#1585 - Michael Kosta
NaN minutesEpisode #1585
Standup comedian Michael Kosta can be seen regularly on "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah", and is the host of the "Tennis Anyone?" podcast. His new Comedy Central special, "Michael Kosta: Detroit. NY. LA." is available now.
Episode Timestamps
Joe Rogan Podcast and Privacy Concerns
- Discussion about the Joe Rogan Podcast and its impact
- Reflection on privacy concerns related to technology and apps
- The experience of notifications on private messaging apps like Signal
Comedy, Podcasting, and Relationships
- Conversation about the evolution of the podcasting industry
- Insights into the dynamics of morning radio interviews as a stand-up comic
- Reflections on the balance between work on the road and personal time during the pandemic
Planning Residency Shows and Managing Fan Expectations
- Discussion about doing residency shows in LA similar to Las Vegas setup
- Overview of planning future shows including establishment of a workout club
- Reflection on the evolution of comedy material and managing audience expectations
Challenges in Show Business and Creative Freedom
- Exploration of pressures and challenges in the entertainment industry
- Anecdote about creative conflicts and censorship within a show production
- Highlight on the importance of maintaining creative control and artistic integrity
Trusting Your Instincts and Staying True to Yourself in Comedy
- Joe Rogan emphasizes the importance of trusting funny people's instincts and allowing them creative freedom.
- Discussion on the unproduced and unscripted nature of Joe Rogan's podcast and the shift towards long-form content.
- Encouragement to follow passion and enthusiasm in projects without solely focusing on profitability.
Navigating Industry Expectations and Maintaining Creative Control
- Insight into starting projects for passion and fun rather than solely aiming at profitability.
- Challenges faced when industry expectations clash with personal creative vision.
- Tale of industry interference and the importance of believing in oneself and maintaining integrity in creative pursuits.
The Long Path of Skill Development in Stand-Up Comedy
- Discussion on the challenging journey of developing new stand-up material and performing in front of live audiences
- Exploration of the learning curve in comedy where failures are plentiful and essential for growth
- Comparison to the process of learning a new skill like tennis, emphasizing repetition, concentration, and grit
Challenges and Adaptations in the Comedy Industry Amidst a Public Health Crisis
- Insight into the struggles faced by comedy clubs and performers during the pandemic, with financial difficulties and limited performance options
- Reflection on the creativity and resilience required to navigate the current situation, exemplified by Andrew Schultz's innovative approach to content creation
- Concerns about the impact of unemployment and limited job opportunities on the comedy community, highlighting the need for creative solutions to sustain careers
Challenges and Consequences of Pandemic Response
- Discussion on the various responses and consequences of handling the pandemic in different regions
- Observations on the unpredictability and different impacts of the virus on individuals
- Reflections on historical pandemics and the uncertainty surrounding the current situation
Economic Impact and Adaptation of Businesses
- Critique of government officials handling the crisis and their lack of consideration for economic consequences
- Concerns about businesses collapsing and the personal stories of friends and local businesses struggling
- Adaptation challenges faced by businesses and the need for support to ensure survival and recovery
Environmental Impact of Plastic Waste and Innovative Solutions
- Discussion on biodegradable plastic made from hemp and its potential environmental benefits
- Description of Boyan Slat's project to remove plastic from the ocean and his initiative to create products from recycled plastic
- Exploration of the challenges and scale of ocean plastic pollution, including insights into the sources of marine debris
Garbage Disposal Issues and Human Influence on Climate Change
- Critique of current garbage disposal practices and the impact of littering on the environment
- Debate on the inefficiency of waste management and the need for renewable solutions like biodegradable materials
- Reflections on human contribution to global warming and the unpredictability of Earth's climate changes over time
Environmental Impact on Lakes and Water Bodies
- Discussion about lawsuits concerning public access to beach areas
- Lake Erie declared a person legally to defend against pollution
- Concerns about waste disposal and consequences of pollution on water bodies like Lake Erie
Impacts of Glaciers and Potential Threats like Asteroids
- Exploration of glaciers and their impact on the landscape
- Discussion on asteroids, their potential threat, and the role of Jupiter in safeguarding Earth
- Reflections on historical impacts and the possibility of future catastrophic events
Connection to Nature and Ancient Civilizations
