Summary
Overview
Josh and Chuck continue their deep dive into stand-up comedy, exploring alt-comedy origins, modern comedy dynamics including the rise of alt-right comedy and social media's impact, the psychology of comedians, and practical advice for aspiring stand-ups. They discuss controversial topics like what should be off-limits in comedy, share favorite comedians, and examine how the craft has evolved in the digital age.
The Alt-Comedy Movement of the Early 90s
The hosts explore the alternative comedy scene that emerged in the early 1990s, featuring comedians who performed in non-traditional venues like bookstores and piano bars. This movement included influential comics like Janeane Garofalo, Patton Oswalt, Maria Bamford, and David Cross, many associated with the groundbreaking show Mr. Show. These comedians rejected the racism and homophobia common in traditional comedy, favoring observational humor and storytelling over setup-punchline structures.
- Alt-comedy emerged in early 90s with comedians performing in alternative venues like Big and Tall Books in LA, Luna Lounge in NYC, and the original Largo
- Key figures included Janeane Garofalo, Dana Gould, Patton Oswalt, Maria Bamford, Mark Maron, Paul F. Tompkins, and Mary Lynn Rajskub
- Alt-comedy featured more observational, wry humor about life and storytelling rather than traditional setup-punchline format
- These comedians eschewed racism and homophobia - essentially the antithesis of Don Rickles style comedy
- Mitch Hedberg was one of the funniest and most original voices from this movement, sadly lost too soon
" Alcoholism is a disease, but it's the only disease you can get yelled at for having "
" I want all of you laughing like Yumi "
Criticism of Alt-Comedy and the Comedy Womb Debate
Bill Burr and other club comics criticized the alt-comedy scene as being too safe, comparing it to a 'comedy womb' where performers weren't tested by hostile crowds or hecklers. The criticism centered on alt-comics potentially blaming audiences for not understanding their genius rather than acknowledging when material bombed, and not earning their stripes through traditional challenging club experiences.
- Bill Burr called the alt-comedy scene a 'comedy womb' in 2012, suggesting it was too safe and protected
- Traditional club comics believed performers should earn stripes by facing potentially hostile crowds and hecklers
- Alt-comics were criticized for telling audiences they were too dumb to get the jokes when material bombed
- Joe Rogan frequently referred to comedy as 'the craft,' though this was often derided online
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