JRE #1937 – Punkie Johnson

This podcast explores the journey of comedian Punkie Johnson, a cast member on “Saturday Night Live,” from her early days in New Orleans to her rise in Hollywood. The conversation delves into themes of navigating the comedy scene, finding success, imposter syndrome, and the importance of authenticity.

• Punkie Johnson’s Early Life and Comedy Beginnings

  1. Johnson’s family background and the influence of humor in her upbringing.
  2. Moving to Los Angeles and the challenges of fitting in.
  3. The unique story of how a fall into a wet cement hole in New Orleans led to Johnson’s move to LA.
  4. Starting stand-up in Los Angeles and her initial experiences at the Comedy Store.

• Working at the Comedy Store

  1. The Comedy Store’s unique culture and its role as a breeding ground for comedic talent.
  2. The intense work environment, including bartending and navigating customer interactions.
  3. The importance of the Comedy Store as a family, with a focus on authenticity and a “no bullshit” attitude.
  4. The tragic passing of Jeff Scott, a fixture at the Comedy Store, and the impact of his loss on the community.

• Punkie Johnson’s Journey to SNL

  1. Johnson’s early stand-up career, including performing in smaller venues and honing her craft.
  2. The turning point in her career when she landed a manager and began to take her comedy more seriously.
  3. The transition from performing 15 minutes to developing a full hour set, and the importance of economy of words in crafting jokes.
  4. The impact of SNL on Johnson’s life and the challenges of adjusting to a new level of fame and performance.

• The Dark Side of Fame and Success

  1. The prevalence of jealousy and negativity within the comedy scene, particularly among those who haven’t achieved similar success.
  2. The importance of self-awareness and challenging negative thought patterns, including imposter syndrome.
  3. The impact of marijuana use on Johnson’s self-perception and how she navigates those feelings.
  4. The importance of perspective and humility, even amidst success, and the value of marijuana as a reality check for some.

• The Power of Authenticity and Self-Expression

  1. The importance of being true to oneself, even in the face of industry pressures and the need for validation.
  2. The value of finding a community that supports and encourages authenticity.
  3. The challenges of navigating a corporate environment after working at the Comedy Store, where authenticity was paramount.
  4. The risks associated with self-expression in today’s climate, particularly when dealing with social media and a culture of cancelation.

• The Comedy Store’s History and Legacy

  1. The historical significance of the Comedy Store building, which has hosted iconic performers for decades.
  2. The evolution of the Comedy Store through different eras, from its origins as a nightclub to its present-day status as a comedic institution.
  3. The Comedy Store’s role in launching the careers of many notable comedians.
  4. The enduring legacy of the Comedy Store and its impact on the comedy world.

• The Nature of Genius and Mental Illness

  1. A discussion of Kanye West’s mental health and its connection to his creative brilliance, acknowledging the complexities of genius and mental illness.
  2. The challenges of balancing Kanye West’s creative output with his controversial statements and behaviors.
  3. The impact of social media on mental health and the potential risks of silencing controversial figures.
  4. The need to recognize the humanity of those who are perceived as extraordinary, including Elon Musk and Kanye West, and to avoid reducing them to mere celebrities.

• The World of Boxing

  1. Johnson’s interest in boxing and her desire to step into the ring, exploring the appeal of the sport and its potential risks.
  2. Johnson’s journey as a boxer, including the importance of training, the challenges of developing her skills, and the role of her trainer.
  3. A discussion of boxing styles, including Floyd Mayweather’s defensive approach and Tank Davis’s power and precision.
  4. The importance of respect and humility in the boxing world, exemplified by Tank Davis’s demeanor despite his success.

• The Importance of Physical and Mental Fitness

  1. Johnson’s commitment to physical fitness, including her boxing training, CrossFit, and other exercise routines.
  2. The benefits of exercise, including reducing anxiety, improving physical health, and boosting mental clarity.
  3. The importance of finding a workout routine that works for each individual, allowing for personal preference and individual needs.
  4. The impact of exercise on performance, particularly in the context of stand-up comedy and other creative endeavors.

