Podcast Summary
Affordable wireless plans from Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile provides affordable wireless plans with unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data starting at $15 a month, allowing customers to save money and avoid in-store purchases.
Mint Mobile offers affordable wireless plans with unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data starting at just $15 a month. This is a significant savings compared to traditional in-store wireless providers. Additionally, the company's online-only business model allows customers to order from the comfort of their own homes and receive their new plans for free. While dealing with inflation and everyday expenses can be frustrating, Mint Mobile provides a much-needed break for consumers. Furthermore, during the conversation, there were references to Feng Shui and the idea that facing a different direction or having certain doors open could negatively impact energy flow. However, no definitive conclusions were reached, and the topic was not directly related to the main discussion about Mint Mobile. Lastly, there were some humorous exchanges about reading novels and understanding classic literature. The speakers expressed their lack of interest in novels due to their made-up nature, and there was a brief etymology lesson on the origin of the word "div," which means stupid or contemptible in British slang. Overall, the key takeaway is that Mint Mobile offers an affordable and convenient solution for wireless service, allowing customers to save money and avoid the hassle of in-store purchases.
Terry's Decision to Leave Comedy: Follow your passion and make a change when necessary, even if it means leaving something behind.
Terry Saunders, a former stand-up comedian, decided to leave the comedy scene after an epiphany during a gig in 2012. He no longer enjoyed the experience and felt the joy and buzz had disappeared. Terry's departure was a topic discussed on a podcast, and his friends were surprised and impressed by his decision to leave the industry. After comedy, Terry returned to his first job in design, living a simpler life in Berlin. The conversation highlighted the importance of following one's passion and making the decision to leave something behind when it no longer brings joy. Terry's story serves as an inspiration to reassess one's career choices and prioritize personal happiness.
Trusting instincts and taking risks in comedy: Success in stand-up comedy isn't always linear. Trust your instincts, take risks, and don't be afraid to deviate from the norm to pursue your creative goals.
The path to success in stand-up comedy isn't always linear. Terry Saunders shared his experience of developing his act, which involved going against the traditional route of building up to longer shows in smaller increments. Instead, he focused on creating an hour-long show early on, even if he didn't have the experience or material others might have had at that stage. This approach led him to unique experiences, such as performing at fetish clubs, which became part of his act. However, he lamented losing the recordings and scripts of some of his earlier shows, which are now a source of regret. Overall, Saunders' story highlights the importance of trusting your instincts and taking risks in the pursuit of your creative goals, even if it means deviating from the norm.
Competing in the Laughing Horse New Act of the Year comedy competition: The competition taught Joe and Terry the importance of dedication, resilience, and leaving the stage in good condition in the comedy industry.
Participating in the Laughing Horse New Act of the Year comedy competition was a memorable experience for both Joe and Terry, despite the long hours and unexpected twists. They recall being in the same final, which took place at an unusual venue, possibly with Frank Skinner in attendance. Russell Kane, a well-known comedian, headlined the following year. Kevin McCarron, an experienced comedian, criticized Terry for leaving the mic in a mess during the quarters, emphasizing the importance of leaving the stage in good condition. The competition was intense, with many talented comedians like Imran Youssef, Papa CJ, Terry Saunders, Alastyk, and James Branch participating. Terry and Joe were impressed by the dedication and resilience of the comedians, and they have continued to follow their comedy careers with admiration. The experience instilled in them a deep appreciation for the art of comedy and the perseverance required to succeed in the industry.
Recognizing when it's time to move on: It's brave to admit when you no longer find joy or fulfillment in something and make the decision to move on, even if it goes against societal expectations.
