She TOOK the Cat with Todd Barry | Soder Podcast | EP 18
Dive into the world of stand-up with Dan Soder and his guest Todd Barry on the "Soder" podcast, where they explore the intricacies of comedy through Barry's experience. Recognized for his low-key delivery and dry humor, Barry captivates with an artful combination of irony and subtlety, turning everyday interactions into laugh riots. From handling hecklers with unflappable coolness to mining laughs from a cat café visit, Barry demonstrates the meticulous craftsmanship behind his comedic narratives, often rooted in life's trivial moments.
The podcast also delves into the historical roots of New York's 1990s alternative comedy scene—a breeding ground for new comic voices seeking refuge from the mainstream club circuit's predictability. Barry recounts how his early years in this collaborative atmosphere at spots like Luna Lounge helped shape not only his unique comedic voice but also the industry’s dynamics. He and Soder reflect on the rites of passage every stand-up comic must navigate, acknowledging the challenging 'check spots' and diverse crowds that tested their mettle and refined their ability to command any stage. Join them for a behind-the-scenes look at the trials and triumphs that define the comic path.
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1-Page Summary
Todd Barry's stand-up comedy style and jokes
Todd Barry's stand-up performance stands out for its low-key delivery, consistent use of irony, and dry humor. He charms audiences by turning normal interactions into comedic narratives with his understated voice and personality. When a heckler at the Comedy Cellar suggests he make a joke about New Orleans, Barry uses irony to control the crowd, countering the heckle by simply repeating his earlier statement in the same low-energy tone. His comedic style shines in routines about mundane activities, such as visiting a cat cafe in New Orleans or discussing his eating habits, like avoiding Funyuns. Barry's joke about a salad bar lady recommending Italian dressing exemplifies his talent for finding humor in everyday conversations. He also crafts material from common scenarios, such as a chat with a cabinet salesman, emphasizing his unique humor that resonates from the trivialities of life.
The alternative comedy scene in New York in the 1990s
In the 1990s, New York's alternative comedy scene provided a fresh platform for comics who wanted to escape the conventional club circuit. Todd Barry remembers how the movement commenced in unconventional spaces, starting at Rebar and later moving to Luna Lounge and Rafifi. This scene, which Barry was part of at Tinkle, emphasized social collaboration and post-performance interaction among comedians. The distinction between alternative and club comedy was clear, as the former rejected the formulaic and often flat humor prevalent in traditional club settings, characterized by predictable backdrops and well-worn spouse jokes. Despite their initiative to differ, some alternative comedians inadvertently mirrored the mainstream comedy they criticized. Barry notes the ambiguity in some peers' attitudes who, though desiring uniqueness, occasionally fell back on conventional humor.
Learning experiences that shaped comedians' development
Todd Barry shares, with Dan Soder, how early experiences in various comedy settings, including challenging check spots, contributed significantly to their comedic evolution. Although not explicitly stated as part of Barry's journey, he acknowledges the learning value of these unforgiving performance slots. Check spots, which demand comedians to engage the audience as they deal with their checks, often result in less attention from the crowd. Despite the difficulty these spots present, both Barry and Soder appreciate them as toughening experiences, which have strengthened their capacity to captivate diverse audiences. They credit surviving tough crowds and check spots as part of the process that forged their comedic resilience. Barry also details the formative nature of his early performances at the Luna Lounge, where he practiced and polished new material, underpinning their shared adaptability across different comedic environments.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- A heckler at a comedy show is someone in the audience who interrupts the performer by making loud or disruptive comments. Hecklers can be distracting and disrespectful, often trying to provoke a reaction from the comedian. Comedians like Todd Barry often handle hecklers with quick wit or by incorporating their interruptions into their act. The Comedy Cellar is a famous comedy club in New York City known for hosting top comedians and intimate performances.
- Tinkle was a comedy show that was part of the alternative comedy scene in New York City during the 1990s. It was known for its unconventional approach to comedy, featuring a mix of stand-up, sketches, and musical performances in non-traditional venues. Comedians like Todd Barry were involved in Tinkle, which provided a platform for experimentation and collaboration outside of the mainstream comedy club circuit. The show fostered a sense of community among comedians and encouraged creative freedom in exploring new and offbeat comedic styles.
- Check spots in comedy performances are specific time slots during a comedy show where comedians have to perform while the audience is preoccupied with paying their bills or settling their checks. These spots are considered challenging because the audience's attention is divided between the comedian on stage and their own transactions. Comedians often find check spots difficult as they have to work harder to capture the audience's focus and keep them engaged despite distractions. Successfully navigating check spots is seen as a valuable learning experience that helps comedians develop resilience and adaptability in handling different audience dynamics.
- Luna Lounge was a prominent comedy venue in New York City during the 1990s alternative comedy scene. It served as a hub for emerging comedians seeking a platform outside traditional club settings. Luna Lounge fostered a supportive environment for experimentation and collaboration among comedians, contributing to the development of unique comedic voices. Todd Barry and other comedians honed their craft at Luna Lounge, refining their material and performance skills in this influential space.
