JD & John Witherspoon

Guest: JD

Date: 2019-05-29 | Duration: 1h 48m

Category: Comedy

Episode Overview

JD and John Witherspoon dive into the realities of life on the road as touring comedians, sharing vivid stories about the grind of performing in dozens of clubs annually. They reflect on the challenges of constant travel, from navigating airport security to handling unruly passengers, highlighting the unpredictable nature of their profession. John recounts his early days in Detroit and Los Angeles, describing the hustle of breaking into comedy and the camaraderie found in legendary clubs like Mitzi’s, where many iconic comedians got their start. The conversation also touches on the evolution of comedy and the impact of social media, with JD explaining how a mistaken death rumor led to John’s unexpected online presence. They discuss the pressures and rewards of stand-up, including the struggle to maintain authenticity while dealing with the business side of comedy. John shares personal anecdotes about his family, his approach to drinking and health, and his experiences working alongside legends like Richard Pryor. Throughout, their easy rapport and candid reflections offer a heartfelt look at the life of comedians balancing legacy, craft, and the relentless pace of show business.

About JD

JD Witherspoon is a talented comedian and actor, known for his infectious humor and engaging online presence. As the son of legendary comedian John Witherspoon, JD has carved out his own niche in the entertainment industry, showcasing his comedic skills on his popular YouTube channel, "runJDrun," where he shares sketches, parodies, and personal stories that resonate with a diverse audience. His appearance on episode #1305 of the Joe Rogan Experience highlights his unique perspective on comedy and creativity, making him a captivating figure in the world of digital entertainment. Whether through his stand-up performances or his viral content, JD continues to entertain and inspire fans while honoring his father's legacy.

About John Witherspoon

John Witherspoon is a celebrated comedian and actor, best known for his iconic roles in films like "Friday" and the hit series "The Wayans Bros." With a career spanning over three decades, he has become a staple in the world of comedy, renowned for his sharp wit and unique storytelling style. Beyond his impressive acting credentials, Witherspoon has embraced the digital age with his entertaining YouTube cooking show, "Cookin' For Poor People," where he shares both culinary tips and humorous anecdotes. As the father of fellow comedian JD Witherspoon, John continues to inspire the next generation of comedians while captivating audiences with his enduring charm and comedic genius.

Key Moments

– Stand-up Comedy
– Comedy Clubs
– Comedy Specials
– Social Media
– Comedy Career
– Comedy Impressions
– Comedy History
– Comedy Venues
– Comedy Industry Challenges
– Comedy Influences
– Comedy Touring
– Comedy Writing
– Comedy Podcasts
– Comedy Family Legacy
– Comedy Performance
– Comedy Networking
– Comedy and Alcohol
– Comedy and Technology
– Comedy and Social Media Management
0:00:00 – Introduction and early career reflections
0:02:18 – Discussing extensive comedy club tours
0:04:04 – Story about cockpit door security
0:10:43 – Alcohol's impact on flying and comedy
0:13:56 – Mention of Black Bottom comedy venue
0:15:59 – Reflecting on Detroit's changing comedy scene
0:18:04 – Memories of beautiful theaters and singing shows
0:19:31 – Boxing rings and Wild Card Boxing Club
0:21:01 – Talking about family and home life
0:22:15 – Legendary kick story in comedy context
0:24:20 – Voiceover experiences and comedy beginnings
0:27:22 – Social media creation and managing online presence
0:30:42 – Starting stand-up in California and early struggles
0:33:24 – Doing impressions and receiving standing ovations
0:35:35 – Road trip from Detroit to L.A. for comedy
0:38:43 – Financial struggles and perseverance in comedy
0:41:11 – Friendships and comedy community stories
0:45:20 – Mitzi Hammond's influence in comedy
0:51:55 – Legacy of Andy Kaufman and East Coast legends
0:54:43 – Favorite comedy clubs in Massachusetts
0:57:14 – Booking comedy shows well in advance
1:02:19 – Discussing past comedy specials and releases
1:04:28 – Balancing alcohol consumption and performance
1:07:45 – Acting roles and collaborations in comedy
1:11:19 – Pressure and expectations in family comedy legacy
1:14:34 – Experiences with bombing on stage
1:17:50 – Years of experience and consistency in comedy
1:19:03 – Memories of Richard Pryor's heyday
1:21:54 – Stories about Robert Williams and comedy nights
1:23:36 – Theater experiences and audience interactions
1:25:16 – NBC appearances and television work
1:27:30 – Family stories and survival in comedy
1:30:02 – Humorous anecdotes about daily life
1:33:23 – Audience reactions and memorable performances
1:36:46 – Comedy venues and show setups
1:38:08 – Podcasting and modern comedy formats
1:42:04 – Proposals for new comedy shows and collaborations
1:44:27 – Promoting comedy content on YouTube

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 One third. Starting point is 00:00:16 That's gotta be crazy. Starting point is 00:00:35 There's like, you know, Brennan, this, that. Starting point is 00:00:44 Yeah. Starting point is 00:00:51 I was doing like the 8 Starting point is 00:01:00 We were doing it Starting point is 00:01:23 it feels weird Oh yeah Starting point is 00:01:29 Guatemala Starting point is 00:01:36 Or you know Starting point is 00:01:45 No. Starting point is 00:01:54 Just kidding. Starting point is 00:02:05 I haven't been back since Letterman gone. Starting point is 00:02:18 You know, my agents come to my house in January, and they tell me all the clubs I got that year. Starting point is 00:02:37 So we do 40-something clubs. Starting point is 00:02:49 all you do is complain Starting point is 00:02:58 a little taste Starting point is 00:03:08 I give me a little taste Starting point is 00:03:18 And you were explaining to us Starting point is 00:03:34 One from Malaysia and all the other ones. Starting point is 00:04:04 going down like that's a really good question you know do they're doing in the cockpit, but does someone know what to do if the computer's going down? Starting point is 00:04:26 You get a new bug and Twitter just crash on you all the time and they release an update. Starting point is 00:04:42 Here we go. Starting point is 00:04:56 Was one Russia? Starting point is 00:05:21 They had trouble before, and he came out of his seat Starting point is 00:05:41 You don't see no one. Starting point is 00:05:51 All those doors in the cockpit. Starting point is 00:06:01 They block the area. Starting point is 00:06:11 Someone will leap that. Starting point is 00:06:21 Click, clamp it down. Starting point is 00:06:32 That fucking flew open. Starting point is 00:06:47 No, that's too much trouble. Starting point is 00:06:57 and the stewardess Starting point is 00:07:14 the steward has got to come out. Starting point is 00:07:34 The lady stopped serving them. Starting poin...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1305?

JD & John Witherspoon was the guest on JRE #1305. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1305?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1305 with JD & John Witherspoon, topics include Stand-up Comedy, Comedy Clubs, Comedy Specials, and Social Media.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1305?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1305 with JD & John Witherspoon is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.