McSweeney’s List (18 June 2025)
Looking back on the paths we've walked thus far, it's easy to see the things we might've done differently. From big things like what if I had pursued a different career, to I shouldn't have said that thing I said, we’re quick to judge ourselves for our past actions. Hell, I'm still thinking about how I gave a guy a hard time two days ago for not remembering we’ve met, and I'm literally the worst at remembering people, so I am in fact the asshole for making any sized deal about it. While looking back can lead to regret, it can also get us caught in loops of what might've been, which can get mixed up into what should've been, which, I would argue, isn't a thing.
See, the things that actually happen, do so as they should. Please, Dear Reader, don't jump to all the exceptions and tragedies that “should never” have happened. I'm not speaking deterministically here, I'm referring to the natural unfolding of events, the causes and effects, the way one action leads us to the next step on the logic tree. When we do A, it leads to B, but if we had done 1, it would've led to 2. To get to W and lament that you should've done 1, is useless. It's not only a waste of energy, but it ruins your possible enjoyment of W. Shit, this analogy is straight up algebra, abort!
Hindsight is important for reflection and personal growth, and it's 20/20, because we can look at the past with a level of objectivity. It's profound, because when we look back, we do so from the perspective of who we are now. We're removed from our former self to the point where we are baffled by our previous actions. Ah, but we aren't those people anymore, and we can only see things differently because of what we've learned -- and how we've grown -- since then. We can get mired in the sense of “if only”, lamenting our past steps until we inhibit our current journey. We can regret ourselves into paralysis.
There are stagnant people who can trace their inactivity back to a source. They gave up when something happened: they didn't get the girl, the boy, make the team…whatever it is, and they attribute their lack of progress to that one failure. What if it never was a failure? What if it was an obstacle to overcome, a detour to explore? What if it was the shit you needed to fertilize with, not the shit that was supposed to stop you in your tracks?
There's more than one way to skin a cat (which is a terrible saying, and we should probably change it to there's more than one way to poach an egg, because per YouTube, this is true. The cat bit is also probably true, but ew). Ahem. There's more than one way to poach an egg, and there's more than more than one way to get where you want to be. The path is rarely straight or easy, and if it was, you’d be hard pressed to gain anything en route. So much of becoming who we wish to be is picked up on the way. Each rejection motivates us to try harder, or to revamp our approach. Each near bullseye teaches us how to aim more effectively. Each sacrifice is proof to ourselves that we are determined to make it regardless of the cost.
Lip service doesn't count, and neither does slamming your head into the same spot on the same wall. Saying you want something and taking no steps toward it is just as useless as trying the same thing the same way despite seeing that it doesn't work. Much like weaponizing incompetence, both of these approaches allow for unwarranted woe is me moments. They allow one to feel busy without accomplishing anything.
I read a quote recently that said, “the potential we see in others, is what we would do in their shoes”. We give these people our energy because we assume that all they have to do is gettit, and they'll change their ways. And while some of these people will persist in their holding pattern until death (and I've known a few), some of these folks will genuinely try a new tack once they grow a bigger toolbox. That can't be rushed; shortcuts and platitudes will not fix it. It's personal evolution, and it's their hero’s journey to take. And this means You too, Here and Now. Your future self will look back at where you are right now and see all the possibilities you haven't learned to see yet!
So, Dear Reader, how do we let go of the past while knowing that today will be the past by tomorrow? Fucked if I know. What I do know is that sometimes I try to look at today with tomorrow’s eyes. What will I regret? What will I wish I learned sooner? Obviously that doesn't automatically give me the knowledge I need, but it does let me know the general direction I should be exploring. Be grateful for the hard lessons you’ve learned so far, and accept with an open heart the fact that if you're lucky enough, you have so much more to learn.
Keep going, and wear your helmet; It's rough out here.
Exit Stage Left
It's a night of cannolis, coffee, and questions! Trivia night hits the café, and the theme is Broadway! Get sugar buzzed and caffeinated while proving you know the most about musicals!
WHAT: Broadway Trivia at Café Eevee
WHERE: Café Eevee, 1251 St. Zotique St. E., Montreal, H2S 1N8
WHEN: Friday, June 20 @ 8 PM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
Spiritual Solstice
Connect with the vibe of summer, and celebrate the longest day of the year!
Summer solstice was the greatest holiday in many ancient cultures across the world, the time of the longest day, the strongest light, the greatest inner awakening. Tune into the frequencies of spiritual music with Project of Anastasia Yoga for this special event.
“We use the energy of our voice to transcend the energy of our mind. And God comes and listens to us sing. How do you come to be in the presence of God? By remembering God. Divine thoughts bring you to divinity.”
