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Even if youre unfamiliar with the name Heather McMahan, youll probably recognize her face.
(Hey, nobody called me, Im part of that same club, she says.
Next time, just let me know when were all getting thin.)
And shes preparing for her biggest stage yet: Netflix.
Kathryn Brolin
Her first comedy special,Son I Never Had!,premieres on the platform Tuesday.
At the end of the day, the jokes always on me, and I think thats really relatable.
For those new to you, how would you describe your brand of comedy?
Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Heather McMahan:I think this special is a great introduction to me.
I would describe my comedy as honestly, just really joyful and its, I think, really relatable.
So many people reached out to me and said, This is unbelievably relatable.
Nobody’s really talked about this publicly before.
I cant believe that more people arent talking about this.
That was one of my favorite parts of the special.
Your descriptions were so accurate and so funny.
Why did you decide to make fun of how unhinged it is?
Nobody prepares you for it.
Nobody tells you whats going to happen to your body, how youre going to feel.
Of course Im going to talk about it.
Now as an adult, what does body positivity mean for you?
It makes me laugh.
Then all of a sudden its like, Oh no, we all have to just accept everything…. Its like, Let me stay in my own fucking lane.
You know what I mean?
Its almost like women can’t win!
Women cannot win, and I know, listen, Im already prepared.
The joke is I felt left out of the group.
Somebody just call me and let me know that were going to start exercising!
I feel like its such a weird time in body positivity, too, with all the Ozempic stuff.
Its like, Oh, you shouldand could!
be super, super thin because being super thin is cool again.
Im curious about your take on that whole conversation.
Do anything that makes you feel good about yourself.
Is it annoying when you see these already very thin celebrities doing it?
Sure, but you know what?
It can change peoples lives.
Modern medicine is a beautiful thing, and it is so annoying.
Again, you cant win.
Like no, take several seats.
I also feel that way about plastic surgery.
If you want to do something to make yourself feel better, its all about you.
If you feel better, youre going to be nicer.
Lisa Rinna says that if you look better, youll feel better.
And then if you feel better, youll be nicer.
And everyones an asshole, so why dont we all just go get some Botox and be nice?
So much of your comedy is about self-love.
Where do you draw your confidence from?
A real savage family.
So I can take a joke, I can take criticism, I have thick skin.
Why be hard on yourself?
Ive spent so many years being so hard on myself, its like, You know what?
Im a good time.
Ive got a great face, nice tits.
Lets just have a good time.
Its clear, watching your special, how important your family is to you.
I especially loved the parts about your dad.
Im curious how he influenced your comedy and your sense of humor.
My dad was truly one of the funniest guys in the world.
I cant help you.
Your parents always want to be able to help you in any way they can.
And it was scary for him.
He used to always tell me, Youre so brave to do this.
I know youre funny, but youre so brave.
For me, there was no backup plan.
There was nothing else to fall back on.
I told him, Dad, this is something I have to do.
And it was just simply because hes like, You dont have a net to fall back on.
I think the coolest thing is now this all coming full circle.
I mean, is it bittersweet?
Obviously it is, to be telling jokes about my dad passing, for sure.
When I had any success he was the first person at all my shows in the front row.
I wish he was here to celebrate with me.
Its my first real personal exposure to the world.
You do this thing, its your creative baby and it brings you joy.
You know what brings your fans joy.
People came out to all these sold-out shows.
So thats a very vulnerable, weird feeling.
Thats the best feeling in the world.
That really is whether Im your cup of tea or not.
If you enjoy it, then more power to you.
As we speak, the special comes out tomorrow.
How do you feel?
I definitely low-key had some nervous diarrhea.
I think its wild.
When all the other kids were playing house.
I would pretend to be on Letterman or Leno or Conan.
Id have my sister interview me.
So now it is actually happening, its wild.
I feel like Im just sitting at the table where I was always meant to eat.
What advice would you give to another woman chasing her dream?
I would not change a single thing.
Everything that happened was the way it was supposed to happen.
Id shout from the rooftops.
People just get mad at other people who are doing the thing.
So dont doubt yourself.
Put it out there in whatever way.
If youre a musician, fucking go on the corner and do the damn songs.
You only regret the things you didnt do.
You never regret the things you did do.
And I would tell myself to trust the process and honestly live fearlessly.
If it doesnt scare you, then I think youre not doing it right.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Stephanie McNeal is a senior editor atGlamourand the authorofSwipe Up for More!
Inside the Unfiltered Lives of Influencers.