- Discussion on the awe-inspiring view from the peak of the big island and its impact on human perspective
- Reflection on historical civilizations like the Mayans and Egyptians and their relationship with nature and the cosmos
- Importance of being humbled by nature and its influence on human behavior
Comedy Career Evolution: Road Gigs and City Challenges
- Exploration of the challenges of being a stand-up comedian in New York City
- Comparison between the New York comedy scene and opportunities on the road
- Personal experiences of navigating the comedy scenes in New York and Los Angeles
Importance of Performing on the Road for Comedians
- Discussion on the value of performing on the road to improve comedy skills
- Reflection on the changing attitude towards comedians who tour
- Comparison of comedy scenes between New York City and other locations like Houston
Challenges and Dynamics of Club Comedy
- Anecdote about navigating the comedy scene in club settings and dealing with audience dynamics
- Exploration of the financial challenges faced by comedians when dealing with club owners
- Commentary on the behaviors and professionalism of comedians in club environments
The Evolution of Comedy Business and Personal Observations
- Discussion on how the comedy business has evolved with more comics becoming professional and focused
- Personal anecdotes about the transition from a carefree approach to a more structured and strategic mindset in comedy
- Insights on selling merchandise and the challenges faced by comedians in the industry
From Martial Arts to Comedy: Exploring Technical vs. Open-Ended Disciplines
- Comparison of the technical and structured nature of martial arts with the open-ended and diverse world of comedy
- Personal experiences and reflections on the differences in discipline and consequences between fighting and comedy
- Contemplation on the intricacies of Jiu Jitsu and its similarity to highly technical sports like tennis
Advancements in Joint Surgeries and Regenerative Medicine
- Discussion on knee replacement surgeries and advancements in medical technology
- Exploration of dense plastic surface for knee cartilage repair
- Anecdote about successful rotator cuff tear healing using stem cells
Vaccine Development and Capitalism
- Reflection on the rapid development of the mRNA vaccine for COVID-19
- Debate on the role of capitalism in vaccine development
- Discussion on Pfizer's history and financial interests in vaccine production
Perception of Vaccines and COVID
- Discussion on public perception of vaccines and the consequences for a small percentage of the population
- Comparing the small percentage of deaths from COVID to the overall number of cases
- Highlighting the concern over the impact of heart disease compared to COVID during the pandemic
Importance of Physical Exercise and Health
- Emphasis on the closure of gyms affecting mental health and the importance of exercise
- Exploration of various workout routines and their impact on mental well-being
- Discussion on the benefits of yoga, hot yoga, and sauna use on overall health and well-being
Maintaining Calmness in Stressful Situations
- Joe Rogan shares his experience of staying calm after a car accident, attributing it to his practice of yoga
- Discussion on the importance of maintaining composure in challenging situations
- Exploration of the impact of stress on reactions and the role of yoga in fostering a relaxed state
Performance, Nerves, and Fueling Strategies in Sports
- Insight into the role of nerves in performance in different sports like tennis and fighting
- Examination of the fueling strategies and pressure athletes face during competitions
- Funny anecdotes about athletes' unconventional methods of boosting energy during games
Eating Habits and Gluttony
- Joe Rogan reflects on his past eating habits when he exercised extensively, allowing him to eat whatever he wanted
- Discussion on overeating and feeling full vs. no longer being hungry
- Insight into American eating culture and the volume of food consumed
Sugar Industry, Corporate Growth, and Internet Mishaps
- Exploration of the environmental impact of the sugar industry and its practices
- Critique on uncontrolled corporate growth and the continuous pursuit of profit
- Anecdote about internet mishaps and behaviors on video conference calls like Zoom
Professional Consequences and Technological Misuse
- Discussion on the consequences of professional misconduct and potential repercussions
- Exploration of the misuse of technology in workplace environments
- Prediction of future technological advancements impacting human experiences
Psychological and Creative Influences of Substance Use
- Analysis of the possible influence of substance use on artistic creativity
- Debate on the interconnectedness between substance use and creative output
- Reference to a popular television show and appreciation for flawed character portrayal
The Rise and Fall of a Dark Commune Cult
- Introduction to a documentary or series detailing a cult's rise and decline
- Discussion on the cult's lavish lifestyle fueled by donations and illegal activities
- Examination of the exploitation of homeless individuals for voting purposes and eventual abandonment
