E535 Joe Gatto

At a Glance

• Starting a New Tour - ‘Yes, I got the new tour now. Let’s get into it.’ This marks the beginning of a new phase in the comedian’s career, initiating excitement about fresh material and performances.

• Challenges of Stand-Up Comedy - ‘Like, to have to talk for 65 minutes, like, you know, and do all that and just put it together that way, that was really, like, the crafting of the hour was such a, it’s such a really cool thing to do, you know?’ Highlights the creative process and the effort it takes to craft a comedy special.

• Editing the Comedy Hour - ‘Like, the editing of the hour, you know, is like where you think this is gonna be a great part of it and then you go and just some other stupid thing that happened and you’re like, oh wow, this is so much funnier than that.’ Reflects the iterative and sometimes surprising nature of developing a comedy set.

• Family Influence in Comedy - ‘Yeah, I just had my son and I had a story about my, in the new special messing with people, I had a story about my son going on the Star Wars ride.’ Shows how personal experiences, especially with family, influence and enrich a comedian’s material.

• Audience Interaction - ‘And he’s like, dude, you gotta try that in the hour. He’s like, that’s funny. He’s like, tell that story.’ Demonstrates the collaborative aspect of comedy where interactions with others can lead to the development of a joke or story.

• Impact of Podcasting on Personal Sharing - ‘Do you feel like that you have, people know you in a way different way than they would like five years ago, if you were just doing standup, you know, does this podcast open up a completely different part, right?’ Points out how different mediums like podcasting can change the depth of audience connection compared to standup alone.

• Organ Donation Humor - ‘Yeah, if you put your ear up to the kidney, they can hear a mer just giving up.’ A quirky, humorous take on a serious topic shows the comedian’s ability to find humor in unexpected places.

• Reflection on Personal Growth and Path in Comedy - ‘I think how that kind of works out. Do you feel like you share more, I mean, you talk so much, right? You talk so much with the podcast and everything, right?’ This introspective moment offers insight into how the comedian views their evolution in sharing and connecting with the audience.

• Cultural Observations - ‘Yeah, America is a beautiful country, man. There’s so many cool spots.’ A light, appreciative remark that adds a touch of patriotism and admiration for the diversity within the United States.

• Humorous Anecdote About Audience Expectations - ‘It’s like me getting yelled Larry. If you’re like, yeah, I can do this. What do you get asked the most, do you think, when people want to take a picture with you?’ Illustrates the repetitive and sometimes amusing interactions public figures have with their fans.

What to Do

• ‘Take a moment and think about what you’re building for.’ - Reflecting on personal goals helps in selecting the right tools and strategies to achieve them, promoting focused efforts and personal growth.

• ‘Take an alarmless nap.’ - Allowing the body to wake up naturally without the disruption of an alarm can lead to more restorative rest, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

• ‘I like a nap. I think napping is the best.’ - Regular short naps can boost cognitive function, mood, and productivity, providing a refreshing break that rejuvenates the mind and body.

• ‘Wear earplugs.’ - Using earplugs to block out noise can significantly improve sleep quality, which is crucial for mental and physical health.

What to Get

• Where’s Bearry? by Joe Gatto - Amazon - A children’s book authored by Joe Gatto, used for entertainment and education for children.

Summary

In this podcast episode, the guests and the host delve into a rich and engaging discussion about personal growth, changes in their professional lives, and the impact of their work on their personal identities. One of the primary topics discussed is the evolution of one of the guests, a comedian who has transitioned from performing in a group to establishing a solo career. He reminisces about his time with the group, likening it to playing with “three Tom Brady’s” and now stepping out to carve his own path, which he humorously compares to playing flag football.

A significant part of the conversation focuses on the personal nature of podcasts as a medium. The guest reflects on how podcasting has allowed him to open up about personal issues and connect with his audience on a deeper level. This candid sharing has led to moments of self-discovery and realizations about unresolved issues from his past, which he hadn’t fully acknowledged before. The interaction with the audience through podcasts has made the comedian feel more connected and understood, as people often approach him to express their relatability to his experiences.

Another interesting aspect discussed is the challenge of maintaining friendships as one grows older, especially when friends are no longer part of your daily routine due to changes in life or career paths. The guest humorously mentions how he sometimes jokes about not being friends with his former group members to mess with the audience, highlighting his playful nature. Furthermore, they touch on the nostalgia of high school and college days when friendships were easier due to the proximity and daily interactions, contrasting it with adult life where maintaining relationships requires more effort and intention.

Overall, the episode is a blend of humor, heartfelt stories, and reflective insights on personal growth and social relationships. The guests and host navigate through these topics with ease, making it an entertaining and thought-provoking listen that resonates with anyone pondering the complexities of personal and professional life transitions.