put off by the rumours and second or third hand characterizations about him. I'm gladly corrected and enlarged by this new information. Save our children from click bait mind death.

Ive only vaguely heard of JP, but Russell Howard is an absolute genius at interviewing ... the mixture of the precise observation, humility and humour that gets the best out of the interviewee, the interview with Greta Thunberg is really a classic.

Not gonna lie, that got me & I shed a tear. Fantastic interview, no politics, no "gotcha" attempts, no offence harvesting, just a good, rational & interesting interview.

It's been a *_LOOOONNNNG_* time since an interview this good happened on any major network. Podcasts and channels like this do interviews this good _every single day_ and they are making mainstream outlets look like amateurs. Also, it's just great to see Peterson out on the circuit again doing talks, on-site interviews, etc. I think this tour will be even more important than the one he did a few years ago. It's like a victory lap.

Thank you for giving Jordan Peterson an interview without trying to demonize him. Thank you.

I have to admit that I've never really "got" Russell's comedy but he did a really great job here: perfect balance of letting JP speak, gentle probing and making his own points which were well thought through and eloquent.

This is proper journalism, asking relevant questions but from a neutral and open standpoint. It represents the interviewee in the most genuine possible way and allows you to form your own opinions from there rather than from a view already tainted by someone else’s agenda.

Thank you, Russell. I will admit that I was one of those people that had heard about him second-hand and made conclusions. This interview is an important reminder that you don't have to agree with everything someone says, but that doesn't mean they're the worst person on the planet. Thank you for bridging the divide and hosting this interview.

We need more conversations like this in the media, most people converse like this in the real world, lets see more of it on the screens.

I feel this is an honest interview. Hasn’t been edited, thank you so much for putting this out there!

These two men talk so much sense and with heartfelt honesty,I'm such an admirer of both of them

When Dr Peterson talks about his struggle he always starts to cry. A man whos been through it all but strong enough to help the rest of us.

This was a great interview and I was impressed by Russel's interviewing skills, digging deep in a short time, asking good questions without being confrontational and creating an atmosphere of openness and warmth, really wonderful.

It's genuinely amazing that the best interviews these days come from comedians who are willing to listen and yet also have such good questions, journos too often have this attitude that it is their job to catch the subject out on whatever issue and destroy them, which of course only leads them to lock up and be too defensive. Well Done Russell on researching beforehand and going into the interview knowing who the man is. Jordans point on comedians being the canary in the coal mine is spot on.

The first few times I listened to this Man,I thought he was arrogant.But the more I watch him,the more I find a very caring and gentle Soul.And a highly honest individual. Reminds me of the sort of people I'd see on interviews growing up like Orson Welles and Peter Ustinov etc.

Russel is actually such a good interviewer this was brilliantly done

This was a really heartfelt interview. You did a fantastic job, Russell.

Didn't realise that Russell is such a fantastic interviewer. The respect between these 2 is obvious. So great the RH asks a question and then actually allows the interviewee answer. Definitely a career to fall back on if the old stand-up routine doesn't work out :-)

I really appreciated this interview. We should really do more things like these with many other different types of people in the future. Actually interviewing people as real life ‘people’. This is another area where Russell can shine.

Really impressed with how Russell conducted the interview. Lovey to see Jordan able to sit down, chat and open up.

Brilliant interview by Russell. He asked all the right questions and got Jordan to really open up. I don't think I've ever watched him in a better interview.

how refreshing to see two men engaged in an exploratory conversation with mutual respect and appreciation. rh .... im impressed.

What an absolute class act from both of these gentlemen. Russell did an excellent job of expressing different points of view, and divulging his own conclusions, and expressing that they were his thoughts. So refreshing to see someone interviewing Jordan as a human being, and trying to get a personal side. I feel so much for Jordan now, I relate to his experiences of depression heavily (especially not being able to listen to music), he has been absolutely demonised when his intentions have been so good. If you study the man you can tell, he has no desire for animosity, and feels deeply hurt that anyone has felt like his work has contributed to this.

"We tried to live as if life was still possible" the ability to find the strength to do that is surely immeasurable.

Watching Jordan try and control his emotions when he speaks about his wife and her suffering really resonates with me. It's hard to really compose yourself when something horrible happens. It's mainly why I suffer in my own mind. Sometimes it's okay to blurt out, Jordan. You keep up the great work that you do and inspire young men all over the world. You're an absolute idol.

Imagine being the guy always keeping his guard on, and then this breath of fresh air, and he breaks down, well done Russel. And JP's life experiences are educative and motivating. He often gets emotional when someone actually listens to what he says...

