#888 - Ron White

At a Glance

• Ron White on the Evolution of Comedy Specials - “Netflix is offering me money, but they’re not offering me huge money… It takes me three years to write a new record, but it’s good”. White discusses the challenges and considerations of creating new comedy specials in the current market, reflecting on the balance between artistic integrity and commercial demands. ‍
• Debating the Ideal Length of Comedy Specials - “I really think Netflix specials should be 30 minutes. I really do. Because I would do a 30-minute special and not burn an hour of material on it”. White emphasizes his preference for shorter specials, arguing that they allow comedians to preserve their best material and maintain higher quality. ‍
• Ron White’s Bicycle Joke - “If you’re looking for a bicycle, it’s a great deal. It’s got 750 yards on it. It was a demo when I bought it. It had 350 yards already on it, but I put the other 400 yards on it myself”. White shares a humorous anecdote about his wife buying him a bicycle, showcasing his comedic style and the evolution of his jokes. ‍
• Reflections on Fame and Success - “I never ever saw all this fame and fortune shit coming… Even though I watched it happen to Foxworthy… I never thought it would happen to me”. White reflects on his unexpected rise to fame and how it has impacted his life and career, providing insight into his humble beginnings and persistent work ethic. ‍
• Ron White’s Unique Perspective on Comedy Material - “My fans, they bitch at me because I won’t do anything that’s old… But I just won’t go back”. White discusses his approach to comedy, emphasizing the importance of constantly developing new material and avoiding repetition, even if it means not performing fan-favorite routines.

What to Do

• Creating comedy material - Ron mentions “I’ve always found that my stuff ripens well” indicating his approach to allowing his comedy to develop over time rather than rushing new material. ‍
• On Releasing Comedy Specials - Discussing the frequency of releasing comedy specials, Ron says “I really think Netflix specials should be 30 minutes” suggesting a preference for shorter specials to avoid burning through material too quickly. ‍
• On Watching Own Specials - “I go back. I watched yours the other day” implies a practice of reviewing other comedians’ specials, likely as a way to learn and stay informed about the industry. ‍
• On Handling Old Material - Ron discusses how he handles fan expectations for his older, popular material by saying, “Well my fans, they bitch at me because I won’t do anything that’s old and they want to hear me do Tater Salad and they want to hear me do some of that stuff, but they’re long bits, they already know them”. ‍
• On Performing for the Right Audience - Ron advises, “Here’s the worst thing you can do. Perform for those comics in the back, because that’s not whoever’s going to come see you or pay money. Don’t perform for them. Perform for those people in the seats”.

What to Get

• Ron White: Behavioral Problems - Amazon Prime Video

• Glasses - Mentioned in a humorous exchange about Ron forgetting he’s wearing them. https://amzn.to/45lAnQB ‍

• Bicycle - Ron talks about a bicycle bought by his wife for health reasons, which he humorously admits to not using much. https://amzn.to/3VloB45 ‍

• Tequila - Ron White mentions that he sells his own brand of tequila, which is a point of pride and a personal venture. https://amzn.to/3Xohfzo

Summary

In this entertaining podcast episode, Joe Rogan chats with Ron White about their experiences and opinions as stand-up comedians, the evolution of their careers, and personal stories that reveal both the funny and serious sides of their lives. Get ready for a conversation filled with humor, insights, and heartfelt moments! ‍ The episode starts with some casual banter, establishing a friendly vibe between Joe and Ron. Ron expresses his concerns about whether to do another comedy special, debating the financial and creative aspects involved. He reflects on the pressure to produce comedy specials every year and his preference for letting his material mature over time. ‍ Throughout the conversation, there are plenty of laughs and mutual admiration, highlighting their strong friendship. They discuss other comedians like Ali Wong, praising her growth and stage presence. The conversation also touches on more controversial topics, like the challenges and politics within the comedy industry. They talk about Netflix’s influence on comedy specials, how comedic material has evolved, and how comedians manage their public and professional identities. ‍ One memorable segment involves Ron recounting a funny story about buying a bicycle from his wife for health reasons, which he humorously admits has barely been used. The dialogue then shifts to more serious topics, like past controversies in the comedy world, including accusations of joke theft among prominent comedians. This part of the conversation might be considered controversial as it touches on sensitive issues within the comedy community. Ron also candidly reflects on his journey through substance abuse and rehabilitation, providing a raw glimpse into his struggles and resilience. ‍ Overall, this episode is a rich blend of humor, personal revelations, and industry insights, offering a comprehensive view of the life and thoughts of a seasoned comedian. These insights are sprinkled with moments of laughter, agreement, and occasional solemnity, painting a full picture of the complexities of comedic careers. This summary captures the essence and key points of their dialogue, making it easy to discuss the content with someone familiar with the podcast.