"Your personality is not the things you struggle with." So many people probably need to hear this

It sucks to hearnthat Ashley's special didn't do the sort of numbers that she was hoping for.  It was a fantastic special, from its production to its content.  The inclusion of the 9/11 bits was superbly executed.  Here is hoping that it hits a little later.

Just wanna acknowledge to Mak that I’m still laughing at these twilight jokes

Alayna saying she felt like the anxiety was such a big part of her and she asked herself what would be left of her if that’s gone reminded me of her fear of coming out as gay.

Her bisexuality was such a big part of her. She was literally engaged with a man. But she still made the change and found herself to be more of herself than ever before. I believe the same is going to happen with treating the anxiety.

I have to say this. We have lost a LOT of great comedians and sketch artists to the podcast genre over the years because the algorithm rewards podcasts over original and costly (time and money) content like sketches and standup shows, possibly because we're suffering a loneliness epidemic and all living in a parasocial nightmare. I watched the special and it was brilliant. Found Ashley's comedy through YT shorts, and then came to this podcast after all of that. Ashley's a brilliant comedian, and the special was better than many recent specials put out by big names. I hope the audience can sort their shit out, but also that Ashley doesn't take the lack of clicks through to the special personally, it's not a reflection of the content or the work, it's a reflection of the programming and zeitgeist.

Mak you’re getting so much better at expressing yourself

I'm so sad to hear about Ashley's special not hitting the numbers she wanted because it is FANTASTIC. Best comedy special I've seen and it's not even a contest. As a fellow creative (though not professionally yet), I know how much this stuff means and I can't imagine the frustration of advertising it SO much just to have so many fans not watch. That is really rough. I hope your break goes well, Ashley! You are brilliant and will continue to do brilliant things

Ashley's fans who haven't watched her special are truly missing out.  I watch a lot of stand-up and was so impressed with her act. Truly one of the best stand-up specials out there.

"Hey son"
"Hi Dad"
"I'm proud of you"
"Thank you"
I LOVE THIS PODCAST SO MUCH! THAT WAS SO CUTE! AHHHHH!

I totally relate to what Alayna said about anxiety-the “oh it’s not that bad “ mentality. When you have chronic anything- and you’ve been dealing with it for so long it becomes your normal. When I was diagnosed with panic disorder I couldn’t believe it. But everyone around me was like “that checks out”

The fact that they talked about Hank this week of all weeks 💙

I'm 17 and i just got broken up with by my best friend and boyfriend of almost 2 years and this podcast has been such a huge help in getting through this.... basically just convincing myself it's a good thing since i can date a girl now whoops. (I'm bi)

Mak saying boobies is literally what me and my partner do. We say  'life hard titties soft' at each other when just lying on each others boobs (and on other occasions)

The moment Alayna disconnects and Ashley jumps immediately to dad mode 😂

"It made me really sad that so many of my audience that want to come see me live are not interested in the art that I made for them for free" Ashley, I have dealt with these exact same feelings. It's a particularly painful kind of rejection to offer something freely that you worked so hard on and for people to not even take the time to look at it. It really stings. You're offering it for free, so the reward you're seeking is validation, it's people's enjoyment of it, and to not get even that, it's like "what did I work so hard on this for? what was it all for?" These things are so hard to predict, as well. I'll work really hard on something that I think is exactly what people want and will get huge numbers...and it performs poorly. And then I'll churn something out that I'm only mildly excited about and it blows up. You just have to keep doing what you're doing, focus on you, focus on what makes you passionate, because the audience's approval is a constantly moving target. And if you base your art or your self worth around that, you will never be happy. I'm so glad you're taking a break! Breaks are so integral to being an artist. I'm sure you'll come back with tons of amazing ideas! <3

I'm a broke cancer survivor single parent.  I can't even afford rent or therapy right now girl. I'm watching your videos constantly though so put more ads on!

14:00 Ashley thank you for the special, it truely was great! I live in Spain and was grateful to be able to see the show online :)

Ashley I’m so sorry you’re feeling the way you are regarding your special. I have been watching it daily and will continue to have it on in the morning when I’m getting ready. Not only for views for you but also because it just brightens my day 😊😊😊 thank you for it. Just know that although it didn’t reach expectations for you YET (it may get bigger with time) it has made a fuck ton of people laugh. Wish I could give you a hug xx

This might be an unpopular opinion but I wish Ashley would just make stuff she wants to make without the expectations of it going viral. I can see how putting so much work into making something great and then feeling like it didn't perform well would be discouraging. But on the flip side, it's getting uncomfortable constantly hearing about how well the special is or isn't doing. Making things solely for the numbers is a lose/lose for ashley not seeing the success she wants and for those of us who have been doing our part. I've listened to evey podcast episode (this one and the other one), I'm a patreon subscriber, and I've streamed the special countless times but I still tune in to hear that it's not enough. Obviously I want all three of these folks to be successful and continue putting out content they love to make but I wish it wasn't just about the numbers.

Anyone else been watching/playing Ashley's special on repeat since it came out? 🙋‍♀️