Club Shay Shay - Andrew Schulz Part 2
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Host: Shannon Sharpe
Guest: Andrew Schulz
Introduction
In the second part of his appearance on Club Shay Shay, renowned comedian Andrew Schulz delves deep into his personal journey, career in comedy, relationships, and perspectives on various social issues. Hosted by NFL legend Shannon Sharpe, the conversation is candid, insightful, and peppered with humor, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into Schulz's life and mindset.
Early Career and Independence in Comedy
Andrew Schulz opens up about his unconventional path in the comedy world, emphasizing his desire for independence and authenticity. He discusses the challenges of maintaining creative control over his work and his commitment to not compromising his material for network demands.
"They didn't want to do a couple of the jokes. They were in it. I was like, no, I ain't taking no jokes out." [02:26]
Schulz recounts the success of releasing his special independently, which garnered over 20 million views on YouTube, highlighting the financial rewards and personal satisfaction that came with owning his content.
"Got 20 million views on YouTube. We also sold it. And that was great. It was just money on top of money, huh?" [02:46]
He contrasts this with his previous experiences working within larger corporate structures, emphasizing the freedom and authenticity he now enjoys.
Navigating Venue Cancellations and Maintaining Integrity
The discussion shifts to the hurdles Schulz faced with venues canceling his shows, potentially due to controversial content like his Trump interview. He speaks about his reluctance to tarnish venues' reputations and his preference for addressing issues internally rather than publicly shaming establishments.
"But I just don't want to put a stain on a specific venue, but rather like maybe the people making those decisions." [04:26]
Schulz underscores the importance of leaving relationships with venues intact, even when disagreements arise, preserving his integrity and professional network.
Ownership and Leadership Principles
Sharpe steers the conversation toward ownership and leadership, prompting Schulz to share his insights on what it takes to run a successful business. Schulz emphasizes the significance of mutual respect, dedication, and the importance of surrounding oneself with a reliable team.
"Everyone has a role. There's an expectation. If there's not, I demand it." [23:32]
He elaborates on his leadership philosophy, highlighting the need to lead by example and never asking more than what he's willing to give, fostering a culture of respect and accountability within his team.
Personal Life: Marriage and Fatherhood
A poignant part of the conversation revolves around Schulz's marriage and the challenges he faced with infertility. He candidly discusses the emotional and physical toll of undergoing IVF to conceive, shedding light on the often-overlooked struggles couples endure.
"We weren't able to conceive naturally. And...we ended up getting pregnant through IVF." [73:43]
Schulz reflects on the importance of family and the sacrifices made to build one, expressing gratitude for the support he and his wife received during their journey.
"It was the most perfect thing. I couldn't imagine doing it another way." [77:34]
He also touches on the impact of his father's short-term memory issues, expressing empathy for his mother and the challenges they face together.
"He only get a chance. I might only get a chance to tell him something once more." [25:08]
Therapy and Communication in Relationships
Sharpe and Schulz delve into the dynamics of communication within relationships, particularly the adjustments needed post-marriage. Schulz shares his revelations from therapy sessions, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging a partner's feelings without immediately trying to rationalize or explain them away.
"They just want their feelings acknowledged. It's a waste of time." [66:14]
He recounts a key takeaway from therapy: the necessity of communicating in a language that his wife understands, likening their communication styles to speaking different languages.
"She said, shannon, you're communicating. She's like, right now you're speaking Mandarin and she's speaking Spanish." [65:03]
This insight underscores the importance of empathy and adaptability in maintaining a healthy and supportive relationship.
Comedy Writing and Creative Process
The conversation shifts back to Schulz's craft as a comedian. He describes his iterative process of developing jokes, comparing it to forging a sword—starting with raw ideas and refining them through continuous effort.
"It's like building a sword. You ever see somebody make a sword where you just kind of have that hunk of steel and then you hammer it and hammer... eventually it's there?" [81:11]
Schulz notes the varying time it takes to develop different jokes, from spontaneous ideas during performances to meticulously crafted material developed over months.
Social Commentary: Immigration and Cultural Identity
Schulz shares his perspectives on immigration, arguing for a compassionate and pragmatic approach. He highlights the positive contributions of immigrants to American society and critiques the prevalent narrative of immigrants "stealing" jobs Americans don't want.
"They ain't stealing no jobs that we want to do." [55:33]
He advocates for securing borders and providing pathways to citizenship for hardworking immigrants, emphasizing their role as integral contributors to the nation's fabric.
"If you are breaking the law, you're doing crimes. Send them the out." [58:15]
Schulz connects his views to personal experiences, mentioning his immigrant mother and the drive instilled in him by his diverse upbringing in New York City.
Podcasting and Community Building
Andrew Schulz reflects on the impact of podcasting on his career and personal life. He credits podcasts with allowing him to create content authentically without the compromises often required by other media formats. Schulz highlights the genuine connections and support he receives from his audience, reinforcing the importance of building a loyal community.
"Podcasting has allowed me to maintain my life and then make sure that the art is 100% authentic in terms of what I want to create." [49:50]
He also discusses the collaborative nature of modern podcasting, comparing it to the synergistic relationships fostered by figures like Joe Rogan.
Sports and Personal Interests
Sharpe engages Schulz in a light-hearted discussion about sports, particularly focusing on New York teams and notable athletes like Michael Jordan and Tom Brady. Schulz shares his enthusiasm for the Knicks and humorously predicts their future successes despite their current struggles.
"I'm a delusional New York fan. So I'm saying, you know, Knicks are going to win a championship every single year." [79:07]
He also reminisces about iconic sports figures, expressing admiration for Michael Jordan's mythical status and sharing anecdotes from his encounters.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Schulz touching upon various lighter topics, including his interactions with fellow entertainers and his experiences with social events like Burning Man. He reiterates the importance of authenticity, continuous growth, and the value of surrounding oneself with a supportive and honest team.
"We have already finished the podcast and then CJ, the producer walked back and said, oh, there's just a few more questions that we gotta say." [82:31]
Schulz's final remarks emphasize his commitment to his craft, his family, and his unwavering dedication to maintaining integrity in both his personal and professional life.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- "I'm the most outgoing introvert you're going to meet." — Shannon Sharpe [44:35]
- "If I say, be here at a certain time, you best believe I'm going to be there." — Andrew Schulz [23:46]
- "Life doesn't always work out sometimes the way you want it, but you get what you need." — Andrew Schulz [77:34]
- "The Lord has blessed me so much not just monetarily, but my family." — Andrew Schulz [11:24]
- "She's about to be a doctor." — Shannon Sharpe [70:38]
Final Thoughts
This episode of Club Shay Shay offers a rich tapestry of conversations that span Andrew Schulz's comedic career, personal struggles, leadership philosophies, and social viewpoints. Shannon Sharpe's adept hosting brings out Schulz's candidness, making for an engaging and insightful listen that resonates with both fans and newcomers alike.