Embark on a road trip with comedians Dave Attell and Dan Soder in the latest episode of "Soder," where they candidly explore the highs and lows of a comedian's nomadic lifestyle. The duo delves into the pragmatic challenges faced by touring comedians, such as the perpetual hunt for late-night meals and the importance of food in maintaining performance energy – all this while fostering the unique bond and shared struggles that tie together the comedy community.
Through their anecdotes, Attell and Soder paint a vivid picture of the comedy scene's evolution during the pandemic, from outdoor gigs amidst unconventional audiences to the surreal experience of performing behind plexiglass. They also tackle broader cultural topics, like the legalization of marijuana in NYC, the ramifications, and the ever-increasing potency of today's cannabis. Reflecting on the contrasts of societal norms between places like New York and Colorado, the conversation seamlessly drifts into light-hearted banter assessing the celebrity life of Taylor Swift and playfully conjuring conspiracy theories surrounding Kate Middleton. "Soder" presents an episode that weaves together observations on cultural shifts, the pursuit of humor, and the life of a comedian in times of change.
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
Dave Attell, accompanied by Dan Soder, discusses the more difficult parts of being a touring comedian. They talk about the challenges in finding late-night food after shows, a common predicament shared with peers like Louie and Ian. For some like Louie, food is an essential part of their routine to fuel high-energy performances and prevent irritability. Attell often solicits food recommendations post-show from the audience, whereas Soder takes a more laid-back approach. The duo shares a glimpse into the camaraderie and struggles comedians face when navigating life on the road.
Dan Soder and Dave Attell recount their unique experiences performing in unconventional venues during the pandemic. They highlight the shift to outdoor sets, recounting instances like bombing in front of heroin addicts, which Dan experienced multiple times. Attell draws comparisons between different outdoor venues, expressing a preferencing for Soul Joels over others and commending the creativity of setups such as the outdoor dome and Chappelle's COVID-safe shows. The contrast they've experienced ranges from Michelle Wolf performing at premium venues, such as Chappelle's property, to Soder doing less desirable rooftop gigs.
Attell and Soder touch on the highs and lows of the comedy world, discussing its popularity surge, decline, and potential resurgence. They detail the struggles during the peak of COVID, including the oddity of performing behind plexiglass barriers at places like The Stand. The feeling of distancing from the audience and the barrier's similarity to a "rub out" booth or a trial stand for a serial killer were reflective of the challenging times comedians faced during the pandemic's social distancing era.
The legalization of marijuana in New York City is critiqued by Attell and Soder, who express frustration with the rollout and the prevalence of seemingly illegal dispensaries. They also share alarm at the extreme potency of today's marijuana, particularly edibles, which they claim can have effects that are overwhelming to the point of inducing feelings akin to losing one's mind. Despite skepticism regarding how this legalization has been managed, there is no explicit mention of an uptick in unlicensed delivery services within NYC.
The comedians compare the cultural and driving experiences between New York and places like Denver, noting the relaxed atmosphere of the latter. They humorously conjecture that Colorado, following the legalization of marijuana and mushrooms, might opt to legalize LSD next, envisioning safe spaces for LSD trips similar to ax-throwing venues in Vegas.
The discussion turns to Taylor Swift's career and fame. Attell and Soder commend Swift for her strategic career management, which has attracted a fiercely loyal and passionate fanbase. They also humorously imagine scenarios reflecting her fame, such as the impossibility of flying commercial. They touch on rumors of Swift's extravagant travel habits during tours, which underscore her need for the comfort of home but emphasize the commonality in seeking familiar comforts despite stardom.
Dan Soder concocts an exaggerated conspiracy theory regarding Kate Middleton's absence from the public eye since Christmas, even bringing up a seemingly edited photograph of her on British Mother's Day. Attell adds to the humor, questioning Middleton's whereabouts in a light-hearted manner. The comedians further compare the conspiracy theory to the uncertain status of the Just for Laughs festival, injecting levity into their speculation.
1-Page Summary
Dave Attell and Dan Soder open up about the less glamorous aspects of life as touring comedians, from the struggle with bad habits to the quest for late-night meals.
Attell and Soder share their experiences of late nights searching for food after their shows.
Dan and Dave reflect on the routine of scouring for late night food with other comedians like Louie after their performances. With clubs closing and the night stretching on, finding a place that serves food can be challenging. Dave recalls asking people at the club for restaurant recommendations, often turning to the largest person in the room, assuming they might know where to find the best eats.
