🎯 All Moments (105)
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The Razor Blade Quality of Boston Headliners
Louis C.K. highlights the incredibly high quality standard of Boston's local headliners, describing their decades-honed acts as 'razor blades' that could stand up against any comic ever.
The Flaws of Test Screenings in Filmmaking
The speaker shares insights into the editing process, including the challenge of maintaining freshness and the value of watching with others, while criticizing test screenings as inaccurate due to the nature of paid and potentially biased audiences.
The Ashtray Incident: A Moment of Live Podcast Chaos
During a discussion about a movie premiere, Joe Rogan interrupts to hilariously confess that his ashtray just fell off the rug, creating a lighthearted and relatable moment of live podcast blooper.
John Heffron's Pre-Pandemic Corporate Zoom Comedy
Louis C.K. describes how comedian John Heffron was doing a form of 'Zoom comedy' for corporate gigs long before the pandemic, performing to a monitor displaying audience faces, a unique early use of virtual performance.
Boston Comedy's Core Values: Funny and Tough
Louis C.K. explains how growing up in Boston instilled a culture where only 'funny' and 'tough' were valued, directly influencing the local comedy scene's intensity and style.
Louis C.K.'s Discovery of Comedy at 18
Louis C.K. recalls his early days in 1985, working at a video store and listening to 'Five O'Clock Funnies' on the radio, where he first heard local comedians like Steven Wright and Chance Langton, sparking his passion for stand-up.
Boston Comedy: All About the Craft, Not Sitcoms
Louis C.K. describes the unique philosophy of the Boston comedy scene in his early days, where the focus was purely on honing the craft of stand-up, rather than aspiring to television or sitcom careers.
Directing a Film: A Constant Battle of Problem Solving and Maneuvering
Louis C.K. describes the directing process as an all-consuming, day-long problem-solving endeavor, akin to being on a boat where you can only maneuver, not control everything. He highlights the challenges of tight schedules, uncooperative actors, and unforeseen issues.
Jay Leno's Tonight Show Strategy: Broadest Possible Appeal
Louis C.K. defends Jay Leno, explaining his Tonight Show strategy was to create jokes with the 'broadest possible appeal,' aiming for universal likability, which often resulted in 'watered-down easy jokes' but protected the sacred institution of the show.
Jay Leno: One of the Best Stand-up Comics Ever
Louis C.K. praises Jay Leno's exceptional stand-up abilities before his Tonight Show hosting gig, calling him 'one of the best [__] comics alive ever,' and shares a classic observational bit Leno performed.
The Emotional Significance of Performing in Boston
Joe List and Louis C.K. share the deep emotional significance of performing at iconic Boston venues like the Garden and the Orpheum, highlighting how important success in Boston is to local comics.
Writing a Movie During the Pandemic: The Power of Clear Vision and Dictation
Louis C.K. shares how he and Joe List wrote their movie quickly during the pandemic, driven by a desire to "do something." He explains that the process was expedited because they had a clear vision for the movie, its characters, and its "engines," making it feel like they were "taking dictation."
The Freedom of Self-Financing: No Script Notes, Just Production
Louis C.K. explains the advantage of self-financing his movie: the absence of external comments or notes on the script. This allowed them to finish writing and move directly into production, saving time and avoiding the typical delays and revisions associated with studio involvement.
Club Owner Pulls a Gun on Hecklers
Louis C.K. recounts a wild anecdote from his early comedy days in Boston, where a drunk club owner pulled a gun on hecklers, causing the entire audience to flee.
Overwhelmed by Boston's Competitive Comedy Scene
Louis C.K. recounts his first visit to a comedy club, expecting a small scene, only to be overwhelmed by the sheer talent and competitiveness of Boston's top comedians, which sparked his obsession with stand-up.
Louis C.K.'s First Bomb and Temporary Retreat from Comedy
Louis C.K. shares the excruciating story of his first open mic performance, where he bombed so badly it was 'the worst night maybe of my life,' leading him to quit comedy for a year before eventually returning.
