Al Madrigal

Date: 2011-01-13 | Duration: 2h 48m

Category: Comedy

Episode Overview

Al Madrigal dives into the realities of life as a working comedian, sharing candid stories about the challenges and culture within comedy clubs. He reflects on the chaotic environment at the Comedy Store, where heckling and negative energy from certain audience members, especially a group of Russian hecklers, create a tough atmosphere for performers. Madrigal also discusses the importance of maintaining respect and focus during shows, emphasizing how distractions like phones can undermine the live experience. His anecdotes reveal the gritty, sometimes hostile side of stand-up, balanced by moments of camaraderie and the joy of performing. The conversation also touches on Al’s personal journey, including his experiences navigating cultural identity in comedy as a Latino performer. He talks about the delicate balance between self-deprecation and cultural sensitivity, recounting interactions with fellow comedians and the evolving language around race and ethnicity in the comedy scene. Additionally, Madrigal opens up about fatherhood and how becoming a dad has shifted his perspective, inspiring him to be more present and intentional both on and off stage. Throughout, he offers insights into the creative process, the grind of writing new material, and the unpredictable nature of success in the entertainment industry.

About Al Madrigal

Al Madrigal is a talented comedian and actor best known for his sharp wit and engaging storytelling. As a former correspondent on *The Daily Show* with Jon Stewart, he gained acclaim for his unique perspective on current events and social issues. Co-founder of the All Things Comedy podcast network with fellow comedian Bill Burr, Al has established himself as a prominent voice in the comedy community. His latest stand-up special, "Shrimpin' Ain't Easy," which premiered on Showtime, showcases his ability to blend humor with relatable life experiences. With a knack for connecting with audiences through his family-friendly content, Al Madrigal continues to make waves in the entertainment industry while keeping laughter at the forefront of his work.

Key Moments

– Comedy Clubs
– Stand-up Comedy
– Comedy Industry
– Comedy Store
– Comedy Writing
– Comedy Performances
– Comedy Audiences
– Comedy Podcasts
– Comedy Career
– Comedy Venues
– Comedy Culture
– Comedy Promotion
– Comedy History
– Comedy Challenges
– Comedy Networking
– Comedy Material
– Comedy Inspiration
– Comedy Technology
– Comedy Social Media
0:00:00 – Discussion about allergies and health concerns
0:01:12 – Talk on H1N1 and staph infections
0:02:50 – Environmental impact of pharmaceutical drugs
0:05:16 – Mention of Eco City in China
0:06:07 – Phones usage during comedy shows
0:08:04 – Funny story about a comedian's ticket
0:09:42 – Discussion on CD burners and live comedy moments
0:11:08 – Setting up shop at a comedy venue
0:12:44 – Restoring the vibe in comedy shows
0:14:09 – Mention of a short-lived podcast
0:15:34 – Discussion about Mexican comics
0:17:04 – Conversation on Latino identity and self-deprecation
0:20:44 – Stopping use of offensive language in comedy
0:25:49 – Comedy store challenges with audience behavior
0:27:57 – Describing the chaotic environment at the comedy store
0:30:44 – Dealing with intimidation tactics in comedy clubs
0:32:44 – Comedy influenced by negative energy
0:33:49 – Story about a penthouse pet and comedy circles
0:36:44 – Commitment to being a better dad
0:39:53 – Repeating the same comedy material
0:42:15 – Deciding to retire old comedy material
0:43:36 – Mention of George Carlin's work ethic
0:46:43 – Free entry at the improv comedy club
0:47:42 – Story about a genius with high IQ
0:52:54 – Endless comedy performances and timing
0:53:44 – Small comedy club expansion plans
0:56:11 – Neighborhood issues and personal stories
1:00:59 – Viral video impact on comedy
1:06:00 – Discussion about MySpace and social media
1:15:26 – Neighborhood parking conflicts
1:19:43 – Challenges faced by comedy promoters
1:22:04 – Bob Oshak as a talk show host candidate
1:25:23 – Luck and timing in comedy careers
1:27:55 – Comedy show attendance and theater sizes
1:30:38 – Luxury and strip club experiences
1:36:58 – Importance of internet presence for comics
1:41:13 – Memorial stories and comedy friendships
1:46:14 – Health benefits of kombucha tea
1:50:19 – Philosophical thoughts on life and comedy
1:51:41 – Comedy club etiquette and rules
1:53:11 – Community issues and social exclusion
1:55:42 – Homelessness and neighborhood recycling
1:57:51 – Discussion of popular alcoholic drinks
2:00:48 – Playing the Prince song and comedy timing
2:03:04 – Describing a girlfriend's perfect body
2:05:22 – Thoughts on aging and comedy career
2:06:11 – Moving to Colorado and lifestyle changes
2:08:18 – Parenting and career balance
2:11:44 – Drugs and their impact on people
2:14:46 – Family life influence on comedy
2:16:04 – Quitting smoking and cigarette habits
2:18:01 – Social dynamics at small comedy clubs
2:20:32 – Using THC mist and marijuana effects
2:22:05 – Touring and no-show incidents
2:25:00 – Police encounters and comedy stories
2:27:42 – Motivation from watching terrible events
2:29:56 – Gambling obsessions and mental health
2:31:42 – Recycling for money and environmental issues
2:34:51 – Mortality and societal reflections
2:36:22 – Relationship breakups on social media
2:38:03 – Challenges of online piracy for comedians
2:40:58 – Ticket sales and comedy show promotion
2:42:59 – Comedy club audience behavior and heckling

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Yeah, so yeah, you're allergic to cats, so you might be... Starting point is 00:00:30 That's the thing. Starting point is 00:00:52 Yeah. Hey, sorry. Starting point is 00:01:12 on the h1n1 wow based on the people that survived it yeah pretty fascinating shit man yeah use them Starting point is 00:01:49 You know, the people are dying from these crazy staph infections. Starting point is 00:02:08 So what we're asking people to do Starting point is 00:02:23 For humanity. Take that shit. They should give two extra just so I don't take those two. Oh my god, they should treat you like a child. and yeah I'm just as guilty as anybody else for humanity for humanity Starting point is 00:02:32 but yeah Starting point is 00:02:39 of pharmaceutical drugs Starting point is 00:02:50 Yeah, because people flush their shit. Starting point is 00:03:02 They fucking fix up the poop water. Starting point is 00:03:17 I'd like some poop-free water, please. Starting point is 00:03:55 You know, we need water. Starting point is 00:04:07 No, or, you know, Starting point is 00:04:15 That's not throwing Starting point is 00:04:22 Yeah. Starting point is 00:04:48 There's toxic waste that we're shipping over there. Starting point is 00:04:57 Brian, have you seen it? Starting point is 00:05:16 It's fascinating. Starting point is 00:05:29 You can just type in Eco City in China. Starting point is 00:05:41 Instant information. Starting point is 00:05:53 and they look over and they see just a B actor Starting point is 00:06:07 That's when people have their phones on in comedy shows. Starting point is 00:06:21 I make them stop a lot. Starting point is 00:06:38 Everything doesn't have to go on YouTube. Starting point is 00:06:50 It's like, I'm right here, lady. Starting point is 00:06:59 I see that. Starting point is 00:07:12 Yeah, you're right there. Starting point is 00:07:30 A lot of times you don't see what guys are going for. Starting point is 00:07:45 Spike, Spike. Starting...

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #71?

Al Madrigal was the guest on JRE #71. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #71?

On Joe Rogan Experience #71 with Al Madrigal, topics include Comedy Clubs, Stand-up Comedy, Comedy Industry, and Comedy Store.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #71?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #71 with Al Madrigal is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.