comedy

Apr 22

Danny Johnson

By Chrissy Bernal Comedian, Podcast No Comments

You ever get into one of those conversations where you think you know the subject… and then suddenly you’re ten layers deeper than you ever expected to go? That’s what happened here.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re joined by Danny Johnson, a stand-up comedian making his mark in the world of clean comedy. We start by talking about the craft, how a joke is built, why timing matters more than the words, and how comedians actually think.

And then we keep going, because comedy is more than just about being funny anymore.

Now it’s social media, followers, clips, going viral, and pressure. The conversation gets more and more fascinating, as one question keeps coming up: If being funny isn’t enough anymore… then what is?

This episode is sponsored by:

In This Episode:

The rise of clean comedy and why it’s finding a bigger audience
How comedians actually write and build material
The pressure of social media and why it changes everything
The difference between being funny and being successful
What it really means to “make it” in comedy today
And why some of the funniest people you’ve ever seen might still be figuring it out

Quotations:

“My mind doesn’t stop thinking of the stuff of what I think is funny stuff.” ~ Danny Johnson

“You almost like interrogate your idea like a detective, who does this impact? Why does it impact them? How many people are doing it? How many people know about it? What do they feel about it? What does your family feel about you? Just kind of fire these questions at this idea and flesh it out.” ~ Danny Johnson

“Politics strikes me as more sad than anything.” ~ Danny Johnson

“There’s nothing I get a bigger kick out of than putting a smile on someone’s face. So, if I could do that, that’s success to me.” ~ Danny Johnson

Bio:

Danny Johnson’s hilarious, clean stand-up has entertained audiences in comedy clubs, corporate events, and churches nationwide for over 15 years. Danny’s work as a stand-up comedian has been humbly compared to Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin James, and Jackie Gleason, blending his original material with his now renowned facial expressions. Danny’s show is relatable, entertaining, and always evolving. Danny has starred in numerous TV commercials, Comedy Central’s Laugh Riots, Florida’s Funniest Comedian Top 10 Finalist, Winner-Carnival Cruise line Comedy Challenge, Finalist in Search for the One Christian Comedy contest, has a wildly popular Dry Bar Comedy Special (now available on Apple TV, Amazon, & Peacock), and has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Chris Rock, Damon Wayans, Bob Saget, Billy Gardell, Richard Lewis, Rickey Smiley, Norm McDonald, Howie Mandel, and a variety of others.

Danny had the privilege of filming NateLand Live at the famous Zanies Comedy Club in Nashville, TN. NateLand Live is the brainchild of Nate Bargatze and features some of the best clean comedians touring today.

Danny’s latest comedy special, “Everything Bothers Me,” has taken YouTube by storm with over 100k views in its first month and still climbing!

His North Florida footprint is well known, calling the Comedy Zone his home club for almost two decades, performed at Murray Hill Theatre, The Florida Theatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Locally, you may have also seen Danny on his many appearances on the News4Jax Morning Show, Jacksonville’s River City Live, or his extremely brief/ distant appearance on season 4 of Netflix’s Cobra Kai (don’t blink).

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://dannyjohnson.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DannyJohnsonComedy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannyjohnsoncomedy/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/comediandanny

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dannyjohnsoncomedy

May 14

Love33

Felipe Esparza

By Chrissy Bernal Comedian, Fun, Podcast No Comments

This week on Here’s What We Know, we’re rolling with the laughs—and some heartfelt moments—with the hilarious and down-to-earth Felipe Esparza! Felipe joins us ahead of his sold-out show at the San Jose Civic (May 10!), and we dive into everything from his early days at the San Jose Improv to what it’s like raising a stepson who’s enthusiastically trying to embrace his Mexican roots (despite being very white).

Whether you’ve been a Felipe fan for years or you’re just getting to know him, this episode is full of laughs, real talk, and the kind of heart that sticks with you. Listen now!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)

In this episode:

How Felipe transforms personal pain into laugh-out-loud comedy
Hilarious dating stories featuring “smart women with low standards”
Lessons from comedy greats like Richard Pryor
A peek into his hit podcast, What’s Up Fool? and History for Fools
Behind-the-scenes look at the art of stand-up, comedic timing, and joke crafting

Quotations:

“ I’ve never been with a woman who didn’t have a degree in my life.” ~ Felipe Esparza

“ You could just make anything sound funny just the way you say it, or the timing, or you put the right word in.” ~ Felipe Esparza

“When I’m learning about standup, I learned that, um, if you end a word with a letter K, it’s funnier than any other word.” ~ Felipe Esparza

Bio:

Felipe Esparza is not just your average comedian – he’s a force of nature on stage, leaving audiences in stitches with his wild stories and real world experiences that make up his material. Since winning NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” in 2010, Felipe has worked hard to solidify his place among the top touring headliners working today.

