Praying for Laughs w/ Jessica Kirson | 2 Bears, 1 Cave Ep. 218
Join Tom Segura and Jessica Kirson in a hearty and insightful session on "2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer," where the comedians peel back the curtain on what it means to connect authentically with an audience through humor. Sharing tales from the road, the two comics underscore the importance of staying true to oneself, with Kirson shining a light on her acclaimed improvisational skills that win over crowds night after night. They also reflect on how icons like Jim Norton have influenced them to maintain a unique comedic voice despite the ever-present external pressures.
As technology reshapes the comedy landscape, Segura and Kirson break down how social media platforms have become an unexpected catalyst in expanding their audience reach and show attendance, emphasizing the critical need for adaptability in their craft. Venturing into television territory, the pair exchange views on the vital need for creative control to preserve the integrity of comedic content. They draw from personal experiences to offer sage advice on navigating television deals that support a comedian's vision. With raw honesty, they also touch upon the crucial link between emotional health and the creative process, advocating for therapy and self-care as tools that not only aid personal wellbeing but also enrich their artistry.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 8, 2024 episode of the 2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer
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1-Page Summary
Comedy and success
Jessica Kirson and Tom Segura discuss their journeys in comedy, focusing on genuine connections with audiences and authenticity on stage. They both value being authentic in their performances, particularly Kirson with her improvisational crowd work which is beloved by fans. Segura admires Kirson's preparatory rituals and their mutual respect for comedians like Jim Norton, who maintain their unique voice despite external pressures.
Social media's role in their careers is undeniable, with platforms like TikTok unexpectedly bolstering their success and live show attendance. The necessity of adapting to these technological changes is a cornerstone of their successful comedy careers, as they acknowledge the reduced relevance for those who resist these shifts.
Opportunities in TV
In the realm of television, Segura and Kirson stress the importance of creative control. Segura cites experiences where a lack of control resulted in compromised comedic content, concluding that successful television opportunities require maintaining this control. Kirson contrasts the traditional TV model with today's potential for independence, insisting on the need for total control over her projects to ensure they align with her comedic strengths.
They also advise on strategically approaching TV opportunities. Pitching ideas that resonate with one's unique comedic style and maintaining a humble yet assertive stance when networking is key to securing roles that grant them the desired autonomy over their content.
Discussions on addiction and self-care
Segura and Kirson delve into the complexities of emotional well-being in the world of comedy. They acknowledge the role of therapy in their lives, with Kirson sharing her personal challenges with food addiction and the steps she has taken toward self-care by eliminating triggering foods from her diet.
Emotional work is connected to their comedic endeavors, as Kirson notes that comics who actively work on themselves often produce deeper material. The discussion suggests that personal and emotional development enhances their comedic expression, meaning that therapy might not only improve their personal lives but also refine their professional mastery of comedy.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Jessica Kirson is known for her improvisational crowd work and authentic performances in comedy. She values genuine connections with audiences and has a unique style that resonates with fans. Tom Segura admires Kirson's preparatory rituals and they both respect comedians like Jim Norton for maintaining their unique voices. Social media has played a significant role in boosting their success and live show attendance.
- Jessica Kirson's preparatory rituals before her comedy performances involve specific routines and practices she follows to get into the right mindset for her shows. These rituals can include mental preparation, physical warm-ups, vocal exercises, and focusing techniques to ensure she is mentally and emotionally ready to connect with her audience authentically. Kirson's rituals are essential for her to deliver her improvisational crowd work effectively and maintain her unique comedic voice on stage. These rituals play a significant role in helping her feel grounded, confident, and in tune with her comedic instincts during her performances.
- Social media platforms like TikTok have become crucial for comedians, offering a new way to reach audiences and gain exposure. Comedians can showcase their talent, connect with fans, and attract new followers through short, engaging videos on these platforms. The viral nature of content on TikTok can rapidly increase a comedian's visibility and help them grow their fan base. By adapting to and leveraging these technological changes, comedians can significantly boost their success and increase attendance at live shows.
- In the realm of television, creative control is crucial for comedians like Tom Segura and Jessica Kirson. It allows them to maintain the integrity of their comedic content and ensure it aligns with their unique style. Without creative control, there is a risk of diluting the authenticity and impact of their work. By having control over their projects, they can shape the content to best showcase their comedic strengths.
- The connection between emotional well-being and comedy lies in how personal experiences and emotions can fuel comedic material. Comedians often draw from their own struggles and growth, turning them into relatable and humorous content. Working on emotional health can deepen a comedian's material and enhance their ability to connect with audiences through authenticity and vulnerability. This emotional depth can lead to more nuanced and impactful comedy performances.
- Jessica Kirson has openly discussed her struggles with food addiction, highlighting the challenges she faces in managing her relationship with food. To address this issue, she has taken steps towards self-care by eliminating triggering foods from her diet. This proactive approach is aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle and supporting her emotional well-being as she navigates her comedy career. Kirson's journey with food addiction and her commitment to self-care underscore the importance of addressing personal challenges to enhance overall well-being and professional growth.