Brian Frazier's Terrifying Stage Presence
Louis C.K. recounts how comedian Brian Frazier's massive bodybuilder physique made him a 'terrifying' and distracting presence on stage, even in a golf shirt, to the point where Louis had to advise him on it.
Brian Frazier Almost Kills Club Owner Over Anti-Semitic Remark
Louis C.K. vividly describes a tense incident where comedian Brian Frazier, a large bodybuilder, nearly beat a club owner to death for making a casual, anti-Semitic joke, highlighting Frazier's temper and the dangerous side of comedy gigs.
The Welcoming and Encouraging Boston Comedy Community
Louis C.K. praises the Boston comedy scene's unique and welcoming atmosphere, where established comics actively helped and encouraged newcomers like him, fostering a supportive environment despite its competitive nature.
OJ Simpson's Fragmented Memory: The Mind's Split During Trauma
Louis C.K. discusses the possibility that O.J. Simpson's memory of the night his ex-wife was murdered might be fragmented or altered, referencing a book where Simpson describes having an internal dialogue with a character in his car. This points to the psychological phenomenon of the mind splitting during extreme stress, shaping how one remembers traumatic events.
The Success of 'Tuesdays with Stories' with Joe List & Mark Normand
Joe List discusses the long-standing success of his 'Tuesdays with Stories' podcast with Mark Normand, highlighting its nearly nine-year run and impressive listenership of around 100,000 people per episode.
Joe List's Strategy for Releasing Specials and Touring
Joe List shares his strategic approach to releasing stand-up specials, giving himself months to develop new material before release to ensure his touring act offers fresh jokes to his growing fanbase and maximizes ticket sales.
Joe List's Minor League Baseball Dream Day
Joe List shares his fun side gig doing a minor league baseball roundup and recounts the surreal experience of actually playing for a day with the Missoula PaddleHeads, fulfilling a childhood dream.
Nick DiPaolo: The Underrated Poetic Football Player
Louis C.K. praises Nick DiPaolo as one of the best and most underrated comedians, highlighting his unique ability to craft words like a poet despite his 'football player' and 'working-class guy' persona.
VR, Simulation, and Disturbing Family Fantasies
A darkly humorous and increasingly disturbing discussion that starts with VR and simulation theory, quickly devolving into outrageous and taboo jokes about VR porn with family members.
Louis C.K. Fights for Nick DiPaolo's Role on NewsRadio
Louis C.K. shares an anecdote about having to fight a casting director to ensure Nick DiPaolo got a role as his brother on NewsRadio, overcoming Nick's self-deprecating belief that he was always being 'screwed over.'
Nick DiPaolo: The Comedian Who Made Joe List Feel Comfortable
Joe List shares how seeing Nick DiPaolo, a 'big [__] handsome football player looking guy,' succeed in comedy made him realize that he too, despite feeling 'odd for a comedian,' could pursue his passion.
Finding Your Comedic Voice: Kennison and Steve Martin's Impact
Joe List and Louis C.K. discuss how encountering comedians like Sam Kinison and early Steve Martin, who defied traditional styles, helped them realize the diverse forms comedy could take and encouraged them to find their own unique voices.
Nick DiPaolo's Angry Stage Persona
Joe List and Louis C.K. recount Nick DiPaolo's aggressive stage persona, where he would actively seek out and confront audience members not laughing, or even those complimenting him, with his signature anger.
Nick DiPaolo vs. Dana Gould: A Stage Confrontation
Louis C.K. vividly recalls an early confrontation between Nick DiPaolo and Dana Gould on stage, where Gould's insult about Nick being a 'dumb Italian guy' almost led to a physical fight, highlighting the raw intensity of the scene.
Boston's Wild Roots vs. The Tonight Show's Cleanliness
Louis C.K. and Joe List discuss the stark contrast between the 'animalistic' and raw early Boston comedy scene, filled with bar fights and arrests, and the later pressure to work 'clean' for the Tonight Show path, leaving many comics feeling 'f***ed.'
