13-May-23
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This podcast features Steven Wright, a renowned stand-up comedian, actor, and author, in a conversation with Joe Rogan. Wright discusses his journey into comedy, his unique style, and his perspectives on life, creativity, and the world around him. Provocative topics include the Boston comedy scene in the 1980s, the influence of iconic comedians like Carlin and Woody Allen, the absurdist nature of everyday life, and the importance of embracing silence and solitude. Underlying themes explore the art of observation, the power of the subconscious, and the delicate balance between chaos and structure in both comedy and life.
1. The Boston Comedy Scene: A Crucible of Talent:
- The Comedy Connection club in Boston became a hotbed for stand-up talent in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- Wright credits the scene with nurturing his comedic voice, surrounded by other brilliant and diverse comics like Lenny Clark, Steve Sweeney, Don Gavin, and Mike Donovan.
- This unique environment fostered a strong work ethic, a shared desire to be funny, and a sense of community among the comics.
- Despite the lack of mainstream success, these comics achieved a level of excellence that Wright believes is unmatched in other cities.
2. The Birth of an Absurdist Style:
- Wright’s non-sequitur, absurdist style emerged naturally, influenced by Carlin’s focus on everyday oddities and Woody Allen’s comedic albums.
- His process involves observing the world around him, noticing the subtle absurdities in everyday life, and translating those observations into jokes.
- He compares the process to drawing realistically, where one must pay attention to subtle shapes and details to create an accurate representation. His mind, like an artist’s, is constantly scanning for those overlooked details.
- Wright’s jokes are often born from seemingly unrelated ideas, creating a unique and unexpected comedic experience.
3. The Power of Silence and Solitude:
- Wright emphasizes the importance of silence and solitude for creative thinking, contrasting it with society’s tendency to view “doing nothing” as negative.
- He describes how his best ideas often emerge when he’s driving with the radio off or during mundane tasks like delivering newspapers, allowing his mind to wander and make connections.
- This deliberate lack of external stimuli allows the subconscious to work its magic, generating unexpected insights and comedic material.
- Wright suggests that creativity is a playful process, a form of “hanging out with yourself,” allowing your mind to freely explore and connect ideas in unexpected ways.
4. Texas: A Land of Extremes and Contradictions:
- Wright’s move to Austin, Texas, was driven by a desire for freedom and a retreat from the chaos and perceived incompetence of California.
- He highlights the state’s unique blend of friendliness, toughness, and progressive attitudes, particularly in Austin.
- Texas wildlife laws, allowing private ownership of exotic animals, present a strange and sometimes unsettling reality for Wright, exemplified by the abundance of tigers in captivity.
- Wright’s observations of Texas culture, from its expansive gas stations to its unusual wildlife laws, provide a comedic lens through which to examine the country’s diverse and sometimes bizarre landscapes.
5. The Evolution of the Podcast: From Comics to Scientists:
- Wright’s podcast began as a casual experiment, a way to connect with friends and have fun, but quickly expanded to include diverse guests, from comedians to scientists.
- The podcast’s popularity allowed Wright to convince influential figures in various fields to participate, leading to unexpected educational experiences and conversations.
- From discussions about ancient civilizations and catastrophic events with Graham Hancock to mind-bending conversations about quantum computing with Michio Kaku, Wright’s podcast offers a unique platform for exploring diverse perspectives and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
- The podcast has become a platform for exploring intellectual curiosity, sharing knowledge, and fostering a sense of community among listeners.
6. The “Treehouse” of Comedy: A Creative Haven:
- Wright’s new comedy club in Austin is a testament to his passion for fostering a thriving creative community.
- He envisions it as a “treehouse,” a space where comics can experiment, collaborate, and develop their craft.
- The club features two rooms designed specifically for comedy, offering a welcoming environment for both seasoned professionals and aspiring comics.
- Wright’s dedication to creating a supportive and stimulating environment has attracted a diverse group of world-class comedians to Austin, solidifying the city’s position as a hub for stand-up.
