Ep 9. Emily Heller

Emily Heller takes the stage for the ninth episode of season 5 of The Half Hour. This stand-up comedian is known for her sharp wit and ability to take on tough topics with humor and grace.

Heller kicks off her set with a joke about how people always ask her what it's like to be a bisexual woman in comedy. She quips, "It's like being a heterosexual woman in comedy, but with more options." The audience erupts in laughter, setting the tone for the rest of her set.

From there, Heller tackles a range of subjects, from the social pressure to have children to the absurdity of gendered marketing. She even manages to make a joke about the history of pogroms in Russia, drawing laughs from the crowd despite the topic's heavy subject matter.

One of the highlights of Heller's set is her bit about the way society views women's anger. She notes that men are often praised for their anger, while women are dismissed as "crazy" or "hysterical." Heller cleverly turns this trope on its head, declaring, "I don't have anger management issues. I have inappropriate happiness suppression issues." As she goes on to describe all the things that make her angry, the audience can't help but laugh at her relatable frustrations.

Heller also delves into more personal territory, discussing her experiences with anxiety and depression. She balances the seriousness of the topic with her trademark humor, describing herself as "an emotional Pop-Tart" who needs medication just to be a "normal frosting-filled pastry." Her jokes about mental illness are both poignant and funny, a testament to her talent as a comedian.

Throughout her set, Heller comes across as relatable and down-to-earth, drawing the audience in with her conversational style. Her jokes are smart and incisive, touching on topics that are both timely and timeless. By the end of her set, it's clear that Emily Heller is a force to be reckoned with in the world of comedy.

Overall, episode 9 of season 5 of The Half Hour showcases Emily Heller's unique brand of humor and her ability to find the funny in even the most difficult subjects. Anyone looking for a good laugh should tune in to see this talented comedian do what she does best.