Sometimes, even after putting in years of hard work and seeing some success, it's okay to admit that you no longer enjoy or find fulfillment in something and make the decision to move on. The speaker in this conversation shared his experience of giving up on stand-up comedy after a rough patch, despite initially believing that he should keep going for the sake of his career. He acknowledged that some people might view his decision as brave, but he saw it as simply recognizing that it was time for a change. The context of their conversation also touched on the evolution of comedy during the time the speaker was active in the scene. In the early 2000s, comedy was less mainstream and the motivations for pursuing it were often more pure, driven by a deep love for the art form or a desire to cope with personal challenges. However, as comedy became more popular and a potential career path, the motivations shifted for some people, leading to a sense of disillusionment for the speaker. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of listening to your intuition and being honest with yourself about what brings you joy and fulfillment, even if it means making a difficult decision or going against societal expectations.
The comedy scene can make it hard to stay in touch with colleagues and acquaintances: As comedians age and their careers evolve, they may lose touch with many people in the comedy scene. The sporadic nature of gigs and lack of a formal retirement process can make it difficult to maintain relationships.
Over the course of a comedian's career, they may build up a large network of colleagues and acquaintances. However, as they move on to new opportunities and gigs, they may gradually lose touch with many of these people. This can happen due to the sporadic nature of the comedy scene, where performers may only see each other at specific gigs and not in between. Additionally, there isn't a formal retirement or testimonial process in comedy, so performers often just stop performing and move on to other things. The speaker in this conversation shared his experience of forgetting about many people he had known in the comedy scene, and how he had to make an effort to reconnect with a few of them when he returned to performing after a long break. The conversation also touched on how the brain's ability to remember jokes and perform on stage can decline with age and lack of use.
The experience of comedy and approach can differ between generations: Comedy experiences and expectations can vary, with some cherishing small pub gigs and others seeking every performance opportunity, while technology and accessibility can also impact careers and finances.
The experience of comedy and the approach to it can vary greatly between generations. For some, like Terry, extended periods away from performing can lead to feeling less funny and less in demand. Others, like those who started in comedy more recently, seem to have an insatiable love for it and are always eager to perform. The comfort level and expectations can also differ significantly. For Terry and his friends, the idea of performing in front of a small audience in a pub was comfortable and familiar. However, for newer comedians, every opportunity to perform, no matter the size or location, is cherished. The accessibility of technology and platforms like Carvana, which offer convenience and quick transactions, can also impact the way people approach their careers and personal finances. Ultimately, the passion and dedication to comedy remain the constant factors, but the experiences and expectations surrounding it can evolve over time.
The importance of business savvy in comedy: Believing in your talent isn't enough, hustle and persistence are crucial for comedy success. Networking and gaining an edge over competitors can make a big difference.
Naivety in the business side of comedy can hinder progress. Terry shared his experience of being knocked out in comedy competitions despite believing he was good enough, only to find out later that being businesslike and proactive were essential elements for success. He also recalled flying up for gigs and holding signs in Leicester Square, missing opportunities to network and gain an edge over competitors. Terry emphasized that he learned the hard way that being nice and good isn't enough, and that hustle and persistence are necessary to make it in the industry. He also mentioned an exceptional comedian named Dave Nicholson, who was brilliant but chose to continue his career as a pensions lawyer instead. The lesson from Terry's story is that a combination of talent and business acumen is necessary to succeed in comedy.
The Challenges of Pursuing a Career in Comedy: The speaker admired a comedian's talent but was inspired by his determination to leave comedy for a 'real job'. Balancing comedy and a stable career can be difficult, and some comedians use pseudonyms to hide their identity.
The speaker admired a comedian who was brilliant but ultimately decided to leave comedy to pursue a different career. The comedian was known for engaging with the audience and asking them about their favorite topics to create a unique experience. Despite his talent, he eventually stopped performing and became a pensions lawyer. The speaker was inspired by his determination to pursue comedy but struggled with the idea of having a "real job" and balancing it with comedy. Jimmy Carr, who was already successful, was an exception, as he continued to perform while being financially stable. The speaker also mentioned various comedians they knew from their early comedy days, including Josie Long, Stewart Lee, and others. They expressed frustration when comedians didn't use their real names and remembered specific lineups and winners from the Laughing Horse competition. Overall, the speaker's experience highlights the challenges and sacrifices of pursuing a career in comedy.
