Brody Stevens-Episode 90-Your Mom's House with Christina Pazsitzky and Tom Segura

Podcast Summary

• Podcasting Secrets and Personal Shares: Podcasters value audience growth through consistency and dedication, sometimes keep download numbers private, and share personal experiences to build connections.

  Podcasting, much like a business, can be secretive as creators often keep their download numbers private. This secrecy may stem from a desire to maintain control, avoid comparisons with others, or simply because it's hard to quantify listenership accurately. However, podcasting is also about building an audience over time through consistency and dedication. During the conversation, the hosts discussed their upcoming tour dates and encouraged listeners to check out other podcasts on the All Things Comedy Network. The hosts also mentioned their recent illnesses and apologized for any missed shows. Despite feeling better, they acknowledged the strength of the flu season and expressed sympathy for those affected. The conversation took a more serious turn when one of the hosts shared some personal and unexpected news, emphasizing the importance of addressing difficult situations, even on a comedy podcast.

• The Newtown tragedy and its impact on society: The Newtown shooting was a shocking reminder of the devastating effects of gun violence and the importance of addressing mental health issues, while also finding joy and positivity in difficult times.

  The tragic event in Newtown, Connecticut, which involved the shooting of children at an elementary school, had a profound impact on people, causing widespread shock and grief. The speakers on the podcast were deeply affected by the news, unable to focus on anything else, and noted that such incidents, while devastating, have become too commonplace in society. They also touched upon the complex issue of gun control and mental health, expressing their condolences to the affected families and communities. The podcast then aimed to bring joy and positivity by inviting Steven Brody Stevens to perform a holiday classic, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." The speakers emphasized the importance of addressing difficult issues while also finding ways to uplift and bring happiness during challenging times.

• Innovation and convenience transform industries: HIMSS revolutionizes men's health care with convenient ED treatments online, Stephen Brody Stevens engages crowds with innovative comedy performances, and Mint Mobile offers affordable wireless plans, all demonstrating the power of innovation and convenience to make a difference in people's lives.

  HIMSS is revolutionizing men's health care by providing convenient and affordable access to ED treatments online. Stephen Brody Stevens, known for his creativity and positivity in the comedy world, was praised for his innovative and entertaining crowd warm-up performances. Meanwhile, Mint Mobile offers an affordable alternative to expensive wireless plans, allowing customers to save money on their monthly bills. These three examples demonstrate how innovation and convenience are transforming various industries, from healthcare to entertainment and telecommunications. For HIMSS, this means making ED treatments accessible and discreet from the comfort of one's own home. For Stephen Brody Stevens, it's his unique and engaging approach to crowd warm-up that sets him apart. And for Mint Mobile, it's offering unlimited talk, text, and data for an unbeatable price, making wireless services more accessible to everyone. In essence, these innovations are making a difference in people's lives by addressing their needs in more efficient and cost-effective ways. Whether it's through convenient ED treatments, entertaining comedy performances, or affordable wireless plans, these examples show that innovation and convenience are key to improving people's lives.

• The Importance of an Audience Warm-Up Comedian: An audience warm-up comedian creates an engaging and supportive environment for TV show tapings, bringing the energy of a live comedy club to the studio. They help prep the audience, encourage laughter, and provide consistent payment, mic time, and opportunities to meet interesting people.

  The role of an audience warm-up comedian is crucial in creating an engaging and supportive environment for TV show tapings. This was highlighted in the conversation between the speaker and Chelsea Handler, where they discussed the experience of working with Brody Stevens as a warm-up comedian on Chelsea Lately. The warm-up comedian not only helps to prep the audience and encourage them to laugh but also brings the energy of a live comedy club to the studio setting. The speaker shared his personal journey of getting into audience warm-up, which started when Rich Williams, a comedian he knew, invited him to try it out for a test audience at Fox Sports. The experience was enjoyable, and the speaker continued to do it for five years due to the consistent payment, mic time, and opportunity to meet various athletes and personalities. Overall, the role of an audience warm-up comedian is essential in making TV show tapings successful and enjoyable for both the performers and the audience.

