Digest

This podcast delves into the evolving world of comedy, highlighting the transformative impact of YouTube on the industry. The conversation explores the importance of authenticity, direct-to-fan engagement, and short-form content in building a successful comedy career. The speakers discuss the shift from traditional gatekeepers to a creator-driven market, where comedians have more control over their careers and can reach audiences directly. They emphasize the value of giving away work for free on YouTube to build a larger fanbase and the importance of understanding the business of comedy, including monetizing your work and building a loyal audience. The podcast also features humorous anecdotes and personal stories from the speakers, including Santino's experiences with anger issues, red hair stereotypes, and his unique comedy journey.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Power of YouTube for Comedians and the Evolution of Stand-Up Comedy

This chapter explores the changing landscape of comedy and how YouTube has become a powerful tool for comedians to build a fanbase, connect with fans, and bypass traditional gatekeepers. It also discusses the evolution of stand-up comedy, highlighting the shift from a traditional model of relying on network specials and sitcoms to a more direct-to-fan approach through YouTube and social media.

00:00:19

Authenticity and Direct-to-Fan Engagement in Comedy

This chapter delves into the importance of authenticity in comedy, arguing that audiences can sense when a comedian is not being genuine and that true talent shines through when a comedian is comfortable in their own skin. It also emphasizes the importance of direct-to-fan engagement, arguing that it's more valuable than traditional validation through network specials and that building a strong fanbase through YouTube and social media is key to success.

00:09:53

The Power of Short-Form Content and Clips on YouTube

This chapter explores the power of short-form content, arguing that it's more digestible for audiences in today's attention-deficit world and that YouTube's algorithm rewards this type of content. It also stresses the importance of posting clips on YouTube for comedians, arguing that it's essential for reaching new audiences and driving ticket sales.

00:13:54

The Future of Comedy Specials and the Importance of Giving Away Your Work

This chapter discusses the future of comedy specials, suggesting that the traditional model of releasing full-length specials on streaming platforms may be outdated and that a more direct-to-fan approach through YouTube and social media may be more effective. It also argues that comedians should give away their work for free on YouTube and social media, as it benefits everyone involved and helps build a larger fanbase.

00:15:05

The New Era of Fame and the Power Shift in the Entertainment Industry

This chapter explores the new era of fame, arguing that it's no longer about hiding out in the hills and waiting for a big break, but about being accessible and engaging with fans directly through social media. It also discusses the power shift in the entertainment industry, arguing that artists now have more control over their careers than ever before thanks to the rise of social media and direct-to-fan platforms.

00:18:32

Comedy is 10 Years Behind Music and the Importance of Taking Power

This chapter compares the comedy industry to the music industry, arguing that comedy is about 10 years behind in terms of embracing direct-to-fan models and that comedians should learn from the success of musicians who give away their music for free and make money on the road. It also emphasizes the importance of taking power in the comedy industry, arguing that no one will give you power, you have to grab it and that true leaders are those who are willing to give back to their community.

00:20:10

The Changing Landscape of Hollywood and the Rise of the Seller's Market

This chapter discusses the changing landscape of Hollywood, highlighting the shift from a traditional gatekeeper model to a more direct-to-fan approach and how this has empowered comedians and other artists. It also argues that the comedy industry has shifted from a buyer's market to a seller's market, where comedians now have more control over their careers and can bypass traditional gatekeepers.

00:22:50

The Importance of Joy in Your Work and the Legacy of MTV

This chapter emphasizes the importance of finding joy in your work, arguing that it's the most important thing and that everything else is secondary. It also discusses the legacy of MTV and how it served as a launching pad for many successful comedians, including Charlemagne and Brian Callan.

00:25:15

The Rise of Charlemagne and the Value of Authenticity in a Network World

This chapter discusses the rise of Charlemagne, highlighting his success in New York radio and how he has become a major force in the comedy world. It also explores the value of authenticity in a network world, arguing that comedians who are true to themselves can thrive even if they don't have a traditional network deal.