Joe List: The Quietly Prolific Special Machine
Joe List details his impressive process of rapidly producing stand-up specials post-pandemic, explaining how he constantly generates new material to be 'quietly prolific' and keep his touring act fresh.
Boston Comedy: A Folk Scene of Teacher-Comics
Louis C.K. describes the Boston comedy scene as a unique 'folk scene' where veteran comedians act as 'teachers,' fostering new talent and preserving the craft without the pressure of becoming TV stars, a rare and valuable phenomenon.
Jay Leno's Unique Material Strategy & Deep Car Passion
Louis C.K. explains Jay Leno's unusual strategy of not releasing his stand-up material to the public, and delves into Leno's profound and genuine passion for cars, which extends far beyond luxury vehicles to obscure engines and history.
The Pre-Show Cigarette Ritual: Louis C.K. on Lucky Strikes and the End of the World
Louis C.K. discusses his occasional habit of smoking Lucky Strikes, particularly before shows, and humorously attributes almost magical qualities to cigarettes for artists. Joe Rogan adds to the humor by suggesting that if the world were ending, lighting a cigarette would be the first thing to do.
The Instant Snore: What Happens When You Get Knocked Out
Joe Rogan and Louis C.K. discuss the immediate and often bizarre reactions of the human body to being knocked unconscious, specifically the instantaneous snoring that many people exhibit. They ponder whether non-snorers also snore when knocked out, highlighting the strange physiological response to a sudden deep sleep.
Joe List's Grateful Partnership with Mark Normand
Joe List expresses deep gratitude for his nine-year podcast partnership with Mark Normand, emphasizing their conflict-free collaboration and shared commitment to 'pure silly [__] irreverent horseshit' that makes their show a blast.
Louis C.K.'s Disciplined Approach to Writing New Material (Inspired by The Beatles)
Louis C.K. shares his intense, disciplined writing process for developing a new hour of stand-up material in just two months, inspired by 'The Beatles: Get Back' documentary. He details how he forced himself to work on new and 'dying' bits daily, systematically building up strong material, emphasizing the importance of showing up for work every day.
Audience Laughter in Unexpected Moments: The Nuance of Comedy and Tragedy
Louis C.K. reflects on how audiences reacted to his film 'Fourth of July,' noting that moments he intended as sad sometimes elicited huge laughter, such as a dad's dismissive "Jesus" and beer sip. This highlights the subjective nature of humor and how different audiences interpret emotional cues.
The Humbling and Healing Power of Nature vs. City Life
The hosts discuss how cities are unnatural environments that disconnect humans from essential natural rhythms. They explain that spending time in nature, observing its cycles of death and renewal, provides physical and mental nourishment, offering a humbling perspective that reduces the fear of dying and helps regulate the brain from modern overstimulation.
Living with Bone-on-Bone Arthritis and Conflicting Medical Advice
Louis C.K. describes the daily pain of his severe bone-on-bone arthritis and the exasperating experience of receiving wildly conflicting advice from multiple doctors, leaving him frustrated and living with the pain.
Jay Leno's Unaired Risqué Joke on The Tonight Show
Louis C.K. recounts an incident on The Tonight Show where Jay Leno made a surprisingly risqué joke about Kathy Lee Gifford's son that caused the audience to erupt, only for Leno to immediately ensure it was cut from the broadcast, demonstrating his commitment to broad appeal.
The Next Special: F*** Your Dad, Kill Your Dad, Kill Yourself
A comically dark exchange escalating from joking about suicide to outrageous suggestions for a new special's theme: 'F*** your dad, kill your dad, kill yourself,' delivered with deadpan humor.
The DirectTV Chip: Hacking Porn and Pay-Per-Views in the 90s
Joe Rogan reminisces about the "good old days" of hacking DirectTV with a special chip to get all the pay-per-views and porn channels. He humorously describes having to constantly get new chips for big fights, highlighting the lengths people went to for illicit content before streaming.