• From Warm-Up Gigs to Success: An Artist's Journey: Transitioning from warm-up gigs to stand-up comedy and acting requires determination, resilience, and a focus on broader career goals, rather than being content with a limited role.

  While warm-up gigs can provide financial stability and valuable experience, they can also limit an artist's potential for growth and recognition. The speaker shares his personal journey of transitioning from warm-up gigs to stand-up comedy and acting, with encouragement from friends and peers. He acknowledges the challenges of performing in less-than-ideal conditions but also highlights the unique ability to turn around a tough crowd and make a connection. Ultimately, the decision to move on from warm-up gigs was about pursuing a broader career as a comedian and actor, rather than being known solely as a warm-up artist. The speaker also shares a few personal anecdotes about his relationships with his family and pets, adding a touch of relatability and humor to the conversation.

• Appreciating Authenticity and Connection: The speaker values authenticity and connection, whether it's with his dog or his comedy audience. He strives to be genuine and consistent, while also adapting to audience preferences, to create meaningful connections.

  The speaker values authenticity and connection, whether it's with his dog Daisy or his comedy audience. He appreciates the independent nature of Daisy and the way she brings joy to people through her cute face, which he shares on social media. Similarly, he strives to be genuine and consistent in his comedy, connecting with his fans and comedian peers by being true to himself. He acknowledges the importance of building an audience and adapting to their preferences, but also recognizes the potential for feeling disingenuous when catering too much to their expectations. Ultimately, the speaker's goal is to create meaningful connections through authentic expression, whether it's with a beloved pet or a captivated audience.

• Experiences of rejection and setbacks in comedy career: Despite challenges like dismissals, lack of invitations, and long struggles to build a set, persistence, friendships, and adapting to new situations are key to success in comedy.

  Even established comedians face rejection and setbacks in their careers. The speaker, who appeared in "The Hangover" films, shared his experiences of being dismissed from a talk show and not being invited back to "The Hangover 3." He also spoke about his early struggles in stand-up comedy, taking 7-8 years to build a 15-minute set. Despite these challenges, he emphasized the importance of persistence and the value of friendships in the industry. He also highlighted the importance of adapting to new situations and learning from setbacks. Overall, his story underscores the resilience and determination required to succeed in the entertainment industry.

• Handling unexpected situations and engaging audiences: Comedians need to be adaptable and versatile, engaging audiences through various means like singing contests and crowd work during unexpected long performances. Reading the crowd and connecting with them is essential to tailor performances.

  Adaptability and versatility are crucial skills for a comedian, especially when dealing with unexpected situations or long performance durations. The speaker shared an experience where he had to extend his performance by 40 minutes without preparation and had to engage the audience through various means, including singing contests and crowd work. He also learned from working on longer shows that providing additional elements like candies, pictures, and audience interaction could enhance the experience for both the performers and the audience. The ability to read the crowd and connect with them is also essential, as it allows comedians to tailor their performances to the specific energy and demographics of the audience. Furthermore, the speaker criticized some comedians for looking down upon crowd work, considering it a valuable skill that requires practice and finesse.

• Crowd work in stand-up comedy: Mixing prepared material and spontaneity: Crowd work adds authenticity and unpredictability to stand-up comedy, but challenges include hearing and responding to audience comments on larger stages and TV exec hesitance. Shows like Conan embrace this approach.

  Successful stand-up comedy involves a mix of prepared material and spontaneous crowd work. Comedians like Ian Bagg and Steven Brody Stevens excel at the latter, engaging directly with audience members to create unique, in-the-moment experiences. However, implementing crowd work on larger television stages presents challenges, as it requires the ability to hear and respond to audience comments, which can be difficult from a distance. Additionally, television executives may be hesitant to rely solely on crowd work due to the added editing and potential unpredictability. Despite these challenges, some shows, such as Conan, have embraced this approach, allowing comedians to showcase their crowd work skills and delivering a more authentic, unscripted performance for viewers.