00:27:03

The Importance of Respecting Your Audience and the Power of Good Vibes

This chapter emphasizes the importance of respecting your audience, arguing that you should never try to pull one over on them and that they can sense when you're not being genuine. It also discusses the power of good vibes, arguing that what you put out into the world comes back to you and that it's important to be kind and supportive of others.

00:28:33

The Importance of Emotional Fulfillment and Standing Your Ground

This chapter explores the importance of emotional fulfillment, arguing that true leaders are those who are emotionally filled and ready to give back to their community. It also emphasizes the importance of standing your ground and not apologizing for your beliefs, arguing that it's better to stay true to yourself than to cave to pressure.

00:30:11

The Importance of Action Over Words and Building Your Own Ecosystem

This chapter discusses the importance of action over words, arguing that it's more important to make a difference in the world than to simply criticize others. It also emphasizes the importance of building your own ecosystem on the web, arguing that it's more important than relying on traditional networks and that you should be authentic to your audience.

00:31:19

The Importance of Staying True to Yourself and the Power of Self-Deprecation

This chapter stresses the importance of staying true to yourself, arguing that you should not change your style or content to please others. It also explores the power of self-deprecation, arguing that it can be a powerful tool for comedians to connect with audiences and disarm critics.

00:32:33

The Importance of Being Over the Top and the Power of Preemptive Strikes

This chapter discusses the importance of being over the top in comedy, arguing that it can be a powerful way to stand out and create memorable moments. It also explores the power of preemptive strikes in comedy, arguing that it's a good strategy to call out potential critics before they have a chance to attack.

00:33:24

The Importance of Understanding the Business of Comedy and Not Being Jealous

This chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding the business of comedy, arguing that it's not just about being funny, but also about building a fanbase and monetizing your work. It also discusses the importance of not being jealous of other comedians, arguing that everyone has their own path and that it's a good thing when other comedians are successful.

00:34:44

The Importance of Hard Work and Building Your Own Audience

This chapter emphasizes the importance of hard work, arguing that success doesn't come easy and that you have to put in the time and effort to build a career. It also discusses the importance of building your own audience, arguing that it's more valuable than relying on traditional networks and that you should be authentic to your audience.

00:36:02

The Importance of Being Undeniable and Seizing Opportunities

This chapter emphasizes the importance of being undeniable in your talent, arguing that you have to stand out from the crowd and create something unique. It also discusses the importance of seizing opportunities, arguing that they can come from unexpected places and that you should be ready to take advantage of them.

00:36:40

The Importance of Ideas and Putting Your Work Out There

This chapter emphasizes the importance of having ideas, arguing that you should be constantly coming up with new content and that you should be willing to share your ideas with others. It also stresses the importance of putting your work out there, arguing that it's pointless to create content if no one sees it.

00:37:13

The Crumbling Structure of Hollywood and the YouTube Advantage

The conversation starts with a discussion about the decline of Hollywood and the rise of YouTube. The speaker argues that Netflix is done and that YouTube is waiting to take over. The speaker compares the current media landscape to the Charlie Wilson's War scenario, where cheap weapons were used to take down expensive helicopters. YouTube, with its free content and vast reach, is poised to overtake Netflix.

00:40:28

The Creator's Market and the Rise of Zone and One Championship

The speaker emphasizes the shift to a creator's market, where anyone with a camera and internet access can produce and distribute content. The barrier to entry is low, and YouTube provides a platform with a massive audience. The conversation shifts to the rise of Zone and One Championship, a mixed martial arts organization that has gained immense popularity in Asia. The speaker highlights their success in attracting a large audience and generating revenue.

00:42:32

YouTube TV's Dominance and Stand-Up Comedy's Global Appeal

The speaker argues that YouTube TV is poised to dominate the streaming market, as it offers a comprehensive package of sports and entertainment content at a competitive price. The speaker discusses the global appeal of stand-up comedy, particularly in India, where English-speaking audiences are embracing the genre. The speaker believes that stand-up comedy is the new hip-hop, offering a platform for free speech and humor.

