6 Years 339 days - Cringe Class

6 Years 339 days - Cringe Class

What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? Comedian David Boyle shows that sometimes the growth happens in the most uncomfortable rooms possible: an improv class full of anxious strangers. This bite-sized episode of *I'm Quitting Alcohol* follows Boyle as he completes his first improvisation class, surrounded by what he calls a "mishmash" of people from Tanzania, Lebanon, India, Australia, New York and Boston.

Around 80% of the group openly say they have "crippling anxiety" and are there to push themselves out of their shells. Boyle’s reason is different: "I'm an artist and I want to be able to express myself to the fucking peak of my ability." You’ll hear him wrestle with extreme self-consciousness as he’s asked to do loud, exaggerated body movements, word games and basic conversations in front of the class.

For someone whose "whole vibe is anti-cringe", being dropped into "110 cringe" is a real test. He admits that, younger, he would never have gone back. Yet there’s a shift. Boyle finds himself respecting both the classmates who face their fears and the teacher who bluntly admits, "what we're doing is cringe and it's insane" but useful for thinking faster and learning skills.

He also realises his usual comedy style—"basically finding a flaw in someone's personal appearance and then nailing that"—doesn't land in a room where people are being vulnerable, forcing him to hunt for new ways to be funny. Amid the swearing and sarcasm, there’s a quiet theme: sober or anxious, everyone there is trying to fix "huge personality flaws" and feel less judged, a bit like dancing when you’re sure everyone’s watching. It’s messy, awkward, and strangely hopeful.

If you’ve ever avoided something because it felt too cringe, this might make you think twice.