• Creating a digital series for HBO and growing up in a rough neighborhood: Brody Stevens discusses his experience creating a digital series for HBO and growing up in a rough neighborhood, revealing the challenges and unexpected benefits of both experiences.

  The entertainment industry can be unpredictable, and even a successful project may not be easily accessible to everyone due to changing platforms and subscription services. Brody Stevens shared his experience of creating a digital series for HBO, which wasn't painful but not entirely painless. He also discussed growing up in the same apartment building as Mike Catherwood and how their shared experiences shaped their comedy. Stevens revealed that he felt taken advantage of as a nice kid, and the rough environment he grew up in made him feel the need to prove himself. The building and the neighborhood were rougher than usual, with a diverse population and some older kids who weren't always kind to the younger ones. Despite the challenges, Stevens found the experience of discovering a shared past with a long-time friend to be improbable and cool.

• Childhood experiences shaping comedians: Adversity during childhood can lead to resilience and creativity in comedians, as shown by Steven Brody Stevens' experiences with bullying and his use of sports and positive thinking to cope.

  One's upbringing and the challenges faced during childhood can significantly shape a person's future, particularly in the case of comedians. Steven Brody Stevens shares his experiences of being bused to different schools in Los Angeles during his childhood, which led to constant bullying and fights. However, he also mentions how these experiences made him more interesting and resilient as a comedian. Stevens believes that playing sports helped him survive and thrive during these difficult times. He also shares how the positive thinking and visualization techniques he learned from his baseball coach at Arizona State have stayed with him and helped him cope with negativity and jadedness in his career. In essence, Stevens' experiences demonstrate how adversity can be transformed into a source of strength and creativity.

• Staying Positive and Avoiding Comparison: Focusing on personal progress and avoiding comparison can lead to improved mood and better outcomes. Be happy for others' successes to maintain a positive mindset.

  Focusing on your own progress and staying positive can significantly improve your mood and the outcomes you encounter. Comparison, especially through social media, can lead to negative feelings and unhappiness. It's essential to be happy for others' successes and avoid comparison, as it can lead to unhealthy emotions. The internet and DIY world offer opportunities to build your own audience and achieve success at your own pace without relying on external validation. Additionally, the speaker shared some memories of their experiences with Hanukkah and Christmas, expressing that Christmas, being an American holiday, feels simpler and more straightforward for some families.

• Personal experience with bipolar disorder and impact of medication on anger and mood: Speaker shares how medication helps him manage anger and mood swings, but past experience with antidepressants led to a manic episode after stopping too quickly

  The speaker shares his personal experience with mental health, specifically dealing with bipolar disorder and the impact of medication on his anger and mood. He mentions how he used to get angry easily and even perform comedy with an angry tone, but now, after taking mood stabilizers like Lamictal, he no longer goes into a "red zone" of anger and instead approaches situations with a wink and a smile. He also mentions his past experience with antidepressants like Lexapro and Celexa, which he took for anxiety and self-criticism, but eventually stopped taking too quickly and had a manic episode as a result. The speaker is still resistant to being labeled as bipolar, but acknowledges the role of medication in managing his emotions and behavior.

• Managing Mental Health in Entertainment: A Comedian's Perspective: Managing mental health challenges, such as mania and depression, can be complex for entertainers. Consistent routines, finding the right medication, and seeking support are crucial for maintaining stability and continuing to thrive in their careers.

