Tag

funny

Danny Johnson

By 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

Felipe Esparza

By 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/