-Bhagavan Das
The program includes OM SHANTI peace mantra, kirtan with live music, a spiritual song, sacred mantras, singing bowls meditation, and more!
Everyone is welcome! If you've never experienced Kirtan, this is a great time to dive in!
By donation; PWYC
WHAT: Spiritual Music Event in Montreal: Kirtan & Singing Bowls
WHERE: Mont Royal park, above Beaver Lake, close to 2000 Remembrance St., Montreal, H3H 1X2
WHEN: Saturday, June 21 @ 5 PM
METRO: Mont-Royal (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
Laughs In The Grass
For the past 4 years, this event has been a staple of summer evenings in NDG, a Saturday night tradition for locals and visitors alike in the great outdoors! Now, entering its fifth year, Zak Kik has some really huge surprises for NDG!
This free show, supported by generous donations, brings goofs and gaffs to the community. Everyone is encouraged to bring their blankets, drinks, and camping chairs, for a cozy and relaxed night. The show will take place in the outfield of the baseball diamond.
WHAT: Stand-up Comedy in Girouard Park
WHERE: Girouard Park, Corner of Girouard and St. Antoine
WHEN: Every nice Saturday @ 8 PM through autumn
METRO: Vendôme (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
Unscripted
Improv duos and troupes showcase their skills!
Join us for Five Star, a spectacular feature where we showcase beloved troupes from our vibrant improv community! Watch as these talented performers take the stage and create unforgettable moments of laughter and wit. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the best of Montreal's improv scene in action!
$5 in advance, $8 @ the door
Montreal Improv Students: Free in advance, $5 @ the door
WHAT: Five Star
WHERE: Montreal Improv, 3716 Notre Dame St. W., Montreal, H4C 1P7
WHEN: Saturday, June 21 @ 630 PM
METRO: Place St. Henri (Orange)
DETAILS: Facebook
FTB X Laugh Knights
I'm counting down to this one!
Forget the Box is teaming up with Laugh Knights for an incredible night of stand up comedy! Andrew Jamieson and Dawn McSweeney (hey, that's me!) will host the show up sign up night, and it's bound to be a blast!
Come get some laughs, come do a set, or just come hang out!
WHAT: Forget The Box x Laugh Knights - Comedy Night
WHERE: Café Eevee, 1251 St. Zotique St. E., Montreal, H2S 1N8
WHEN: Friday, June 27, Sign Up @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
RSVP: Eventbrite
World’s Smallest Comedy Night has so many cool things happening, so here are their events this week in order!
What Do You Know? Like, Seriously…
Tonight! Come to Hurley's for Trivia Night, and get bonus laughter! Enjoy delicious pub fare, and get ready to show off your trivia skills. Grab your team, and enjoy this night of comedy, friendly competition, and great company! Hosted by Vance Michel.
WHAT: Trivia Night at Hurley's
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Every Wednesday @ 8 PM
METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)
RSVP: Eventbrite
West Side Representation
Thursday, head West for more killer comedy!
Get ready to laugh your socks off at Rustik Pub & Grill with Cheap Laughs!
Montreal's most talented comedians and touring pros hit the stage at the legendary local haunt, Rustik. Make your East-side friends come to your part of town for a change, or come explore the NDG for yourself! It's a chill and hilarious night every time.
This week, they're once again giving you top shelf comedy at rock bottom prices! Join Walter Lyng, Troy Stark, Sarah Warren, Collin Ryan, Paula Malolepszy, Alvarro Salvagno, Gowthaman Kasy, Oumer Teyeb, and Hash The1.
WHAT: Cheap Laughs at Rustik Pub
WHERE: Rustik Pub & Grill, 5621 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, H4A 1W4
WHEN: Thursday, May 22, Doors @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Vendôme (Orange)
TICKETS:Eventbrite
Classic Coke
Beat the Monday Blues with WSC’s OG offering, The World's Smallest Comedy Night!
Enjoy a showcase of the best comedians in the city, hot up-and-comers, national and international touring comics, and surprises!
Hosted by Vance Michel.
WHAT: The World's Smallest Comedy Night
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Monday, May 12 Doors @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Dirty Monday
The Monday Night Dirty Mic is the place to be! Hosted by Vance Michel, every show is an unpredictable and unique experience as a hilarious collection of comedians from newbs to pros take the stage. See the best before anyone else, and catch seasoned locals doing their freshest funnies!
Comics: show-up, sign-up
WHAT: Monday Night Dirty Mic
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Every Monday, Sign-up @ 1020 PM, Show @ 1030 PM
METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
