Chrissy Crypto Explains Bitcoin w/ Chris Distefano | 2 Bears, 1 Cave
The comedy scene's evolution and the role of technology in the careers of comics take center stage in this episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave. Hosts Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer engage with guest Chris Distefano on the changing landscape of stand-up, as performers transition from small clubs to large venues like Madison Square Garden. They explore how the internet and social media have become vital for promotion and fueling viral success.
Distefano, Kreischer, and Segura also delve into personal aspects of their lives and careers. They discuss their shifting priorities regarding health, family, and balancing work with personal commitments. Additionally, they touch upon navigating comedy across the political spectrum and media's influence on public opinion and its potential impact on their profession.
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1-Page Summary
Comedy Career Trajectories and Industry Evolution
Changing Landscape: From Club Gigs to Large Venues
Bert Kreischer highlights the shift from stand-up confined mainly to clubs to today's larger venues like Madison Square Garden, an opportunity seen as unthinkable years ago, per Kreischer.
Kreischer's Rise: Viral Success and Rogan's Influence
Kreischer struggled early on, hustling for any gig. His viral "Machine" clip boosted his career, leading to sold-out shows. Joe Rogan encouraged him to aim for Netflix, sharpening Kreischer's skills. An internet presence proved pivotal for his success.
Distefano's Path: Quick Success to MSG Aspirations
Chris Distefano transitioned quickly from physical therapy to MTV and professional stand-up. He aims to headline Madison Square Garden while balancing regular gigs.
Technology's Impact: Internet, Social Media, Viral Content
Kreischer credits internet platforms like Rogan's show for career boosts, as reflected in Google Trends. Distefano notes comedy shifting toward the internet and podcasting for promotion.
Personal Lives: Health, Family, and Growth
Health and Self-Care
As they age, their focus on health intensifies. Distefano openly discusses colonoscopies, diet monitoring via apps, and moderating alcohol, heeding his mother's advice.
Balancing Career and Family
Kreischer laments missing family time due to work travel. Distefano caps travel to prioritize his young family, viewing money as "freedom coupons" for family time.
Distefano's Journey: Single to Family Man
Distefano shares his rocky relationship path, initially entertaining an open relationship before committing to a traditional family setup with an upcoming backyard wedding.
Sociopolitical Shifts and Media's Role
Changing Political Leanings and Performing for Diverse Audiences
Distefano notes a shift in younger generations' political leanings. Navigating comedy across the political spectrum proves challenging, as seen in Kreischer's Trump voting joke receiving an unexpected positive response.
Media Shaping Public Opinion and Careers
Distefano discusses media figures misjudging public sentiments, sharing his family's dismissive reaction toward their commentary, suggesting a disconnect between media portrayal and public opinion that can impact comedians' careers.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore alternative venues for your creative pursuits by mapping out local unconventional spaces that could host events, such as bookstores, art galleries, or community centers, and then reach out to propose a collaboration or event.
- For example, if you're an aspiring comedian, musician, or speaker, look for coffee shops or libraries that might be open to hosting a small performance or talk. This can help you build a local following and gain experience performing in diverse settings.
- You can leverage your personal stories and experiences by creating content around them and sharing it on social media platforms to connect with a broader audience.
- Start by identifying a unique experience or story from your life, then craft a short video, blog post, or series of social media posts about it. Use hashtags and engage with communities interested in similar topics to increase visibility and attract an audience that resonates with your content.
- You can prioritize work-life balance by setting clear boundaries for work commitments and scheduling regular quality time with family and friends.
- Begin by assessing your weekly schedule to identify where you can create blocks of uninterrupted family time. Communicate these boundaries to colleagues or clients to ensure they're respected. Additionally, plan activities that involve family or friends, like a weekly game night or a monthly outing, to ensure you're dedicating time to your personal relationships.
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Comedy Career Trajectories and the Evolving Comedy Industry
Bert Kreischer and Chris Distefano share their personal journeys and observations about how the comedy landscape has changed from the days of limited club gigs to today’s digital-driven successes.
Comedians' Experiences Navigating the Evolving Stand-Up Landscape
Kreischer highlights the shift from the past, when stand-up was confined primarily to clubs, to today’s larger venues like Madison Square Garden. He recalls how, twelve years prior, such scale and opportunities were unheard of and how Joe Rogan performing at the Wilbur was a milestone back then.
