Owen Smith

Date: 2020-02-25 | Duration: 2h 37m

Category: Comedy

Episode Overview

Owen Smith dives deep into the realities of stand-up comedy, sharing candid reflections on his journey from New York’s raw comedy scene to the challenges of breaking into Los Angeles. He discusses the importance of timing, authenticity, and resilience, recalling moments when his material didn’t land and how he navigated the pressures of fitting into certain comedy molds, like the Def Jam style. Owen also touches on the evolving landscape of comedy, emphasizing the struggle to maintain creative control amid industry demands and the rise of social media platforms like TikTok. Beyond comedy, Owen opens up about his personal experiences with fitness and mental health, describing how practices like yoga and intense workouts helped him manage stress and stay grounded. He shares memorable stories about encounters with notable figures, including athletes and fellow comedians, highlighting the intersections between discipline, performance, and personal growth. Throughout the conversation, Owen offers insights into the business side of entertainment, from navigating contracts and auditions to the complexities of television development, all while maintaining a commitment to his craft and creative vision.

About Owen Smith

Owen Smith is a multifaceted comedian, writer, actor, and television producer known for his sharp wit and engaging storytelling. With a career spanning over two decades, he has made notable appearances on popular shows like "The Tonight Show" and "Comedy Central," and has contributed to acclaimed series such as "The Boondocks." Owen's unique perspective on culture and society often captivates audiences, making him a sought-after voice in the comedy scene. Beyond his stand-up, he blends humor with social commentary, reflecting on the complexities of modern life. His recent appearance on Joe Rogan Experience episode #1046 showcased his insightful and entertaining approach to comedy, further solidifying his reputation as a compelling figure in the entertainment industry.

Key Moments

– Stand-up Comedy
– Comedy Specials
– Comedy Writing
– Comedy Industry
– Television Development
– Mixed Martial Arts
– Boxing
– Yoga
– Mental Health
– Career Challenges
– Social Media
– Comedy History
– Comedy Performance
– Comedy Audience Interaction
– Comedy Business
– Addiction
– Personal Growth
– Comedy Influences
– Comedy Culture
0:00:00 – Introduction and early comedy experiences
0:02:37 – Challenges with Def Jam jokes in Los Angeles
0:04:41 – Reflections on pain and resilience in comedy
0:07:01 – Discussion about yoga and physical fitness
0:10:37 – Experiences with judgment in yoga practice
0:14:08 – Basketball anecdotes and Magic Johnson story
0:19:20 – Michael Jordan's upbringing and greatness
0:23:48 – Boxing styles and fighters like Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury
0:27:34 – Transition to discussing comedy career
0:30:51 – Releasing comedy specials in 2009 and 2014
0:36:05 – Thoughts on TikTok and comedy content
0:39:22 – Writing jokes and the importance of playfulness
0:42:03 – George Carlin's influence and performing at Comedy Magic Club
0:44:09 – Challenges in comedy management and industry rejection
0:46:05 – Respect for fellow comedians and personal kindness
0:50:37 – Comedy material and audience recognition
0:55:20 – Personalizing comedy acts and creative differences
1:00:11 – Black History Month and comedy's cultural role
1:02:00 – Dick Gregory's impact on comedy and social commentary
1:06:07 – Barriers and expectations in the comedy industry
1:10:29 – Selling television shows and contract negotiations
1:15:16 – Audition experiences and network television challenges
1:19:07 – Balancing humor and appearance in comedy
1:27:24 – Business pressures pulling comedians away from stand-up
1:32:46 – MMA fights and commentary on fighter safety
1:36:32 – Decline of traditional talk shows
1:38:10 – Malcolm X clip and social commentary
1:42:31 – Collaborations with Eddie and comedy creativity
1:46:33 – Handling career breaks and industry weight
1:48:34 – Humility and kindness in the comedy world
1:50:49 – Challenges of internet and social media for comedians
1:53:01 – Casting choices and respect in comedy production
1:57:52 – Sound and atmosphere in New Jersey comedy clubs
2:00:33 – Performing in top comedy clubs and audience connection
2:05:12 – Mental focus and passion in comedy performance
2:07:14 – Performing in unconventional venues like strip clubs
2:10:59 – Tribute to Damon Wayans and comedy legends
2:24:32 – Mitch Hedberg friendship and personal stories

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 It is? Starting point is 00:00:14 This is what I've heard. Starting point is 00:00:45 I felt great. Starting point is 00:00:58 What do you think is more important in stand-up? Starting point is 00:01:28 There's no one thing. Starting point is 00:01:48 It just moved from New York to L.A. Starting point is 00:02:19 First time I ever came to – was flown to Los Angeles. Starting point is 00:02:37 where none of those Def Jam jokes worked. Starting point is 00:02:59 one comedian said, Starting point is 00:03:27 black enough like the whole black thing like damn i'm not a part of def jam i want to be touring i Starting point is 00:03:53 but I, Starting point is 00:04:06 your feature act I I knew I always kept a time clock sometimes I would go long but I would Starting point is 00:04:41 And the pain of it, like, diminishes, but it's still kind of in there. Starting point is 00:05:01 It was in New York. Starting point is 00:05:14 And what I'm saying is, like, Def Jam prided itself on raw, like being raw. Starting point is 00:05:38 If I get the show, I get it. Starting point is 00:05:51 I left. Starting point is 00:06:10 And I did one joke. Starting point is 00:06:45 It was just like a full circle moment. Starting point is 00:07:01 He was like, yo, nigga, you do yoga? Starting point is 00:07:14 He was flexible as hell. Starting point is 00:07:23 Usher has videos online of him training at black house and Starting point is 00:07:53 It's fucking hard as shit, but it seems like no big deal. Starting point is 00:08:08 I felt so good when I was doing it. Starting point is 00:08:23 It's just you against your body and russ you give me Starting point is 00:09:00 So I volunteer to work out hard. Starting point is 00:09:29 You know it's going to end in 40-50 seconds Starting point is 00:09:47 Just regular life bullshit stress. Starting point is 00:10:04 Yeah, that's what I do. So I went to a hot bickroom yeah that's what i do so i went to Starting point is 00:1...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1431?

Owen Smith was the guest on JRE #1431. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1431?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1431 with Owen Smith, topics include Stand-up Comedy, Comedy Specials, Comedy Writing, and Comedy Industry.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1431?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1431 with Owen Smith is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.