Joey Diaz's Horny Hospital Visit | 2 Bears, 1 Cave
On this episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave, comedians Bert Kreischer, Joey Diaz, and others reflect on the changing landscape of stand-up comedy. They discuss the impact of new mediums like podcasts and social media, as well as the challenges these platforms pose to the art form.
The conversation touches on the financial and personal burdens of maintaining a comedy career. The group also shares thoughts on preserving stand-up's essence amid pressures to censor controversial material. Reflecting on the loss of comedians like the late Ralphie May, they mourn the passing of comedy's intimate origins as the industry becomes increasingly commercialized.
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1-Page Summary
The Changing Landscape of Stand-Up Comedy
Comedians Bert Kreischer and Joey Diaz discuss how stand-up is shifting towards other mediums like podcasts and social media. Kreischer admits oversharing on these platforms and getting lazy with his stand-up material, as Diaz says podcasting has made his comedic skills complacent.
They critique how the surge of streaming comedy specials dilutes their impact. Plus, Diaz distinguishes true stand-ups from actors labeled "comedians," which he feels disrespects the live performance art.
Challenges Of Being a Comedian
Maintaining a Comedy Career Is Overwhelming
Kreischer details the heavy financial burden of touring staff and production costs that can deplete a comedian's earnings. Both he and Diaz lament the toll relentless travel and performing takes on family life.
Preserving Stand-Up's Essence Amid Pressures
Diaz voices frustration over growing restrictions on edgy material due to worries over backlash. He and Kreischer argue societal pressures like political correctness are stripping stand-up of its original intent and freedom of expression.
Reflections on Comedy and Passing of Comedians
Loss of Ralphie May Left a Void
Diaz and Kreischer fondly recall the late Ralphie May's likeability and connection with audiences despite personal struggles. They deeply feel the absence of such a talented comedian's presence and potential.
Mourning Comedy's Intimate Origins
Diaz laments comedy becoming overcommercialized and corporate, losing its earlier intimacy and passion. Both mourn the passing of iconic venues and figures like the tight-knit community fostered around the Comedy Store.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Bert Kreischer and Joey Diaz criticize the impact of oversaturation from streaming comedy specials on the stand-up industry. They express concerns about the dilution of comedic artistry and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in their material amidst societal pressures like political correctness. Additionally, they discuss the financial strain of touring and the toll it takes on their personal lives, highlighting the difficulties faced by comedians in balancing their careers with family responsibilities.
- Podcasting and social media have influenced stand-up comedy by providing comedians with alternative platforms to showcase their humor and connect with audiences. Comedians like Bert Kreischer and Joey Diaz have embraced these mediums, but there are concerns about how they may impact traditional stand-up performances and material. The ease of sharing personal stories and thoughts on podcasts and social media can sometimes lead to a dilution of stand-up material and a shift in comedic focus. Additionally, the rise of streaming comedy specials and online content has changed audience expectations and consumption habits in the comedy industry.
- The distinction between true stand-up comedians and actors labeled as "comedians" lies in their primary focus: stand-up comedians primarily perform live comedy on stage, honing their craft through audience interaction and immediate feedback, while actors labeled as "comedians" are primarily known for their work in comedic roles on screen, such as in movies or TV shows. This distinction is important to some in the comedy community as it reflects a difference in the core skills and experiences required for success in each realm.
- Comedians often use edgy or controversial material to push boundaries and provoke thought. Restrictions on such content can stifle creativity and hinder the exploration of sensitive or taboo topics. Frustrations arise when societal pressures, like political correctness, limit comedians' ability to freely express themselves on stage. This conflict highlights the ongoing debate between artistic freedom and the need to navigate social norms and sensitivities in comedy.
- Ralphie May was a beloved stand-up comedian known for his larger-than-life personality and relatable humor. His passing left a void in the comedy community, as he was respected for his talent and ability to connect with audiences. May's presence in the comedy world was significant due to his impactful performances and his influence on aspiring comedians. His death was mourned by many in the industry, highlighting the lasting impact he had on the stand-up comedy scene.
- Comedy becoming overcommercialized and corporate means that the industry is increasingly driven by profit and business interests, potentially overshadowing the art form's original creative and personal essence. This shift can lead to a focus on marketability and mainstream appeal, diluting the raw and authentic nature of comedy that thrives on genuine connections and unique perspectives. As comedy becomes more corporate, there may be pressure to conform to certain standards or avoid controversial topics to maintain a broader audience, potentially stifling the freedom of expression and creativity that are essential to the art form. The loss of intimacy and passion in comedy can result from prioritizing financial success and mass appeal over the close-knit, community-driven roots of stand-up that fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences among comedians and audiences.