Dan offers a contrast in eating habits, noting that he’s casual about post-show meals, ...
Life on the road as a comedian
...
As the pandemic shifted the dynamics of live comedy, comedians Dan Soder and Dave Attell recount their experiences performing in unconventional venues, from dealing with unique audiences to embracing new setups for their acts.
When indoor venues shut down, comedians like Dan Soder and Dave Attell had to adapt to performing outdoors.
Dan Soder humorously recounts how he bombed in front of heroin addicts at outdoor shows during the pandemic. He mentions it wasn't just a one-time event but something he's experienced on multiple occasions.
Dave Attell jokingly refers to The Stand as their "Madison Square Garden" for outdoor comedy, though he recalls the odd looks of a city agency worker during performances. Both Soder and Attell discuss Soul Joels with fondness, noting it as a positive venue for outdoor comedy during the pandemic. The venue was known for its BYOB and bring-your-own-chair setup until it planned for a more permanent structure reminiscent of an airport hangar for future shows.
Attell mentioned a new, innovative venue that featured an outdoor dome, highlighting the creative solutions comedian ...
Comedy club experiences
...
The comedy scene has seen significant highs and lows over the years, with COVID-19 adding a new layer of complexity.
Comedian Dave Attell recounts the fluctuating fortunes of the comedy industry, noting earlier times when comedians snagged lucrative deals at the Just for Laughs (JFL) festival, against a backdrop where opportunities declined to the point where comedians had to pay their own way to attend festivals. However, he suggests a potential resurgence, hinting at a possible reboot of the JFL festival.
Attell relates a particularly humbling experience performing behind plexiglass at The Stand. He vividly compare ...
The impact of COVID on clubs and shows
Discourse on the legalization of marijuana in New York City reveals multiple issues, including the problematic rollout of legal dispensaries, the astonishing potency of contemporary marijuana products, and concerns around the abundant unlicensed operations.
Comedian Dave Attell characterizes New York City's rollout of legalized marijuana as "horrible," a sentiment echoed by Dan Soder, who observes that many dispensaries operating currently appear to be illegal. Attell questions the practicalities of driving under the influence in the city's traffic due to the strength of modern marijuana.
Dan Soder delves into the increased potency of modern marijuana, citing personal experiences with California weed that were intense enough to make him feel like he's "losing his mind." Both Attell and Soder discuss the extraordinary strength of edible products like gummies, which can contain up to 2000 milligrams of THC, potentially leadi ...
Legalize weed, dispensaries, experiences
Attell and Soder touch on the distinct cultural landscapes between New York City and Denver, while also humorously conjecturing about future directions for Colorado’s progressive stances on drug legislation.
The duo discusses the difference in experiences when it comes to driving and the associated anxieties that come with it in New York City. Although Denver isn’t explicitly mentioned in this context, the implication is that cities like Denver offer a contrasting, likely more relaxed, driving experience compared to the notorious stress of NYC traffic.
Attell brings a light-hearted perspective on the progre ...
Denver and Colorado culture
Dave Attell and Dan Soder dive into a discourse on the immense fame of Taylor Swift, her precision in managing her career, and the devotion of her fanbase.
Attell and Soder highlight Taylor Swift's impeccable career navigation and how she seemingly never falters in her decisions. Her mastery of her career path has garnered a fanbase that is characterized by its loyalty and passion.
The conversation shifts to the topic of Swift’s fame and how it affects her daily life. Attell and Soder chuckle at the notion that Swift's level of stardom makes it impossible for her to fly commercial, as her mere presence would cause pandemonium at any airport. They humorously suggest that teleportation might be a more feasible way for her to travel given her star status.
They also discuss a rumor that during ...
Taylor Swift and her career/fame analysis
Comedians Dan Soder and Attell delve into an outlandish conspiracy theory surrounding Kate Middleton's public absence since Christmas.
Soder stirs up a wild conspiracy theory about the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, referencing her lack of public appearances since Christmas. The rumor mill, which also suggests Prince William has a mistress, ignites further speculation that Kate Middleton might be dead.
Soder discusses a picture of Middleton posted on British Mother's Day, claiming it was allegedly edited. This led to suspicions about the image’s authenticity and assumed poor attempts by the royal palace to cover up her supposed demise.
Adding a touch of humor to the speculation, Attell revisits the topic of Middleton's whereabouts, jokingly inquiring, "Where is she?" Soder joins in ...
Kate Middleton Conspiracy Theory
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser