#1785 - Earthquake

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Joe Rogan's Stand-up Special and Recognition

  • Recognition and praise for Joe Rogan's outstanding stand-up special
  • Discussion about the significance of the special in elevating Joe Rogan's career
  • Joe Rogan's views on success, quantity vs. quality, and achieving the goal of making people laugh
• 00:02:53

  Polishing Comedy Craft and Balancing Work

  • Importance of constantly working on stand-up comedy for polishing skills
  • Maintaining a connection with the audience and staying true to the craft
  • Challenges of balancing TV shows and movies with stand-up comedy
• 00:10:34

  Crafting Comedy on the Fly and the Art of Improvisation

  • Joe Rogan and guest discuss the process of riffing off ideas to enhance comedy acts
  • Exploration of the unconventional method of not prepping jokes in advance and relying on spontaneity
  • Anecdote about the advice received from Steve to avoid writing down material and instead letting it naturally flow on stage
• 00:11:46

  Creating and Refining Comedy Specials for Mainstream Appeal

  • Insight into the importance of capturing spontaneity and naturalness in comedy specials
  • Discussion on the impact of having multiple show recordings on the overall performance quality
  • Importance of mainstream exposure and word-of-mouth recommendations in reaching a broader audience
• 00:20:33

  Dave Chappelle, Military Experience, and Comedy Beginnings

  • Discussion about Dave Chappelle's confidence and connection with his audience
  • Dave Chappelle's military background and how it influenced his comedy career
  • The story of how Dave Chappelle ventured into stand-up comedy and his early experiences at Coconuts club
• 00:23:22

  Starting Own Comedy Club in Atlanta

  • Earthquake's transition to Atlanta and involvement in the comedy club scene
  • Operating his own club 'Uptown' in Buckhead and the strategic choices made to attract audience
  • Insight into Earthquake's routine of performing nightly shows for four straight years and the importance of practice in achieving excellence
• 00:31:31

  Creating Uptown Comedy Corner

  • Origin story of Uptown Comedy Corner driven by the need for a better venue closer to home
  • Collaboration with Gary Abdu to establish the club and secure investments
  • Dr. Tom, a key investor, contributed significantly to the club's success and growth
• 00:36:08

  Steve Harvey's Influence and Comedy Club Success

  • Impact of Steve Harvey's performance on the club's early success
  • Importance of media exposure and marketing in scaling the club's popularity
  • Transition from struggling beginnings to becoming the premier comedy destination
• 00:42:14

  Maintaining Pure Thought Patterns and Striving for Perfection in Stand-Up Comedy

  • Joe Rogan shares his approach of avoiding watching other comedians to keep his thought patterns pure
  • Discussion on the challenge of striving for perfection in stand-up comedy and the organic nature of performances
  • Reflection on the constant dedication and attention required to maintain a tight and successful show
• 00:48:38

  Comedy as a Test of Dedication and Skill Beyond Accolades

  • Insight into the importance of being fully dedicated to stand-up comedy and the focus it demands
  • Observations on audience reactions and the impact of fame on comedic performances
  • Exploration of the necessity for comedians to be prepared to follow other skilled comedians, showcasing true talent beyond accolades
• 00:53:19

  Challenges of Performing After High-Profile Acts

  • Joe Rogan shares experiences of following top comedians like Martin Lawrence on stage
  • Discuss the pressure and audience dynamics when performing after a successful comedian like Martin Lawrence
  • Importance of learning to rise up and engage the audience even when faced with tough crowds
• 00:57:16

  Maintaining Sharpness and Discipline in Comedy

  • Discussion on staying sharp by continuously challenging oneself with strong lineups
  • Importance of discipline, workout routines, and mental focus in comedic performances
  • Joe Rogan's personal strategies for staying disciplined with diet, exercise, and mindset
• 01:03:54