Counterarguments
- While Todd Barry's style is characterized by low-key delivery, some might argue that this approach could be perceived as lacking energy or enthusiasm, which might not resonate with all audiences.
- The use of irony to control the crowd is a skillful technique, but it may not always be effective with every audience, especially if they are not attuned to subtlety in humor.
- Focusing on mundane activities and everyday conversations can be relatable, but it might also limit the range of topics and depth that his comedy covers, potentially alienating those who prefer more varied or edgy content.
- The alternative comedy scene's emphasis on social collaboration and post-performance interaction is positive, but it could also create an insular environment where only certain comedic styles are appreciated, potentially stifling diversity in humor.
- Rejecting formulaic and flat humor is a noble goal, but traditional club comedy has its own merits and can be a valuable training ground for comedians to learn timing, audience interaction, and other fundamental skills.
- The criticism that some alternative comedians unintentionally mirrored mainstream comedy might overlook the fact that all comedians are influenced by their environment, and some overlap is natural and inevitable.
- While check spots are acknowledged as toughening experiences, they could also be seen as a less effective way to develop comedic skills due to the divided attention of the audience, which might not provide the best feedback for refining material.
- The idea that surviving tough crowds and check spots is crucial for building resilience could be challenged by suggesting that there are many paths to developing as a comedian, and some may find more growth in supportive environments that allow for experimentation without the pressure of a distracted audience.
- Barry's formative experiences at Luna Lounge might be seen as just one of many possible venues for growth, and other comedians might find that different environments or methods are more conducive to their personal development.
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Todd Barry's stand-up comedy style and jokes
Todd Barry's stand-up comedy style is marked by his low-key delivery, irony, and dry humor. These qualities have become his signature on the comedy circuit, endearing him to crowds who appreciate his unique approach to punchlines.
His style of low-key delivery, irony, and dry humor
Examples of specific jokes/bits that illustrate his comedy style
In his low-energy voice, emblematic of his underplayed delivery, Todd Barry tackles a heckling situation with effortless control. His dry response to a demand from someone in the audience illustrates his skill in using irony to entertain. For instance, while discussing New Orleans, a heckler suggested he put a humorous spin on his remarks about the city, which Barry cleverly spins to his comedic advantage.
One particular routine that exemplifies Barry's style occurred at the Comedy Cellar, where he spoke about visiting a cat cafe in New Orleans. Following an audience member's interruption, he simply restated, "I went to a cat cafe in New Orleans," which, thanks to his low-energy delivery and the irony of having to repeat himself, resonated humorously with the audience.
Barry delivers a joke about his relationship with junk food. He recounts with a deadpan style how he avoids Funyuns unless offered and explains, with impeccable logic, why he chooses to eat Doritos or visit McDonald's while on the road. The humor isn't just in the words he says but in how they're said – with an aloof aloofness that invites the audience to laugh along with h ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Todd Barry's stand-up comedy style and jokes
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Comedy Cellar is a renowned comedy club in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, known for hosting top New York comedians in a showcase format. It was founded in 1982 and has a close connection to The Olive Tree Cafe, where comedians often gather. Shows at the Comedy Cellar typically feature multiple comedians performing shorter sets throughout the night.
- Funyuns are a brand of onion-flavored corn snacks shaped like onion rings. They were introduced in 1969 by Frito-Lay and are known for their unique taste derived from a mix of salt and onion flavoring. Funyuns have become a popular snack choice for many due to their distinctive texture and flavor profile.
- Italian dressing is a type of salad dressing commonly used in American cuisine. It typ ...
Counterarguments
- While Todd Barry's low-key delivery is a hallmark of his style, some may argue that it can be perceived as lacking energy or enthusiasm, which might not resonate with all comedy-goers who prefer more animated performances.
- Barry's reliance on irony and dry humor could be seen as too subtle or nuanced for audiences who favor more direct and overt comedy styles.
- The effectiveness of handling hecklers with wit and control is subjective, and some might feel that a more dynamic response could be more engaging or entertaining.
- The humor derived from repeating phrases, such as in the cat cafe bit, might not be universally appreciated, with some finding it repetitive rather than funny.
- Barry's deadpan style, while unique, may not appeal to those who enjoy more expressive and emotive comedic delivery.
- Jokes about everyday interactions and mundane moments might not be seen as particular ...
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The alternative comedy scene in New York in the 1990s
The alternative comedy scene of New York in the 1990s established a novel stage for humor, shunning the traditional comedy club circuit and fostering a distinctive comedic ethos. Todd Barry reminisces about his time in this unique environment.
How it started organically by comedians doing shows in non-traditional venues
Barry reveals that the alternative comedy scene began in less conventional spaces such as Rebar, a venue started by his manager along with Marc Maron and others, before migrating to Luna Lounge and then to Rafifi. In collaboration with David Cross and Jon Benjamin, Barry also ran a show called Tinkle at Pianos. The scene thrived on innovation and the social camaraderie shared among comedians post-performance.
