WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.120 --> 00:00:03.000 Ever wonder what it really takes to make it as 2 00:00:03.040 --> 00:00:03.919 a stand up comedian. 3 00:00:04.160 --> 00:00:06.639 Yeah, you know those late night shows. 4 00:00:06.200 --> 00:00:10.080 Like Beyond the Laughs, the Spotlight. What's really going on? 5 00:00:10.640 --> 00:00:15.439 We're gonna find out today talking with Big Shane. Big Shane, 6 00:00:15.960 --> 00:00:20.559 and he's a comedian who is not afraid to get 7 00:00:20.640 --> 00:00:24.280 real about the comedy world, all the highs, all the lows. 8 00:00:24.760 --> 00:00:27.719 So we're diving deep into a conversation he had with 9 00:00:28.160 --> 00:00:33.359 podcast host Joe Day from Comedy Lab, and Big Shane's 10 00:00:33.359 --> 00:00:35.679 story is really interesting because it gives us this kind 11 00:00:35.679 --> 00:00:40.079 of raw, unfiltered look at what it takes, you know, 12 00:00:40.520 --> 00:00:46.119 the dedication, the struggles, even the mental toughness to pursue 13 00:00:46.159 --> 00:00:49.039 a career making people laugh, because I mean, we're not 14 00:00:49.119 --> 00:00:51.840 just talking about telling jokes on the stage. This is 15 00:00:51.920 --> 00:00:55.960 like the whole journey, the person behind the mic exactly. 16 00:00:56.119 --> 00:00:59.520 And Big Shane he doesn't shy away from from any 17 00:00:59.560 --> 00:01:03.000 of it, you know, the nitty gritty. He dives right 18 00:01:03.039 --> 00:01:07.120 in talking about Atlanta and he calls it considers it 19 00:01:07.519 --> 00:01:12.120 a comedy powerhouse, really a top five comedy city in 20 00:01:12.159 --> 00:01:15.959 the world. That's a bold stage five in the world 21 00:01:16.239 --> 00:01:21.640 and of everywhere. Yeah, so what makes it. What is 22 00:01:21.680 --> 00:01:28.760 it about Atlanta that makes it such a hub for comedy? 23 00:01:29.040 --> 00:01:32.799 Calls it a proving ground, especially for urban comedy. 24 00:01:32.959 --> 00:01:34.439 Interesting okay, So, and. 25 00:01:34.640 --> 00:01:36.560 This is an interesting point. He makes this point that 26 00:01:37.040 --> 00:01:40.040 you know, it takes more than just talented comedians to 27 00:01:40.079 --> 00:01:41.280 have a thriving. 28 00:01:40.959 --> 00:01:43.719 Scene, that audience, the. 29 00:01:43.760 --> 00:01:47.120 Right audience venues that will nurture the talent, right, they 30 00:01:47.120 --> 00:01:50.319 can grow. And there's certain you know, cultural energy that 31 00:01:50.439 --> 00:01:52.799 influences those comedic styles. 32 00:01:52.920 --> 00:01:54.760 Yeah, like a breeding ground in a way. 33 00:01:54.920 --> 00:01:57.079 Yeah, I mean think about it. Have you ever noticed 34 00:01:57.079 --> 00:02:00.840 how certain cities attract certain types of art all the time, 35 00:02:01.159 --> 00:02:03.920 or musicians, like comedy's no different. 36 00:02:04.239 --> 00:02:06.840 Interesting, So he's found his place, it seems like, Yeah. 37 00:02:06.680 --> 00:02:09.800 So we've got big Shane coning his craft in Atlanta. 38 00:02:10.360 --> 00:02:12.639 But he wasn't just any comedian. 39 00:02:12.199 --> 00:02:14.039 In Atlanta, Okay, so what was he doing? 40 00:02:14.159 --> 00:02:18.080 So back in twenty fourteen, he was voted one of 41 00:02:18.120 --> 00:02:20.759 the top raunchy comedians in the city. 42 00:02:21.039 --> 00:02:21.479 Raunchy. 43 00:02:21.639 --> 00:02:24.840 Okay, So for those of us who who don't know. 44 00:02:24.960 --> 00:02:26.319 Don't frequent the comedy clubs. 45 00:02:26.439 --> 00:02:27.520 Yeah, what does that even mean? 46 00:02:28.080 --> 00:02:29.520 Right? What is raunchy? Look? 47 00:02:29.560 --> 00:02:30.159 Break it down. 48 00:02:30.840 --> 00:02:34.840 Okay, So it's more than just being like dirty or 49 00:02:34.960 --> 00:02:39.639 using curse words like raunchy. Comedy pushes boundaries, often using 50 00:02:39.680 --> 00:02:45.039 those taboo subjects you know, like sex, religion, bodily functions 51 00:02:45.360 --> 00:02:48.759 to challenge those norms get a reaction out of people. 