Counterarguments
- Stand-up comedy's shift towards podcasts and social media can be seen as an evolution rather than a detriment, allowing comedians to reach wider audiences and engage with fans in new ways.
- Oversharing on social media and podcasts might be a strategic choice for some comedians to build their personal brand and create a more intimate connection with their audience.
- Podcasting can also be a tool for comedians to hone their conversational humor and storytelling skills, which can complement their stand-up performances.
- The surge of streaming comedy specials has democratized access to comedy, allowing more comedians to showcase their work and reach audiences who might not attend live shows.
- Actors labeled as "comedians" may bring a different perspective to the art form and can contribute to the diversity and richness of comedy as a whole.
- The financial burdens and travel associated with maintaining a comedy career can also be viewed as investments in building a sustainable and potentially lucrative career in entertainment.
- Restrictions on edgy material can encourage comedians to innovate and find new ways to be funny without relying on potentially offensive content.
- Societal pressures and political correctness can be seen as a reflection of changing audience values, and comedians can adapt their material to be both funny and sensitive to these shifts.
- While the loss of Ralphie May is deeply felt, it can also inspire other comedians to honor his legacy by connecting with audiences and addressing personal struggles through their comedy.
- The overcommercialization of comedy may lead to more opportunities for comedians to monetize their craft and gain financial stability.
- The passing of iconic venues and figures can give rise to new spaces and leaders in the comedy community, fostering a new generation of tight-knit communities and creative collaboration.
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The Changing Landscape of Stand-Up Comedy
Bert Kreischer and Joey Diaz delve into how the comedy world is shifting away from traditional stand-up towards other forms of media, including podcasts and social media.
Comedians Focus Less On Stand-Up, Favor Podcasts and Social Media
Comedians like Bert Kreischer and Joey Diaz liaise about the saturation of podcasts and social media in the comedy industry, acknowledging a shift of focus.
Podcasting and Social Media Make Comedians Lazy, Incorporating too Much Personal Life and Podcast Material Into Stand-Up
Kreischer reveals his intentions to pull back from oversharing on social media and admits to the strain of adhering to the weekly podcast schedule. Diaz confesses that the comfort of podcasting has made him lazy in his stand-up, sharing that the podcast material only resonates with the live audience aware of his show, not with the Netflix audience at home. Both discuss the trap of assuming audience familiarity with their stories due to their podcasts and social media presence, which does not always hold true, especially for Netflix viewers.
They highlight a critical observation from respected comedians, including Colin Quinn and Louis CK, on podcasting being detrimental to the quality of stand-up comedy. Diaz considers taking a break from podcasting to refine his stand-up and criticizes podcasters who leap into stand-up without the requisite skills or worthwhile material.
Streaming Surge Dilutes Comedy Specials, Pressuring Unconventional Standouts
Diaz discusses the proliferation of comedy specials on streaming platforms, arguing that this surge makes it tough for comedians to make a mark due to a constant release of new specials, contributing to the need for unconventional content that stands out. Diaz and Kreischer air grievances over the tendency in the entertainment arena for individuals to ascribe unearned titles to themselves, like "directors," due to the ease of putting content on streaming services. The pair lamen ...
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The Changing Landscape of Stand-Up Comedy
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Bert Kreischer and Joey Diaz are stand-up comedians known for their work in the comedy industry. They have gained popularity through various platforms like podcasts and social media, in addition to traditional stand-up performances. The text discusses their perspectives on how the comedy landscape is evolving, focusing on the impact of podcasting, social media, and streaming platforms on their careers and the industry as a whole.
- Podcasting can lead comedians to rely on personal stories and material from their podcasts, assuming audience familiarity that may not exist during stand-up performances. This reliance can make comedians lazy in crafting new, universally relatable material for their stand-up sets. The comfort of podcasting can also hinder the development of essential skills needed for engaging live stand-up performances. The constant demand for content in podcasts may divert time and energy away from refining stand-up routines, potentially impacting the quality of the comedy presented on stage.
