Although I do use some of my psychology training in comedy, but it's more like pop psychology, not a course of treatment or anything. To me, it's more like social intelligence.

Matt Walsh’s quote highlights his use of psychology in his comedy, but he clarifies that it’s more akin to pop psychology rather than a serious or clinical approach. The term pop psychology refers to the simplified, often oversimplified, application of psychological concepts to everyday life. Walsh acknowledges that while his comedic work may touch on psychological themes, it doesn’t aim to provide in-depth therapeutic insights or solutions—it's not meant to be a course of treatment.

Instead, Walsh emphasizes that his use of psychology is more about social intelligence—the ability to understand and navigate social situations, human behavior, and interactions. Social intelligence involves recognizing patterns in how people think, behave, and respond to each other, which is critical in comedy, where timing, perception, and audience connection are key. By focusing on social dynamics, Walsh crafts humor that resonates with people's real-life experiences, drawing from his understanding of human behavior in a more informal context.

This distinction allows Walsh to separate his comedic approach from that of a trained psychologist. His point is that while he may draw upon some psychological ideas, his primary goal is not to diagnose or treat, but to entertain by tapping into shared social experiences. His comedy, therefore, operates on a level of insight into human behavior without pretending to offer the depth or seriousness of actual psychological practice.

Ultimately, Walsh's statement speaks to the different ways in which psychology and comedy intersect, with social intelligence being the bridge between the two. His approach blends light psychological observations with humor to connect with audiences, creating comedy that feels both relatable and insightful.