Colin Quinn

Date: 2020-10-08 | Duration: 2h 35m

Category: Comedy

Episode Overview

Colin Quinn dives into a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of New York City, comedy, and cultural shifts. He reflects on the gritty, chaotic atmosphere of 1970s and ’80s New York, contrasting it with the city’s current sanitized state. Quinn shares vivid stories from his early comedy days, including the challenges of performing in tough clubs and the importance of honing material through relentless live shows. He discusses iconic venues like Caroline’s and the tough crowds that shaped many comedians’ careers, emphasizing how the comedy scene has changed with the rise of digital platforms and shifting audience expectations. The episode also explores the impact of political figures and events on the city’s culture, with Quinn offering sharp observations on mayors and the mafia’s influence on New York’s past. He touches on the role of psychedelics in history, recounting tales of Viking berserkers and famous acid trips, blending humor with historical curiosity. Additionally, Quinn reflects on the craft of stand-up comedy, the mental toughness required, and the evolving dynamics between comedians and their audiences, highlighting the balance between crowd work and crafted material. Throughout, his storytelling is laced with personal anecdotes and insights into the comedy world’s past and present.

About Colin Quinn

Colin Quinn is a multifaceted stand-up comic, actor, and author known for his sharp wit and keen observational humor. With a career spanning decades, he has made notable contributions to television and film, including his roles on “Saturday Night Live” and “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn.” His literary work, particularly the acclaimed book "Overstated: A Coast to Coast Roast of the 50 States," showcases his unique ability to blend humor with cultural commentary, making him a distinctive voice in comedy. Colin's engaging storytelling and unapologetic humor resonate with audiences, offering a humorous lens through which to view the quirks of American life. Listen to his captivating insights and stories on episode #2145 of the Joe Rogan Experience.

Key Moments

– New York City History
– Stand-up Comedy
– Comedy Clubs
– Hecklers
– Mafia and Organized Crime
– Psychedelic Drugs
– Comedy Specials
– Comedy Scene Evolution
– Comedy Writing
– Comedy Crowd Work
– Comedy Politics
– Comedy Legends
– Comedy Podcasts
– Comedy Venues
– Comedy Industry Challenges
– Comedy History
– Comedy and Censorship
– Comedy and Social Issues
0:00:37 – Discussion on New York City's changing reputation
0:03:32 – Reflecting on the edginess of past NYC
0:04:06 – Impact of lockdown on public perception
0:05:07 – Mention of Darryl Hammond's performances
0:16:34 – Origins and effects of Viking berserkers and mushrooms
0:20:00 – Doc Ellis and psychedelic experiences in sports
0:23:36 – Story about a mafia-influenced venue
0:25:09 – Bachelor parties and comedy flaws
0:27:14 – Developing a comedy set and audience resonance
0:30:50 – Comedian touring across the country
0:32:25 – Challenges of bombing on Zoom comedy shows
0:37:01 – Legendary comedians frequenting clubs in the 90s
0:40:01 – Remembering Sam Kinison's iconic bits
0:43:07 – Houston comedy scene and notable comedians
0:46:13 – Importance of working on comedy craft
0:48:33 – Wild atmosphere in Boston comedy clubs
0:50:35 – Joe Yannetti's East Boston comedy story
0:53:00 – Tough crowd experiences in Houston clubs
0:58:34 – Norm Macdonald's unique interview style
1:04:17 – Returning to stand-up after other pursuits
1:06:18 – Uniqueness of stand-up comedy as an art form
1:08:38 – Meeting influential figures backstage
1:10:16 – Critique of media personalities and respect
1:12:30 – Memories of Geraldo and Denis Leary confrontation
1:15:33 – Stand-up as a means to an end in the 90s
1:18:17 – Earning respect in comedy clubs
1:20:42 – Controversy around 'Women Aren't Funny'
1:24:21 – Dealing with hecklers and audience feedback
1:27:59 – Lenny Bruce style heckler interactions
1:31:21 – COVID-19 impact on live performances
1:34:26 – Respecting the craft of comedy
1:36:13 – Controversial jokes about Joe DiMaggio
1:39:03 – Discussion of Jack Ruby's jail cell
1:44:19 – CIA's role in discrediting anti-war movements
1:46:29 – Kennedy assassination conspiracy theories
1:54:44 – Norm Macdonald's comedic depth and trolling
2:00:01 – Cleaning up NYC in the 80s and 90s
2:11:43 – Caroline's comedy club as a national test venue
2:12:44 – Bobby's physical handling of hecklers
2:18:01 – Anton LaVey's family and satanic references
2:22:18 – Discussion of Pablo Escobar portrayal
2:28:48 – Potential production of Tough Room comedy show
2:30:10 – Comedy tour experiences in various states

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 the Joe Rogan experience Starting point is 00:00:37 This is like, you know, you're getting the respect you deserve now. Starting point is 00:00:53 oh, it's like New York in the 70s. Starting point is 00:01:14 They've been cleaning it every day and it still stinks. Starting point is 00:01:42 It was seedy and weird, but it was always like that. This is a drastic change from six months ago you can't say Starting point is 00:02:24 jokes for my own new york story was that and it wasn I mean, it was basically like we, in part, one of the jokes from my own New York story was that, Starting point is 00:02:38 You made it home. Starting point is 00:03:00 you know he went a little crazy but he really, he did what no politician has ever done in any, Starting point is 00:03:15 Like at a certain point. Starting point is 00:03:32 it was edgy it was fun but at the time it was no joke people you know i glamorize it through Starting point is 00:03:52 Yeah. Starting point is 00:04:06 Well, one of the things we're finding out from this lockdown Starting point is 00:04:17 And now they're like, who is this motherfucker Starting point is 00:04:31 elections that's hilarious you know and now we're finding out yeah oh he's he's a dipshit yeah just Starting point is 00:05:07 Darryl Hammond had to Starting point is 00:05:23 It was a stand-up show for Bloomberg? Starting point is 00:05:38 did the show in front of the Olympic committee Starting point is 00:06:10 oral history oh yeah i mean i thought it came right out didn't it yeah yeah you got it oh yeah Starting point is 00:06:38 Because I think Johnny Costner used to make those jokes. Starting point is 00:06:47 I wonder how many terms he did, though. Starting point is 00:07:09 Yeah, but it may be too late. Starting point is 00:07:28 york even even though you know it's irrevocably changed to me before any of this happened but Starting point is 00:08:06 Right. Starting point is 00:08:16 Never really had the fuck beat ...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1547?

Colin Quinn was the guest on JRE #1547. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1547?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1547 with Colin Quinn, topics include New York City History, Stand-up Comedy, Comedy Clubs, and Hecklers.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1547?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1547 with Colin Quinn is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.