JRE #2050 – Ehsan Ahmad

This podcast offers an entertaining and insightful conversation with stand-up comedian Ehsan Ahmad, exploring his comedic journey, the vibrant comedy scene in Austin, and his views on societal shifts and the power of perspective. From the unique dynamics of comedy clubs to the impact of social media and the rise of AI, the conversation delves into provocative topics, highlighting Ahmad’s sharp wit and insightful observations.

Major Topics

• Ehsan Ahmad’s Early Days in Comedy:

  • Ahmad’s first stand-up experience at Tommy Tees in Livermore, California, where he bombed but got a laugh with his 9/11-themed opening line.
  • He shares a story about meeting Joe Rogan in 2014-2015, emphasizing the unique bond between comedians and the “mothership” comedy club.
  • Ahmad’s early struggles as a comedian, the brutal nature of the comedy scene, and the importance of having a thick skin.
  • He discusses the challenges of being an opening act and the need to build confidence and connect with a cold audience.

• The Mothership Comedy Club in Austin:

  • The creation of the Mothership Comedy Club in Austin as a response to the pandemic and the shift in cultural landscape.
  • The club’s success with a focus on open mic nights and fostering a community of comedians.
  • The club’s unique energy, the camaraderie among the comedians, and the absence of competition.
  • The club’s impact on the comedy scene in Austin, attracting top comedians and creating a vibrant creative hub.

• The Impact of 9/11 and COVID:

  • The profound societal shifts caused by 9/11 and COVID, specifically the erosion of trust in mainstream media and government institutions.
  • The increased distrust in authority figures and the need to navigate a rapidly changing world.
  • The emergence of alternative media sources and the rise of independent creators.
  • The increased importance of critical thinking and questioning narratives presented by mainstream media.

• The Rise of AI and its Implications:

  • The rapid development of AI and its potential impact on various industries, including entertainment.
  • The ethical implications of AI, particularly the potential for misuse and control.
  • The blurring of lines between reality and artificiality, fueled by advancements in video game engines and other AI tools.
  • The potential for AI to create “crisis actors” and influence public perception, further eroding trust in information.

• The Role of Social Media and its Influence:

  • The power of social media to spread information quickly, both true and false, creating a complex information landscape.
  • The importance of critical thinking, fact-checking, and identifying sources on social media.
  • The impact of social media on political discourse, creating echo chambers and reinforcing biases.
  • The need for a balanced approach to consuming information on social media, engaging with diverse perspectives and challenging narratives.

• The COVID Vaccine and its Controversy:

  • The debate surrounding the COVID vaccine, highlighting the importance of individual autonomy and informed decision-making.
  • The role of social media in amplifying different viewpoints on the vaccine, creating both skepticism and fervent support.
  • The influence of government policy and the pharmaceutical industry on the vaccine rollout, raising concerns about profit motives and potentially misleading information.
  • The increasing distrust in authority figures and the need for transparency and accurate information in navigating health decisions.

• The Importance of Perspective and Open-Mindedness:

  • The value of engaging with diverse viewpoints, even those that challenge your own, to broaden your understanding.
  • The dangers of echo chambers and the importance of seeking out different perspectives to avoid becoming entrenched in biases.
  • The role of empathy and understanding in navigating complex societal issues, recognizing the nuances and complexities of different perspectives.
  • The power of open-minded dialogue and the importance of challenging assumptions to foster a more nuanced and informed understanding of the world.

• The Future of Comedy and the Entertainment Industry:

  • The shift in the entertainment industry, with the rise of podcasting and independent platforms challenging traditional power structures.
  • The potential for Austin to become a major hub for comedy and entertainment, attracting talent and resources.
  • The importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative environment in the comedy scene, encouraging growth and creativity.
  • The evolving nature of comedy and the constant need for adaptation and innovation to stay relevant and engaging.

• Ehsan Ahmad’s Personal Journey:

  • Ahmad’s experiences as a young, angry kid who found solace and confidence through martial arts.
  • His transition from martial arts to comedy, recognizing his talent for making people laugh and finding a new outlet for his energy.
  • His unique perspective as an immigrant who embraced American culture and found success in the comedy world.
  • His dedication to his craft and the constant drive to improve and evolve as a comedian.

5 Memorable Quotes

• “It made people completely distrust the government and their regulations and their wisdom behind closing this and closing that… And it made everybody just go, man, where the fuck am I going?” – Ahmad reflects on the public’s loss of trust in government during COVID-19.
• “It is the right place to be at the right time. I felt very lucky in my life. I feel like everywhere I’ve been, I’ve been at the right place in the right time.” – Ahmad expresses his gratitude for finding success in Austin and his belief in the power of luck.
• “It’s incredible. It is the right place to be at the right time. I felt very lucky in my life. I feel like everywhere I’ve been, I’ve been at the right place in the right time.” – Ahmad expresses his gratitude for finding success in Austin and his belief in the power of luck.
• “There’s nothing like it where all these world-class comedians had moved to a city.” – Ahmad highlights the unique community of comedians in Austin and the thriving scene they have created.
• “It’s almost like that building wanted us to be there. You know, like it’s weird energy, like the building was like, thank you.” – Ahmad describes the special feeling he has for the Mothership Comedy Club and the sense of belonging he finds there.