Podcast Summary: Mario VI Abandonó la Comedia por 10 años

Podcast: Chente Ydrach – Masacote
Host: Chente Ydrach
Guest: Mario B., with Kiko Rivera, Danilo, Alejandro
Date: September 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of "Masacote" features Mario B. (Mario VI), a Puerto Rican comedian and entertainer who stepped away from stand-up comedy for a decade. Chente and fellow comedians discuss Mario’s career, the realities of Puerto Rico’s comedy scene, the insider culture of stand-up, evolving showbiz, and the personal and professional factors that led Mario to take a long hiatus. The conversation is lively, raw, and often hilarious, featuring stories from the early days, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and reflections on both the joy and stress within show business.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Return of Mario B.

• Introduction & Importance of Episode

  • Chente highlights how Mario’s appearance is a long-held wish among the circle, noting prior mentions of Mario by other comedians (00:00-00:44).
  • Mario expresses feeling honored, “Me sentí importantísimo, pero es que... Esta es la primera vez que Chente me testea” (00:31).

• Why Mario Left Stand-Up for 10 Years

  • Mario reveals he stopped performing when his son was 8 months old, citing fatherhood as his priority (03:43).
  • Last major shows were at Teatro Tapia, with figures like Nicky Jam and Arcángel in attendance (03:43-04:22, 06:23).
  • He indicates a soft spot for stand-up and hints at a desire to return, especially as the 10-year anniversary approaches (06:40-06:56).

Evolution and Reality of Puerto Rican Stand-Up

• Transformation of the Scene

  • Early days were motivated by passion, with little pay and emphasis on community (“Era por amor al arte... los primeros 10 años de tu carrera va a ser por amor al arte” – Chente, 08:00).
  • Discussions around performance style, adapting to venues, differences between Puerto Rican audiences, and key props like the stand-up “stool” (09:27-11:11).

• Backstage and Audience Dynamics

  • Hilarious stories about venues, audience composition (including managing rival groups at shows), and the challenges of “botelleo” (bottle service), indicative of both the street and comedy culture blending (17:13-18:16, 19:01).

• Influence from Legends

  • Mario details his neighborly relationship with renowned comedian Luis Raúl and the motivational guidance he received: “Sigue siendo tú mismo, que si tú eres así no vas a fallar” (05:16).

Stand-Up, Substance, and Performance Rituals

• Beverages and Pre-Show Habits

  • The group jokes about their beverage of choice before shows—ranging from vodka to water—and how drinking (or not) affects their on-stage comfort (11:44-14:29).

• Preparation, Nerves, and Pressure

  • Danilo shares the stress of prepping for big shows, including over-preparing and even taking antibiotics preemptively (23:01-24:24).
  • Alejandro and others discuss the “cagazón” (stage fright) that comes with larger venues and how they cope, including rehearsal strategies (38:52-40:15).

The Insider Comedy Life

• Comedy Etiquette & Industry Hierarchies

  • They recount the role of "rookie" introductions, audience expectations, and the sometimes combative nature of open mics and showcases (52:21-53:44).
  • Anecdotes about learning from tougher crowds and the unwritten rules of comedian introductions (53:23-54:04).

• Improv and Spontaneous Moments

  • Chente and Kiko discuss the art and audience skepticism of improvisational comedy, comparing it to magic: “La primera vez que yo vi impro... me sentí similar a cuando ves un truco de magia” (22:18-22:47).

Stories from the Scene: Classic & Contemporary

• Legendary Sampler Nights & Wild Backstage Moments

  • Recollections of the “Sampler” scene—known for being a tough, middle-aged crowd—which shaped their aggressive comedic style (51:00-52:21).
  • Mario describes audience management at his own shows, including separating feuding residential groups, reflecting the real-life tensions comedians have to handle in PR (17:13-18:16).

• Recent Projects and Media Realities

  • Mario elaborates on his recent YouTube series De Padre a Padre, interviewing figures like Tito El Bambino and Héctor Delgado about fatherhood (28:44-29:55).
  • They reflect on platforms like YouTube vs. Netflix, transparency in viewership, and how streaming has changed their craft and reach (62:54-64:44).

