Sebastian Maniscalco has skillfully built his career by highlighting the unnoticed quirks of everyday life, transforming them into comedic brilliance. At 52, the comedian is navigating health with surprising thoughtfulness. He understands that, much like in comedy, timing is crucial when it comes to meals. He has become more intentional about integrating food, fitness, and recovery into his daily life.
From invigorating cold plunges that energize him like “physical caffeine” to a soothing nightly steam room routine that strengthens family bonds, Maniscalco has established a refreshing approach to self-care. With his upcoming special, It Ain’t Right, set for release on November 21 on Hulu, and while promoting the new Frigidaire Gallery Range featuring a Stone-Baked Pizza Mode, he shares with The Healthy by Reader’s Digest that laughter is his secret ingredient for maintaining balance in life.
Moreover, the comedian, whose film About My Father featuring Robert De Niro recently became available on Netflix, discusses how meditation tips from Jerry Seinfeld have positively shifted his mental health perspective.
The Healthy by Reader’s Digest: Sebastian, your enthusiasm for good food, particularly pizza, is apparent, yet you mention you can’t quite enjoy dairy.
Sebastian Maniscalco: I can have it; I just face the repercussions. As an Italian, I devour dairy and deal with the consequences later. I’m not overly finicky when it comes to food—I’m up for trying anything. My wife, on the other hand, takes forever to order at a restaurant. By the time she’s done, we could be ordering breakfast! The modifications she requests from the waiter are unbelievable.
The Healthy: What does a healthy meal look like for you when you’re cooking?
Sebastian Maniscalco: For me, a healthy meal typically includes chicken or fish. I enjoy cooking steak, but the side dishes can be a challenge. I love potatoes, but they can lead to weight gain, so I aim for vegetable-based sides like asparagus or broccoli. I also avoid bread, as it’s another factor in my weight issues. At 52, just one sandwich can lead to eight pounds overnight!
The Healthy: Absolutely, metabolism shifts can be challenging! How have you seen your approach to fitness and nutrition change over the years?
Sebastian Maniscalco: I used to be careless about my diet, thinking I could burn everything off while I slept. Now I’ve realized that I need to be mindful about timing my meals. I typically avoid eating after 6 or 7 p.m. to ensure I’m not going to bed full. As I’ve aged, eating meat late at night can lead to uncomfortable nights; I’ve experienced the infamous meat sweats. If you’re familiar with that feeling of sweating in your sleep, then you get it—I need to plan my meals accordingly, which can be tough as a comedian who works late and often gets hungry at night.
The Healthy: I can imagine! How do you maintain your healthy habits while on tour, facing late shows and unpredictable restaurant options?
Sebastian Maniscalco: Surprisingly, I tend to stick to my diet more rigorously while on the road. At home, there’s ample snacking and grazing with family, but on tour, I have to be more deliberate with my meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I pack healthier snacks like beef jerky, protein bars, or almonds to sustain me throughout the day.
During an extended movie shoot in Alabama, I brought prepackaged meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, traveling to three cities in three nights can make meal prep a logistical challenge. Most of the time, I resort to room service or a quick salad when necessary.
The Healthy: Given your long career in comedy, how do you see humor and laughter impacting longevity, wellness, and mental health?
Sebastian Maniscalco: Humor has been my guide through life. I grew up in a household that oscillated between laughter and tears—there’s never a neutral state! If someone started to cry, we’d find a way to make them laugh. I believe that laughter is vital for maintaining healthy relationships, both personal and professional. My wife and I laugh together constantly. Even during arguments, humor plays a key role in diffusing tension.
Regarding health, I know many comedians who enjoy long lives. Perhaps the joy from an audience fuels it. Making 17,000 people laugh simultaneously is an exhilarating experience. I often tell audiences that I feel as great as they do while laughing, if not better! At 52, I hope to keep this up until I’m 95.
The Healthy: The rush of performing must be incredible. How do you transition from that adrenaline and what does mental health look like for you?
Sebastian Maniscalco: I don’t seek to extend the high by partying after a show. I prefer to unwind by getting in the car, taking a shower, and enjoying a Netflix documentary instead. No wild after-parties for me! Regarding mental health, I consider myself quite content—I’ve never struggled significantly.
The Healthy: So, no meditation or yoga practices?
Sebastian Maniscalco: Actually, I’ve recently started meditating. Over the years, I’ve had discussions with Jerry Seinfeld about transcendental meditation, and he encouraged me to give it a try. Now, I meditate for 20 minutes each morning and again midday, and I can certainly feel the positive effects on my mental health and my ability to handle stress.
The Healthy: Is there a specific self-care ritual you make sure to follow whether at home or on tour?
Sebastian Maniscalco: Definitely! At home, I love my steam room routine. I dedicate twenty minutes for steaming at the start and end of each day. About five years ago, I also began cold plunging. I’m unsure about its long-term efficacy, but I always feel invigorated after a 38-degree plunge—it’s as refreshing as a jolt of caffeine! The steam session at the end of the day helps me unwind and strengthens my bond with my wife and kids.
We’ve cultivated a lovely routine: around six o’clock, everyone showers and puts on their “cozies.” We spend quality time together, joking around, and even wrestling with my son. This all helps me reset for family time. Once the kids are tucked in, my wife and I enjoy a quiet moment outside, perhaps with a glass of wine. It’s a lovely way to end the day.
The Healthy: That sounds fantastic! What upcoming projects excite you?
Sebastian Maniscalco: I’m thrilled about my Hulu special, It Ain’t Right, premiering in November. It was filmed at the United Center in my hometown of Chicago, and I’m proud to say it’s my first arena special. The production quality is outstanding, and I believe my stand-up really shines in this one. I’m also wrapping up my tour with casino dates in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and a few shows across California.
Additionally, I host a podcast, The Pete and Sebastian Show, with comedian Pete Correale. It airs every Tuesday. Our contrasting styles—him being more of a beer-and-peanuts guy and me leaning toward wine-and-cheese—provide plenty of humor. When I started in this business, I was solely focused on stand-up, but everything else has been an exciting bonus.
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This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
