Hannah Berner: Leaving Reality TV, Starting Giggly Squad & Finding Her Confidence

Hannah Berner: Leaving Reality TV, Starting Giggly Squad & Finding Her Confidence

September 2, 2026 · 59 min

About this episode

Hannah Berner discusses her journey from tennis to comedy and the challenges of reality TV with Maria Sharapova.

Comedian and Giggly Squad host Hannah Berner joins Maria Sharapova for a special live episode of Pretty Tough in New York City! Hannah opens up about her lifelong obsession with tennis, playing on the junior circuit, and why her ultimate childhood dream was to win Wimbledon before pivoting to stand-up comedy. Hannah and Maria dive into the pressure of competitive sports, meeting her heroes, surviving reality TV on Summer House, and treating comedy touring like an elite athlete. Plus, Hannah shares the truth behind "Smile Gate," unlearning self-criticism, and where she gets her confidence from. SUBSCRIBE►Subscribe to Pretty Tough: https://www.youtube.com/@mariasharapova?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN:►Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform⁠:  https://pod.link/1893437254 CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction & Live Show Opening 00:20 – Welcoming Hannah Berner: From Junior Tennis Circuit to Comedy 02:15 – Childhood Dreams: Wanting to Win Wimbledon 03:50 – US Open Predictions & Fan Favorites 04:45 – The Crazy Story of Chelsea Handler in the Player's Box 08:30 – Playing Like the Boys & High School Tennis Memories 11:00 – The Mental Toll of Losing and Pressure in Pro Tennis…

People in this episode

Host: Maria Sharapova

Guest: Hannah Berner

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Giggly Squad, Summer House

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