Exploring Female Characters in Media
- Appreciation for the portrayal of flawed female characters in entertainment
- Comparison of strong female characters in various movies and the importance of believable character development
- Reflection on the evolution of female characters in the media industry
The Impact of Color of Money and Pool Hall Dynamics
- Discussion on the movie 'Color of Money' and its influence on increasing interest in pool
- Anecdotes about the portrayal of pool in movies versus the real skills of players like Jackie Gleason
- Introduction to pool playing due to ACL injury and addiction to the game
Pool Playing, Hustling, and Gender Dynamics
- Insights into the skills and nuances of playing pool under pressure with control and touch
- Observations on hustling in pool and people's tendency to exaggerate their skills
- Exploration of gender dynamics in professional pool playing and the dominance of men in the sport
The Origins and Evolution of Sports like Snooker and Tennis
- Discussion on the history and popularity of sports like snooker and tennis
- Exploration of the elitism and complex scoring systems in tennis
- Anecdotes about old English games like Highlight and three cushion billiards
Fitness, Body Types and Sports Performance
- Observations on the correlation between fitness, body type, and success in sports
- Mentions of pool players maintaining vitality through fitness
- Humorous anecdotes about golf, tennis, and Bert Kreischer's tennis interest
Joe Rogan's Friend's Unique Stage Behavior and Party Lifestyle
- Discussion about a fellow comedian who has a unique habit of taking his shirt off before going on stage
- Description of the comedian's party lifestyle, including a wild incident on a tour bus with fast food
- Conversation about the risks of excessive drinking and the potential consequences as one ages
Reflections on Physical Activities and Injuries with Friends
- Anecdote about a friend's severe basketball injury and the realization of physical vulnerability with age
- Comparison of personal experiences with injuries and the impact on physical activities
- Discussion about the risks associated with physical activities like basketball at older ages
Exploring the Pool Hall Culture and Outliers of Society
- Introduction to the pool hall environment filled with hustlers and gamblers
- Discussion on the unique societal group found in pool halls
- Anecdote about International Sal, a figure in the pool hall community known for running scams
Psychology and Pressure in Pool Playing
- Comparison of the pressure in pool playing to other high-pressure situations
- Insight into the psychological aspects of playing pool and engaging in gambling
- Story about Water Dog, a heroin user with exceptional pool playing skills
The Culture of Pool Halls and Gambling
- Discussion about the history and culture of pool halls in the early 1900s in New York City
- Exploration of how pool halls were popular venues for gambling and hustling
- Comparison of pool as a game of gambling and its decline in popularity over the years
Transitioning from Taekwondo to Comedy and Financial Realizations
- Joe Rogan's personal reflection on his transition from Taekwondo to comedy during a financially challenging period
- Discussion on the financial struggles and aspirations during his early career
- Comparison between different career paths in sports like racquetball and stand-up comedy
Early Life Decisions and Observations
- Discussion about taking risks and making life choices when young and poor
- Observations on winners and the impact of seeing a racquetball player
- Meeting Bobby Orr and insights gained from his physical struggles
Discovering Stand-Up Comedy and Influence
- Introduction to Sam Kinnison through a colleague and the impact of his comedy
- Personal reflections on prior exposure to comedy and discovering a different style
- Discussion on family influence and early exposure to stand-up comedy
Journey from Tennis to Comedy
- Transition from a tennis-focused life to pursuing joke writing and comedy as a reprieve from competition
- Realization that comedy was a means to better understand oneself and provide a sense of fulfillment
- Shift in mindset from competitiveness to camaraderie and learning from others in the comedy world
The Evolution of Comedy and Audience Interaction
- Exploration of personal growth through comedy and becoming a fan of the art
- Insights on overcoming jealousy and embracing inspiration from fellow comedians
- Sharing of experiences in the comedy industry and the importance of supportive networks for growth and success
Mental Health Implications of the Pandemic
- Discussion on the long-lasting impact of the pandemic on mental health
- Acknowledgment of increased feelings of depression and anxiety during the pandemic
- Hope for recovery likened to the 'roaring 20s' post the Spanish flu pandemic
Filming Stand-Up Specials and Response to Socially Distanced Shows
- Anecdote about filming a stand-up special in different venues across the country
- Positive response from audiences to the special, providing a sense of normalcy
- Details on the filming locations and the comedic approach tailored to each city