With four successful stand-up specials under his belt at HBO and Netflix and his popular “What’s Up Fool? Podcast”, holding steady as a top comedy podcast for the last ten years, fans have gotten to know Felipe and the world he comes from, and they want more. They are flocking to his live shows to be part of the total experience. With Felipe’s new “At My Leisure” Tour launching fall of 2024, he’ll be going international for the first time, to include Australia, New Zealand, Canada and several European dates to close out the year. Felipe’s infectious energy and undeniable charm make every live performance an unforgettable experience.

In addition to his stand-up success, Felipe has started to make a name for himself on the small and big screens. With recurring roles on hit TV shows such as “Superstore”, “The Eric Andre Show”, “Gentefied”, and “Victor and Valentino”, as well as appearances in films including “Guest House” with Pauly Shore, “7th & Union” with Omar Chaparro, “Daddy Daughter Trip” with Rob Schneider, and “You People” with Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill, Felipe has proven himself to be a versatile and talented performer.

Felipe will be working on his 5th stand-up special during this new tour, promising even more laughs and unforgettable moments. With a slew of exciting projects on the horizon, Felipe shows no signs of slowing down.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://felipesworld.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/felipeesparza

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felipeesparzacomedian

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@felipeesparzacomic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FelipeEsparzaFanPage/

Apr 03

Love13

Keifer Thompson

By Chrissy Bernal Comedian, Community, Music, Personal Growth, Politics One Comment

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes back Keifer Thompson from country music duo Thompson Square. Join us for another candid yet thought-provoking conversation as they dive into an array of topics, from tackling parenthood to dissecting political landscapes. Keifer doesn’t shy away from sharing his conservative perspective. They talk about societal issues too. Racism and division are hot topics as he advocates for teaching love over hate to kids.

Don’t miss this rollercoaster ride through politics, society, parenting, comedy, and of course, country music! Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter service!)

In this Episode:

Keifer shares personal experiences dealing with his son’s dental issues, shedding light on the complexities of skepticism towards these industries.
Hear Keifer and Gary talk about how media bias shapes public perception with its misinformation and concerns over agenda-driven narratives.
Explore opinions and insights about political landscapes, current events, and societal issues.
Hear insights addressing racism, its evolution over generations, and the importance of instilling values of equality in children, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue and action.
Discover Keifer’s approach to songwriting and comedic performance.
Hear Keifer and Gary share their personal losses/emotions publicly and how vulnerability contributes to connection with others.

Quotations:

“I feel like everyone’s got to speak their mind. I think, you know, everyone has the right to speak their mind.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“The worst part about what’s going on right now is nobody can admit when they’re wrong.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“When the truth comes out, everyone just kind of ignores it and doesn’t report on it.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“I don’t watch the news. I don’t trust any of the news. We’re just trying to live our lives and do our thing. I just feel like God’s in control no matter what.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“I reflect on a lot of things and I was driving in the day and just looking out across these fields and trees and everything else and I was like, you know what? You know, at the end of the day. I mean, this is still a beautiful world.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“There’s two kinds of people. There are good people and there are bad people. Doesn’t matter what color they are.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“I love thought-provoking things. I wanna talk to intelligent people who have, and you know what, if I’m wrong, prove it to me. You know, if I have to think this way, tell me why. And convince me that I am wrong.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“I see it all the time when people get proven wrong and instead of acknowledging that, they just clam up and just run off.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“You can’t tell certain jokes anymore without making everybody mad.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“Comedy needs to be untouched when it comes to social inequalities. Because the thing of it is, man, is we are all different. White people do things that white people do, black people do black things, Mexican people, they do Mexican, we’re up and they’re like, oh, that’s a stereotype, you’re stereotyping. Yes, because we’re all a stereotype. That’s what makes us special. You guys want us to make us all the same.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“That’s the thing about comedy, if it’s true, and everybody knows it’s true, then it’s funny.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“I have faith in the future, I do, because I think these younger kids are smelling the BS. They’re starting to get a sense of what they missed.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“It seems like comedy is always the one thing that will bring a crowd in if you’re having a hard time with them.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“Whether it’s your true persona or not, you have to become the person that you wanna be.” ~ Keifer Thompson

“We’re country artists or whatever, but we’re still people with feelings and problems and all that stuff and loss and hurt and all that thing.” ~ Keifer Thompson

Bio:

Keifer Thompson is one half of the award-winning country music duo Thompson Square, renowned for their soulful harmonies and heartfelt songwriting. Born on January 24, 1973, in Miami, Oklahoma, Keifer discovered his passion for music at an early age. He honed his skills as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences. In 1996, Keifer met his future wife and musical partner, Shawna, at a singing competition in Nashville, Tennessee. Their instant connection led to the formation of Thompson Square, and together they embarked on a remarkable journey in the country music scene.