Being Cancelled, Social Media & Chango Culture

• Cancel Culture, Backlash, and Public Apologies
  • The group discusses being canceled, public scandals, and how controversy inadvertently boosts online following:
    • “Aunque tú no seas el favorecido en el cuento te suben los followers...” (80:22).
  • Alejandro details an incident where he had to apologize after making a joke about cameramen using drugs, sparking union backlash:
    • “Tuve que pedir una disculpa... panas míos tirándome en las redes. Se ofendieron, pero ofendidos, cabrón” (74:44).
  • They acknowledge the fragility of today’s culture and evolving risks in podcasting and entertainment (79:41-82:33).

Return Plans & Looking Forward

• Mario’s Potential Return

  • Mario considers doing an invite-only comeback show for 300-400 people, possibly recording it for YouTube once he hits 100K subscribers:
    • “Tengo escrito... dos horas, tres horas de una rutina... Quiero hacer algo para trescientos, cuatrocientos personas invitado. Yo no quiero cobrar... voy a grabarlo y lo sumo” (44:54-45:49).

• Upcoming Shows & Group Support

  • Chente, Danilo, and Alejandro all plug upcoming shows at major venues like Coca Cola Music Hall and encourage listeners to support local comedy (84:11-84:38).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Stand-Up and Passion:

  • “Era por amor al arte... los primeros 10 años de tu carrera va a ser por amor al arte.”
    —Chente Ydrach (08:00)

• On Fatherhood & Leaving Comedy:

  • “Mi prioridad siempre había sido ser papá. Y obviamente cuando tuve mi hijo, mi hijo tenía ocho meses el día que fue mi último stand up comedy...”
    —Mario B. (06:23)

• On Luis Raúl's Advice:

  • “Sigue siendo tú mismo, que si tú eres así no vas a fallar. Y me gusta lo que hace...”
    —Luis Raúl’s advice to Mario B. (05:16)

• Comedy Under Pressure:

  • “Yo sí, yo no puedo tener los perseguidores... no puedo ver. Si yo no veo la reacción de la gente, me desespero.”
    —Mario B. (46:07)

• On the Difficulty of Performing:

  • “El pánico número uno en el mundo no es morirse, es hablar en público.”
    —Mario B. (32:30)

• On Social Media and Outrage:

  • “Tú haces, tú pides perdón, una disculpa que nadie te cree.”
    —Chente Ydrach (76:38)

• On Streaming and Comedy’s Future:

  • “El especial en Netflix... tú no sabes cuánta gente ha visto eso... en YouTube quizás tú dices, OK, 50 mil personas me vieron...”
    —Chente Ydrach (62:54)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Introduction & Setting the Table – 00:00-02:03
• Mario’s Stand-Up Legacy & Hiatus – 03:43-06:56
• Old School Puerto Rico Comedy Venues – 07:22-13:01
• Beverage Rituals/Routines – 11:44-15:49
• Managing Wild Audiences, Venue Stories – 17:13-19:09
• Impro Culture & Stand-Up Insider Knowledge – 21:33-22:47
• Preparation, Nerves, and Big-Stage Anxiety – 23:01-25:41 & 38:52-40:15
• Sampler, Open Mics & Industry Hierarchies – 51:00-54:41
• YouTube Series & New Media Discussion – 28:44-29:55, 62:54-64:44
• Cancel Culture, Scandals & Backlash – 74:44-81:08
• Mario’s Return Plans – 44:54-45:49, 84:41-85:11

Final Thoughts

The episode is a dynamic exploration of what it means to be a comedian in Puerto Rico—balancing personal life, ever-shifting media, and public perception. Mario B.'s willingness to be vulnerable about his hiatus, partnered with the irreverent honesty of his peers, makes for a rich inside look at comedy, cultural expectations, and the emotional reality behind the laughs. The crew’s strong camaraderie, combined with their wild and self-deprecating humor, will make listeners both laugh and reflect on the costs and joys of entertainment.

Upcoming: Mario teases his possible return to stand-up—“si llego a los 100 mil, hago el stand up”—building hype for both his personal journey and Puerto Rican comedy at large (84:41).

Follow the Guests

• Mario B.: YouTube – Mario Bi TV | Instagram – Mario Bi TV
• Chente Ydrach: Live shows & tickets at Gallimbo Studio

For comedy fans, aspiring performers, or anyone who loves a behind-the-curtain look at the entertainment world, this episode delivers insight, laughs, and inspiration in equal measure.