Joe Rogan & Monty Franklin Get Real About Stand-Up, Hecklers, and Life on the Road

Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a stand-up comedian, grinding it out night after night? In this episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Joe sits down with Monty Franklin, a hilarious Aussie comedian making waves in the US comedy scene. They dive deep into the highs and lows of performing, dealing with unruly crowds, and the sacrifices it takes to pursue a career in comedy. Get ready for some laughs and a peek behind the curtain of the stand-up world!

TL;DR

Monty Franklin talks about his early days in comedy, moving from Australia to LA, and the challenges of building a career from scratch.
Joe and Monty discuss the art of dealing with hecklers and the importance of having quick comebacks.
They explore the unique energy and pressures of performing live versus other forms of entertainment.
Monty shares stories about bombing on stage and the importance of learning from those experiences.
The conversation touches on the broader comedy scene, including the impact of social media and cancel culture.

Key Topics Covered

The Grind of Stand-Up Comedy

Monty explains the sheer amount of work involved in becoming a successful comedian. He talks about moving to Los Angeles with very little and having to build his career from the ground up. This involved constant writing, performing at open mics, and networking. He also explains the difference between the comedy scenes in Australia versus the US, and the opportunities that exist in the US that helped in his career.

Joe and Monty emphasize the importance of constantly refining your material and the dedication it takes to succeed. The long hours, constant travel, and the pressure to be funny every night are all part of the package. It’s a tough life, but for those who love it, it’s worth it.

“You gotta love it. If you don’t love it, you’re not gonna survive.” – Monty Franklin

Dealing with Hecklers and Tough Crowds

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the art of handling hecklers. Both Joe and Monty share their experiences and strategies for dealing with disruptive audience members. Monty highlights the importance of being quick-witted and having a repertoire of go-to comebacks. He also emphasizes the importance of reading the room and knowing when to engage with a heckler and when to shut them down.

The discussion delves into the psychology of heckling, exploring why people feel the need to interrupt a performance. Joe and Monty agree that sometimes hecklers are just looking for attention, while other times they may be genuinely drunk or malicious. It’s up to the comedian to assess the situation and respond accordingly. Joe also points out the importance of the crowd being on the side of the comedian, since that can help defuse many difficult scenarios. The goal is to shut down the heckler without losing the rest of the audience.

“The crowd dictates everything.” – Joe Rogan

The Evolution of Comedy and Cancel Culture

Joe and Monty touch on the current state of comedy, discussing how social media and cancel culture have impacted the industry. They agree that comedians now have to be more careful about what they say, as jokes can easily be taken out of context and spread online. They also acknowledge that comedy is constantly evolving and that what was considered acceptable in the past may not be today.

Monty talks about how this has impacted his decision making when he develops his sets. Joe and Monty also talk about whether or not comedy is “needed” today. Is it a frivolous thing or something that society benefits from? The consensus is that it is important for society. Monty also believes that it is important for a comedian to “be themselves” up on stage.

Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories

Monty shares a hilarious story about a time he bombed so badly on stage that he considered quitting comedy altogether. He describes how he completely lost the crowd and felt like he was dying a slow and painful death. However, he also explains how that experience ultimately made him a stronger comedian. He learned from his mistakes and realized that bombing is just a part of the process.

There is another discussion about how Monty got his start in comedy in Australia and how he was discovered and encouraged to move to the United States to try and make it big. He talks about the struggles of trying to get a work visa. He also discusses how he was influenced by a few key people. He met a few who were brutally honest and encouraged him to get better. He took those lessons to heart and became the comedian he is today.

Conclusion

Overall, this is an engaging and insightful conversation between Joe Rogan and Monty Franklin. They offer a candid look into the world of stand-up comedy, discussing the challenges, the rewards, and the evolution of the industry. This episode would be particularly interesting for aspiring comedians, comedy fans, or anyone who wants to learn more about the behind-the-scenes of the entertainment world. Definitely worth a listen!