Back in Time Today
Aparna Nancherla delivers comedy like your most thoughtful inner voice—if it had a mic and was hilariously self-aware. Her blend of low-key delivery, sharp introspection, and quirky logic turns anxiety and overthinking into art.
Here are 19 jokes that showcase her understated genius—now with even more awkward honesty, spiraling logic, and glorious oversharing.
1. Anxiety Whisper
I have anxiety, which means I wake up every morning like someone just whispered, ‘You messed up… but we won’t tell you how.’ Then it’s decoding every interaction like a crime thriller where I’m the criminal, detective, and oversharing brunch character.
There’s an art to making daily life feel like a suspenseful movie, with self-doubt as the plot. Embracing anxiety can turn mundane experiences into intriguing narratives, filled with twists and turns. It’s a comedic journey, spiraling through the mind’s labyrinth. Each day is a chance to find humor in overthinking, to laugh at the mystery of our own thoughts.
2. Cardio from Overthinking
People say, ‘Don’t worry about what others think.’ And I’m like, ‘But that’s my only cardio.’ Overthinking provides adrenaline. Why use a Peloton when analyzing past conversations at 2 a.m. works wonders? The mental gymnastics keep us fit.
In Aparna’s world, thoughts race like athletes, with worry leading the pack. Each scenario is a marathon of muddled memories and imagined outcomes. Finding humor in this mental workout is key. With every anxious leap, there’s a chance to laugh and realize that maybe, just maybe, we’re all in the same mental race.
3. Catastrophizing Storytelling
My therapist says I catastrophize. I think it means I’m amazing at storytelling. ‘You were late to work,’ becomes an epic tale of living under a bridge with a squirrel named Jeff. Aparna turns anxiety into narratives of grandeur.
Every minor mishap transforms into a saga, filled with quirky characters and unexpected outcomes. Embracing this storytelling can bring a new perspective to life’s challenges, weaving humor and creativity into everyday events. Instead of fearing the worst, Aparna’s tales show that finding the funny side can change the script entirely.
4. Mindfulness Hoarding
I tried mindfulness, but my mind is flagged for hoarding. Meditation becomes a chaotic garage sale of thoughts. ‘Why did I say “you too” in 2011?’ is just one relic found. Aparna’s mind is a quirky collection of memories.
Each meditation session uncovers forgotten treasures and embarrassing moments. The humor lies in accepting the clutter and making peace with the past. Aparna invites us to laugh at our own mental mess, encouraging a lighter approach to mindfulness. Embrace the chaos, find peace in acceptance, and chuckle at the absurdity of it all.
5. Shy Broadway Performance
I’m not shy—I emotionally prepare for interactions like a Broadway performance. Soundtrack, rewrites, dress rehearsal, then cancel last minute with a polite excuse. Aparna’s social encounters are theatrical productions.
The anticipation, the buildup, the sudden decision to withdraw—it’s all part of the show. In her comedy, Aparna highlights the humor in social anxiety and the elaborate preparations for seemingly simple conversations. By sharing these tales, she allows others to see the funny side of their own social struggles, turning anxiety into a shared comedic experience.
6. Fridge Search for Direction
Staring into the fridge, not hungry, just searching for life direction on a shelf. Maybe purpose hides behind the almond milk. Aparna navigates existential dilemmas in the kitchen. Each fridge search becomes a metaphorical journey, pondering life’s purpose in everyday moments.
The humor lies in recognizing the absurdity of seeking meaning in mundane places. Aparna’s comedy encourages finding laughter in these small, relatable instances. Her fridge musings remind us to see the joy in life’s little mysteries, turning an ordinary moment into a comedic exploration of self.
7. Spontaneity Panic
My idea of spontaneity is ordering something new, followed by panic. Google every ingredient, review Yelp photos, call a friend, apologize to the server. Aparna’s comedic spontaneity is a detailed process. Her approach to trying new things highlights the humor in over-preparation and the anxiety of the unknown.
By sharing these experiences, she invites audiences to laugh at their own reluctance to embrace change. Aparna’s tales offer reassurance that it’s okay to be cautious—and to find humor in the process of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
8. Career Regret
At a party, asked ‘What do you do?’ and I said, ‘Mostly regret, occasionally stand-up comedy.’ Regret wears cozy sweaters and cancels plans. Aparna’s career tales mix humor with relatable moments. Her comedic exploration of regret illustrates the humorous side of second-guessing career choices.
By embracing these feelings, she shows that it’s okay to question one’s path and find humor in the journey. Aparna’s stories remind us that even in uncertainty, laughter can be a comforting companion, offering a different perspective on life’s decisions.
9. Imposter Syndrome
I don’t have imposter syndrome. I have ‘they’ll find out I’m tired and winging it’ syndrome. A sentient to-do list forgetting its purpose.
Aparna’s humor delves into self-doubt. Her take on imposter syndrome resonates with those who feel like they’re just managing to keep up. By transforming this insecurity into comedy, she encourages others to laugh at their own fears of inadequacy. Aparna’s stories provide a sense of camaraderie for anyone who’s ever felt like a fraud, offering a humorous perspective on these universal feelings.
