JRE #1305 – JD & John Witherspoon

by

29-May-19

This podcast features a hilarious conversation between comedian Joe Rogan and John Witherspoon, a legendary comedian and actor, along with his son, JD Witherspoon, who is also a comedian and actor. The discussion covers a range of topics, from the challenges of stand-up comedy to the eccentricities of the entertainment industry, sprinkled with personal anecdotes and humorous insights.

Here are some of the key topics explored in the podcast, along with a four-point summary for each:

  1. The Stand-Up Comedy Circuit:
    • John Witherspoon reveals his motivation for entering stand-up comedy: he was broke and someone told him he was funny.
    • The podcast highlights the demanding schedule of a stand-up comedian, with John performing at 40+ clubs a year.
    • The discussion touches upon the unique challenges of stand-up, including long hours, travel, and dealing with unpredictable audiences.
    • The importance of social media in the modern comedy landscape is highlighted, particularly for established comedians like John.
  2. The History of Stand-Up Comedy:
    • John Witherspoon shares his experiences performing at the Comedy Store in its early days, a legendary venue for stand-up comedy.
    • The podcast features fascinating anecdotes about iconic comedians like Richard Pryor, Sam Kinison, and Mitzvah, providing a glimpse into the golden age of stand-up.
    • The importance of “open mic” nights as a platform for aspiring comedians is discussed.
    • The podcast emphasizes the significant role of “open mic” nights in shaping the stand-up comedy scene, fostering a community and giving new talent a platform.
  3. Detroit’s Transformation:
    • John Witherspoon discusses the decline of Detroit, once a thriving industrial hub, now grappling with economic challenges.
    • The conversation explores the impact of factory closures and the subsequent migration of residents, leaving behind a city struggling to revitalize.
    • The podcast highlights the presence of new businesses and a growing entrepreneurial spirit in Detroit, signaling a potential for a comeback.
    • The discussion emphasizes the contrast between the city’s historical grandeur and its current state, prompting reflections on urban renewal and societal change.
  4. The Influence of John Witherspoon:
    • John Witherspoon’s unique comedic style, characterized by blunt honesty and relatable humor, is a constant source of laughter and insightful observations.
    • The podcast showcases the influence of John’s comedic legacy, inspiring his son, JD, to pursue a career in stand-up.
    • The discussion highlights the complexities of father-son relationships, particularly within the world of comedy, where support and encouragement play a crucial role.
    • The podcast explores the importance of finding your own voice in comedy, even when influenced by a prominent figure like John Witherspoon.
  5. John Witherspoon’s “Cookin’ For Poor People” Youtube Channel:
    • John Witherspoon’s foray into YouTube with his cooking show, “Cookin’ For Poor People,” adds a new dimension to his comedic persona.
    • The podcast highlights the popularity of John’s YouTube channel, demonstrating the appeal of his down-to-earth style and relatable cooking recipes.
    • The discussion emphasizes the versatility of John Witherspoon’s comedic talent, extending beyond stand-up comedy to embrace the digital world.
    • The podcast showcases the role of family in supporting creative endeavors, with JD helping his father create and produce his YouTube content.
  6. The Role of Social Media in Comedy:
    • The conversation emphasizes the impact of social media on stand-up comedy, both for promotion and building a fan base.
    • The podcast highlights the importance of social media for established comedians like John Witherspoon, who previously had limited online presence.
    • The discussion explores the complexities of navigating social media, particularly for seasoned comedians who might not fully understand the digital landscape.
    • The podcast showcases the role of family members, like JD, in helping older comedians utilize social media effectively, bridging the generational gap.
  7. Air Travel and its Anomalies:
    • The conversation delves into the realities of air travel, highlighting the challenges of frequent travel for stand-up comedians.
    • The podcast discusses the potential risks associated with software glitches in modern airplanes, sparking a conversation about safety and technology.
    • The discussion explores the strange phenomenon of people’s behavior on planes, particularly their tendency towards road rage-like behavior.
    • The podcast touches upon the ongoing debate about airplane safety and the measures taken to prevent security breaches, emphasizing the importance of vigilance.
  8. John Witherspoon’s Relatable Persona:
    • The podcast showcases John Witherspoon’s ability to connect with audiences through his relatable experiences and honest observations.
    • The conversation highlights John’s unique ability to find humor in everyday situations, creating a sense of familiarity and shared laughter.
    • The podcast explores the power of authenticity in comedy, emphasizing the importance of being yourself and letting your true personality shine.
    • The discussion demonstrates the lasting appeal of John Witherspoon’s comedic talent, transcending generations and cultural boundaries.
  9. The Importance of Family in Comedy:
    • The podcast emphasizes the role of family in supporting comedic aspirations, as seen in the relationship between John and JD Witherspoon.
    • The discussion highlights the influence of family members on comedic style, with John’s legacy inspiring JD to pursue a career in stand-up.
    • The conversation explores the complexities of father-son relationships, particularly within the world of comedy, where support and encouragement play a crucial role.
    • The podcast emphasizes the importance of finding your own voice in comedy, even when influenced by a prominent figure like John Witherspoon.

Memorable Quotes:

  • “Motivated me? I was broke.” – John Witherspoon’s blunt response to Joe Rogan’s question about his motivation for stand-up comedy.
  • “I’m on the road for 5, 6 weeks in a row. That’s what I hate.” – John Witherspoon expresses his dislike for the grueling schedule of a stand-up comedian.
  • “They took his shoes. They took his rings.” – John Witherspoon recounts the time Richard Pryor’s club was shut down due to tax issues, leaving the comedian bereft.
  • “I’m gonna eat it. I’m gonna eat it.” – John Witherspoon’s hilarious reaction to the “Cookin’ For Poor People” kitchen setup, emphasizing his commitment to the project.
  • “That’s how I got into comedy. And then I just kept doing it.” – John Witherspoon’s matter-of-fact statement about his journey into stand-up.