  Mental health struggles, such as mania and depression, can significantly impact a person's life, especially for a comedian whose career thrives on their energy and engagement with audiences. The comedian in this discussion shares their experience of having occasional manic episodes, which didn't manifest in road rage or arguments but rather in intense reactions to lackluster audience engagement during their performances. They also mention the importance of having a consistent routine and structure, which they had from their job as a comedian but now struggle to maintain due to medication that keeps them stable. The comedian also discusses the importance of finding the right medication and the challenges that come with adjusting to new medications and coping with the subsequent depression. They highlight how their manic episode led to grandiose thoughts and actions, including taking shots at past adversaries during their HBO opportunity. However, they also emphasize the importance of seeking help and using their experiences to create inspirational content. In essence, this discussion underscores the complexities of managing mental health while pursuing a career in entertainment and the importance of finding the right support and resources to maintain stability and continue thriving in their personal and professional lives.

• Personal experiences with mental health and fitness: Sharing personal experiences with mental health struggles can help reduce stigma and inspire others to seek help. Mental health issues are common and should be openly discussed.

  Mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, are common and should be openly discussed. The speaker shares his personal experience of struggling with the desire to work out at the gym versus outdoor activities, which he attributes to his medication. He emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues and encourages others to seek help if they suspect they may have a problem. The speaker also mentions the stigma surrounding mental health in the entertainment industry and encourages openness and honesty about these issues. He believes that sharing personal experiences can help others feel less alone and may inspire them to seek help. The speaker values honesty and openness, and he finds it therapeutic to discuss his own mental health journey.

• The journey towards mental health and self-acceptance: Embrace the present, make progress towards a happier state, and appreciate self-acceptance. Imagination can also provide comfort and joy.

  Mental health struggles can be a difficult and uncertain journey, filled with self-doubt and fear of the future. However, with time and effort, progress can be made towards a more balanced and happier state. It's important to be proud of oneself and appreciate the present, even if it's different from the past. In a lighter moment during their discussion, the speakers played a game where they imagined filling up and sealing shut with love, and the audience voted for their preferred choices. The results showed a clear preference for Barbra Streisand and Mel Brooks, with Belladonna winning in the latest porno edition. The speakers joked about their different preferences and the disconnect with their audience. Overall, the conversation touched on the importance of self-acceptance, progress, and the power of imagination.

• Discussing admiration for Nina Hartley and preferences for adult film performers: The hosts expressed their appreciation for Nina Hartley's work and advocacy, shared their favorite performers, and invited listeners to participate in upcoming live shows.

  During a discussion about art and pop culture, the hosts expressed admiration for Nina Hartley's work and advocacy in the adult film industry. They also shared their preferences for specific performers like Nina Hartley and Ron Jeremy or Evan Stone. The hosts encouraged listeners to engage with the show by voting on upcoming cities for potential live shows and thanked listeners for sending care packages. A humorous segment involved a "would you rather" question about preferring Clare Huxtable or a cockroach, which led to a discussion about smelly bowel movements and a hypothetical question about whether dogs' diarrhea smells that way because of their food. Overall, the conversation showcased the hosts' sense of humor and their willingness to engage with various topics.

• A friendly debate on dog vs cat food: Despite personal preferences, the value of dog food may be influenced by its popularity among consumers.

  During a conversation about choosing between dog and cat food, the speakers expressed their personal preferences and opinions, with one stating a preference for dog food due to its solid nature and the other for cat food due to its fishy taste. The conversation also touched upon the idea that dog food might be more valuable if a large portion of the population is consuming it. The speakers also shared some inside jokes and revealed their social media handles. While the conversation was light-hearted and humorous, it also highlighted the diversity of preferences and opinions.

• Celebrating the Holiday Season with Family and Friends: The holiday season is a time for connection and togetherness, marked by shared meals, traditions, and joyful experiences with loved ones.

  The holiday season, represented in this text by the festival of friendship during Christmas time in Hollis, Queens, is a time for coming together, love, and sharing of traditional meals and experiences with family and friends. The text conveys a sense of warmth, joy, and connection. The speaker expresses their eagerness to attend this gathering and spread holiday cheer. The mention of traditional foods like chicken, collard greens, rice, and macaroni adds to the sense of nostalgia and familiarity associated with the holiday season. Overall, the text emphasizes the importance of connection and togetherness during the holiday season.