7. The Importance of Live Performance:
- Wright emphasizes the crucial role of live performance in shaping a comedian’s craft, highlighting the importance of audience interaction and the unpredictability of the moment.
- He compares the comedic process to a living organism, constantly evolving and adapting based on audience reaction.
- Wright suggests that jokes are best experienced live, where the audience becomes an integral part of the creative process, shaping the material and determining its success.
- He embraces the challenge of live performance, relishing the unpredictability and the unique connection it fosters between comedian and audience.
8. Embracing Mistakes and the Unexpected:
- Wright views mistakes and accidents as valuable learning opportunities in comedy, acknowledging that sometimes the most unexpected moments can lead to the most memorable bits.
- He encourages comics to embrace the unpredictability of live performance, noting that it’s impossible to anticipate every audience reaction.
- Wright sees the audience as an active participant in the comedic process, shaping the material and contributing to the overall experience.
- He highlights the unique energy and personality of each audience, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the specific mood and dynamics of each show.
9. The “Heyoka” of Native American Culture: A Reminder to Mock the Absurd:
- Wright discusses the “Heyoka,” a sacred clown in Lakota culture, whose role was to mock and challenge the norms of society.
- He suggests that this tradition serves as a reminder that anything that can be mocked is likely not as important or serious as it seems.
- The Heyoka, through their playful and often irreverent approach, exposed the absurdity of societal structures and challenged the rigidity of accepted beliefs.
- Wright’s comedic style shares a similar spirit with the Heyoka, using humor to question the world around him, exposing the inconsistencies and absurdities that often go unnoticed.
10. The Legacy of the Boston Comedy Scene:
- Wright reflects on the unique legacy of the Boston comedy scene, where a high concentration of talented comics never achieved widespread fame, creating a sense of both pride and cautionary tale for aspiring comics.
- He emphasizes the importance of venturing beyond local markets to reach a broader audience, acknowledging that the Boston scene, despite its excellence, often served as a breeding ground for talent that eventually moved elsewhere.
- Wright’s return to Boston, after achieving success on a national level, represents a triumphant homecoming, demonstrating that one can honor their roots while pursuing their dreams.
- The Boston comedy scene serves as a reminder that talent and hard work are not always enough to guarantee success, but that dedication to one’s craft and a strong community can nurture and inspire even in the face of adversity.
11. The Unexpected Education of a Podcast:
- Wright describes his podcast as an unexpected educational journey, offering a unique opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and learn from experts in various fields.
- The podcast has expanded his understanding of the world, challenging his preconceived notions and exposing him to a wide range of ideas and viewpoints.
- Wright’s willingness to engage with guests from different backgrounds and disciplines has enriched his own understanding of life, the universe, and everything.
- The podcast serves as a reminder that learning is a lifelong process, and that curiosity and open-mindedness are essential for intellectual growth and personal development.
12. The Power of Manifestation and the Role of Choice:
- Wright acknowledges the allure of the concept of fate, but suggests that it’s unlikely that every event in life is predetermined.
- He points to the randomness of events like accidents and tragedies, questioning the idea that individuals can fully control their destinies.
- However, Wright also recognizes the power of choice and the potential for individuals to shape their realities through their actions and decisions.
- He suggests that while there may be elements of chance and chaos in life, the choices we make can significantly influence our paths and experiences.
13. The Importance of Travel and Real-World Experiences:
- Wright stresses the importance of real-world experiences for comedians, suggesting that a limited field of reference can lead to stale and repetitive material.
- He encourages comics to travel, visit museums, and engage in diverse activities to broaden their perspectives and gain new insights.
- Wright believes that by stepping outside of their comfort zones and experiencing the world, comedians can find inspiration and develop more engaging and relatable material.
- He highlights the value of immersing oneself in different cultures, observing human behavior, and gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of life.
14. The Power of Cardio and Mental Well-being:
- Wright credits exercise, particularly cardio, with enhancing his creativity, relaxation, and mental well-being.
- He describes the positive impact of physical activity on his thinking process, allowing him to clear his mind, release tension, and feel more energized.