The Hardest Acting Challenge: Portraying Emotional Unawareness and Narcissism
Louis C.K. discusses the unique challenge of directing actors to portray characters who are emotionally unaware, unable to connect, or trapped in a narcissistic bubble. He explains that while expressing big emotions like tantrums or crying is not difficult for actors, subtly embodying a lack of connection requires exceptional skill, as it goes against the core of acting.
Reclaiming 'Louie': How Louis C.K. Licensed His FX Series for Exclusive Website Release
Louis C.K. shares his unique business model of licensing his former FX series 'Louie' from Disney to host it exclusively on his website. He explains that this allows him to avoid competition and offer all five seasons for a flat fee, illustrating a powerful strategy for creators to control their content distribution.
Louis C.K.'s Direct-to-Fan Model: Selling Stand-Up Bundles and Operating Independently
Louis C.K. details his direct-to-fan business model, where he sells bundles of his seven stand-up specials for a flat fee on his website. He emphasizes setting prices that allow for profit and recouping costs, enabling him to operate independently outside of algorithmic platforms and maintain a direct relationship with his audience.
The Problem with Streaming Services: Censorship and Corporate Input on Creative Content
Louis C.K. and Joe Rogan discuss the growing trend of creators like Schultz releasing specials directly on their websites, circumventing streaming services. They highlight the significant problems creators face with streaming platforms, including censorship and unwanted corporate input that compromises artistic integrity.
Why Louis C.K. Avoids Corporate Bosses: The Wiggle Room for Art
Louis C.K. explains his philosophy of independent creation, stating that large corporations, due to their numerous concerns and accountability to others, cannot allow the "wiggle room" necessary for artistic freedom. He prefers not to have them as his boss, emphasizing his desire to "f*** around and have fun" with his work.
The Algorithm's Grip: Why People Are Seeking Content Outside the Tailored Feed
Louis C.K. discusses the "giant suck" of social media algorithms, which curate content for users, reducing their impulse to explore and find things independently. However, he observes a growing desire among people to make an effort to discover content that isn't pre-selected, suggesting a shift away from the algorithmic norm.
Grammy and Emmy Wins: The Power of Independent Content Creation
Louis C.K. highlights the unique achievement of winning a Grammy and multiple Emmys for content released entirely independently through his website (louisck.com). This moment serves as motivation and knowledge, demonstrating that creators can achieve mainstream recognition and success without traditional industry channels.
The 'Horace and Pete' Experiment: A Secret TV Series with Huge Names
Louis C.K. recounts his ambitious "Horace and Pete" experiment, where he created a full TV series with acclaimed actors like Steve Buscemi, Alan Alda, and Jessica Lange, but released it without any promotion, press, or reviews. He sent an email one day, testing the idea of direct-to-fan distribution without corporate interference.
The Joy of Writing Big Checks: Louis C.K. Pays Alan Alda and Steve Buscemi from His Own Company
Louis C.K. shares a personal highlight of his independent career: the satisfaction of writing substantial checks from his own company to legendary actors like Steve Buscemi and Alan Alda for their work on 'Horace and Pete'. This moment underscores the financial autonomy and personal pride derived from his direct-to-fan business model.
The Executive's Dilemma: Why Network Notes Are Often About Job Validation, Not Improvement
Louis C.K. and Joe Rogan discuss a common problem in creative industries: executives feeling compelled to give notes or input on content, not necessarily to improve it, but to validate their job. They explain that these individuals feel they "have to say something or else we don't deserve a job," leading to unnecessary interference.
The Danger of Astonishment: Why Truly Fun Content is Often Risky
Louis C.K. argues that the most enjoyable content to watch is "astonishing" and unexpected, but this inherently makes it "dangerous" for platforms operating within algorithms and corporate caution. He suggests that the audience often gets "screwed" when creators are forced to be careful, limiting truly groundbreaking work.
Casting for Talent, Not Stars: The Power of Untapped Potential
Louis C.K. discusses his casting philosophy for 'Fourth of July,' emphasizing that he chose actors based on their talent rather than relying on big names. He highlights the "grace of them stepping up and like doing something they didn't know they could do," finding immense satisfaction in seeing actors nail significant parts for the first time.