Bert Kreischer's Rise: From Struggling Comic to Breakout Success With "Machine" Clip & Joe Rogan Connection
Kreischer had to hustle continuously in the past, taking any club offer to maintain his career, unlike the abundance of opportunities available today. He started performing shirtless in the Showtime special despite warnings that it might push viewers away. Initially, the special had very low ratings.
A turning point in Kreischer’s career came when he uploaded the "Machine" story online. The clip went viral, and after years of never selling out, he quickly sold out several venues, including the Wilbur. Kreischer, who once doubted his ability and saw himself as a 'journeyman comic', describes his past struggles with finances and the critical point at 43 years old when he feared not providing for his family's future.
Joe Rogan’s encouragement at The Comedy Store to aim for a Netflix special reinvigorated Kreischer, who then started doing stand-up every night, sharpening his comedic skills significantly. He shares an incident in St. Louis that was recorded and shared, which contributed to his rise, noting the importance of the internet and meeting Rogan in the success of his career.
Chris Distefano's Take On Evolving Opportunities in Comedy, From Past Hustle to Abundance Today
Chris Distefano entered comedy from a career in physical therapy and found quick success with MTV, leading him into professional stand-up. He aspires to headline Madison Square Garden to achieve his vision of making it big in New York. Distefano notes the contrast in his career trajectory, facing a mix of sold-out highlights like Madison Square Garden and regular gigs like the Milwaukee improv, where he does not expect to sell out.
Technological and Cultural Shifts in Comedy Careers
Kreischer highlights how the internet and social media have changed the game, with online clips finding a large audience, contr ...
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Comedy Career Trajectories and the Evolving Comedy Industry
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Clarifications
- The "Machine" clip was a pivotal moment in Bert Kreischer's career as it went viral online, leading to a significant increase in his popularity and ticket sales for his shows. This clip helped him transition from struggling to sell out venues to achieving success and recognition in the comedy industry. Kreischer's storytelling prowess and the relatability of the "Machine" story resonated with audiences, showcasing his comedic talent and propelling him to new heights in his career. The clip's success demonstrated the power of the internet and social media in boosting a comedian's visibility and success in the modern comedy landscape.
- Chris Distefano transitioned from a career in physical therapy to comedy, finding initial success with MTV. This success led him to pursue professional stand-up comedy, where he aimed to headline prestigious venues like Madison Square Garden. His journey showcases a shift from a medical profession to the entertainment industry, highlighting his determination and adaptability in pursuing his comedic aspirations.
- Bert Kreischer's appearances on Joe Rogan's show, Doug Benson's podcast, and Hot Ones significantly boosted his career by exposing him to wider audiences and increasing his popularity in the comedy industry. These platforms provided Kreischer with opportunities to showcase his humor, storytelling skills, and personality, leading to increased recognition and success in his stand-up career. The exposure from these appearances helped Kreischer attract new fans, secure more performance opportunities, and solidify his position as a prominent figure in the comedy world. Overall, these ap ...
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Personal Health, Wellness, and Life Experiences
Kreischer and Distefano, two comedians with distinct personal stories, discuss their journeys through health, self-care, the influence of family, and their relationships on their comedy careers, shedding light on their behind-the-scenes lives.
Comedians' Perspectives on Aging, Physical Health, and Self-Care
As these comedians age, their focus on physical health and well-being has become more central in their lives.
Bert's Early Career Struggles With Health and Finances
While there’s no detailed information given about Kreischer’s early career struggles with health and finances, he mentions his shirtless and drink-heavy lifestyle at 43, signaling potential health and self-care issues related to his career choices at the time.
Chris' Health Journey: Openness About Colonoscopies and Diet Monitoring
Chris Distefano discusses gastrointestinal health with candid anecdotes, like experiencing explosive diarrhea after a sudden reintroduction of milk into his diet. He shares his experiences undergoing colonoscopies as a form of preventive health care, having undergone two—the first at age 35 after a concerning bowel movement and a follow-up at age 40. He emphasizes the importance of being vigilant with health monitoring, advice instilled by his mother.