00:49:29

The Best Podcast Guest Ever and Brian's Unprofessionalism

The speaker jokingly claims to be the best podcast guest ever, highlighting the success of his previous appearance on the show. He also criticizes other guests, setting the stage for a humorous and competitive dynamic. The speaker expresses frustration with Brian's lack of professionalism, highlighting his failure to confirm the guest list and ensure everyone's presence.

00:50:52

Brian's Dark Side and Santino's Anger Issues

The conversation turns to Brian's personality, with the speaker suggesting that he has a dark side despite his outward niceness. They discuss Brian's potential in a hypothetical fight, comparing him to other comics and celebrities. Santino reveals his history of anger issues, stemming from childhood bullying due to his red hair. He shares anecdotes about his fighting past and the impact of his fiery personality.

00:53:50

The Redhead Struggle and Famous Redheads

The conversation focuses on the struggles of being a redhead, particularly the bullying and negative stereotypes associated with the hair color. They discuss the lack of representation for redheads in popular culture and the existence of \"Kick a Ginger Day.\" The speakers try to identify the most famous redheads, highlighting comedians like Bill Burr and Louis C.K., as well as athletes like Carson Palmer and Andy Dalton. They also discuss the lack of prominent redheads in basketball.

00:56:38

Santino's TV Show and Role in the Show

Santino arrives wearing a shirt from his TV show, sparking a humorous exchange about his outfit and the filming process. He discusses the challenges of network TV and the importance of promoting his work. The speakers discuss Santino's role in his TV show, highlighting his position as the third lead. They joke about the casting process and the importance of the \"hot girl\" character.

00:59:46

Santino's Podcast Debut and Theo's Protectiveness

Santino explains how he invited himself onto the podcast, highlighting the positive impact of his previous appearance and the demand from fans. He also discusses the importance of building a loyal fanbase. Santino reveals that Theo Vaughn was protective of his \"Guest of the Year\" title and reacted negatively to Santino's suggestion that he might be a better guest.

01:01:20

The Power of the Podcast Fanbase and Brian's Podcast Presence

The speakers discuss the power of their podcast fanbase, emphasizing their loyalty and discerning taste. They acknowledge that a bad performance on the show can have a negative impact on a guest's career. The speakers discuss Brian's role on the podcast, with fans expressing mixed opinions about his presence. They also discuss Brian's recent health issues and his use of supplements.

01:03:22

Psoriasis and Gut Health and the Importance of Physical Fitness

Santino shares his experience with psoriasis and how he overcame it through gut health interventions. He discusses the link between gut health and autoimmune diseases. The speakers discuss the importance of physical fitness, with Santino emphasizing his daily exercise routine. They also discuss the mental and physical benefits of staying active.

01:04:26

Santino's Mental Toughness and Body Type

Santino discusses his ability to compartmentalize and focus on different aspects of his life, highlighting his mental toughness and experience in dealing with challenging situations. Santino describes his body type as being built for endurance and resilience, comparing himself to a \"long march\" fighter who can withstand prolonged physical challenges.

01:07:04

Santino's Weakness and the Cannibalistic Scenario

Santino reveals his weakness: cold. He explains how cold temperatures can make him feel weak and vulnerable, highlighting his vulnerability in war scenarios. The speakers engage in a humorous scenario where they imagine a post-apocalyptic world where they have to resort to cannibalism. They discuss Santino's lean physique and how his meat would be undesirable.

01:08:38

The Cheapest North Korean Barbecue and the Post-Apocalyptic Fight

The speakers discuss the cheapest food at a North Korean barbecue, with Santino jokingly comparing himself to the \"chado\" dish, which is cheap and not particularly delicious. The speakers continue their post-apocalyptic scenario, imagining a fight where they have to use Brian's body as a weapon against a rock. They joke about Brian's fragile bones and his vulnerability.

01:09:44

Brian's Podcast and Santino's Power

The speakers discuss Brian's new podcast, with Santino questioning whether he had permission to start it. They also discuss the potential for conflict between their podcasts. Santino warns Brian about the consequences of pushing his buttons, highlighting his influence and ability to damage Brian's podcast.