Segmenting Time: The Key to Juggling Multiple Creative Projects
Louis C.K. shares his strategy for managing multiple demanding projects like touring for stand-up and directing a film. He explains that he's "gotten kind of good at segmenting time," meaning he fully dedicates himself to one task and puts others completely aside, making them "not exist at all" when not actively working on them.
Financing a Film: Joe List's Strategic Stand-Up Special for Movie Funding
Louis C.K. reveals the strategic financial decision behind Joe List shooting a stand-up special immediately before filming their movie. Joe List needed to finance the film, and the special provided guaranteed cash, effectively combining the budgets of both projects to ensure the movie could be made, demonstrating a practical approach to independent film funding.
The Ethics of Post-Fight Interviews: Why Joe Rogan Stopped Questioning Knocked-Out Fighters
Joe Rogan explains his decision to stop interviewing fighters immediately after they've been knocked out. He cites instances where fighters would remember things incorrectly or even invent events, highlighting the ethical dilemma of questioning individuals in such a vulnerable and disoriented state.
The Moral Dilemma of Commentating: Acknowledging Brain Damage in Fighters
Joe Rogan expresses his primary moral and ethical conflict as a fight commentator: knowing that the athletes are legitimately harming their brains. He acknowledges that fighters who have been in the sport for years inevitably suffer from CTE, making him question the ethics of his role in promoting a sport with such serious long-term health consequences.
Exploiting Trauma: The Unethical Practice of Interviewing School Shooting Victims
Louis C.K. criticizes the unethical practice of the press interviewing victims or their families immediately after traumatic events like school shootings. He argues that these individuals are in a vulnerable, unprocessed state and should not be put on television, highlighting the exploitation inherent in seeking quotes from people who haven't processed their trauma.
Trauma and Memory: Why Your Brain Stops Recording Reliably During Extreme Stress
Joe Rogan and Louis C.K. discuss how traumatic events distort memory. They explain that during extreme stress, the body injects adrenaline, turning the brain into a "reptilian survival machine" that stops reliably recording and storing memories. This means that after an extraordinary moment, one's memory will never be a true playback of what happened.
The Paradox of Porn: Private Shame, Public Consumption
Louis C.K. and Joe Rogan discuss the paradoxical nature of pornography: it's often a "private shameful moment" for individuals, yet it's one of the most downloaded and widely consumed forms of media globally. They highlight the disconnect between its taboo perception and its universal use.
The Flawed Witness: Why Eyewitness Testimony is Highly Unreliable
Joe Rogan and Louis C.K. discuss the significant problems with eyewitness testimony in legal cases, calling it "the most unreliable testimony." They explain that people can be genuinely convinced they remember an event or person accurately, even when they are "totally wrong," as the mind tends to fill in gaps or decide on a narrative.
The Allure of the Pariah: Why Lonely People Write to Serial Killers
Joe Rogan and Louis C.K. discuss the psychological phenomenon of lonely people writing to serial killers in prison. They suggest that these individuals might feel a connection to a "pariah" like OJ Simpson, believing he's "at my level" and might respond, offering a sense of being seen that they wouldn't get from a celebrity like Tom Brady.
OJ Simpson's Alleged Method: Learning from a Navy Seal on Disguise and Throat Slitting
Louis C.K. recounts a compelling piece of circumstantial evidence from a book about O.J. Simpson, suggesting that Simpson consulted with a Navy Seal while doing a TV show. He allegedly learned that wearing all black and knit caps is a decent disguise at night and how they "come up from behind and cut throats," which was reportedly the method used in the murders.
Cinematic Anxiety: How Louis C.K. Used Lenses and Lighting to Portray Discomfort
Louis C.K. details how he used specific visual techniques in his film 'Fourth of July' to immerse the audience in the protagonist's anxiety. This included anamorphic lenses for a wider perspective and subtle camera rocking to create disbalance, along with green lighting to evoke nausea, connecting physical and mental discomfort.