Counterarguments
- Authenticity on stage is important, but some comedians have found success with personas or characters that are not necessarily authentic to their off-stage selves.
- Improvisational crowd work is valued by many, but not all fans or comedians prioritize or enjoy this style; some prefer scripted material.
- While social media can bolster success, it can also create pressure to constantly produce content and can lead to burnout or a focus on virality over quality.
- Technological adaptation is important, but some comedians have maintained relevance through traditional means or by cultivating a niche audience that values other forms of engagement.
- Creative control in television is ideal, but collaboration and compromise can sometimes lead to unexpected creative successes and opportunities for growth.
- Pitching ideas that resonate with one's comedic style is strategic, but being open to different genres or formats can also expand a comedian's range and audience.
- The role of therapy in a comedian's life is personal, and while it can contribute to deeper material, not all comedians attribute their professional growth to emotional work or therapy.
- Personal and emotional development can enhance comedic expression, but some comedians may separate their personal development from their comedic work or may not see a direct correlation between the two.
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Comedy and success
Comedians Jessica Kirson and Tom Segura delve into their comedic styles, industry perspectives, and maintaining authenticity while navigating the evolving landscape of comedy.
Jessica and Tom discussing their careers, comedy styles, and views on the industry
Jessica Kirson speaks about her early revelation that humor was a means to connect and influence others. Tom Segura reflects on his growth, mentioning he now dismisses the idea of pursuing laughs for its own sake. Instead, they concentrate on the significance of authenticity in their acts.
Importance of being authentic and "real" on stage
Both Kirson and Segura emphasize authenticity. Kirson shares her approach to crowd work, involving improvising songs with the audience, and confirms it's now an expected part of her shows due to audience demand. Segura recognizes the magic of genuine crowd work and expresses admiration for Kirson's pre-show spiritual moment meant to center her on the goal of making people laugh with the gift she feels grateful for.
Jessica mentions the importance of comics getting out of their heads to focus on the performance rather than themselves, a sentiment shared by Segura. They discuss the tendency to fixate on negative feedback, identifying it as self-centered, and admiration for Jim Norton's ability to stay true to himself and his intelligent yet categorized "dirty" material.
How social media has transformed comedy career opportunities
Kirson notes the transformative effect of social media on her career, with platforms like TikTok playing an unexpected role in her success and audience growth. Segura concurs, stressing the importance of platforms like TikTok for comedians to reach millions with their content. They both agree that social media presenc ...
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Comedy and success
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Tom Segura admires Jessica Kirson's pre-show spiritual routine as it helps her focus on making people laugh. This routine is a personal practice that Kirson uses to center herself before performing. Segura appreciates how this ritual helps Kirson connect with her comedic gift and deliver an authentic performance. This admiration showcases Segura's respect for Kirson's dedication to her craft.
- Jessica Kirson and Tom Segura highlight the significant impact of social media platforms like TikTok on their comedy careers. They discuss how these platforms have unexpectedly played a crucial role in their success and audience growth. Both comedians stress the importance of maintaining a strong social media presence to reach a wider audience and enhance opportunities for live performances. They emphasize that embracing social media has become essential for modern comedians to thrive in the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
- Social media presence is crucial for modern comedians as it allows them to reach a wider audience beyond traditional live performances. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook provide comedians with opportunities to showcase their content to millions of viewers. Building a strong social media following can lead to increased visibility, fan engagement, and ultimately more opportunities for success in the comedy industry. Embracing social media helps c ...
Counterarguments
- Authenticity is subjective, and what feels authentic to one comedian or audience may not resonate with another.
- Improvisational crowd work, while engaging, may not suit all comedic styles or performers, who may excel in more structured or scripted performances.
- Pre-show rituals, such as a spiritual routine, are personal and may not be necessary or effective for all performers.
- Focusing solely on the performance might overlook the importance of self-reflection and personal growth, which can also enhance a comedian's work.
- The impact of social media on a comedian's career can vary greatly, and some comedians may achieve success through traditional means or alternative platforms.
- A strong social media presence might not translate to live performance skills or the ability to sustain a long-term career in comedy.
- Embracing i ...
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Opportunities in TV
Tom Segura and Jessica Kirson discuss the significance of having creative control in television projects, emphasizing the potential pitfalls of entering projects without it and the importance of aligning opportunities with one's comedic strengths.
Talking about opportunities in TV and the importance of creator control
Challenges with lack of creative control
Segura and Kirson elaborate on the drawbacks of not having creative control in television. Segura points out that it's not worth pursuing TV opportunities that don't offer creative control, reflecting on a time perhaps 15 years ago when the landscape was different and such opportunities might have represented a major break. He speaks from experience, describing situations where comedians' work is compromised because they lost or lacked control, highlighting that the only fulfilling opportunities are those where he has complete command over the content.