01:10:56

Back to the Conversation and Santino's Side Gigs

The conversation returns to the main topic, with Santino sharing his least favorite food: tongue. He then launches into a sales pitch for beef tongue and olives, highlighting its health benefits and unique flavor. Santino discusses his past side gigs, including telemarketing and selling supplements. He shares anecdotes about his success in these roles and his ability to persuade people.

01:14:34

Santino's Telemarketing Skills and Supplement Sales

Santino reminisces about his telemarketing days, highlighting his ability to sell air duct cleaning, power washing, and window washing services. He shares a detailed example of a successful sales call. Santino discusses his experience selling supplements door-to-door, highlighting the challenges of convincing people to buy products they don't need. He shares anecdotes about his manager's sales techniques and his own struggles.

01:17:21

The 1% Better Argument and Santino's Comedy Journey

Santino discusses the \"1% better\" argument used by supplement salespeople, highlighting its effectiveness in convincing people to buy products. He also discusses the lasting impact of being a professional athlete. Santino discusses his comedy journey, acknowledging that he had a head start due to his connections and experience in other fields. He emphasizes the importance of paying dues and the value of his unique background.

01:20:14

The Short Cut Argument and Santino's Talent

Santino addresses the \"short cut\" argument used by some to criticize his comedy career, highlighting the flawed logic and the importance of recognizing his hard work and talent. Santino defends his talent and work ethic, rejecting the suggestion that his success is solely due to his connections. He emphasizes his dedication and the sacrifices he has made to achieve his goals.

01:23:13

The Importance of Standing Out and the Regular Joe Shmoe

Santino discusses the importance of standing out in the comedy world, highlighting the challenges of being a \"normal\" looking comedian. He acknowledges that his red hair has helped him to stand out and that he has to work harder to prove himself. Santino discusses the challenges of being a \"regular Joe Shmoe\" comedian, highlighting the need to impress audiences who may not be expecting much from someone who doesn't have a unique look or background.

01:24:07

Redhead Jokes and Brian Callen's Cocky Attitude and Dialects

The conversation starts with a discussion about redhead jokes and Brian Callen's aversion to them. The discussion then shifts to Callen's personality, with the speaker expressing annoyance at Callen's cocky attitude and tendency to flash money. The conversation turns to dialects, with the speaker claiming to have studied them extensively in college. They demonstrate their skills by attempting to speak Maori and Russian, leading to a humorous exchange about their pronunciation and accents.

01:30:34

Santino and Callen's Beef and Stand-Up Comedy and Spade Show

The conversation returns to Brian Callen, discussing his ongoing feud with comedian Santino. The speaker recounts a recent incident at a comedy show where Santino ripped into Callen, leading to a heated exchange. The conversation shifts to stand-up comedy, specifically discussing the Spade Show, a comedy show where celebrities are coached in stand-up. The speaker shares their observations about the show's format and the performance of various guests, including Whitney Cummings and Nick Young.

01:36:21

D'Angelo Russell and the \"Snitches Get Stitches\" Incident and Basketball League in Montreal

The speaker recounts a humorous anecdote about a time they did a show with Nick Young, where Young's producer warned them not to mention the D'Angelo Russell incident. Despite the warning, Young ended up making a controversial comment about snitches, leading to a tense moment. The conversation turns to a basketball league in Montreal, where the speaker was invited to play. They describe the experience, highlighting the unique format of the league and the diverse group of players they encountered.

01:40:00

The Future of Comedy and Venue Control and An Uncomfortable Situation at the Laugh Factory

The conversation explores the future of comedy, speculating about the potential for venues to gain more control over booking and touring. The speaker draws parallels to the consolidation of radio stations under Clear Channel and discusses the potential impact on comedians. The speaker recounts an uncomfortable experience at the Laugh Factory, where they performed for a benefit for people with disabilities. They discuss the awkwardness of telling a \"retard\" joke in front of such an audience and the subsequent reactions from other comedians and the sound guy.