52 00:02:49.080 --> 00:02:52.120 So it's edgy. It's edgy, but it's like walking this 53 00:02:52.319 --> 00:02:53.319 fine line. 54 00:02:53.520 --> 00:02:55.039 Yeah, you can go too far with it. 55 00:02:54.879 --> 00:02:56.560 Between edgy and offensive. 56 00:02:56.759 --> 00:02:58.439 Definitely, And it sounds like. 57 00:02:58.479 --> 00:03:04.240 That style, while popular with some, definitely ruffled some feathers 58 00:03:04.800 --> 00:03:07.280 in Big Shang's personal life. Really Yeah. He had a 59 00:03:07.280 --> 00:03:11.080 bit of a clash with his ex wife's family, who 60 00:03:11.080 --> 00:03:12.319 were devout Christians. 61 00:03:12.520 --> 00:03:15.080 Yeah, so you can imagine how that would not go 62 00:03:15.159 --> 00:03:15.639 over well. 63 00:03:15.879 --> 00:03:20.080 It's a classic example of you know, humor so subjective. 64 00:03:20.599 --> 00:03:25.159 What one person finds hilarious, another person's like deeply offended. 65 00:03:25.240 --> 00:03:25.759 Yeah, for sure. 66 00:03:25.800 --> 00:03:31.199 And it really highlights that intersection where do personal beliefs 67 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:35.719 and comedic expression like collide and where do you draw 68 00:03:35.759 --> 00:03:39.439 the line can you separate the art from the artist. 69 00:03:41.120 --> 00:03:45.280 And for Big Shane it got really real. He got 70 00:03:45.360 --> 00:03:46.639 banned from their church. 71 00:03:46.919 --> 00:03:50.719 Oh no, he got banned from the church and wow, yeah, 72 00:03:50.800 --> 00:03:54.199 so he's living it, you know, Yeah, imagine that just 73 00:03:54.240 --> 00:03:55.159 talking about it. 74 00:03:55.039 --> 00:03:59.000 Having to navigate family dynamics, your in laws deeply held 75 00:03:59.039 --> 00:04:00.439 beliefs because of. 76 00:04:00.479 --> 00:04:02.039 Your art, because of your comedy. 77 00:04:02.080 --> 00:04:04.560 Wow, it makes you wonder how many other creative voices 78 00:04:04.599 --> 00:04:05.240 there I know. 79 00:04:05.479 --> 00:04:08.560 Are silenced because they're trying to please people. 80 00:04:08.400 --> 00:04:10.800 Because they're afraid to cause a stir exactly. 81 00:04:11.280 --> 00:04:13.879 And that's a shame. It is it is. And speaking 82 00:04:13.879 --> 00:04:19.199 of struggles, Big Shane's been very open about battling depression. 83 00:04:19.560 --> 00:04:21.120 Wow, Okay, he. 84 00:04:21.079 --> 00:04:25.800 Even shares a pretty harrowing story really about contemplating suicide. 85 00:04:26.199 --> 00:04:29.399 Oh wow, it's heavy. Yeah, but it's a reminder it's 86 00:04:29.519 --> 00:04:34.319 real that behind those lasts, comedians are dealing with real 87 00:04:34.439 --> 00:04:35.439 life demons. 88 00:04:35.639 --> 00:04:38.560 Of course, I mean, everyone's got their own struggles. And 89 00:04:38.600 --> 00:04:41.759 to think that you have to be on all the 90 00:04:41.839 --> 00:04:45.759 time and making other people laugh when you're struggling. 91 00:04:45.879 --> 00:04:49.240 Yeah, And it's like they say, sometimes the funniest people 92 00:04:49.680 --> 00:04:53.120 are fighting the toughest battles, battling things we don't know about, 93 00:04:53.439 --> 00:04:54.519 that we don't see. 94 00:04:54.600 --> 00:04:58.160 And thankfully Big Shane was able to find some solace 95 00:04:58.759 --> 00:05:01.439 and a path forward through therapy. 96 00:05:01.639 --> 00:05:03.000 Good. I'm glad to hear that he. 97 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:07.160 Really credits therapy with helping him to see things more clearly. 98 00:05:07.759 --> 00:05:12.279 And now he's a big advocate for destigmatizing mental health. Yes, 99 00:05:12.439 --> 00:05:15.759 love to hear that, especially in fields like comedy, where 100 00:05:15.879 --> 00:05:19.639 vulnerability is often masked by humor. 101 00:05:19.839 --> 00:05:21.360 Yeah, it's tough to be vulnerable. 102 00:05:21.920 --> 00:05:26.319 He has this really great analogy. He compares seeking help 103 00:05:26.639 --> 00:05:30.879 for your mental health to fixing a broken arm. Ooh, 104 00:05:31.079 --> 00:05:33.079 I like that, Like, if something's wrong, you go get 105 00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:35.920 it fixed. And it is that simple. And it seems 106 00:05:35.920 --> 00:05:39.360 like he needed that that clarity and strength as he 107 00:05:39.439 --> 00:05:44.079 embarked on this new chapter in his comedic journey, hitting 108 00:05:44.160 --> 00:05:46.839 the road with a comedian friend named Candy. 109 00:05:47.879 --> 00:05:49.120 All right, sounds fun. 110 00:05:49.279 --> 00:05:54.079 And get this. They're driving around in a van covered 111 00:05:54.120 --> 00:05:59.000 in pot leaves, affectionately dubbed the herb Mobile. 112 00:05:59.199 --> 00:06:02.399 You're kidding, the herb Mobile, their herb mobile. All right, 113 00:06:02.399 --> 00:06:03.160 we got to hear about this. 114 00:06:03.279 --> 00:06:04.839 Oh, it's a story and a half. 115 00:06:05.000 --> 00:06:07.959 This is great, all right. This is classic classic. 116 00:06:07.639 --> 00:06:10.319 Comedian median on the road materials on the road, all right, 117 00:06:10.600 --> 00:06:15.879 and it speaks to the unpredictable anything goes nature. Yeah, 118 00:06:16.759 --> 00:06:18.319 of trying to make a living as a comedian. 119 00:06:18.439 --> 00:06:21.000 Yeah, it's not all glamour and sold out shows. 120 00:06:21.040 --> 00:06:21.680 There's more too. 121 00:06:21.720 --> 00:06:23.439 All right, So what's going on in the yourmobile. 122 00:06:24.439 --> 00:06:29.319 We're talking smoking weed with cops on a bridge and Pensacola. Well, 123 00:06:29.360 --> 00:06:30.319 he's kidding. 124 00:06:30.199 --> 00:06:33.560 And living next door to well, let's just say very 125 00:06:33.600 --> 00:06:34.519 active neighbors. 126 00:06:34.560 --> 00:06:36.480 Active neighbors. Okay, we need details. 127 00:06:36.519 --> 00:06:41.319 Okay, So we're talking antics so wild that they traumatize 128 00:06:41.360 --> 00:06:42.279 the cleaning staff. 129 00:06:42.360 --> 00:06:45.079 Okay, hold on, traumatize the cleaning staff. 130 00:06:45.120 --> 00:06:48.600 He tells a story about hearing the maid run out 131 00:06:48.639 --> 00:06:52.519 of the room, gasping for air, only to find the 132 00:06:52.519 --> 00:06:57.319 rest of the staff having this very intense round table discussion. 133 00:06:57.480 --> 00:07:01.160 Oh about what they had just witnessed. Much only in Florida, 134 00:07:01.199 --> 00:07:01.600 am I right? 135 00:07:01.720 --> 00:07:03.439 Oh? My gosh, only in Florida. 136 00:07:03.600 --> 00:07:06.920 But as crazy as these stories sound, they highlight these 137 00:07:07.199 --> 00:07:11.160 unpredictable situations that comedians find themselves in all. 138 00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:13.120 The time, all. 139 00:07:12.360 --> 00:07:14.600 They're on the road. It takes a certain kind of 140 00:07:14.639 --> 00:07:21.199 person to thrive in that environment. Yeah, definitely, someone who's adaptable, resilient. Yeah, 141 00:07:21.240 --> 00:07:24.879 and let's be honest, can't find the humor, sense of 142 00:07:24.959 --> 00:07:27.160 humor in the most absurd situations. 143 00:07:27.199 --> 00:07:29.560 That's what it's all about, finding the humor and everything. 144 00:07:30.040 --> 00:07:31.959 All right, I'm liking Big Shane so far. 145 00:07:32.240 --> 00:07:34.439 It's like they say, you can't make this stuff up. 146 00:07:34.480 --> 00:07:35.519 You can't make it up. 147 00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:39.319 But before we get two sidetracked by tales of the herbmobile, Okay, 148 00:07:39.439 --> 00:07:40.360 let's rewind a bit. 149 00:07:40.360 --> 00:07:40.680 All right. 150 00:07:41.279 --> 00:07:44.519 We talked about Big Shane's struggles with depression, but he's 151 00:07:44.519 --> 00:07:47.959 also experienced the other side of the coin. Okay, those 152 00:07:48.079 --> 00:07:49.839 exhilarating highs of. 153 00:07:49.800 --> 00:07:53.000 Success, right, which can be just as dangerous. 