Sharing memories of comedy shows from 2003 to 2015: Reminiscing about attending comedy shows, notable performers mentioned include Lina Conti, Marit Larwood, Russell Kane, Daniel Rigby, and Ed Axel. Some shows took place in small, unexpected venues, while others were larger and more intimidating. The international comedy scene was also touched upon, with comedians from Finland and Germany mentioned.
This conversation revolves around the memories of attending comedy shows and the notable performers they encountered between the years 2003 and 2015. Notable names include Lina Conti, Marit Larwood, Russell Kane, Daniel Rigby, and Ed Axel. Some of these shows took place in smaller, unexpected venues, leading to humbling experiences. Others, like the Brighton Dome, were larger and more intimidating. The conversation also touches on the international comedy scene, with mention of comedians from Finland and Germany. The speakers express a sense of nostalgia and amusement as they recall these experiences, and there is a sense of wonderment that some of these performers and venues are still active today.
Age and the Harsh Realities of the Comedy Scene: Age can make one feel out of place and outdated, but staying true to oneself and recognizing one's control in situations can help navigate the harsh realities of the comedy scene.
The speaker, Terry, feels out of place and outdated in the comedy scene due to his age. He recalls a time at the Phoenix bar, a place for performers, where he encountered celebrities in a bleak state. Terry expresses his desire to avoid going back to that phase of his life, having built a nice life for himself. Joe, the comedy gig organizer, assures Terry that he doesn't have to compete with younger acts and can continue running his gigs. Terry sees himself as the one in control, pulling the strings and making things happen for the performers. The Phoenix bar experience serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of the entertainment industry and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Feeling left out in the comedy scene: Despite challenges, persist and find comfort in the shared experience and camaraderie of performing in the comedy scene.
The comedy scene, much like any other social circle, can be intimidating and exclusive. Terry Saunders shared his experiences of feeling left out and overlooked despite his efforts and dedication to the craft. He recalled instances of being forgotten or dismissed, leading him to feel isolated in his comedy career. However, he also acknowledged the importance of finding a supportive community. Despite the challenges, Saunders emphasized the importance of persisting and finding comfort in the shared experience of performing and the camaraderie that can come with it. Ultimately, the comedy scene, like any other social group, is a complex mix of competition and camaraderie, and it's important for individuals to find their place within it.
Unexpected moments in life: Embrace the unexpected, keep going, and find joy in everyday moments, as everyone's journey is unique
Sometimes life doesn't turn out as we planned, and we may find ourselves in unexpected situations. The speaker shared several experiences of feeling lost and unsatisfied, from sitting in a cold coach station without a fork to working on a website while being unknowingly featured in a James Bond film. Despite these moments of embarrassment and disappointment, the speaker emphasized the importance of persevering and finding joy in the little things. It's essential to remember that everyone's journey is unique, and what may seem insignificant to one person could be a highlight for another. So, keep going, embrace the unexpected, and find joy in the everyday moments.
Terry's experience at the laughing horse competition in 2005 impacted his comedy career: A heckle from the audience caused Terry to doubt himself, potentially missing an opportunity for international gigs, but he continues to perform comedy and encourages listeners to check out his Patreon.
Terry's experience at the laughing horse competition in 2005 significantly impacted his comedy career. Despite giving a strong performance that could have potentially placed him in the top 3, a heckle from the audience caused him to doubt himself and feel like his career had peaked. This incident led him to believe that he could have potentially made it to Berlin for a fetish club gig, but ultimately, he didn't pursue it further. James Branch, the winner of the competition, also gave up on his comedy career to focus on a steady job. Terry continues to perform comedy and encourages listeners to check out more of his content on Patreon. The incident at the competition served as a turning point in Terry's career, and he has been trying to regain momentum ever since.