- The term "special" in comedy used to denote a significant, carefully crafted performance recorded for television or streaming platforms. However, with the increasing volume of comedy specials being released frequently on various platforms, the term has become somewhat diluted. This dilution has led to a perception that not all comedy specials are truly "special" in the traditional sense, as the frequency of releases may diminish the uniqueness and quality associated with the term. This trend has sparked discussions among comedians about the impact of this saturation on the perception and value of comedy specials in the industry.
- Comedic actors typically perform scripted material in TV shows or movies, relying on written dialogue and direction. In contrast, true stand-up comedians create and perform their own material live on stage without scripts, relying on ...
Counterarguments
- Podcasts and social media offer comedians a direct line to their audience, fostering a more intimate fan base and allowing for immediate feedback.
- Diversifying into podcasts and social media can be a strategic move for comedians to build their brand and increase their reach beyond the stand-up stage.
- The personal nature of podcasting can enrich a comedian's stand-up material by providing depth and relatability to their stories.
- Stand-up comedy is evolving, and incorporating elements from podcasts and social media can be seen as a natural progression of the art form.
- The surge in comedy specials can be viewed as a positive development, providing more opportunities for comedians to showcase their work and for audiences to discover new talent.
- Streaming platforms democratize the production and distribution of comedy specials, allowing lesser-known comedians to break through without traditional gatekeepers.
- Celebrity comedians bring attention to the comedy world, potentially introducing new audiences to stand-up comedy.
- ...
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Challenges Of Being a Comedian
Kreischer and Diaz share personal experiences and struggles that shed light on the often overlooked complexities of maintaining a career in comedy.
The Complexities Of Maintaining a Comedy Career Are Overwhelming for Comedians
Touring, Production, and Staff Costs Can Eat Up a Comedian's Earnings, Causing Financial Stress
Kreischer discusses the financial responsibilities of success, such as his bus drivers, a crew of 18, production manager, tour manager, and an assistant—all of whom depend on his work for income. Similarly, Joey Diaz explains the expensive reality of having to pay various staff, including attorneys, publicists, agents, and managers, who take significant commissions. The costs often lead to hard financial decisions, such as reducing staff. Diaz paints a stark picture of financial burdens with scenarios like first-class travel for his touring entourage without financial support from theaters, leading to substantial expenses such as 50k a month just for these costs.
Constant Travel, Performance Toll on Comedians' Personal Life, Family Time
Both Kreischer and Diaz discuss the deep impact their careers have on personal and family life. Kreischer acknowledges his absence from his children’s upbringing due to his career—seeing his family only a limited number of days a week. Diaz echoes these sentiments on how straining touring and performing can be, with family back home tackling the brunt of household responsibilities. Diaz also reflects on his past experiences, like having to sleep in a house he broke into between gigs, to underline the harsh realities and sacrifices made in pursuit of a comedic career.
Comedians Strive to Preserve Stand-Up's Essence Amid Societal Pressures
Comedians Frustrated By Growing Restrictions and Backlash for Boundary-Pushing Material
Joey Diaz discusses the inner stress of the business side of comedy, such as ticket sales and promotions contributing to the job's never-ending nature. Comedians are often expected to tackle growing societal pressures, such as political correctness. Diaz lauds Kreischer's special for its unrestrained "dirty" content, suggesting an appreciation for material that flies in the face of trends toward cleaner comedy. Diaz also expresses frustration with the changes in what can be said on podcasts ...
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Challenges Of Being a Comedian
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Comedians often face significant financial burdens in maintaining their careers, including costs for touring, production, and staff. These expenses can include paying for a crew, tour managers, assistants, attorneys, publicists, and agents, all of whom take a portion of the comedian's earnings. The financial strain can lead to tough decisions like reducing staff or cutting back on expenses to manage the costs effectively. Comedians may also encounter challenges with managing personal finances due to the unpredictable nature of their income streams.
- In the world of comedy, successful comedians often have a team of staff members to support their career. These staff members can include bus drivers, a crew for production, a production manager, a tour manager, and an assistant. Additionally, comedians may also need to hire attorneys, publicists, agents, and managers to handle various aspects of their career, such as legal matters, publicity, bookings, and overall management. These staff members play crucial roles in helping comedians navigate the complexities of their careers, from organizing tours and productions to managing finances and handling the business side of comedy. The financial responsibilities of maintaining such a team can be significant and can impact a comedian's earnings and overall financial well-being.
