About this episodeComedians Ari Shafir, Ryan O'Neal, Steve Renisi, and Colum Tier discuss the realities of touring America on a …AI summary
Comedians Ari Shafir, Ryan O'Neal, Steve Renisi, and Colum Tier discuss the realities of touring America on a bus, contrasting the chaotic, drug-fueled, and often dangerous experiences of their own tour with the luxurious, high-end treatment provided by headliner Bert Kreischer. The conversation highlights the stark differences in tour logistics, from sleeping arrangements and driver interactions to venue security and border crossings, while emphasizing that the camaraderie and 'hang' among comedians are the most valuable aspects of the experience.
Key takeaways 6
Tour bus drivers act as chaperones and enablers; Paul, their driver, was described as 'loose' and accustomed to handling rappers and groupies, allowing the comedians to behave freely without judgment.
The 'hang' is more critical than comedy skill for tour longevity; Ari notes that being a good hang prevents bands from breaking up, whereas technical skill only gets you the gig.
There is a massive disparity in tour quality: The guests' self-organized tour involved cheap buses, homeless encampments near venues, and drug use, while Bert Kreischer’s tour featured five-star hotels, private jets, and high-end dining.
Border crossings require extreme caution; The group had to hide drugs from Mounties by stuffing them into noses and hiding them in bunks, resulting in a tense inspection where they were lucky to pass without arrest.
Venue parking locations dictate safety; Parking directly behind theaters often places comedians in immediate proximity to homeless encampments or drug activity, requiring careful navigation to enter venues.
Comedy tours are essentially mobile social clubs; The experience is described as a 'sleepaway camp' where the primary activity between shows is hanging out, drinking, and bonding rather than professional development.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“It's all that other time that they don't want to hang out with each other. That's why they have eight different buses. So, let's talk about this then.”
▶ 1:14:59Explaining why bands break up; the interpersonal dynamics during downtime are more important than stage performance.
“You don't get on three tour buses by being a shitty hang. Um, it it should we what what supplies should what I said hang of the year commentary award.”
▶ 51:49Emphasizing that social compatibility is a prerequisite for successful touring.
“This is how they make all their money. Irvine what's the Irvine uh the Lakers used to play improv no Lakers used to play there oh the Spectrum forum forum”
▶ 1:35:48A humorous reference to the business side of touring, though the transcript cuts off, it implies the financial reality behind the scenes.
“I think you're forgetting actually the most important piece. You didn't wear a condom. You went down on a hooker legend.”
▶ 29:27A joke about Ari Shafir's past behavior during tours, highlighting the reckless nature of their early experiences.
“There's a way to do comedy as a business, and there's a way to do comedy as a business and a life. And I try to do the latter.”
▶ 3:05:59Ari Shafir's philosophy on balancing professional obligations with personal enjoyment and friendship.
Chapters & Sections (99)▼
0:00Touring America with a Theme of Travelchapter1
2:29Tour Bus Life and PTSD
4:12Cross-Country Bus Tour Planningchapter3
6:33Touring with Local Police Officers in Omaha
7:40Touring America's Hidden Bars and Speakeasies
8:58The Limits of Personal Freedom and Accountability
10:46Life on the Road with Tour Bus Chaperoneschapter2
12:26Tour Bus Life and Unsettling Encounters
13:46Homelessness in America: A Desperate Reality
18:38Touring Life on the Roadchapter2
20:30Homeless Encounters with Fire and Public Disorder
22:28Encountering Homeless Individuals on Tour
24:00Touring with a Representative: Frustrating Experienceschapter2
3h 26m⏭ 2
1h 40m⏭ 2
2h 33m⏭ 2
2h 0m⏭ 2
1h 59m⏭ 3
1h 57m⏭ 2
3h 16m⏭ 3
1h 26m⏭ 2
1h 46m⏭ 2
2h 36m⏭ 1
1h 18m⏭ 2
1h 44m⏭ 4
2h 1m⏭ 4
1h 42m⏭ 1
1h 25m⏭ 1
1h 45m⏭ 5
1h 54m⏭ 4
3h 49m
1h 57m
1h 18m⏭ 4
2h 33m⏭ 1
1h 28m⏭ 3
2h 27m⏭ 4
2h 20m⏭ 1
3h 3m⏭ 2
41m⏭ 2
1h 8m
3h 4m
1h 10m
1h 0m⏭ 1
33m
3h 54m⏭ 7
54m⏭ 1
3h 59m⏭ 5
54m⏭ 2
46m
6h 26m
1h 13m
1h 16m⏭ 2
9h 11m
1h 26m