About this episodeComedian Gary Vider discusses his independent career strategy, detailing how he bypassed traditional industry …AI summary
Comedian Gary Vider discusses his independent career strategy, detailing how he bypassed traditional industry gatekeepers like SNL and Netflix by leveraging social media and direct-to-consumer theater releases. He shares specific anecdotes about his firing from Sirius XM, his cameo in Zoolander, and the importance of continuous stage work to maintain comedic sharpness.
Key takeaways 6
Gary Vider was fired from Sirius XM's Urban View channel after a confrontation with a rude lobby employee who denied a photo to a fan; he was terminated for making a violent joke about the employee on a CNN appearance.
Vider secured a role in Zoolander by improvising a Ben Stiller impression during an audition for a minor gas station model role, which impressed Stiller enough to create a new speaking part for him.
Vider was rejected from SNL despite receiving a standing ovation at his audition; former cast member Daryl Hammond later revealed he was deemed 'too strong' for the ensemble, suggesting he would overshadow others.
Vider's new comedy special 'Rebel with a Cause' was self-funded via GoFundMe and investor contributions, releasing directly in theaters (AMC, Alamo Drafthouse) rather than streaming platforms.
Vider emphasizes that comedy requires constant repetition and new material, comparing it to boxing training where artists must 'hit the bag' regularly to avoid stagnation.
Vider discusses the pay disparity faced by Viola Davis, noting that despite her talent and success, she is still underpaid compared to white male counterparts due to systemic industry biases.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“You would have been too strong for the show. It would have been you would have been too strong for the show.”
▶ 26:34Daryl Hammond explaining why Gary Vider was not hired for SNL despite a successful audition.
“Don't get bitter, get better. So that's from Wallow.”
▶ 41:52Vider's philosophy on handling career setbacks and rejection from major networks.
“Comedy is an art form of experience. You have to have a little more information than the people.”
Vider's theory on why older comedians often connect better with audiences than younger performers.
“They're all kind of like nothing that different. No you play I play small. I cuz when you do enough clubs you play like you're in a club except you you're aware that there's more people.”
▶ 1:27:04Vider's approach to performing in large theaters, maintaining the intimacy of club comedy regardless of venue size.
Chapters & Sections (69)▼
0:00Sexual Communication and Consent in Relationshipschapter3
0:00Sexual Communication and Consent Boundaries
1:29Favorite Movies and Comedians Discussion
3:15Favorite TV Shows and Comedic Impressions
5:42Independent Comedy Career Strategieschapter2
5:42Independent Comedy Community and Social Media
7:46Early Radio Career and Show Hosting Experiences
10:30Firing from Sirius XM and Cross-Promotion Mishapschapter3
10:30Firing from Sirius XM Radio Job
11:44Workplace Conflict and Unprofessional Behavior
13:03Addressing Homophobia and Double Standards
14:43Celebrating the Life of a Beloved Comedianchapter3
14:43Celebrating the Life of a Beloved Comedian
16:38Failed Comedian Auditions and Industry Experiences
19:50Audition Experiences and Early Comedy Career
21:57Viola Davis' Career and Pay Disparitieschapter2
21:57Viola Davis' Early Career and Industry Challenges
24:57Comedians Sharing Experiences and Industry Insights
27:28Experiences in Acting and Comedy Careerchapter3
27:28Experiences with Diversity and Representation in Media
29:00Comedy Sketches and Characters Analysis
30:27History of Black Hockey Leagues in Canada
31:57Comedy and Charity Work Experienceschapter3
31:57Comedy Career and Charity Work Experiences
33:21Comedy Club Experiences and Observations
35:21Armenian Heritage and Cultural Stereotypes
36:41Impromptu Improvisation and Table Read Experienceschapter5
36:41Comedy Club Experiences and Table Read Stories
38:58Audition Process and Rejection in Comedy Industry
41:12Overcoming Creative Blocks and Staying Productive
42:34Struggling Early Career in Comedy
43:48Comedy Shows During the COVID-19 Pandemic
47:03Non-Alcoholic THC Infused Social Tonic Optionschapter3
47:03Non-Alcoholic THC Infused Social Tonic Review
48:31Low-Calorie Cocktails and Coffee Subscription Services
50:04Personal Finance and Investing Options
51:52Breaking into Hollywood through Modeling and Networkingchapter2
51:52Breaking into Hollywood through Modeling and Networking
54:08The Evolution of Movie Making and Callbacks
56:10The Art of Edgy Comedy and Racial Satirechapter4
56:10The Art of Edgy Comedy and Racial Satire
58:43Racial Comedy and Censorship in Stand-up
1:00:03Crafting Effective Comedy and Joke Structure
1:01:30Challenges of Performing Comedy for Diverse Audiences
1:04:01The Importance of Relatability in Comedychapter3
1:04:01Early Influences in Comedy and Entertainment
1:05:22The Art of Relatable Comedy Writing
1:06:58Immigrant Family History and Cultural Adaptation
1:08:12Immigrant Family Background and Cultural Heritagechapter2
1:08:12Immigrant Family Background and Cultural Heritage
1:10:22Con Artist Father's Scams and Impersonations
1:12:39Comedy Career and Viral Video Successchapter3
1:12:39Comedy Career and Early Influences Discussed
1:14:04Comedy and Memes in Modern Culture
1:15:18Music Industry and Ticketing Fees
1:18:39Overcoming Creative Ruts and Staying Motivatedchapter3
1:18:39Overcoming Creative Ruts and Personal Motivation
1:20:20Challenges of Touring and Merchandise in Comedy
1:21:54The Importance of Nuances in Comedy Performance
1:23:32Comedians' Experiences at Wild Card Boxing Gymchapter2
1:23:32Comedian Adam Hunter's MMA and Boxing Experiences
1:25:32The Art of Comedy in Intimate Settings
1:28:31Theatrical Release and Distribution Strategieschapter2
1:28:31Independent Film Distribution and Theater Release
1:30:21Navigating the Challenges of Online Content Creation
1:32:55Celebrity Encounters and Personal Life Updateschapter3
1:32:55Upcoming Comedy Tour Dates and Personal Life
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