About this episodeThe conversation explores the transition from standup comedy to acting, highlighting the distinct skills requi…AI summary
The conversation explores the transition from standup comedy to acting, highlighting the distinct skills required for each medium and the importance of trusting directors and writers. It also covers personal anecdotes regarding health, aging, and family dynamics, while detailing the guest's current projects including a new NBC pilot and a pickleball-themed movie.
Key takeaways 5
Acting requires a different mindset than standup; actors must trust the director's vision and not try to 'win the room' or improvise excessively, as seen in the guest's initial struggles on 'New Girl'.
Male intimacy and verbal affection have evolved post-pandemic, with phrases like 'I love you' becoming more casual between friends, though this can lead to awkwardness if not reciprocated.
The guest's podcast 'We're Here to Help' has organically evolved from comedy bits into genuine philanthropy, such as creating a foundation for kidney transplants and supporting a chimp sanctuary.
Standup comedy remains the foundational passion for the guest, providing a consistent creative outlet regardless of other acting or producing ventures.
The guest is adopting a strategic approach to auditions, preferring to discuss logistics and location (LA) before committing, to avoid conflicts later in the hiring process.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I'm not hired for that [version of the scene]. I'm hired to bring me to this and to do it this way to the best of my ability.”
▶ 31:00Guest explaining the adjustment from standup to acting, realizing his role is to execute the director's vision rather than impose his own comedic style.
“It's just it's not a human experience... It's your information and I'm just paying to hear it.”
▶ 12:16Guest describing his detached but effective approach to doctor's appointments, treating them as information exchanges rather than social connections.
“You can't beg to go to a party and then complain about the music.”
▶ 1:08:02Guest's theory on why he shouldn't audition for roles in other cities if he intends to negotiate for LA-based schedules later.
“I was like, 'Dude, you're genuinely dog shit.' And so I had to fully start rebuilding.”
▶ 29:12Guest admitting his initial lack of skill in front of the camera compared to stage work, requiring him to take acting classes.
“She's so nice to be around that I think her her talent gets overlooked.”
▶ 50:40Guest praising Mary Steenburgen's ability to command a room and improve the energy on set, even when she is kind.
Chapters & Sections (42)▼
0:00Hollywood Doctor Insurance and Hair Losschapter3
2:04Realizing Hair Loss Through Mirror Reflection
3:26Critique of Men's Testosterone and Hair Transplants
4:29Jake Johnson's Mom's Live Kimmel Bit
5:51Mom's ID Failure and Male Intimacychapter2
6:56Excuses for Failing and Calling Dads
8:36Male Intimacy and Expressing Love
10:06Casual Affection and Doctor Visit Anecdoteschapter5
11:37Doctor Visit Eye Contact and Connection
13:04Talk Show Host Distractions
14:34Standup Comedy Preparation and Press Anxiety
16:17Seventh Inning Stretch Radio Broadcast Mishap
17:55Jimmy Kimmel Show Segment with Mom
19:35Comedic Rhythms and Standup Originschapter1
20:56Car Ride Anecdote and Standup Realization
23:22Early Sketch Comedy Journey and Influenceschapter1
25:51Early Sketch Group Dynamics and Challenges
27:07Transitioning from Stage Comedy to Actingchapter2
28:50Adjusting to Camera Acting vs Stage Comedy
30:28Adjusting to Acting as a Job
31:57Sponsorships and New Girl Collaborationchapter1
34:57Sheath Underwear Sponsorship and New Girl
37:00Acting Lessons and Childhood Comedy Influenceschapter1
39:02Childhood SNLI and Second City Influences
41:06Discussing New Movies and Pickleball Comedychapter2
42:38Movie Tones and Pickleball Comedy Origin
44:27Ed Harris Intensity in Comedy
45:40Pickleball intensity and competitive culturechapter3
47:35Pickleball competitive reality and movie plot
48:54Pickleball Match Intensity and Trash Talk
50:31Mary Elizabeth Ellis's On-Set Presence
52:43Podcasting and Directing Preferenceschapter1
54:09Podcast Call-In Story: Kidney Donation
56:59Charity Foundations and Standup Comedy Evolutionchapter1
59:13Dietary Habits and Ice Cream Addiction
1:01:07Ice Cream Sandwiches and Hollywood Doctor Deceptionchapter1
1:02:41Hollywood Doctor Insurance Physical Deception
1:05:19Food Preferences and Acting Career Logisticschapter4
1:06:38Upcoming NBC PI Show Discussion
1:07:48Auditioning and Scheduling Control
1:09:04Audition Preferences and Industry Realities
1:10:54Mom's Reaction to Cave House and Garbage Tags
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