About this episodeSean Hayes and Will Arnett interview comedian Shane Gillis on the Smartless podcast, discussing his rapid rise…AI summary
Sean Hayes and Will Arnett interview comedian Shane Gillis on the Smartless podcast, discussing his rapid rise in comedy, his approach to writing material, and the psychological challenges of fame. Gillis shares anecdotes about his early career failures, his preference for improvisation over scripted material, and his upcoming projects including a second season of 'Tires' and a serious acting role.
Key takeaways 5
Gillis's comedy writing process is largely improvisational; he tests ideas on stage rather than writing them down extensively, often abandoning material that doesn't work immediately.
The comedian experiences significant impostor syndrome and depression despite success, noting that the pressure to perform can be overwhelming even when the audience is laughing.
Gillis plans to return to smaller club venues after his current arena tour to focus on crafting his next Netflix special, believing arenas are not conducive to honing new material.
Will Arnett's experience performing standup with Gillis revealed that natural charisma and comfort with the spotlight are distinct talents that cannot be easily replicated through script reading.
Gillis's family was initially resistant to his comedy career, particularly regarding his decision to discuss personal family struggles like his sister's addiction in his YouTube special.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I don't really write that much. I just kind of I go, 'This could be a good idea.' And then I go on stage and try it and uh if I get it, great.”
▶ 13:45Shane Gillis explains his unconventional approach to writing standup material, preferring live testing over pre-writing.
“Publicly picking a side on an issue typically comes back to make you look like a [ __ ] idiot.”
▶ 10:47Gillis discusses why he avoids taking strong public stances on political or social issues in his comedy.
“Usually that happens when the joke doesn't land. The silence is even louder.”
▶ 23:05Gillis describes the intense pressure and isolation felt when bombing on stage in front of thousands of people.
“I really just wanted to do a one nighter at the local comedy club. I thought that was the ceiling. I don't know what the [ __ ] how I got here.”
▶ 22:29Gillis reflects on his impostor syndrome while standing in the tunnel before an arena show in Cleveland.
“The hangover just didn't go away on stage... They could see it. They could smell it on the jumbo drum. They could smell light beer.”
▶ 31:03Gillis recounts a disastrous performance at Crypto Arena after staying up late with Post Malone, highlighting the physical demands of touring.
Chapters & Sections (30)▼
0:00Comedy Podcast Discusses Work and Tax Seasonchapter3
0:00Comedians Discuss Work and Tax Season
1:49Shanahan's Humorous Story about Sean
3:30Boarding School and Showering with Peers
5:17Shane Gillis on Smartless Podcastchapter3
5:17Comedian Shane Gillis on Smartless Podcast
7:15Comedian Shane's Worst Place to Live
9:15Complimenting Public Speaking Skills
10:36Mixed Feelings on Publicly Taking a Stancechapter3
10:36Mixed Feelings on Publicly Taking a Stance
12:24Comedian Discusses Standup Routine and Creativity
14:22Comedian's Creative Process and Career Development
15:49Comedian's Early Days and Career Pathchapter2
15:49Comedian's Early Career and Setbacks
17:46Discussing World War II and Civil War
20:01Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and Depressionchapter2
20:01Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and Depression
21:50Comedian Reflects on Career and Pressure
24:12Comedians Discuss Performance and Audience Impactchapter3
24:12Standup Comedy Performance and Audience Interaction
25:46Comedian's Experience with Stage Fright and Acting
27:21Comedian Discusses Upcoming Project and Family
28:49Life on the Road as a Standup Comedianchapter2
28:49Comedian Discusses Life on the Road
31:25Maintaining Energy for Stage Performances
33:30Career Goals and Personal Interests Discussionchapter4
33:30Career Ambitions and Personal Interests
35:19Comedian Shane Reflects on Influences and Ambitions
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