This has to be one of the only interviews that I've seen where Dr Peterson has genuinely smiled and laughed more than once. This has to be my favorite

If only journalists conducted interviews in such a compelling way as this. Fantastic dialogue.

really lovely to hear more about Jordan's personal life with his marriage, great interview Russell

I was genuinely moved by Jordan Peterson's story it brought tears to my eyes

*Very appreciative of Russell's lack of a bias in this interview - he's changed a lot*

Mr Peterson looks like he’s got his light back, just when we needed him the most. What an amazingly emotive interview and a very pleasant surprise.

That suit is stella.

Russell brilliantly manoeuvres the conversation. So subtle yet amazing. Love these guys 👌🏽

I love Jordan B. Peterson and loved how Howard made him smile, laugh and cry. Two legends in an interview!

I don’t know Russell well, but this interview made me respect him a lot as an interviewer and a human. The questions about music and dancing with his wife were so lovely. I know most other interviewers would have just left it at Jordan’s teary point and moved on to something else, but Russell questioned further about it :’) I like where his attention was and how genuine this conversation felt.

Jordan saved my life …. Thanks Jordan And to anyone out there dealing with stuff. You will get through it

To get a man on any level to show emotion in an interview is a high level of comfort. Russell did an incredible job with this interview. More intelligent interviews like this would be amazing

Jordan Peterson talking about his wife is the most heartwarming thing I've witnessed in a long while.

what I took away from this interview is that even a fully skilled psychologist, who learned how the minds of people usually work, can fall into the abyss. And I am so happy that he beat the darkness. It is always a rocky road to get back. That means, for everyone who is struggling out there, keep going. Survive a day at a time. Sort your mind out. Put all the pieces in your mind together and watch the sun eventually rise again. Mental health is a serious thing and too many people think, they are alone with their struggle. No, you are not. Someone was there before you, someone is right there like you and someone has passed that point. Either on a good or bad note. But you can make it out of it. Open up, talk to someone you trust, get back up. Life is tough. But you can make it. You need to be sick and tired of the suffering and fight it. YOU CAN MAKE IT.

Really appreciate having the balls to put this man in an interview, completely flying in the face of any hate you may receive as a result. Thank you

I love JP, I hope he stays healthy for a long time and his family/friends..we need him! You can tell he's actually relaxed in this interview because he's not being misrepresented for once..it's nice too see..I have great respect for both these guys, first time knowing about Russel..

Thanks for doing and posting this Russell. You did yourself and Jordan (and us listeners) proud by being open minded, asking good questions and....LISTENING! Very refreshing

This man has helped me and so many others in ways he'll never know. In a world of increasing division and chaos, JP is a constant source of logic and calmness.

Well done Russell, this was important. You’ve done the right thing standing up for honesty and not just blind rage.

One of the best interviews I've seen of JBP. He looked so relaxed, under no pressure to defend himself & seemed to enjoy himself too. It was just like two mates down the pub having a chat. Well done you!! 😉😉😉

Two of 10 people I hold high appreciation for, wow throughly enjoyed every second of this interview. Felt privileged to have experienced that. Thank you!! Ps. One day I'd throughly enjoy to converse with both Russell and Jordan, I think it would truly be such an incredible experience to deep dive conversation with them.

This is actually quite important for Russell of all people to do, given his audience. Well done. I don't agree with this man on all points, but hearing what he has to say gives me a better understanding and gets me out of my potential echo chamber.

It really amazes me how any person, woman, or man...could look at this man crying genuine tears and think that is weakness. I think he is so strong...even if he doesn't think so himself. He's been through hell and came back as a survivor.

I'm used to seeing him debating all the time, it's so nice to see him in a discussion where both sides agree and he can talk more about himself. No guard or verbal strategy needed. I Really like him, brought a tear to the eye. All the best to them both

I really loved this interview. I don't always agree with all of his points of view but I really relate to him. Sending love and light his way.

It's a bit of revelation for me hearing Dr Peterson confess that when he was in the depths of depression he couldn't handle the sensory overload of music. I experienced this last year after a major life shock and I've been a DJ for over 25 years so for me it was a particularly alienating experience, especially given that none of my friends could relate. I was too emotionally and mentally exhausted and sensitive to hear anything that might trigger deep melancholy. Thank you for this video Russell. Superb stuff.

Jordan looks better than ever, glad to see him doing so well.

Really happy with Russel for doing this. More people need to actually listen to him.

What a brilliant interview... loved listening to you both.. Thank you

Russel, i'm not going to pretend i'm your biggest fan, I watch your stuff every now and again. This interview with Jordan was amazing and your professionalism shone through. Thank you for this interview.

