The First Sober Comics and the Friends They Lost Along the Way

I talk to Rich Shydner, a standup comic who once performed on acid, had a roast beef sandwich thrown at him on stage by his tripping girlfriend, and thought “I am one with the bugs” while sitting in a stream covered in mosquitoes. So yeah, he’s done some things. He’s also been sober since 1985, which is longer than some of you have been alive, and he's doing great! Rich was part of the original sober comedy crew in LA — the guys who proved you could do the road without a drink.  He also has very strong opinions about microdosing, which boil down to: “If I could microdose, I wouldn’t be in the shape I’m in.” Same, Rich, same.