Podcast Summary: Camp Gagnon Episode Featuring Andrew Schulz

Title: Andrew Schulz on Meeting Mark Gagnon, Starting Comedy, and Untold Stories
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Hosts: Mark Gagnon and Andrew Schulz

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

Mark Gagnon opens the episode by warmly introducing his guest, Andrew Schulz, highlighting their deep personal and professional relationship. Mark emphasizes the significance of this episode as a long-anticipated deep dive into their shared history in the comedy world.

Mark Gagnon [00:20]: "This episode is a long time coming and was really, really cool for me to sit down with someone that I respect and admire so much and just truly an awesome friend."

2. The Origin Story: How Mark and Andrew Met

The conversation shifts to the origins of their friendship and professional collaboration. Mark recounts his aspiration to open for Andrew at a comedy show, detailing how a chance meeting led to Mark joining Andrew's tour.

Mark's Perspective: Mark shares his journey from college to reaching out to Andrew, driven by admiration for Andrew's comedy style and success.

Mark Gagnon [25:33]: "In Orlando, I was far away, and I was just like, yo, can I edit? [...] And then I couldn't believe it. Like, this is insane."

Andrew's Perspective: Andrew humorously describes the planning and slight exaggeration of events leading to their collaboration, emphasizing the unpredictability and fun in their early days together.

Andrew Schultz [00:20]: "I'm gonna tell him to go to this burger joint, which I know is closed, and then we're gonna go to IHOP and talk about Hitler until three in the morning, and then he's gonna hire me and later get a haircut inspired by that conversation."

3. Early Tour Stories and Challenges

Mark and Andrew delve into memorable moments from their early tours, including unexpected incidents like a fan having a seizure during a show. They discuss how these experiences strengthened their bond and shaped their approach to comedy.

Andrew Schultz [29:35]: "There was a girl that passed out during Pedro's set. And then you walk on stage and start making fun of the fire department."

Mark Gagnon [29:42]: "And then there's a girl in the crowd that gets mad. She's like, I shouldn't make fun of the fire department."

4. Building the Podcast and Content Creation

The duo reflects on the evolution of their podcasting journey, from humble beginnings to producing engaging content that resonates with a broad audience. They emphasize their commitment to genuine, unfiltered discussions and the importance of community-building.

Mark Gagnon [09:36]: "We were in a stream where we were just, like, cooking, dude, you know? And I was like, oh, yeah, we're just hammered every single episode."

Andrew Schultz [37:14]: "I was like, yo, can I help out with, like, I can edit a little and I can, like, maybe help with, like, clips and stuff."

5. The Creative Process: Magic Tricks and Comedy

Exploring their creative dynamics, Mark discusses his background in magic and how it complements his stand-up comedy. They share anecdotes about incorporating magic into their acts and the challenges of balancing different performance styles.

Mark Gagnon [12:24]: "There's two sides to every story. There's the truth, then there's Hitler's bad. Very simple."

Andrew Schultz [17:15]: "I pulled out a 7 of hearts out of her vagina. What are the odds? Yeah, consensually. But it was crazy. That's how we do magic, bro."

6. Overcoming Obstacles and Growing Together

Mark and Andrew talk about the hurdles they faced, including logistical challenges on the road and technical issues with podcast equipment. They highlight how their teamwork and mutual support enabled them to navigate these obstacles successfully.

Andrew Schultz [48:03]: "We spent, I think, and this is... At the time, this was like, so much money, it's unbelievable. We bought a micless audio system. That was a huge mistake."

Mark Gagnon [109:25]: "I was like, hey, I'm a comic. Is there any way I can help in the writing team? And they were like, sure, we have like eight writers."

7. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The discussion shifts to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on their careers. They recount how the pandemic led to canceled shows and necessitated adaptations in their podcasting and stand-up routines.

Mark Gagnon [84:12]: "Covid happens and then all the shows are canceled."

Andrew Schultz [84:19]: "How awesome is it, though? Yeah. [...] But now, like, at that point, I was like, how am I gonna make another hour?"

8. Reflections on Media, Information Dissemination, and Responsibility

In a profound segment, Mark and Andrew discuss the role of podcasts and media in shaping public opinion and disseminating information. They express concerns about the commercialization of conspiracy theories and the responsibilities that come with a large audience.

Andrew Schultz [145:31]: "How do you get good ideas in front of people that might not be inclined to indulge in a point of view that is against their, like, innate underpinnings?"

Mark Gagnon [147:07]: "But you do hope that there's going to be a subset. They're going to be like, oh, actually, you know, I'm... I think this is a. This is an interesting idea."

9. The Power of Collaboration and Support Networks

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Mark acknowledges Andrew's contributions and the critical role their network plays in their success. They discuss how having trusted partners and mentors like Ben Uyeda has been instrumental in their growth.

Mark Gagnon [175:26]: "But I saw the trajectory, and I was also making like, you weren't you."

Andrew Schultz [175:17]: "But I can't imagine doing it without you."

10. Future Directions and Concluding Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Mark and Andrew share their visions for the future, contemplating the evolution of their podcast and stand-up careers. They reiterate their commitment to authentic communication and fostering meaningful conversations.

Mark Gagnon [184:24]: "It's a return to kind of like pre-printing press. Like how ideas would be shared in a square."

Andrew Schultz [186:55]: "But it actually was a testament. It's like, everybody's like, how, it's, who do you know and how do you do. No, it's just ask like every famous person we have on the podcast."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andrew Schultz [00:20]: "I'm gonna tell him to go to this burger joint, which I know is closed, and then we're gonna go to IHOP and talk about Hitler until three in the morning, and then he's gonna hire me and later get a haircut inspired by that conversation."

• Mark Gagnon [25:33]: "In Orlando, I was far away, and I was just like, yo, can I edit? [...] And then I couldn't believe it. Like, this is insane."

• Andrew Schultz [145:31]: "How do you get good ideas in front of people that might not be inclined to indulge in a point of view that is against their, like, innate underpinnings?"

• Mark Gagnon [147:07]: "But you do hope that there's going to be a subset. They're going to be like, oh, actually, you know, I'm... I think this is a. This is an interesting idea."

Conclusion

This episode of Camp Gagnon offers an intimate look into the dynamic between Mark Gagnon and Andrew Schulz, exploring their shared history, creative processes, and the challenges they've overcome together in the comedy and podcasting arenas. Through candid conversations and humorous anecdotes, listeners gain valuable insights into the making of successful collaborative ventures and the importance of authentic communication in media.