- Comedians face significant financial burdens, including high production and staff costs, which can lead to tough decisions like reducing staff. The demands of constant travel and performances can strain personal and family life, with comedians often sacrificing time with loved ones. Additionally, comedians navigate societal pressures and backlash, with expectations to address sensitive topics like political correctness, sometimes at the expense of their creative freedom. The essence of stand-up comedy is challenged by evolving societal norms, leading comedians to grapple with maintaining the authenticity and original intent of their craft.
- Comedians face challenges navigating societal pressures like political correctness, which influence what material is deemed acceptable for their performances. This pressure can lead to self-censorship and avoidance of controversia ...
Counterarguments
- While financial stress is a reality for many comedians, some have successfully navigated these challenges through diversification of income streams, such as podcasting, acting, or writing, which can provide additional revenue and reduce reliance on touring.
- The impact of constant travel on personal and family life can be mitigated by setting boundaries, creating a balanced schedule, and using modern communication tools to maintain close relationships with loved ones despite physical distance.
- The frustration with growing restrictions and backlash may be countered by the argument that comedy, like any form of art, evolves with society, and adapting to changing social norms can be a sign of a comedian's versatility and relevance.
- The effort to preserve stand-up's essence in the face of societal pressures can be seen as an op ...
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Reflections on Comedy and Passing of Comedians
Joey Diaz and Bert Kreischer share personal stories about their experiences with the late comedian Ralphie May, reflecting on how his passing and changes in the comedy scene have created a sense of loss among comedians.
Loss of Comedians Like Ralphie May Leaves a Void In the Stand-Up Community
Ralphie May's Likeability and Audience Connection Made Him a Standout Despite Personal and Professional Challenges
Both Diaz and Kreischer fondly remember Ralphie May's presence in the comedy community. Diaz recounts instances indicative of Ralphie's generous and approachable nature, such as chipping in to get a turkey or picking up the tab at a weed store. They reminisce about their intimate podcast night, where despite hard times, May showed up and turned it into a surreal night, intermittently falling asleep from a vapor pen.
Diaz mentions that his passing felt like some of the class went out of stand-up comedy, showing the impact May had made. May's ability to pull an audience and his [restricted term] strategy are highlighted as examples of his thoughtfulness in his comedy approach.
Influential Comedians' Passing Felt As Their Contributions and Support Are Fondly Remembered
Diaz shares May's professional challenges, such as falling through a stage, and personal ones, including health struggles, emphasizing how May still delivered exceptional performances. Kreischer addresses the loss of Ralphie’s presence and potential, suggesting the stand-up community deeply feels the absence of such a talented comedian.
Comedians Lament the Loss of the Intimate, Underground Spirit in the Changing Comedy Scene
Commercialization and Corporate Venues Create Disconnect For Some Comedians From Grassroots Comedy
Diaz speaks to the changing nature of comedy, from early days of passion and intimacy to the current commercialized and less-connected scene. He expresses a longing for the love of comedy rather than the business aspect of it. They discuss the evolution of touring and how life changes have shifted the relationship comedians have w ...
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Reflections on Comedy and Passing of Comedians
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Clarifications
- A vapor pen, also known as a vape pen, is a device used to inhale substances like nicotine or cannabis in vapor form. It typically consists of a battery, a heating element, and a cartridge containing the substance to be vaporized. Vapor pens have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional smoking methods due to their perceived lower health risks and discreet nature. The act of using a vapor pen is often referred to as vaping.
- Joe Rogan is a prominent figure in the comedy community known for his stand-up comedy, hosting popular podcasts, and influencing the careers of many comedians. He has a long history in comedy, from performing stand-up to providing a platform for comedians on his podcast "The Joe Rogan Experience ...
Counterarguments
- While Ralphie May was indeed a standout, it's important to recognize that the comedy community is diverse, and many comedians make significant contributions in different ways.
- The impact of a comedian can be subjective, and while May had a unique approach, other comedians also have effective strategies for engaging audiences.
- The feeling of loss in the stand-up community is not universal; some may see the passing of a comedian as an opportunity for new talent to emerge and for the art form to evolve.
- Commercialization and corporate venues can be seen as a sign of the growth and mainstream acceptance of comedy, which can provide more opportunities for comedians to reach wider audiences.
- The evolution of comedy may be seen as a natural progression rather than a loss, with some comedians embracing the new opportunities that come with commercial success.
- Nostalgia for the past can sometimes overshadow the potential and innovation present in the current comedy scene.
- The intimate and gritty elements of past comedy scenes may sti ...
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