JRE #1785 – Earthquake

Podcast Topics: #1785 – Earthquake

This podcast features a captivating conversation between Joe Rogan and standup comedian Earthquake, exploring a wide range of topics, from the comedian’s unique approach to standup to his experiences with the entertainment industry. The interview delves into Earthquake’s raw, unfiltered style and his remarkable ability to deliver hilarious material without relying on written jokes. The conversation reveals insightful perspectives on the nature of standup comedy, the importance of constant practice, and the challenges of navigating the industry while staying true to oneself.

1. Earthquake’s Standup Comedy Style:

• Unprepared Delivery: Earthquake’s standup routine is built on improvisation and spontaneous storytelling, never relying on pre-written jokes. This creates a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience, filled with fresh and unexpected humor.
• Mind Over Matter: Earthquake’s comedic process involves envisioning a concept and expanding upon it mentally, rather than physically writing down jokes. This allows him to stay present in the moment and adapt his material based on the audience’s reactions.
• Honesty and Vulnerability: Earthquake’s humor often stems from his personal experiences and observations, allowing him to connect with audiences on a relatable and authentic level. His willingness to share his vulnerabilities makes his comedy even more powerful and genuine.
• The Power of Truth: Earthquake’s approach involves grounding his jokes in a kernel of truth, often building upon it with exaggerated storytelling and embellishments. This creates a unique blend of realism and absurdity that fuels his comedic genius.

2. Earthquake’s Early Career and Uptown Comedy Corner:

• Military Background: Earthquake’s time in the Air Force played a crucial role in shaping his comedic perspective. The experience exposed him to diverse individuals and cultures, broadening his understanding of human nature.
• The Birth of Earthquake: The name “Earthquake” originated from Earthquake’s insecurity about his comedic abilities. He chose the moniker as a way to protect his real name if his standup career didn’t take off, highlighting the humility and self-awareness that fuels his comedic journey.
• Uptown Comedy Corner’s Rise: Earthquake’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open Uptown Comedy Corner in Atlanta, Georgia, a predominantly Black comedy club. He overcame initial setbacks and built the club into a successful hub for Black comedians, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to his craft.
• Steve Harvey’s Impact: Steve Harvey’s support played a pivotal role in Uptown Comedy Corner’s success. Harvey’s sold-out show at the club, along with his media presence, drew significant attention to Earthquake and the venue, marking a turning point in the club’s popularity.

3. The Role of Consistency and Practice:

• The Power of Repetition: Earthquake’s routine of performing nightly at his own club, Uptown Comedy Corner, instilled a level of consistency and practice that few comedians achieve. This relentless dedication allowed him to refine his skills, develop a unique style, and become a master of his craft.
• The Frontline Workers: Earthquake’s perspective highlights the importance of staying connected to one’s audience. He believes that success can isolate comedians from their fans, emphasizing the need for continued interaction and feedback to maintain a strong comedic voice.
• The Gift of Polish: The podcast emphasizes the undeniable polish that comes with constant stage time. Earthquake views road work and performing multiple shows nightly as crucial for honing comedic timing, delivery, and material.
• The Outliers Effect: Earthquake’s experience aligns with the principles outlined in the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell, which emphasizes the importance of sustained dedication and practice in achieving extraordinary success. He exemplifies the concept of 10,000 hours, demonstrating that true mastery comes through consistent effort.

4. Earthquake’s Perspective on the Industry and Success:

• Navigating the Hollywood System: Earthquake’s experiences with sitcoms and reality shows illustrate the challenges of balancing artistic integrity with the demands of the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the need to remain true to oneself, even when facing pressures to conform.
• The “Make it Bag”: Earthquake outlines the elements of achieving success in the comedy world, encompassing book deals, television shows, tours, movies, and other opportunities that come with recognition. He recognizes the importance of leveraging these avenues to build a lasting career.
• The Importance of Being You: Earthquake’s philosophy encourages comedians to embrace their authentic selves, highlighting the dangers of sacrificing authenticity for popularity or commercial success. He believes that true comedic success comes from staying true to one’s unique voice and perspective.
• The Value of Honesty: Earthquake’s perspective emphasizes the importance of honesty and authenticity, both in standup and in life. He believes that true comedic brilliance emerges from a genuine connection with the audience, built on honesty and vulnerability.

