Jim Gaffigan: The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

Growing up in the shadow of five older siblings who were successful in business produced added pressure for Jim Gaffigan to follow in their footsteps. Ignoring the calling of his heart, he did what was expected of him, attended college and studied finance. But in the wake of his mother's death, he “felt like the line of thinking [he'd] been taught was broken.” In this episode, Jim explains how he made the shift from working for an advertising company to becoming a multi-award-winning actor and comedian. 

Jim Gaffigan is an American standup comedian, actor, writer and producer. His often-observational humor is frequently about fatherhood, laziness, and food. Considered to be a “clean” comic, he uses little profanity in his routines. Jim has had several successful comedy specials, including Mr. Universe, Obsessed, Cinco, and Quality Time, all of which have received Grammy nominations. He is the New York Times bestselling author of two books: a memoir, Dad Is Fat and Food: A Love Story. He and his wife, actress Jeannie Gaffigan, have collaborated extensively in various creative projects. Together, the couple have five children.