E508 Joey Diaz

Joey Diaz and Theo Von share personal stories, reflecting on their youthful misadventures and the influence of colorful neighborhood characters on their development into comedians.

Discussed formative experiences and vivid memories from Joey's childhood and upbringing

Joey Diaz reminisces about his upbringing in New Jersey, recounting the novelty of being back after 40 years, which included memories of shoveling driveways as a child, including for James J. Braddock, a local boxer and legend. Diaz shares humorous anecdotes, such as locking a man named Johnny in a bathroom and his mother waking him at 3 a.m. to meet a girl she brought home, showcasing her unconventional parenting. Diaz also mentions a buddy now in politics who keeps the park nice, where Braddock's statue is located.

Hearing Joey Diaz's mother didn't receive Social Security benefits after she died because she hadn't worked the necessary quarters, Theo Von talks about his mother's constant presence of going somewhere, either to work or moving, and Joey relates, acknowledging it's part of who they are.

Reflected on how his unorthodox upbringing shaped his perspective and led him to pursue a career in comedy

Diaz recounts a time when, at about 10 or 12 years old, there was an opportunity to make money by shoveling snow in front of someone's house, reflecting on the colorful characters like the local boxer who were generous to the kids. Joey reflects on the influence of his mischievous childhood on his comedic career, how every aspect of his upbringing contributed to his current path, including the miscommunication with Eddie Bravo leading Dana White to believe Chuck Liddell had died. He likens his pursuit of comedy to chasing the fun he had before age 20, like clubs chasing the concept of Studio 54 since the '80s. Joey also states that the devil seemed to have taken his soul, symbolized by people wanting to take pictures with him despite his being a felon, which pushed him towards comedy. Also, Joey Diaz mentions his love for reading as a solitary activity that maintains his happiness.

Theo Von recounts humorous stories, which parallel Joey's experiences, about a neighborhood character, Mr. Dennis, and caring for a sick escort, demonstrating how the unconventional influences shaped their comedic outlooks.

Described rediscovering a sense of community and personal fulfillment after moving back to New Jersey

Joey Diaz describes his sense of rediscovered community after moving back to New Jersey, now living close to comedian Jim Florentine and raccoons. Diaz highlights the importance of physical interaction, sharing that attending jiu-jitsu classes helps him feel grounded and connected. ...

Joey Diaz and the discussions offer a candid introspection about how the comedy scene and entertainment industry at large have experienced a pivot, characterized by a fractured and impersonal landscape, challenging the very fabric of camaraderie it was built on.

Observed a dramatic shift in the comedy scene, with the vibrant energy and camaraderie of the past giving way to a more fractured, impersonal landscape

Diaz reminisces about the golden days before the pandemic at the Los Angeles comedy club, the Comedy Store, which he says we'll never see again. This venue teemed with a diverse mix of celebrities, personalities from MMA, and sports teams. It was a bustling hub where iconic figures like Dr. Dre could be found mingling and where comedians created a special, irreplaceable community reminiscent of bygone eras of famous comedians.

However, underlying Diaz’s memories is a hint at the industry's transformation, evident when he says, "It's just changed a lot." Diaz misses the times when politics wasn't the dominant topic of discussion, suggesting he feels a sense of loss for the simplicity of the past.

Lamented the loss of the legendary comedy club in Los Angeles that served as a hub for comedians and entertainers

Diaz describes a particular nostalgia for the comedy club environment, with its vibrant, overwhelming atmosphere, requiring time to decompress. Yet beyond the lament for the comedy club, the industry's changes are also implied. From the proliferation of media outlets and social platforms to the changes after the pandemic, there's an evident sense of yearning for past times when unique spaces like the Comedy Store flourished, and personal interactions weren’t shadowed by the influence of social media and commercialism.

Noted how the proliferation of media outlets and social platforms has altered the dynamics of the industry

The impact of the internet with its "20,000 media outlets," the overflow of information, and a pandemic-induced shift have affected mental health and shifted the content of conversations. Diaz remarks on a changing society, fueled by a distrusting view of selective reporting in mainstream media. In light of this, the hosts describe how modern celebrity culture and the news cycle have bec ...

In the unfettered conversations between Joey Diaz and Theo Von, the duo opens up about their serious struggles with addiction, which ranged from reliance on drugs and alcohol to prescription medications. They discuss the profound effects these issues had on their personal relationships and career, and acknowledge substance abuse as an issue that is rampant in the comedy and entertainment industries.

Candidly discussed his long-standing struggles with addiction, including the use of drugs, alcohol, and prescription medication

Joey Diaz confronts the darker aspects of his past, revealing his heavy consumption of substances. At one point, he was taking an immense 3000 milligrams of edibles a day and using Xanax to combat boredom, loneliness, and sleep issues. Diaz would make "Michael Jackson tea" with potent edibles and found himself unable to reach the high he sought, leading to an incident where he passed out during the process. His routine involved visiting the weed store every other day, complementing his excessive use of edibles with up to ten cups of Cuban coffee daily.