- Wright advocates for embracing exercise as a source of pleasure rather than a chore, recognizing that it can significantly improve mental and emotional health.
- He suggests that the positive effects of exercise can extend beyond physical fitness, influencing one’s creative output and overall sense of well-being.
15. The Intensity of Stand-up Comedy:
- Wright compares stand-up comedy to walking on a tightrope, emphasizing the intensity and pressure involved in performing live.
- He highlights the importance of being present in the moment, connecting with the audience, and navigating the unpredictable nature of live performance.
- Wright acknowledges the inherent risk involved in stand-up, where every joke is a gamble and the audience’s reaction can make or break the performance.
- He describes the thrill and satisfaction of successfully navigating this high-stakes environment, expressing his deep love for the art form and the connection it fosters between comedian and audience.
16. The Evolution of Comedy: From Local Clubs to Global Stages:
- Wright discusses the evolution of his career, from performing in local clubs in Boston to achieving national recognition through television and touring.
- He reflects on the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry, acknowledging the importance of seizing opportunities and adapting to changing circumstances.
- Wright’s success is a testament to his dedication to his craft, his unique comedic voice, and his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.
- His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring comics, demonstrating that persistence, hard work, and a genuine love for the art form can lead to fulfilling and rewarding careers.
17. The Unique Connection of Comedy and Podcasts:
- Wright recognizes the unique relationship between comedy and podcasts, highlighting how the intimate format allows audiences to develop a deeper understanding of comedians and their work.
- He acknowledges that podcasts allow fans to experience comedians in a more personal and relatable way, going beyond the stage and offering a glimpse into their lives and thoughts.
- Wright suggests that the increased intimacy fostered by podcasts has created a stronger connection between comedians and their audiences, building trust and loyalty.
- He highlights the role of podcasts in shaping comedic material, often drawing inspiration from conversations and ideas shared during podcast appearances.
18. The Importance of Embracing Differences:
- Wright emphasizes the importance of diversity in comedy, acknowledging that different comics bring unique styles, perspectives, and experiences to the stage.
- He sees the value in showcasing a range of voices and perspectives, enriching the comedic landscape and providing audiences with a wider range of entertainment.
- Wright’s own comedic journey has been shaped by the diverse influences he has encountered, from iconic comics like Carlin and Woody Allen to fellow Boston stand-ups and the wide range of guests he has welcomed on his podcast.
- He celebrates the uniqueness of each comedian, recognizing that diversity is a strength in the comedic world, offering a vibrant and evolving landscape for both creators and audiences.
19. The Enduring Power of a Creative Space:
- Wright believes that certain creative spaces, like comedy clubs, acquire an almost mystical energy, imbued with the history and spirit of the performers who have graced their stages.
- He describes the tangible feeling of this energy in places like the Comedy Store and Dangerfield’s in New York, and the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin.
- Wright’s own comedy club, with its rich history as the Ritz Theater and its association with legendary musicians like Stevie Ray Vaughan, embodies this sense of creative legacy.
- He suggests that the creative energy of a space can inspire artists, fostering a sense of community and inspiring the next generation of talent.
5 Memorable Quotes:
- “I think comedy, all art is based on noticing what’s around you.”
- “It took me years to realize that doing nothing was really good. It was really doing something because your mind thinks differently when you’re not going, when something’s not going in.”
- “I don’t know why I want to say that. Genius. Genius. But that’s like, he was like that as a kid. Like when I was 17, I was picking my nose. I was an idiot.”
- “It’s like a machine going down a hill. Well, it’s how you look at things. You’re always gonna look at something stupid and go, what is that? How is that real? Yeah, why is that like that? How are we accepting that?”
- “I’m not complaining about that’s how the jokes are. That’s just how it is. And then when I started writing this thing, I thought, oh, I know what I’m going to do. After we kept going, I thought I’m going to put a funnel on this kid’s head. And I’m going to pour everything I think about being alive into his head. And it’ll seem like he’s thinking it.”
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