I had been following JP lectures well before he ever got thrust into the political spotlight. At that time I was wasting away unemployed, unhealthy, horrible habits but I enjoyed watching his uni lectures because I had a psych undergrad degree, albeit one I couldn't use because I was going nowhere in life. Im 100% not saying it's because of him. I'm not that dramatic, but in those past 5 years I turned my life around. I got jobs. I graduated with a 3.96 GPA Masters degree from the same school I had gotten a 2.1 GPA bachelor's just 5 year's prior. I've presented at national conferences, I went from someone with no self respect to somehow having the respect of others and am now in doctoral school for clinical psych. Sometimes I still have no idea how it happened. I was dead in the water. I was blessed for another chance at life. Blessed my family & friends didn't turn on me when I did things that would have warranted that. Again it's certainly not watching his lectures that fixed me. Don't get me wrong. But this man along many other men & women have taught me certain lessons that pushed me forward. It's amazing to see what this guy has been through and how he continues on. I think somehow that's what I had been trying to do these past 5 years too. At 25 I was a dead beat, but at 31 revitalized. I hope we can all find a purpose to move forward and I hope I can continue following mine. Respect to the doc.

Love how much respect and time and consideration Russell gives to Jordan it’s refreshing honestly ✌🏻

I love this interview. One of the best by Russell Howard. Honestly wish this was longer

This interview is so underrated and truly captivating to see two people converse on a human level. Compared to JP other interviews this is amazing to see a more human side of JP and even Russell Howard. More of this. More respect for good journalism and being prepared to talk without bias but curiosity as well as insight into human physiology!

I haven't liked Russell for years, but seeing how open he's being here, seeing him acting like a decent human being and not trying to twist every word and statement out of context, has given me a lot more respect for him. And dare say even opened me up to being a fan again. Subscribed!

I Love Jordan Peterson. He speaks from the heart.....and speaks TRUTH. It terrifies people, to confront TRUTH. Example......an alcoholic, who says he doesn't have a drink problem. Or the same for a drug taker, who screwing up his health or Life. Great video Russel

I love this interview, with JP. It’s so fascinating to hear him engage in a non-confrontational discourse, so much can be discovered about ourselves.

I would whittle down the quote to "You can agree with someone's opinion, without agreeing with all of their opinions". The description of his depression was very accurate - you forget that there is enjoyment and contentment in the mundane things in life. It's tempting to think you need big 'wow' factors to get out of it, but in reality you need to get back to enjoying a simple cup of tea or a walk with a pet, or the joy of a great TV show.

Fantastic interview Russell. Was respectful to his pain. Actually teared up. Glad he is on the up now. 👍🏻

Legit cried pretty constantly through this. Thank you so much for allowing the man to be real. Much love and respect to you all from the Misty Mountains of North Carolina 💜🙏😁

Loved this, always felt RH had some depth to him, this proves it to me. Seeing JP comfortable, laughing, relaxed was a lovely thing to behold. Shed some tears at this one.

This is massive for Russell to actually show the UK audience who Jordan Peterson really is. I’ve followed Jordan’s work for years and his work changed my life in every single way for the better. He pulled me out of a dark hole, and I genuinely believe his work should be on the NHS.

He loves his wife so much. With every video I've watched I think he's cried every time he talks about her. It's utterly beautiful xx

Absolutely awesome interview thanks to all involved with it's production

What a man.. wow. "You need something meaningful to set against suffering" What he said about viewing yourself on the outside, you can eventually find something that's curative. That's so hopeful. That really resonated with me.. everyone's journey is different and ultimately it's what we take from our trials, our battles and challenges, what we learn from them and use as tools in life going forward.

I don’t get people who hate Jordan without even knowing him or listening to him. Shocks me everytime

So glad to see someone as mainstream as Russell Howard giving Dr Peterson a fair portrayal. He has been misunderstood, misquoted and demonized in the press for years 🖖🏼

Such a treat to watch e Jordan and Russell. Two beautiful souls

Man I don't know why but every time I see Jordan laugh or smile it just makes me happy and brings a tear to my eye.

Well done Russell, letting this great man just be, no tricks

The way he speaks about his wife, you can tell just how deep his love for her runs. I absolutely adore Jordan Peterson, he reminds me very much of my husband. What an absolutely brilliant interview, touching on things I never knew before such as him liking the band Arcade Fire. Jordan Peterson is one of those very rare types of people, and we need more people like him in the world.

Tears in a interview is brave. I had tears with fri nds and it was a great step, and everyone understood. And they open up too. Great experience.

It is lovely to see Jordan emotional and vulnerable. His love for his wife is so apparent and it is nice to see an emotional side to a an intelligent and logical man.