154 00:07:53.279 --> 00:07:56.480 Yeah, as he's learned, success can be a double edged sword. 155 00:07:56.600 --> 00:07:58.120 Absolutely, He's been very. 156 00:07:58.000 --> 00:08:01.519 Open about falling into that trap, no of letting success 157 00:08:01.560 --> 00:08:05.240 go to his head. Yeah, and he warns others. 158 00:08:05.199 --> 00:08:09.279 About buying into your own hype because that ego trap. 159 00:08:09.439 --> 00:08:13.199 Yeah, it's a real thing, can be very slippery, slippery slope. 160 00:08:12.920 --> 00:08:16.920 Especially he says, in comedy. Okay, maybe in any creative field, but. 161 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:18.720 Yeah, I think it can apply to a lot of things. 162 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:21.519 He talks about, how you know you're grinding it out 163 00:08:21.600 --> 00:08:26.079 for years, you're finally getting some recognition, praise. It can 164 00:08:26.120 --> 00:08:29.319 be intoxicating, oh yeah, and it's easy to get swept 165 00:08:29.399 --> 00:08:33.960 up in it. But he warns that the fall from grace. 166 00:08:33.960 --> 00:08:35.879 Can be brutal, It can be hard. 167 00:08:36.240 --> 00:08:38.679 And it happens all the time, happens all the time, 168 00:08:38.759 --> 00:08:42.720 classic tale of Hubris. Exactly, someone's on top of the 169 00:08:42.720 --> 00:08:43.480 world one. 170 00:08:43.320 --> 00:08:45.879 Minute and then and then they're gone. 171 00:08:46.000 --> 00:08:49.799 It all comes crashing down. So what's the key, according 172 00:08:49.840 --> 00:08:50.720 to Big Shane. 173 00:08:50.799 --> 00:08:51.720 Yeah, what do you do? 174 00:08:52.960 --> 00:08:53.919 Stay humble? 175 00:08:54.240 --> 00:08:57.840 Okay, do your job, which is make him laugh. Okay, 176 00:08:57.919 --> 00:09:00.000 keep it simple, simple, is that right. 177 00:09:00.080 --> 00:09:04.240 Focus on the craft, the connection with the audience and 178 00:09:04.279 --> 00:09:07.759 the joy of making people laugh, not the validation of 179 00:09:07.799 --> 00:09:08.320 the fame. 180 00:09:08.679 --> 00:09:10.480 It's not about that the recognition. 181 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:11.679 It's about the work. 182 00:09:11.799 --> 00:09:12.759 It's about the craft. 183 00:09:12.919 --> 00:09:14.399 It's good advice for all of us. 184 00:09:14.440 --> 00:09:15.799 Really it is, it really is. 185 00:09:16.360 --> 00:09:21.279 But speaking of staying grounded, Big Shane's personal life offers 186 00:09:21.360 --> 00:09:25.799 an interesting perspective on how he kind of navigates the 187 00:09:25.919 --> 00:09:30.080 chaos of the comedy world because he's dating another comedian, 188 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:33.799 and he talks about how refreshing it is to be 189 00:09:33.960 --> 00:09:39.639 with someone who understands the industry, shares his passion for 190 00:09:39.679 --> 00:09:43.720 making people laugh the right reasons, Like he jokes about, 191 00:09:43.759 --> 00:09:46.840 how you know, she's probably at home laughing at some 192 00:09:46.960 --> 00:09:51.000 ridiculous YouTube video while he's having this deep conversation about 193 00:09:51.039 --> 00:09:53.200 the meaning of life in comedy. 194 00:09:53.440 --> 00:09:54.080 That's funny. 195 00:09:54.360 --> 00:09:57.279 But you can tell he adores her and he really 196 00:09:57.360 --> 00:10:00.559 appreciates having that balance his life. 197 00:10:00.679 --> 00:10:01.679 Gotta have that balance. 198 00:10:01.879 --> 00:10:05.080 Yeah. But speaking of balance, let's get back to Big 199 00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:08.279 Shane's career. I'm dying to hear about this trip to 200 00:10:08.320 --> 00:10:09.360 the Comedy Shrine. 201 00:10:09.440 --> 00:10:11.519 He mentions the Comedy Shrine. 202 00:10:11.279 --> 00:10:14.879 The Comedy Shrine. Okay, Now, for those of you who 203 00:10:14.960 --> 00:10:20.799 might not know, this is a legendary comedy club in Aurora, Illinois. 