Episode Summary: Building an Empire: From Stand-Up to Film Production | Joe Gatto (DSH #1108)

Podcast: Digital Social Hour
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Joe Gatto
Release Date: January 16, 2025

Overview

In this engaging episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with Joe Gatto to explore Joe's multifaceted journey from stand-up comedy to aspiring film production. The conversation delves into Joe's personal life, his passion for gambling, his experiences in comedy tours, and his future ambitions in the film industry. Through candid discussions and insightful anecdotes, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Joe's strategies, challenges, and triumphs.

1. Family Dynamics and Early Life

The episode opens with Joe reflecting on his family background, particularly his relationships with his siblings. He shares the complexities of growing up with two older sisters and the typical sibling rivalries that ensued.

Joe Gatto (00:03): "Me and the middle sister didn't get along for a minute while we were going through our teens... I was an annoying 12-year-old brother."

Despite the initial conflicts, Joe emphasizes the strong bond that eventually developed between them.

Joe Gatto (03:36): "I tried, but she ended up protecting me more than I protected her, to be honest."

Joe credits these early family interactions for building his resilience and sense of humor, which later became foundational in his comedy career.

2. Passion for Gambling

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Joe's enthusiasm for gambling, particularly games like craps and baccarat. He explains his strategic approach and the enjoyment he derives from these activities.

Joe Gatto (01:08): "I love a good craps table where everybody's winning."

He shares his methodical strategy in baccarat, sticking consistently with the player bet, which has contributed to his winning record.

Joe Gatto (01:59): "I have to say I definitely have a winning record in baccarat. Just sticking with player."

Joe also discusses his experiences in various casinos, highlighting the importance of competent dealers and a positive gaming environment.

3. Balancing Comedy and Personal Interests

Joe opens up about balancing his demanding schedule of comedy shows with his personal interests, particularly gambling. He mentions performing at casinos during his tours, blending his passions seamlessly.

Joe Gatto (07:00): "The tour is happening right now. Travel over the country, which is great. Just announced more dates too. Joe Gatto, official.com for the website to get your tickets."

Joe's commitment to his craft is evident as he navigates the challenges of touring while maintaining his hobbies and personal life.

4. Family and Mentorship

The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Joe talks about his son’s involvement in chess, illustrating his dedication to nurturing his family's talents.

Joe Gatto (06:54): "He plays, he starts playing the fourth graders. Good genetics for sure."

Joe’s pride in his son's achievements underscores his values of education and strategic thinking, traits that he also applies in his own life and career.

5. Aspiring Filmmaker and Future Projects

Looking ahead, Joe shares his aspirations to transition into film production. He expresses excitement about developing scripts for action comedies and horror films.

Joe Gatto (07:19): "I'm working on getting some movies made. I got some scripts, some action comedies, some horrors. So cool working on all those."

This ambition signifies Joe's desire to expand his creative horizons and build an empire beyond stand-up comedy.

6. Personal Philosophy and Lifestyle

Joe offers personal insights into his fearless attitude and disciplined lifestyle. He attributes his confidence to overcoming childhood embarrassments and maintaining a vices-free existence.

Joe Gatto (03:15): "That was the last time I felt like I was like, oh, this is fun. I could turn this into like a thing. It's like my armor."

Joe emphasizes his commitment to staying sober, highlighting that gambling is his only vice.

Joe Gatto (02:35): "I have no vices besides gambling. I don't drink, don't smoke. Never tried a drug or a cigarette in my life. Never been drunk."

7. Notable Quotes

• On Gambling Strategy:

  Joe Gatto (01:14): "I just started playing recently and I just really enjoy, like when you play that with your friends too."

• On Personal Growth:

  Joe Gatto (03:15): "It's like my armor."

• On Family Relations:

  Joe Gatto (03:36): "She ended up protecting me more than I protected her."

Conclusion

In this episode of Digital Social Hour, Joe Gatto provides a candid and comprehensive look into his life, blending humor, strategy, and ambition. From navigating sibling relationships and mastering casino games to pursuing a career in comedy and filmmaking, Joe exemplifies a dynamic individual striving to build an empire. Sean Kelly's thoughtful questioning and genuine interest create an engaging dialogue that offers listeners valuable insights into Joe's journey and future aspirations.

Listen to the full episode here to catch all the detailed discussions and inspiring moments with Joe Gatto.