10. Gratitude Journal
Bought a gratitude journal. Day one: ‘Thankful I remembered this.’ Day three: ‘Grateful for snacks and silence.’ Aparna’s journal entries mix humor with everyday appreciation. Her playful approach to gratitude highlights the small joys often overlooked. By finding humor in the mundane,
Aparna encourages audiences to appreciate life’s little comforts. Her comedic perspective shows that gratitude doesn’t have to be grandiose; it can be found in the simple pleasures that make each day enjoyable. Through laughter, she reminds us to cherish the ordinary.
11. Logistical High-Maintenance
I’m low-maintenance emotionally, high-maintenance logistically. Need reminders, a plan, backup snacks. Aparna’s humor shines in her detailed approach to life. Her comedic exploration of logistical needs reveals the humor in meticulous planning.
Aparna’s tales highlight the balance between emotional simplicity and practical complexity, encouraging laughter in the face of life’s demands. Her stories resonate with anyone who likes to have everything in order, reminding us that it’s okay to need a little extra organization—and to find humor in the planning process.
12. Self-Care Dilemmas
Hardest part about self-care is convincing yourself you’re worth it. Untangle your hair or emotionally spiral with a show? Aparna finds humor in self-care dilemmas. Her comedic take on self-care illustrates the internal debate many face.
By acknowledging the struggle, she invites laughter and a sense of acceptance for those who find self-care challenging. Aparna’s stories offer a humorous perspective on taking care of oneself, reminding us that it’s okay to find self-care confusing—and to laugh at the journey towards wellness.
13. Grounded by Anxiety
People ask how I stay grounded. Anxiety keeps me physically and emotionally attached. Gravity and anxiety: physical and emotional anchors. Aparna’s comedy highlights grounding forces in life. Her humorous perspective on staying grounded reveals the dual role of anxiety as both a challenge and a grounding influence.
By laughing at these opposing forces, she encourages audiences to find balance in the chaos. Aparna’s stories provide a comforting reminder that anxiety, while challenging, can also offer stability and humor, helping us navigate life’s unpredictability.
14. Positive Affirmations Struggle
Tried positive affirmations, but inner voice says, ‘Let’s be realistic.’ Aparna’s comedy captures the inner critic’s sarcasm. Her humorous take on affirmations highlights the disconnect between positive intentions and self-doubt. By sharing this struggle, she invites laughter and understanding for those who find affirmations challenging.
Aparna’s stories provide a comedic lens on the journey towards self-acceptance, reminding us that it’s okay to have an argumentative inner voice—and to find humor in the quest for positivity.
15. Introverted Fullness
Not introverted, just full from imaginary conversations. Lived a full social life—in my mind. Aparna’s humor reveals the richness of inner dialogues. Her comedic exploration of introversion highlights the vibrant internal world of imagined interactions.
By sharing these experiences, she offers a humorous perspective on introversion, celebrating the creativity and depth of thought that often accompanies it. Aparna’s stories encourage audiences to embrace their inner worlds, finding laughter in the contrasts between external silence and internal richness.
16. Love Language Mystery
Don’t know my love language, but it’s between ‘playlist recommendations’ and ‘coffee orders.’ Aparna’s humor uncovers love language mysteries. Her comedic take on love languages highlights the quirks and nuances of personal expression.
By exploring these unique traits, she invites audiences to laugh at the complexities of communication in relationships. Aparna’s stories offer a humorous lens on love, reminding us that understanding our love languages can be both a mystery and a joyful discovery.
17. Self-Awareness Dilemma
The good and bad news: I’m self-aware. Security cameras stream into the brain, questioning actions. Aparna’s comedy explores self-awareness’s paradox.
Her humorous perspective on self-awareness highlights the constant internal questioning many experience. By sharing this paradox, she invites audiences to laugh at their own self-analyses. Aparna’s stories provide a comedic view on the journey of understanding oneself, reminding us that self-awareness, while challenging, can also be a source of humor and growth.
18. Resting “Should I Speak?” Face
I have resting ‘should I say something?’ face. It’s a mix of curiosity, panic, and silent screams. Aparna’s humor captures internal debates. Her comedic take on social interactions highlights the common struggle of deciding when to speak.
By sharing these moments, she invites audiences to laugh at the universal experience of social uncertainty. Aparna’s stories encourage a humorous perspective on communication, reminding us that it’s okay to hesitate before speaking—and to find humor in the indecision.
19. Browser with 87 Tabs
My brain is like a browser with 87 tabs open. Frozen, playing unsolicited music, late-night Google searches, and memes. Aparna’s mind is a comedic digital realm.
Her humorous depiction of a busy mind resonates with anyone who feels mentally overwhelmed. By acknowledging the chaos, she invites laughter and camaraderie for those navigating mental overload. Aparna’s stories provide a comedic lens on the mind’s clutter, reminding us that it’s okay to have many thoughts—and to find humor in the mental whirlwind.