204 00:10:20.879 --> 00:10:21.840 All right, I've heard of it. 205 00:10:22.080 --> 00:10:24.159 You know, same town where Wayne's World was filmed. 206 00:10:24.240 --> 00:10:26.799 Oh no way, that's awesome, part of time. 207 00:10:26.960 --> 00:10:28.519 Excellent, I'm picturing it now. 208 00:10:28.759 --> 00:10:30.600 Ah man, I can only imagine. 209 00:10:30.720 --> 00:10:33.440 But I'm guessing this trip wasn't all funning games. 210 00:10:34.039 --> 00:10:34.960 So what happened? 211 00:10:35.159 --> 00:10:38.480 So Big Shane jokes about being relegated to the late 212 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:40.320 night slots at these open mics. 213 00:10:40.440 --> 00:10:42.879 Oh no, the dreaded late night slot. 214 00:10:42.559 --> 00:10:45.039 Which, let's be honest, can be a tough crowd. 215 00:10:44.879 --> 00:10:47.519 Brutal, especially when you're up against oh yeah, a bunch 216 00:10:47.519 --> 00:10:49.000 of other comics. 217 00:10:48.519 --> 00:10:50.759 All vying for that same stage time. 218 00:10:50.919 --> 00:10:52.399 Yeah, it's a tough gig. 219 00:10:52.559 --> 00:10:54.320 But that's all part of the process, right. 220 00:10:54.519 --> 00:10:54.840 It is. 221 00:10:54.919 --> 00:10:58.320 Gotta pay you dues, paying your dues, honing your craft 222 00:10:58.799 --> 00:11:01.480 and learning how to win over even the toughest crowds. 223 00:11:01.679 --> 00:11:03.039 Absolutely, but we'll. 224 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:05.799 Dive into those adventures in just a moment. Sure, first, 225 00:11:05.919 --> 00:11:08.519 a quick break sounds good. So we left off with 226 00:11:08.639 --> 00:11:11.679 Big Shane heading to the Comedy Shrine ready to take 227 00:11:11.679 --> 00:11:13.279 the stage at an open mic night. 228 00:11:13.559 --> 00:11:17.039 But remember he wasn't exactly thrilled about those late night slots. 229 00:11:17.440 --> 00:11:19.960 Yeah, he even joked about his ego being too big 230 00:11:20.080 --> 00:11:21.639 for those late slots, right. 231 00:11:21.679 --> 00:11:24.440 Right, like he'd much rather be in the top ten naturally, 232 00:11:24.879 --> 00:11:28.039 But then he catches himself like realizing how that sounds right. 233 00:11:28.159 --> 00:11:32.279 You know, it's like he's battling that ego, reminding himself 234 00:11:32.720 --> 00:11:36.039 to stay humble, stay grounded, focus on the work, yet 235 00:11:36.120 --> 00:11:37.600 not the order of the lineup. 236 00:11:37.360 --> 00:11:38.240 Which is a good sign. 237 00:11:38.399 --> 00:11:38.879 Definitely. 238 00:11:39.000 --> 00:11:43.600 It shows that he's really learn internalizing these lessons about 239 00:11:43.600 --> 00:11:44.440 staying grounded. 240 00:11:44.519 --> 00:11:45.000 Absolutely. 241 00:11:45.080 --> 00:11:47.480 You know, it's easy to get caught up, yeah, for sure, 242 00:11:47.600 --> 00:11:50.159 in the in the who's who of the comedy scene. 243 00:11:50.240 --> 00:11:52.200 It's the whole thing. But ultimately it's. 244 00:11:52.039 --> 00:11:54.320 About the material connecting with that audience. 245 00:11:54.440 --> 00:11:58.360 Yeah, think about the work, dedication and speaking of dedication, Okay, 246 00:11:58.480 --> 00:12:03.279 Big Shane talks about this practice he follows to stay 247 00:12:03.279 --> 00:12:05.799 true to his own voice. Okay, what's he doing? 248 00:12:05.960 --> 00:12:07.919 He limits how much comedy he consumed. 249 00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:10.440 Really, he limits it, lims it, so he's not like 250 00:12:10.519 --> 00:12:11.919 watching stand up all the time. 251 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:15.639 He's very intentional about it. Interesting because he doesn't want 252 00:12:15.679 --> 00:12:20.320 to accidentally, you know, mimic someone's material. Oh that's interesting there, 253 00:12:20.360 --> 00:12:21.679 cadence their energy. 254 00:12:21.879 --> 00:12:23.200 Yeah, you don't want to be a copycat. 255 00:12:23.360 --> 00:12:26.039 He wants to be big shame, not a copycat. 