Dom Irrera

Date: 2013-05-07 | Duration: 2h 7m

Category: Comedy

Episode Overview

Dom Irrera joins Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on comedy, pool, and the evolving landscape of stand-up. They dive into Dom’s early days in comedy, sharing stories about working with legendary comedians and navigating the challenges of the industry. Dom reflects on the importance of staying true to stand-up, emphasizing his dedication to writing fresh material and connecting with audiences through authentic point of view. The discussion also highlights the camaraderie and occasional rivalries among comedians, with memorable anecdotes about figures like Eddie Griffin and Larry the Cable Guy. A significant portion of the episode is devoted to Dom’s passion for pool, where he reveals his history as a serious player and discusses the nuances of the game, including the mental focus required to compete at a high level. He shares vivid memories of playing in tournaments and the unique culture surrounding billiards. The conversation also touches on broader themes such as the impact of fame, the challenges of maintaining creativity over decades, and the vibrant current comedy scene, noting the rise of diverse voices and the proliferation of comedy podcasts. Throughout, Dom’s humor and insight provide a candid look at the life of a seasoned comedian balancing craft, competition, and personal growth.

About Dom Irrera

Dom Irrera is a celebrated stand-up comedian and actor, renowned for his sharp wit and charismatic stage presence. With a career spanning over three decades, he has made notable appearances on shows like "The Tonight Show," "The Late Show with David Letterman," and "Comedy Central Presents," earning accolades for his unique storytelling and observational humor. Known for his ability to connect with audiences through relatable anecdotes, Dom brings a wealth of experience and a distinct voice to the comedy scene, making him a favorite among fans and peers alike. His engaging conversation with Joe Rogan in episode #355 showcases not only his comedic talent but also his insightful perspectives on life and the entertainment industry.

Key Moments

– Stand-up Comedy
– Comedy Specials
– Pool and Billiards
– Comedy Tours
– Comedy Clubs
– Comedy Podcasts
– Comedy Industry
– Comedy Writing
– Comedy History
– Comedy Influences
– Comedy Culture
– Comedy Mentorship
– Comedy Audience Interaction
– Comedy Career Challenges
– Comedy and Personal Life
– Comedy and Mental Health
– Comedy and Social Issues
– Comedy and Race
– Comedy and Alcohol
– Outdoor Activities
0:00:00 – Introduction of Dom Irrera on the podcast
0:03:24 – Discussion about intimidating friends and physical presence
0:06:13 – Encounter with aggressive drunk individuals
0:09:43 – Reflection on Mel Brooks' The Producers and satire
0:11:02 – Mention of Woody Allen and comedic style
0:15:22 – Dom's skill with people and fan interactions
0:17:05 – Stories about drinking and performing
0:19:24 – Discussion about coming out and personal revelations
0:22:05 – Eddie Murphy's rise and comedic impact
0:24:33 – Upcoming Kilkenny comedy show announcement
0:27:11 – Dom's dedication to stand-up comedy
0:29:26 – Challenges of following legendary comedians
0:31:48 – Tales of physical comedy and backstage antics
0:34:11 – Dom's first stand-up experience and support from peers
0:36:15 – Dom's hot streak and audience connection
0:38:03 – Discussion on moral high ground and comedy
0:40:26 – Comparison of movie stars and comedians
0:42:54 – Reflection on long-term deception and trust
0:45:05 – Greed and financial scandals discussion
0:47:07 – Eddie Griffin's post-9/11 commentary
0:50:55 – Pool game interruptions and skills
0:53:13 – Saturday morning pool tournaments in LA
0:55:58 – Women in billiards and overcoming challenges
0:58:43 – Dom's enjoyment of pool and potential career
1:01:33 – Pre-stage rituals and preparation
1:04:38 – Working with legendary comedians
1:06:33 – Maxim comedy tour with Charlie Murphy
1:10:44 – Comedians generating hate and respect dynamics
1:14:17 – Being annoying and social acceptance
1:15:22 – Dom's outdoorsman skills and hunting stories
1:20:26 – Snakehead fish spotted in Central Park
1:23:11 – Local fishing techniques and dangers
1:25:44 – Mention of Larry the Cable Guy
1:27:36 – Remembering Mitch Hedberg's clean comedy
1:30:49 – Taking breaks from substances for performance
1:33:32 – Dom's sports interests and comedy career
1:35:16 – Comedy challenges and audience engagement
1:39:06 – Racism and cultural misunderstandings in comedy
1:42:50 – Teaching comedy from scratch
1:46:05 – Nicknames and personality in comedy circles
1:51:35 – Early career struggles and material development
1:54:44 – Current state of stand-up comedy scene
2:02:45 – Closing remarks and friendship appreciation

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 And cue the music, Jamie. The great Dom motherfucking Herrera is here. Starting point is 00:00:25 Yeah. Starting point is 00:00:37 And we talked for a little bit. Starting point is 00:00:47 Ari plays good pool. Starting point is 00:01:01 You were always funny. Starting point is 00:01:23 And those guys were particularly manly. Starting point is 00:01:40 He was way better looking than me. Starting point is 00:01:48 Because I remember thinking that I looked like an athlete or something. Starting point is 00:02:03 Yes. Starting point is 00:02:09 He's a hunk. Starting point is 00:02:17 One time, Laura Keitlinger. Starting point is 00:02:27 Very funny. Starting point is 00:02:35 I go, you look too good. Starting point is 00:03:12 I mean he was huge. Starting point is 00:03:24 I go, dude, you're big. I go, trust me. I go, you got to trust me on this. I go, dude, you're my friend, and you make me nervous. Starting point is 00:03:41 That's what Piscopo looked like. Starting point is 00:04:21 vermont once and we were. We worked together up there. Starting point is 00:04:56 like really crude you know like and brian went fucking crazy he went crazy it was a desk between Starting point is 00:05:33 the guy said to him like don't be a jew like what are you being a jew i forget i forget what it was Starting point is 00:06:13 thinking it but you don't go into action remember one night we were some drunken kids came up to us Starting point is 00:06:36 and fuck you. Starting point is 00:06:49 But when you're around like aggressive drunk dudes, it's so unfortunate. Starting point is 00:07:22 me the truth it's terrible I can't take it anymore. Starting point is 00:07:52 But you know what I mean? Starting point is 00:08:11 I said, you know, maybe we can Judah guy down. Starting point is 00:08:34 and i thought about i was like you know i've always said it i never thought of it i didn't Starting point is 00:08:53 I never meant it as an answer. Starting point is 0...

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #355?

Dom Irrera was the guest on JRE #355. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #355?

On Joe Rogan Experience #355 with Dom Irrera, topics include Stand-up Comedy, Comedy Specials, Pool and Billiards, and Comedy Tours.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #355?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #355 with Dom Irrera is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.