Many comedians possess a surprising level of physical strength. In this episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer, the co-hosts discuss comedians' fitness abilities and how they can fluctuate like athletes. They delve into the challenges of performing at major venues, particularly navigating the unexpected on stage.
The episode covers Kreischer's recent trip to Spain, where his daughter fully immersed herself in the cultural experience. Segura and Kreischer also examine the shifting cultural relevance of the Oscars, pointing out the Academy's inclination to recognize lower-budget, niche films over mainstream hits.
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
Many comedians possess impressive physical strength. Comedian Bert Kreischer can bench press 325 lbs, a feat achieved by less than 10% of the population according to Kreischer. Tom Segura calls Kreischer one of the strongest living comedians. Carrot Top and Godfrey are other comedians considered notably strong by Kreischer and Segura.
A comedian's physical abilities can vary day-to-day, like any performer or athlete.
Big venues evoke different emotions in comedians. Kreischer feels nervous but enjoys the challenge, especially at venues holding personal significance. For Segura, New York and LA crowds' judgmental nature makes venues like Madison Square Garden nerve-wracking.
During a show, Segura paused his set when an audience member had a seizure, demonstrating comedians must handle serious situations while performing.
Kreischer fondly recalls his daughter Georgia embracing the Spanish culture and language during their family trip to Spain. Georgia ordered for the family in Spanish and even did Spanish impressions of Bert.
After studying in Madrid for six months, Segura became fluent in Spanish, even dreaming in the language. His accent blended various Spanish influences, reflecting his diverse exposure.
Kreischer and Segura feel the Oscars have lost cultural relevance, citing Hollywood's disconnect from the public which deepened during the pandemic when people reassessed.
Recent Best Picture nominees at the Oscars had lower budgets under $100 million, unlike past blockbuster winners. This suggests a shift towards honoring more niche films rather than mainstream hits.
1-Page Summary
It may come as a surprise, but many comedians are more than just funny—they're strong and physically capable as well.
Bert Kreischer, a well-known comedian, has achieved the impressive feat of bench pressing 325 pounds. When investigating how common this strength level is, Kreischer's initial Google search indicated that a minuscule 0.01% of the global population can lift that amount. Subsequent searches suggested less than 10% can bench 325 pounds, reinforcing the notion that Kreischer's bench press capability is quite remarkable.
Kreischer didn’t reach this peak overnight; he speaks about his progression in weightlifting, recounting how he went from lifting 290 pounds to successfully benching 305 pounds twice, and then 315 pounds, albeit with some difficulty.
The fitness and strength levels of comedians, like any performer or athlete, can vary on a day-to-day basis. Their physical condition and performance may not be constant, subject to fluctuations based on numerous factors.
Bert Kreischer is often ment ...
Comedians' Physical Strength and Fitness
Comedians often face unique challenges when they perform at large, iconic venues. Their reactions to these venues can range from excitement to nervousness, and unexpected events can occur that require quick thinking and sensitivity.
High-profile performances can stimulate a range of emotions in comedians.
Bert Kreischer admits that while he gets nervous performing at big venues like Red Rocks and the Greek Theatre, it's a feeling he welcomes. These nerves are particularly present at venues that hold personal significance or when he has invested a lot into the performance. Nonetheless, Kreischer enjoys the challenge that comes with such high-stakes shows.
Tom Segura reflects on his experiences with performing at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden which he often finds nerve-wracking due to the judgmental nature of New York and LA crowds. The intense scrutiny can add an additional layer of pressure to comedians performing at such esteemed locations.
Amidst the humor and laughter, performers sometimes have to grapple with serious, unanticipated circumstances.
Tom Segura shares a profound moment during one of his shows when he stopped his routine because an audience member was having a seizure. He called for the ...
Challenges Of Performing At Big Shows As a Comedian
The Kreischer family's journey to Spain becomes a topic of conversation, revealing candid moments of cultural immersion and language fluency, leading to a broader discussion about how deeply engaging with different cultures can impact language skills.
Bert Kreischer recalls fond memories from his family’s trip to Spain, particularly those involving his daughter Georgia’s connection with the local culture and language.
Bert shares that his daughter Georgia embraced Spanish culture, indicating her comfort with the language and local customs. He describes a moment when they first encountered a waitress in Spain and Georgia effortlessly ordered for the family in Spanish, much to Bert's delight. He fondly recounts how Georgia would also humorously imitate him attempting to converse in Spanish.
Bert Kreischer expresses his admiration for Spain's siesta culture. He admires the practice of taking a midday break so much that he wishes it could be adopted into the American lifestyle, symbolizing a yearning for a more relaxed cultural norm.
Tom Segura's story highlights how immersing oneself in a new language and cultural setting can significantly enhance linguistic ability.
Segura, already conversant in Spanish, became fully fluent after spending six months studying at the University of Madrid. His classes were entirely in Spanish, covering topics such as comparative economics. By month three, his proficiency had soared to ...
Travel and Cultural Differences in Spain
Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer discuss the changing cultural relevance of the Oscars and how recent trends in nominations suggest a shift in the types of films being honored.
Segura and Kreischer explore whether people care less about the Oscars now, implying that the awards may have lost their significance. Kreischer mentions that he only started caring about the Oscars after moving to LA, primarily because it was an excuse to drink.
Kreischer notes that there seems to be a disconnect between Hollywood and the rest of the country. Hollywood's preoccupations, such as red-carpet fashion at the Oscars, do not resonate with everyone. Segura suggests that the rift between Hollywood and the public may be growing larger, an idea Kreischer agrees with, mentioning that the pandemic was a turning point. During the pandemic, the public reassessed their own living situations and compared them with those of celebrities, deepening the societal divide. Kreischer also touches on the types of films Hollywood producers want to make, which may not align with what the broader American public is interested in.
Kreischer observes that the movies now considered for the "greatest picture" at the Oscars are ones that he has not seen himself, suggesting these films have a more niche appeal. The hosts mention one such film made on a budget of about $2 million, indicating a shift ...
Awards Shows' Cultural Relevance: The Oscars
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser