Black and White Advice: Patreon Show Sneak Peak! – April 22, 2025

Hosts Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett delve into the intricacies of comedy, race dynamics, and their personal journeys in the world of stand-up. In this special Patreon-exclusive episode, they offer an unfiltered glimpse behind the scenes, share anecdotes from their comedic careers, and tackle listener questions that bridge racial divides.

1. Introduction and Patreon Promotion

The episode kicks off with Turner Sparks passionately declaring his stance on comedy education:

"But if you have to take a class to be a comedian, you're not a fucking comedian, all right? Comedy comes naturally. You learn how to write a joke. Those fucking classes are scams... I just want you to know that you're not very good. I took a class."
[00:00] Turner Sparks

Phil Duckett counters his friend's bold proclamation:

"Yeah, I should say I started with a class, damn it."
[00:12] Phil Duckett

Transitioning from their humorous banter, Turner enthusiastically promotes their Patreon channel:

"We’ve been telling you for six months now to sign up for our Patreon channel... $5 a month. Frankly, do it just to help us out. We're losing money every episode."
[01:25] Turner Sparks

2. Behind the Scenes of the Patreon Show

Turner and Phil unveil the exclusive content available to Patreon subscribers, including behind-the-scenes footage and bonus episodes featuring notable comedians:

"This is what you're missing every week... a 15-minute bonus show every single episode. We got Ray Zwadney, Lee Valentine, and Vanessa Jackson from Saturday Night Live."
[02:23] Turner Sparks

They discuss the depth and authenticity that Patreon brings to their content, allowing them to explore more candid conversations and in-depth discussions about the New York City comedy scene.

3. Personal Comedy Journeys and Experiences

The hosts share their personal experiences navigating the challenging landscape of stand-up comedy. Turner Sparks recounts his initial struggles and evolution:

"My first show... I just walked off stage... I was so bummed."
[22:41] Turner Sparks

Phil Duckett mirrors similar sentiments, emphasizing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with performing:

"I bombed my fucking face off, son. It was the worst feeling ever."
[20:37] Vanessa Jackson

Vanessa Jackson adds her perspective on beginning comedy later in life and the resilience required to persevere:

"I started at 40... doing stand-up after a divorce was something that hurt my soul even more."
[19:35] Vanessa Jackson

4. Navigating Open Mics and Comedy Clubs

A significant portion of the episode delves into the daunting experience of open mics, especially in big cities like New York. Turner criticizes the ineffective nature of some open mics:

"Open mic in New York City? Don’t ever go to a Laughing Buddha. Goddamn. It is a scam."
[41:06] Turner Sparks

Phil concurs, highlighting the struggle to find quality venues:

"Open mics are terrible in New York City... They’re trying to figure out how to use a joke because they want to say it. And you’re like, I’m gonna kill myself."
[38:43] Phil Duckett

They contrast this with more supportive environments in smaller towns, where audiences are more invested and receptive:

"In smaller towns, audiences are not jaded by comedy. They're like, I've never met a comedian. They'll come support."
[39:54] Phil Duckett

5. Listener Questions: Race Dynamics in the Workplace

Turning to their core mission of addressing questions about race, Turner and Phil tackle a listener’s inquiry about interracial workplace interactions:

Question from Drew in Detroit:

"I’m 39 years old and white. I’ve noticed black folks my age often call me 'young man,' sometimes younger guys do it too, which is weird. Can I ask them to turn it down or move my desk?"

The hosts interpret "young man" as a sign of disrespect:

"They calling you a little bitch."
[16:17] Turner Sparks

Phil adds nuance, suggesting that terms like "King" may indicate respect:

"We would never call a white dude King unless we meant it. If he was saying King, he was respecting you."
[17:57] Turner Sparks

They advise addressing the issue directly yet respectfully, emphasizing open communication over passive-aggressive tactics.

6. Listener Questions: Workplace Music Preferences

Another listener, Chris from Derby, New York, seeks advice on dealing with loud hip-hop music in an all-black office:

Question from Chris in Derby:

"I like hip hop, but it’s very hard for me to concentrate. Can I ask them to turn it down or move my desk?"

The hosts propose practical solutions:

"If you move your desk, they gonna know. It’s better that you just sit up."
[32:14] Turner Sparks

Phil recommends direct communication:

"Just tell them, Chris, you can’t be doing that shit here."
[33:14] Turner Sparks

They caution against passive-aggressive approaches like handing out headphones, advocating for straightforward dialogue instead.

7. Comedy Writing and Classifications

Revisiting their initial stance on comedy classes, Turner reiterates his belief that true comedians are naturally talented:

"If you have to take a class to be a comedian, you’re not a comedian. Comedy comes naturally... Those classes are scams."
[41:07] Turner Sparks

Phil shares his own experience with comedy classes, acknowledging that while some aspects can be honed, innate talent is crucial:

"Andrew Schultz said comedy can be honed but not learned... You either have an ear for it or you didn’t."
[42:14] Phil Duckett

They critique a particular experience in a comedy writing class where dark humor was incorrectly perceived as funny, highlighting the complexities of comedic expression.

8. The Transition to Professional Comedy

The hosts discuss the growth and professionalization of their podcast, aiming for higher listener engagement:

"We’re up to a thousand streams a week. We're in the top 5% of podcasts."
[48:11] Turner Sparks

They express ambition to continue expanding their reach and impact within the comedy podcasting niche.

9. Conclusion and Future Directions

As the episode wraps up, Turner and Phil cement their commitment to addressing tough questions about race and comedy. They tease future content and encourage listeners to support their Patreon for exclusive materials.

"For all you Patreon people, stick around after the music. Subscribe to our Patreon and we’ll give you a shout-out on a future episode."
[05:27] Turner Sparks

Notable Quotes:

• "Comedy comes naturally. Those classes are scams."
  [00:00] Turner Sparks

• "Open mics are terrible in New York City... You’re gonna kill yourself."
  [38:43] Phil Duckett

• "They calling you a little bitch."
  [16:17] Turner Sparks

• "If you have to take a class to be a comedian, you’re not a comedian."
  [41:07] Turner Sparks

Final Thoughts

In this Patreon-exclusive episode, Black and White Advice offers a raw and insightful exploration of the challenges and triumphs within the comedy landscape, particularly through the lens of race. Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett blend humor with candid discussions, providing valuable perspectives for both aspiring comedians and listeners navigating interracial dynamics in their personal and professional lives. Their dedication to educating and entertaining shines through, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intersection of comedy and race.

For more in-depth content and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, consider supporting Black and White Advice on Patreon.