Joe List Gets Real on the Joe Rogan Experience #2042: Comedy, Anxiety, and Life on the Road

Comedian Joe List, known for his dry wit and relatable observational humor, recently sat down with Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation on the JRE. This episode dives deep into the life of a working comedian, exploring the highs and lows of touring, dealing with anxiety, and finding humor in the everyday absurdity of life. From bombing on stage to opening for Louis C.K., List holds nothing back, making for a candid and surprisingly insightful conversation.

TL;DR

Joe List discusses the brutal realities of stand-up comedy, including the constant fear of bombing and the grueling travel schedule.
He opens up about his struggles with anxiety and how he manages it on the road.
The conversation touches on the impact of cancel culture on comedy and the importance of pushing boundaries.
List shares hilarious and often self-deprecating stories from his career, offering a glimpse into the life of a working comedian.
The pair talks about the changing landscape of comedy and the challenges facing aspiring stand-ups today.

Key Topics Covered

The Comedian’s Grind: Life on the Road

Joe List paints a vivid picture of the relentless nature of touring. He talks about the constant travel, the late nights, and the pressure to deliver a great show every single night. The life sounds glamorous to some, but the reality can be quite different, especially when you’re just starting out. What I found particularly interesting was the honesty with which List describes the loneliness and isolation that can come with being on the road for extended periods.

He also details the financial realities of being a mid-level comedian, highlighting the challenges of making a living while constantly investing in travel and accommodation. List emphasizes the importance of perseverance and a genuine love for stand-up in order to survive in the long term.

“Comedy is the only job where you want people to boo you.” – Joe List

Anxiety, Mental Health, and Comedy

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Joe List’s personal struggles with anxiety. He describes how his anxiety manifests itself, particularly when he’s on stage or traveling. He explains the techniques he uses to manage his anxiety, including medication, therapy, and mindfulness practices. This honesty makes him very relatable.

List also discusses the unique pressures that comedians face, often feeling the need to be “on” all the time and constantly battling self-doubt. The fact that he is candid about how anxiety affects his work makes the episode even more compelling.

“It’s like, you’re up there alone. There’s nowhere to hide.” – Joe List

Navigating the Changing Landscape of Comedy

Joe Rogan and Joe List delve into the current state of comedy, acknowledging the increasing scrutiny and sensitivity surrounding jokes. They discuss the challenges of pushing boundaries and exploring controversial topics in an environment where comedians are constantly at risk of being “canceled.”

While neither explicitly endorse offensive humor, they both agree that comedy should be allowed to challenge perspectives and make people uncomfortable. They recognize the importance of intent and context in comedy, acknowledging that some jokes can be genuinely harmful, while others are simply misunderstood.

Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories

One of the funniest stories List shares is about bombing spectacularly at a corporate gig. He describes how the audience, consisting mostly of accountants, remained completely silent throughout his entire set. The awkwardness and desperation he felt in that moment are palpable, and the story serves as a humorous reminder of the unpredictable nature of stand-up. These things happen, he shrugs.

Another memorable anecdote involves List opening for Louis C.K. He recounts the pressure he felt to deliver a strong performance in front of such a legendary comedian and a massive audience. The experience, both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, is a testament to the high stakes and unique opportunities that come with being a professional comedian.

Conclusion

Overall, this episode of the Joe Rogan Experience offers a fascinating and insightful glimpse into the world of stand-up comedy through the lens of Joe List’s experiences. His openness about his anxiety, coupled with his hilarious stories and astute observations, makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in comedy, mental health, or the challenges of pursuing a career in the arts. Fans of stand-up and those who appreciate honest conversations about mental health will find this episode particularly engaging.