01:45:58

The Power of Clothes and Childhood Bullying and Hip-Hop Culture and Westside Connection

The conversation shifts to the topic of clothes and childhood bullying. The speaker reflects on how being picked on for their clothes was one of the worst experiences of their childhood, emphasizing the lasting impact of such bullying. The conversation turns to hip-hop culture, with the speaker reminiscing about their first hip-hop tape, Westside Connection's \"Bow Down.\" They discuss the impact of hip-hop on culture and the prevalence of shared samples and loops in the music of that era.

01:50:40

Album Art and Sexual Assault and Jacking Off and Black Girls

The conversation focuses on album art, specifically discussing the controversial cover of Guns N' Roses' \"Appetite for Destruction.\" The speaker criticizes the cover for its depiction of sexual assault and compares it to other provocative album covers, including those by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Mercedes. The conversation takes a humorous turn, with the speaker discussing their childhood experiences with masturbation and how it influenced their attraction to black girls. They share a personal anecdote about their first time coming and the subsequent confusion and curiosity.

01:54:39

Sexual Trauma and Molestation and Teachers and Sexual Misconduct

The conversation delves into the topic of sexual trauma and molestation. The speaker discusses the possibility of repressed memories and the potential for childhood experiences to influence later sexual behavior. They share a personal anecdote about being touched by an older girl when they were a child and discuss the blurred lines of what constitutes molestation. The conversation shifts to the prevalence of sexual misconduct by teachers and other educators. The speaker discusses the alarming statistics surrounding teacher-student relationships and argues that teachers may be more likely to engage in sexual misconduct than priests.

02:02:53

The Dynamics of Female and Male Rapists and Growing Up in America

The conversation explores the dynamics of female and male rapists, with the speaker suggesting that female rapists may be more likely to engage in manipulation and abuse, while male rapists may be more focused on power and control. They also discuss the commonality of rapists not experiencing orgasm during the act. The conversation returns to the speaker's personal experiences, with them discussing their upbringing in America after being born in Korea. They introduce a humorous analogy about a \"chin\" who is forced to perform various tasks for their older brother, highlighting the power dynamics of sibling relationships.

Keywords

Q&A

• How has YouTube changed the landscape of comedy?

  YouTube has empowered comedians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build a fanbase directly through their own content. It allows for more direct-to-fan engagement, making it easier to connect with audiences and build a loyal following.

• Why is authenticity so important in comedy?

  Audiences can sense when a comedian is not being genuine, and true talent shines through when a comedian is comfortable in their own skin. Authenticity builds trust and connection with the audience, making the comedy more relatable and impactful.

• What is the new era of fame like?

  The new era of fame is about being accessible and engaging with fans directly through social media. It's no longer about hiding out in the hills and waiting for a big break, but about being present and interacting with your audience.

• Why is it important to give away your work for free on YouTube?

  Giving away your work for free on YouTube benefits everyone involved. It helps build a larger fanbase, increases exposure, and ultimately leads to more opportunities for paid performances and other ventures.

• What is the biggest shift in the entertainment industry?

  The biggest shift is the power shift from traditional networks and gatekeepers to artists themselves. With social media and direct-to-fan platforms, artists have more control over their careers and can reach audiences directly.

• How can comedians learn from the music industry?

  The music industry has embraced direct-to-fan models for years, with musicians giving away their music for free and making money on the road. Comedians can learn from this model and embrace similar strategies to build a fanbase and monetize their work.

• What is the importance of taking power in the comedy industry?

  Taking power means taking control of your career and not relying on others to give you opportunities. True leaders are those who are willing to take initiative, build their own platforms, and give back to their community.

• How has Hollywood changed in recent years?

  Hollywood has shifted from a traditional gatekeeper model to a more direct-to-fan approach. This has empowered comedians and other artists to bypass traditional networks and build their own careers.

• What is the importance of finding joy in your work?

  Finding joy in your work is the most important thing. It fuels your passion, creativity, and drive, making you a more engaging and successful performer. Everything else, like money and fame, is secondary.

Show Notes