• The Power of Psychedelics

  1. Johnson’s interest in exploring psychedelics, specifically Ayahuasca, and her concerns about relinquishing control during the experience.
  2. A discussion of the potential benefits and risks of psychedelics, including their use in therapeutic settings for PTSD and end-of-life care.
  3. The importance of set and setting when taking psychedelics and the need to prepare oneself mentally and physically for the experience.
  4. The potential of psychedelics to facilitate personal growth and transformation, even if the experience itself can be challenging.

• The Impact of Alcohol

  1. Johnson’s personal experience with alcohol and its effects on her behavior, highlighting the potential for both positive and negative outcomes.
  2. The potential of alcohol to influence behavior and personality, and the idea that alcohol might be more than just a physical substance.
  3. A discussion of the cultural association of certain alcoholic beverages with specific behaviors, like the association of whiskey with aggression and wildness.
  4. The importance of moderation and self-awareness when consuming alcohol, recognizing the potential risks and consequences.

• The Future of Technology and AI

  1. Johnson’s concerns about the potential for AI to manipulate and control people, referencing the use of AI in creating realistic images and videos.
  2. The potential for AI to create deepfakes and other forms of artificial content that can be indistinguishable from reality.
  3. The ethical implications of AI and its potential to be used for malicious purposes.
  4. The importance of critical thinking and skepticism in navigating a world where technology is constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated.

• The Importance of Community and Support

  1. The importance of finding a supportive community, particularly in the competitive world of comedy.
  2. The value of collaboration and the benefits of working with other comedians, as exemplified by Johnson’s relationships with Tony Hinchcliffe, Joey Diaz, and others.
  3. The importance of recognizing the contributions of others and the role of mentors and colleagues in helping one another succeed.
  4. The enduring power of friendships and the importance of finding people who support and encourage one another’s growth.

• The Power of Competition

  1. The role of competition in pushing comedians to elevate their performance and improve their craft.
  2. The value of challenging oneself and working with other talented comedians to elevate one another’s game.
  3. The importance of setting high standards for oneself and constantly striving to improve.
  4. The importance of recognizing the value of competition as a force for growth and progress.

• The Evolution of Stand-up Comedy

  1. The history of stand-up comedy, tracing its evolution from its roots in nightclubs to its present-day prominence in mainstream media.
  2. The impact of iconic comedians like Richard Pryor and Sam Kinison on the development of stand-up comedy.
  3. The changing landscape of stand-up comedy, including the rise of social media and the impact of streaming services.
  4. The enduring appeal of stand-up comedy and its ability to reflect and challenge societal norms.

• The Power of Persistence and Determination

  1. Johnson’s determination to succeed in the comedy world, highlighting the importance of perseverance and never giving up on one’s dreams.
  2. The role of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and grow in achieving success.
  3. The importance of overcoming challenges and setbacks on the path to achieving goals.
  4. The inspiring message that success is possible with hard work, dedication, and a belief in oneself.

5 Memorable Quotes

• “I remember I was out there just this little chick from New Orleans. I’m like, what the hell am I doing in California? What am I doing? driving down sunset and seeing these beautiful palm trees is the things that I would see on television. And then that time just went it just it just left.” – Punkie Johnson reflects on the surreal nature of her transition from New Orleans to Los Angeles.
• “I’m a say a sentence. I’m a say a joke. I’m a say a sentence. I’m a say a joke. And if I gotta tell a story with it, I’m a make sure I got references inside of it and act outs. So so it could be full, and I’ll have aerospace in it.” – Johnson describes her approach to crafting jokes and incorporating storytelling techniques.
• “You know that you know that get your job back at the store. You know? because it get it get hard and but I’m like, My mother didn’t raise me to be no sucker. So I was like, you know, I just gotta talk myself out of this. I was like, bitch wake up. Come on. Stop all this stupid shit. You was made for this. You was born for this. Let’s go.” – Johnson shares her internal dialogue when battling imposter syndrome.
• “I think I think also if you when he gets embattled, the problem is he wants to fight back. Like, I think part of the reason why he became a big Trump fan is because Obama called him a jackass.” – Rogan shares his opinion about Kanye West’s relationship with politics and his potential motivations.
• “I love him. I love talking to him. He’s he’s a wonderful person. He’s just super genius, just a ridiculously smart person. But he’s a human being like we all are. Mhmm. We’re all human beings.” – Rogan reflects on his interactions with Elon Musk, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the humanity of even the most extraordinary individuals.