Jo Ellis, Trans Black Hawk Pilot to Kill Tony Bucket Pull | Fishing with David Lucas

Name: Jo Ellis, Trans Black Hawk Pilot to Kill Tony Bucket Pull | Fishing with David Lucas
Uploaded: 2026-08-07T10:20:38-07:00
Duration: 1 h 6 min 49 s
Channel: David Lucas
Description: Joe Ellis, a former Black Hawk pilot and trans comedian, discusses his discharge from the military under the 2025 trans military ban, the false online…

David Lucas

01:06:49 Summary & quotes 1 ad segments BETA Report Issue

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About this episode Joe Ellis, a former Black Hawk pilot and trans comedian, discusses his discharge from the military under the 2… AI summary

Joe Ellis, a former Black Hawk pilot and trans comedian, discusses his discharge from the military under the 2025 trans military ban, the false online accusations linking him to the DC plane crash, and his rapid rise in stand-up comedy. He shares his perspective on gender dysphoria as a treatable condition, his strategy for navigating comedy politics by building bridges rather than taking sides, and the practical challenges of launching a comedy career post-military.

Key takeaways 7

Military Discharge Impact: Ellis was discharged in May/June 2025 due to an executive order banning trans people from service, losing his pension despite being only two years shy of retirement (18-20 year mark).
False Accusations & Legal Action: Following the DC Black Hawk/commuter plane crash, an online mob falsely identified Ellis as the pilot and perpetrator due to his public profile and recent article. He is currently suing for defamation in federal court.
Comedy Strategy: Ellis avoids 'pick me' dynamics by not attacking other groups to gain acceptance. He uses humor to bridge gaps, noting that he makes trans jokes but also respects figures like Joe Rogan, arguing that offense is often performed by 'Karens' rather than the community itself.
Trans Medicalism View: Ellis views gender dysphoria as a mental illness/condition that was treated via therapy, hormones, and surgery, rendering him 'asymptomatic.' He compares it to PTSD recovery rather than an inherent identity trait.
Comedy Career Launch: Ellis moved to Austin in March 2025, sold his house, and quit his job to pursue comedy full-time. He started by doing open mics in Richmond, VA, then signed up for 'Kill Tony' in Austin, where he was pulled immediately.
Sensory Deprivation Epiphany: Ellis discovered his trans identity during SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) training in flight school. The sensory deprivation and exhaustion led to a psychedelic-like experience where his identity 'poured out of him.'
Family Dynamics: His wife supported his transition, stating she wouldn't keep him in a life he hated. His daughter (now 19) accepted him early, joking she always figured he was gay. His parents (Trump supporters) remain supportive but keep politics separate from family visits.

Notable quotes 5 AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.

“I consider it a mental illness... I got treated for it medically through therapy, hormones, and some surgery and now I'm good to go... I view it because that's otherwise if it's not a mental illness... you can't justify insurance companies to cover it cuz now you're not fixing anything. You're just getting elective treatment.”

▶ 31:12 Explaining his 'transmedicalist' view that gender dysphoria is a condition treated to become asymptomatic, similar to PTSD recovery.
“It's not you that get offended. It's some random white woman that doesn't have a... Most of the time it's some Karen that doesn't have a good husband or not married at all... Chelsea Handler gets offended on behalf of other people that aren't even offended.”

▶ 24:42 Discussing why some people criticize his comedy or associations with Joe Rogan/Tony Hinchcliffe.
“I don't feel like we can devalue somebody's statement... I can only speak from my truth. That's what you speak from... My truth is not your truth.”

▶ 34:30 Defending his right to have independent opinions on race and gender despite being Black and trans.
“I'm treating it more like a startup. Like, I sold my house. I have runway. I don't have to make anything right now. And the goal is to get stage time. I need to get better.”

▶ 1:03:24 Describing his approach to building his comedy career after leaving the military.
“If you've gone through male puberty I can tell you without a doubt I have advantage over some women in some things... I had 30 years of performance-enhancing drugs called testosterone... Is that fair? No.”

▶ 29:40 Explaining his stance on trans women in women's sports based on physiological advantages from testosterone.