About this episodeComedian Maddie Smith chronicles her 10-year stand-up journey from moving to New York City in 2015 to filming …AI summary
Comedian Maddie Smith chronicles her 10-year stand-up journey from moving to New York City in 2015 to filming her first special in 2026, highlighting her rapid rise through the Wild and Out cast and the challenges of post-pandemic touring. She details the financial and emotional realities of early comedy, including the 'scam' of paid open mics, the isolation of touring, and the mental health struggles that accompanied her career growth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community early on, the disconnect between social media fame and live ticket sales, and the eventual solidification of her comedic voice and confidence.
Key takeaways 6
The 'Laughing Buddha' open mic was a critical early career step for Smith, providing a structured, supportive environment that helped her build skills and network, contrasting with the more intimidating free mics like The Creek in the Cave.
Smith's career trajectory was accelerated by her role on 'Wild and Out,' where she was identified by producers as a standout rookie, leading to 16 episodes filmed in her first season and significant social media growth.
There is a distinct gap between viral social media success (200k+ Instagram followers) and live ticket sales; Smith experienced humbling road gigs with low attendance despite online popularity, noting that 'Wild and Out following does not equate to ticket sales right away.'
The post-pandemic period (2021-2024) was described as one of the hardest times in her life, involving struggles with alcohol and weed usage on the road, which impacted her performance until she sought therapy and stopped drinking in March 2024.
Smith's special features a cohesive thesis about gender dynamics, specifically that women should stop trying to validate themselves through men because men possess a biological indifference ('balls') that allows them to succeed regardless of appearance or effort.
Early financial struggles were significant; Smith lived on $45k/year rent of $850, spending heavily on paid open mics ($5 entry + $4 drinks) which she later recognized as a 'Ponzi scheme' or 'cult-like' environment.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I feel like my items are closing in on me. Especially after you film a movie. Now I have more items... I'm becoming like hoarders here.”
▶ 11:43Smith discusses the physical clutter of her life and career, linking it to her mental state and the need for minimalism.
“Laughing Buddha... it's a total scam. But I got my ass caught up... I probably gave them like $10,000 there a lot.”
Reflecting on the expensive paid open mic circuit in NYC that she initially relied on for community and stage time.
“Maddie was the only one that brought it out there... She was the only one that cut it up.”
Nick Cannon's feedback during the Wild and Out auditions, highlighting Smith's immediate impact on the show.
“We don't have to try because men have balls and they don't give a [__] how ugly they are. Men get to put their dick in things and yet we have to fill our lips and lift our cheeks. It makes no sense.”
▶ 1:07:56Smith explaining the central thesis of her comedy special regarding gender differences in confidence and societal expectations.
“I don't think you need to do it [hotwire the algorithm]. I'm organic. At some point along the way, I got booked on Real Ass podcast... I went down to the old studio... I left my job at lunch... to go do Real Ass.”
▶ 1:13:00Smith describing her preference for organic career growth over algorithmic manipulation, citing a specific moment where she prioritized a podcast appearance over work.
Chapters & Sections (37)▼
0:17What's In My Bag: Standup Journeychapter2
2:20Messy Bag Contents and Book Choices
3:39ADHD Bag Contents and Money Rituals
5:45Rummaging Through Messy Bag Contentschapter1
7:53Unpacking Bag Contents and Gummies
9:42Comedian Bag Contents and Minimalismchapter1
12:25Apple Store Repair Experience
14:08Starting Stand-Up Comedy in New York Citychapter1
16:35Navigating New York City Life
18:51Early Stand-Up Comedy Journey and Open Micschapter1
21:30First Open Mic and Paid Scams
24:12Laughing Buddha Open Mic and Hosting Careerchapter3
26:05Early Struggles and Hosting Course
27:50Building Momentum in NYC Stand-Up
29:30Early Stand-Up Bombing and Festival Failures
30:48Stand-Up Auditions and Roast Battleschapter1
33:24Early Roast Battle Career and YouTube Growth
36:06Roast Battles and Early Comedy Struggleschapter1
39:03Early Road Gigs and Viral Momentum
40:31Comedy Career and Manhattan Job Struggleschapter2
42:38JFL Auditions and Comedy Scene Growth
44:08Comedy Career and Manhattan Job Struggles
46:19Auditioning for Wild and Outchapter1
49:08Wild and Out Audition and Legal Threat
51:10Wild N Out Auditions and Rookie Successchapter1
54:54Financial Windfall and Early Career Momentum
56:17Rise to Fame and Touring Challengeschapter3
57:56Unemployment, Trivia, and COVID Era Success
59:57Touring Challenges and Viral Growth
1:01:34Post-Pandemic Career Transition and Special Development
1:03:29Comedy Special Journey and Relationship Insightschapter3
1:05:28Struggles with Alcohol and Weed
1:06:47Comedy Special Themes and Gender Dynamics
1:08:09Demystifying Male Behavior in Relationships
1:09:42Stand-Up Special Themes and Online Harassmentchapter2
1:11:56Stand-Up Special Momentum and Organic Growth
1h 16m⏭ 2
57m
1h 31m⏭ 6
1h 45m⏭ 1
2h 33m
1h 41m⏭ 2
1h 21m⏭ 2
1h 53m⏭ 1
1h 56m⏭ 3
1h 55m⏭ 2
2h 51m⏭ 1
1h 59m⏭ 3
11h 23m⏭ 1
33m
1h 0m⏭ 1
46m
3h 54m⏭ 7
3h 59m⏭ 5
54m⏭ 1
1h 13m
1h 16m⏭ 2
58m⏭ 5
25m
38m