256 00:12:26.200 --> 00:12:29.879 Right, got to be original. Okay, So what's his process then, 257 00:12:30.360 --> 00:12:33.120 If he's not consuming a ton of comedy, where's he 258 00:12:33.159 --> 00:12:34.000 getting his material? 259 00:12:34.360 --> 00:12:39.039 Well, he talks about how true originality comes from, you know, 260 00:12:39.200 --> 00:12:42.679 tapping into your own experience, as your own unique perspective. Ye, 261 00:12:42.919 --> 00:12:44.799 not from recycling what's already out there. 262 00:12:44.840 --> 00:12:46.559 Okay, So it's got to be authentically him. 263 00:12:46.799 --> 00:12:49.799 And that leads to a bigger point he makes about 264 00:12:49.799 --> 00:12:52.000 his motivation for doing comic. 265 00:12:52.080 --> 00:12:53.039 All right, what's he's saying. 266 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:57.480 It's about more than just getting laughs, Okay, it's about 267 00:12:57.679 --> 00:13:02.240 it's about making a connection with the audience, offering them 268 00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:05.320 a release from their worries, even if it's just for 269 00:13:05.360 --> 00:13:08.320 a little bit while they're they're watching him, listening to him. 270 00:13:08.440 --> 00:13:10.360 So it's almost like a like a service. 271 00:13:10.840 --> 00:13:13.039 Yeah, laughter as therapy. 272 00:13:13.320 --> 00:13:14.120 Yeah. I like that. 273 00:13:14.279 --> 00:13:18.679 He wants to create that feeling of joy, that. 274 00:13:18.639 --> 00:13:21.080 Release, shared experience. 275 00:13:20.600 --> 00:13:23.720 Shared experience of laughing so hard it hurts, and just 276 00:13:23.799 --> 00:13:26.200 reminding people of the lighter side of life. 277 00:13:26.440 --> 00:13:28.480 Yeah. We all need that even when things are tough, 278 00:13:28.840 --> 00:13:30.279 especially when things are tough. 279 00:13:30.159 --> 00:13:31.399 Especially when things are tough. 280 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:33.840 Yeah. So if that's his goal, if he's so focused 281 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:37.279 on spreading joy, Yeah, what does he do like when 282 00:13:37.279 --> 00:13:38.679 people come up to him after a show? 283 00:13:38.840 --> 00:13:41.200 Oh, that's so funny you mentioned that, because he talks 284 00:13:41.240 --> 00:13:44.240 about this, okay, and how he feels a little uncomfortable 285 00:13:44.480 --> 00:13:45.679 with excessive praise. 286 00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:46.679 Wow. 287 00:13:46.759 --> 00:13:49.519 He even calls himself a green room comedian. 288 00:13:49.840 --> 00:13:51.000 What's a green room comedian? 289 00:13:51.200 --> 00:13:56.240 Meaning he prefers to hang out backstage with the other comics, okay, 290 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:59.399 rather than you know, mingle with the audience afterwards. 291 00:13:59.559 --> 00:14:02.159 Interesting. So it's almost like a stage fright, but in 292 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:04.559 reverse maybe like he's got to get out of there. 293 00:14:04.799 --> 00:14:08.240 He says he's perfectly comfortable on stage performing in front 294 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:13.480 of thousands of people, but those smaller intimate settings make 295 00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:14.559 him uneasy. 296 00:14:14.840 --> 00:14:16.000 I get that it's different. 297 00:14:16.200 --> 00:14:18.519 He also talks about how, you know, earlier in his 298 00:14:18.600 --> 00:14:21.799 career he would use alcohol as a way to cope 299 00:14:21.799 --> 00:14:23.440 with those feelings of discomfort. 300 00:14:23.559 --> 00:14:25.960 Okay, so to kind of take. 301 00:14:25.799 --> 00:14:27.320 The edge off, take the edge off. 302 00:14:27.399 --> 00:14:29.080 Yeah, I've heard of other people doing that, a. 303 00:14:29.039 --> 00:14:32.480 Few drinks before going on stage. Never to the point. 304 00:14:32.320 --> 00:14:35.519 Of, you know, being obliterated. 