Characteristics of alternative comedy versus club comedy at that time
Barry talks about the alternative comedy scene's efforts to break away from the stereotypical, sometimes corny presentation of mainstream comedy which included hackneyed elements like the commodified backdrop of brick walls or ...
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The alternative comedy scene in New York in the 1990s
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Rebar, Luna Lounge, and Rafifi were popular venues in New York City during the 1990s alternative comedy scene. These spaces hosted unconventional comedy shows that deviated from traditional comedy clubs, providing a platform for comedians to experiment with new material and styles. Comedians like Todd Barry, Marc Maron, David Cross, and Jon Benjamin were actively involved in organizing and performing at these venues, contributing to the vibrant and innovative comedy scene of that era. The atmosphere in these venues encouraged creativity, camaraderie among comedians, and a departure from mainstream comedic norms.
- In the context of comedy clubs, the phrase "commodified backdrop of brick walls" alludes to a common visual trope where comedy stages are designed with brick walls as a stereotypical setting. This design choice was meant to evoke a sense of authenticity and urban grit but became overused and clichéd in mainstream comedy settings. The brick wall backdrop was often associated with traditional comedy clubs and their standardized aesthetics, which alternative comedians sought to distance themselves from in the 1990s New York scene.
- A passive-aggressive stance toward audiences in comedy can manifest as performers subtly expressing hostility or resistance towards their viewers while maintaining a facade of amiability. This behavior can involve indirect criticism, sarcasm, or non-verbal cues that convey disapproval or frustration towards the audience without overtly confronting them. It creates a dynamic where the comedian appears aloof or detached, potentially alienating the audience by implying a lack of genuine engagement or appreciation for their presence. This approach contrasts with a more direct and open style of communication, often leading to a sense of tension or unease between the performer and the audience.
- Club comedy typically adheres to traditional comedy club settings and formats, often featuring mainstream humor that caters to a broad audience. In contrast, alternative comedy emerged as a response to the perceived limitations of club comedy, prioritizing more experimental, unconventional, ...
Counterarguments
- The novelty of the alternative comedy scene can be overstated, as subversive and non-traditional humor has a long history in various cultures.
- Non-traditional venues were not unique to the 1990s New York scene; similar movements occurred in other cities and time periods.
- While collaboration was a hallmark of the scene, it could also be argued that it created an insular community that may have been difficult for newcomers to penetrate.
- The emphasis on innovation might have overshadowed the value of traditional comedic techniques that have proven effective over time.
- Social camaraderie, while beneficial, might have led to a homogenization of comedic styles within the scene.
- The attempt to break away from mainstream comedy stereotypes could have inadvertently created new stereotypes within the alternative scene.
- Avoiding clichés like brick wall backdrops does not inherently make the comedy m ...
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Learning experiences that shaped comedians' development
Todd Barry and Dan Soder reflect on their early stand-up experiences, discussing the grueling yet formative trial runs in various comedy settings that helped shape their comedic styles and abilities.
Todd Barry doing check spots early on
Check spots, where a comic performs while the audience settles their bills, were not directly mentioned as part of Todd Barry’s experience. However, he does share with Dan Soder that he served as an on-call backup for other comedians, such as Jon Stewart, ready to step in if they couldn't make it to the show.
How Todd and Dan developed by working a wide range of comedy venues and crowds
Both Barry and Soder delve into their experiences with check spots and the unique challenges they pose. Soder specifically values check spots for the developmental challenge they offer, teaching new comics how to perform for audiences that are not fully attentive. Despite finding check spots somewhat disagreeable, Barry acknowledges them as part of his learning curve.
Dan Soder emphasizes how facing tough crowds during check spots honed his skills in capturing the audience's attention. For Soder, surviving and mastering these spots equated to metallurgical toughening, enabling him to deal with various audience types and venues effectively.
Todd ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Learning experiences that shaped comedians' development
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Check spots in comedy clubs are short sets performed by comedians in between longer acts or during transitions, typically when the audience is settling their bills. These spots are considered challenging because the audience may not be fully attentive or engaged. Comedians often use check spots to practice capturing the audience's attention in less-than-ideal conditions, honing their skills in adapting to different crowd dynamics. Mastering check spots is seen as a valuable learning experience for comedians, helping them develop their stage presence and ability to connect with audiences in various settings.
- The Luna Lounge was a renowned comedy venue located in New York City's Lower East Side. It was a popular spot for up-and-coming comedians to perform and refine their material in front of diverse audiences. Luna Lounge played a significant role in the development of many comedians' careers, providing a platform for experimentation and growth in the comedy scene. The venue's intimate setting and alternative vibe made it a unique space for comedians to showcase their talent and connect with audiences.
- Alternative rooms in co ...
Counterarguments
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