Apr 8
Laughter is the best medicine, and so is understanding your ADHD! Get ready to crack up and nod in agreement as the hilarious Ellie Hino, a Minneapolis gem in the stand-up comedy realm, joins me, Tracy Otsuka, for this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. llie's candid recount of her diagnosis following the trials of motherhood, her journey through emotional regulation, and the quest for effective coping strategies isn't just relatable – it's a masterclass in finding humor in the chaos. Her stand-up comedy illuminates the ups and downs of ADHD with a wit that resonates with anyone looking for a good laugh mixed with heartfelt honesty.
Ellie Hino is a Minneapolis-based stand-up comedian known for her engaging humor and self-described "heart of gold." Originally from Wisconsin, Ellie pursued theater studies but left college just shy of graduation. Her comedy career has included appearances at prestigious events such as the Limestone Comedy Festivals in 2019 and 2021, Boston's Women in Comedy Festival, and the 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival where she was highlighted as one of the "best of the fest." Ellie has had the opportunity to open for well-known comedians like Maria Bamford, Atsuko Okatsuka, Dana Gould, and Bobcat Goldthwait, underscoring her growing reputation in the comedy scene. In addition to her stand-up pursuits, Ellie co-hosts "Darlings" with Ben Katzner every Thursday night. This weekly showcase held at Zhora Darling in Minneapolis features a mix of local and national comedic talents.
Ellie Hino doesn't just stand up; she stands out. Her debut comedy album "Soft Bones," released last April 5th, is now available in iTunes for download. Get it here: Soft Bones Album.
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"I think I was a little hyper probably, but not wildly. I remember being told I was weird a lot of times and I mean, I am a creative person. But I do think a big part of that was my ADHD."
- Ellie Hino
"I want to get to the truth. And that's what makes comedy good. It usually is truth telling and that makes it relatable for people."
- Ellie Hino
I think I really wanted something healthy for me so that I could be calm and mentally healthy while working. Massage therapy felt like that and I was drawn to helping people. I ended up [working] in hospice, which is where I wanted to be. It was very much an on purpose journey.
- Ellie Hino
- Ellie Hino discusses her experience and how she has pursued comedy.
- Ellie was recently diagnosed with ADHD at age 34, after noticing symptoms in their child.
- ADHD has affected Ellie's ability to complete daily tasks and has been a source of frustration, but they have found ways to manage it creatively.
- Recognizing impulse control and emotional overwhelm as symptoms of ADHD, which they previously attributed to poor choices or social anxiety.
- Ellie shared the story of her 10-month-old son on a roller coaster, with a surprising punchline about babies' soft bones.
- Tracy and Ellies discussed social anxiety and stand-up comedy, with Ellie revealing that almost every comedian they know has a mental health condition.
- Ellie uses the app "Comedy Companion" to track her set times and notes during performances.
- Tracy Otsuka and Ellie discussed the pressure to be funny as a comedian, with Speaker 2 sharing their experience of being a massage therapist in hospice.
- Ellie Hino discusses her experiences with ADHD and how it affects her creativity and comedy, including her use of hooks to organize her life.
- Hino's debut stand-up comedy album, "Soft Bones," is available on iTunes and was released on April 5.