The Old-School Grind: Why Seasoned Comics Still Do 10-Minute Sets
The speakers, both in their mid-fifties, discuss being 'outliers' in comedy and the importance of continuing to push the craft. They emphasize the necessity of the old-fashioned process of building material through short club sets alongside younger comics, even when it's uncomfortable.
Louis C.K. on Quitting Porn: Reclaiming Natural Sexuality and Intentional Pleasure
Louis C.K. shares his personal decision to stop watching porn, explaining that it "crowds out your real sexual intention and your own natural sexuality." He discusses his effort to return to using memory and thoughts for pleasure, leading to less frequent but more "special" and intentional sexual experiences, and ultimately feeling "a lot better."
The Pre-Show Masturbation Secret: What Audiences Don't Know About Performers
Louis C.K. and Joe Rogan humorously discuss the common, yet unspoken, practice of some performers masturbating before going on stage. They highlight the comical disconnect between the audience's perception of the artist and the performer's recent activity, with Louis C.K. joking, "just about 11 minutes ago I was ejaculating."
The Power of Vulnerability in Comedy
Louis C.K. and Joe List discuss why vulnerability is the most effective tool for comedians. They argue that audiences connect deeply with a performer's embarrassment and uncertainty, rather than their confidence or cleverness, citing a quote about sharing when you're 'uncool' as the true currency.
Ron White's Drag Queen Story: Recognizing Your Own Best Material
Louis C.K. recounts a hilarious story about Ron White sharing a personal anecdote about prostitutes in Hawaii, only to realize years later some were drag queens. Louis C.K. had to convince Ron White that this deeply embarrassing story was, in fact, incredibly funny and perfect for his stand-up act, highlighting how comedians often overlook their most vulnerable and relatable material.
Stand-Up is the Greatest Drug: Why Louis C.K. Will Never Quit
The speaker passionately declares stand-up comedy the greatest job in the world, comparing its unique live feedback and 'drug-like' high to even the satisfying experience of filmmaking. He recounts a producer's terrible advice to quit stand-up, which only strengthened his resolve.
The Pendulum of Society: From Trippy Fun to Moral Certainty
The speaker delves into the cyclical nature of society, noting how periods of 'trippy and fun' cultural moments (like The Sopranos) give way to anxiety and a desire for moral certainty ('you can be a good person, know who's bad'). He asserts that comedy, in particular, must be defended every few decades against these societal shifts, emphasizing that this is a recurring historical pattern.
The Glorious Era of 'Punk Rock' Comedy
The speaker enthusiastically declares the current era a 'glorious time for comedy,' arguing that societal 'PC shit' makes audiences hungry for raw, 'punk rock' stand-up. He praises the abundance of killer comics like Shane Gillis who are selling out venues worldwide.
The Boston Comedy Grind: No Patience for Pontification
The speaker discusses Shane Gillis's 'giving' nature on stage as a 'red state guy playing the blue state audience' and compares Sam Morril to a 'closer.' He then emphasizes that growing up in Boston comedy forces comics to deal with impatient audiences in places like VFWs, leaving no room for pontification and demanding direct jokes.
Mike Donovan's Timeless Advice: Always Record Your Sets
Louis C.K. shares legendary Boston comic Mike Donovan's crucial advice for aspiring comedians: always record your sets, because a single forgotten line could be the seed for an entirely new bit.
Stephen Wright's Encouragement Made Louis C.K.'s Life
Louis C.K. recounts a pivotal moment early in his career: after a terrible set, his idol Stephen Wright unexpectedly approached him and said, 'You're very funny,' a simple act of encouragement that 'made my life.'
Stephen Wright Almost Quit Comedy After His First Set
Louis C.K. shares the surprising story of how Stephen Wright, after bombing half his first five-minute set, almost quit comedy, but was saved by the encouragement of veteran comic Mike McDonald, who advised him to just replace the bad jokes.
