Digest

This podcast features a conversation between Bert Kreischer and stand-up comedian Earthquake, delving into Earthquake's comedic journey, his unique approach to stand-up, and his impact on the comedy scene. The episode begins with Kreischer expressing his admiration for Earthquake's comedic talent and his influence on the stand-up world. They discuss how Earthquake's powerful set at an ICM showcase led to other comics leaving the room, but Bert saw it as an opportunity to ride his energy and landed a development deal. Earthquake shares his unique approach to comedy, emphasizing his preference for quick delivery and avoiding long-winded jokes. He reveals that he doesn't physically write his material, instead relying on mental preparation and a rapid-fire style. He also discusses his background, including his time in the military and his decision to pursue comedy in Atlanta, where he faced challenges as a white comedian trying to break into the predominantly black comedy scene. The conversation then shifts to the founding of Uptown Comedy Corner, a club specifically for black comedians, which Earthquake established to create a space where black comics could thrive and be recognized. He recounts how Steve Harvey helped him get the club off the ground and shares a story about Harvey's commitment to quality and his belief in the club's potential. The podcast also explores Earthquake's early success through radio appearances, his experiences in the comedy scenes of LA and Montreal, and the challenges of performing at the Montreal Comedy Festival. He shares his early days in LA, including his experience auditioning for a spot at the Comedy Store and the pressure to prove himself. The conversation touches on the impact of Earthquake's Netflix special on his career and his perspective on success, emphasizing that it's subjective and that he's content with making people laugh, regardless of the platform. He also discusses the importance of avoiding bitterness, staying true to your own comedic voice, and finding your own path in comedy. The podcast concludes with Earthquake sharing his pre-show ritual, his admiration for other comics like Lavelle Crawford, Greer Barnes, and Regimen Fatten, and his thoughts on the future of stand-up specials. He advocates for shorter, more focused sets that prioritize quality over quantity and emphasizes the importance of supporting other comedians, particularly those who are less established.

Outlines

00:00:00

Earthquake's Impact and Unique Style

The podcast begins with the hosts introducing their guest, Earthquake, and expressing their admiration for his comedic talent and impact on the stand-up scene. They highlight his respect among peers and his ability to destroy rooms with laughter. Earthquake discusses his unique approach to comedy, emphasizing his preference for quick delivery and avoiding long-winded jokes. He reveals that he doesn't physically write his material, instead relying on mental preparation and a rapid-fire style.

00:01:42

Earthquake's Influence on Bert Kreischer's Career

Bert Kreischer shares a story about how Earthquake's powerful set at an ICM showcase led to three other comics leaving the room, refusing to follow him. Bert, however, saw it as an opportunity to ride Earthquake's energy and landed a development deal after his set.

00:04:10

Earthquake's Journey to Stand-Up and Uptown Comedy Corner

Earthquake shares his background, including his time in the military and his decision to pursue comedy in Atlanta. He describes the challenges he faced as a white comedian trying to break into the predominantly black comedy scene. He recounts the story of how he founded Uptown Comedy Corner, a club specifically for black comedians. He highlights the importance of creating a space where black comics could thrive and be recognized.

00:08:36

Steve Harvey's Role in Uptown Comedy Corner

Earthquake discusses how Steve Harvey helped him get Uptown Comedy Corner off the ground. He shares a story about how Harvey refused to perform for a small audience, demonstrating his commitment to quality and his belief in the club's potential.

00:14:29

Early Success and the Power of Radio

Earthquake reflects on the impact of his early radio appearances, which helped him gain recognition and build his audience. He emphasizes the importance of being snappy and engaging on the radio to capture listeners' attention.

00:18:44

Trusting Your Voice and Navigating the Comedy Scene

Earthquake emphasizes the importance of trusting your own voice and avoiding the temptation to copy other comedians. He warns against taking advice from club managers who may not have the experience or expertise to guide your career. He discusses his experiences with the comedy scenes in LA and Montreal, describing them as intimidating environments where comics from all over the world compete for recognition. He emphasizes the importance of being the best in your local area before venturing to these major cities.

00:25:35

Challenges of Montreal Comedy Festival and Early Days in LA

Earthquake discusses the challenges of performing at the Montreal Comedy Festival, particularly for a black comedian from the Southeast with a distinct dialect. He shares his experience of feeling like an outsider and the pressure to adapt his act. He recounts his early days in LA, including his experience auditioning for a spot at the Comedy Store. He describes the pressure to prove himself and the importance of staying sober to maintain his comedic edge.

00:29:39

The Impact of Netflix and Earthquake's Perspective on Success

Bert Kreischer asks Earthquake about the impact of his Netflix special on his career and whether he ever craved that level of success. Earthquake shares his perspective on success, emphasizing that it's subjective and that he's content with making people laugh, regardless of the platform.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is Earthquake's unique approach to comedy?

  Earthquake prefers a quick delivery style, avoiding long-winded jokes. He doesn't physically write his material, instead relying on mental preparation and a rapid-fire style.

• How did Earthquake's early radio appearances impact his career?

  Earthquake's radio appearances helped him gain recognition and build his audience. He learned the importance of being snappy and engaging on the radio to capture listeners' attention.

• What advice did Steve Harvey give Earthquake about his comedy?

  Steve Harvey encouraged Earthquake to trust his natural talent and avoid overthinking his material. He told him not to let others influence his comedic voice.

• What are some of the challenges Earthquake faced as a white comedian trying to break into the predominantly black comedy scene?

  Earthquake faced skepticism and resistance from some black comedians who questioned his place in the scene. He had to prove himself and earn their respect.

• What is Earthquake's perspective on success in comedy?

  Earthquake believes that success is subjective and that he's content with making people laugh, regardless of the platform. He's not driven by fame or fortune, but by the joy of connecting with audiences.

• What is Earthquake's dream team for a movie?

  Earthquake's dream team includes Andy Murphy, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, and Mike Epps. He envisions a heist movie with a comedic twist, where the characters are probation officers who use their skills to pull off a daring scheme.

• What is Earthquake's advice for aspiring comedians?

  Earthquake encourages aspiring comedians to trust their own voice, avoid bitterness, and support their peers. He emphasizes the importance of finding your own path and not letting others dictate your career choices.

Show Notes