Jessica Kirson cites the traditional TV model where creative ideas would often be dramatically altered after being pitched, contrasting it with today’s possibilities for content creators to produce independently. She implies that for her current project, the work would only be successful if she maintained complete control, recognizing that it needs to play to her comedic strengths.
Pitching show ideas that play to your comedic strengths
Jessica tells Tom that he is ideally suited for television because he is "so real," indicating that his personality would naturally resonate with audiences. Similarly, Segura concurs with the need for a comedian to have total control to ensure the content reflects their vision and comed ...
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Opportunities in TV
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Tom Segura is known for his candid and observational style of comedy, often delving into personal experiences and societal observations. Jessica Kirson is recognized for her high-energy performances and sharp wit, frequently incorporating physical comedy and character work into her routines. Both comedians have established themselves in the stand-up comedy scene, with Segura known for his Netflix specials and podcast, while Kirson has appeared on various TV shows and comedy festivals. Their comedic strengths lie in their ability to connect with audiences through authentic storytelling and unique perspectives.
- Pitching show ideas in the television industry involves presenting a concept for a TV show to network executives or production companies. This pitch typically includes a detailed outline of the show's premise, characters, story arcs, and target audience. The goal is to persuade decision-makers that the idea is compelling, marketable, and aligns with the network's programming strategy. Successful pitches often require a combination of creativity, research, storytelling skills, and a clear understanding of the current TV landscape.
- In the television industry, relationships with influential ...
Counterarguments
- Creative control is important, but collaboration with experienced producers and writers can enhance a project's quality and appeal.
- Some comedians have successfully adapted their work to fit different creative visions, suggesting that a lack of complete control doesn't always compromise the end product.
- Pursuing TV opportunities with partial control can still be a strategic move for exposure and career advancement.
- The traditional TV model has produced many successful shows, indicating that network input can sometimes be beneficial.
- Not all comedians may have the necessary skills or desire to handle the full spectrum of production responsibilities that come with complete creative control.
- Total control can lead to self-indulgent content that may not resonate with a wider audience or be commercially viable.
- Assertiveness is important, but overconfidence or a lack of willingness to compromise can hinde ...
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Discussions on addiction and self-care
Tom Segura and Jessica Kirson engage in a profound conversation that revolves around the intricacies of emotional health, addiction, the comedy profession, and self-care practices.
Talking about emotional struggles and the importance of self-care
Tom and Jessica open up about the emotional void left unfilled even by successful careers, implying that recognition doesn't equate to emotional well-being.
Jessica and therapy; giving up foods she tends to binge eat
Jessica reveals a personal struggle with feeling not okay despite the adoration from fans and her struggle to even get out of bed. They explore the significance therapy holds in their lives, with mentions of therapy's prevalence in a country like Israel, where constant threats create a stressful environment for its citizens.
Jessica recounts how she's been involved with therapy since a young age, given her mother's profession as a therapist, albeit with unconventional methods. Tom and Jessica ruminate over the universal feeling of not being completely okay and suggest that those who don't seem to struggle might lack self-awareness or the depth to self-reflect.
Discussions on addiction and substituting emotional "fixes"
Kirson identifies with food addiction, speaking openly about her struggles and the parallels between emotional fulfilment through food and other addictions. She has taken steps towards self-care and self-awareness by giving up specific foods, such as bread, which she hasn't eaten in three years, and other binge-worthy items like regular rice and fruits. Tom appreciates Jessica's self-recognition as a taught aspect of self-care.
Working on yourself emotionally and the connection to comedy
They touch on the idea that success in their pr ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Discussions on addiction and self-care
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The connection between emotional work and comedy careers lies in how comedians often draw from their personal experiences, emotions, and vulnerabilities to create relatable and impactful material. By delving into their own emotional struggles and growth, comedians can develop a deeper understanding of human nature, which can enhance the authenticity and resonance of their comedy. This emotional exploration can lead to more nuanced and layered performances that connect with audiences ...
Counterarguments
- Recognition can contribute to emotional well-being for some individuals, as it may validate their efforts and provide a sense of accomplishment.
- Therapy, while significant, is not the only path to emotional well-being; other practices like meditation, exercise, or spiritual pursuits can also be effective.
- The prevalence of therapy in a country may not only be due to stress but also cultural acceptance and availability of mental health resources.
- Being in therapy from a young age does not necessarily mean one will be better equipped to handle emotional struggles; individual experiences and therapy quality vary.
- Feeling not completely okay might not always indicate a lack of self-awareness; some individuals may be content with their lives despite recognizing their imperfections.
- Food addiction and other addictions, while having parallels, can have distinct underlying mechanisms and should not be oversimplified or conflated.
- Giving up specific foods may not be a suitable self-care strategy for everyone; some individuals may find moderation or other dietary changes more sustainable.
- Success in any profession, including comedy, can sometimes lead to emotional tranquility for some individuals, depending on their personal values and definitions of success.
- Perso ...
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