The Priceless Value of Encouragement for New Comics
Joe List and Louis C.K. emphasize how a simple word of encouragement from an established comedian can be 'priceless' and crucial for inspiring new talent, even if they only have one good joke.
Reconnecting with Nick DiPaolo After Political Divide
Louis C.K. recounts how his movie brought him back together with Nick DiPaolo, whose friendship had drifted apart due to political differences, highlighting how personal connection can bridge divides.
Patrice O'Neal: The Undisputed King of Comedy
Louis C.K. and Joe List passionately declare Patrice O'Neal as one of the greatest comedians of all time, a unique talent who 'owns a part of comedy that nobody else can touch,' and lament his absence, believing he would have been 'the king' of podcasting.
Jay Leno's Unexpected Mentorship and Generosity
Louis C.K. shares how Jay Leno unexpectedly gave him a coveted lead spot on The Tonight Show and continued to offer consistent, selfless encouragement throughout Louis's career, even during his difficult times.
Jay Leno's Jet Motorcycle and Dramatic Exit
Louis C.K. recounts a bizarre encounter where Jay Leno, after a Tonight Show appearance, showed him his custom-built jet-powered motorcycle, started it up, and then simply vanished into the distance without another word.
Jay Leno's 11 Warehouses of Immaculate Cars
Louis C.K. describes the unbelievable scale of Jay Leno's car collection, housed in 11 gigantic, immaculate warehouses filled with rare vehicles and automotive memorabilia, a truly 'strange incredible' sight.
Mark Normand's 'Pure Funny' Character Defect
Louis C.K. and Joe List affectionately describe Mark Normand as a 'joke machine' and 'pure funny' to such an extent that his 'only character defect' is his inability to be serious, even for a moment.
Protect Our Parks: Obliterated Comedians and Editing Regrets
Joe List hilariously describes the chaotic 'Protect Our Parks' podcast with Ari Shaffir, Shane Gillis, and Mark Normand, where they get 'obliterated' with alcohol and weed, often leading to post-recording debates about what 'ridiculous' parts to cut.
Shane Gillis' Astounding Alcohol Capacity
Joe List marvels at Shane Gillis's incredible ability to consume '13, 14 Bud Lights' with an 'astounding capacity,' contrasting it with Ari Shaffir's failed attempt to keep up, which ended with him 'throwing up in a cooler.'
Joe List's Sobriety and Zoom AA for Comics
Joe List shares his journey of nearly 10 years of sobriety, how he navigates social drinking, and how he started a successful Zoom AA meeting for comedians during the pandemic, which has grown into a significant community.
CBD Cured Dave Foley's Severe Arthritis
Louis C.K. shares a striking anecdote about fellow comedian Dave Foley, whose severe, claw-like arthritis was completely resolved by daily CBD use, suggesting its potential as a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Why Comedians Should Ignore Social Media
In this conversation, Louis C.K. explains why comedians should completely ignore social-media feedback and focus solely on their live audience. He argues that engaging with online critics is irresponsible and can distort a comedian’s act — only the people in the room matter. While expanding on this point, Louis C.K. casually references his ex-girlfriend Blanche Gardin, a French comedian who inspired part of his thinking about how “talk” used to be ephemeral before social media made every opinion permanent.
The Juice Is Loose: OJ Simpson's Bizarre Post-Murder Rap Video
Louis C.K. and Joe Rogan discuss the surreal and darkly humorous existence of O.J. Simpson's rap video, "The Juice is Loose," released *after* his murder trial. The idea of him on a throne with dancing girls, while victims' families would see it, highlights the bizarre intersection of celebrity, crime, and media.
OJ Simpson's Unwavering Fans: Agreeing to Disagree on Murder
Joe Rogan and Louis C.K. find humor in the bizarre loyalty of OJ Simpson's Twitter followers, who engage with his content despite his past. They highlight comments like "agree to disagree on this one juice" and "those are the two points that I didn't get to disagree juice," showcasing the surreal disconnect and dark comedy of the situation.
