Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps “Comedy, Self-Deprecation & Punching Down" with Comedian Sammy Petersen
Jan 1, 2026
Sammy Petersen, a stand-up comedian and former host of the podcast Confessions, shares his transformative journey after surviving a heart attack at 26. He discusses the nuances of humor, including the ethics of 'punching down' and how comedy can uniquely blend vulnerability and truth. Sammy reflects on performing in New York, the influences of his upbringing, and the lessons learned from both onstage mishaps and personal struggles. His insights reveal comedy's power as a coping mechanism and a way to connect with audiences.
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Seven Years Of Confessions Burnout
- Sammy ran Confessions weekly for seven years and eventually burned out from constant Reddit deep-dives.
- He found the content became repetitive and morally fraught, especially around consent-related confessions.
Desensitisation From Constant Online Moderation
- Repeated exposure to extreme online content desensitised Sammy and made curation emotionally draining.
- That erosion changed his tolerance for what he would present publicly and prompted a format shift.
Heart Attack Mid-Set
- At 26 Sammy had a heart attack on stage; he woke to a horrified crowd and a woman asking if it was still part of the act.
- A comedian helped get him offstage and to hospital, after which bookings dropped and he paused stand-up for six years.