#neardeathexperience #standupcomedy #secondchance

What would you do differently if you nearly died?

On Christmas Day 2024, stand-up comedian Russ Lee suffered a brain haemorrhage that could have killed him.

He survived — and the experience completely changed the direction of his life.

Before leaving hospital, Russ’s wife asked him a simple question:

“What are you gonna do with your life now?”

His answer?

“I’m gonna try stand-up comedy.”

And he did.

In this episode of Fiora’s World Podcast, Russ shares his extraordinary journey from a life-threatening brain haemorrhage to getting on stage and building a new career in comedy.

We talk about recovery, fear, rejection, family, money, taking opportunities and what happens when coming close to death forces you to question how you’re living.

When I ask Russ whether he is actually happy the brain haemorrhage happened, his answer is extraordinary:

“It’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

For Russ, the experience became a turning point. It made him stop waiting, start taking opportunities and finally do what he actually wanted to do.

Today, comedy is much more than a career.

As Russ says:

“My therapy is comedy.”

This is a conversation about survival, second chances and having the courage to start living the life you really want.

ABOUT RUSS LEE

Russ Lee is a Nottingham-based stand-up comedian, MC and comedy promoter known for his energetic performances, quick wit and crowd work.

Russ began performing stand-up in May 2025, only months after suffering a brain haemorrhage on Christmas Day 2024.

Since taking to the stage, his comedy career has developed rapidly. He has performed extensively on the UK comedy circuit, won several gong shows and appeared on the BBC.

Through Russ Lee Comedy, he also promotes live comedy events and supports other comedians on the circuit.

FOLLOW RUSS

Instagram:
Instagram: russleecomedy

Facebook:
Facebook: 61576554500128

Shows & tickets:
https://www.jokepit.com/comedy-by/rus...

Nottingham Comedy Festival:
https://www.nottinghamcomedyfestival....

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction – Meet Russ Lee
00:26 How Russ became a stand-up comedian
01:01 Christmas Day 2024: the brain haemorrhage
02:11 How it changed his outlook on life
04:30 What happened on Christmas Day
04:38 Cooking Christmas dinner with frozen chips on his head
05:14 The reality of recovery
07:35 Physiotherapy and speech therapy
09:00 “What are you going to do with your life now?”
09:08 “I’m going to try stand-up comedy”
09:29 Facing the fear of his first gig
10:24 Taking the stage for the first time
11:00 Turning real life into comedy
12:36 Why performing feels better than any high
14:53 Choosing to live differently
16:58 Building a career in stand-up
31:49 Choosing fulfilment over money
33:04 “It’s the best thing that ever happened to me”
39:24 “My therapy is comedy”
40:28 What’s next for Russ

WATCH NEXT

▶️ Transformative Stories:
Transformative Stories

▶️ More from Fiora’s World Podcast
Experts Talk

HOST – FIORA ANICCA

Instagram:
Instagram: fiora_anicca

Website:
https://www.fioraanicca.com/

Listen to the music inspired by my journey:
@fiora_anicca

PRODUCTION

Filmed, produced, edited & colour graded by Rosso Film & Photography

Instagram:
Instagram: rosso_film_photography

Email:
rossotierney@gmail.com

WANT TO BE A GUEST?

Want to appear on the podcast and share your story or expertise?

Email:
fiorasworldpodcast@gmail.com

#brainhaemorrhage #comedy