Thompson Square’s self-titled debut album, released in 2011, catapulted them to stardom with hit singles like “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Keifer’s emotive vocals and Shawna’s dynamic harmonies resonated with audiences, earning them widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including Vocal Duo of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards.

Throughout their careers, Keifer has showcased his exceptional songwriting talent, penning heartfelt lyrics that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. With a string of chart-topping hits and a reputation for electrifying live performances, Thompson Square continues to captivate audiences around the world, cementing Keifer’s status as one of country music’s most beloved artists.

Guest Contact Info:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keifercomedy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeiferThompsonComedian/

X: https://twitter.com/keifercomedy

Website: https://thompsonsquare.com/

Thompson Square Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thompsonsquare/

Thompson Square Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thompsonsquare

Dec 06

Love11

Greg Warren

By Chrissy Bernal Comedian, Fun No Comments

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, host Gary Scott Thomas had a fascinating conversation featuring the incredibly talented stand-up comedian, Greg Warren. Get ready as we take you on a rollercoaster ride through Greg’s comedic journey, from his daring leap into full-time funny to honing his craft on stage. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind his gut-busting jokes, share heartwarming tales of mentorship, and explore the vibrant landscape of stand-up comedy.

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to use code “Gary20” to get 20% off your order!)

In This Episode:

Family and Humor: Learn about how Greg’s family reacts to being part of his comedic material.
Stand-Up Process: Discover Greg’s process for creating new content from journaling exercises to listening back on performances.
Comedy Influences: Hear about influential comedians in Greg’s career like Eddie Murphy and Bob Newhart.
Wrestling Background: Find out how wrestling shaped Greg’s work ethic and performance style.
Acting vs. Stand-Up: Understand why Greg chose stand-up over pursuing acting or sitcom roles despite opportunities.
Audience Interaction: Get an inside look at how audience engagement plays a role in shaping a live comedy set.

Quotations:

“In standup comedy, it’s a little different because it’s a long road, but I enjoy most performances and the writing process.” ~ Greg Warren

“The joy in standup comedy is like, it’s all the joy is always the new joke, the new premise, or the new thing you’re working on.” ~ Greg Warren

“You are around funny people and you start to develop a personality with some of your comedian friends off stage and being around funny people and that’s not intentional, but it just sort of happens. And, I think over time, some of that seeps into your act.” ~ Greg Warren

“Take the thing that’s doing the best. Take your best joke. And spend an inordinate amount of time on that. Cause that’s where all the gold is. Don’t hit a false bottom there. Just keep digging, keep, keep digging right there.” ~ Greg Warren

“We’re not humor columnists. We’re stand-up comedians. You know, we’re not writing something that’s mildly interesting or mildly funny.” ~ Greg Warren

“I think of it talking to the audience is a little bit more of a skill than an art. There are some guys that have made it an art form.” ~ Greg Warren

“I think comedy is like sort of this never-ending process of getting wider and narrower.” ~ Greg Warren

Guest’s Bio:

Greg Warren recently released his special The Salesman, co-produced by Nate Bargatze and 800 Pound Gorilla Media. The project tells the story of his post-college phase when he had a stint selling Jif and Pringles for Procter & Gamble which eventually led to his decision to become a full-time comedian. According to The New York Times, Greg “…has done for peanut butter what Jerry Seinfeld did for Pop-Tarts and Jim Gaffigan did for Hot Pockets.” An honest mix of self-deprecation, frustration, and an arsenal of lifelike characters highlight Greg’s colorful perspective. He can be seen in his Amazon Prime Special, “Where The Field Corn Grows”, Fish Sandwich on Dry Bar Comedy, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show, and Comedy Central Presents. Greg attracts a diverse audience spectrum, having performed as a finalist on BET’s Coming to the Stage and on Country Music Television. He is a favorite on the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Radio Show, which led to touring theaters nationwide with The Bob & Tom All Stars Comedy Tour. Greg’s comedy has been a daily staple on Sirius/XM’s Laugh USA and Jeff and Larry’s Comedy Roundup channels for a decade. You can hear him guesting on podcasts like Nateland, Never Not Funny, Bertcast, Dumb People Town, The Adam Carolla Show, and many more. He’s performed as a New Face of Comedy at JFL, on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, and on NBC’s Last Comic Standing.

Greg hails from St. Louis, MO, where his father was a high school wrestling coach and his mother made him play clarinet in the band. He has captivated audiences with anecdotes about the conflict inherent in meshing the two disparate high school identities of varsity wrestler and band geek. Greg was also a West Point Cadet, where he distinguished himself by amassing an impressive tally of demerits and endless hours of pointless marching. After moving on to the University of Missouri, he studied journalism and became an All-American college wrestler.