305 00:14:34.919 --> 00:14:37.399 Obliterated, but just enough to loosen up, just to take 306 00:14:37.399 --> 00:14:40.559 the edge off. But you know, as he realized, being 307 00:14:40.600 --> 00:14:43.080 a comedian, it takes a certain amount of control. 308 00:14:43.279 --> 00:14:46.200 Yeah, for sure, especially with the timing, the timing, the delivery, 309 00:14:46.360 --> 00:14:47.480 if you're all over the place. 310 00:14:47.720 --> 00:14:50.879 He even compares it to you know, being in a 311 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:52.200 one person play. 312 00:14:52.440 --> 00:14:54.200 Yeah, you got to be on top of your game. 313 00:14:54.080 --> 00:14:59.200 Where you are responsible for every aspect of the performance. 314 00:14:59.360 --> 00:15:00.000 That makes sense. 315 00:15:00.080 --> 00:15:04.080 Wow, And alcohol can really throw off that delicate balance totally. 316 00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:07.960 He tells the story about another comedian who used to 317 00:15:07.960 --> 00:15:09.600 get so drunk during his set. 318 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:10.919 Oh no, that's not good. 319 00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:13.879 That became it was more about the spectacle than the comedy. 320 00:15:14.000 --> 00:15:15.759 You become a spectacle, not a comedian. 321 00:15:15.919 --> 00:15:18.399 Yeah. And eventually not what you want, Yeah, I know 322 00:15:18.440 --> 00:15:23.200 what you want. No, So talk about a cautionary tale, right. Yeah, 323 00:15:24.080 --> 00:15:27.200 it's a reminder that while humor is a powerful tool, 324 00:15:27.720 --> 00:15:30.759 it's important to approach it with respect. Be respectful for 325 00:15:30.799 --> 00:15:32.120 yourself and for the audience. 326 00:15:32.320 --> 00:15:32.840 Absolutely. 327 00:15:32.879 --> 00:15:37.519 Speaking of challenges, Big Shane also talks about those terrifying 328 00:15:37.519 --> 00:15:40.720 moments here we go when your mind goes blank on stage. 329 00:15:40.720 --> 00:15:41.960 Oh, I can't even imagine. 330 00:15:42.039 --> 00:15:42.919 Can you imagine? 331 00:15:43.039 --> 00:15:44.519 No, that's like the worst nightmare. 332 00:15:44.600 --> 00:15:45.600 All those eyes on you. 333 00:15:45.399 --> 00:15:47.200 You're supposed to be funny. 334 00:15:46.799 --> 00:15:48.399 Expecting you to make them laugh. 335 00:15:48.399 --> 00:15:52.080 The pressure, and your mind is just blank blank. Oh 336 00:15:52.120 --> 00:15:52.639 that's rough. 337 00:15:53.159 --> 00:15:56.000 Every comedian's nightmar y, oh for sure. So how does 338 00:15:56.039 --> 00:15:57.200 Big Shane deal with it? 339 00:15:57.600 --> 00:15:58.799 Yeah? How do you get past that? 340 00:15:58.879 --> 00:16:02.720 Well? He actually gives some really good advice to aspiring comedians. 341 00:16:02.840 --> 00:16:03.519 Okay hear. 342 00:16:03.799 --> 00:16:06.360 He says, the first time you go on stage, do 343 00:16:06.399 --> 00:16:10.639 it clean and sober. Okay, no drinking, no smoking. You 344 00:16:11.879 --> 00:16:16.480 you want to establish a clean slate like that, like 345 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:19.279 a baseline for your performance. Yeah, so you know what 346 00:16:19.320 --> 00:16:22.200 you're capable of, right, Because if you're relying on substances 347 00:16:22.720 --> 00:16:25.960 to get you through those initial experiences. 348 00:16:25.200 --> 00:16:26.799 Yeah, you might start to believe you need it. 349 00:16:26.919 --> 00:16:29.120 You might start to believe you need it, right, And 350 00:16:29.200 --> 00:16:31.919 he would know, and it's not true because he says, 351 00:16:32.039 --> 00:16:34.799 you know, he used to rely on getting high before 352 00:16:34.840 --> 00:16:38.919 going on stage, but eventually realized it wasn't a sustainable 353 00:16:39.039 --> 00:16:42.159 or healthy approach. It's about trusting yourself. 354 00:16:42.440 --> 00:16:46.600 Trusting yourself, Yeah, trusting your comedic instinct, believing in yourself. 