About this episodeComedian Double D shares his journey from a poverty-stricken upbringing in Georgia to becoming a successful st…AI summary
Comedian Double D shares his journey from a poverty-stricken upbringing in Georgia to becoming a successful stand-up comedian, highlighting the critical role of male role models in steering him away from drug dealing. He discusses the cultural nuances of comedy roasts, his personal name origin tied to a childhood stutter, and the importance of faith and resilience in navigating the entertainment industry.
Key takeaways 5
Cultural Differences in Roasting: Black comedians typically avoid overly personal attacks (e.g., physical disabilities or family trauma) compared to white comedians who may go 'harder' and darker, as seen in the Flavor Flav roast.
Name Origin: The stage name 'Double D' was chosen because the comedian's real first name is Dario and he has a speech impediment that causes him to stutter, effectively saying everything twice.
Male Role Models: Growing up without a present father, Double D credits his eight or nine uncles for teaching him manhood through tough love (punching him in the chest when crying) and activities like fishing and hunting, which saved him from jail.
Career Pivot: Double D is transitioning his brand from 'Double D' to his real name 'Gary Turner' to achieve greater crossover appeal, noting that many legendary comedians use their real names.
Early Career Struggles: He nearly became a drug dealer at age 18 due to poverty but was intercepted by an undercover cop who called his uncles; he subsequently worked hard labor jobs making $800-$900 a week before pursuing comedy full-time.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“Us black people, we ain't going to go too far... We're not going to get too personal. But white people... they go hard.”
▶ 0:00Double D explains the difference in comedic styles between Black and white roasts, noting that Black comedians avoid deeply personal attacks like physical disabilities.
“I won't be here anymore if it wasn't for them [uncles]. I would be in jail.”
▶ 14:52Reflecting on how his uncles intervened when he attempted to sell drugs on his second day, saving him from a life of crime.
“The stage is your best teacher. The more you go on stage, the more it going to teach you.”
▶ 24:56Double D shares advice from fellow comedian Lil Duvall about the importance of repetition and stage time for improvement.
“You can't give back. You can't get back. Now Tony doing bad... James trying to stay alive.”
▶ 39:12A cautionary tale about a friend who donated a kidney to another friend who later blocked him, illustrating that being too nice can sometimes lead to exploitation.
Chapters & Sections (28)▼
0:00Cultural Differences in Comedy Roastschapter2
1:50Personal Anecdote: Scarf and Trench Coat Incident
3:04Idris Elba's Early Career and DJ Days
5:28Double D's Name Origin and Stutteringchapter2
6:56Double D Debunks Stuttering Myth
8:07Overcoming Stuttering on Camera
9:30Childhood, Family Structure, and Male Role Modelschapter3
11:04Father's Age and Absence
12:09Father's Children and Tubal Ligation
13:33Uncles Shaping Manhood Through Tough Love
14:52Avoiding Drug Dealing and Early Workchapter1
16:29Parental Intervention and Early Employment
19:04Failed Firefighter Audition and Emergency Traumachapter1
21:37Fire Truck Accident and Life Insurance
23:04Comedy Origins and Roast Culture Critiquechapter1
25:12Critique of Dark Humor and Roast Bias
28:06Comedy Roasts and TI's Comedy Careerchapter1
31:00TI's Comedy Career and Ego
33:12Comedian Discusses Disrespect and Racismchapter1
35:28Airport Encounter and Respect
37:36Dangers of Excessive Kindness and Marriage Dynamicschapter1
39:12Comedian Marriage Dynamics and Truth
42:02Comedian Perspectives on Old School vs Internet Comedychapter1
44:22Early Career Impressions and Stage Debut
46:41Comedian D's Name Change and Faith Journeychapter3