Chappelle Shockwaves w/ Earthquake | 2 Bears, 1 Cave
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
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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
Earthquake
Earthquake is a stand-up comedian known for his high-energy, rapid-fire style and his ability to destroy rooms with laughter. He is a respected figure in the comedy world and has gained significant recognition through his Netflix special and other projects.
Uptown Comedy Corner
Uptown Comedy Corner is a comedy club founded by Earthquake in Atlanta, specifically for black comedians. It was created to provide a space where black comics could thrive and be recognized for their talent.
Steve Harvey
Steve Harvey is a comedian, actor, and television personality known for his stand-up routines and his hosting roles on various shows, including "Family Feud" and "The Steve Harvey Show." He is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and has been a mentor to many comedians.
Netflix
Netflix is a streaming service that has become a major platform for stand-up comedy specials. It has allowed comedians to reach a wider audience and has significantly impacted the comedy industry.
Montreal Comedy Festival
The Montreal Comedy Festival is an annual event that brings together comedians from around the world. It is a prestigious festival that offers opportunities for comics to showcase their talent and gain recognition.
Comedy Store
The Comedy Store is a famous comedy club in Los Angeles that has been a launching pad for many successful comedians. It is known for its competitive atmosphere and its rigorous audition process.
Lavelle Crawford
Lavelle Crawford is a stand-up comedian known for his high-energy, physical style and his ability to connect with audiences. He is a respected figure in the comedy world and has appeared on various television shows and specials.
Greer Barnes
Greer Barnes is a stand-up comedian known for his smooth delivery and his ability to effortlessly weave stories and jokes together. He is a respected figure in the comedy world and has performed at various clubs and festivals.
Regimen Fatten
Regimen Fatten is a stand-up comedian known for his bold and often controversial humor. He is a respected figure in the comedy world and has performed at various clubs and festivals.
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
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We're back with another episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave! This week Tom and Bert are joined by comedian Earthquake! Comedy is often a natural disaster, but sometimes a star comes around that shines brighter than the rest. Tom is especially excited for this episode as Earthquake reminisces about his early days in Atlanta and LA, before praising some of his contemporaries like Mike Epps, Martin Lawrence, and Dave Chappelle. Earthquake also had the pleasure of being part of Dave Chappelle's Home Team on Netflix and he dives into that with the Bears. They also talk about bitter comedians, directors wanting to be the stars now, lifting others up, owning a comedy club, and much more!
2 Bears, 1 Cave Ep. 246
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