OJ Simpson's Oblivious Twitter: Commenting on Murders While Golfing
Joe Rogan and Louis C.K. find dark humor in O.J. Simpson's social media presence, particularly his "hello twitter world" videos where he obliviously comments on murders, while comments sections fill with knife emojis. The absurdity of his post-acquittal life, golfing and seemingly unaware of public perception, is highlighted.
The Unconventional Wake-Up Call: Trainer Jumps Off Knocked-Out Boxer
Joe Rogan recounts a bizarre video he saw of a boxing match in Africa where a trainer tried to revive a knocked-out fighter by reaching into his shorts and "jacking him off." This incredibly strange and humorous anecdote sparks disbelief and laughter.
COVID Scare and Anal Sex: How Joe List's Wife Almost Derailed Movie Production
Joe List recounts a terrifying moment during the film's production when his wife, a comedian, returned from a gig and immediately had a COVID scare after a friend tested positive. This happened right after they had anal sex, creating a high-stakes, humorous, and relatable story about the anxieties and risks of filming during the pandemic with no margin for error.
Obama's Debate Masterclass: The Power of a Quiet Smile
The speaker praises Barack Obama's brilliant debate strategy against McCain, where he would simply smile at the camera rather than directly engage in conflict. This approach, he explains, allowed the audience to form their own conclusions, demonstrating a powerful and composed method of handling opposition and public perception.
The Performer's Mindset: Embracing the Gap Between Self and Perception
The speaker reflects on not caring about backlash after a controversial SNL monologue, noting how times have changed. He advises performers to accept that they cannot please everyone and must learn to live with the 'gap' between their true selves and public perception, emphasizing that needing universal approval is detrimental.
Louis C.K.'s Take on Modern Cinema: Beyond Marvel and 'Black Girl with One Leg' Stories
Louis C.K. makes a controversial and humorous comment about his film 'Fourth of July' standing out from typical Hollywood fare. He contrasts it with Marvel movies and what he describes as "black girl with one leg who persevered" narratives, implying a critique of formulaic or identity-driven storytelling.
Dave Chappelle's Heart: The Little Girl and the Dance Circle
The speaker shares a touching anecdote about Dave Chappelle's character, describing how Chappelle gently cleared a space for a little black girl to dance in a crowded nightclub, then backed off, pleased with the moment he created, revealing a deep, insightful side of him.
'Amusing Ourselves to Death' x100: Social Media's Insidious Manipulation
The speaker references the 1980s book 'Amusing Ourselves to Death' and argues that its concerns about television dumbing down society are now amplified a hundredfold by social media, which insidiously manipulates users and knows more about them than they know themselves, even predicting personal traits.
Embrace the Silence: Where Profound Thoughts Begin
The speaker advocates for embracing silence and the uncomfortable feeling of boredom as a pathway to profound thought and creativity, especially for comedians who tend to seek constant stimulation. This clip offers a powerful perspective on leveraging discomfort for personal growth and innovative ideas.
The Porn Hub of the Past: Beaded Doors, VHS Glitches, and Shared Shame
Joe Rogan and Louis C.K. share nostalgic and humorous recollections of pre-internet porn consumption, including the embarrassing "beaded door" section of DVD stores and the tell-tale glitches on VHS tapes where "the last guy kept rewinding that moment." They reflect on the shared, yet private, shame of those times.
The Brutal Email: How an Ex-Girlfriend's Honest Chat Revealed Unattractiveness
Louis C.K. recounts a hilarious and brutal personal story about an ex-girlfriend who left her email open. He found a chat where she told her best friend she wasn't attracted to him but would "give it a shot," leading to an awkward and confidence-shattering revelation.
New York vs. Boston: How Audiences React Differently to Familial Conflict in Film
Louis C.K. provides a fascinating comparison of how audiences in New York and Boston reacted to a pivotal scene in his movie where a son tells his mom "f*** you." New Yorkers cheered, seeing it as a fantasy of rebellion, while Bostonians reacted with shock and disapproval, reflecting deep-seated regional cultural norms about family respect.