355 00:16:46.639 --> 00:16:49.279 And that leads to another important point he makes, okay, 356 00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:53.080 about the importance of finding your tribe. 357 00:16:52.720 --> 00:16:53.200 Your people. 358 00:16:53.279 --> 00:16:56.200 Yeah, your community okay, And he's not just talking about 359 00:16:56.240 --> 00:17:00.559 you know, any community. He's talking about finding your people, 360 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:02.759 your comedy crew, within the comedy world. 361 00:17:03.159 --> 00:17:03.360 Okay. 362 00:17:03.600 --> 00:17:07.319 He specifically mentions, you know, these comedians who took him 363 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:14.400 under their wing early in his career offered guidance. That's important, 364 00:17:14.440 --> 00:17:16.640 even constructive criticism, because. 365 00:17:16.480 --> 00:17:17.960 Other people can see things you can't. 366 00:17:18.240 --> 00:17:21.200 Yeah, you need that often. He says that having that 367 00:17:21.319 --> 00:17:27.359 network of peers who understand the unique challenges and rewards 368 00:17:27.440 --> 00:17:28.559 of this world. 369 00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:30.440 It makes all the difference, makes you feel seen. 370 00:17:30.720 --> 00:17:35.440 Yeah, And it's like any field, right, having mentors peers. 371 00:17:35.079 --> 00:17:36.240 To bounce ideas off of. 372 00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:41.480 Yeah, you can bounce ideas off event to celebrate with miserate. 373 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:45.279 He even jokes that sometimes the funniest moments happen off 374 00:17:45.319 --> 00:17:48.400 stage really among the comedians, that makes sense. Yeah, he 375 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:51.880 tells a story about being in a room full of comedians, okay, 376 00:17:52.359 --> 00:17:56.240 and nobody's laughing. Oh, that's funny because they're all comedians. 377 00:17:55.720 --> 00:17:57.359 Because they're all analyzing the jokes. 378 00:17:57.400 --> 00:18:00.440 They're analyzing it. They're admiring the craft from when you're 379 00:18:00.440 --> 00:18:03.079 a comedian, right, it's a different kind of appreciation totally. 380 00:18:03.119 --> 00:18:05.319 But at the end of the day, Big Shane circles 381 00:18:05.359 --> 00:18:10.400 back to that simple desire to spread joy, to use 382 00:18:10.480 --> 00:18:13.480 his comedy as this force for good. 383 00:18:14.039 --> 00:18:16.400 That's a good goal and it's a. 384 00:18:16.319 --> 00:18:20.359 Great reminder that behind every comedian's jokes there's a person 385 00:18:20.480 --> 00:18:23.720 with a story, with their own story, their own struggle. 386 00:18:23.400 --> 00:18:24.440 And we never know what it is. 387 00:18:24.880 --> 00:18:27.839 We never know what's going on behind this month exactly. 388 00:18:27.559 --> 00:18:29.200 And everyone's fighting their own battles. 389 00:18:29.279 --> 00:18:31.880 And sometimes laughter is the best medicine. 390 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:33.559 It really is. Sometimes you just need a good laugh, 391 00:18:34.079 --> 00:18:34.599 so true. 392 00:18:34.759 --> 00:18:37.400 Yeah, Big Shane's story is a great reminder to be 393 00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:41.119 kind to each other, absolutely, find the humor in the unexpected, 394 00:18:41.640 --> 00:18:44.160 and never underestimate the power of a good laugh. 395 00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:46.519 A good laugh can go a long way. 396 00:18:46.759 --> 00:18:49.640 But before we get to Big Shane's adventures at the 397 00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:52.720 Comedy Shrine. Let's take a quick break and come back 398 00:18:52.759 --> 00:18:53.880 for the grand finale. 399 00:18:54.119 --> 00:18:56.480 Sounds good, I'm ready, all right. 400 00:18:56.319 --> 00:18:57.880 So back to the Comedy. 401 00:18:57.519 --> 00:19:00.680