Digest

This podcast episode features a conversation with stand-up comedian Maz Jobrani, who discusses his career, the challenges of touring, dealing with hecklers, and the evolving landscape of comedy. The hosts begin by introducing Maz and sharing how they met him at a podcasting conference. Maz then talks about his long and successful career in stand-up comedy, including his touring schedule, his new special "Birds and Bees," and his experience as an actor. He discusses the challenges and rewards of being a touring comedian, including the constant travel and the joy of performing on stage. Maz also shares his strategies for dealing with hecklers, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and not letting them derail the show. He discusses the growing number of Iranian American comedians and how he feels about being a pioneer in the field. The hosts also discuss Maz's acting career, including his role in the TV show "The West Wing" and his starring role in the indie comedy film "Jimmy Vestwood." Maz reflects on the changing landscape of comedy, noting how social media platforms have shifted the focus from long-form specials to short-form content. The hosts discuss the importance of staying true to oneself and focusing on what one does best, rather than chasing every new trend in the entertainment industry. They also discuss Maz's unique stage presence, noting his physicality and musicality, and how he uses movement to engage the audience. Maz talks about the process of writing and refining stand-up material, emphasizing the constant evolution and adaptation of jokes over time. He discusses the importance of building a fan base and how it contributes to a comedian's success and longevity. The hosts discuss the potential dangers of social media for children, particularly the addictive nature of these platforms and the pressure to conform to trends. Maz discusses how the political climate has affected his comedy, noting the increased polarization and sensitivity among audiences. The hosts discuss the challenges of incorporating political commentary into comedy, particularly in a highly polarized environment. Maz emphasizes the importance of irreverence in comedy and the right to make fun of authority figures, even in a country like the United States. The podcast concludes with a discussion of a funny video Maz Jobrani sent to the host's wife, promoting Maz's upcoming shows and special. It also announces upcoming show dates and locations in Florida, including Dana Beach Improv and Orlando Funny Bone, and provides information on how to purchase tickets.

Outlines

00:00:00

Maz Jobrani: Stand-Up Comedian and Actor

This episode features a conversation with stand-up comedian Maz Jobrani, who discusses his career, the challenges of touring, dealing with hecklers, and the evolving landscape of comedy.

00:00:58

The Evolution of Comedy

The hosts discuss the evolution of comedy and how social media platforms have changed the way comedians are discovered.

00:01:39

Introducing Maz Jabrani

The hosts introduce Maz Jabrani, a stand-up comedian and actor, and share how they met him at a podcasting conference.

00:12:50

Maz Jabrani's Comedy Career

Maz discusses his long and successful career in stand-up comedy, including his touring schedule, his new special "Birds and Bees," and his experience as an actor.

00:16:51

The Journeyman Comedian

Maz talks about the challenges and rewards of being a touring comedian, including the constant travel and the joy of performing on stage.

00:20:14

Dealing with Hecklers and the Iranian American Comedy Scene

Maz shares his strategies for dealing with hecklers and discusses the growing number of Iranian American comedians and how he feels about being a pioneer in the field.

00:26:39

Maz's Acting Career and the Changing Landscape of Comedy

The hosts discuss Maz's acting career and Maz reflects on the changing landscape of comedy, noting how social media platforms have shifted the focus from long-form specials to short-form content.

00:38:36

Maz's Stage Presence and the Creative Process of Stand-Up

The hosts discuss Maz's unique stage presence and Maz talks about the process of writing and refining stand-up material, emphasizing the constant evolution and adaptation of jokes over time.

00:45:16

The Impact of Social Media and Politics on Comedy

The hosts discuss the potential dangers of social media for children and Maz discusses how the political climate has affected his comedy, noting the increased polarization and sensitivity among audiences.

00:59:17

Maz Jobrani's Upcoming Shows and Outro

The podcast discusses a funny video Maz Jobrani sent to the host's wife, promoting Maz's upcoming shows and special. It also announces upcoming show dates and locations in Florida, including Dana Beach Improv and Orlando Funny Bone, and provides information on how to purchase tickets. The podcast concludes with a brief outro with a message of love and gratitude to the listeners.

Keywords

Q&A

• How has the rise of social media platforms like TikTok changed the way comedians are discovered?

  Maz Jabrani explains that social media has shifted the focus from long-form comedy specials to short-form content, with platforms like TikTok favoring brief, attention-grabbing videos.

• What are the challenges and rewards of being a touring comedian?

  Maz describes the constant travel and time away from family as a challenge, but he also emphasizes the joy of performing on stage and connecting with audiences.

• How do you deal with hecklers in your stand-up shows?

  Maz shares his strategies for handling hecklers, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and not letting them derail the show. He also mentions that he has learned to avoid engaging in confrontational interactions with hecklers.

• What is your perspective on the growing number of Iranian American comedians?

  Maz expresses pride in the growing representation of Iranian American comedians and how they are bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the comedy scene.

• How has the political climate affected your comedy?

  Maz acknowledges that the increased polarization and sensitivity among audiences have made it more challenging to incorporate political commentary into his stand-up.

• What is your philosophy on incorporating political commentary into comedy?

  Maz believes that comedy should be irreverent and that it is important to be able to make fun of authority figures, even in a country like the United States. He also emphasizes the importance of timing and intent when addressing sensitive topics.

• What advice would you give to aspiring comedians?

  Maz encourages aspiring comedians to stay true to themselves, focus on what they do best, and build a strong fan base. He also emphasizes the importance of constantly evolving and refining their material.

• What are your thoughts on the dangers of social media for children?

  Maz expresses concern about the addictive nature of social media platforms and the pressure they can put on children to conform to trends. He advocates for setting strict limits on children's access to these platforms.

• Where are Maz Jobrani's upcoming shows taking place?

  Maz Jobrani's upcoming shows are taking place in Dana Beach, Florida, and Orlando, Florida.

Show Notes