JRE #1355 – Mark Normand

This podcast features stand-up comedian Mark Normand and Joe Rogan, exploring a range of topics from comedy to music, pop culture, and personal experiences. Normand’s insightful perspective on comedy and his unique experiences with the art form are the main focus, interwoven with discussions about the evolution of humor, the challenges of stand-up, and the role of social media in today’s comedy landscape.

Here are some of the key topics covered in this episode:

The Nature of Humor and Stand-Up

• The Importance of Words in Comedy: Normand emphasizes the role of language in stand-up, highlighting the importance of wordplay, observation, and storytelling in creating humor. He draws a comparison between American and British comedy styles, suggesting that a love of language contributes to their success.
• The Evolution of Comedy: Normand discusses the changing nature of comedy, from the physical slapstick of early comedians like Buster Keaton to the more intellectual and observational styles of today. He highlights the impact of technology and social media on the development of comedy.
• Different Styles of Comedy: Normand recognizes the diverse styles of comedy, from the dark and edgy humor of Richard Pryor to the more observational humor of Jerry Seinfeld and the absurdist approach of Steven Wright. He acknowledges that each style has its own merits and audience.
• The Importance of Being Yourself: Normand emphasizes the importance of authenticity in comedy, suggesting that finding your own voice and being true to yourself is essential to success. He recounts a turning point in his career when he embraced his own quirks and personality, which resonated with audiences.

The Challenges of Stand-Up

• The Difficulty of Writing Jokes: Normand discusses the challenge of writing consistently funny material, highlighting the need for discipline, self-reflection, and constant experimentation. He emphasizes the importance of honing your craft and learning from your failures.
• Dealing with Hecklers: Normand recounts an experience with a heckler that led to a breakthrough in his career, showing how challenging situations can sometimes lead to growth. He advises other comedians to embrace the unexpected and learn to navigate difficult interactions.
• The Importance of Road Work: Normand stresses the importance of traveling and performing in different cities and regions, exposing yourself to different audiences and perspectives. He argues that it is essential for any comedian who wants to reach a wider audience.
• The Impact of Corporate Gigs: Normand shares a humorous story about a disastrous corporate gig, highlighting the challenges of adapting to different audiences and environments. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your audience and tailoring your material accordingly.

Comedy and Social Media

• The Rise of Social Media: Normand discusses the impact of social media on comedy, highlighting both the opportunities and the challenges it presents. He recognizes the platform’s ability to reach wider audiences but also the potential for negativity and censorship.
• The Rise of YouTube: Normand discusses the rise of YouTube as a platform for comedy, recognizing its ability to provide a platform for new and diverse voices. He also notes the platform’s potential to bypass traditional media gatekeepers.
• The Problem of Cancel Culture: Normand addresses the controversial issue of cancel culture, arguing that it can stifle creativity and stifle freedom of speech. He highlights the importance of allowing comedians the space to experiment and explore challenging topics, even if they are offensive or controversial.
• The Importance of Open Dialogue: Normand advocates for open and honest discussions about difficult topics, suggesting that engaging in dialogue rather than resorting to censorship is essential to understanding different perspectives and fostering greater understanding.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “The words are the interesting part, the what you say, the writing.” – Normand emphasizes the importance of language and storytelling in comedy.
• “You know, Buster Keaton, he’s so underrated. He broke his back and didn’t realize it, and the doctor was like, ‘So why don’t you break your back?'” – Normand recounts a fascinating story about the legendary comedian and his resilience.
• “It’s like a drug that has a bunch of different effects and it’s all just drug. You go to the store to get it and you don’t know what you’re gonna get.” – Normand compares the unpredictable nature of comedy to the effects of different drugs.
• “It’s the best sushi is just the simple roll. Give me a BJ. Don’t put you know, don’t give me a reach around. Just go with the shit that works.” – Normand humorously argues for simplicity and authenticity in all things.
• “The more you have, the more you complain. These guys are like, ‘Hey, we could die at any moment. We get bombed. Let’s live, baby.'” – Normand contrasts the carefree attitude of those who have less with the tendency of those with more to complain.