Diaz shares significant episodes from his life, such as overdosing on Valium in Beaumont and having a terrifying experience in Houston spent in a hotel room coming down from drug use, entirely aloof to the world. Further stories reveal habitual cocaine use; he recounts continuing to snort cocaine on a plane despite being cautioned by flight attendants. Another anecdote involves losing a piece of cocaine from his nose in front of someone at a bar and snorting lines with a bartender during an event.

Theo Von, meanwhile, recounts a dangerous experience under the influence of somas, ending up driving into a ditch because of his impaired state. Both mention encounters that showcase a casual attitude toward substance use, amplified by their environment and lifestyle choices.

Described the detrimental impact of his addictions on his personal relationships and career

The duo’s narratives highlight not only the addictions themselves but also their significant impacts. While Diaz touched on his tumultuous relationship with drugs, particularly with cocaine and heroin, he did not directly link his aversion to drinking and driving to his career, despite the implication that he knew the stakes. However, Diaz did emphasize the crucial role of relationships and support systems in his journey to recovery, acknowledging his decision to get clean for his wife and the support of his friend Joe Rogan, which indicates an understanding of the plays these had in both the detriment and support during tough times.

Emphasized the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms and support ...

Joey Diaz delves into the complex facets of his relationships, exploring the evolution with his wife, the joys and challenges of fatherhood, and the lasting impact of his parents.

Explored the evolution of his relationship with his wife, from initial hesitation to deep appreciation and gratitude

Joey Diaz admits that it took three years with his wife before he truly appreciated her, reflecting an initial hesitation towards their relationship. He candidly discusses the early struggles they faced together, such as financial hardships and the domestic chaos of living with six cats. However, a poignant moment of realization came to Joey upon returning home from a film shoot and witnessing his wife's unwavering support, as she cooked for him at three in the morning. This gesture and continuous support were pivotal in shifting Joey’s feelings toward deep gratitude and love for his wife.

Joey also touches upon a serious fight with his wife in Nashville in December, describing it as long-awaited. Despite this, he observes that generally, their relationship has been smooth. He praises their partnership, emphasizing both their strength as a team, especially when raising their daughter, and their collaborative financial wisdom, which allowed them to buy and pay off their home, thanks in part to his wife's skills as an accountant.

Discussed the joys and challenges of becoming a father later in life and the desire to break negative generational patterns

In reflecting on fatherhood, Joey shares his experiences of becoming a father later in life and his determination to break negative generational patterns. He doesn't elaborate on the specifics of these patterns or the steps he's taking to break them, but his thoughtful reflection on the subject illustrates his commitment to personal growth and creating a positive environment for his family.

Reflected on the complex and sometimes strained relationships with his own parents, and the lasting impact they had on his life

Joey hints at a complex and sometimes strained re ...

The life of a comedian is a journey filled with emotional highs and lows, sacrifices, and a unique sense of community. Joey Diaz and Theo Von share insights into the demands, struggles, and camaraderie inherent in the comedy industry.

Discussed the unique demands and sacrifices required to succeed in the comedy industry

Described the emotional rollercoaster of constant rejection, self-doubt, and the pursuit of accolades and validation

Joey Diaz reflects on his journey, discussing the difficult realities of the comedy scene, such as the constant rejection he experienced while trying to establish himself in Los Angeles. He shares detailed anecdotes highlighting the harsh living conditions he endured, including having his car towed, living in his vehicle, and even resorting to stealing cigarettes. Joey also muses about the high-pressure and potentially destructive environments comedians often find themselves in, like in Houston, which he describes as a place to lose one's mind and do comedy.

Joey further illustrates the unpredictability of what part of a comedian’s work will resonate with audiences. He experienced both sides of this situation - when people would show up for his performances after seeing his movie roles but would leave due to his different style of comedy, and when he began to sell more tickets after sharing a personal, awkward story from his life, signaling a turning point in his career.

Despite the intense pressure and turmoil, turning points come when least expected. Joey recounts how his previous movie roles went unnoticed until a specific story changed his career trajectory, allowing him to gain recognition and be successful in comedy clubs.

This tumultuous journey also led to personal losses, as Joey talks about the family and a daughter he lost due to his commitment to comedy, underlining the significant emotional sacrifices made in the pursuit of a career in stand-up.

Highlighted the importance of finding ways to maintain a sense of balance and perspective amidst the constant pressure and chaos

Joey Diaz chose to return to New Jersey to "find himself" after contemplating the option to move elsewhere for his career. He divulges that after two decades in the industry, he nearly quit comedy to sell cars because he no longer found joy in it. Despite this low point, he soon discovered balance and peace that allowed him to continue.

Theo Von reflects on a period during the pandemic when he questioned his entire career, indicative of the inherent questioning and self-doubt that afflicts comedians. Both Diaz and Von emphasize the need to take breaks to regain balance and perspective amidst the pressures of their careers.

Shared insights into the camaraderie and community that can develop among comedians, as well as the competitive and cutthroat aspects of the industry

Diaz and Von discuss the camaraderie and supportive network that can exist among fellow comedians. Joey reminisces about his time at the Com ...