5. The Impact of Dave Chappelle:

• Dave’s Role in Earthquake’s Career: Dave Chappelle’s involvement in Earthquake’s Netflix special “Earthquake: Legendary” has been pivotal in amplifying Earthquake’s comedic voice. Chappelle’s endorsement and production of the special have brought Earthquake to a wider audience, showcasing his talent to a global platform.
• Dave’s Work Ethic: Chappelle’s dedication to his craft and his constant pursuit of comedic excellence serves as a source of inspiration for Earthquake. Chappelle’s relentless practice and willingness to push boundaries inspires Earthquake to strive for continuous improvement.
• The Significance of Dave’s Production: Chappelle’s production of Earthquake’s special is a testament to his belief in Earthquake’s comedic genius. It represents a significant step in advancing Earthquake’s career, positioning him for even greater opportunities and recognition.
• Dave’s Impact on the Industry: Chappelle’s influence extends beyond his own career. His willingness to produce and champion other comedians, like Earthquake and Donnell Rawlings, demonstrates his commitment to fostering comedic talent and pushing the boundaries of the industry.

6. Navigating the “Chosen” System:

• The Hollywood Gauntlet: Earthquake’s experience with development deals and the rejection he faced highlights the inherent subjectivity of the entertainment industry. He recognizes that success often depends on being chosen by the right people, a process that can be both challenging and disheartening.
• The Politics of Being Chosen: Earthquake critiques the politics and pressures that exist within Hollywood, emphasizing the need for comedians to navigate these dynamics while staying true to themselves. He acknowledges that some individuals adopt personas and behaviors they believe will appeal to casting agents and producers, potentially compromising their authenticity.
• The Importance of Belief: Earthquake believes that finding someone who believes in your talent is crucial to achieving success. He emphasizes the need for a champion who sees your potential and is willing to advocate for you, helping to overcome industry obstacles.
• The Subjectivity of Humor: Earthquake recognizes that humor is subjective and that what makes one person laugh may not resonate with another. He views rejection as a sign that he hasn’t yet found the right audience or the right person who can truly appreciate his comedic voice.

7. The Future of Earthquake’s Comedy:

• Embrace the “Fuck You Money”: Earthquake’s perspective on achieving financial independence emphasizes the importance of having the freedom to say “no” to projects that don’t align with his vision. This financial security allows him to prioritize projects that allow him to stay true to his comedic voice.
• The Power of the Podcast: Earthquake recognizes the potential of the podcast platform for reaching a wider audience. He sees the medium as a powerful tool for sharing his unique perspective and building a dedicated fan base. His belief in the podcast’s potential, combined with his natural storytelling ability, suggests that his podcast could be a significant addition to the platform.
• Netflix as a Platform for Authenticity: Earthquake sees Netflix as a platform that aligns with his comedic style, offering a space for uncensored humor and creative freedom. The platform’s willingness to trust comedians and allow them to be themselves provides a perfect environment for Earthquake to flourish.
• Continuing the Journey: Earthquake’s plans for the future include producing more standup specials, embarking on tours, and possibly pursuing a sitcom that reflects his life experiences. He demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his craft, driven by a desire to continue pushing boundaries and entertaining audiences with his unique brand of humor.

Memorable Quotes

• “The first casualty of war is the truth.” – Earthquake uses this quote to explain how he builds his jokes, often taking a kernel of truth and expanding upon it with exaggeration and embellishment.
• “Success takes you off the frontline.” – Earthquake highlights the potential for success to isolate comedians from their fans, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to the audience.
• “I envy those polished ass comedians.” – Earthquake acknowledges the allure of a polished comedic style but embraces his own unique, raw approach.
• “You gotta be you. You just gotta be you.” – Earthquake’s core philosophy encourages comedians to embrace their authenticity, even when facing pressures to conform.
• “I don’t even take it personally, man. I’m so fucking used to it.” – Earthquake’s resilience shines through as he shares his perspective on rejection within the industry, emphasizing his determination to keep pursuing his dreams.