Kreischer and Distefano both mention interesting interactions with their doctors post-colonoscopy, such as using direct messages to receive information on polyp benignity and scheduling future check-ups. Additionally, Distefano uses the Yuka app to assess the quality and health value of food, reflecting a proactive approach to diet and monitoring health. He even employs humor to discuss moderating his alcohol intake.
Influence of Family and Relationships on Comedy Careers
The demands of a comedy career can significantly impact family life, demanding a careful balance between work and family presence.
Balancing Travel Demands With Family Presence
Kreischer reflects on missing family time due to constant travel with the Travel Channel and stand-up commitments, showcasing the regret many entertainers feel when their careers impinge on family life. Distefano also sets boundaries for his travel, capping gigs to a couple of weekends per month or less if financially feasible, prioritizing his young family over being on the road. He views mon ...
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Personal Health, Wellness, and Life Experiences
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can track your physical health by setting up a monthly "health day" where you focus on self-care activities and preventative health measures. Choose one day each month dedicated to activities like a long walk, preparing a nutritious meal, or scheduling any necessary medical appointments. This ensures you're regularly investing time in your health, much like you would maintain a car or a home.
- Balance work and family life by creating a "family-first calendar." Use a digital or physical calendar to block out family time before adding work commitments. This helps you visualize and prioritize family time, ensuring it's not an afterthought. For example, you might reserve every Sunday for a family outing or dinner, making it a non-negotiable part of your schedule.
- Develop a "career evolution plan" that al ...
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Sociopolitical Shifts, Cultural Perceptions, Media's Role
Comedians Chris Distefano and Bert Kreischer reflect on the evolving politics, media's influence on public opinion, and the challenges of performing comedy in a politically charged environment.
Evolving Politics and Its Impact on Comedy
The comedians discuss the dynamics of changing political leanings, particularly among younger generations, and the effects on their comedy routines.
Observations On Changing Political Leanings In Youth
Chris Distefano points out a shift in the political leanings of young people. He shares an anecdote about his nephew who, when asked about his voting preference, associated Democrats with being "gay" and lacking patriotism, whereas Republicans were perceived as strong and patriotic.
Performing For Politically Diverse Audiences and Navigating Sensitive Topics
Distefano talks about the challenges of navigating political subjects while performing. He recounts performing for the US Army where the troops started chanting "fuck Joe Biden" and he tried to deflect the situation by doing Puerto Rican accents. He also notes that there's a bubble in places like New York City and LA where comedians expected Biden to win the election, contrasting with his experiences across the country where he encountered a mix of political opinions.
In another instance, while performing in Ohio in 2016, Bert Kreischer mentioned voting for Trump as part of a joke and received an unexpectedly enthusiastic response, demonstrating the diversity of political leanings among different audiences. Moreover, Distefano performed at a Major League Baseball event shortly after Donald Trump was elected president, implying that he faced a challenge navigating political discussion in his comedic act.
The Media's Role In Shaping Discourse and Perceptions
The discussion turns to the media's role in influencing the public's perception of political and sensitive issues.
Media's Portrayal of Sensitive Issues and Its Impact ...
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Sociopolitical Shifts, Cultural Perceptions, Media's Role
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Counterarguments
- The perception of political leanings among young people is not uniform and can vary widely based on geography, education, and social influences.
- Comedy has always navigated sensitive topics, and the challenge may not be entirely new but rather an evolution of the audience's expectations and societal norms.
- Audience reactions to political jokes can be complex and may not necessarily indicate their true political beliefs or voting behaviors.
- The media's influence on public opinion is not absolute, and individuals may interpret media portrayals through the ...
Actionables
- You can engage in active listening exercises with friends who have different political views to better understand their perspectives without judgment. Start by setting up a casual coffee meet-up where each person shares their views on a current event, while others listen without interrupting or debating. This practice can help you navigate sensitive topics more empathetically in your own conversations.
- Create a personal media consumption chart to track and diversify the sources of your news intake. Over the course of a month, note down which media outlets you get your news from and categorize them by their perceived political bias. Aim to balance your chart by intentionally seeking out sources from different parts of the political spectrum to broaden your understanding of how different media can shape op ...
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