#1547 - Colin Quinn

At a Glance

• Ruining a Stand-up Show - “I was the guy that ruined his show… And he’s going, come on, fellas, calm down.” This moment highlights the karma of ruining a stand-up show and the impact it can have on both the performer and the audience.

• Struggles with Clean Material - “I can’t, I have to cut every curse out and you have nothing left.” This showcases the challenge of performing with clean material when your act is typically geared towards nightclubs, exposing flaws in comedy.

• Chris Rock’s Comedy Strategy - “Chris Rock used to show up at the store unannounced late… find out what’s good and what was bad.” This demonstrates the importance of testing material in front of small audiences to truly understand its impact and effectiveness.

What to Do

• ‘You have to be undeniable’ - ‘In order to succeed in comedy, especially as a woman, you need to have a dominant personality and be confident in your material.’

• ‘Comedy is kind of like a form of hypnosis’ - ‘As a comedian, you have the ability to tap into states of mind that aren’t easily accessible to others, creating a shared experience with the audience.’

What to Get

• Flying Saucers - To understand human fascination with extraterrestrial life and UFOs

• Bigfoot - To comprehend beliefs in mythical creatures and cryptids

• UFOs - To study human interest in unidentified flying objects

• Best Evidence: Disguise and Deception in the Assassination of John F. Kennedy by David S. Lifton - To learn about conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy

• Elvis - To understand the cultural significance of the famous musician and entertainer

• Mushrooms - To explore the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms by Vikings and modern-day individuals

• Amanita muscaria - Specific type of hallucinogenic mushroom mentioned in relation to Vikings going berserk

• Mescaline - Mentioned in the context of psychedelic experiences and altered states of consciousness

• Peyote - Another hallucinogenic substance discussed in relation to altered personalities after brain injuries

• Betrayal in Dallas by Mark North - Book mentioned in relation to the Dallas mob and the assassination of President Kennedy

• Chaos - Book mentioned in relation to CIA involvement in various operations, including LSD experiments

• Women Aren’t Funny - Article mentioned in relation to the challenges faced by female comedians

• My Brother Sam Is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier - Book mentioned in relation to the personality change of Sam Kinison after a brain injury

• Vikings TV Show - Mentioned in relation to depictions of Vikings taking mushrooms

• Roseanne - Mentioned as an example of a dominant and unapologetic female comedian

• Sarah Silverman - Mentioned as a comedian who found her path through shock value and well-crafted jokes

Summary

In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the world of comedy and the intricacies of performing stand-up. They discuss the importance of being confident and comfortable on stage, emphasizing that the audience can sense any discomfort or unease. They highlight the need for comedians to exude a sense of control and assertiveness, even when dealing with hecklers or challenging situations. The hosts also touch on the impact of influential comedians like Bill Hicks and Lenny Bruce, noting how their ability to tackle profound topics while still being funny set them apart in the comedy world.

The conversation shifts to the evolution of comedy over the years, with a focus on how some comedians try to imitate the style of iconic figures like Hicks, without putting in the necessary work or authenticity. They also discuss the changing dynamics of comedy clubs, from the lack of crowd control in the past to the more regulated environments of today. The hosts reminisce about the early days of comedy, where performers would often do their routines on morning radio shows to attract audiences to their live performances.

Additionally, the hosts explore the concept of audience perception and the importance of making a strong first impression in comedy. They touch on the role of hecklers and how comedians need to handle them with confidence and humor. The conversation also delves into the art of storytelling in comedy and the need for authenticity and vulnerability in connecting with audiences. Overall, the episode provides insights into the world of stand-up comedy, highlighting the challenges and rewards of making people laugh while staying true to oneself.