  Dave's Comedy Club Opening and Building Plans

  • Dave is opening a comedy club called the firehouse in a small town, converting a firehouse into a 120-seater club
  • Discussions around the design and costs involved in developing the club
  • Exploration of the anticipation and excitement around the club opening and its potential impact on the local comedy scene
• 01:06:07

  Camaraderie in Comedy Clubs and Individual vs. Collaborative Performances

  • Comparison between performing solo on the road and the camaraderie experienced in comedy clubs with multiple performers
  • Appreciation for the rotational style of comedy shows at clubs and the support among comedians
  • Reflections on Mitzi Shore's impact and support for upcoming comedians at established clubs like the Comedy Store
• 01:14:14

  Challenges in the Acting Industry and Joe Rogan's Approach

  • Discussion on the pressure to conform in the acting industry and the importance of staying true to oneself
  • Joe Rogan's experience with acting and his preference for comedy over traditional acting roles
  • Insights on the negative impacts of method acting and the demand for intense emotional connection in character portrayal
• 01:15:13

  Contrast Between Comedy and Sitcom Acting

  • Comparison of the creative freedom in comedy versus the restrictions faced in sitcom acting
  • Anecdote about a disappointing experience in a sitcom venture contrasted with a successful run on a comedy show
  • Highlighting the importance of collaboration and creative expression for actors
• 01:24:41

  Commitment to Projects and Importance of Joy in Work

  • Emphasizes the need to commit to projects that bring joy and satisfaction for a span of five years
  • Highlights the detrimental effects of focusing solely on monetary rewards rather than the intrinsic joy of the work
  • Discusses the challenge faced by comedians who transition to sitcom roles and lose touch with their stand-up comedy roots
• 01:30:46

  The Pursuit of Creative Ventures and Challenges in Writing a Book

  • Expresses aspirations for future creative endeavors such as more movies, another special, and a book
  • Shares experiences with a book deal and the challenges faced due to editorial control and mismatched expectations
  • Discusses the process of writing a book, the involvement of a ghostwriter, and the importance of reflecting on personal stories for publication
• 01:35:00

  Struggle with Network Television Development

  • Desire for a network television show and a lead role in a movie called Bedridden
  • Challenges faced in the developmental process with CBS, including the struggle to shoot a pilot
  • Frustration with network dynamics, lack of diversity opportunities, and the possibility of moving the project to Netflix
• 01:41:36

  Advantages of Netflix Over Network Television

  • Discussion on the limitations of network television with commercial breaks and censorship
  • Benefits of Netflix's uncensored format, ability to binge-watch, and better programming quality
  • Exploration of potential collaboration with Netflix and the freedom to be authentic in content creation
• 01:46:00

  Struggles in the Entertainment Industry

  • Quake reflects on the challenges in his career, including turning down TV shows and movies to stay true to his comedy style.
  • Discusses the subjective nature of comedy and the need to find the right opportunity to showcase his talent.
  • Reflects on the disappointment and ego in the industry, emphasizing the importance of artistic integrity.
• 01:47:17

  Transition to Netflix and Creative Freedom

  • Exploration of the advantages of working with Netflix and the creative freedom it offers comedians.
  • Comparison between traditional networks like HBO and the global reach and flexibility of Netflix.
  • Discussion on future plans, including the release of a Netflix special and the possibility of continuing to produce more content.
• 01:57:12

  Appreciation for Stand-up Comedy Excellence

  • Recognition of exceptional stand-up comedy skills and connection with the audience
  • Discussion on the limitations of traditional sitcoms compared to the freedom of platforms like Netflix and HBO
  • Exploration of the scarcity and value of top-tier stand-up comedians in the industry
• 01:58:48

  Transition to New Mediums and Podcasting

  • Acknowledgment of the transition from traditional broadcasting to podcasting as a more flexible and uncensored medium
  • Reflection on the impact of pioneers like Howard Stern on breaking barriers in broadcasting
  • Encouragement and support for the guest to venture into podcasting and explore new opportunities